D2D Relay Node Selection for Network Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE networks face limitations in capacity and coverage, especially during high load conditions and when devices are outside the network coverage area, necessitating the development of device-to-device (D2D) communication techniques to enable efficient data communication between devices without relying on network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A communications device equipped with a transmitter, receiver, and controller that utilizes D2D communications protocols to form groups with in-coverage devices, where an in-coverage device acts as an active relay node for out-of-coverage devices, allowing seamless data transmission and reception, and dynamically switches relay nodes based on signal strength measurements to maintain optimal communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If D2D communication is implemented to enable direct device-to-device transmission, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but device complexity and protocol management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary device that bridges out-of-coverage devices and the network. The relay node performs protocol management, signal forwarding, and coordination functions, thereby reducing the complexity burden on end devices while enabling D2D communication and network capacity expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional components: out-of-coverage devices, relay nodes, and network infrastructure. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, with relay nodes handling protocol complexity and device-specific operations, thereby improving overall network productivity while managing device complexity.
2Reliability
If relay nodes are dynamically switched to maintain optimal communication links, then communication reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay nodes report signal quality metrics to the network, and devices provide feedback on communication link quality. This feedback enables the network to make informed decisions about relay node switching, maintaining communication reliability while automating the switching process to reduce manual intervention complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic relay node selection and switching based on real-time communication conditions. The system adapts to changing signal quality, device mobility, and network load by dynamically adjusting relay assignments, thereby maintaining reliable communication while using automated algorithms to manage switching complexity rather than static configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If D2D communication is used outside network coverage areas, then coverage extension is achieved, but loss of network control and management occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses relay nodes as intermediaries that maintain connection to the network while serving out-of-coverage devices. These relay nodes forward control signals, management information, and user data between isolated devices and the network, thereby extending coverage to remote areas while preventing loss of network control through the intermediary relay infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hierarchical communication dimension where relay nodes operate at an intermediate layer between end devices and network infrastructure. This dimensional approach allows the network to maintain control through the relay layer while enabling direct D2D communication at the device layer, thus extending coverage without sacrificing network management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device configured to transmit signals representing data to one or more in-coverage communications devices forming with the communications device a group, one of the in-coverage communications devices acting as an active relay node for the communications device, so that the in-coverage communications device can transmit signals representing the data to the infrastructure equipment of the mobile communications network, and to receive signals representing the data from the in-coverage communications device acting as the active relay node. The signals transmitted to the in-coverage communications device are received according to a device-to-device communications protocol, wherein the signals transmitted by the communications device or received by the communications device include an identifier which identifies the signals to the in-coverage communications device. One of the other in-coverage communications device can be selected by the infrastructure equipment to act as the active relay node.