Dual In-Band Out-Band Relay Node for Train Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed moving vehicles, such as trains, face challenges in maintaining reliable data rates and coverage due to the limitations of existing relay nodes in radio communication networks, particularly in high-density and multi-operator environments, where relay nodes need to support multiple operators and handle frequent changes in cellular systems.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of relay nodes equipped with dual in-band and out-band radio access capabilities, allowing for simultaneous operation of GSM, UMTS, LTE, and LTE-A with WiFi, enabling efficient resource utilization and robust communication by separating backhaul and access links, and facilitating flexible IP access services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay nodes are deployed to serve high-speed moving users, then coverage and data rate are improved, but resource conflicts and reliability issues occur in high-density and multi-operator environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio access system into separate in-band and out-band access paths. The in-band relay uses cellular radio access for backhaul communication, while the out-band relay uses WiFi for local access. This segmentation prevents resource conflicts between different operators and access types, allowing relay nodes to operate reliably in high-density multi-operator environments without requiring complex coordination between all possible radio access interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the relay node selectively establishes backhaul connections to donor eNodeBs based on available resources and operator agreements. Instead of maintaining complex simultaneous connections to multiple operators' networks, the relay acts as an intermediary that chooses optimal backhaul paths dynamically, simplifying the relay node's operational complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay nodes support multiple operators and frequent cellular system changes, then adaptability is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing relay nodes to dynamically select and switch between different donor eNodeBs based on real-time resource availability and operator agreements. The relay node maintains a list of potential backhaul connections but actively manages which connection is currently active, enabling flexible adaptation to changing network conditions without compromising the stability of active connections through frequent switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for network changes by pre-configuring relay nodes with information about available donor eNodeBs and operator agreements before actual handovers occur. This beforehand knowledge allows the relay node to make informed decisions about connection stability and adaptability, cushioning against the instability that would otherwise result from frequent cellular system changes and operator transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-band relay is used for cellular access, then backward compatibility is improved, but resource sharing conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource allocation by separating in-band cellular relay traffic from out-band WiFi traffic. The in-band relay handles backward-compatible cellular access for users requiring LTE compatibility, while the out-band relay handles WiFi access for users preferring wireless LAN. This segmentation eliminates resource conflicts that would occur if both access types shared the same radio resources, allowing each to operate independently with dedicated backhaul paths.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system of interacting relay nodes, each being configured to provide an in-band cellular radio access and an out-band radio access for at least one user equipment within the coverage area of a corresponding relay node via at least one in-band cellular radio access link and at least one out-band radio access link, respectively; to transmit user data related to the in-band cellular radio access via first cellular radio access backhaul link and user data related to the out-band radio access via a second cellular radio access backhaul link; and to communicate with the at least one other relay node in order to per-form at least radio control-related functionalities between the interconnected relay nodes.