Dynamic Relay Node for Ultra-Reliable Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks fail to maintain ultra-reliable communication links for mobile devices, particularly in scenarios where devices move into and out of network coverage areas, leading to disruptions and increased latency.

Innovation Solution

A communication device operates as a relay node, prioritizing its mobility and functionality to maintain a sustained communication link by adjusting its position and resources, ensuring that mobile devices remain connected through a limited number of relay nodes, thereby minimizing power and resource overhead and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic mobile relays are used to extend coverage and improve throughput, then communication performance is enhanced, but reliability of sustained communication links deteriorates when devices move into non-coverage regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidcommunication link reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relay selection where the network node identifies and assigns relay nodes based on real-time device positions and channel conditions. The relay assignment is not fixed but dynamically adjusted as devices move, ensuring that the most suitable relay is always selected to maintain reliable communication links while extending coverage to mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between mobile devices and the network node. These relay nodes act as mediators that receive and forward communications, enabling sustained reliable links for devices that move into non-coverage regions while maintaining connection through the intermediary relay infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If relay nodes are assigned to maintain communication links, then communication reliability is improved, but device mobility and functionality are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication link reliabilityVSAvoiddevice mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages relay assignments based on device mobility patterns and communication requirements. Rather than permanently restricting device mobility, the network node continuously monitors device positions and channel conditions, dynamically adjusting relay assignments to maintain reliability while allowing devices to move freely within the network coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters such as relay selection, transmission power, and resource allocation based on device mobility and communication quality metrics. These parameter adjustments enable the system to maintain reliable communication links while adapting to changing device positions and mobility requirements, rather than imposing fixed restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If multiple relay nodes are deployed to ensure coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but power consumption and resource overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by deploying relay nodes only in specific locations where they are most needed based on device distribution and channel conditions. Rather than uniformly deploying relays across the entire network area, the system identifies critical coverage gaps and places relay nodes locally to address those specific needs, minimizing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by activating only the necessary number of relay nodes based on current network conditions and device requirements. Rather than keeping all potential relay nodes continuously active, the network node selectively activates relays only when and where needed, reducing power consumption and resource overhead while maintaining sufficient coverage for active communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240147557A1Communication Device and Method for Sustaining Ultra-Reliable Communication in Wireless Communication Network

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A first communication device and method therein for operating in a wireless communication network as a relay node are disclosed. The wireless communication network comprises a network node providing a coverage area and at least two mobile communication devices. The first communication device receiving (510) a request from the network node to function as a relay node for a second communication device and enters (520) into a relay mode operation. The first communication device sets up (530) a relay link comprising a first communication link between the first communication device and the network node and a second communication link between the first communication device and the second communication device and relays (540) communications between the network node and the second communication device via the relay link. In the relay mode operation, at least one of the mobility and functionality of the first communication device in a normal mode operation is controllable to prioritize the relaying function.