Dynamic Slot Allocation for Equal Data Rates in Multi-Hop Relay Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-hop relay networks, existing resource allocation methods fail to ensure equal data rates for all endpoints, leading to inefficient utilization of wireless resources and potential interference between wireless connections, which can impact the quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A method that iteratively allocates slots to multi-hop access links, relay links, and single-hop access links to ensure each link receives an approximately equal data rate, with the process involving the comparison and adjustment of data rates to achieve a rate-fair setup, thereby optimizing the distribution of wireless resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional resource allocation methods are used in multi-hop relay networks, then the network can establish multiple relay links and access links, but the data rates for different endpoints become unequal and wireless resources are utilized inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station continuously adjusts the number of slots allocated to each relay link and access link based on real-time network conditions. The base station receives feedback from relay stations about their allocated resources and performance metrics, then dynamically reconfigures slot allocations to maintain equal data rates across all endpoints while optimizing overall wireless resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where relay stations report their resource allocation status and performance metrics back to the base station. The base station uses this feedback information to calculate appropriate slot allocations that will equalize data rates across all endpoints. This closed-loop control ensures that resource allocation adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining fairness.
2Reliability
If more slots are allocated to multi-hop access links to improve data rate equality, then endpoints with relay connections receive better service, but fewer slots remain for single-hop access links reducing overall network capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from fixed slot assignments to dynamic slot assignments based on network conditions and endpoint requirements. The base station calculates the number of slots to allocate to each relay link and access link using formulas that consider the hop count, channel conditions, and required data rates. This parameter adjustment ensures that multi-hop endpoints receive sufficient resources for reliable service while single-hop endpoints retain adequate capacity for high-speed access.
3Ease of operation
If the base station manages resource allocation centrally to ensure equal data rates, then fairness is improved, but the complexity of the base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation management into distinct functional components at the base station: slot allocation calculation, relay link configuration, and access link configuration. Each component handles specific aspects of resource management independently, allowing the base station to manage complexity through modular processing while maintaining centralized control for fairness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allocating resources in a multi-hop relay network includes establishing one or more relay links, single-hop access links, and multi-hop access links. The method also includes iteratively repeating the following steps until a single-hop data rate is approximately equal to a multi-hop data rate: allocating a first number of slots to the multi-hop access links; dividing the first number of slots among the multi-hop access links; allocating a second number of slots to the relay links; allocating a third number of slots to the single-hop access links; dividing the third number of slots among the single-hop access links; and comparing the single-hop data rate to the multi-hop data rate. The method also includes, upon the single-hop data rate being approximately equal to the multi-hop data rate, provisioning the first number of slots to each of the multi-hop access links, the second number of slots to each of the relay links, and the third number of slots to each of the single-hop access links.