IP Network Relay Node Module Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve the connection between the backhaul module and the access module within a relay node in radio telecommunication networks, particularly in LTE and LTE-Advanced systems, to enhance the quality of radio access links and reduce data transmission overhead.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an Internet Protocol (IP) network connection between the access module and the backhaul module, utilizing Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the OSI reference model for data communication, allowing for efficient data transfer using standard Ethernet cables and enabling spatial separation of these modules within the relay node.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional connection methods are used between access module and backhaul module, then spatial separation is limited, but data transmission overhead is higher and infrastructure utilization is lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission overheadVSAvoidspatial separation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node is divided into two spatially separated modules: an access module for providing radio connection to user equipment and a backhaul module for providing radio connection to the donor base station. These modules can be physically separated and connected via IP network infrastructure, enabling flexible deployment while reducing data transmission overhead through efficient protocol handling at each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If spatial separation of access module and backhaul module is implemented, then deployment flexibility is improved, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An IP network connection acts as an intermediary between the access module and backhaul module, enabling spatially separated deployment without increasing connection complexity. The standardized IP protocol stack handles communication between modules, eliminating the need for complex proprietary connection mechanisms while maintaining deployment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If IP network connection is used between modules, then infrastructure utilization is improved, but protocol processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure utilizationVSAvoidprotocol processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IP network connection enables the relay node to utilize existing infrastructure (Ethernet cables, switches, routers) for module interconnection. The access module and backhaul module both implement standard IP protocol stacks, allowing them to communicate over conventional network infrastructure while the protocol processing is handled efficiently by integrated processors in each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2661942B1Intra IP communication within a relay node for a radio telecommunication network
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2661942B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2661942B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2661942B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

It is described an access module (110a) for a relay node (100) for a radio telecommunication network. The access module (110a) comprises an access communication part (112a) for providing a radio connection between the relay node (100) and at least one user equipment, and an access interface (114a) for connecting the access module (110a) to a backhaul module (120) of the relay node (100) via an Internet Protocol network connection, wherein the access module (110a) and the backhaul module (120) are spatially separated from each other. It is further described a backhaul module (120) for a relay node (100), which comprises a backhaul communication part (122) for providing a radio connection between the relay node (100) and a base station of the radio telecommunication network, and a backhaul interface (124) for connecting the backhaul module (120) to an access module (110a) of the relay node (100) via an Internet Protocol network connection, wherein the backhaul module (120) and the access module (110a) are spatially separated from each other. It is further described a relay node (100) comprising such an access module (110a) and such a backhaul module (120) and a radio message forwarding method, which is carried out with at least one of such a relay node (100).