L1-TII Relay Node Beamforming Gain and Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in enhancing coverage, especially at cell edges and in new areas, and in providing efficient relay operations that are compatible with legacy devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Layer 1 repeater assisted Type II relay node (L1-TII RN) that operates in both repeater ON and OFF modes, amplifying and forwarding signals, and performing signal processing to enhance beamforming gain and maintain compatibility with legacy communications devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a relay node is deployed to improve coverage and data rates, then coverage and throughput are enhanced, but device complexity and network configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a relay for backhaul communications and as a base station for access communications. The RN receives and forwards data between the donor eNB and UEs, while also scheduling and managing direct UL/DL transmissions with served UEs, thereby providing universal service coverage enhancement without requiring separate dedicated relay infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the relay functionality and base station functionality into a single integrated relay node device. The RN merges the functions of signal forwarding (relay) with local resource allocation and UE management (base station), reducing the need for separate complex devices and simplifying network architecture while expanding coverage area
2Productivity
If wireless resources are dynamically allocated to relay nodes, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but control overhead and signaling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The donor eNB maintains universal control over the relay node by treating it as a UE for resource allocation purposes. The same scheduling mechanisms and signaling protocols used for regular UEs are applied to the RN, allowing dynamic resource allocation without requiring separate complex control planes. The RN responds to uplink grants and downlink assignments from the donor eNB using standard UE procedures, simplifying control overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node autonomously manages its own resource allocation by monitoring scheduling grants from the donor eNB and independently allocating relay resources to served UEs based on received scheduling information. The RN self-configures its relay link resources and access link resources without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination, thereby improving resource utilization while minimizing control signaling
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for relaying transmissions in wireless communications is provided. A method for combined relay node operation includes determining an operating mode of the combined relay node, where the combined relay node includes a repeater and a relay. The method also includes if the operating mode is repeater on mode, amplifying and forwarding received signals, and storing subframes, where subframes are demodulated and decoded versions of the received signals. The method further includes if the operating mode is repeater off mode, amplifying and forwarding a control zone of signals received while the operating mode is repeater off mode, and transmitting subframes stored while the operating mode is repeater on mode.