Dynamic Backhaul Resource Allocation for LTE-A Relay Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A wireless communications, the allocation of backhaul resources among multiple relay nodes connected to a single donor eNB is not clearly defined, leading to inefficiencies in resource sharing and potential bottlenecks in uplink and downlink capacity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for determining performance information of relay nodes and allocating resource blocks (RBs) based on this information, using signaling messages to notify relay nodes of their allocated RBs, allowing for dynamic allocation that considers performance, fairness, and other requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If time-division multiplexing (TDM) is used to separate eNB-to-relay node link and relay node-to-UE link, then interference between transmissions is avoided, but resource allocation flexibility and backhaul capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between transmissionsVSAvoidbackhaul capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the donor eNB continuously monitors performance information (channel quality, buffer status, QoS requirements) of relay nodes and dynamically adjusts resource block allocation accordingly. This replaces static TDM with adaptive scheduling that can respond to changing channel conditions and traffic demands, thereby increasing backhaul capacity while maintaining interference avoidance through proper resource management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of resource allocation from fixed time-division patterns to flexible frequency-resource-block assignments based on channel conditions and QoS requirements. By monitoring performance metrics and adjusting resource block assignments dynamically, the system optimizes the trade-off between interference management and backhaul capacity utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If multiple relay nodes are connected to the same donor eNB to cover cell edge, then coverage is improved, but resource sharing efficiency deteriorates due to lack of clear allocation definitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidresource sharing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating different resource blocks to different relay nodes based on their specific channel conditions, QoS requirements, and served user demands. Each relay node receives customized resource allocation rather than uniform distribution, optimizing resource sharing efficiency while maintaining expanded coverage through multiple relay nodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation parameters (resource block assignments, modulation schemes, power levels) for each relay node based on monitored performance information, enabling efficient resource sharing among multiple relay nodes serving the same donor eNB while maintaining expanded coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If performance-based dynamic allocation is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to performance monitoring and signaling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where relay nodes autonomously report their performance information (channel quality, buffer status, QoS requirements) to the donor eNB, which then autonomously performs resource allocation decisions. This distributes the complexity burden and enables efficient resource allocation through localized intelligence rather than centralized complex control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback loops where performance information is continuously monitored and reported back to the donor eNB, which adjusts resource allocations accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive resource allocation efficiency while managing system complexity through structured information exchange and standardized signaling protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9265053B2System and method for assigning backhaul resources
Publication Date: 2016.02.16 FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US9265053B2 patent drawing
  • US9265053B2 patent drawing
  • US9265053B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for assigning backhaul resources is provided. A method for wireless relay network communications includes determining performance information regarding a plurality of relay nodes, allocating resource blocks in a subframe to relay nodes based on the information, and notifying relay nodes of the allocated RBs using a signaling message.