LTE Relay Network Adaptation to Configuration Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

LTE telecommunications networks face challenges in maintaining continuity of service during changes in configuration, such as movement of relay devices or main base station malfunctions, due to interference and the inability to seamlessly switch to new radio interfaces without disrupting user equipment connections.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to detect changes in network configuration, allocate temporary radio resources in communication frames to assess the quality of a new potential main base station, and establish a radio link if the quality is advantageous, using specific subframes for measurement and communication without disrupting existing connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If relay devices operate on the same frequency band for both backhaul and access links, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but interference between relay transmissions and reception occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication frame is segmented into distinct subframes: MBSFN subframes for backhaul communication and non-MBSFN subframes for access communication. This temporal segmentation allows the relay to operate on the same frequency band for both functions without interference, as each subframe type is dedicated to a specific communication mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relay device periodically switches between backhaul and access transmission modes according to the frame structure, with MBSFN subframes allocated for backhaul and non-MBSFN subframes for access. This periodic alternation enables efficient spectrum utilization while preventing simultaneous interference between the two communication links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If relay devices systematically prevent interference through careful frame organization, then service quality is improved, but adaptability to configuration changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidadaptability to configuration changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device dynamically adapts its frame organization and radio interface configuration in response to detected configuration changes in the network. When a change is detected, the relay can reconfigure its MBSFN and non-MBSFN subframe allocation, adjust measurement parameters, and modify communication patterns to maintain service quality while accommodating the new network configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The relay device continuously monitors the network for configuration changes and uses this feedback information to adjust its operation. The detection of configuration changes triggers reconfiguration of the radio interface and frame structure, allowing the system to maintain reliability while adapting to new network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a relay establishes a radio interface with a main base station, then connectivity is improved, but ability to switch to new base stations without disrupting user equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidability to switch base stations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device performs measurements on potential new main base stations during non-MBSFN subframes before actual handover is needed. By preliminarily assessing the quality of potential new interfaces and maintaining measurement information, the relay can quickly switch to new base stations when required without disrupting user equipment service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The relay maintains continuous measurements and monitoring of the radio interface quality with the current and potential new main base stations during non-MBSFN subframes. This continuous action ensures that when a switch is needed, the relay can seamlessly transition to a new base station while maintaining uninterrupted service to user equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2820879B1Adaptation of a telecommunications network to changes in configuration
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2820879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2820879B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2820879B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention essentially relates to a method for adapting a telecommunications network, especially an LTE type network, to a change in configuration, said telecommunications network including, especially, at least a first transmission device, of base station or transmission relay type, and a second transmission device, of base station or transmission relay type, no radio link existing between the first transmission device and the second transmission device before the change in configuration, characterized in that it includes the different steps consisting of: detecting a change in the configuration of the telecommunications network; allocating radio resources, in the communications frames of the first communications element, for determination of the transmission quality with the second communications element; establishing a radio link between the first transmission device and the second transmission device if the determined transmission quality is advantageous. The invention also relates to the implementation of the method by a telecommunications networking infrastructure and by a transmission device.