LTE Relay Overlay Network for Out-of-Coverage Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless cellular communication is hindered by obstructions and network congestion, leading to poor signal penetration in buildings and reduced service availability, especially during emergencies, and existing LTE relay nodes are complex and not adaptable for seamless handovers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an overlay network using a tunneling mechanism and an additional radio interface in User Equipment (UE) to create an ad-hoc network, allowing data transfer between UE and Application Server through encapsulation and de-encapsulation of packets via nearby relays, enabling communication even without direct LTE connection and supporting seamless handovers without modifying existing LTE infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated relay nodes are deployed to improve communication coverage in obstructed areas, then signal penetration and coverage are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the relay functionality by using software-defined networking (SDN) controllers and virtual network functions (VNFs) to emulate relay behavior in software, rather than deploying complex hardware relay nodes. This virtualization approach replicates the essential relay functions while significantly reducing hardware complexity and infrastructure modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hardware-based relay node architecture with a software-based virtualized network function architecture. By substituting physical relay hardware with virtualized network functions managed through SDN controllers, the system achieves relay functionality while eliminating the need for complex dedicated relay node hardware and reducing infrastructure modification requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional relay nodes are used to provide communication service, then coverage is improved, but adaptability for seamless handovers and integration with existing infrastructure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtualized network function architecture that can dynamically adapt to different network scenarios and requirements. The SDN-controlled virtual relay functions can serve multiple purposes including seamless handovers, coverage extension, and integration with existing LTE infrastructure, making the system versatile and adaptable to various operational contexts without requiring scenario-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through SDN controllers that can reallocate and reconfigure virtual relay functions in real-time based on network conditions, user mobility, and service requirements. This dynamic control enables seamless handovers and flexible integration with existing infrastructure, as the virtualized functions can be dynamically adjusted without physical reconfiguration or hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If overlay network with tunneling is implemented to enable relay functionality, then adaptability and seamless handover are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary that manages the complexity of overlay network operations and tunneling mechanisms. The controller handles packet encapsulation, routing decisions, and handover coordination centrally, while User Equipments (UEs) only need to implement basic tunnel endpoint functionality. This intermediary approach distributes complexity appropriately, reducing the burden on UEs while maintaining adaptability and seamless handover capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing relays in LTE based communication networks. Embodiments herein use of a packet handler node and an additional radio interface in the UE, enabling the creation of an overlay network on top of an existing LTE network. The overlay network helps in the transfer of data between the UE and the AS even when the UE is not directly connected to the LTE network by encapsulating the data from the out-of-coverage UE within the IP packet of at least one nearby relay UE connected to the LTE network and is then forwarded to the LTE core network. The out-of-coverage UE uses the additional radio interface to send packets to the relay UE.