LTE Relay Availability Broadcast for Spectrum Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved sharing of spectrum resources in relay networks, particularly in LTE communication systems, where existing technologies do not effectively manage interference and optimize resource allocation between uplink and downlink channels.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an apparatus that receives and relays data between a base station and user equipment using uplink resources, determining signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios and interference levels to select relays based on thresholds, and broadcasting relay availability, thereby optimizing the use of uplink and downlink spectrum resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relays are deployed to extend coverage and improve signal quality, then system reliability and coverage are improved, but spectrum resource sharing efficiency deteriorates due to interference management difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidspectrum resource sharing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having relays broadcast their availability status and interference levels before actual data transmission. User equipment uses this advance information to select appropriate relays, preventing interference conflicts before they occur and enabling efficient spectrum sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relays continuously monitor and broadcast their observed downlink SINR and uplink interference levels. This feedback enables dynamic relay selection and spectrum resource allocation, allowing the system to adapt to changing interference conditions and optimize spectrum sharing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If uplink resources are used for both uplink communication and downlink relaying, then spectrum resource utilization is improved, but interference management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum resource utilizationVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where relays act as intermediate nodes that carefully manage the sharing of uplink resources. Relays broadcast their availability status and observed interference levels, enabling the base station and user equipment to coordinate transmissions and minimize interference while maximizing spectrum utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time conditions. Relays continuously monitor interference levels and broadcast updated availability information, allowing the network to adaptively allocate uplink resources for both uplink communication and downlink relaying according to current interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If relays broadcast availability information based on SINR and interference thresholds, then relay selection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay selection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by having relays broadcast their observed downlink SINR and uplink interference levels as key parameters. User equipment and base stations use these parameter values against predefined thresholds to make relay selection decisions, achieving accurate selection through simple threshold comparisons rather than complex optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2909952B1New architecture for relays in LTE using d2d
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2909952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2909952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2909952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus receives downlink data from a base station via a downlink resource, sends the downlink data to a user equipment (UE) via an uplink resource, receives uplink data from the UE via the uplink resource, and sends the uplink data to the base station via the uplink resource. The apparatus also determines at least one of an observed downlink signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) or an observed uplink interference. The apparatus then broadcasts a relay availability based on the determination that the at least one of the downlink SINR observed is greater than a first threshold or the uplink interference at the relay is less than a second threshold.