Master UE as Small eNB for Indoor LTE Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in handling in-device coexistence interference, particularly in indoor LTE network coverage where quality is poor, and in managing radio resource connections efficiently in small cell environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a master user equipment (UE) acts as a small evolved NodeB (eNB) for a small cell, converting LTE packets into TCP/IP packets, routing them through an Internet cloud, and managing radio resource connections by suspending and re-establishing RRC connections as needed to maintain service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a master UE acts as a small eNB for indoor coverage extension, then indoor LTE network coverage is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to dual functionality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is configured with dual functionality to operate both as a regular UE and as a small eNB (master UE). This multi-functionality allows the device to provide indoor coverage extension by acting as a relay node while maintaining its standard UE capabilities, thereby enhancing network coverage without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested architecture where a UE is embedded within the LTE network infrastructure as a master UE. The master UE contains both UE functionality and small eNB functionality, creating a nested structure where one protocol stack (UE) operates within another (small eNB), allowing coverage extension while reusing existing device capabilities.
2Reliability
If RRC connection is re-established after suspension, then service continuity is maintained, but loss of time occurs during connection re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The master UE suspends the RRC connection with the second UE in advance before transitioning to handle LTE packet calls. This preliminary suspension action allows the master UE to prepare for the call without interrupting the ongoing data session, and the connection can be quickly re-established or suspended again based on call duration, minimizing service disruption time.
3Quantity of substance
If bandwidth is shared among more devices, then network capacity increases, but throughput per device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a macrocell layer and a small cell layer. The master UE creates a small cell that provides localized high-throughput service to nearby second UEs, while the macrocell handles broader coverage and connects to the core network. This segmentation allows bandwidth to be distributed across different spatial layers, maintaining high throughput for small cell users while supporting overall network capacity expansion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device, method and system of using a first user equipment (UE) as a small evolved NodeB (eNB) for a small cell may comprise receiving a first long term evolution (LTE) packet from a second UE over the small cell; converting the first LTE packet into a first transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) packet, wherein the converting includes retrieving payload data from the first LTE packet and encapsulating the payload data into the first TCP/IP packet by adding a TCP/IP header to the payload data， and wherein the TCP/IP header includes an IP address of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network associated to Internet based on a TCP/IP tunneling protocol; and transmitting the first TCP/IP packet to an Internet destination Via the EPC connected with the first UE through an Internet server over a local area network (LAN).