MIMO Access Node Beamforming for Relay Backhaul Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication systems using relay nodes face limitations in transmission power and range, as well as backhaul capacity due to shared spectrum, which can lead to bottlenecks in network performance.

Innovation Solution

Employing a MIMO access node with massive MIMO techniques and beamforming to support multiple relay nodes, enhancing the backhaul link range and capacity by determining beam formation parameters based on sounding signals and initiating beam formation from multiple antennas to relay nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional wireless communication systems use relay nodes with shared spectrum, then network coverage is extended, but backhaul capacity is limited due to spectrum sharing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidbackhaul capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the backhaul communication into multiple independent beams, each dedicated to a specific relay node. The access node forms separate beams for different relay nodes using multiple antennas, allowing simultaneous backhaul communication without spectrum sharing conflicts. This segmentation of communication paths resolves the capacity limitation caused by shared spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional spectrum sharing to three-dimensional spatial multiplexing by utilizing multiple antenna elements to create distinct spatial beams. Each beam occupies a unique spatial direction toward different relay nodes, adding a spatial dimension to backhaul communication that eliminates spectrum sharing constraints while maintaining extended network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If relay nodes operate with limited transmission power, then energy consumption is reduced, but transmission range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission power consumptionVSAvoidtransmission range

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple antenna elements at the access node into a coordinated beamforming system. By combining the signals from multiple antennas constructively in the direction of each relay node, the system achieves higher effective transmission power and extended range without requiring individual relay nodes to increase their transmission power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access node acts as an intermediary that provides signal boosting through beamforming. Instead of requiring relay nodes to transmit with high power, the access node concentrates its transmission energy into focused beams that reach relay nodes effectively, enabling extended range while keeping relay node power consumption low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple relay nodes share the same spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but network bottlenecks occur due to capacity constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the backhaul channel into multiple spatially separated beams, each dedicated to a specific relay node. This segmentation allows multiple relay nodes to communicate simultaneously over the same frequency spectrum without interference, eliminating network bottlenecks while maintaining high spectrum utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access node's multiple antenna system provides universal service to multiple relay nodes simultaneously through beamforming. The same physical infrastructure (access node and spectrum) serves multiple functions by creating independent communication paths to different relay nodes, increasing overall network throughput without sacrificing spectrum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach boosts the backhaul link range, reduces bottlenecks, and increases the robustness and capacity of the wireless channel, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

One or more parameters of beam formation are determined based on the received one or more sounding signals. Formation of one or more beams is initiated from two or more antennas to the one or more relay nodes based on the determined one or more beam formation parameters.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output):

Data Source

PatentUS9985714B1Systems and methods for simultaneous backhaul management for multiple relay nodes

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 SPRINT SPECTRUM LP

AI summary

In systems and methods for establishing communication between a wireless device and a communication network, one or more sounding signals are received from one or more relay nodes. One or more parameters of beam formation are determined based on the received one or more sounding signals. Formation of one or more beams is initiated from two or more antennas to the one or more relay nodes based on the determined one or more beam formation parameters. The total number of the formed beams and the formation of the beams are adjusted dynamically based on the received sounding signals from the relay nodes.