MIMO Feedback Transport via Higher Layer Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, especially in LTE systems, the efficient transportation of MIMO feedback and configuration information over relay links is hindered by the inefficiency of lower layer signaling, particularly when using stationary or fixed relay nodes, which degrades the accuracy and capacity of close-loop MIMO techniques.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transporting MIMO feedback and configuration information using higher layer signaling, such as RRC or MAC-based signaling, over the uplink relay link, allowing for more accurate and efficient transmission upon demand, and utilizing OFDMA for uplink data transport over access links to enhance resource allocation and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If lower layer signaling is used for MIMO feedback information transmission over relay links, then signaling overhead is reduced, but transmission accuracy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO feedback information accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces higher layer signaling (RRC or MAC-based) as an intermediary mechanism to transport MIMO feedback information over relay links. This higher layer signaling acts as a mediator that provides more reliable and accurate information transmission compared to lower layer signaling, while the network node coordinates the signaling process to manage overhead efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If higher layer signaling is used for MIMO feedback information transmission, then transmission accuracy improves, but signaling overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO feedback transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively using higher layer signaling only when needed for MIMO feedback information transport over relay links, rather than applying it universally to all signaling. The network node determines when higher layer signaling is necessary based on the specific communication scenario, thus achieving improved reliability without excessive signaling overhead in all cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If conventional signaling methods are used over relay links, then system complexity is reduced, but close-loop MIMO performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclose-loop MIMO capacityVSAvoidsignaling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the signaling layer parameter from lower layer (physical layer) to higher layer (RRC or MAC layer) for MIMO feedback information transport. This parameter change in the signaling architecture enables more accurate and reliable transmission of MIMO feedback information, thereby improving close-loop MIMO capacity and performance despite the increased complexity of the signaling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2377258B1Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication with relay nodes
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2377258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2377258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2377258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for providing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) feedback information and configuration information. The method includes transporting the MIMO feedback information, configuration information, or both over an uplink relay link using higher layer signaling. Also included is a method for providing uplink data transmission over an access link. The method includes transporting the uplink data over an uplink access link using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing access (OFDMA). Also included is a relay node comprising a processor configured to promote transmitting MIMO feedback information, configuration information, or both over an uplink relay link using higher layer signaling. Also included is a user agent (UA) comprising a processor configured to promote transmitting uplink data over an uplink access link using OFDMA.