Self-Organized mmWave Backhaul Relay Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum for backhaul links is hindered by propagation loss, resulting in limited coverage, necessitating multi-hop relay backhauling and requiring self-organized, dynamic path switching and cooperative transmission to enhance network efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A self-organized backhaul link establishment scheme with flexible dynamic path switching and cooperative transmission is implemented, utilizing mmWave radio access technology, where relay nodes dynamically adjust beam alignment and transmission paths to optimize mmWave backhaul links, supported by radio resource control connections and discovery signal configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mmWave communication is adopted for backhaul links, then data rate and bandwidth are improved, but propagation loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backhaul connection into multiple hops with relay nodes. Instead of establishing a single direct mmWave link between distant base stations, the connection is segmented into shorter segments: source base station to relay node, and relay node to destination base station. Each segment experiences reduced propagation loss, enabling overall mmWave backhaul connectivity over extended distances while maintaining high data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay nodes act as intermediaries in the mmWave backhaul network. These relay nodes receive mmWave signals from one base station and forward them to another base station. The intermediary relay nodes enable indirect communication paths that overcome the limited direct line-of-sight range of mmWave frequencies, effectively extending coverage while preserving the high bandwidth benefits of mmWave communication.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-hop relay backhauling is implemented, then coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-organized backhaul link establishment where relay nodes autonomously discover and select optimal paths without requiring complex centralized control. Each relay node independently performs beam alignment, discovers available neighbors, and establishes connections based on local measurements. This self-service approach extends coverage through multi-hop relaying while minimizing the control plane complexity that would otherwise be required to manage the relay network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic path switching capability where relay nodes can adaptively change transmission paths based on current channel conditions, beam alignment quality, and network state. This dynamic behavior allows the network to optimize coverage and reliability in real-time without requiring complex static configuration, as relay nodes autonomously adjust their routing decisions based on measured link quality and available resources.
3Reliability
If self-organized dynamic path switching is implemented, then reliability is improved, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes radio resource control connections and configures discovery signals in advance before actual data transmission begins. Relay nodes pre-establish synchronization and beam alignment configurations, and pre-configure multiple potential transmission paths. This preliminary action ensures that when path switching is needed, relay nodes can rapidly switch to pre-configured alternatives without extensive real-time negotiation, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the control overhead required during dynamic path changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe systems, devices, and methods for self-organized multi-hop millimeter wave backhaul links. Various embodiments may include a relay node receiving discovery signal information from an eNB and measuring millimeter wave discovery signals of other relay nodes based on the information. Measurements may be fed back to the eNB and used to create a millimeter wave backhaul link. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.