Mobile Relay Node Cell Identification via Donor eNodeB Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE-A, mobile relay nodes (MRNs) moving at high speeds face challenges with physical cell identity (PCI) collisions, leading to potential handover failures and reduced quality of service due to the inability to differentiate between MRN cells and neighboring cells.
Innovation Solution
A method where a source donor eNodeB receives and forwards MRN cell information, including PCI, MRN indicator, cell global identity, tracking area code, and PLMN identity list, through X2 or S1 interfaces during handover procedures, ensuring accurate cell identification and preventing PCI collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mobile relay node uses PCI for cell identification, then cell identification is simplified, but PCI collision with neighbor cells occurs causing handover failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new intermediary identifier (MRN-PCI or global cell identity) that acts as a mediator between the MRN cell and the network. This intermediary identifier is carried in measurement reports and handover requests to uniquely identify the MRN cell, preventing confusion with neighbor cells that have the same PCI. The intermediary serves as a bridge that resolves the identification conflict without changing the original PCI structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to cell identification by introducing a second layer of identification beyond PCI. Instead of relying solely on the single-dimensional PCI, the system now uses PCI combined with an additional identifier (such as global cell identity or MRN-specific PCI) to create a multi-dimensional identification scheme. This extra dimension allows unique identification of MRN cells even when PCIs collide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MRN moves at high speed, then mobility and coverage extension are improved, but PCI collision probability increases leading to service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MRN reports its current cell identity and location information to the donor eNB, and the donor eNB uses this feedback to make informed handover decisions. The measurement reports include not only signal quality metrics but also identity information that feedback to the network about the MRN's current state, enabling the network to prevent handovers to cells with colliding PCIs and maintain service quality during high-speed movement.
3Measurement precision
If source DeNB forwards MRN cell information to target DeNB, then handover accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the source donor eNB prepare and forward the MRN cell information (including global cell identity, tracking area code, and other identification parameters) to the target donor eNB before the actual handover execution. This preliminary information transfer enables the target eNB to pre-configure handover parameters and avoid PCI collision issues, improving handover accuracy while managing complexity through structured information exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting mobile relay node (MRN) cell information in a wireless communication system is provided. A source donor eNodeB (DeNB) receives MRN cell information of an MRN cell from an MRN, and forwards the MRN cell information to a target DeNB when a handover procedure for the MRN is performed.