Multi-hop Parallel Relay Network for 5G Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G-NR standard currently only supports single-hop relays, limiting the connectivity and reliability of user equipment (UE) when it is outside the coverage area of a gNB due to fading or lack of coverage, necessitating the development of a multi-hop parallel relay system for enhanced connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-hop parallel relay-based networking system is established using multiple connected hops between a source remote UE and a destination UE or gNB, with relay devices connected through separate radio links, and a method for selecting relay devices based on Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) to configure the relay network, ensuring reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-hop relay is used as per 5G-NR standard, then device complexity is reduced, but connectivity and reliability deteriorate when UE is outside coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay communication into multiple hops, where each relay device establishes a separate radio link to the next relay device in the chain. This segmentation allows the system to extend coverage beyond single-hop limitations while maintaining manageable complexity at each individual relay node through standardized connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of multiple parallel relay paths, transforming the single-hop linear structure into a multi-dimensional relay network. This allows simultaneous establishment of multiple relay connections between source UE and destination UE/gNB, improving reliability through redundancy while distributing system complexity across parallel independent paths.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple parallel relay devices are deployed, then connectivity and coverage area are improved, but device complexity and network configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where relay devices automatically discover and select optimal relay candidates based on pre-defined criteria (SNR, RSRP) without manual configuration. The source UE autonomously initiates relay discovery, and relay devices automatically establish connections based on measured signal quality, eliminating complex manual network configuration while enabling extended coverage through multiple parallel relays.
3Reliability
If relay selection is based on multiple parameters (SNR and RSRP), then connection reliability is improved, but measurement and selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of SNR and RSRP during the relay discovery phase before final relay selection. By pre-measuring these parameters and ranking potential relay candidates accordingly, the system simplifies the final selection process while ensuring reliable connections are established based on objectively measured signal quality metrics rather than ad-hoc decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-hop parallel relay structure in 5G-NR at RRC level connection establishment wherein a relay network is formed between source remote UE and destination UE or gNB. In a particular hop there may be multiple parallel relay devices working simultaneously, also an individual relay device may be connected to multiple devices to the next hop through different radio links. A fixed device in a particular hop may be connected to more than one device from preceding hop through separate radio links. An algorithm for selecting relay to configure multi hop parallel relay network based on SNR and RSRP has been proposed.