Multiple-Serving Nodes for UL-DL Power Imbalance in LTE-A

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE-A networks, the UL and DL power imbalance between base stations and relay nodes leads to difficulties for wireless devices in selecting the optimal node for transmission, resulting in suboptimal signal strength and throughput.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple-serving nodes with independent and distributed control channel structures allows for separate management of DL and UL signals, enabling wireless devices to communicate with different nodes based on signal strength and quality, thereby mitigating power imbalances and improving data throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless device selects a base station or relay node based on average DL signal strength, then the selection process is simple, but the UL signal strength becomes suboptimal due to UL/DL power imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode selection simplicityVSAvoidUL signal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the node selection process into separate DL and UL signal strength evaluations. Instead of relying solely on DL signal strength for selection, the system separately measures and compares UL signal strengths to different nodes, allowing independent optimization of both downlink and uplink performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the selection parameter from only DL signal strength to a combination of DL and UL signal strengths. By introducing UL signal strength as an additional selection criterion, the system adjusts the selection parameters to account for power imbalance between base stations and relay nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If relay nodes operate with lower transmission power, then energy efficiency improves, but UL signal strength received by the relay node becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay node energy efficiencyVSAvoidUL signal strength at relay node
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless device measures UL signal strength to different nodes and reports these measurements back to the network. This feedback enables the system to identify which nodes provide sufficient UL signal strength, allowing relay nodes to operate at lower power while maintaining reliable uplink connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic node selection where the wireless device can switch between base stations and relay nodes based on real-time signal strength conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing power conditions, selecting base stations when UL signal strength is insufficient and relay nodes when they provide adequate strength at lower power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple serving nodes are used to mitigate power imbalance, then data throughput improves, but control channel management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcontrol channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments control channel management by assigning different control channels to different serving nodes. Each node has its own dedicated control channel, which simplifies the management complexity by providing clear separation of control functions rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple control channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2378826B1A wireless communication system using multiple-serving nodes
Publication Date: 2013.03.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2378826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2378826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2378826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, devices and systems for a wireless communication system using multiple-serving nodes are provided. In one embodiment, a method of wireless communication comprises sending from a first node a downlink control signal to a wireless device using a first communication link; receiving by said first node an uplink control signal from said wireless device via a second node using a third communication link; and forwarding by said first node another downlink control signal from said second node to said wireless device using said third communication link and said first communication link.