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

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE-A networks, the power imbalance between uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions due to differences in base station and relay node transmission powers leads to difficulties in wireless device node selection, affecting signal strength and overall network performance.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless device selects a base station or relay node based on average downlink signal strength, then the device can simplify its node selection process, but the uplink signal strength becomes weaker due to UL/DL power imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode selection processVSAvoiduplink signal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control channel management by introducing separate control channels for downlink (PDCCH from first node) and uplink (PUCCH to second node). This allows independent optimization of DL and UL transmissions, where the device can select nodes based on DL signal strength while the network manages UL power separately, resolving the contradiction between simplified selection and UL signal strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If relay node transmission power is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but the uplink signal strength received by the relay node becomes weaker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay node energy consumptionVSAvoiduplink signal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a backhaul communication link as an intermediary between the first node (base station) and second node (relay node). The first node provides uplink power control information to the wireless device through this intermediary, enabling the relay node to operate at lower power while the base station coordinates to maintain overall UL signal strength through centralized power control management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate control channels are implemented for downlink and uplink, then independent management of UL and DL transmissions is enabled, but the control channel structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent UL/DL managementVSAvoidcontrol channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control channel into distinct DL control channel (PDCCH) and UL control channel (PUCCH) with separate nodes for transmission and reception. This segmentation enables independent management of UL and DL transmissions, allowing flexible node selection and power control while maintaining clear separation of functions, thus achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2559176B1Wireless communication system using multiple-serving nodes
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2559176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2559176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2559176B1 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 wireless device an uplink control signal to a first node via a second node using a second communication link; receiving by said wireless device a downlink control signal from said first node using a first communication link; sending from said wireless device another uplink control signal to said second node using said second communication link; and receiving by said wireless device another downlink control signal from said second node via said first node using said first communication link.