Non-Collocated Relay for Inter-Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public safety agencies face challenges in deploying multiple incident area networks that lack unified connectivity due to limited connectivity, interference, and complex routing of calls or data between networks, which can result in suboptimal coverage, capacity, and high latency.
Innovation Solution
A non-collocated relay system that uses an antenna scanner and electronic processor to estimate signal quality for spatial paths between base stations of different incident area networks, enabling direct communication between user devices and providing indications to backhaul management entities for routing data packets through the relay or external networks based on connectivity quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple incident area networks are deployed to address coverage and capacity requirements, then coverage and capacity are improved, but connectivity between networks deteriorates due to interference and routing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A relay node is introduced as an intermediary between multiple incident area networks to establish direct wireless connections. The relay node receives signals from one network and forwards them to another, eliminating the need for complex external network routing and reducing interference issues that plague direct network-to-network communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into independent incident area networks that each operate autonomously, connected through a relay node rather than requiring full mesh connectivity between all networks. This segmentation reduces routing complexity and interference while maintaining overall system connectivity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple incident area networks are deployed to address capacity requirements, then network capacity is improved, but latency increases due to complex routing through external networks
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node serves as a local intermediary that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between networks. Data packets are routed directly through the relay node rather than traversing external network infrastructure, significantly reducing transmission latency while maintaining high capacity through direct wireless links.
3Reliability
If collocated relay is used to connect incident area networks, then connectivity is improved, but interference increases due to operation at the same frequency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of separating networks in frequency or time domains (which would require collocation), the solution separates them in spatial domain by deploying the relay node at a different physical location. This spatial separation allows the relay to operate on the same frequency without experiencing the self-interference that plagues collocated systems.
4Reliability
If wired connection is used to connect incident area networks, then connectivity reliability is improved, but deployment speed deteriorates due to cable installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable connection system is replaced with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The relay node establishes wireless links with both incident area networks, eliminating the need for physical cable installation while maintaining reliable connectivity through error correction and protocol management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and relay for connecting communication networks. In one example, the relay is a non-collocated relay that includes a plurality of antennas including a first antenna and a second antenna and an antenna scanner connected to the plurality of antennas. The antenna scanner is configured to survey the plurality of antennas for signals from a first base station of a first incident area network and a second base station of a second incident area network. The non-collocated relay also includes a first user device and a second user device communicatively coupled to each other and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to connect the first antenna receiving a signal from the first base station to the first user device and connect the second antenna receiving a signal from the second base station to the second user device.