Base Station Relay for P2P Connectivity in Mobile Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communications in mobile communication systems face challenges in maintaining connectivity when user terminals are distant from each other or when channel conditions deteriorate, due to limited transmit power and interference issues, especially when they occupy the same frequency band as mobile communications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for providing P2P connectivity in mobile communication systems, where a Mobile Station (MS) searches for a correspondent MS within a Base Station's service coverage area, determines if direct P2P communication is feasible, and if not, sets up a P2P relay using the Base Station, allowing the Base Station to receive and relay P2P communication requests, thereby ensuring continuous connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional P2P communications use separate frequency bands with separate RF transmitters and receivers, then the implementation is straightforward, but the spectral efficiency is reduced and resource employment is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the P2P communication function with the existing mobile communication system by allowing MSs to use the same frequency band and RF components for both direct P2P communication and conventional mobile communication. The BS relay mechanism integrates seamlessly into the existing network architecture, eliminating the need for separate frequency bands and separate RF transmitters/receivers, thereby significantly improving spectral efficiency while maintaining implementation feasibility through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication system is enhanced with multi-functionality where the same frequency band and RF components serve dual purposes: conventional mobile communication and P2P communication. The BS performs multiple functions including serving mobile users, relaying P2P communications between MSs, and managing direct P2P connections, thereby optimizing resource employment and improving spectral efficiency without requiring additional dedicated infrastructure
2Use of energy by moving object
If terminals use limited transmit power for P2P communication, then energy consumption is reduced, but connectivity cannot be maintained when terminals are distant or channel conditions are severely degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The Base Station serves as an intermediary relay node that receives P2P communication signals from Mobile Stations with limited transmit power and forwards them to the destination MS. This relay mechanism extends the effective communication range beyond what limited terminal transmit power would normally allow, maintaining connectivity reliability for distant terminals while preserving the energy efficiency benefit of low-power terminal transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the communication architecture by utilizing the BS infrastructure as an intermediate relay path. Instead of relying solely on direct point-to-point transmission limited by terminal power constraints, the system adds a relay dimension where the BS amplifies and forwards signals, effectively extending the communication horizon without requiring terminals to transmit at high power levels
3Productivity
If P2P communications and mobile communications occupy the same frequency band, then spectral efficiency is enhanced, but interference between the two communication types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by allowing MSs to identify and prioritize their P2P communication needs within the shared frequency band. The BS manages the shared resources by allocating time slots and frequency resources dynamically, ensuring that P2P communications receive appropriate priority and isolation when needed, while normal mobile communications proceed uninterrupted. This localized management approach enables efficient spectrum utilization while controlling interference through structured resource allocation
4Reliability
If the Base Station relays P2P communications, then connectivity is maintained for distant terminals, but the complexity of the communication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay mechanism operates autonomously based on pre-established protocols and signaling messages. MSs automatically initiate P2P connection requests, the BS automatically determines relay necessity based on signal strength and connectivity status, and the relay process executes automatically without requiring manual intervention. This self-service operation simplifies the user experience while managing system complexity through automated decision-making and standardized procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for supporting connectivity of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication in a mobile communication system are provided. An operating method of a Mobile Station (MS) for providing the connectivity of the P2P communications in the mobile communication system includes connecting P2P communications by searching for a correspondent MS in a first Base Station (BS), determining whether a direct P2P communication is feasible with the correspondent MS in the P2P communications and, when the direct P2P communication is not feasible, setting a P2P relay using the first BS.