Random Network Coding in OFDMA Relay Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, particularly in IoT and cellular networks, face inefficiencies due to the increasing number of devices, with existing technologies insufficient for managing resource allocations and relay selection in two-way communication setups, especially in wireless environments, and lacking comprehensive cross-layer optimization frameworks.

Innovation Solution

A system employing random network coding, cooperative communication, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) techniques, with a cross-layer optimization framework that integrates relay selection, subcarrier allocation, and power management to enhance spectral efficiency and throughput in two-way communication channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional communication systems are used with increasing number of devices, then device connectivity is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data streams from different transmitters into a single network-coded signal that can be simultaneously received by multiple destinations. This combining approach allows efficient resource utilization in two-way communication, where resources are shared between bidirectional traffic flows, thereby maintaining efficiency even as device quantity increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal resource allocation framework that handles multiple communication scenarios (one-way and two-way, single-user and multi-user) using the same basic mechanisms. The cross-layer optimization framework provides multi-functional capability to manage diverse device connections efficiently without requiring separate specialized systems for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If deterministic network coding is applied in OFDMA systems, then transmission error rate is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission error rateVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs random network coding instead of complex deterministic codes, using simple linear combinations with randomly selected coefficients. This approach sacrifices some of the error correction optimality of deterministic codes but dramatically reduces encoding and decoding complexity, making it suitable for resource-constrained wireless devices while maintaining acceptable reliability through redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the coding approach from fixed deterministic parameters to random parameters that can be dynamically selected. This allows the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and traffic patterns, maintaining reliability through statistical properties of random coding while keeping the actual implementation simple through randomized rather than computationally intensive deterministic algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If cross-layer optimization framework is implemented, then spectral efficiency is improved, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cross-layer optimization into distinct functional modules: physical layer network coding, MAC layer resource allocation, and relay selection mechanisms. Each layer operates with well-defined interfaces and objectives, allowing the complex overall system to be implemented through manageable modular components rather than monolithic complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing network coding coefficients and resource allocation patterns before actual data transmission. Channel state information is estimated and relay candidates are pre-selected based on historical performance, allowing the system to react quickly to changing conditions without real-time computational complexity during critical transmission phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If relay nodes are added to combine data, then system capacity is increased, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential control information needed for network coding (coding coefficients and relay selection indicators) and transmits only this minimal necessary data through dedicated signaling channels. The bulk of the communication occurs through the data planes of the relay nodes, which forward network-coded combinations without requiring extensive control messages, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining enhanced system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3335345B1Random network coding in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) networks using control signaling
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 OZYEGIN UNIVSI
  • EP3335345B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3335345B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3335345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention is related to a two-way cooperative communication system, method and apparatus to improve spectral and energy efficiency using Control Signal. The system applies random network coding (RNC), cooperative communication and OFDMA-techniques for the high performance. Multiple transmitters transmit data in two phases: (i) The broadcast phase with all transmitting nodes utilizing pre-assigned OFDMA subcarriers, determining their transmit power values and bit rates, and transmitting multiple symbols and (ii) The relaying phase that contains multiple pre-selected relay nodes first estimating multiple transmitted symbols by the source nodes and then performing network coding on the estimated symbols to generate their signals to be transmitted. Multiple receivers receive data using a Detector, which works in conjunction with a Network Decoding block such that they obtain distinct versions of the source nodes' symbols. A Relay- Selection module selects relays to improve performance, based on inputs from a performance monitoring and optimization block within the centralized control strategy. The network coding has the potential to address the ever increasing number of users and devices in cellular networks.