Relay Configuration Method for LTE Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced LTE architectures face challenges in relay configuration, particularly for terminals not covered by a base station, where standardization assumes direct exchanges, leading to difficulties in ensuring service quality due to variations in coverage extension and quality satisfaction depending on the service type.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a relay configuration between an access point and terminals in a network architecture, involving the use of network graphs to analyze connectivity, latency, and quality of service metrics, allowing for adaptive configuration of single-hop, multi-hop, or broadcast relaying strategies to optimize terminal management and service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay configuration is implemented for terminals not covered by base station, then coverage area is extended, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary entity between the base station and terminals in coverage holes. The relay node receives signals from the base station and forwards them to terminals, enabling extended coverage without requiring direct base station-terminal connections. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by achieving coverage extension while maintaining manageable network architecture through standardized relay protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The network coverage area is segmented into direct coverage zones (base station to terminal) and relayed coverage zones (base station to relay node to terminal). This segmentation allows the system to handle different communication scenarios separately, with standardized protocols for each segment, thereby extending coverage while controlling overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If relay configuration is implemented, then service quality can be improved for out-of-coverage terminals, but implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple service types (voice, data, signaling) through a unified protocol stack. The same relay infrastructure supports different QoS requirements by configuring protocol parameters accordingly, rather than requiring separate implementations for each service type. This universality improves service quality while reducing implementation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in protocol configuration to adapt relay behavior to different service quality requirements. By adjusting parameters such as modulation schemes, coding rates, and resource allocation within the standardized protocol framework, the system achieves varying levels of service quality without changing the fundamental relay architecture, thereby maintaining ease of implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coverage extension is achieved through relay, then terminals in coverage holes can be served, but quality of service satisfaction varies by service type
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node dynamically adapts its protocol configuration based on the type of service being transmitted. For example, voice services may use more robust coding schemes while data services may use higher-order modulation. This dynamic adaptation within the standardized protocol framework allows the system to serve multiple service types effectively while maintaining consistent quality of service through centralized control and monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a relay configuration between an access point and terminals in a network architecture comprising a plurality of entities including at least one access point, at least one relay, a controller and terminals, a relay configuration determining the layers exchanged between the entities, the method comprising: - the generation of three distinct network graphs, a network graph being a graph associating a physical quantity associated with each data exchange between two entities among the access point, the relay and the terminals, and with several protocol layers/levels, and - the choice of the relay configuration on the basis of the network graphs.