Wireless Relay Control Signaling Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control signaling schemes for wireless relay links in 4G networks do not adequately support extended coverage and improved quality of service, particularly for services like wireless broadcast TV, and are not backward compatible with existing network nodes and user equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for allocating a control channel resource in a wireless relay transmission frame, generating control signaling based on resource allocation schemes, link status, and traffic conditions, and mapping it using time-first, frequency-first, or multiplexing mapping techniques to efficiently transmit control signaling over the relay link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing control signaling schemes are used, then backward compatibility is maintained, but extended coverage and improved quality of service cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidbackward compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary between the access node and user equipment. The relay node receives control signaling from the access node and forwards it to the user equipment, enabling extended coverage while maintaining compatibility with existing network architecture. The relay node acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between legacy infrastructure and new service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If control channel resources are allocated in wireless relay transmission frames, then control signaling transmission is enabled, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signaling transmissionVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control signaling transmission into multiple components: control channel elements (CCEs) are divided into groups, and resource allocation is performed in stages. The access node allocates control channel resources to the relay node, which then manages further resource distribution to user equipment. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control channel resource allocation where the amount and position of control channel elements are adjusted based on traffic conditions, channel quality, and service requirements. The system can dynamically switch between different resource allocation modes (e.g., localized vs. distributed mapping) to optimize performance while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If control signaling is mapped using time-first or frequency-first mapping, then resource utilization is optimized, but flexibility in adapting to different traffic conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidflexibility in traffic adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic mapping strategies where the control channel elements can be mapped using time-first, frequency-first, or multiplexing approaches depending on the specific traffic conditions and service requirements. The system can adapt the mapping mode dynamically - for example, using frequency-first mapping for frequency-selective fading conditions or time-first mapping for time-varying traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mapping parameters (time index, frequency index, resource block allocation) based on traffic conditions, channel state information, and service type. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes resource utilization for different scenarios while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If control signaling schemes are designed for new generation wireless services, then service quality improves, but compatibility with existing network nodes and user equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidbackward compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the control signaling scheme to serve multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with existing 3GPP LTE protocols while simultaneously supporting new services like wireless broadcast TV and extended coverage scenarios. The relay node architecture allows the system to function both as a traditional access node and as a relay, providing universal service capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The relay node serves as an intermediary that translates between legacy network protocols and new service requirements. It receives control signaling in formats compatible with existing network nodes while being capable of supporting advanced services, thus bridging the gap between old infrastructure and new service demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250016772A1Control signaling for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 WIRELESS FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US20250016772A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016772A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016772A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises allocating a control channel resource in a wireless relay transmission frame on a wireless relay link; generating a control signaling based on at least one of a resource allocation scheme, a status of the wireless relay link and a traffic condition of the wireless relay link; mapping the control signaling to the allocated control channel resource via at least one of a time-first mapping, a frequency-first mapping, and a multiplexing mapping; and transmitting the control signaling in the allocated control channel resource on the wireless relay link to at least one associated relay node.