Relay Node Downlink Timing Advance for Low-Latency 5G Relays

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation wireless communication systems, existing methods for determining downlink transmission timing for relay nodes in next-generation communication systems are inefficient, failing to address the diverse needs of diverse and complex use cases such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication, and massive machine-type communication, particularly in scenarios involving high spectral efficiency, ultra-high reliability, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a relay node in a next-generation wireless communication system that involves receiving a timing advance value from a parent node, determining the reception timing of a first downlink signal, calculating a transmission timing for a second downlink signal by advancing it with a timing correction value, and transmitting the second downlink signal to another child node, using a preset offset value and timing advance value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing methods for determining downlink transmission timing are used, then the relay node can transmit downlink signals, but the spectral efficiency and latency performance are insufficient for diverse 5G use cases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple downlink transmission timing values corresponding to different use cases (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) before actual transmission. The relay node receives timing advance values from the parent node and pre-determines appropriate timing offsets for different service types, allowing rapid selection without real-time calculation delays. This enables the system to achieve both high spectral efficiency through optimized timing and low latency by avoiding computation delays during transmission scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single downlink transmission timing method is used, then the implementation is simple, but it cannot address diverse needs of different communication scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to diverse use casesVSAvoidtiming determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the downlink transmission timing determination into separate, dedicated timing values for different use cases. Instead of using a single timing method, the system segments timing resources into eMBB-specific timing, URLLC-specific timing, and mMTC-specific timing. Each segment is optimized for its specific requirements, allowing the relay node to select the appropriate timing segment based on the service type without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus maintaining implementation simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the timing advance offset parameter according to different use cases and service requirements. The system receives timing advance values from the parent node and adjusts the downlink transmission timing parameter based on the specific needs of eMBB, URLLC, or mMTC services. This parameter adjustment mechanism enables the same relay node infrastructure to adapt to diverse communication scenarios without requiring complex architectural changes, balancing versatility with implementation feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12587986B2Method and device for determining downlink transmission timing for relay node in next generation communication system
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US12587986B2 patent drawing
  • US12587986B2 patent drawing
  • US12587986B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a method for transmitting a downlink signal by a child node in a next generation wireless communication system. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving information on a timing advanced value from a parent node; determining a reception timing of a first downlink signal transmitted from the parent node; calculating a transmission timing of a second downlink signal preceding the reception timing of the first downlink signal by a timing correction value based on a preconfigured offset value and the timing advanced value; and according to the transmission timing of the second downlink signal, transmitting the second downlink signal to another child node.