Relay Station L3 Packet Extraction for Multi-Hop Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband wireless communication systems face challenges in implementing a multi-hop relay scheme due to the need for additional functions and equipment changes, particularly in scheduling and resource management, which are not feasible with conventional single-hop communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Layer-3 (L3) relay scheme that allows for multi-hop communication with minimal system burden by using a Relay Station (RS) to extract and transmit L3 packets between a Mobile Station (MS) and a Base Station (BS), enabling efficient Quality of Service (QoS) management and data forwarding without requiring significant changes to the base station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a multi-hop relay scheme is implemented using Relay Station (RS), then coverage of Base Station (BS) is extended and throughput is enhanced, but additional functions and equipment changes are required which are not feasible with conventional single-hop systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Relay Station (RS) as an intermediary entity between the Base Station (BS) and Mobile Stations (MS). The RS performs Layer-3 packet extraction, QoS mapping, and data forwarding functions, enabling multi-hop communication without requiring fundamental changes to conventional BS architecture. This intermediary approach extends coverage area while managing system complexity through standardized relay operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into distinct layers: the BS handles Layer-2 MAC PDU reception, the RS performs Layer-3 packet extraction and QoS mapping, and the BS transmits relayed data. This functional segmentation allows each entity to operate with well-defined responsibilities, extending coverage without overwhelming system complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional Base Station equipment is used for single-hop communication, then device simplicity is maintained, but multi-hop relay functionality cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the Relay Station with multi-functional capabilities that allow it to operate in different modes. The RS can function as a transparent relay for Layer-3 packets while maintaining compatibility with conventional BS operations. This universality enables the system to support both single-hop and multi-hop communication modes without requiring completely different equipment, thus maintaining device simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If Layer-3 packet extraction and QoS mapping functions are added to Relay Station, then multi-hop communication with QoS support is enabled, but processing complexity at the relay node increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary QoS mapping at the Relay Station where Layer-3 packets are extracted from MAC PDUs and mapped to appropriate QoS parameters before forwarding. This preliminary action ensures QoS requirements are established early in the relay process, enabling reliable quality-of-service guarantees while distributing processing complexity across standardized operations rather than concentrating all complexity at one point.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and operating method of a Relay Station (RS) and a Base Station (BS) controller for a multi-hop relay communication in a broadband wireless communication system is provided. The method of the RS includes, when receiving at least one traffic Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a Mobile Station (MS) accessing the RS, extracting a Layer-3 (L3) packet from the at least one traffic MAC PDU, generating a relay MAC PDU including the L3 packet, and transmitting the MAC PDU to the BS through an RS Service Flow (SF) which supports Quality of Service (QoS) required by an MS SF carrying the L3 packet.