Relay RRC NAS PDCP Layer Encapsulation for LTE Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced LTE architectures face challenges in relaying information to terminals not covered by a base station, requiring modifications to network architecture, particularly in managing RRC, NAS, and PDCP layers, and existing solutions are complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method and architecture that dynamically manage RRC and NAS layers between a base station and terminals, using relays to encapsulate and retransmit messages, allowing for flexible configuration and layer management, including terminal-specific and relay-specific PDCP layers, to enhance coverage and service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relays are introduced to extend coverage to terminals not covered by base station, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional relay entities and layer management
Solution Approach 1:
A relay entity is introduced as an intermediary between the base station and terminal to extend coverage. The relay manages RRC, NAS, and PDCP layers, acting as a mediator that forwards messages between the base station and terminal, thereby extending network coverage to areas not directly accessible by the base station.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay entity is configured with nested protocol layers (RRC, NAS, PDCP) within its structure. The relay-specific RRC and NAS layers are encapsulated within the relay-specific PDCP layer, which is further encapsulated in the terminal-specific PDCP layer, creating a nested architecture that manages complexity through hierarchical organization.
2Ease of operation
If relay-specific RRC and NAS layers are encapsulated in relay-specific PDCP layer, then layer management is simplified, but device complexity increases due to multiple encapsulation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The relay-specific RRC and NAS layers are encapsulated within the relay-specific PDCP layer, which is further encapsulated in the terminal-specific PDCP layer. This nested structure simplifies layer management by providing clear hierarchical boundaries and encapsulation rules, while the standardized encapsulation process reduces operational complexity despite adding structural layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol stack is segmented into distinct relay-specific and terminal-specific layers. The relay manages its own RRC, NAS, and PDCP layers separately from the terminal-specific layers, allowing independent configuration and management of each segment, which simplifies overall layer management.
3Reliability
If dynamic configuration of relay and base station is implemented, then service quality is improved, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay and base station are dynamically configured to define an applied configuration, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions. The dynamic configuration enables flexible adjustment of relay parameters, layer management settings, and resource allocation, thereby improving service quality and reliability while maintaining manageable network architecture through standardized configuration procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for managing cellular information transfer with at least one relay interposed between a base station and terminals, the method comprising, at the level of the relay, the management of information transfer from at least one layer chosen from an RRC layer, a NAS layer and a PDCP layer to at least one terminal.