Relay Link Boundary Indication for LTE-A Resource Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A wireless communication systems, the lack of a fixed starting position for relay link resources leads to low utilization rates, as the system cannot determine the specific starting position of control information for relay links other than the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), resulting in inefficient resource allocation and delayed data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The base station indicates the relay link boundary to the relay node using various methods, such as explicit indication information, joint indication with PDCCH symbol numbers, or fixed symbol positions, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization by specifying the starting position of relay link resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the starting position of relay link resources is not fixed, then the system can flexibly allocate resources, but the utilization rate of relay link resources decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of resource allocationVSAvoidutilization rate of relay link resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary action by indicating the relay link boundary to the relay node before actual resource allocation. This allows the relay node to know in advance where relay link resources start and end, enabling efficient resource utilization while maintaining flexibility. The indication can be done through various methods such as explicit signaling or implicit rules based on PDCCH configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the R-PDSCH is transmitted as late as possible, then the successful transmission is ensured, but the relay link resource before the starting position of R-PDCCH is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccessful transmission of R-PDSCHVSAvoidwasted relay link resource
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The base station indicates the relay link boundary to the relay node in advance, allowing the relay node to determine the exact starting position of R-PDSCH. This eliminates the need to transmit R-PDSCH as late as possible and allows efficient utilization of relay link resources before the R-PDCCH starting position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors the relay link status and adjusts the resource allocation accordingly. By having the relay node report back on resource usage and transmission status, the base station can optimize the timing and position of R-PDSCH transmission to avoid waste while ensuring successful delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the relay node determines the specific starting position of control information dynamically, then the system adapts to varying conditions, but the relay node cannot determine the specific starting position of specific control information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptation to conditionsVSAvoiddetermination of starting position of control information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The base station acts as an intermediary by providing clear indication information to the relay node about the relay link boundary and control information starting positions. This intermediary signaling resolves the ambiguity that would otherwise exist in dynamically adapting systems, making the starting position determination straightforward for the relay node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter changes in the indication information to convey the relay link boundary and starting position data. By encoding this information in standardized parameters that the relay node can decode, the system maintains dynamic adaptability while ensuring the relay node can always determine the specific starting position of control information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2555571B1Method for indicating and determining relay link boundary and base station thereof
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 ZTE CORP
  • EP2555571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2555571B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2555571B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for indicating and determining relay link boundary and a base station thereof, wherein, the method for indicating relay link boundary includes: the base station indicates the relay link boundary where the relay node is located to the relay node; the relay node determines the relay link boundary according to the indication of the base station. Through the present invention, the utilization rate of the relay link resource can be improved.