Relay Link Setup for Wireless Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in WLAN environments using the 60 GHz band, the throughput is reduced due to channel state deterioration, multiple path interference, and signal attenuation, particularly when line-of-sight is not secured, making it difficult for signals to reach destinations through conventional direct link setups.
Innovation Solution
A relay link setup method and apparatus that selects a relay station based on capability information and beam forming data, allowing data frames to be transferred through a relay station instead of an access point, thereby improving channel efficiency and signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct link setup (DLS) mode is used to transfer data frames directly between stations without passing through the AP, then channel use efficiency is improved, but throughput is reduced when channel state is deteriorated by multiple paths, attenuation and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay station as an intermediary node between the source station and destination station. When the direct link quality is poor due to multipath interference, attenuation, or non-line-of-sight conditions, the relay station forwards data frames, ensuring reliable transmission while maintaining the benefits of direct station-to-station communication.
2Speed
If millimeter wave communication is used with wide band to transfer data at several Gbps, then data transfer speed is improved, but power loss increases due to high frequency wave characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The relay station acts as an intermediate amplifier and regenerator for millimeter wave signals. By receiving, processing, and retransmitting signals through intermediate nodes, the system overcomes the high path loss and attenuation characteristics of millimeter wave frequencies, enabling sustained high-speed data transfer over longer distances.
3Power
If directional antenna is used to collect power in a particular direction, then antenna gain is improved, but signal transmission fails when line-of-sight is not secured
Solution Approach 1:
The relay station provides an alternative transmission path when direct line-of-sight is blocked. The directional antennas at the source, relay, and destination stations can be oriented to establish separate directional links, allowing signal transmission around obstacles while maintaining high antenna gain and directional focus.
4Reliability
If relay link setup is implemented to transfer data through another station, then reliability is improved in non-line-of-sight conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay link setup process is automated through capability information exchange and automatic relay station selection. The source station autonomously identifies suitable relay stations based on received capability information, performs beam forming, and establishes relay links without manual intervention, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for setting up a relay link to transfer a data frame using a relay in a wireless communication system are provided. The relay link setup method of a source STA in a wireless communication system may include receiving capability information of at least one relay supporting station included in the wireless communication system from an access point (AP) or a personal basic service set (PBSS) central point (PCP), selecting one of the at least one relay supporting station as a relay station, using beam forming information among the source station, a destination station, and the at least one relay supporting station and the capability information, transferring a relay link setup request frame to the destination station, and receiving a relay link setup response frame that includes information on a relay link setup result from the destination station. The relay link setup request frame and the relay link setup response frame may pass through the relay station.