Relay Link Zone Management in Multi-Hop BWA Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-hop relay BWA communication systems face inefficiencies in dynamically managing relay link zones due to variable cell environments, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and communication flexibility, especially during initial access, handovers, and changes in relay link zone sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method for providing relay link zone information to Relay Stations (RS) through a signaling procedure, where Base Stations (BS) generate and transmit messages containing relay link zone information, enabling RSs to adjust operations accordingly, including during initial access, zone changes, and handovers, using specific information elements and frame structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-hop relay scheme is applied to expand cell coverage and increase system capacity, then network flexibility and coverage are improved, but relay link zone management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated relay link zone management mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the base station and relay stations. This management system handles the complex tasks of zone identification, resource allocation, and handover coordination, thereby reducing the overall management complexity while maintaining network flexibility. The management mechanism includes specific signaling protocols and control procedures that automate the relay link zone configuration and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless communication system into distinct functional zones, including relay link zones, direct link zones, and handover regions. Each zone is managed independently with specific resource allocations and control parameters. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex multi-hop relay operations by breaking them down into manageable zone-specific tasks, reducing overall management complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Reliability
If relay link zone information is dynamically updated during initial access and handovers, then communication reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring relay link zone information during the initial access phase. The base station provides relay link zone identification, resource allocation, and operational parameters to relay stations before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for frequent updates during normal operation, thereby maintaining communication reliability while minimizing signaling overhead during active communication phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action for relay link zone information updates during handovers and environmental changes. Instead of continuous signaling, the system updates relay link zone information periodically or event-triggered (e.g., during handover events, cell reconfiguration, or significant channel condition changes). This approach ensures communication reliability by keeping information current when needed while significantly reducing signaling overhead during stable operation periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing relay link zone information in a multi-hop relay BWA communication system, where a BS performs a network entry procedure with an RS during an initial access of the RS to the BS, generates a message including relay link zone information regarding a relay link zone in which the BS communicates with the RS, processes the message in a physical layer, and transmits the processed message to the RS.