Relay Node Aggregation for IoT Uplink Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies, such as 5G NR and LTE, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and control/scheduling overhead for devices with low data rate demands, particularly for machine-type communication (MTC) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, which often have small data payloads and high energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where these devices form clusters with a relay node that forwards uplink traffic to a base station and receives downlink traffic, reducing power consumption and control/scheduling overhead by pooling data and using a relay node to combine and transmit packets, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If MTC/IoT devices communicate directly with base stations using conventional technologies, then communication coverage and connectivity are ensured, but power consumption is excessively high and control/scheduling overhead is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small data payloads from different MTC/IoT devices into a single aggregated payload transmitted through a relay node. This merging approach reduces the number of individual transmissions required, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining communication efficiency. The relay node consolidates uplink traffic from multiple devices and transmits it as a single combined payload to the base station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary between MTC/IoT devices and base stations. This intermediary consolidates and forwards traffic, reducing the communication overhead and power consumption for individual devices. The relay node acts as a mediator that manages the aggregation and transmission of small data payloads, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If relay nodes are used to aggregate and forward small data payloads, then power consumption and control overhead are reduced, but additional device complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where relay nodes autonomously determine their relay status and manage payload aggregation without requiring complex centralized coordination. Devices automatically identify suitable relay nodes and establish connections, reducing control overhead while keeping the added complexity manageable through decentralized, autonomous operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If devices form clusters with relay nodes for data aggregation, then energy efficiency improves, but network topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into clusters, each with a designated relay node, to manage complexity. By dividing the network into smaller, manageable clusters rather than implementing a single centralized aggregation point, the system reduces overall topology complexity while maintaining energy efficiency benefits. Each cluster operates semi-independently, simplifying management and reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to assisting communications with low data payloads with relay nodes. An example method generally includes forming a first cluster with a first wireless node and one or more second wireless nodes, wherein each of the second wireless nodes has a low data rate demand relative to a system bandwidth. The method also includes determining to serve as a relay node for the first cluster, generating a first set of packets for uplink transmission to a base station, receiving a second set of packets from the one or more second wireless nodes, combining the first set of packets and the second set of packets into an uplink payload based on the determination, and transmitting, to the base station, the uplink payload based on the determination.