Relay Node Data Stream Aggregation for LTE-A Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A wireless communication systems, relay nodes (RN) face challenges in ensuring continued operation during high-speed movements and effective resource utilization, particularly in scenarios with network congestion or limited coverage, due to serial transmission and inadequate coordination between RN and donor eNodeB.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data stream aggregation technology that allows the RN to support data stream aggregation, sharing the load of data transmission with the donor eNodeB, and dynamically reconfiguring bearers based on quality of service parameters to improve throughput rates and ensure continued operation, including the ability to switch on/off based on signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If serial transmission manner is used for S1 interface, then routing relay function is provided, but resource utilization cannot be effectively coordinated and optimal system performance cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidtransmission coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission path by introducing a direct S1 interface at the RN, separating the control plane (through DeNB) from the user plane (direct at RN). This allows parallel processing of control and data traffic, improving resource utilization without increasing coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the network architecture by enabling the RN to directly connect to the core network via S1 interface, transforming the previously linear serial transmission into a multi-path parallel structure, thereby achieving optimal system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If RN is used as low-power node with small coverage area, then power consumption is reduced, but continued operation in high-speed movement scenario cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinued operationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bearer configuration that adapts to RN operational status. When RN is active, data flows through it; when RN becomes unavailable (e.g., during handover or failure), the bearer is dynamically reconfigured to route through DeNB, ensuring continued operation without requiring RN to maintain high power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the network topology parameter dynamically by enabling/disabling the direct S1 interface at RN based on operational conditions. This allows the system to switch between low-power mode (RN inactive) and high-reliability mode (RN active with direct S1) without compromising either objective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If RN coverage area is limited, then interference is reduced, but system capacity cannot be improved in network congestion scenario

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidRN coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the RN multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously serve as a coverage extension node (with limited area) and a capacity enhancement node (with direct S1 interface). This allows the RN to handle local traffic independently, improving system capacity without requiring expanded coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3107342B1Relay node (RN), donor enodeb (DENB) and communication method
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3107342B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3107342B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3107342B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A relay node RN, a donor eNodeB DeNB and a communication method are disclosed, where the RN includes: a sending module, configured to send an indication message to a donor eNodeB DeNB, where the indication message is used to indicate whether the RN supports data stream aggregation; a receiving module, configured to: when the DeNB determines, according to the indication message, that the RN supports data stream aggregation, receive a request sent by the DeNB, where the request is used to request to communicate with user equipment UE by means of data stream aggregation between the RN and the DeNB; and a configuration module, configured to reconfigure a bearer between the RN and the DeNB according to the request, where the sending module is further configured to instruct the DeNB to communicate with the UE by means of the data stream aggregation between the DeNB and the RN. In this application, a Un bearer is reconfigured to support a data stream aggregation technology, thereby improving a throughput rate of a user in a case of ensuring business continuity.