Relay Node Buffer Status Reporting Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current buffer status reporting in communication systems, particularly in LTE networks, is inadequate for relay nodes as it fails to accurately represent larger buffer sizes, leading to potential buffer overflows and inefficient flow control, especially when relay nodes serve multiple user equipment and have higher peak data rates than access links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating and processing buffer information reports from relay nodes using an extended report format that includes an indication of different buffering capabilities, such as a buffer extension factor, to differentiate relay node buffering from user equipment buffering, allowing for accurate determination and control of communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the standard buffer status reporting format is used for relay nodes, then compatibility with existing LTE standards is maintained, but the buffer size representation is inaccurate for relay nodes with larger buffers
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer status report is segmented into multiple parts: a standard portion that maintains compatibility with existing LTE formats, and an extended portion that provides additional buffer size information for relay nodes. This segmentation allows the system to handle both standard and extended reporting needs without requiring complete format redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended buffer status information is nested within the existing report structure. The patent embeds additional buffer size indicators and extension flags within the standard BSR framework, allowing relay nodes to convey enhanced information while maintaining the outer structure that base stations can parse using existing protocols.
2Reliability
If relay nodes use the same buffer reporting mechanism as user equipment, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but buffer overflows may occur due to inadequate buffer size indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having relay nodes proactively indicate their extended buffering capabilities through specific flags and extended fields in the buffer status report. This allows the base station to anticipate and allocate appropriate uplink resources before buffer overflows can occur, rather than reacting to overflow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended buffer status reporting mechanism provides enhanced feedback from relay nodes to base stations about actual buffer conditions. This feedback loop enables the base station to make more accurate scheduling decisions and allocate resources appropriately, preventing buffer overflows through informed resource management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay nodes report buffer status using extended formats, then accurate buffer representation is achieved, but backward compatibility with LTE release 8 equipment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the extended reporting features optional and location-specific. Base stations that support LTE release 9 or later can interpret the extended buffer status fields, while older base stations simply ignore the extension portions and process only the standard fields. This allows different parts of the network to operate at different capability levels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer status report structure is designed to be universal, serving both standard user equipment and relay nodes with extended capabilities. The same basic report format is used by all nodes, with relay nodes simply adding extension fields when applicable. This multi-functionality allows a single protocol to handle diverse node types without requiring separate reporting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer information report can be sent to a system station from a node for relaying communications between at least one user station and the system station. The report is generated based on a report format used for uplink reporting by a user station. An indication is also sent to the system station that the node for relaying has different buffering capabilities than the user station. At the system station the buffering capabilities of the node for relaying can be determined based on the buffer information report and the indication. Communications between the system station and the node for relaying can then be controlled accordingly.