Relay Node Carrier Selection for Intermodulation Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous wireless networks face challenges in maintaining high-quality wireless backhaul for relay nodes, particularly when donor access nodes suffer from intermodulation distortion, which can impact the quality of service for end-user wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems that monitor intermodulation distortion levels at donor access nodes and instruct relay nodes to attach to alternative carriers or access nodes, such as switching from millimeter-wave carriers to lower-frequency carriers when distortion thresholds are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If relay nodes operate in dual-connectivity mode with multiple carriers/frequencies, then throughput and service capacity are improved, but intermodulation distortion increases causing quality of service degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier selection where relay nodes can switch between different carriers (mmWave and sub-6GHz) based on real-time intermodulation distortion conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the operating carrier to maintain high throughput while avoiding distortion-affected frequencies, allowing the network to adapt its configuration based on current interference conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (carrier frequency) of relay nodes based on measured intermodulation distortion levels. When distortion exceeds thresholds on mmWave carriers, the system transitions relay nodes to alternative sub-6GHz carriers, effectively changing the frequency parameter to eliminate the harmful effect while maintaining service continuity
2Speed
If millimeter-wave carriers are used for high-speed data transmission, then data rate is improved, but susceptibility to intermodulation distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement and evaluation system that monitors intermodulation distortion on mmWave carriers and mediates the transition to sub-6GHz carriers when distortion is detected. This intermediary layer allows the system to maintain the benefits of mmWave high data rates when conditions are good, while seamlessly transitioning to alternative carriers when distortion compromises quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between mmWave and sub-6GHz carriers based on real-time distortion measurements. Relay nodes can operate on high-speed mmWave carriers when distortion is low, but automatically transition to more robust sub-6GHz carriers when intermodulation distortion increases, optimizing the balance between data rate and reliability
3Productivity
If relay nodes serve increasing numbers of end-user wireless devices, then network capacity is improved, but quality of wireless backhaul connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier resources into different quality tiers, with sub-6GHz carriers providing a reliable baseline backhaul connection and mmWave carriers providing high-capacity augmentation when conditions permit. This segmentation allows the system to guarantee minimum backhaul quality while enabling capacity expansion through additional mmWave resources when interference conditions are favorable
Data Source
AI summary
5G relay nodes attached to millimeter wave carriers (whether standalone or EN-DC) may suffer from poor quality of service due to intermodulation distortion at the donor access node. The relay node is instructed to attach to a lower-frequency carrier, or a different donor access node. The lower-frequency carrier can include another 5G carrier deployed by the same donor access node, or a 4G carrier or any other carrier.