Relay Node Donor Selection Using Directional Antennae
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relay nodes in wireless networks face service interruptions and unnecessary signaling when selecting a donor access node, as they must disconnect from the serving node to perform signal measurements, leading to inefficiencies in coverage and throughput, especially with the integration of overlapping radio access technologies like 5G NR and 4G LTE.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a relay node with a plurality of directional antennae that maintains a connection with a first preferred donor access node while scanning for and ranking additional potential donor access nodes based on signal strength, allowing for a seamless handover to a higher-ranked node without disconnecting from the serving node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the relay node disconnects from the serving donor access node to perform signal measurements, then the relay node can properly evaluate potential donor access nodes, but service interruptions occur and unnecessary signaling is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node divides its antenna resources into two separate groups: a first set of antennas maintains the connection with the serving donor access node, while a second set of antennas performs scanning and measurements of potential donor access nodes. This segmentation allows simultaneous connection maintenance and measurement activities without service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node combines multiple antennas into a unified resource pool that can be dynamically allocated between connection maintenance and measurement tasks. By merging the functional capabilities of multiple antennas, the system achieves both continuous service and accurate measurements without requiring disconnection.
2Device complexity
If the relay node uses a single antenna for connection and scanning, then the device complexity is reduced, but service interruptions and connection drops are inevitable
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node segments its antenna array into functional groups dedicated to different tasks. The first set of antennas is assigned to maintain the connection with the serving donor access node, while the second set is assigned to scan and measure potential donor access nodes. This segmentation eliminates the need to drop connections for measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node employs multiple antennas that collectively provide universal coverage for both connection maintenance and environmental scanning. Each antenna serves a specific function, but the combined system performs multiple functions simultaneously, avoiding service interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If the relay node performs comprehensive signal measurements of all potential donor access nodes, then the donor selection quality is improved, but the time and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node segments its measurement activities by assigning different antenna groups to different tasks. While one set of antennas maintains the connection, another set performs parallel measurements of multiple potential donor access nodes. This segmentation enables comprehensive measurements without sequential delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node performs measurements continuously in the background using dedicated antennas while maintaining the connection with the serving donor access node. This continuous measurement approach allows the relay to evaluate potential donors without interrupting service or incurring additional signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and processing nodes for selecting a donor access node for a relay node comprising a plurality of directional antennae include instructing the relay node to attach to a first preferred donor access node using a first antenna of the plurality of directional antennae. While maintaining the connection with the first preferred donor access node using the first antenna, the relay node can scan for potential donor access nodes using one or more remaining antennae of the plurality of directional antennae and, upon identifying a second preferred donor access node from the potential donor access nodes, to perform a handover from the first preferred donor access node to the second preferred donor access node.