Relay Node Frequency Band Switching for Network Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunication systems face efficiency issues due to excessive load on certain network portions, particularly during high data traffic, which can lead to suboptimal service quality for users.

Innovation Solution

The system manages communications between an access node and a relay node by determining the utilization of a second frequency band and adjusting data transmission between them and wireless devices based on meeting specific criteria, allowing for efficient allocation of wireless spectrum and load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If data is communicated over a single frequency band, then the system structure is simple, but the network experiences excessive load during high data traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second frequency band as an additional dimension for data communication. When the first frequency band experiences high utilization, the system switches to or shares the second frequency band, effectively adding a dimensional resource to handle load and improve network efficiency without fundamentally complicating the system architecture.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the frequency band parameter based on utilization criteria. When the first frequency band's utilization exceeds a threshold, the system transitions to using the second frequency band for data communication, thereby adapting the operational parameters to maintain network efficiency under varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple frequency bands are used for communication, then network load is balanced effectively, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic frequency band selection based on real-time utilization monitoring. The access node and relay node adaptively switch between the first and second frequency bands according to load conditions, making the system flexible and efficient while maintaining a relatively simple static structure that only becomes complex during operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring of frequency band utilization and automatically makes switching decisions without external intervention. The access node monitors the utilization of the first frequency band and autonomously determines when to switch to the second frequency band, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If frequency band switching is implemented, then service quality is maintained during high traffic, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the access node continuously monitors the utilization of the first frequency band and compares it against predefined thresholds. Based on this feedback, the system automatically triggers frequency band switching to maintain service quality, creating a simple closed-loop control system that ensures reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple frequency bands and establishes utilization thresholds in advance. When monitoring indicates that the first frequency band's utilization meets the switching criteria, the system has already prepared the second frequency band for immediate use, allowing smooth transitions that maintain service quality without requiring complex real-time decision-making or preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9560545B1Systems and methods for managing communication between an access node and a relay node
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC
  • US9560545B1 patent drawing
  • US9560545B1 patent drawing
  • US9560545B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for managing communications of an access node and a relay node. Data may be communicated between an access node and a plurality of wireless devices over a first frequency band. Data may also be communicated between the access node and a relay node over the first frequency band, where the relay node may communicate with wireless devices over a second frequency band. It may be determined that a utilization of the second frequency band meets a criteria. Data may then be communicated between the access node and at least one of the plurality of wireless device over the second frequency band based on the determination that the utilization of the second frequency band meets the criteria.