Relay Node Full Duplex Mode Selection via Antenna Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current relay node technology operates in half-duplex mode due to interference concerns, leading to performance losses and increased transmission times, as it cannot simultaneously transmit and receive data, unlike full-duplex mode.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement in a relay node that dynamically switches between full-duplex and half-duplex modes based on radio wave isolation between donor and coverage antennas, allowing full-duplex communication when isolation exceeds a threshold, thereby optimizing performance without strict equipment or deployment requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If time division multiplexing is used to separate Un and Uu links, then self-interference is avoided, but transmission performance deteriorates due to resource partitioning and half-duplex operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-interference avoidanceVSAvoidtransmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node dynamically switches between half-duplex and full-duplex communication modes based on real-time isolation measurements. The system transitions from a static time-division approach to a dynamic mode-selection approach, adjusting the duplex operation according to the actual radio wave isolation conditions between donor and coverage antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter from fixed half-duplex mode to variable duplex mode (half-duplex or full-duplex) based on the isolation value. By measuring the isolation between antennas and comparing it to a threshold, the system selects the appropriate communication mode, thereby optimizing transmission performance while controlling self-interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If time division multiplexing is used to separate uplink and downlink, then self-interference is avoided, but transmission delay increases due to sequential communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-interference avoidanceVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the communication mode based on isolation conditions. When isolation is sufficient, full-duplex mode enables simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission, eliminating the sequential waiting inherent in time-division approaches and thereby reducing transmission delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

In full-duplex mode, both uplink and downlink transmissions occur simultaneously and continuously without interruption. This eliminates the idle periods and waiting times inherent in time-division multiplexing, maintaining continuous useful action in both communication directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If full duplex mode is used for simultaneous transmission, then transmission performance improves, but self-interference increases between donor and coverage antennas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission performanceVSAvoidself-interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameter from fixed half-duplex to variable duplex mode based on isolation measurements. By measuring the isolation value and comparing it to a threshold, the system determines whether full-duplex operation can proceed without excessive self-interference, thus optimizing performance while controlling harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the relay node measures the isolation between its donor and coverage antennas, compares the measured value to a threshold, and uses this information to select the appropriate communication mode. This closed-loop control ensures full-duplex mode is only used when isolation conditions are sufficient, preventing excessive self-interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simultaneous uplink and downlink communication, reducing transmission time and maximizing data capacity by eliminating the need for frame retransmissions and node waiting, thus improving overall wireless communication network performance.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining an isolation value, based on the radio wave isolation between the relay donor antenna and the relay coverage antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave isolation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8787214B2Method and arrangement in a wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US8787214B2 patent drawing
  • US8787214B2 patent drawing
  • US8787214B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method and arrangement in a relay node, for selecting communication mode. The relay node is configured to communicate with a base station via a donor antenna over a first link and to communicate with a user equipment via a coverage antenna over a second link. The method comprises obtaining an isolation value, based on the radio wave isolation between the relay donor antenna and the relay coverage antenna. The obtained isolation value is compared with an isolation threshold level value. The relay node is configured to communicate in full duplex mode if the obtained isolation value exceeds the isolation threshold level value, otherwise in half duplex mode. Information concerning the configured duplex mode of the relay node is transmitted to the base station.Also a method and arrangement in a base station is described.