Relay Node Measurement Segmentation in LTE-A Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless cellular communication systems, particularly in LTE-A, face challenges in accurately performing and reporting measurements for relay nodes separately from macro user equipment nodes, which affects radio link operations and resource management.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system and method that allows for separate measurement and reporting of relay node-related results, using a network architecture with a measuring and result reporting unit in relay nodes and a measurement configuration and result calculating unit in base stations, enabling distinct handling of relay node data within the LTE-A radio access network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If measurements are performed in the same way for relay nodes and macro user equipments, then the measurement process is simplified and standardized, but the accuracy and specificity of relay node measurement results are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process standardizationVSAvoidrelay node measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement reporting process by introducing a specific indicator that identifies whether a measurement result originates from a relay node or a macro user equipment. This segmentation allows the same measurement procedures to be used for both node types while enabling differentiated processing and analysis of the results, thus maintaining measurement standardization without sacrificing relay node measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If relay node measurement results are combined with macro user equipment results, then the overall network measurement dataset is enhanced, but the ability to analyze and optimize relay node specific performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data volumeVSAvoidrelay node specific information
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator that acts as a marker within the measurement result data. This indicator serves as a mediator that allows relay node specific information to be preserved and identified within the combined measurement dataset. The indicator enables the network to distinguish and separately analyze relay node performance while maintaining the benefits of having a comprehensive combined measurement dataset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If separate measurement reporting for relay nodes is implemented, then relay node specific optimization is enabled, but the measurement and reporting system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay node performance managementVSAvoidmeasurement reporting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the relay node identification function into the existing measurement reporting framework by incorporating an indicator field into the current measurement result structure. This merging approach enables separate measurement reporting for relay nodes without creating a completely separate system, thus achieving relay node specific optimization while minimizing the increase in system complexity by leveraging existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2664106B1Relay node related measurements
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2664106B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2664106B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2664106B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for relay node related measurements is provided. The method includes the following steps: obtaining air interface related measurements; and forming form the measurements at least one merely relay node related measurement result. The method can facilitate use of relay nodes and guarantee the advantages provided by the relay nodes.