Relay Node Supporting Multiple Wireless Access Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional relay nodes (RN) in LTE systems can only support a single wireless access technique, failing to accommodate multiple access techniques without significant modifications to the network, which limits their ability to serve diverse wireless technologies used by UEs, such as those on trains.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a mobility management entity (MME) requests a DeNB to establish evolved radio access bearers (ERABs), and the DeNB requests RNs to establish radio bearers (RBs), enabling the RN to support multiple wireless access systems by transmitting access network information and implementing proxy functions for data transmission, ensuring seamless communication across different access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional RN supports only LTE accessing technique, then the network structure remains simple and stable, but the RN cannot accommodate multiple access techniques such as 3G, LTE, and WiFi

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess technique supportVSAvoidnetwork structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node is designed to support multiple wireless access techniques (3G, LTE, WiFi) through a unified architecture. The RN establishes separate radio bearers for each access technique with the DeNB, enabling it to function as a multi-access relay without requiring separate dedicated nodes for each technology, thus achieving universality while maintaining relatively simple network structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the bearer establishment process into distinct phases: MME requests ERAB establishment from DeNB, DeNB requests RB establishment from RN, and RN establishes access-specific bearers. This segmentation allows each node to handle multiple access techniques independently through standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an RN supports multiple wireless access techniques, then it can serve diverse UEs on trains using different technologies, but it requires modifications to conventional network protocols and interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-access supportVSAvoidnetwork modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The DeNB acts as an intermediary between the MME and the RN, handling the complexity of multi-access bearer management. The DeNB receives ERAB establishment requests from the MME, translates them into appropriate RB establishment requests for the RN, and manages the mapping between ERABs and RBs. This intermediary role shields the core network from complex modifications while enabling the RN to support multiple access techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes the bearer mapping relationships and access technique identifiers in advance during the ERAB and RB establishment phases. By pre-configuring which ERAB corresponds to which RB and which access technique before actual data transmission begins, the system avoids complex real-time decisions and protocol modifications during operation, easing implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If an RN establishes separate radio bearers for each access technique, then it can transmit access network information accurately, but the control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess network information transmissionVSAvoidcontrol signaling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple access techniques into a unified bearer establishment framework. Instead of handling each access technique separately through independent signaling paths, the system combines them under the ERAB-RB mapping mechanism, where multiple RBs (corresponding to different access techniques) are managed through coordinated signaling between MME-DeNB-RN, reducing redundant control messages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11044006B2Method enabling an RN to support multiple wireless access systems

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method enabling an relay node (RN) to support multiple wireless access techniques is provided, which includes: a mobility management element (MME) requests a DeNB to establish evolved radio access bearers (ERAB) of EUTRAN and indicates access network information that will be transmitted by each of the ERABs; the DeNB requests an RN to establish radio bearers (RB) and indicates the access network information that will be transmitted by each of the RBs. The above method makes fewer modifications to conventional networks and techniques, guarantees service quality provided for a UE accessing an LTE system, and enables an RN to support access of UEs using multiple access techniques.