Relay Node Position Determination via Neighboring Network Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the spatial position of relay nodes in cellular telecommunication networks are costly and require extensive human intervention, especially in scenarios where GPS is not applicable, such as indoor or dense urban areas, and do not allow for self-configuration and optimization of network settings.

Innovation Solution

A method where a relay node determines its spatial position by monitoring and receiving location information from neighboring network elements, using algorithms that account for radio signal transmission principles, pathloss, and quality information, without the need for additional hardware like GPS receivers, enabling self-optimization of network configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS receivers and manual intervention are used to determine relay node position, then position determination accuracy is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node automatically determines its own position by monitoring neighboring network elements and processing their location information, eliminating the need for manual GPS installation and configuration. The system performs self-configuration through automated algorithms that calculate position based on received signal characteristics and neighboring element data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based positioning system with a signal-processing-based system. Instead of using physical GPS receivers and manual intervention, the relay node uses radio signal monitoring and algorithmic processing of neighboring network element information to determine its position automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If GPS is used for position determination, then position accuracy is improved, but applicability deteriorates in indoor and dense urban scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidscenario applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning method works universally across different scenarios including outdoor, indoor, and dense urban environments. By relying on neighboring network elements that are already present in the network infrastructure rather than external GPS satellites, the system adapts to various deployment conditions where GPS may be unavailable or inaccurate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses neighboring network elements as intermediaries to provide location information. Instead of directly relying on GPS satellites or external positioning infrastructure, the relay node obtains position data through intermediate network elements that are already part of the cellular network, making the system work in environments where GPS is blocked or unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual position determination is performed, then position information accuracy is improved, but automation level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidself-configuration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node autonomously performs position determination by monitoring neighboring network elements and processing their location information through automated algorithms. The system eliminates manual intervention entirely, with the relay node self-configuring its position data based on network measurements and calculations performed automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from neighboring network elements to continuously refine and determine the relay node's position. By monitoring location information from multiple neighboring elements and processing this feedback data through algorithms, the system achieves accurate automated position determination without manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If extensive human intervention is used for relay node installation and configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddeployment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node automatically configures itself by determining its position through monitoring neighboring network elements. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for technicians to manually install and configure each relay node, dramatically improving deployment speed while maintaining accurate position information through automated algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs position determination automatically as part of the initial network integration process, before manual configuration would be required. By pre-configuring the relay node's position data through automated monitoring and calculation, the system eliminates subsequent manual configuration steps and accelerates deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2173130A1Determining the position of a relay node based on location information received from the network neighbourhood
Publication Date: 2010.04.07 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2173130A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2173130A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2173130A1 patent drawing

AI summary

It is described a method for determining the spatial position of a relay node (114, 214) of a cellular telecommunication network. The described method comprises monitoring a neighboring network element (112, 116b, 124) of the relay node (114), receiving location information from the neighboring network element (112, 116b, 124), the location information being indicative for the position of the neighboring network element (112, 116b, 124), and determining the spatial position of the relay node (114, 214) based on the received location information. Further, it is described a relay node (114, 214), which is adapted to carry out the described position determination method and a computer program, which is adapted to control the described position determination method.