Relay Node Random Access Procedure for IoT Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in supporting a wide range of devices, including low complexity IoT devices and wearable devices with short-range radio communications, requiring efficient techniques for relay-based communication to enhance coverage and reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The RACH procedure is adapted for the relay-UE access link, incorporating bidirectional and unidirectional relays, with initial access, resource allocation, and waveform/multiple access enhancements to facilitate efficient communication between remote UEs and relay nodes, using narrowband channels or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for relay links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay-based communication is used to extend coverage and support short-range devices, then network coverage and device compatibility are improved, but system complexity and resource allocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between infrastructure equipment and remote user equipment. The relay node receives, processes, and forwards communications, enabling extended coverage without directly increasing the complexity of the core network infrastructure. This mediator approach allows short-range devices to connect to the network through intermediate relays rather than requiring direct complex infrastructure modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay nodes are deployed to support wearable and IoT devices, then device support capability is improved, but random access procedure complexity and resource allocation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access procedure into distinct phases and messages (preamble transmission, random access response, contention resolution). By dividing the complex access procedure into manageable segments with specific functions, the system can support diverse devices including wearables and IoT devices without overwhelming procedural complexity. Each segment handles a specific aspect of device registration and resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the relay node and infrastructure equipment adapt resource assignment based on device type, channel conditions, and network load. The random access procedure allows for dynamic message exchanges where parameters such as timing, frequency resources, and power levels are adjusted in real-time to accommodate different device requirements, making the system versatile without requiring static complex configurations for each device type.
3Use of energy by moving object
If narrowband channels and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi relay links are used, then power efficiency is improved, but communication reliability and signal quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node acts as a signal quality enhancement intermediary that receives weak signals from remote devices using energy-efficient narrowband channels or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi links, processes and amplifies them, and forwards to the infrastructure equipment. This mediator function compensates for the potential reliability deterioration from using low-power communication methods, allowing devices to maintain power efficiency while the relay ensures signal quality through its enhanced transmission capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communications device acting as a relay device is configured to communicate with an infrastructure equipment of a mobile communications network and a remote communications device operating with the mobile communications network. The communications device acting as the relay device comprises a receiver configured to receive signals representing data via a first wireless access interface from the infrastructure equipment for transmission to the remote communications device and to receive signals representing data via a second wireless access interface from the remote communications device for transmission to the infrastructure equipment, a transmitter configured to transmit signals representing data via the first wireless access interface to the infrastructure equipment and to transmit signals representing data via the second wireless access interface to the remote communications device, and a controller configured to control the transmitter to transmit the signals and to control the receiver to receive the signals to transmit. The controller is configured in combination with the transmitter and the receiver to receive from the remote communications device a first random access preamble message, the first random access preamble message comprising an identifier of the remote communications device, to transmit, in response to the first random access preamble message, a random access response message to the remote communications device, the random access response message comprising an indication of communications resources allocated to the remote communications device, to receive, from the remote communications device and using the communications resources indicated in the random access response message, a scheduled transmission comprising a connection request message and a first contention resolution identifier, and to transmit to the remote communications device a second contention resolution identifier. If the first contention resolution identifier is the same as the second contention resolution identifier, the controller is configured in combination with the receiver to receive an indication from the remote communications device that a successful connection for data communications has been made between the remote communications device and the communications device acting as the relay device.