Relay Node Initialization via RN Access Cause Value
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently initializing and managing relay nodes (RNs) within LTE or LTE-Advanced systems, particularly in differentiating RNs from mobile stations (MSs) during connection procedures and associating MSs with optimal RNs based on signal quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of specific techniques for RN initialization, including sending a RACH response and RRCConnectionRequest messages with an 'RN access' value, and associating MSs with RNs based on SRS signal strength and RACH preamble quality, allowing the eNB to manage RNs differently from MSs and optimize network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If relay nodes use the same initialization procedures as mobile stations, then the network can use standardized protocols, but the network cannot differentiate between RNs and MSs leading to inefficient resource management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the initialization procedure by introducing a specific establishment cause value (e.g., 'rnAccess') that divides the generic MS initialization process into distinct RN and MS pathways. This allows the network to differentiate RNs from MSs while maintaining standardized protocol structures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific establishment cause field in the RRCConnectionRequest message for RNs, while keeping all other initialization procedures identical to MS procedures. This localized differentiation enables RN/MS distinction without increasing overall procedure complexity.
2Productivity
If the network manages all nodes uniformly, then protocol implementation is simplified, but resource allocation and connection management become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the RN identity through the establishment cause value during the initial connection request, before resource allocation occurs. This allows the eNB to pre-determine appropriate resource management strategies for RNs versus MSs, improving resource allocation efficiency without adding complex management procedures.
3Area of stationary object
If relay nodes transmit with high power to extend coverage, then coverage area increases, but signal quality and battery life of mobile stations may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNB monitors signal quality metrics (such as SRS signal strength) from MSs and adjusts RN transmission parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables the network to optimize coverage extension while preventing harmful interference to MSs, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and signal quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A relay node including one or more components configured to encode a message to be transmitted to an access node, the message used to identify the relay node as a relay node during initialization of the relay node.