Relay Node Selection in Mobile Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fourth generation mobile networks face limitations in network capacity and geographical coverage, especially during high load and high-data rate communications, and when devices are outside the coverage area, necessitating the development of efficient relay solutions for device-to-device communications.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communications system where communications terminals determine priority levels to select the best relay node based on current communication conditions, allowing efficient data transmission between terminals and infrastructure equipment, even when outside the network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay nodes are introduced to extend coverage and capacity, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but device complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous relay selection where user equipment automatically determines its own relay needs and selects appropriate relay nodes based on measured signal conditions, eliminating the need for complex network-coordinated relay management. The UE independently evaluates candidate relays using reference signals and autonomously configures relay connections, reducing overall system complexity while extending coverage.
2Productivity
If device-to-device relay communications are enabled, then network capacity is increased, but communication protocol complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges device-to-device communication protocols with existing LTE uplink/downlink protocols, allowing relay communications to utilize established protocol frameworks. By integrating D2D relay functionality into the existing LTE protocol stack rather than creating separate protocols, the system increases network capacity while minimizing additional protocol complexity and coordination overhead.
3Productivity
If priority-based relay selection is implemented, then relay communication efficiency is improved, but determination and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining priority levels for different relay scenarios and pre-configuring priority indication mechanisms in the network. Relay priority information is prepared and made available before actual relay selection occurs, allowing UEs to quickly determine optimal relays without performing complex real-time priority calculations, thus improving relay communication efficiency while minimizing determination time.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communications system, methods, and communication terminals. A first of plural communications terminals is configured to determine, based on current communications conditions, one of plural predetermined priority levels representing a relative ability of the first communications terminal to act as a relay node for a second of the plural communications terminals, and to transmit an indication of the determined priority level to the second communications terminals for one of the first or other communications terminals to be selected to act as a relay node for the second communications terminal. The second communications terminal is configured to receive from the first communications terminal the indication of the determined priority level, to receive from the other communications terminals indications of determined priority levels, to select one of the first communications terminals or one or more of the other communications terminals to act as a relay node for the second communications terminal.