Relay Node Time-Division Multiplexing for Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A systems, relay nodes (RNs) face technical challenges in transmitting and receiving signals simultaneously due to interference issues, making it difficult to relay signals between user equipment (UEs) and enhanced node B (ENB) using frequency-division duplexing (FDD), prompting the need for alternative communication modes to reduce interference.

Innovation Solution

Implementing time-division (TD) communication modes, such as half-duplex and full-duplex TD, where RNs receive and transmit signals at different time intervals (TTIs), combined with resource scheduling strategies like full resource scheduling (FRS) and partial resource scheduling (PRS) at ENBs and RNs to manage signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If frequency-division duplexing (FDD) is used for relay nodes to transmit and receive signals simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal interference increases making simultaneous transmission and reception difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-division duplexing where relay nodes alternate between transmission and reception in different time intervals (TTIs). This periodic switching eliminates simultaneous transmission and reception, thereby resolving the signal interference problem while maintaining communication efficiency through structured time allocation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by making the relay node's operational mode flexible and adaptable. The system dynamically switches between half-duplex and full-duplex TD modes based on traffic conditions and interference levels, allowing the relay node to optimize its transmission and reception behavior in real-time while managing signal interference effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If time-division (TD) communication modes are implemented with alternating TTIs, then signal interference is reduced, but system complexity increases due to resource scheduling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidresource scheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the time resource into distinct transmission time intervals (TTIs) and allocating specific resources for different communication directions. This segmentation simplifies the scheduling complexity by creating clear, manageable time slots for transmission and reception, making resource allocation more systematic and less complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a flexible resource scheduling framework that can adapt to different traffic conditions and relay node configurations. The same TD communication mode framework supports both half-duplex and full-duplex operations, as well as various resource scheduling strategies (FRS and PRS), reducing overall system complexity through a unified approach.

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

3Productivity

If full resource scheduling (FRS) is used at ENBs, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a standardized interface and protocol between the ENB and relay nodes for resource scheduling. This intermediary layer simplifies the control complexity by providing a clear, structured mechanism for resource allocation, allowing FRS to be implemented efficiently without excessive control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2366264B1Layer 2 relay multiplexing and interference mitigation
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2366264B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2366264B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2366264B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network arrangement comprising a relay node (RN), wherein the RN is configured to assign a plurality of resource blocks (RBs) allocated by an enhanced node B (ENB) for at least one user equipment (UE). A network comprising an ENB, wherein the ENB is configured to allocate a plurality of RBs for an RN, wherein the RBs are assigned for at least one UE. Also disclosed is a method for communicating in a network, comprising selecting a time-division (TD) communication mode, and using resource scheduling based on the selected TD communication mode.