Relay Node Un Subframe Reconfiguration via RRC Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE-A relay systems, the Un subframe configuration timing for RN is indeterminate due to separate system information modification periods for eNB and RN, leading to delays in subframe reconfiguration and potential misuse of outdated MBSFN subframes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves the eNB sending an RRC reconfiguration message with subframe reconfiguration information to the RN, allowing immediate Un subframe reconfiguration and coordinating transitional scheduling using the old configuration until the new Uu interface configuration is applied, ensuring timely and accurate subframe updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RN uses separate system information modification periods for eNB and RN, then the system information can be updated independently at each node, but the Un subframe configuration timing becomes indeterminate and delays occur in subframe reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent system information update capabilityVSAvoidsubframe reconfiguration delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The eNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the RN in advance, containing the new Un subframe configuration. The RN prepares for the configuration change before the actual reconfiguration point, allowing immediate application when needed without waiting for the system information modification period to expire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordinated mechanism between eNB and RN where the eNB notifies the RN of upcoming Un subframe reconfiguration through RRC messaging. This intermediary notification system allows the RN to prepare and execute reconfiguration at the precise timing point without ambiguity, resolving the timing indeterminacy caused by separate modification periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the RN applies Un subframe reconfiguration immediately upon receiving RRC message, then reconfiguration delay is reduced, but the risk of using outdated MBSFN subframes on Uu interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration execution speedVSAvoidconfiguration consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The eNB sends the RRC reconfiguration message containing new Un subframe configuration in advance, allowing the RN to prepare the new configuration data before the reconfiguration point. This preliminary action enables immediate application without risking the use of outdated MBSFN subframe configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the eNB monitors and coordinates the RN's reconfiguration status. The eNB can verify that the RN has received and prepared the new configuration, ensuring that the RN applies the correct configuration at the right time and avoiding the use of outdated MBSFN subframes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the RN waits for system information modification period to expire before applying reconfiguration, then configuration consistency is maintained, but the reconfiguration delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoidreconfiguration delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The eNB sends the RRC reconfiguration message in advance, allowing the RN to prepare the new configuration before the modification period expires. This preliminary preparation enables the RN to apply the configuration immediately at the reconfiguration point without waiting for the modification period to expire, thus reducing delay while maintaining consistency through coordinated timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility in the reconfiguration process. Instead of rigidly waiting for the system information modification period to expire, the RN can dynamically apply the reconfiguration at the precise timing point indicated by the eNB's RRC message, adapting the reconfiguration timing to actual system needs while maintaining configuration consistency through eNB coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2538736B1Method, base station and relay station for un sub-frame configuration processing
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2538736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2538736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2538736B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and a relay node (RN) for Un subframe configuration processing are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by an RN, a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message sent by an eNodeB (eNB), where the RRC reconfiguration message includes subframe reconfiguration information of the RN; and applying, by the RN, a RRC reconfiguration immediately upon reception of the RRC reconfiguration message, and applying a Un subframe reconfiguration. The foregoing technical solution can implement the Un subframe configuration of the eNB and the RN and improve communication quality.