Relay Station Operating Mode Switching for Mobile Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless cellular networks with relay stations face challenges in adjusting relay schemes dynamically to adapt to changing network conditions and coverage issues, leading to inefficiencies in spectrum usage and load balancing between cells.

Innovation Solution

The method allows relay stations to switch between different operating modes for transmitting signaling, such as participating or not participating in downlink signaling, and using wired connections to the backbone network, under the control of the base station, to adapt to coverage blind-spots and resource imbalances between cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If relay stations use fixed simplex transmission mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay station transmission modeVSAvoidrelay scheme adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operating mode switching for relay stations, allowing them to transition between different transmission modes (amplify-and-forward, decode-and-forward, half-duplex, full-duplex) based on real-time network conditions, traffic load, and channel quality, thereby achieving adaptability without permanently increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of relay stations by introducing multiple configurable operating modes with different transmission characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to varying network conditions by selecting appropriate parameter configurations for different scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If relay stations continuously adjust operating modes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay scheme adaptabilityVSAvoidrelay station control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where relay stations monitor network conditions, channel quality, and traffic load, then report to base stations which determine optimal operating modes, creating a closed-loop control system that achieves adaptability through coordinated decision-making rather than complex autonomous control at each relay station

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The base station acts as an intermediary that centralizes the decision-making process for relay station mode selection, receiving condition information from relay stations and network management requirements, then determining and assigning appropriate operating modes, thereby simplifying individual relay station complexity while maintaining overall system adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If more wireless resources are allocated for relay operations, then coverage is improved, but spectrum efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidspectrum efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating relay stations and allocating wireless resources only in specific coverage areas and time periods where they are needed, rather than continuously across the entire network, thereby extending coverage to underserved regions while minimizing spectrum resource consumption in areas where relays are not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic resource allocation for relay operations through time-division multiplexing, where relay stations operate in alternating time slots with direct base station communications, allowing spectrum resources to be shared between relay and non-relay users in a periodic manner that improves overall spectrum efficiency while maintaining coverage extension capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2143283B1Method, system, relay station and base station for transmitting data in mobile communication
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2143283B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2143283B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP2143283B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~5a

AI summary

The present invention provides a data transmission method in mobile communication for a cell having one base station and more than one relay station, the method comprises switching the relay stations between at least two operating modes of signaling transmission under the control of the base station. The present invention also provides a system for transmitting data in mobile communication in a cell having one base station and more than one relay station, wherein when transmitting an uplink signaling or a downlink signaling, the relay stations switch between at least two operating modes under the control of the base station. The present invention also provides a relay station and a base station. By using the method, network, relay station, and base station of the present invention, the data transmission in multiple modes can be achieved, so as to achieve a flexible relay scheme.