TDD Relay Subframe Configuration for Coverage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems using TDD frame structures are unable to perform relay transmission effectively, limiting the expansion of coverage and throughput in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring subframes in a TDD system to enable relay transmission, where specific subframes are allocated for relay link transmission, adhering to the inherent constraints of the TDD frame structure, allowing for the expansion of system coverage and improved throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a relay is introduced to expand coverage and improve throughput in wireless communication systems, then the coverage and throughput are improved, but the frame structure must be changed which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into different subframes, with specific subframes (e.g., subframe 1 and subframe 5) designated for relay link transmission and other subframes for access link transmission. This segmentation allows the relay function to be integrated into the existing TDD frame structure without requiring a complete redesign, thus expanding coverage while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay node is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a base station for relay link transmissions and as a user equipment for access link transmissions. The same relay node can transmit and receive signals in different subframes, making the frame structure more versatile and reducing the need for separate dedicated frames for relay operations.
2Productivity
If relay transmission is implemented in TDD systems, then throughput is improved, but the existing TDD frame structure constraints prevent effective relay transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically assigns different subframes for relay link and access link transmissions based on the TDD frame structure. The relay node can flexibly switch between relay mode and user equipment mode depending on the subframe configuration, allowing relay transmission to be integrated into existing TDD systems without requiring fundamental changes to the frame structure's adaptability.
3Reliability
If subframes are allocated for relay link transmission, then relay transmission capability is enabled, but the flexibility in subframe configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the entire frame structure, the patent applies local quality changes by designating specific subframes (e.g., subframe 1 and subframe 5) for relay link transmission while keeping other subframes available for access link transmission. This localized approach enables relay transmission capability without affecting the overall flexibility of the TDD frame structure configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A relay transmission method and apparatus are provided. The method includes: configuring a subframe of a Time Division Duplex (TDD) relay frame for a subframe of relay link (S201), where the configuring the subframe of the TDD relay frame for the subframe of relay link includes: configuring a downlink (DL) subframe of the TDD relay frame for a DL subframe of relay link, and/or configuring the DL subframe of the TDD relay frame for an uplink (UL) subframe of relay link, and/or configuring a UL subframe of the TDD relay frame for the UL subframe of relay link; and performing relay transmission according to the subframe of relay link (S202). When data is transmitted, a subframe that can be used for relay link transmission is configured, data transmission performed by using relay link complies with inherent constraints of a TDD frame structure in the prior art, and coverage of a system using a TDD relay frame is expanded, thus improving the throughput.