UE Aggregator Relay for Cell Edge Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular networks face challenges in providing efficient coverage and capacity at cell edges due to high interference and resource consumption, especially with the increasing number of users and dynamic network conditions, which can be exacerbated by the need for additional fixed small cells and modifications to the Radio Access Network (RAN) to support user equipment acting as relays.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically assigns communication devices to act as aggregators, providing additional radio coverage and extending the network's capacity by establishing aggregator cells that operate outside the conventional macrocell layer frequencies, allowing them to act as base stations and relay data to the core network without requiring modifications to the RAN, using a controller entity to manage aggregator functionality based on performance conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed small cells are installed to improve cell edge coverage, then coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment to autonomously provide relay services by acting as aggregators for other devices. The UE dynamically assigns communication devices to act as aggregators based on performance conditions, allowing the network to self-organize and extend coverage without requiring fixed small cell installations or complex RAN modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RAN modifications are made to support UE as relays, then relay functionality is enabled, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing user equipment multi-functional by enabling it to operate both as a regular communication device and as an aggregator/base station simultaneously. The UE establishes a wireless connection to the RAN while also providing aggregation services to other devices, eliminating the need for dedicated relay hardware or RAN modifications.
3Reliability
If additional network resources are allocated to cell edge users, then coverage is improved, but resource consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aggregator devices as intermediary nodes between cell edge users and the macrocell base station. These aggregators receive data from multiple user devices, aggregate the traffic, and forward it to the RAN, thereby reducing the radio resource consumption and interference that would result from direct transmission between macrocells and cell edge users.
4Productivity
If conventional macrocell frequencies are used for aggregator cells, then spectrum utilization is simplified, but interference increases and coverage extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends coverage by utilizing frequency resources in another dimension - specifically, by enabling UE to operate on different frequency bands or carriers than the macrocell while still maintaining backhaul connection. This dimensional approach allows coverage extension without causing co-channel interference with the macrocell network.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular telecommunications network architecture is described where certain UEs are configured to assist the network to improve coverage in regions of poor radio conditions. In certain embodiments, appropriate UEs are selected to act as a dynamic, out-of-band coverage extensions. Network performance can thereby be improved when serving users at the cell edge (or in other poor radio condition regions of a cell). Data from UEs connected to those assisting UEs is encrypted to allow secure transit of data without requiring modification to the RAN or Core Network.