UE-Assisted Directional Wireless Backhaul Link Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless backhaul and fronthaul link setups in mobile communication systems are inflexible and costly, particularly due to the need for manual adjustment of static parabolic reflectors, and are limited by the requirement for infrastructure nodes to be within omnidirectional coverage areas, hindering efficient deployment and expansion of 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) assists in establishing directional wireless links between infrastructure nodes by receiving position information from one node and relaying it to another, enabling the setup of directional wireless backhaul or fronthaul links, even outside the omnidirectional coverage area, using UE measurements and configurations to adjust antenna settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of static parabolic reflectors is used for wireless backhaul link setup, then line-of-sight connections can be established between base stations, but deployment becomes inflexible and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment system of static parabolic reflectors with an automated electronic beamforming system. The base station uses electronic phase control to dynamically adjust beam directions, eliminating the need for physical manual positioning of reflectors while maintaining reliable line-of-sight connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static parabolic reflector system into a dynamic beamforming system where the antenna beam direction can be electronically adjusted in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios and maintain optimal connections without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If wired connections (fibre optics) are used for S1 and X2 interfaces, then connection stability is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wired fibre optic connections with wireless millimeter-wave beamforming links for S1 and X2 interfaces. The high-frequency wireless connection provides stability comparable to wired connections while eliminating the need for expensive fibre optic infrastructure deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes millimeter-wave frequency parameters (24 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz bands) to achieve high-capacity wireless backhaul links. By operating in these high-frequency bands with directional beamforming, the system achieves wired-like reliability without the physical infrastructure costs.
3Ease of operation
If relay nodes are positioned within donor eNB coverage area, then backhaul link establishment is simplified, but network expansion beyond coverage areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables relay nodes to dynamically establish initial connections using omnidirectional low-frequency signals, then transition to directional high-frequency beamforming for backhaul links. This allows relay nodes to be deployed beyond the original donor eNB coverage area while maintaining simple automated setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a two-stage connection process where relay nodes first perform preliminary connection establishment using omnidirectional coverage, then switch to directional beamforming for optimized backhaul links. This preliminary action enables deployment in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
4Productivity
If directional antenna systems are used for wireless backhaul links, then connection efficiency is improved, but automated setup becomes difficult without UE assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment (UE) as an intermediary to facilitate automated directional link setup. The UE measures signals from both the serving base station and target relay node, then reports position information that enables automated beam alignment between infrastructure nodes without requiring complex automated antenna adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the network to self-configure directional backhaul links by having UEs autonomously measure and report position information. The base station uses this information to automatically calculate and adjust beam directions, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex automated search algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method of establishing a wireless communication link between two infrastructure nodes in a wireless communication system, the method comprising at a user equipment, UE, device receiving a link establishment request message transmitted by a first node; obtaining information relating to a position of the first node; and transmitting a message to a second node informing the second node of the position of the first node to assist in establishing the link between the first and second nodes.