UE Relay Backhaul Base Station Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular networks, especially with small cells deployed on nomadic or moving platforms, establishing a reliable backhaul connection without network management is challenging due to dynamic and changing network environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with User Equipment (UE) functionality acts as a relay by interrupting transmissions from a first base station, detecting signals from surrounding base stations, selecting the best one based on signal properties, and establishing a connection with it to provide a backhaul link, utilizing processors and memories with program instructions to operate autonomously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device with UE functionality is used to act as a relay for providing backhaul link, then deployment flexibility and autonomy are improved, but connection reliability and signal detection capability deteriorate due to ongoing transmissions from the first base station
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device interrupts transmissions from the first base station before attempting to detect signals from other base stations. This preliminary action of stopping the interfering transmission enables the device to successfully detect and measure signals from surrounding base stations, which would otherwise be impossible while maintaining an active connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device periodically interrupts transmissions from the first base station to perform signal detection from other base stations. This periodic interruption allows the device to scan for and evaluate available backhaul connections while maintaining overall connectivity, creating a rhythm of communication-interruption-detection that balances deployment flexibility with detection capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transmissions from the first base station are interrupted to detect other base stations, then signal detection capability is improved, but connection stability and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device performs preliminary signal detection and evaluation during scheduled interruption periods before committing to switching connections. This allows the device to assess the quality and suitability of alternative base stations in advance, ensuring that connection switches are made only when appropriate, thereby maintaining overall connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device uses the detected signal properties from other base stations to make intelligent decisions about whether to switch connections. By evaluating signal strength, quality, and other properties feedback from the detection process, the device maintains connection stability by only switching when the alternative provides superior service, rather than switching arbitrarily during interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If the relay device autonomously selects base stations without network management, then ease of deployment is improved, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device autonomously performs signal detection, evaluation, and base station selection without requiring network management intervention. The device serves itself by independently assessing available backhaul connections and making connection decisions based on detected signal properties, enabling easy deployment in nomadic or moving platform scenarios where network management may be unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device dynamically adapts to changing network conditions by continuously monitoring signal properties from surrounding base stations and adjusting its connection selections in real-time. This dynamic behavior allows the device to respond to moving platforms and changing environments autonomously, maintaining adaptability despite the lack of network management oversight.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is operated in a cellular communications network, such that the device acts as a relay in a backhaul link between at least one first base station and the network. The device is configured to: detect signals transmitted by base stations in the network; identify the at least one first base station amongst the base stations; exclude the identified at least one first base station, and select one of the base stations based on the properties of the detected signals; and establish a connection with the selected base station.