Uplink-Only Relay Node for Interference Reduction in Dense Small Cell Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense small cell networks, reducing interference between base stations is challenging due to the complexity of frequency planning and the dynamic nature of mobile small cells, which can lead to reduced coverage and service quality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a relay node that operates in uplink-only mode, avoiding downlink data transmission to minimize interference while enhancing uplink capacity and coverage, and using network coding to combine and process uplink data from terminals and relay nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If small cells are deployed densely to improve coverage, then coverage area is improved, but interference between base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication directions by implementing uplink-only relay nodes that exclusively handle uplink traffic from terminals to the base station. This segmentation of communication functions reduces interference in the downlink direction while maintaining dense small cell deployment for coverage enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary elements between terminals and base stations. These relay nodes forward uplink signals from terminals to base stations, enabling dense small cell deployment for coverage while the relay nodes manage and coordinate transmissions to minimize interference between nearby base stations.
2Productivity
If relay nodes are used to increase uplink capacity, then uplink capacity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements relay nodes with multi-functionality, allowing them to operate as uplink-only relays that can be deployed flexibly throughout the network. These universal relay nodes increase uplink capacity while maintaining relatively simple operation by focusing on a single communication direction, thereby limiting the increase in overall network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relay nodes that replicate base station functionality for uplink reception and forwarding. By copying the essential uplink handling capabilities at relay nodes, uplink capacity is increased without requiring full base station complexity at each location, thus managing network complexity while enhancing productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If downlink transmission is implemented at relay nodes, then service versatility is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay node functionality to handle only uplink transmissions, separating uplink and downlink functions. This segmentation eliminates downlink interference from relay nodes while maintaining service versatility through the coordinated operation of relay nodes and base stations, where base stations handle downlink transmissions in a controlled manner.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of reducing interference in a mobile communications network, wherein the mobile network comprises one or more infrastructure units and one or more terminals, the infrastructure units being operable to send and/or receive wireless signals with the one or more terminals. The method comprises estimating an interference level in the mobile communication network. In the event that the interference level is detected as being above a satisfactory threshold: an infrastructure unit of the one or more infrastructure units is selected, which is currently operating as one of a base station or an uplink and downlink relay node configured to relay uplink and downlink transmissions and the infrastructure unit is configured to operate as an uplink relay node such that it does not send downlink signals. In the event that the interference level is detected as being below a satisfactory threshold, an infrastructure unit currently operating as an uplink relay node such that it does not send downlink signals is selected and the infrastructure unit is configured to operate as one of a base station or an uplink and downlink relay node configured to relay uplink and downlink transmissions.