Wireless Network Path Selection via Relay Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future wireless communications networks need to efficiently support a wide range of devices with different data traffic profiles, including reduced complexity devices, machine type communication devices, high resolution video displays, and virtual reality headsets, while preventing a 'capacity crunch' in donor infrastructure equipment when handling large data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling communications in a wireless communications network, where a donor node connected to the core network communicates signals with a child node over a first communications path, with relay nodes acting as intermediate hops. The child node transmits local assistance information to the donor node, which determines the values of communication criteria for different paths, and the child node switches to a superior path if conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a donor infrastructure equipment is physically connected to the core network and handles data transmissions from multiple devices and infrastructure equipment, then the network coverage and service capability are improved, but the donor infrastructure equipment may suffer from a capacity crunch when large amounts of data are transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul communications link into multiple parallel paths between the donor node and child nodes. Instead of relying on a single communication path, the system establishes multiple routes (first communications path, second communications path, etc.) that can be used simultaneously or selectively based on network conditions, thereby distributing the data transmission load and preventing capacity crunch at the donor node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of path diversity by utilizing relay nodes to create multi-hop communication routes. This transforms the traditional direct donor-to-child node connection into a multi-dimensional network topology where data can flow through intermediate relay infrastructure equipment, effectively increasing the available transmission capacity without adding more direct connections to the donor node.
2Productivity
If multiple communications paths are established between child node and donor node via relay nodes, then the network capacity and reliability are improved, but the complexity of path selection and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the donor node determines communication criterion values for different paths based on local assistance information received from child nodes. The donor node then provides these criterion values back to the child nodes, enabling them to autonomously select the best path. This feedback loop simplifies management complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic at the donor node while allowing distributed path selection at child nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The child nodes are empowered to autonomously determine and select their own communication paths based on the criterion values provided by the donor node. Each child node independently evaluates the communication criteria for different paths and selects the superior path without requiring manual configuration or complex centralized control, thereby reducing overall system management complexity.
3Reliability
If the child node continuously monitors and switches between different communications paths, then the communication performance and reliability are improved, but the signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the donor node pre-calculate and provide communication criterion values to child nodes before actual data transmission begins. The child nodes receive these criterion values in advance and can make informed path selection decisions without requiring continuous real-time monitoring and switching. This preliminary provision of decision-making information reduces the need for ongoing signaling and processing during data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling communications within a wireless communications network is provided. The method comprises communicating, with a first infrastructure equipment acting as a donor node connected to a core network, signals representing data by a second infrastructure equipment over a first communications path via one or more other infrastructure equipment acting as relay nodes, the second infrastructure equipment being a child node and one of the one or more other infrastructure equipment acting as the relay nodes or the donor node being a parent node, the parent node being connected to the child node via a backhaul communications link and configured to allocate uplink communications resources to the child node.