Wireless Relay Communication Across Incompatible FR1 and FR2 Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved method of enabling wireless communication between devices that are adapted to communicate over incompatible wireless communication channels with differing coverage ranges, particularly when one channel has a larger coverage range than the other, and direct communication is not possible due to blockage or high propagation loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a relay communication apparatus to facilitate communication between devices by transmitting a message indicating its relay capability over an incompatible communication channel, receiving transmissions, and relaying them to the intended destination, using location information and relay service codes to determine and direct the communication path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If devices communicate directly over a second wireless communication channel with higher data rates, then communication speed is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to blockage and high propagation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay communication apparatus that acts as an intermediary between source and destination devices. The relay receives transmissions from the source over the second wireless communication channel (FR2) and forwards them to the destination, enabling communication when direct links are blocked. This mediator approach maintains high data rate benefits while overcoming propagation loss and blockage issues through multi-hop routing.
2Reliability
If a relay communication apparatus is introduced to extend communication range, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay communication apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating on both first (FR1) and second (FR2) wireless communication channels. It can directly communicate with other devices using the second channel when conditions permit, or act as a relay when needed. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated relay devices and minimizes overall system complexity while maintaining reliability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay communication apparatus autonomously determines whether to act as a relay or communicate directly based on channel conditions and device capabilities. It self-manages the relay function by monitoring transmission requests and deciding whether relay assistance is needed, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifying system coordination.
3Productivity
If devices use higher frequencies for short-range communication, then data rate is improved, but communication range deteriorates due to shorter radio range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple hops through the relay apparatus. Instead of requiring a single direct link over long distance at high frequency (which would fail due to propagation loss), the communication is divided into shorter segments: source to relay and relay to destination. Each segment operates within the effective radio range of the second channel, maintaining high data rates while achieving extended overall communication range through the relay.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless relay communication apparatus communicates over a first and a second wireless communication channel, which are incompatible in at least one property, aspect, or parameter. A message indicating a capacity to act as a relay in the second communication channel is transmitted over the first or the second wireless communication channel. A transmission, received over the second communication channel from a source communication apparatus, includes information enabling the relay communication apparatus to determine that the transmission is to be relayed to a destination communication apparatus. Accordingly, the relay communication apparatus relays the transmission to the destination communication apparatus over the second communication channel. Alternatively, the relay communication apparatus listens in, on the first communication channel, on a negotiation between source and destination communication apparatus for an impending communication on the second communication channel, and relays received transmissions between the communication apparatus.