Wireless Relay Station Mode Switching for Coverage Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication networks face challenges such as congestion, power failures, and weak radio wave signals in disaster situations or areas with poor infrastructure, leading to communication disruptions, especially in mountainous or underpopulated regions, and within buildings or during events with increased user density.
Innovation Solution
A wireless relay communication system that allows a base station apparatus to switch modes between a mobile station apparatus and a relay station apparatus, using a mode switching control signal to relay communication between them, thereby establishing a communication capability sustained area, service expanded area, or interference reduced area without introducing a complex ad hoc network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a relay station apparatus is introduced to expand service area, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless station apparatus is designed with dual functionality, capable of operating as either a mobile station apparatus or a relay station apparatus. This multi-functionality allows a single device type to expand service coverage without requiring separate dedicated relay hardware, thus improving service area while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic mode switching between mobile station apparatus mode and relay station apparatus mode through mode switching control signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the wireless station apparatus to change its function based on network needs, providing flexible service area expansion without permanent infrastructure changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching control signal is used to switch between mobile and relay modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless station apparatus incorporates universal mode switching capability that allows it to function as either a mobile station or relay station based on network requirements. This multi-functional design improves adaptability while keeping the control mechanism manageable through standardized switching signals
3Reliability
If relay communication is established in disaster situations, then communication reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures wireless station apparatuses with mode switching capability and stores necessary control information in advance. When a disaster occurs, the relay station apparatus can be activated through pre-established mode switching control signals, reducing the time needed to establish communication while ensuring reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Without introducing a complicated ad hoc network system, a transmission/reception signal of a mobile station apparatus is relayed using a communication protocol and a wireless access method defined in a current LTE standard. In a wireless relay communication system including a base station apparatus (12a), a mobile station apparatus (10a), and a wireless station apparatus (11a), the wireless station apparatus (11a) receives a mode switching control signal to switching a mode either to a mobile station apparatus mode in which the wireless station apparatus communicates as one mobile station apparatus (10a) with the base station apparatus (12a) or to a relay station apparatus mode in which the wireless station apparatus relays communication between the base station apparatus (12a) and the mobile station apparatus (10a). In a case where it is instructed via the mode switching control signal to switch the mode to the mobile station apparatus mode, the wireless station apparatus performs communication with the base station apparatus (12a) on behalf of one mobile station apparatus (10a). In a case where an instruction is made by the mode switching control signal to switch to the relay station apparatus mode, the wireless station apparatus relays communication between the base station apparatus (12a) and the mobile station apparatus (10a).