Adaptive relay management

• US 20060166618A1
• Filed: 12/23/2005
• Published: 07/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Limited (Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Limited (Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.)
• Inventors: Bakaimis, Byron
• Application Number:
  US11/318,167
• Publication Number:
  US 20060166618A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/11.100
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/155 Ground-based stations H04B7/204 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/085 Access point devices with remote components

Abstract

A method of controlling a plurality of relays in communication with a base station in a cell. The controlling method comprises the steps of evaluating usage requirements in a cell, and varying the number and/or type of relays used in order to meet the usage demands based on the evaluation.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a plurality of relays in communication with a base station in a cell, wherein said method comprises the steps of evaluating usage requirements in a cell, and varying the relays used in order to meet the usage demands based on the evaluation.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the relays used are also based on the capabilities and availability of the relays in the cell.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the relays are terrestrial based and are movable with respect to the cell.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the relays are mounted onto a vehicle.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle is associated with a pre-set route and schedule.

6. A method according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the mobile relays comprises a user terminal.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of predetermined scenarios are stored by the base station, and the most appropriate relays for each scenario are pre-selected.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the base station assesses the capabilities of the relays.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein each relay is accorded a classification according to its capabilities.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein, during initial communication with a base station, each relay communicates data indicative of its capabilities to the base station.

11. A method according to claim 7, wherein each relay assesses its own capabilities.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the number of relays may be altered based on change in any or all of usage requirements, relay capabilities or relay availability.

13. A method according to claim 11 wherein the capabilities of each of the relays within the cell are assessed periodically.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the capabilities of each of the relays are assessed at predetermined intervals.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the capabilities of each of the relays are assessed based on external triggers.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the external trigger is joining or leaving of a relay.

17. A method according to claim 11, wherein the base station broadcasts a signal on a channel receivable by each of the relays, said signal including an evaluation of current usage requirements.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the signal broadcast to the relays defines one of a plurality of pre-defined scenarios, and the relays store data relating to each scenario.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein, if a relay assesses that it is suitable for use in a network, it attempts to register with the base station to be available for relaying future communications.

20. A method according to claim 7, wherein the base station broadcasts a preferred number of relays for use in a particular scenario, and only permits that number of relays to register.

21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the network assigns weighting factors for relay capabilities.

22. A method according to claim 19, wherein the location of the relays in the cell is determined, and the relays'"'"' locations are a factor in the selection of relays.

23. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a telecommunications network.

24. A mobile telecommunications network comprising at least one mobile relay mounted upon a terrestrial vehicle.

25. A mobile telecommunications network according to claim 24, wherein said vehicle is a bus, coach or train.

26. A mobile telecommunications system for a telecommunication network comprising a plurality of relays in communication with a base station, wherein the base station is operable to adaptively control the number of relays used in the network depending upon current usage requirements.