Patent ID: 7965687
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A method for uplink communication of data from a plurality of user-equipments to one or more base stations in a MIMO wireless network, the data belonging to a first user-equipment, the data being split and processed into one or more streams, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first stream of the one or more streams by the first user-equipment to the one or more base stations in a single slot, wherein the single slot is assigned for uplink communication of the data of the first user-equipment; transmitting the remaining streams of the one or more streams to a first set of user-equipments by the first user-equipment on an Interlink, the first set of user-equipments comprising one or more of the plurality of user-equipments that operate as antennas for the first user-equipment, the Interlink being an arrangement for communication between the plurality of user-equipments; receiving the remaining streams of the one or more streams by the first set of user-equipments on the Interlink; transmitting the remaining streams of the one or more streams by the first set of user-equipments to the one or more base stations in the single slot; and forming the first set of user-equipments by the first user-equipment and one or more of the plurality of user-equipments, wherein the step of forming the first set of user-equipments comprises the steps of: defining a first maximum number of user-equipments that can be present in the first set of user-equipments; ascertaining a first number of user-equipments, the first number being the number of user-equipments in the first set of user-equipments; if the first number is less than the first maximum number, receiving an indication of availability on the Interlink, the indication of availability being broadcast by a second user-equipment that can operate as an antenna for the first user-equipment; ascertaining channel conditions between the second user-equipment and the first user-equipment from a pilot signal received on the Interlink, the pilot signal being broadcast by the second user-equipment; adding the second user-equipment to the first set of user-equipments if the channel conditions meet a set of conditions; and sending a first notification to the second user-equipment, the first notification notifying the second user-equipment that the second user-equipment has been added in the first set of user equipments.