Patent ID: 12004069

Abstract:
A method, network node and processor for processing uplink signals transmitted from a wireless device (WD) to provide a combination of quantize-forwarding and decode-forwarding relayed signals in massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) heterogeneous networks (HetNets). According to one aspect, whether quantize-forwarding or decode-forwarding is used depends on a ratio of a quality of a WD signal received at a Small Cell Base Station (SCBS) to a quality of the WD signal received at a Macro Cell Base Station (MCBS). When the ratio is less than a first threshold, signals received at the SCBS may be quantize-forwarded to the MCBS and when the ratio exceeds a second threshold larger than the first threshold, signals received at the SCBS may be decode-forwarded to the MCBS. When the ratio lies between the first and second threshold, signals received at the SCBS may be quantize-forwarded to the MCB.