Propagating system information changes to relays

摘要

Teachings herein include a base station for propagating system information changes from the base station to the relay node. Upon transmitting system information changes to the relay node, the base station defers data transmission between the base station and the relay node until a set time period. In many embodiments, the base station is configured to actually apply the system information changes during this time period, while the relay node applies the changes before then, e.g., by applying them immediately upon reception. The base station's deferral of data transmission until the set time period thus ensures that data transmission does not occur until both the base station and the relay node have applied the pending changes. This in turn prevents radio link failure from occurring due to use of different system parameters by the base station and relay node.

主权项

1. A method implemented by a base station of a wireless communication system for propagating system information changes to a relay node that relays control signaling and data between the base station and one or more mobile terminals, the method comprising:
sending to the relay node a message that includes system information changes; and applying those system information changes at the base station during a set time period that occurs after the message is sent; and ensuring that data transmission between the base station and the relay node does not occur after the base station sends the message but before the base station applies the system information changes, by deferring such data transmission until the set time period.