Relays are used in mobile networks in scenarios such as cell densification, rural coverage, coverage extension in gap areas including indoors and on spot deployment through vehicles.
TSDSI has recently developed a standard (TSDSI STD 5002 V1.0.0) on “A Generic Relay Architecture for 5G and Beyond”. This standard addresses the existing limitations while utilizing existing 3GPP defined network interfaces with minimal changes by making it more scalable and flexible with generic ‘plug-and-play’ architecture having the following key features:
- Gives flexibility to use different radio technologies on access and backhaul links across two interfaces of the relay node.
- supports multi-hop relays and mobility of UEs and relay nodes and UAV based relays
Ease of deployment, faster and reduced overall cost for rural broadband and PPDR Public Protection and Disaster Relief applications are some of the benefits of this standard.
This standard on “A Generic Relay Architecture for 5G and Beyond” has now been adopted by TEC as a national standard after public consultation. It can be viewed on the TEC website at the link here.
Mr N Mohanram, Director General TSDSI remarked that “The adoption of TSDSI’s standard on ‘A Generic Relay Architecture for 5G and Beyond’ by TEC marks a significant step in enhancing network coverage and capacity in a scalable and cost-effective manner. This innovative, plug-and-play architecture provides flexibility enabling ease of deployment of relays across diverse radio technologies, making it particularly valuable for rural broadband and critical communication services like PPDR. By building on 3GPP-defined interfaces with minimal modifications, we are not only addressing current 5G network challenges but also laying the groundwork for future advancements beyond 5G . TSDSI remains committed to developing standards that drive innovation and support the global telecom ecosystem, aligning with India’s digital connectivity goals.”
