Power consumption optimization in multi-mode mobile relay

Multi-mode is a common feature in current generation terminals, enabling the user to stay connected at any time. By selecting an appropriate standard, multi-mode can reduce terminal power consumption. Software Defined Radio is an enabler towards multi-mode for the next generation of terminals. In such a radio, communication modes are implemented by a general processor through digital functions, instead of dedicated chips. Providing access to users in bad conditions through relays, is another solution to reduce power consumption. We look at multi-mode relaying, where a mobile terminal, connected to an UMTS base station, acts as an 802.11 g-relay for those users. In this paper, we evaluate the algorithmic complexity of 802.11 g and UMTS to estimate the power consumption of a Software Defined Radio. We propose a multi-mode relay scheme using such terminals, with the purpose of minimizing the global power consumption. Finally, we enounce different rules to maximize the local and global power gain by implementing multi-mode relays.