Proximity Services Multi-hop Relay Configuration

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. The described techniques provide configuration and operation of multi-hop relaying at different layers to enable a remote user equipment (UE) to act as a relay for a client UE that may be out of coverage of a network. For example, a network relay UE may establish a communication link with a network, and the network relay UE may send a relay configuration to the remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more other UEs. The remote UE may send an acknowledgment to the network relay UE in response to receiving the relay configuration, and the remote UE may then send a relay discovery message including multi-hop relay information based on receiving the relay configuration.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 142,110, entitled “PROXIMITY SERVICE MULTI-HOP RELAY CONFIGURATION,” filed by Cheng et al. on January 5, 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 971,471, entitled “PROXIMITY SERVICE MULTI-HOP RELAY CONFIGURATION,” filed by Cheng et al. on February 7, 2020, each of which has been assigned to the assignee of this application. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to proximity services multi-hop relay configurations. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems have been widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth generation (5G) systems (which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems). These systems may use techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports communication of multiple communication devices (or may be referred to as user equipment (UE)).

[0005] Some wireless systems may support Proximity Services (ProSe) using sidelink communications (eg, communications over a PC5 link), where a UE may discover and communicate with other nearby UEs on allocated sidelink resources. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting proximity services (ProSe) multi-hop relay configuration. In general, the described techniques provide configuration and operation of multi-hop relay at different layers to enable a remote user equipment (UE) (e.g., a UE that is more than one hop away from a network) to act as a relay for a client UE. The client UE may be beyond the coverage of the network, as well as the coverage of a relay UE that is one hop away from the network. In some cases, in addition to broadcast signals, the remote UE and the client UE can also communicate via unicast or multicast. The multi-hop relay configuration process may include: configuring an access stratum (AS) layer (e.g., Layer 2) or higher layers (e.g., Layer 3) to include relay discovery and authorization, address management, and routing and connection establishment.

[0007] This multi-hop relay configuration and operation process may introduce new signaling protocols and / or information elements. For example, before a remote UE can relay traffic to a client UE, the remote UE may be configured and authorized as a relay UE. The authorization protocol may include a single-hop UE acting as a UE-to-network relay, which indicates the relay configuration to the remote UE. The relay configuration message may serve as an authorization for the remote UE to begin acting as a relay UE. The remote UE may notify the UE-to-network relay that the configuration has been successfully received, and then a relay discovery process may be initiated for detection by the client UE.

[0008] Once the configuration of the remote UE as a multi-hop repeater UE is complete, and the client UE discovers and then selects the multi-hop repeater UE, the multi-hop repeater UE can perform additional multi-hop relay behaviors. For example, the multi-hop repeater UE can act as a transparent relay to form a communication link between the client UE and the UE-to-network repeater. In another example, the multi-hop repeater UE can directly establish a secure connection with the client UE, and then the relay UE can report the client UE communication to the UE-to-network repeater as a new service for the relay UE. Therefore, in the second example, the relay UE may not be a transparent relay, and the UE-to-network repeater may not be aware of the client UE.

[0009] A method for wireless communication at a network relay UE is described. The method may include: establishing a communication link with a network; sending a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs; and providing network connectivity services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration.

[0010] An apparatus for wireless communication at a network relay UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establish a communication link with a network; send a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs; and provide network connectivity services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE in accordance with the relay configuration.

[0011] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network relay UE is described. The apparatus may include: means for establishing a communication link with a network; means for sending a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs; and means for providing network connectivity services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE in accordance with the relay configuration.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network relay UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: establish a communication link with a network; send a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs; and provide network connectivity services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an acknowledgement from the remote UE based on sending the relay configuration.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a relay configuration request including UE capability information from the remote UE, wherein sending the relay configuration may be based on the relay configuration request.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for sending a relay service code request to the network based on receiving the relay configuration request.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: determining that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay based on the authorization information, wherein sending the relay service code request to the network may be further based at least in part on the determination and indicating that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a coding assignment for the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay from the network, wherein receiving the coding assignment indicates that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay configuration includes one or more of a relay service code, hop information, quality of service information, and network information.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay service code indicates a service supported by the network.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for updating a second communication link with the remote UE based on the relay configuration.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, updating the second communication link may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: allocating an Internet Protocol (IP) address or prefix to the remote UE.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a communication request from the remote UE via a second communication link, wherein the communication request is relayed from the one or more client UEs of the remote UE.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the communication request includes a service request and an identifier (ID) of the one or more client UEs.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session or a packet data network (PDN) connection with the network based on receiving the communication request.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: allocating an IP address or prefix to the client UE; and sending the IP address or prefix to the one or more client UEs via the remote UE.

[0026] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for reporting the one or more client UEs to the network based on receiving the communication request.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a service request from the remote UE via a second communication link; and sending an acknowledgment in response to the service request to the remote UE.

[0028] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the service request includes an ID of the client UE.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: establishing a PDU session or PDN connection with the network based on receiving the service request; and updating a second communication link with the remote UE based on receiving the service request.

[0030] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: reporting the client UE to the network based on receiving a report request from the remote UE or receiving the service request.

[0031] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs may be a sidelink connection.

[0032] A method for wireless communication at a remote UE is described. The method may include: receiving a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to a network for one or more client UEs; based on receiving the relay configuration, sending a relay discovery message including relay information; and based on the relay discovery message, providing network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration.

[0033] An apparatus for wireless communication at a remote UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to a network for one or more client UEs; based on receiving the relay configuration, send a relay discovery message including relay information; and based on the relay discovery message, provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration.

[0034] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a remote UE is described. The apparatus may include means for: receiving a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to a network for one or more client UEs; based on receiving the relay configuration, sending a relay discovery message including relay information; and based on the relay discovery message, providing network connectivity services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration.

[0035] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a remote UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to a network for one or more client UEs; based on receiving the relay configuration, send a relay discovery message including relay information; and based on the relay discovery message, provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration.

[0036] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for performing the following operations: the network relays the UE to send an acknowledgement based on receiving the relay configuration.

[0037] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a relay configuration request including UE capability information to the network relay UE, wherein receiving the relay configuration may be based on the relay configuration request.

[0038] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for updating a communication link with the network based on sending the confirmation.

[0039] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, updating the communication link may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving an IP address or prefix from the network relay UE.

[0040] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the relay discovery message may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending the relay discovery message according to a periodic schedule.

[0041] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending the relay discovery message may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a discovery query from the one or more client UEs; and sending the relay discovery message in response to the query.

[0042] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the relay information includes one or more of hop information, quality of service information, and network information.

[0043] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving a communication request from the one or more client UEs based on sending the relay discovery message.

[0044] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the communication request includes a service request and IDs of the one or more client UEs.

[0045] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for sending the communication request from the one or more client UEs to the network relay UE.

[0046] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for: receiving a security key from the network relay UE; and establishing a communication link with the one or more client UEs using the security key.

[0047] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving an IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs from the network relay UE based on the communication request; sending the IP address or prefix to the one or more client UEs; and relaying communications from the network to the one or more client UEs via the network relay UE using the IP address or prefix.

[0048] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: allocating the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs based on the IP address or prefix for the remote UE received from the network relay UE; and establishing a communication link with the one or more client UEs using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

[0049] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a service request to the network relay UE via a communication link; and receiving an acknowledgment in response to the service request from the network relay UE.

[0050] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the service request includes IDs of the one or more client UEs.

[0051] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: updating the communication link with the network relay UE based on the service request.

[0052] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a reporting request to the network relay UE, the reporting request requesting the network relay UE to report the one or more client UEs to the network.

[0053] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for relaying communications from the network to the one or more client UEs using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

[0054] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs may be a sidelink connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a wireless communication system supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown.

[0056] Figure 2 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a wireless communication system supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown.

[0057] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of process flows to support proximity services multi-hop relay configuration are shown.

[0058] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of process flows to support proximity services multi-hop relay configuration are shown.

[0059] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of process flows to support proximity services multi-hop relay configuration are shown.

[0060] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of process flows to support proximity services multi-hop relay configuration are shown.

[0061] Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a block diagram of a device supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown.

[0062] Fig. 9 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a block diagram of a communication manager supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown.

[0063] Fig.10 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a diagram of a system including devices supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown.

[0064] Figures 11 to 19 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method of supporting a proximity services multi-hop relay configuration is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] A user equipment (UE) is able to communicate directly with other UEs via side link communications. For example, a UE may communicate with a network via another UE (e.g., a UE to a network repeater). In some examples, the UE may be within the coverage area of ​​a base station and use a UE to a network repeater to achieve improved link quality. In other cases, the UE may be outside the coverage area of ​​a base station and may not be able to communicate directly with the base station. Therefore, the UE may communicate indirectly with the base station via a side link channel, through a UE to a network repeater UE. Some side link PC5 interface layers may not support proximity services (ProSe) multi-hop relay operations.

[0066] According to the technology described herein, a UE to a network relay UE can configure and authorize a UE capable of unicasting or multicasting on a side link to operate as a relay. The relay configuration process may include a remote UE requesting a relay configuration from a UE to a network relay UE. The UE to the network relay UE may respond with a relay configuration that includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address or prefix for a multi-hop relay service. Additionally or alternatively, the relay configuration may include a relay service code (RSC), an indicator of hop information from the network, a supported quality of service (QoS) level, a cell identifier (ID), or other information about a connection provided by a multi-hop relay (which allows other UEs to perform selection of a relay UE).

[0067] Once the multi-hop relay configuration of the remote UE is completed, the remote UE may start sending relay discovery announcements (which may be referred to as relay discovery messages). After the client UE discovers and selects the remote UE as a relay, the remote UE follows the new multi-hop relay UE behavior during relay operation. In some examples, the remote UE may act as a transparent multi-hop relay to form a connection between the client UE and the UE to the network relay UE. In another example, the remote UE may establish a secure connection directly with the client UE. Therefore, network utilization and communication quality may be improved by using a multi-hop relay via a side link channel in a ProSe system.

[0068] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the present disclosure are further depicted and described by and with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams related to proximity service multi-hop relay configurations.

[0069] Figure 1According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0070] The base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100, and may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. The base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which the UEs 115 and the base stations 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area in which the base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may support transmission of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0071] UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. UEs 115 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are shown in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein can communicate with various types of devices such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices), such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0072] Base stations 105 may communicate with core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, base stations 105 may interact with core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). Base stations 105 may communicate with each other via backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces) directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130), or both. In some examples, backhaul links 120 may be or include one or more wireless links.

[0073] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or be referred to by one of ordinary skill in the art as: a base station transceiver, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation Node B or a giga Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home Node B, a Home eNodeB, or other appropriate terminology.

[0074] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device or a user device, or some other appropriate term, where "device" may also refer to a unit, a station, a terminal or a client, etc. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various items such as home appliances, or vehicles, meters, etc.

[0075] The UE 115 described herein is capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which sometimes act as relays, and base stations 105 and network devices including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0076] The UE 115 and the base station 105 can communicate with each other wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 through one or more carriers. The term "carrier" can refer to a set of radio spectrum resources with a defined physical layer structure to support the communication link 125. For example, the carrier used for the communication link 125 may include a portion of the radio spectrum band (e.g., bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel can carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling to coordinate operations for the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 can use carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation to support communication with the UE 115. According to the carrier aggregation configuration, the UE 115 can be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation can be used with frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0077] The signal waveform transmitted through the carrier wave may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system using MCM techniques, a resource element may be composed of a symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol period is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity used to communicate with UE 115.

[0078] One or more digital schemes for a carrier may be supported, where the digital scheme may include a subcarrier spacing (Δf) and a cyclic prefix. A carrier may be divided into one or more BWPs having the same or different digital schemes. In some examples, a UE 115 may be configured with multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP for a carrier may be active at a given time, and communication of the UE 115 may be restricted to the one or more active BWPs.

[0079] The time interval for base station 105 or UE 115 may be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit (eg, which may be referred to as T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds sampling period), where Δf max It can indicate the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, N f The maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each radio frame having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0080] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided (e.g., in the time domain) into subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into multiple time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include multiple symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix appended to each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slots may be further divided into multiple micro-time slots containing one or more symbols. In addition to the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N f ) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0081] A subframe, a time slot, a mini-time slot, or a symbol may be a minimum scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100, which may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the minimum scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0082] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. For example, physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for a physical control channel may be defined by a plurality of symbol periods and may extend over a system bandwidth or a subset of a system bandwidth of a carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a group of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 may monitor or search a control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates with one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level for a control channel candidate may refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with the encoded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115 .

[0083] Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hot spots or other types of cells or any combination thereof). The term "cell" can refer to a logical communication entity used for communication with the base station 105 (e.g., via a carrier), and can be associated with an ID used to distinguish adjacent cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), etc.). In some examples, a cell can also refer to a geographic coverage area 110 or a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which a logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors (e.g., the capabilities of the base station 105), such a cell can range from a smaller area (e.g., a structure, a subset of a structure) to a larger area. For example, a cell can be or include a building, a subset of a building, or an external space between or overlapping a geographic coverage area 110, etc.

[0084] A macro cell typically covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers), which allows unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have a service subscription with a network provider that supports macro cells. Compared to macro cells, small cells can be associated with low-power base stations 105, and small cells can operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells can provide unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have a service subscription with a network provider, or can provide restricted access to UEs 115 associated with the small cell (e.g., UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 associated with users in a home or office). A base station 105 can support one or more cells, and can also support communication on one or more cells using one or more component carriers.

[0085] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured based on different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access to different types of devices.

[0086] In some examples, the base stations 105 may be mobile, and thus provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may include a heterogeneous network in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0087] The wireless communication system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations 105 may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations 105 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations 105 may have different frame timing, and in some examples, transmissions from different base stations 105 may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for both synchronous and asynchronous operation.

[0088] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communication from a device with an integrated sensor or meter that measures or captures information and relays the information to a central server or application that may make use of the information or present the information to a person interacting with the application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of a machine or other device. Examples of applications for MTC devices include: smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based service billing.

[0089] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a mode of operation that reduces power consumption, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception but does not support simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaged in active communications, operating on a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, UE 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type, wherein the narrowband protocol type is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., a subcarrier or resource block (RB) set) within a carrier, within a guard band of a carrier, or outside a carrier.

[0090] The wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency or critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication may include private communication or group communication, and may be supported by one or more mission-critical services (e.g., mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData)). Support for mission-critical functions may include prioritizing services, and mission-critical services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency may be used interchangeably herein.

[0091] In some examples, UE 115 can also communicate directly with other UE 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UEs 115 using D2D communication can be located within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in the group can be located outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105, or cannot receive transmissions from the base station 105. In some examples, the group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE 115 sends a signal to each other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, the base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without involving the base station 105.

[0092] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 can be an example of a communication channel (e.g., a sidelink communication channel) between vehicles (e.g., UE 115). In some examples, the vehicles can communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, or some combination of these. The vehicles can signal information related to traffic conditions, signal scheduling, weather, safety, emergency situations, or any other information related to the V2X system. In some examples, vehicles in a V2X system can communicate with roadside infrastructure such as roadside units, or use vehicle-to-network (V2N) communications to communicate with the network via one or more network nodes (e.g., base station 105), or both.

[0093] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connection, and other access, routing or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobile management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnecting to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by a base station 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be transmitted via a user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to a network operator IP service 150. These operator IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), or a packet-switched streaming service.

[0094] Some of the network devices (e.g., base stations 105) may include subcomponents such as access network entities 140, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with the UE 115 through one or more other access network transport entities 145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission / reception points (TRPs). Each access network transport entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed among various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or may be combined in a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0095] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the very high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band, due to its wavelengths ranging from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but these waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for macro cells to provide service to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmissions using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter distances (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than transmissions using the lower frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0096] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the super high frequency (SHF) region using a frequency band from 3 GHz to 30 GHz (also referred to as a centimeter wave band), or in the extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), which is also referred to as a millimeter wave band. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antenna of the corresponding device may be even smaller and more compact than the UHF antenna. In some examples, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may suffer from greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter transmission distances than SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein may be employed in transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the designated use of frequency bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulatory agency.

[0097] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in unlicensed bands such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in an unlicensed radio spectrum band, devices such as base stations 105 and UEs 115 can employ carrier sensing to achieve conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands can be based on a carrier aggregation configuration combined with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among other examples.

[0098] Base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. Antennas based on 105 or UE 115 may be located in one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that may support MIMO operations or transmit beams or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be located at the same antenna assembly (e.g., an antenna tower). In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with base station 105 may be located at different geographic locations. Base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that may be used by base station 105 to support beamforming for communications with UE 115. Similarly, UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0099] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or receiving device (e.g., base station 105, UE 115) to shape or control an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array so that certain signals propagating in a particular orientation with respect to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals transmitted via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried by antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each antenna element may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to an antenna array of a transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

[0100] The base station 105 or the UE 115 may use beam scanning techniques as part of a beamforming operation. For example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communications with the UE 115. The base station 105 may transmit some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) multiple times in different directions. For example, the base station 105 may transmit signals according to different sets of beamforming weights associated with different transmission directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device such as the base station 105 or a receiving device such as the UE 115) a beam direction for later transmission or reception by the base station 105.

[0101] The wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication of the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. The radio link control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate through logical channels. The medium access control (MAC) layer may perform priority processing, as well as multiplexing of logical channels to transport channels. The MAC layer may also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide the establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE 115 and a base station 105 or a core network 130 that supports radio bearers for user plane data. At the physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

[0102] UE 115 and base station 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood of successfully receiving the data. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technique for increasing the likelihood of correctly receiving data through communication link 125. HARQ may include a combination of error correction (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve the throughput of the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, the device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, in which case the device may provide HARQ feedback in a particular time slot for data received in a previous symbol of the time slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0103] The wireless communication system 100 may be a distributed system in which UEs 115 and 116 monitor and receive packets from one or more other UEs 115 and 116, for example, via a communication link 135 (e.g., a side link). One or more UEs 115 and a remote UE 116 using the communication link 135 may be within or outside the coverage area 110 and may be configured for ProSe multi-hop relay at one or more protocol stack layers (e.g., at Layer 2 and Layer 3). In some examples, the UE 115 may be a UE-to-network relay, which may also be referred to herein as a network relay UE. The UE-to-network relay UE 115 may be connected to a network via a communication link 125 (e.g., a Uu interface link) and may also be connected to a remote UE 116 via a communication link 135. Thus, the UE-to-network relay UE 115 may send traffic between the network and the remote UE 116.

[0104] In some cases, UE 115 can benefit from remote UE 116 relaying information from the network to UE 115 via UE to network repeater UE 115, which may also be referred to as client UE in this article. For example, the signal quality between client UE 115 and the network and UE to network repeater UE 115 may be poor. Therefore, it may be beneficial to configure remote UE 116 as a repeater. Specifically, remote UE 116 can be configured as a multi-hop repeater so that the service passes through at least a first hop (e.g., Uu interface) and a second hop (e.g., side link). In some cases, additional hops may be included. Traditionally, multi-hop repeaters across one or more side links are inefficient and resource-intensive because UE 115 and 116 communicating via side links are limited to broadcast side link communications. Relaying services via broadcast communications over multiple hops on the side link may result in large signaling overhead, resulting in inefficient communication. The use of unicast or multicast or both can allow UE 115 to efficiently relay traffic over one or more side link hops. In some examples, UE 115 can be configured for public safety, such as an emergency response radio that can benefit from multi-hop relay operation. In some examples, remote UE 116 can act as a multi-hop relay or a client UE, and client UE 115 or remote UE 116 can act as a remote UE or a multi-hop relay.

[0105] ProSe AS layer (e.g., Layer 2) and higher layer (e.g., Layer 3) designs may be enhanced to support relay operation with multi-hop operation support. For example, these designs may include UE 115 or 116 relay discovery and authorization, address management, and routing and connection establishment. Each of these features may use a new signaling protocol and introduce additional information elements. For example, a remote UE 116 may be configured and authorized as a relay UE. This new authorization protocol may include: UE 115 acts as a UE to network relay, which indicates the relay configuration to the remote UE 116. The relay configuration message may serve as an authorization for the remote UE 116 to start acting as a relay UE. The remote UE 116 may notify the UE to network relay UE 115 that the configuration has been successful and start a relay discovery process. When the UE 115 discovers and connects to the remote UE 116, the remote UE 116 may provide network services to the UE 115, which may be a client UE 115 of the remote UE 116. Therefore, the AS layer and higher layer designs may support such configuration and operation of the remote UE 116 as a multi-hop UE to improve network coverage and utilization.

[0106] Figure 2According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, the wireless communication system 200 can be an NR ProSe system, and can include a base station 105-a and UEs 115-a, 115-b, and 115-c, which can be respectively as described in reference Figure 1 Examples of base stations 105 and UEs 115 are described. Figure 2 The described techniques may also be applied to communications in systems other than ProSe systems.

[0107] UE 115 in wireless communication system 200 can be distributed throughout the system and communicate via side link 210. In some examples, UE 115-a can be within the coverage area 110-a of base station 105-a. Therefore, UE 115-a and base station 105-a can communicate via Uu link 205. In some cases, UE 115-b and 115-c can be outside the coverage area 110-a of base station 105-a and cannot communicate directly with base station 105-a. In other cases, UE 115-b and 115-c may be within the coverage area 110-a of base station 105-a, but the direct connection with base station 105-a may be poor. Therefore, UE 115-b can communicate indirectly with base station 105-a via side link 210-a through network repeater UE 115-a, where network repeater UE 115-a can be UE to network repeater UE 115. UE 115 - c may communicate indirectly with base station 105 - a via side links 210 - a and 210 - b through UE 115 - a and UE 115 - b , which may be multi-hop relays.

[0108] A multi-hop relay on the side link 210 may present different challenges than the hop design on the Uu link 205 because the side link PC5 interface is different from the Uu interface. The traditional PC5 interface layer is not designed to support ProSe multi-hop relay operation. To support operation, after the side link 210-a is established between UE 115-a and UE 115-b, the network relay UE 115 (e.g., UE 115-a) can configure and authorize the multi-hop relay UE (e.g., remote UE 115-b) to operate as a relay via a relay configuration 220. The relay configuration 220 of the remote UE 115-b may include: the remote UE 115 requests the relay configuration 220 from the network relay UE 115-a. UE115-a can request a new relay service from the network via the Uu link 205 with the base station 105-a. In some cases, the relay service request can be based on the relay configuration request from UE 115-b. The base station 105-a may send a relay service code assignment in response to the relay service request to the UE 115-a. The UE 115-a may send a relay configuration 220 to the UE 115-b on the side link 210-a via a PC5 message. The relay configuration 220 may include a relay service code, an indicator of hop information from the network, supported QoS levels, a cell ID, or other information about the connection provided by the multi-hop relay (which may allow other UEs 115 (e.g., UE 115-c) to perform selection of the relay UE 115-b). In some cases, the UE 115-b may send an acknowledgment (ACK) for the relay configuration 220 to the UE 115-a. The UE 115-b may update the side link 210-a with the UE 115-a so as to function as a multi-hop relay.

[0109] Once the multi-hop relay configuration 220 of UE 115-b is completed, UE 115-b can begin sending relay discovery announcements. In some cases, relay discovery announcements can be referred to as relay discovery messages or discovery responses. For example, UE 115-b can periodically broadcast relay discovery announcements based on scheduling. In another example, UE 115-b can send unicast discovery announcements to UE 115 (e.g., UE 115-c) in response to a discovery query from UE 115. The relay discovery announcement can include relay information for UE 115.

[0110] After the relay client UE 115 (e.g., UE 115-c) discovers and then selects the relay UE 115-b, additional new relay UE behaviors may be followed during the relay operation. In some examples, the relay UE 115-b may be used as a transparent repeater to form a connection between the client UE 115-c and the network relay UE 115-a. In another example, the relay UE 115-b may directly establish a secure connection with the client UE 115-c, and the relay UE 115-b may report the communication from the client UE 115-c to the network relay UE 115-a (as a new service for the relay UE 115-b). For example, the relay UE 115-b may receive the relay service 225 from the client UE 115-c. The relay UE 115-b may forward the relay service 225 to the network. Thus, the relay UE 115-b may not be transparent, and the network relay UE 115-a may not be aware of the client UE 115-c or report the client UE 115-c to the base station 105-a unless instructed to do so by the UE 115-b.

[0111] In some cases, the side link 210 may be referred to as a PC5 link. The PC5 interface may include multiple planes such as a PC5 discovery plane (PC5-D), a PC5 signaling protocol stack (PC5-S), and a PC5 user plane (PC5-U). PC5-D may be used for direct discovery, which allows UE 115 to discover other nearby UEs 115. In some examples, the ProSe protocol may interact directly with the MAC layer. PC5-S may be used for control plane signaling on the PC5 interface to establish, maintain, and release a secure direct link between UEs 115. When UE 115 is directly connected to the network, PC5-S may interact with the control plane PC3 interface for service authorization. PC5-U may be used to send traffic directly between UEs 115. For example, UE 115 may establish one or more logical channels, and a logical channel identifier (LCID) that uniquely identifies a logical channel may be included in a MAC header or in a subheader. In some cases, an IP address or prefix may be accessed on PC5-U (e.g., in an IP table). The ProSe traffic flow may be routed to the right side link radio bearer (SLRB) using IP information.

[0112] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a process flow 300 for supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. In some examples, the process flow 300 can implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100 and 200. The process flow 300 can include a remote UE 115-d (which can be as described in relation to Figure 2115-b) and a network relay UE 115-e (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 The process flow 300 may also include a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 305, an AMF 310, a session management control function (SMF) 315, and a UPF 320.

[0113] In the following description of the process flow 300, the operations of the remote UE 115-d, the network relay UE 115-e, the NG-RAN 305, the AMF 310, the SMF 315, and the UPF 320 may occur in an order different from the exemplary order shown. Some of the illustrated operations may also be excluded from the process flow 300, or other operations may be added to the process flow 300. It should be understood that although the remote UE 115-d, the network relay UE 115-e, the NG-RAN 305, the AMF 310, the SMF 315, and the UPF 320 are shown as performing multiple operations of the process flow 300, any wireless device may perform the operations shown.

[0114] At 325, the network relay UE 115-e, NG-RAN 305, AMF 310, SMF 315, and UPF 320 may go through authorization and provisioning of the ProSe UE to the network relay (i.e., network relay UE 115-e) to connect to the network. In some examples, an RRC may be established between the network relay UE 115-e and the network (e.g., NG-RAN 305).

[0115] At 330, the remote UE 115-d, the network relay UE 115-e, the NG-RAN 305, the AMF 310, the SMF 315 and the UPF 320 may go through the process of authorizing and provisioning the ProSe UE to the network relay (i.e., the network relay UE 115-e) in order to provide the remote UE 115-d with connectivity to the network.

[0116] At 335, the network relay UE 115-e, NG-RAN 305, AMF 310, SMF 315 and UPF 320 may establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session or PDN connection.

[0117] At 340, the remote UE 115-d and the network relay UE 115-e may discover each other according to a discovery process. For example, the remote UE 115-d may identify the presence of at least one appropriate relay UE 115 (e.g., network relay UE 115-e) in its vicinity to request relay service. The network relay UE 115-e may announce its presence by sending one or more discovery messages (e.g., relay discovery messages). During the discovery process, the remote UE 115-d may evaluate the network relay UE 115-e's ability to support the remote UE 115-d as a multi-hop relay. If the network relay UE 115-e is capable of supporting the remote UE 115-d as a multi-hop relay, the remote UE 115-d and the network relay UE 115-e may proceed to 345.

[0118] At 345, the remote UE 115-d and the network relay UE 115-e may establish a connection for one-to-one communication to provide relay services to the remote UE 115-d via unicast traffic on the sidelink. Upon establishing the direct connection, an IP address may be allocated to the remote UE 115-b at 355 for traffic relayed at 365.

[0119] At 350, the remote UE 115-d, the network relay UE 115-e, the NG-RAN 305, the AMF 310, the SMF 315, and the UPF 320 may establish a new PDU session or PDN connection, or may modify an existing PDU session or PDN connection, for relaying traffic to the remote UE 115-d. Establishing the connection at 345 and 350 may support the remote UE 115-d as a multi-hop relay to serve additional UEs 115. For example, a multi-hop relay may require a higher QoS level than that for a non-relay UE 115.

[0120] At 355, the remote UE 115-d may receive an IP address or prefix assignment from the network relay UE 115-e.

[0121] At 360, after the network relay UE 115-e establishes a one-to-one direct link with the remote UE 115-d, the network relay UE 115-e may report information about the remote UE 115-d to the network. The reporting process may be enhanced from the previous reporting to support the remote UE 115-d as a multi-hop relay so that additional UEs may be served by the remote UE 115-d. For example, the network relay UE 115-e may report the relay capability of the remote UE 115-d to the network for future authorization of the remote UE 115-d.

[0122] At 365, the network relay UE 115-e may relay the traffic 370 from the network to the remote UE 115-d. The remote UE 115-d may further relay the relayed traffic to another UE 115.

[0123] Figure 4 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a process flow 400 for supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. In some examples, the process flow 400 can implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100 and 200. The process flow 400 can include a remote UE 115-f (which can be as described in relation to Figure 2 115-b), a network relay UE 115-g (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 115-a) and a network base station 105-b (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 An example of a base station 105-a is described.) The following process may configure and authorize a remote UE 115-f as a multi-hop relay.

[0124] In the following description of process flow 400, the operations of remote UE 115-f, network relay UE 115-g, and base station 105-b may occur in an order different from the exemplary order shown. Certain illustrated operations may also be excluded from process flow 400, or other operations may be added to process flow 400. It should be understood that although remote UE 115-f, network relay UE 115-g, and base station 105-b are shown as performing multiple operations of process flow 400, any wireless device may perform the operations shown. In some examples, process flow 400 may follow process flow 300, and network relay UE 115-g may have a communication link established with the network via base station 105-b.

[0125] At 405, the remote UE 115-f may send a relay configuration request and the network relay UE 115-g may receive. In some examples, the remote UE 115-f capable of acting as a multi-hop relay may indicate its relay capabilities and request configuration using the PC5-S signaling message: Relay Configuration Request.

[0126] At 410, the network relay UE 115-g may send a relay service code request, and the network base station 105-b may receive it. In some cases, the network relay UE 115-g may perform additional signaling to the 5G system via the network base station 105-b to request a new relay service code for the multi-hop relay via the remote UE 115-f. The network base station 105-b or the network relay UE 115-g may determine whether the remote UE 115-f can be used as a multi-hop relay based on the authorization information. In some examples, the network relay UE 115-g may determine that the remote UE 115-f can be used as a multi-hop relay based on the authorization information, and the network relay UE 115-g may send the relay service code request to the network based on the determination. Additionally or alternatively, the network relay UE 115-g that sends the relay service code request may indicate a determination that the remote UE 115-f can be used as a multi-hop relay.

[0127] At 415, the network base station 105-b may send a relay service code assignment for the multi-hop repeater, and the network repeater UE 115-g may receive it. In some examples, the relay service code assignment from the network base station 105-b may serve as an authorization or determination by the network that the remote UE 115-f is able to function as a multi-hop repeater.

[0128] At 420, the network relay UE 115-g may send a relay configuration (which may be about Figure 2 105 -f ), and the remote UE 115 -f may receive it. The relay configuration may authorize the remote UE 115 -f to act as a multi-hop repeater to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs 115 115 . The relay configuration may correspond to the relay service code assignment received by the network repeater UE 115 -g at 415 . In addition, the relay configuration may authorize the remote UE 115 -f to operate as a multi-hop repeater and may use a new PC5-S signaling message: relay configuration. In some examples, the relay configuration may include: a relay service code indicating the supported relay services and a public land mobile network (PLMN) ID of the underlying network (e.g., a 5G system), an indicator of hop information from the network base station 105 -b (e.g., one Uu interface hop and one sidelink PC5 interface hop), supported QoS levels, cell IDs, or other information about the connection provided by the multi-hop repeater. This information in the relay configuration may allow other UEs 115 to perform a selection of relays based on the information, such as a selection between a network relay UE 115-g and a remote UE 115-f. For example, another UE 115 may select a relay with a higher QoS level.

[0129] At 425, in response to successfully receiving the relay configuration at 420, the remote UE 115-f may send a relay configuration ACK via a new PC5-S message, and the network relay UE 115-g may receive it.

[0130] At 430, the remote UE 115-f may initiate a link update with the network relay UE 115-g to support the configured multi-hop relay operation based on successfully receiving the relay configuration at 420. For example, the remote UE 115-f may update the layer 2 link with the network relay UE 115-g to function as a multi-hop relay, such as adding a new IP prefix allocation for the remote UE 115-f for relay service, and the like.

[0131] At 435, the remote UE 115-f may send a relay discovery announcement or a relay discovery message to one or more other UEs 115. The relay discovery message may include relay information for discovery and selection by other UEs 115. For example, the remote UE 115-f may actively send a relay discovery message periodically according to a schedule (e.g., model A). In another example, the remote UE 115-f may send a relay discovery message (e.g., model B) in response to a discovery query or request from another UE 115. The relay discovery message may include relay information based on information in the relay configuration received by the remote UE 115-f at 420. For example, the relay information may include hop information, network information, and QoS level information.

[0132] Figure 5 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a process flow 500 for supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. In some examples, the process flow 500 can implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100 and 200. The process flow 500 can include a client UE 115-h (which can be as described above) Figure 2 115-c), a remote UE 115-i (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 115-b), a network relay UE 115-j (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 115-a) and a network base station 105-c (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 An example of a base station 105-a is described).

[0133] In the following description of process flow 500, the operations of client UE 115-h, remote UE 115-i, network repeater UE 115-j, and base station 105-c may occur in an order different from the exemplary order shown. Certain illustrated operations may also be excluded from process flow 500, or other operations may be added to process flow 500. It should be understood that although client UE 115-h, remote UE 115-i, network repeater UE 115-j, and base station 105-c are shown as performing multiple operations of process flow 500, any wireless device may perform the operations shown. In some examples, the operations of process flow 500 may provide network connection services to one or more client UEs 115-h through remote UE 115-i according to the relay configuration, and the operations of process flow 500 may follow the operations of process flow 400.

[0134] At 505, the remote UE 115-i may send a discovery signal to the client UE 115-h, as described above with respect to Figure 4 Described at 435. The client UE 115-h may select the remote UE 115-i as a multi-hop relay based on the discovery signal. For example, the client UE 115-h may select the remote UE 115-i as a multi-hop relay based on the relay information included in the discovery signal sent by the remote UE 115-i.

[0135] At 510, the client UE 115-h may send a direct communication request, and the remote UE 115-i may receive it. The communication request may request a relay service from the remote UE 115-i. In some examples, the direct communication request message may also be referred to as a relay service request or a relay connection request. The communication request may include a service request and an ID of one or more client UEs 115-h. The requested services may include, for example, S-NSSAI, PLMN ID, data network name (DNN), session and service continuity (SSC) mode, QoS, etc., which may be in the form of a relay service code. Additionally or alternatively, each client UE 115-h may indicate its identity, for example, in the form of an application layer ID.

[0136] At 515, the remote UE 115-i may send, and the network relay UE 115-j may receive, the relayed communication request from the client UE 115-h via a sidelink (e.g., a sidelink channel established prior to or during relay configuration of the remote UE 115-i). In some examples, the remote UE 115-i uses a pre-established channel (e.g., a pre-established signaling radio bearer (SRB), such as in Figure 4The PC5-S communication request is relayed to the network repeater UE 115-j using a link update 430 of the client UE 115-h or other pre-configured channel. The network repeater UE 115-j may determine that the communication request is a relayed connection request (e.g., based on the service request or the client UE 115-h ID), and trust the remote UE 115-i to have the following relay operation.

[0137] At 520, the client UE 115-h, the remote UE 115-i, and the network repeater UE 115-j may establish a connection for a one-to-one combination via a side link. For example, the client UE 115-h may perform a relay connection establishment with the remote UE 115-i. In some cases, the remote UE 115-i may act as a transparent relay for the PC5-S signaling message. Therefore, the network repeater UE 115-j may trust the remote UE 115-i and may allow the remote UE 115-i to process the security keys of the client UE 115-h. For example, the remote UE 115-i may receive security keys from the network repeater UE 115-j and use these security keys to establish a communication link with one or more client UEs 115-h. The remote UE 115-i may act as a network repeater for the client UE 115-h.

[0138] At 525, the network relay UE 115-j may establish a new PDU session or PDN connection with the network via the base station 105-c, for example based on the direct configuration.

[0139] At 530, the network relay UE 115-j may assign an IP address or prefix to the client UE 115-h based on the session established at 525, the network relay UE 115-j may send the IP address or prefix assignment for the relay service, and the remote UE 115-i may receive it.

[0140] At 535 , the remote UE 115 - i may relay the IP prefix or address assignment received at 530 to the client UE 115 - h .

[0141] At 540, the network relay UE 115-j may report the remote UE 115-i and the client UE 115-h to the base station 105-c. The report may be based on the direct communication request at 515, for example, because the client UE 115-h is visible to the network relay UE 115-j. The relay traffic routing at 545 may be based on the report.

[0142] At 545, the network relay UE 115-j may send the relayed traffic from the network via the remote UE 115-i, and the client UE 115-h may receive it. For example, the remote UE 115-i may use the IP addresses or prefixes from 530 and 535 to relay communications from the network to one or more client UEs 115-h via the network relay UE 115-j.

[0143] Figure 6 According to aspects of the present disclosure, an example of a process flow 600 for supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. In some examples, the process flow 600 may implement aspects of the wireless communication systems 100 and 200. The process flow 600 may include a client UE 115-k (which may be as described above) Figure 2 115-c), a remote UE 115-1 (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 115-b), a network relay UE 115-m (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 115-a) and a network base station 105-d (which may be as described with respect to Figure 2 An example of a base station 105-a is described).

[0144] In the following description of process flow 600, the operations of client UE 115-k, remote UE 115-1, network relay UE 115-m, and base station 105-d may occur in an order different from the exemplary order shown. Some illustrated operations may also be excluded from process flow 600, or other operations may be added to process flow 600. It should be understood that although client UE 115-k, remote UE 115-1, network relay UE 115-m, and base station 105-d are shown as performing multiple operations of process flow 600, any wireless device may perform the operations shown. In some cases, the operations of process flow 600 may provide network connection services to one or more client UEs 115-k through remote UE 115-1 according to the relay configuration, and the operations of process flow 600 may follow the operations of process flow 400.

[0145] At 605, the remote UE 115-1 may send a discovery signal to the client UE 115-k, as described above with respect to Figure 4 The client UE 115-k may select the remote UE 115-1 as a multi-hop relay based on the discovery signal, as described at 435. For example, the client UE 115-k may select the remote UE 115-1 as a multi-hop relay based on the relay information included in the discovery signal sent by the remote UE 115-1.

[0146] At 610, the client UE 115-k may send a direct communication request, and the remote UE 115-1 may receive it. The communication request may request a relay service from the remote UE 115-1. In some examples, the direct communication request message may also be referred to as a relay service request or a relay connection request. The communication request may include a service request and the IDs of one or more client UEs 115-k. The requested services may include, for example, S-NSSAI, PLMN ID, DNN, SSC mode, QoS, etc., which may be in the form of a relay service code. Additionally or alternatively, each client UE 115-k may indicate its identity in the request (e.g., in the form of an application layer ID).

[0147] At 615, the remote UE 115-1 may directly perform connection establishment for one-to-one communication with the client UE 115-k because the remote UE 115-1 may be authorized to access the necessary security information for security association. In some examples, the remote UE 115-1 may be assigned an IP address or prefix for one or more client UEs 115-k based on an IP address or prefix used by the remote UE 115-1 previously received from the network relay UE 115-m, and may establish a communication link with the one or more client UEs 115-k using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs 115-k.

[0148] At 620, the remote UE 115-1 may send a service request to the network relay UE via the communication link. For example, the remote UE 115-1 may request a new service from the network relay UE 115-m based on what relay service the client UE 115-k requested at 610. The service request may include a request for DNN, S-NSSAI, SSC mode, QoS, etc., and the client UE 115-k ID. The new service request may be a new PC5-S signaling message, which may also be referred to as a relay connection update, a layer 2 link modification request, etc.

[0149] At 625 , the network relay UE 115 - m may establish a new PDU session or PDN connection with the network via the base station 105 - d , for example based on the service request at 620 .

[0150] At 630, the network relay UE 115-m may send an ACK in response to the service request, and the remote UE 115-1 may receive it. In some cases, the ACK may include an update of the layer 2 link between the network relay UE 115-m and the remote UE 115-1. Additionally or alternatively, the ACK may result in the establishment of a new layer 2 link or the establishment of a new QoS flow.

[0151] At 635, the remote UE 115-1 may send, and the network relay UE 115-m may receive, a reporting request requesting the network relay UE 115-m to report one or more client UEs 115-k to the network via the base station 105-d.

[0152] At 640, the network relay UE 115-m may send a report of the client UE 115-k to the base station 105-d based on receiving the report request from the remote UE 115-1 at 635 or receiving the service request at 620. In some cases, the relay traffic routing at 645 may be based on the report.

[0153] At 645 , the remote UE 115 - 1 may send the relayed traffic communications from the network to one or more client UEs 115 - h using the IP address or prefix of the client UE 115 - k from 615 .

[0154] Figure 7 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a block diagram 700 of a device 705 supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. The device 705 may be an example of some aspects of the UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a communication manager 715, and a transmitter 720. The device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0155] The receiver 710 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to proximity service multi-hop relay configuration, etc.). The information may be transmitted to other components of the device 705. The receiver 710 may be a reference Fig.10 Examples of some aspects of the described transceiver 1020. The receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0156] The communication manager 715 can establish a communication link with the network, send a relay configuration to the remote UE, the relay configuration authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs, and provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The communication manager 715 can also receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more UEs outside the network coverage, send a relay discovery message including relay information based on the received relay configuration, and provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. The communication manager 715 can be an example of some aspects of the communication manager 1010 described herein.

[0157] The actions performed by the communication manager 715 as described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow the UE 115 to act as a relay or connect to a network via a relay, which may allow for greater network coverage or utilization. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may provide relay communications with reduced overhead signaling by communicating via unicast or multicast transmissions. Another implementation may provide improved quality of service and reliability at the UE 115 because the link quality via a relay may be improved relative to other link options.

[0158] In addition, the processor of UE 115 (e.g., controlling the receiver 710, the transmitter 740 or the reference Fig.10 The transceiver 1020 described above can efficiently determine that the UE 115 is configured as a multi-hop UE on the PC5 link. In addition, the processor of the UE 115 can send a relay discovery message to the potential client UE 115. The processor of the UE 115 can turn on one or more processing units to receive a relay configuration or similar mechanism within the UE 115. Therefore, when the relay configuration is received, the processor can be ready to respond more efficiently to serve the client UE 115 in the ProSe system.

[0159] The communication manager 715 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, code executed by a processor (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. When implemented in code executed by a processor, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof for performing the functions described in the present disclosure may perform the functions of the communication manager 715 or its subcomponents.

[0160] The communication manager 715 or its subcomponents may be physically distributed in multiple locations, including being distributed as a portion of implementing functionality at different physical locations through one or more physical components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 715 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 715 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0161] The transmitter 720 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 705. In some examples, the transmitter 720 can be co-located with the receiver 710 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 720 can be a reference Fig.10 Examples of some aspects of the described transceiver 1020. The transmitter 720 may utilize a single antenna, or may utilize a group of antennas.

[0162] Figure 8 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a block diagram 800 of a device 805 supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. The device 805 may be an example of some aspects of the device 705 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 805 may include a receiver 810, a communication manager 815, and a transmitter 835. The device 805 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0163] The receiver 810 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to proximity service multi-hop relay configuration, etc.). The information may be transmitted to other components of the device 805. The receiver 810 may be a reference Fig.10 Examples of some aspects of the described transceiver 1020. The receiver 810 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0164] The communication manager 815 may be an example of some aspects of the communication manager 715 as described herein. The communication manager 815 may include a network link generator 820, a relay configuration manager 825, a multi-hop relay controller 830, and a discovery component 835. The communication manager 815 may be an example of some aspects of the communication manager 1010 as described herein.

[0165] The network link generator 820 may establish a communication link with the network.

[0166] The relay configuration manager 825 may send a relay configuration to a remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs.

[0167] The multi-hop relay controller 830 may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration.

[0168] The relay configuration manager 825 may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage.

[0169] Discovery component 835 can send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving the relay configuration.

[0170] The multi-hop relay controller 830 may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message.

[0171] The transmitter 840 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device 805. In some examples, the transmitter 840 can be co-located with the receiver 810 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 840 can be a reference Fig.10 Examples of some aspects of the described transceiver 1020. The transmitter 840 may utilize a single antenna, or may utilize a group of antennas.

[0172] Fig. 9 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a block diagram 900 of a communication manager 905 supporting a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration is shown. The communication manager 905 may be an example of some aspects of the communication manager 715, the communication manager 815, or the communication manager 1010 described herein. The communication manager 905 may include a network link generator 910, a relay configuration manager 915, a multi-hop relay controller 920, a feedback component 925, a relay configuration request manager 930, a service code component 935, a communication link manager 940, a relay communication controller 945, a PDU session manager 950, an IP component 955, a client UE reporter 960, a service request component 965, a discovery component 970, a relay information manager 975, a communication request controller 980, a relay component 985, a security manager 990, and a relay link generator 995. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0173] The network link generator 910 may establish a communication link with the network.

[0174] The relay configuration manager 915 may send a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs. In some examples, the relay configuration manager 915 may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs outside the network coverage. In some cases, the relay configuration includes one or more of a relay service code, hop information, quality of service information, and network information. In some cases, the relay service code indicates the services supported by the network.

[0175] The multi-hop relay controller 920 may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. In some examples, the multi-hop relay controller 920 may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. In some examples, the multi-hop relay controller 920 may determine that the remote UE is capable of acting as a multi-hop relay based on the authorization information, wherein the sending of the relay service code request to the network is further based on the determination and indicates that the remote UE is capable of acting as a multi-hop relay. In some cases, the connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs is a side link connection.

[0176] Feedback component 925 may receive an acknowledgement from the remote UE based on sending the relay configuration. In some examples, feedback component 925 may send an acknowledgement in response to the service request to the remote UE. In some examples, feedback component 925 may send an acknowledgement to the network relay UE based on receiving the relay configuration. In some examples, feedback component 925 may receive an acknowledgement in response to the service request from the network relay UE.

[0177] The relay configuration request manager 930 may receive a relay configuration request including UE capability information from a remote UE, wherein sending the relay configuration is based on the relay configuration request. In some examples, the relay configuration request manager 930 may send a relay configuration request including UE capability information to a network relay UE, wherein receiving the relay configuration is based on the relay configuration request.

[0178] The service code component 935 can send a relay service code request to the network based on receiving the relay configuration request. In some examples, the service code component 935 can receive a code allocation for the remote UE as a multi-hop relay from the network, wherein the received code allocation indicates that the remote UE can function as a multi-hop relay.

[0179] The communication link manager 940 may update the communication link with the remote UE based on the relay configuration. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may assign an IP address or prefix to the remote UE. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may update the communication link with the remote UE based on receiving a service request. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may update the communication link with the network repeater UE based on sending a confirmation. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may receive an IP address or prefix from the network repeater UE. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may establish a communication link with one or more client UEs using an Internet Protocol address or prefix for one or more client UEs. In some examples, the communication link manager 940 may update the communication link with the network repeater UE based on the service request.

[0180] The relay communication controller 945 may receive a communication request from a remote UE via a second communication link, wherein the communication request is relayed from one or more client UEs of the remote UE. In some cases, the communication request includes a service request and IDs of one or more client UEs.

[0181] The PDU session manager 950 may establish a PDU session or a PDN connection with the network based on receiving a communication request. In some examples, the PDU session manager 950 may establish a PDU session or a PDN connection with the network based on receiving a service request.

[0182] The IP component 955 may assign an IP address or prefix to the client UE. In some examples, the IP component 955 may send the IP address or prefix to the client UE via the remote UE. In some examples, the IP component 955 may receive an IP address or prefix for one or more client UEs from a network relay UE based on a communication request. In some examples, the IP component 955 may send an IP address or prefix to one or more client UEs.

[0183] In some examples, IP component 955 can assign an IP address or prefix to one or more client UEs based on an IP address or prefix of a remote UE received from a network relay UE.

[0184] The client UE reporter 960 may report the client UE to the network based on receiving a communication request. In some examples, the client UE reporter 960 may report the client UE to the network based on receiving a report request from a remote UE or receiving a service request. In some examples, the client UE reporter 960 may send a report request to a network relay UE, the report request requesting the network relay UE to report one or more client UEs to the network.

[0185] The service request component 965 may receive a service request from a remote UE via a communication link. In some examples, the service request component 965 may send a service request to a network relay UE via a communication link. In some cases, the service request includes an ID of a client UE. In some cases, the service request includes an ID of one or more client UEs.

[0186] Discovery component 970 may send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving a relay configuration. In some examples, discovery component 970 may send a relay discovery message according to a periodic schedule. In some examples, discovery component 970 may receive a discovery query from one or more client UEs. In some examples, discovery component 970 may send a relay discovery message in response to the query.

[0187] The relay information manager 975 may generate relay information. In some cases, the relay information includes one or more of hop information, QoS information, and network information.

[0188] The communication request controller 980 may receive a communication request from one or more client UEs based on sending the relay discovery message. In some cases, the communication request includes a service request and an ID of one or more client UEs.

[0189] Relay component 985 can send communication requests from one or more client UEs to a network relay UE. In some examples, relay component 985 can relay communications from a network to one or more client UEs via a network relay UE using an IP address or prefix. In some examples, relay component 985 can relay communications from a network to one or more client UEs using an IP address or prefix for one or more client UEs.

[0190] The security manager 990 may receive security keys from the network relay UE.

[0191] The relay link generator 995 may use the security key to establish a communication link with one or more client UEs.

[0192] Fig.10According to aspects of the present disclosure, a diagram of a system 1000 including a device 1005 is shown, wherein the device 1005 supports a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration. The device 1005 can be an example of a device 705, a device 805, or a UE 115 as described herein, or include a component of the device 705, the device 805, or the UE 115. The device 1005 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending communications and components for receiving communications, including a communication manager 1010, an I / O controller 1015, a transceiver 1020, an antenna 1025, a memory 1030, and a processor 1040. These components can be in electrical communication via one or more buses (e.g., a bus 1045).

[0193] The communication manager 1010 can establish a communication link with the network, send a relay configuration to a remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs, and provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The communication manager 1010 can also receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide a connection to the network for one or more client UEs outside the network coverage, send a relay discovery message including relay information based on the received relay configuration, and provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message.

[0194] I / O controller 1015 can manage input and output signals for device 1005. I / O controller 1015 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1005. In some cases, I / O controller 1015 can represent a physical connection or port for external peripheral devices. In some cases, I / O controller 1015 can utilize a computer such as a , or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 1015 may represent a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device, or interact with these devices. In some cases, I / O controller 1015 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 1005 via I / O controller 1015 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1015.

[0195] The transceiver 1020 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1020 can represent a wireless transceiver that can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1020 can also include a modem to modulate packets, provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0196] In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna 1025. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 1025 that can simultaneously send or receive multiple wireless transmissions.

[0197] The memory 1030 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 1030 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1035 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 1010 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, specifically, the memory 1030 may contain a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations (e.g., interaction with peripheral components or devices).

[0198] Processor 1040 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a separate gate or transistor logic component, a separate hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1040 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1040. Processor 1040 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1030) to cause device 1005 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks to support a proximity service multi-hop relay configuration).

[0199] The code 1035 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 1035 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 1035 may not be executed directly by the processor 1040, but causes the computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0200] Fig.11According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1100 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0201] At 1105, the UE may establish a communication link with the network. The operations of 1105 may be performed according to methods as described herein.

[0202] In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1105 can be described by referring to Figures 7 to 10 The described network link generator is performed.

[0203] At 1110, the UE may send a relay configuration to a remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to a network for one or more client UEs. The operations of 1110 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1110 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0204] At 1115, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The operations of 1115 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1115 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0205] Fig.12 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1200 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0206] At 1205, the UE may receive a relay configuration request including UE capability information from a remote UE, wherein sending the relay configuration is based on the relay configuration request. The operations of 1205 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1205 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration is executed by the request manager.

[0207] At 1210, the UE may send a relay service code request to the network based on receiving the relay configuration request. The operations of 1210 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1210 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described service code components are executed.

[0208] At 1215, the UE may receive from the network a code assignment for the remote UE as a multi-hop relay, wherein receiving the code assignment indicates that the remote UE may act as a multi-hop relay. The operations of 1215 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1215 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described service code components are executed.

[0209] At 1220, the UE may establish a communication link with the network. The operations of 1220 may be performed according to methods as described herein.

[0210] In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1220 can be described by referring to Figures 7 to 10 The described network link generator is performed.

[0211] At 1225, the UE may send a relay configuration to the remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs. The operations of 1225 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1225 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0212] At 1230, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The operations of 1230 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1230 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0213] Fig.13According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1300 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0214] At 1305, the UE may establish a communication link with the network. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described network link generator is performed.

[0215] At 1310, the UE may send a relay configuration to a remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to a network for one or more client UEs. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0216] At 1315, the UE may update the communication link with the remote UE based on the relay configuration. The operations of 1315 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1315 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication link manager is executed.

[0217] At 1320, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The operations of 1320 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1320 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0218] Fig.14 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1400 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0219] At 1405, the UE may establish a communication link with the network. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to methods as described herein.

[0220] In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1405 can be described by referring to Figures 7 to 10 The described network link generator is performed.

[0221] At 1410, the UE may send a relay configuration to a remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to a network for one or more client UEs. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0222] At 1415, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0223] At 1420, the UE may receive a communication request from a remote UE via a second communication link, wherein the communication request is relayed from one of the remote UEs or the client UE. The operations of 1420 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1420 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay communication controller is executed.

[0224] At 1425, the UE may establish a PDU session or a PDN connection with the network based on receiving the communication request. The operations of 1425 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1425 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described PDU session manager is implemented.

[0225] At 1430, the UE may assign an IP address or prefix to one or more client UEs. The operations of 1430 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1430 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described IP components are implemented.

[0226] At 1435, the UE may send an Internet Protocol address or prefix to one or more client UEs via the remote UE. The operations of 1435 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1435 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described IP components are implemented.

[0227] At 1440, the UE may report one or more client UEs to the network based on receiving the communication request. The operations of 1440 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1440 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described client UE reporter is performed.

[0228] Fig.15 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1500 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0229] At 1505, the UE may establish a communication link with the network. The operations of 1505 may be performed according to methods as described herein.

[0230] In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1505 can be described by referring to Figures 7 to 10 The described network link generator is performed.

[0231] At 1510, the UE may send a relay configuration to a remote UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to a network for one or more client UEs. The operations of 1510 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0232] At 1515, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0233] At 1520, the UE may receive a service request from a remote UE via a second communication link. The operations of 1520 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1520 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described service requests a component to perform.

[0234] At 1525, the UE may send an acknowledgment in response to the service request to the remote UE. The operations of 1525 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1525 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The feedback component described is performed.

[0235] At 1530, the UE may establish a PDU session or a PDN connection with the network based on receiving the service request. The operations of 1530 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1530 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described PDU session manager is implemented.

[0236] At 1535, the UE may update the second communication link with the remote UE based on receiving the service request. The operations of 1535 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1535 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication link manager is executed.

[0237] At 1540, the UE may report the client UE to the network based on receiving a report request from a remote UE or receiving a service request. The operations of 1540 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1540 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described client UE reporter is performed.

[0238] Fig.16 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1600 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0239] At 1605, the UE may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more UEs outside of network coverage. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0240] At 1610, the UE may send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving the relay configuration. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The discovery component described is performed.

[0241] At 1615, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0242] Fig.17 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1700 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0243] At 1705, the UE may send a relay configuration request including UE capability information to a network relay UE, wherein receiving the relay configuration is based on the relay configuration request. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration is executed by the request manager.

[0244] At 1710, the UE may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0245] At 1715, the UE may update the communication link with the network relay UE based on sending the confirmation. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication link manager is executed.

[0246] At 1720, the UE may send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving the relay configuration. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The discovery component described is performed.

[0247] At 1725, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. The operations of 1725 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1725 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0248] Fig.18 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1800 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0249] At 1805, the UE may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0250] At 1810, the UE may send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving the relay configuration. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The discovery component described is performed.

[0251] At 1815, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0252] At 1820, the UE may receive a communication request from one or more client UEs based on sending the relay discovery message. The operations of 1820 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1820 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication requires the controller to perform.

[0253] At 1825, the UE may send a communication request from one or more client UEs to the network relay UE. The operations of 1825 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1825 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay component is executed.

[0254] At 1830, the UE may receive a security key from the network relay UE. The operations of 1830 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1830 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described key manager is implemented.

[0255] At 1835, the UE may establish a communication link with one or more client UEs using a security key. The operations of 1835 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1835 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay link generator is performed.

[0256] At 1840, the UE may receive an IP address or prefix for one or more client UEs from the network relay UE based on the communication request. The operations of 1840 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1840 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described IP components are implemented.

[0257] At 1845, the UE may send an IP address or prefix to one or more client UEs. The operations of 1845 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1845 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described IP components are implemented.

[0258] At 1850, the UE may relay communications from the network to one or more client UEs via the network relay UE using the IP address or prefix. The operations of 1840 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1840 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay component is executed.

[0259] Fig.19 According to aspects of the present disclosure, a flow chart depicting a method 1900 for supporting a multi-hop relay configuration for proximity services is shown. The operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figures 7 to 10 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use special-purpose hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0260] At 1905, the UE may receive a relay configuration from a network relay UE that authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage. The operations of 1905 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1905 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay configuration manager is used to perform the

[0261] At 1910, the UE may send a relay discovery message including relay information based on receiving the relay configuration. The operations of 1910 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1910 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The discovery component described is performed.

[0262] At 1915, the UE may provide network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based on the relay discovery message. The operations of 1915 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1915 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described multi-hop relay controller is implemented.

[0263] At 1920, the UE may receive a communication request from one or more client UEs based on sending a relay discovery message. The operations of 1920 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1920 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication requires the controller to perform.

[0264] At 1925, the UE may allocate an IP address or prefix for one or more client UEs based on the IP address or prefix for the remote UE received from the network relay UE. The operations of 1925 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1925 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described IP components are implemented.

[0265] At 1930, the UE may establish a communication link with the one or more client UEs using an IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs. The operations of 1930 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1930 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described communication link manager is executed.

[0266] At 1935, the UE may send a service request to the network relay UE via the second communication link. The operations of 1935 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1935 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described service requests a component to perform.

[0267] At 1940, the UE may receive an acknowledgment in response to the service request from the network relay UE. The operations of 1940 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1940 may be performed as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The feedback component described is performed.

[0268] At 1945, the UE may relay communications from the network to the one or more client UEs using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs. The operations of 1945 may be performed according to methods as described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1945 may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 The described relay component is executed.

[0269] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the present disclosure:

[0270] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a network relay UE, comprising: establishing a communication link with a network; sending a relay configuration to a remote UE, wherein the relay configuration authorizes the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connection to the network for one or more client UEs; and providing network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration.

[0271] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1 further includes: receiving a relay configuration request including UE capability information from the remote UE, wherein sending the relay configuration is at least partially based on the relay configuration request.

[0272] Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2 further includes: sending a relay service code request to the network based at least in part on receiving the relay configuration request.

[0273] Aspect 4: The method according to Aspect 3 further includes: determining that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay based at least in part on authorization information, wherein sending the relay service code request to the network is also based at least in part on the determination and indicates that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay.

[0274] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 4 further includes: receiving a code allocation for the remote UE as the multi-hop relay from the network, wherein receiving the code allocation indicates that the remote UE can act as the multi-hop relay.

[0275] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the relay configuration includes one or more of a relay service code, hop information, quality of service information, and network information.

[0276] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6 further includes: receiving a communication request from the remote UE through a second communication link, wherein the communication request is relayed from the one or more client UEs of the remote UE.

[0277] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7, wherein the communication request includes a service request and IDs of the one or more client UEs.

[0278] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 7 to 8 further comprises: establishing a PDU session or a PDN connection with the network based at least in part on receiving the communication request.

[0279] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 7 to 9, further comprising: reporting the one or more client UEs to the network based at least in part on receiving the communication request.

[0280] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10 further includes: receiving a service request from the remote UE via a second communication link; and sending a confirmation in response to the service request to the remote UE, wherein the service request includes an ID of the client UE.

[0281] Aspect 12: The method according to aspect 11 further comprises: reporting the client UE to the network based at least in part on receiving a report request from the remote UE or receiving the service request.

[0282] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs is a sidelink connection.

[0283] Aspect 14: A method for wireless communication at a remote UE, comprising: receiving a relay configuration from a network relay UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as a multi-hop relay to provide connection to the network for one or more client UEs outside the network coverage; sending a relay discovery message including relay information based at least in part on receiving the relay configuration; and providing network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based at least in part on the relay discovery message.

[0284] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 14 further includes: sending a relay configuration request including UE capability information to the network relay UE, wherein receiving the relay configuration is at least partially based on the relay configuration request.

[0285] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 15, wherein sending the relay discovery message further comprises: sending the relay discovery message according to a periodic schedule.

[0286] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 15, wherein sending the relay discovery message further comprises: receiving a discovery query from the one or more client UEs; and sending the relay discovery message in response to the discovery query.

[0287] Aspect 18: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 17, wherein the relay information includes one or more of hop information, quality of service information, and network information.

[0288] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 18 further includes: receiving a communication request from the one or more client UEs based at least in part on sending the relay discovery message, wherein the communication request includes a service request and an ID of the one or more client UEs.

[0289] Aspect 20: The method according to aspect 19 further comprises: sending the communication request from the one or more client UEs to the network relay UE.

[0290] Aspect 21: The method according to aspect 20 also includes: receiving a security key from the network relay UE; and establishing a communication link with the one or more client UEs using the security key.

[0291] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of Aspects 19 to 21 further includes: allocating the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs based on the IP address or prefix for the remote UE received from the network relay UE; and establishing a communication link with the one or more client UEs using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

[0292] Aspect 23: The method according to Aspect 22 further includes: sending the service request to the network relay UE through a second communication link; and receiving a confirmation in response to the service request from the network relay UE, wherein the service request includes the ID of the one or more client UEs.

[0293] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of aspects 22 to 23 further comprises: sending a report request to the network relay UE, wherein the report request requests the network relay UE to report the one or more client UEs to the network.

[0294] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of aspects 22 to 24, further comprising: relaying communications from the network to the one or more client UEs using the IP address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

[0295] Aspect 26: The method according to any one of aspects 19 to 25, wherein the connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs is a sidelink connection.

[0296] Aspect 27: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network relay UE, comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions can be executed by the processor to enable the apparatus to perform any one of the methods described in Aspects 1 to 13.

[0297] Aspect 28: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network relay UE, comprising: at least one unit for performing the method of any one of Aspects 1 to 13.

[0298] Aspect 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a code for wireless communication at a network relay UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0299] Aspect 30: An apparatus for wireless communication at a remote UE, comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of aspects 14 to 26.

[0300] Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication at a remote UE, comprising at least one unit for performing the method of any one of aspects 14 to 26.

[0301] Aspect 32: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a remote UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of aspects 14 to 26.

[0302] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and these operations and steps may be rearranged or modified, and other implementations are also possible. In addition, two or more aspects from these methods may be combined.

[0303] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems are described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology is used in most of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0304] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the description herein may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0305] A general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof for performing the functions described herein may be used to implement or perform the various exemplary blocks and components described in conjunction with the contents disclosed herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of a microprocessor and a DSP core, or any other such structure).

[0306] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations also fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure and the claims thereto. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardware wiring, or any combination thereof. The features used to implement the functions may be physically distributed in multiple locations, including being distributed in different physical locations to implement a portion of the functions.

[0307] Computer readable medium includes non-temporary computer storage medium and communication medium, wherein communication medium includes any medium that is convenient for transmitting computer program from one place to another place.Non-temporary storage medium can be any available medium that general or special purpose computer can access.For example, but not limited to, non-temporary computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to carry or store the desired program code unit with instruction or data structure form and can be accessed by general or special purpose computer, or general or special purpose processor Any other non-temporary medium.In addition, any connection can be appropriately referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave, then the coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, wireless and microwave are included in the definition of the computer readable medium. As used herein, disks and optical disks include CDs, laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of protection of computer-readable media.

[0308] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" as used in a list item (e.g., a list item ending with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0309] In the drawings, similar components or features have the same reference numerals. In addition, components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a dashed line and a second reference numeral to distinguish the similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any similar component having the same first reference numeral, regardless of other subsequent reference numerals.

[0310] The specific embodiments described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe exemplary configurations, but they do not represent all examples that can be implemented, nor do they represent all examples that fall within the scope of protection of the claims. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance, or illustration", but does not mean "preferable" or "more advantageous" than other examples. Specific embodiments include specific details that are used to provide a thorough understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be implemented without using these specific details. In some examples, in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0311] The above description is centered around the present disclosure in order to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a network relay user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving a relay configuration request including UE capability information from a remote UE in a PC5 signaling message, the UE capability information indicating that the remote UE is capable of serving as a multi-hop relay; Establishing a communication link with the network; based at least in part on the relay configuration request and sending a relay configuration to the remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay to send relay discovery messages to one or more client UEs and provide connectivity to the network for the one or more client UEs; as well as According to the relay configuration, a network connection service is provided to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A relay service code request is sent to the network based at least in part on receiving the relay configuration request.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The remote UE is determined to be capable of acting as the multi-hop relay based at least in part on authorization information, wherein sending the relay service code request to the network is also based at least in part on the determination and indicates that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A code assignment is received from the network for the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay, wherein receiving the code assignment indicates that the remote UE is capable of acting as the multi-hop relay.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The relay configuration includes one or more of a relay service code, hop information, service quality information and network information.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A communication request is received from the remote UE via a second communication link, wherein the communication request is relayed from the one or more client UEs of the remote UE.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The communication request comprises a service request and identifiers of the one or more client UEs.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: A protocol data unit session or a packet data network connection is established with the network based at least in part on receiving the communication request.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Based at least in part on receiving the communication request, reporting the one or more client UEs to the network.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a service request from the remote UE via a second communication link; as well as An acknowledgement in response to the service request is sent to the remote UE, wherein the service request includes an identifier of the client UE.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The client UE is reported to the network based at least in part on receiving a reporting request from the remote UE or receiving the service request.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs is a sidelink connection.

13. A method for wireless communication at a remote user equipment (UE), comprising: sending a relay configuration request including UE capability information to the network relay UE in a PC5 signaling message, the UE capability information indicating that the remote UE is capable of serving as a multi-hop relay; receiving a relay configuration from the network relay UE based at least in part on the relay configuration request, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage; sending a relay discovery message including relay information to the one or more client UEs based at least in part on receiving the relay configuration; as well as Based at least in part on the relay discovery message, network connectivity services are provided to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Sending the relay discovery message also includes: The relay discovery message is sent according to a periodic schedule.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Sending the relay discovery message also includes: receiving a discovery query from the one or more client UEs; and The relay discovery message is sent in response to the discovery query.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The relay information includes one or more of hop information, service quality information and network information.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: A communication request is received from the one or more client UEs based at least in part on sending the relay discovery message, wherein the communication request includes a service request and an identifier of the one or more client UEs.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The communication request from the one or more client UEs is sent to the network relay UE.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving a security key from the network relay UE; as well as A communication link is established with the one or more client UEs using the security key.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: assigning the one or more client UEs an Internet Protocol address or prefix for the remote UE based on the Internet Protocol address or prefix received from the network relay UE; as well as A communication link is established with the one or more client UEs using the internet protocol address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Sending a service request to the network relay UE via a second communication link; as well as An acknowledgement is received from the network relay UE in response to the service request, wherein the service request includes identifiers of the one or more client UEs.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: A reporting request is sent to the network relay UE, wherein the reporting request requests the network relay UE to report the one or more client UEs to the network.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising: Communications from the network are relayed to the one or more client UEs using the internet protocol address or prefix for the one or more client UEs.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein: The connection to the network from the remote UE to the one or more client UEs is a sidelink connection.

25. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network relay user equipment (UE), comprising: means for receiving, in a PC5 signaling message, a relay configuration request from a remote UE including UE capability information, the UE capability information indicating that the remote UE is capable of serving as a multi-hop relay; A unit for establishing a communication link with a network; means for requesting, at least in part, the relay configuration and sending a relay configuration to the remote UE, the relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay to send relay discovery messages to one or more client UEs and provide connectivity to the network for the one or more client UEs; as well as means for providing network connection services to the one or more client UEs through the remote UE according to the relay configuration.

26. An apparatus for wireless communication at a remote user equipment (UE), comprising: means for sending a relay configuration request including UE capability information to a network relay UE in a PC5 signaling message, the UE capability information indicating that the remote UE is capable of serving as a multi-hop relay; means for receiving, based at least in part on the relay configuration request and from the network relay UE, a relay configuration authorizing the remote UE to act as the multi-hop relay to provide connectivity to the network for one or more client UEs outside of network coverage; means for sending a relay discovery message including relay information to the one or more client UEs based at least in part on receiving the relay configuration; as well as Means for providing network connection services to the one or more client UEs according to the relay configuration based at least in part on the relay discovery message.

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