Multi-hop communication through user equipment (UE) cooperation

Abstract

Signaling for allocating communication resources is communicated in a wireless communication network. The signaling is for allocating the communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying data by, for example, user equipments (UEs) including one or more relay UEs at each hop, in respective hops in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. Such relaying the data in the respective hops includes relaying the data in a first hop in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node and a second hop in the multi-hop relay. The communication resources in the first time period are allocated for relaying the data in the first hop in the multi-hop relay and the communication resources in the second time period are allocated for relaying the data in the second hop in the multi-hop relay.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application relates to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 074,651, filed September 4, 2020, entitled "Multi-hop Communication via User Equipment (UE) Cooperation" and filed August 20, 2021, entitled "Multi-hop Communication via User Equipment (UE) Cooperation" and filed 17 / 407,872, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to communication in wireless communication networks, and more specifically, to multi-hop communication through cooperation of user equipment (UE). Background Technology

[0004] In Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR), so-called "relay" technologies enable direct communication between UEs. While the primary goal of relay technology in LTE is public safety applications, NR presents new requirements for commercial applications and enhanced public safety. The development of relay technology may increase performance requirements for relay systems in terms of system throughput, coverage, latency, and reliability. New applications and requirements for multi-hop relay in NR may aim not only to provide coverage extensions but also to enhance system throughput, such as for video surveillance and feedback in police and firefighter applications.

[0005] UE cooperation (UC) involves a collaborative process among UEs within a group of UEs. This can be achieved by the group of UEs assisting each other in one or both aspects of downlink and uplink communication to improve UE peak data rates and system throughput, particularly at the edge of coverage areas. One option for UC is to use UE relay, which involves a UE forwarding data for another UE. For example, cooperating UEs coordinate with each other to assist a target UE for data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Resource allocation for multi-hop UE relay communication presents challenges, at least in terms of the increased latency during resource allocation. According to embodiments disclosed herein, multi-hop performance can be improved by pre-configuring or pre-allocating communication resources for multiple hops in a multi-hop path or connection involving multiple cooperating UEs between end nodes. At least for hops in a multi-hop path involving UEs, efficient resource allocation can facilitate performance improvements, such as lower latency and higher reliability in UC-based multi-hop communication.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method in a wireless communication network for transmitting signaling for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying user equipment (UE) data through each hop in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The relay data in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay involves, for example, first-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node, and second-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay. The communication resource allocation in the first time period is for, for example, relaying first-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, and the communication resource allocation in the second time period is for, for example, relaying second-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus includes: a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, storing programming data executable by the processor. This non-transitory computer-readable storage medium does not necessarily need to be implemented in the apparatus, but can be implemented separately, for example, in a computer program product.

[0009] The programming includes instructions for transmitting signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying user equipment (UE) data through each hop in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The relay data in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay involves, for example, relaying data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node by one or more relay UEs at the first hop, and relaying data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay by one or more relay UEs at the second hop, for example. The communication resource allocation in the first time period is for relaying data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay by one or more relay UEs at the first hop, and the communication resource allocation in the second time period is for relaying data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay by one or more relay UEs at the second hop, for example.

[0010] Other aspects and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this embodiment and its advantages, the following description, by way of example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided, in which:

[0012] Figure 1Example communication systems that implement aspects of this disclosure in some embodiments are shown;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of another example communication system illustrating UE cooperation and multi-hop communication paths;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating another example of a multi-hop communication path;

[0015] Figure 4A and 4B This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of subchannel multiplexing;

[0016] Figure 5A and 5B Includes a time-frequency graph showing examples of resource groups and resource group allocations;

[0017] Figure 6 Includes a block diagram and a time-frequency graph illustrating another example of resource allocation;

[0018] Figure 7 Includes a block diagram and time-frequency diagram illustrating another example of multi-hop relay resource allocation with bidirectional traffic;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a time-frequency graph illustrating an example of a jump to a HARQ procedure;

[0021] Figure 10 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of an end-to-end HARQ process;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a time-frequency diagram showing multiple end-to-end HARQ processes;

[0023] Figure 12 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of a jump-to-jump HARQ procedure with early termination;

[0024] Figure 13 This is a time-frequency diagram showing multiple end-to-end HARQ processes with early termination;

[0025] Figure 14 Includes a flowchart illustrating an example jump to the HARQ jump process;

[0026] Figure 15 Includes a flowchart illustrating an example end-to-end HARQ process;

[0027] Figure 16This is a block diagram illustrating an example of resource allocation via dynamic signaling;

[0028] Figure 17 This illustrates an example of allocating resources through a higher-level configuration;

[0029] Figure 18 This illustrates an example of resource allocation through both higher-level configuration and dynamic signaling;

[0030] Figure 19 This illustrates an example of allocating resources by sensing and selecting from a set of pre-configured resources in a resource pool;

[0031] Figure 20 This shows an example of a source end node determining resources from a pre-configured resource pool;

[0032] Figure 21 This illustrates an example of the primary UE determining resources from a pre-configured resource pool;

[0033] Figure 22 Includes signal flow diagrams and time-frequency diagrams illustrating examples of multi-hop UE relay using UC according to embodiments;

[0034] Figure 23A and Figure 23B It is a block diagram of an example device that can implement the methods and teachings of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 24 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a telecommunications network according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 25 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network providing services to two UEs. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This disclosure provides a general solution for multi-hop relay using UC, and includes embodiments supporting network device-UE relay and UE-UE relay that may have bidirectional communication.

[0038] The aspects of UC-based multi-hop relay disclosed in this paper include the following:

[0039] Resource allocation: In order to pre-configure communication resources in a timely manner and allocate resources for data relay through UE relay in different hops to achieve efficient multi-hop relay with lower latency and higher reliability—and the resource allocation according to some embodiments herein can enable relay UEs to align their transmissions at different hop times, including feedback (if implemented), and can facilitate UE cooperation between relay UEs at each hop.

[0040] Different alternatives for signaling resource allocation for utilizing UC multi-hop relay include, for example, dynamic activation of multi-hop on-data forwarding operations or indication of the start of data forwarding operations based on a pre-configured end-to-end multi-hop transmission period.

[0041] This involves the general process of using UC for multi-hop relay communication;

[0042] Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Procedure: This paper discloses a multi-level HARQ procedure and feedback using UC multi-hop relay.

[0043] These and other aspects of multi-hop communication through UE cooperation will be discussed in further detail below with examples.

[0044] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown in some embodiments implementing aspects of this disclosure. Generally, system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and / or other content. The purpose of system 100 may be to provide content (e.g., any one or more of voice, data, video, and text, collectively referred to herein as "data") via broadcast, unicast, multicast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. System 100 can operate efficiently by sharing communication resources such as bandwidth.

[0045] In this example, communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although in Figure 1 A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0046] EDs 110a to 110c are used for operation and / or communication in system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110c are used for transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless communication channel. Each ED 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, mobile subscriber unit, cellular telephone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, touchpad, wireless sensor, video surveillance camera, or consumer electronics device.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, RAN 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Base stations 170a and 170b are used to establish wireless connections with one or more EDs from ED 110a to 110c, enabling access to any other base stations 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a and 170b may include (or act as) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a home eNodeB, a gNodeB or gNB (next-generation NodeB, sometimes referred to as a "gigabit" NodeB), a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a site controller, an access point (AP), or a wireless router. Any ED 110a to 110c can be used alternatively or collectively for connection, access, or communication with any other base stations 170a and 170b, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the system may include RAN, such as RAN 120b, wherein the corresponding base station 170b is connected to core network 130 via Internet 150 as shown in the figure.

[0048] EDs 110a to 110c and base stations 170a and 170b are examples of communication devices that can be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a forms part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, components, and / or devices. Either base station 170a or 170b may be a single component as shown, or multiple components distributed within a corresponding RAN, etc. Similarly, base station 170b is part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, components, and / or devices. Both base stations 170a and 170b can be used to operate to transmit and / or receive radio signals within a specific geographic area or zone (sometimes called a coverage area). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors; for example, base stations 170a and 170b may employ multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, base stations 170a and 170b may be implemented as pico or femto nodes, wherein the radio access technology supports such nodes. In some embodiments, MIMO technology may be employed, enabling each coverage area to have multiple transceivers. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown are merely exemplary. Any number of RANs can be envisioned when designing system 100.

[0049] Base stations 170a and 170b use wireless communication links such as RF, μ-wave, and IR to communicate with one or more of ED110a to 110c via one or more air interfaces 190. Air interface 190 can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in air interface 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0050] Base stations 170a and 170b can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) to establish an air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In this way, base stations 170a and 170b can implement protocols such as HSPA and HSPA+, where HSPA+ optionally includes HSDPA, HSUPA, or both. Alternatively, base stations 170a and 170b can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B to establish an air interface 190 with evolved UTMS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA). It is conceivable that system 100 can use multi-channel access capabilities, including those schemes described above. Other wireless technologies used for air interface implementation include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0051] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with the core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a through 110c. It is understood that RANs 120a and 120b and / or the core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by the core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RANs 120a, RAN 120b, or both. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RANs 120a and 120b or EDs 110a through 110c or both and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of EDs 110a through 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different radio links using different radio technologies and / or protocols. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). Internet 150 may include a computer network, a subnet (intranet), or both, and is compatible with protocols such as IP, TCP, and UDP. ED 110a to 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to various wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0052] It is conceivable that, for example Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown can support NR cells, also known as supercells. Each NR cell includes one or more base stations using the same NR cell ID. The NR cell ID is a logical assignment of all physical base stations in the NR cell and can be carried in the broadcast synchronization signal. NR cells can be dynamically configured. The boundaries of NR cells can be flexible, and the system can dynamically add or remove base stations from NR cells.

[0053] In one embodiment, an NR cell may have one or more base stations transmitting UE-specific data channels serving a UE within the NR cell. The one or more base stations associated with the UE-specific data channels are also UE-specific and transparent to the UE. Multiple parallel data channels within a single NR cell can be supported; for example, each data channel serves a different UE.

[0054] Figure 1 Direct communication between UEs such as ED 110a to 110c is also possible, and the direct communication link 195 between UEs is in Figure 1 The dashed lines represent the points in the diagram. For example, in some embodiments, UEs can communicate directly with each other via side-by-side communication to achieve UE cooperation.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication system with UE cooperation and multi-hop communication paths. Example system 200 includes network equipment 202, also referred to herein as a network device, and UEs 204, 212, 214, 216, and 218. In a cellular network, UEs can directly connect to the network via a direct communication link, such as a so-called "Uu" link or another cellular link, through a Uu air interface. UEs 212 and 214 are "within coverage" (located within the geographical area of ​​direct communication with network equipment 202), such as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed lines, these UEs communicate with network devices via direct communication links. Figure 2 The example is exemplarily shown as "Uu" link 220. Direct sidelink (SL) communication between UEs 212 and 216, between UEs 214 and 218, between UEs 216 and 204, and between UEs 218 and 204 are performed via corresponding sidelinks 222, 224, 226, and 228. Examples of these components and implementation options for communication between these components are provided elsewhere herein. For example, network device 202 could be... Figure 1 The base stations 170a and 170b are included, and the UE can be... Figure 1 ED 110a-c.

[0056] It is possible Figure 2 In the examples, UE cooperation is used to enable UE 212, 214, or UE 216, 218, or all of these UEs, to act as relay UEs to assist remote UE 204 in one or both of uplink and downlink communications with network device 202. Although “relay UE” is the primary term used herein, a relay UE may also be referred to herein or elsewhere as a cooperative UE or cooperative UE (CUE), etc.

[0057] exist Figure 2The diagram illustrates two multi-hop paths between network device 202 and remote UE 204. One multi-hop path involves Uu segments or links at relay UEs 212, 216, and 220, and side segments or links at 222 and 226. Another multi-hop path in this example involves Uu segments or links at relay UEs 214, 218, and 220, and side segments or links at 224 and 228. In another possible embodiment, multiple UEs cooperate to relay data in each hop, for example, at 212 / 214 and 216 / 218, to provide a multi-hop path with multiple link options for each hop. A “hop” is defined herein as a relay topology that includes a relay node between a relay UE or two other nodes. For example, a first hop is a topology used to relay data from a source node to a second UE along a relay path via a first UE, and a second hop is a topology used to further relay data to a third UE along a relay path via a second UE, and so on. Therefore, according to the above definition, a "multi-hop" relay path includes at least two consecutive relay nodes. Although "hop" is sometimes defined differently elsewhere as a link between nodes, a conventional single-relay topology includes two links between nodes (i.e., a first link between the first node and the second node, and a second link between the second node and the third node), and thus includes two hops according to the alternative definition. However, a conventional single-relay topology, although including two links, is not a "multi-hop" relay path according to this disclosure.

[0058] For the downlink transmission in Example 200, in this embodiment, the gNB at 202 transmits data on Uu link 220 to one or both of the relay UEs 212 and 214 within the coverage area, and each relay UE 212 and 214 receiving data from the gNB relays the data to the next relay UE 216 and 218 on the corresponding side link 222 and 224. Similarly, each relay UE 216 and 218 receiving data relays the data to the remote UE 204 on the corresponding side link 226 and 228. Generally, the multi-hop path according to this disclosure includes at least one UE-UE segment located between two distinct “hops” as defined above, which involves direct communication between different UEs. In this downlink transmission example, there is a UE-UE segment between the UEs of the hops at 212 / 214 and 216 / 218.

[0059] Regarding uplink transmission, in this embodiment, remote UE 204 transmits data to one or both of nearby relay UEs 216 and 218 on side links 226 and 228. Each of these relay UEs receiving data from remote UE 204 relays the data to the next relay UE 212 or 214 on side links 222 and 224. Each of the relay UEs 212 or 214 receiving the data relays the data to network device 202 on Uu link 220. This uplink transmission example also relates to multi-hop paths with UE-UE segments between two hops.

[0060] Figure 2 These are non-limiting and illustrative examples. In other embodiments, UE 216 and / or 218 may also be within coverage. More generally, any number of relay UEs may be within or outside coverage. The features disclosed herein can be implemented in conjunction with other communication systems having similar or different architectures or topologies.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating another example of a multi-hop communication path. Figure 3 Example 300 in the text is structurally similar to Figure 2 The example in [the previous section] is similar, but provides a more general example of a multi-hop communication path. As shown in the figure, Figure 3 Examples include end node #1 at 302 and end node #2 at 304, and a subset of relay UEs comprising one or more relay UEs for relaying data in each of the two hops. Relay UE #1 and relay UE #2 are shown at 310 and 312 for hop #1 relay data, and relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 are shown at 320 and 322 for hop #2 relay data. Generally, the subset of relay UEs processing data relay in any hop may include more than one relay UE, and the subset may be of the same or different sizes. This disclosure is not limited to any particular number of relay UEs in any hop.

[0062] The relay UEs involved in forwarding data are referred to herein as relaying data "in" the corresponding hop of a multi-hop relay, but may also be described as "located" at each hop. Multi-hop relay includes relaying data between end nodes along a multi-hop communication path at multiple steps or hops. In each hop, one or more relay UEs relay data to an end node or one or more relay UEs involved in relaying data in the next hop. In some embodiments, a hop involves receiving data to be relayed from one or more relay UEs or an end node, and sending the received data to one or more other relay UEs or another end node.

[0063] exist Figure 3In the example shown, transmission can be initiated from either end node #1 or end node #2 and terminated at another end node via relay UEs at hops #1 and #2. Generally, relay UEs relay data between end nodes along a multi-hop communication path, in the respective hops. Transmission from one end node to another can pass through one or more relay UEs during the relay period in each of the multiple hops, therefore... Figure 3 The communication path shown is referred to as a multi-hop path or multi-hop relay in this document, in contrast to a single-hop path or single-hop relay, which has only one hop or only one subset of relay UEs between two end nodes.

[0064] about Figure 3 The following should be noted:

[0065] Each end node can be a user equipment such as a UE, a network device such as a gNB or TRP, or other types of network nodes. Therefore, Figure 3 This term is intended to encompass both multi-hop UE-to-network relay scenarios and UE-to-UE relay scenarios. Unless otherwise indicated, UE-to-network is used as a generic phrase herein and is intended to include communication in either direction between the UE and network devices.

[0066] A relay UE can be represented as a CUE because it cooperates to assist the end node in sending and / or receiving. The term "relay UE" as used herein is intended to include, for example, Layer 1 (L1) relay UEs, Layer 2 (L2) relay UEs, Layer 3 (L3) relay UEs, and other types of relay UEs. A relay UE at least supports data forwarding and may also support some form of data processing, such as decoding data to determine if the data will be relayed and is not destined for the relay UE itself. Additionally or alternatively, a relay UE may support other data processing, such as amplifying data before forwarding. Relay UEs are not limited to these specific example operations.

[0067] Each link between a relay UE and another relay UE or end node can use, for example, a side-link (e.g., PC5) air interface, a Uu link air interface, or another type of air interface (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0068] The end node that initiates data transmission can be called the source node or traffic source, while the end node that terminates data transmission can be called the destination node or target node.

[0069] Communication between two end nodes can be bidirectional. For example, end node #1 can send data to end node #2, and end node #2 can send data to end node #1. Therefore, a node can be either a source node or a destination node used for different data transmissions.

[0070] In multi-hop relay systems, latency can be very high if conventional transmission protocols, such as those used on Uu links, are followed. For example, each relay UE may require network devices such as the primary UE or gNB to schedule transmissions, including any retransmissions, after which data can be relayed to the destination in the current hop. Multi-link relay can also be quite unstable, as the entire transmission may be abandoned if transmission in any hop fails. According to one aspect of this disclosure, transmissions in each hop are coordinated to facilitate multi-hop relay transmission in a more timely manner. This also allows relay UEs to relay data in each hop in a more coordinated manner, thereby improving throughput and reliability.

[0071] Regarding resource allocation for multi-hop relays, communication resources such as time-frequency resources can be pre-configured or pre-allocated, for example, as sub-channels. In this example, a sub-channel is an allocable block or subdivision of time-frequency resources.

[0072] Figure 4A and 4B This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of subchannel multiplexing. For example... Figure 4A As shown, in frequency division multiplexing (FDM), different sub-channels can be multiplexed by frequency. Other examples of multiplexing include time division multiplexing (TDM) and code division multiplexing (CDM). Combinations are also possible. Figure 4B This illustrates the combination of FDM and TDM.

[0073] One or more sub-channels, or more generally, communication resources, can be configured according to the following:

[0074] For communication between the end node and each relay UE at the first hop;

[0075] Communication between each pair of relay UEs at adjacent hops;

[0076] For communication between each relay UE and the end node at the final hop;

[0077] Communication in each of the above directions—for example, for each of the above directions Figure 3 The bidirectional communication between relay UE#1 and relay UE#3 allows different sub-channels to be allocated for communication in each direction, from relay UE#1 to relay UE#3 and from relay UE#3 to relay UE#1.

[0078] The same communication resources can be allocated to and shared by the above communications—for example, sub-channel #1 can be allocated to relay UE#1->relay UE#3 and relay UE#1->relay UE#4. In this example, the same sub-channel is shared by multiple communication links.

[0079] Figure 3 Another possible communication resource allocation for Example 300 is shown below:

[0080] Sub-channel #1 can be allocated for communication between relay UE #1 at hop #1 and relay UE #3 at hop #2;

[0081] Subchannel #2 can be allocated for communication between relay UE #1 at hop #1 and relay UE #4 at hop #2;

[0082] Sub-channel #3 can be allocated for communication between relay UE #3 at hop #2 and relay UE #1 at hop #1.

[0083] Other communication resource allocations are also possible.

[0084] Communication resources such as sub-channels can be allocated by network devices such as gNBs, or by the primary UE or the source UE (SUE) that will be assisted in transmitting data within the UE cooperation group.

[0085] For example, communication resource allocation can be configured through higher-level signaling such as radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0086] In some embodiments, to facilitate UE relaying and cooperation, communication resources such as sub-channels with the same time slot can be grouped together to form a resource group, which can also be called a resource set. In other words, resource groups can be configured and can contain several sub-channels or other communication resources within the same time period. Figure 5A and 5B This includes a time-frequency diagram illustrating examples of resource groups and resource group allocations. Such resource group allocations for multi-hop UE relays are also referred to herein as time-based allocations. In this case, the allocation is time-based, at least in the sense of shared or partially shared time periods of the resource group, and the use of the resource group is controlled or depicted according to time.

[0087] Resource groups or subsets thereof, such as sub-channels of a resource group, can be configured and allocated for a relay UE. This allocation can be used for transmitting, receiving (also known as listening), or both transmitting and receiving by the relay UE.

[0088] Communication resources in the same group can be allocated to relay UEs at the same hop for sending or receiving.

[0089] Different groups of communication resources can be allocated to relay UEs and end nodes at different hops for transmitting or receiving. Therefore, different time-multiplexed resource groups can be configured for relay UEs at different hops.

[0090] In this embodiment, time slots are configured between different resource groups allocated to the relay UE for receiving and transmitting. For example, such time slots might be useful for providing time for the relay UE at any hop to decode and forward data. The time slots are... Figure 5A The example shown may depend on the relay UE's ability to decode / forward.

[0091] Resource groups can be configured periodically, and different resource groups can be interleaved, such as... Figure 5B As shown.

[0092] Relay capability can affect resource allocation. For example, if the relay UE is subject to half-duplex constraints, time-multiplexed resource groups can be used for both transmission and reception. In other embodiments, resource groups used for transmission and reception via the relay UE may be frequency-multiplexed or code-multiplexed, or shared / overlapping. However, according to one aspect of this disclosure, communication resource allocation is time-based. Communication resources within a resource group can be mutually multiplexed by frequency or code, such as... Figure 5A The example shown illustrates the use of frequency-reused resource groups, but allocation is time-based, such as... Figure 5B The example is shown in the image.

[0093] For multi-hop relays, to coordinate transmissions between hops and potentially achieve more efficient transmissions with lower latency, a communication resource group or subset thereof can be allocated for transmission via a relay UE at one hop and reception via a relay UE at the adjacent end node and the next consecutive hop. For example, refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 5A , Figure 5A Sub-channels #1 to #3 can be configured into resource group #1 and allocated to Figure 3 The relay UE at hop #1 is assigned, and possibly to the end node #2, to transmit data during the first time period, and the relay UE at hop #2 and the end node #1 are assigned to receive data during the first time period. Similarly, Figure 5A Sub-channels #4 to #6 can be configured into resource group #2 and allocated to Figure 3 The relay UE at hop #2 is assigned to the end node #1 for transmitting data during the second time period, and to the relay UE at hop #1 and the end node #2 for receiving data during the second time period.

[0094] This example illustrates an embodiment in which a resource group comprises one or more resources that can be allocated for transmission or reception via multiple relay UEs or end nodes at non-contiguous hops or non-adjacent locations. In the example above, one or more sub-channels of resource group #1 can be allocated to the relay UE at hop #1 and end node #2 for transmitting data during a first time period, and one or more sub-channels of resource group #2 can be allocated to the relay UE at hop #2 and end node #1 for transmitting data during a second time period.

[0095] Alternatively, resource group allocation can be exclusive to a subset of relay UEs or the end node at a specific hop. This may differ from the example above, since subchannels in resource group #1 are only allocated to... Figure 3 The relay UE at hop #1 is not assigned to the end node #2 for transmitting data in the first time period. The sub-channels in resource group #2 are only assigned to the relay UE at hop #2 and not assigned to the end node #1 for transmitting data in the second time period.

[0096] Figure 6 Includes showing for Figure 3 The block diagram and time-frequency diagram show another example of resource allocation for transmission from end node #1 to end node #2 in the example shown. For ease of reference, Figure 3 End nodes and relay UEs are also in Figure 6 As shown in the text, but Figure 6 There is a directional arrow indicating the UE relay from end node #1 to end node #2.

[0097] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, three resource groups are used.

[0098] For resource group #1, resources can be allocated to end node #1, i.e., the source in this example, for sending data to the relay UE at hop #1. The same resources can also be allocated to the relay UE at hop #1 for listening.

[0099] Regarding resource group #2, the resources in this resource group can be allocated to the relay UE at hop #1 for transmitting relay data to the relay UE at hop #2 in this example, and additionally or alternatively for transmitting relay data to the end node #1 for relaying in the opposite direction. The resources in resource group #2 can also be allocated to the relay UE at hop #2 for listening (and / or allocated to the end node #1 for relaying in the opposite direction). Figure 6 As shown, there is a time gap between resource group #1 and resource group #2 to provide space for the relay UE at hop #1 to perform data decoding and possible other data processing. After that, these relay UEs relay the data.

[0100] Resource group #3 includes resources that can be allocated to the relay UE at hop #2 for transmitting data to the end node #2, and additionally or alternatively for transmitting relay data to the relay UE at hop #1 for relaying in the opposite direction. Resources in resource group #3 can also be allocated to the end node #2 for listening (and additionally or alternatively allocated to the relay UE at hop #1 for relaying in the opposite direction). A time gap exists between resource group #2 and resource group #3 to provide space for the relay UE at hop #2 to perform data decoding and possible other data processing before relaying data. The time gaps between resource groups can be the same or different. For example, different time gaps may be preferred if relay UEs at different hops have different capabilities or are otherwise expected to require different amounts of time to decode and prepare data for relay deployment.

[0101] The examples of multi-hop relays above illustrate that each relay UE in each hop has a link or connection with any relay UE in the adjacent hop. For example, see reference... Figure 3 For example, relay UE #1 at hop #1 might establish a connection with relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 at hop #2, and relay UE #2 at hop #1 might establish a connection with relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 at hop #2. Even though this may not be the case for all implementations, this general assumption can facilitate UE cooperation in multi-hop relay scenarios without requiring specific implementation-specific designs. For instance, a relay UE from one hop (e.g., ...) Figure 3 The transmission of relay UE #1 at hop #1 can be received (listened to) by some or all relay UEs at the next hop (e.g., relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 at hop #2), thereby potentially increasing the probability of successful reception at the next hop and ultimately potentially improving the overall latency, reliability and performance of multi-hop relay.

[0102] Figure 7 Includes a block diagram and time-frequency diagram illustrating another example of multi-hop relay resource allocation with bidirectional traffic. End nodes 702, 704 and one or more relay UEs 710, 720, 730 at each of the three hops... Figure 7 The top is shown twice to facilitate indication of how communication resources are allocated for each direction in this example.

[0103] As shown in the figure, in the case of bidirectional traffic between two end nodes 702 and 704, there is traffic in direction #1 from end node #1 to end node #2 and traffic in direction #2 from end node #2 to end node #1. Communication resources can be allocated together for relay UEs with half-duplex capability and can be reused for non-contiguous or non-adjacent hops according to half-duplex constraints.

[0104] Table 1 below shows an example allocation of relay UEs at three hops, with bidirectional traffic and four resource groups. In Table 1, "ED" represents the end node, and "hop #" refers to relay UEs 710, 720, and 730 at that specific hop. For convenience, the hop index x is counted from ED#1 to ED#2, as follows: Figure 7 As shown. For example, relay UEs 710, 720 and 730 are located at hop #1, hop #2 and hop #3 respectively.

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] Table 1: Examples of multi-hop relay resource allocation with bidirectional traffic

[0108] While the examples above involve one-way or two-way traffic transmission, resources for HARQ-ACK feedback on, for example, the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) can be allocated in a similar manner, but for transmission in the opposite direction to traffic transmission.

[0109] These examples and embodiments of resource allocation for multi-hop relays utilizing UC demonstrate the pre-configuration of resource groups in time and the allocation of these resource groups to end nodes and relay UEs at different hops. A potential benefit is the achievement of efficient multi-hop relay transmission and reception with lower latency and higher reliability. This resource allocation disclosed herein can also enable UE cooperation between relay UEs at different hops, potentially improving performance and coverage.

[0110] Regarding the communication process, this multi-hop relay process utilizing UC can be divided into several steps or stages.

[0111] Refer again Figure 6 Consider an example where the end node #1 is the source. In step 1 of the communication process, after the communication resources are allocated, the end node #1 uses the allocated resources, in this case, the sub-channel in resource group #1, to send data packets, or more generally, data or data packets composed of data, to one or more of the relay UEs 310, 312 at hop #1.

[0112] Relay UEs 310 and 312 at hop #1 will monitor the allocated sub-channels on resource group #1. In step 2, if a data packet is received from end node #1, relay UEs 310 and 312 at hop #1 will attempt to decode the data packet. In this example, decoding is performed during the time gap allocated between resource group #1 and resource group #2 for transmission via relay UEs at hop #1. Decoding by the relay UE includes identifying the destination or target of the data packet, such as the destination ID. If the data packet from end node #1 is successfully decoded and it is identified that the data packet is intended for further relay to one or both relay UEs 320 and 322 at hop #2, then one or both relay UEs 310 and 312 at hop #1 will forward the data packet to one or both relay UEs 320 and 322 at hop #2, for example, using the routing table and the allocated sub-channels in resource group #2.

[0113] Relay UEs 320 and 322 at hop #2 listen for transmissions on one or more resources, such as one or more sub-channels in resource group #2, and attempt to decode data packets when they are detected. For example, relay UE #3 at hop #2 can monitor transmissions from relay UE #1 and relay UE #2 at hop #1, and attempt to decode data packets when they are detected from one or two transmissions.

[0114] If there are more than two hops, the decoding and further forwarding or relaying in step #2 can be repeated for each additional hop.

[0115] The forwarding or relaying in step #2, and possibly in step #1, can be broadcast, multicast, or unicast. For example, relay UE #1 in hop #1 can broadcast the forwarded data, allowing both relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 in hop #2 to listen for and receive data packets. Alternatively, forwarding or relaying can use multicast or unicast communication between relay UEs at different hops. For example, relay UE #1 in hop #1 can send the forwarded data only to relay UE #3 in hop #2, only to relay UE #4 in hop #2, or to both relay UE #3 and relay UE #4 in hop #2.

[0116] If the data packet is successfully decoded at hop #2 (i.e., the last hop in this example), the process continues to step 3, where one or more of the relay UEs 320 and 322 at hop #2 use the sub-channels allocated in resource group #3 to forward the data packet to the target node, i.e., end node #2.

[0117] The communication process of multi-hop relays utilizing resource allocation disclosed herein can enable more efficient multi-hop relay transmission and reception with lower latency and higher reliability, and can also enable UE cooperation between relay UEs at different hops, potentially further improving the performance and coverage of multi-hop relay systems.

[0118] This disclosure also envisions a HARQ procedure utilizing multi-hop relays of UC. Two types or phases of HARQ are illustrated herein. These types or phases include hop-to-hop HARQ procedures and end-to-end HARQ procedures. Figure 8 It shows the use and Figure 3 The block diagram shows examples of HARQ feedback for both types of HARQ on the same example path. Hop-to-hop HARQ feedback exists between a relay UE and other relay UEs at the end node or adjacent hop (also known as hop-by-hop feedback), while end-to-end feedback exists between end nodes.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of a hop-to-hop HARQ procedure. Generally, a hop-to-hop cycle can contain a configured number of resources for packet forwarding. These resources can be continuous or discontinuous in time, and... Figure 9 The example shown is discontinuous. In Figure 9 In the example of the hop-to-hop cycle, resources are configured for four HARQ send (Tx) opportunities, one send, and up to three retransmissions, with each send followed by a HARQ feedback. The hop-to-hop cycle contains resources for hop-by-hop HARQ feedback opportunities. Alternatively, contiguous resources can be allocated for forwarding repeating packets followed by a HARQ feedback.

[0120] Although Figure 9 Examples also include resources carrying SCI, but the relay UE or source node at the previous hop can send several hop-to-hop transmissions carrying the same data packet or different redundant versions (RVs) of the same data packet based on the pre-configuration of the resources, without carrying the SCI with scheduling information.

[0121] Hop-by-hop HARQ feedback can be sent via the relay UE or destination node at the next hop after each hop-to-hop transmission (packet forwarding), such as... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, hop-by-hop HARQ feedback is sent continuously back to the source end node, rather than just between relay UEs at adjacent hops.

[0122] HARQ feedback can be sent after successfully decoding a packet from the previous hop or the source endpoint. Alternatively, HARQ feedback (acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK)) can be sent after a pre-configured timed window (e.g., a period of time in the hop-to-hop transmission cycle) expires or after multiple retransmissions have been completed.

[0123] In some embodiments, the absence of HARQ feedback can be considered as NACK.

[0124] HARQ feedback can be sent individually to each relay UE in the previous hop, or it can be broadcast, multicast, or otherwise sent to the relay UE in the previous hop.

[0125] The relay UE or source node at the previous hop can stop packet forwarding after receiving HARQ / ACK feedback from the relay UE at the next hop, or after receiving HARQ / ACK feedback from the destination node in the case of the last hop relay UE. Otherwise, the relay UE or source node can continue data forwarding for duplicate or different RV versions until the timed window expires.

[0126] Figure 10 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of an end-to-end HARQ process. Figure 10 In this context, end node #2 is the end node that serves as the destination of the data packet and sends HARQ feedback to end node #1, which serves as the source of the data packet. Figure 10 The right side shows the resource allocation for end-to-end HARQ feedback.

[0127] End-to-end HARQ feedback can be forwarded from end node #2 to end node #1 by one or more relay UEs at each hop. For example, HARQ feedback can include identifiers such as ACK signals and source IDs.

[0128] HARQ feedback does not need to be sent all the time. For example, no HARQ feedback before the timed window expires can be considered a NACK.

[0129] Upon receiving a HARQ / ACK, the end node acting as the source can begin a new transmission; otherwise, the end node can begin retransmission.

[0130] An end-to-end transmission cycle, also known as a transmission opportunity or occurrence, can be defined for an end-to-end transmission between two end nodes. It can include multiple TDM'd resource groups or hop-to-hop transmission cycles allocated for each hop, as well as configuration for HARQ feedback. For example... Figure 10 As shown, an end-to-end HARQ process can include multiple hop-to-hop HARQ processes, with one HARQ process for each hop.

[0131] For the initial transmission and retransmission of data packets between two end nodes, the end-to-end HARQ procedure can include one or more end-to-end transmission cycles. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates one transmission cycle of an end-to-end HARQ procedure, but in other embodiments, the end-to-end HARQ procedure comprises multiple cycles, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0132] Figure 11 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating multiple end-to-end HARQ processes. For example, resources can be allocated for the transmission cycles of multiple HARQ processes associated with different data packets. Figure 11 In this process, each end-to-end HARQ procedure has at least three cycles, and each cycle can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown. If an end-to-end HARQ procedure is pre-configured, the configured resources may be wasted if the transmission succeeds before all configured retransmission opportunities are used, or in other words, if the HARQ procedure ends prematurely. Furthermore, unnecessary retransmissions consume transmitter power and may interfere with other transmissions. To mitigate these issues, an early termination mechanism can be used in the HARQ procedure for multi-hop relays. Figure 12 This is a time-frequency diagram illustrating an example of a jump-to-jump HARQ procedure with early termination. Figure 13 This is a time-frequency diagram showing multiple end-to-end HARQ processes with early termination.

[0133] The configuration resources of hop-to-hop HARQ and end-to-end HARQ in multi-hop relays allow for repeated data forwarding to facilitate fast relay transmission with low latency and higher reliability. However, if the UE or destination node at the next hop has successfully decoded the data, the retransmission of data can be terminated early according to the configuration to potentially reduce interference, save power, or improve overall system performance.

[0134] To achieve this, for hop-to-hop HARQ, if decoding is successful, a hop-to-hop HARQ ACK can be sent immediately from the next-hop relay UE or from the destination node to the previous-hop relay UE or source node before the current timing window expires. Upon receiving the ACK, the previous-hop relay UE can refresh the hop-to-hop HARQ procedure buffer or otherwise terminate the HARQ procedure and prepare for another transmission. As part of the HARQ procedure, resources configured for any additional HARQ retransmission can be used by the relay UE for another transmission or by another relay UE at the same hop. Unused resources are... Figure 12 As shown in the example, the HARQ process for two of the three hops terminates prematurely in response to receiving an ACK.

[0135] For end-to-end HARQ, after the source node receives the end-to-end HARQ ACK, it can flush the buffers of the end-to-end HARQ process or otherwise terminate the HARQ process. Any configured but unused resources can be used for other transmissions. This is in Figure 13 As shown, resources used only for the first transmission cycle in Example HARQ Procedure #1 are used for initial transmission, and then the procedure is terminated early in response to receiving an end-to-end ACK. Similarly, resources used only for the first two transmission cycles in Example HARQ Procedure #2 are used for initial transmission and one retransmission, and then the procedure is terminated early in response to receiving an end-to-end ACK.

[0136] Figure 14 Includes a flowchart illustrating an example jump to the HARQ process. Figure 14 The left side shows the monitoring, decoding, and feedback operations at each hop, including optional NACK feedback. Figure 14 The right side shows the transmission process at each hop, with early termination included at the bottom.

[0137] Figure 15 Includes a flowchart illustrating an example end-to-end HARQ process. Figure 15 The left side shows the monitoring, decoding, and feedback operations at the destination node, including optional NACK feedback. Figure 15 The right side shows the transmission process at the source node, including early termination at the bottom.

[0138] The examples above illustrate two types or phases of HARQ procedures for multi-hop relays, including hop-to-hop HARQ procedures and end-to-end HARQ procedures. These two phases of the HARQ procedure can be used independently or in combination to facilitate efficient data transmission / forwarding in multi-hop relays. Early termination of the HARQ procedure avoids wasting configuration resources, reduces power consumption and interference, and does not affect performance, because the HARQ procedure only terminates early if the data has been successfully decoded. Configured HARQ resources can be reused by the same relay UE or one or more other relay UEs for transmitting other data after early termination.

[0139] Variations in the HARQ procedure are also possible. For example, while the examples discussed in detail above involve hop-by-hop feedback and end-to-end feedback, in other embodiments, hop-by-hop feedback does not need to be sent only to the relay UE at the previous hop. Alternatively, hop-by-hop feedback may be forwarded all the way back to the source node.

[0140] Now, turning to signaling, different alternatives can be considered to signal resource allocation for multi-hop relays utilizing UC.

[0141] Figure 16This is a block diagram illustrating an example of resource allocation via dynamic signaling. In this example, resource allocation / scheduling utilizes dynamic signaling to the relay UE and end nodes, such as downlink control information (DCI) and / or idelink control information (SCI). For example, DCI can be used on the Uu link between the network device acting as the end node and the relay UE at the first hop. SCI can be used on the sidelink (SL) between relay UEs or between a relay UE and a target UE acting as the end node at a different hop.

[0142] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates three scenarios, each with end nodes 1602, 1604 and one or more relay UEs 1610, 1620, 1630 at each of the three hops. Scenario 3 also shows the primary UE or gNB 1640.

[0143] Generally, communication resources can be allocated, for example, by the gNB, the primary UE, or the end node. This type of allocation can be used for multi-hop UE-to-network relay or multi-hop UE-to-UE relay.

[0144] It can dynamically signal resource allocation, scheduling, or both for an end-to-end transmission cycle.

[0145] In one embodiment, each relay UE 1610, 1620, 1630 at each hop will decode the DCI / SCI and attempt to decode the data traffic. If the data traffic can be successfully decoded, the relay UE forms an SCI that indicates the remaining resource allocation and scheduling information, and re-encodes the data before sending it to the relay UE or destination node at the next hop.

[0146] In some embodiments, each relay UE is able to forward its data packets to the next hop, and the scheduling and resource allocation are not determined by the gNB, the master node, or the end node.

[0147] for Figure 16 In scenario 1, the end node #1 is the source node. The source node (end node #1 in this example) performs resource allocation / scheduling and uses dynamic signaling to send the resource allocation / scheduling to other relay UEs and end nodes.

[0148] In scenario 2, the end node #2 is the destination node. The destination node (end node #2 in this example) performs resource allocation / scheduling and uses dynamic signaling to transmit the resource allocation / scheduling to the source node (e.g., end node #1) and other relay UEs.

[0149] Scenario 3 illustrates an example where resource allocation / scheduling occurs on another node, shown as the primary UE or gNB 1640, which is not part of the transmission (relay) link. The primary UE or gNB 1640 then uses dynamic signaling to send resource allocation / scheduling to the source node (e.g., end node #1) and other relay UEs.

[0150] According to another embodiment, communication resources can be allocated through higher-level configuration, potentially along with other scheduling information and signaling, to relay UEs and end nodes.

[0151] For example, resource allocation and potential scheduling can be configured by network devices such as gNBs or UEs such as primary UEs. This can be used for multi-hop UE-to-network relay or multi-hop UE-to-UE relay.

[0152] and Figure 16 The scenarios illustrated include examples where some or all of the nodes (relay UEs and end nodes) are "not within the coverage area of ​​the network device," requiring SCI to signal the allocated communication resources. Other scenarios, not shown, may also include examples where all or some of the nodes are "within the coverage area of ​​the network device." Therefore, when all or some of the nodes are within the coverage area, it is possible (and potentially preferred) to additionally or alternatively signal the allocated communication resources to each node via DCI or a combination of DCI and SCI.

[0153] Figure 17 This illustrates an example of resource allocation via higher-level configuration. As shown, resource allocation can include offsets and cycles for one or more end-to-end HARQ processes. Each HARQ process can contain one or more end-to-end transmission cycles.

[0154] An end-to-end transmission cycle configuration can include timing and resource allocation for one or more hop-by-hop transmissions with hop-by-hop feedback and end-to-end feedback.

[0155] Other scheduling information may include one or more of the following: modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and HARQ process ID.

[0156] One or more resources can be configured for each relay UE at each hop after the same timeline to facilitate UE cooperation. For example, relay UEs at the same hop can be allocated resources (e.g., sub-channels) in the same resource group for transmitting or listening.

[0157] In some embodiments, resource allocation can be hierarchical. For example, resource allocation may involve first allocating resources for one or more end-to-end cycles, and then, within each end-to-end cycle, allocating resources for one or more jump-to-jump cycles.

[0158] Another embodiment involves allocating resources (e.g., DCI / SCI) to relay UEs and end nodes through both higher-level configuration and dynamic signaling, such as Figure 18 The example illustrates a three-hop path using one or more relay UEs 1810, 1820, and 1830 at each hop between two end nodes 1802 and 1804.

[0159] Resources can be allocated and configured by network devices such as gNBs, or by the primary UE, and can be used for downlink and / or uplink of multi-hop UE to network relay, and additionally or alternatively for multi-hop UE to UE relay.

[0160] Resource allocation can include configurations for resource allocation for one or more end-to-end transmission cycles. For example, this configuration can be signaled to the relay UE using higher-layer signaling such as RRC.

[0161] The start of a configured end-to-end transmission cycle can be dynamically indicated. For example, the start indication can be included in the scheduled DCI / SCI transmission or as an offset for the scheduled DCI / SCI transmission. Dynamic signaling can be generated from the source end node (e.g., Figure 18 Send from the end node #1 in the middle.

[0162] Information indicating the start of end-to-end transmission can be broadcast or otherwise relayed to the relay UE at the next hop and ultimately to the end node. For example, such information can be signaled in the SCI for each hop-to-hop transmission. In another embodiment, the start information can be signaled separately from the regular SCI on each hop. For example, the start information can be broadcast, multicast, or unicast to all relay UEs and the end node before the actual SCI / data arrives at each hop. The relay UE can use this information to determine the timing and resources for transmission or listening based on the end-to-end transmission cycle configuration.

[0163] Each hop's DCI / SCI can carry other scheduling information, such as MCS and / or HARQ process ID.

[0164] After sensing from a set of pre-configured resources in the resource pool, a resource may be selected. This is in Figure 19 The example illustrates this, also within the context of a three-hop path with one or more relay UEs 1910, 1920, and 1930 at each hop between two end nodes 1902 and 1904. Resource groups are defined by time periods, and in some embodiments are part of an end-to-end period, while resource pools here can refer to multiple end-to-end periods, such as... Figure 19 As shown. Therefore, a resource pool may be a broader term than a resource group.

[0165] As shown in the figure, resource allocation can be determined, for example, by the source node after it has been aware of a pre-configured resource pool. This can be used for multi-hop UE-to-network relay or multi-hop UE-to-UE relay.

[0166] In scenarios outside of coverage, end nodes may not have a connection to network devices such as gNBs. Resources used for multi-hop transmission can be determined after being identified from one or more pre-configured / obtained resource pools.

[0167] End nodes initiating multi-hop transmissions can begin sensing from any transmission's sensing window. For example, an end node can decode an SCI and determine a resource that another transmission is using or will use. The end node can then determine and select one or more resources from a pre-configured multi-hop resource pool for its transmission to avoid conflicts with existing transmissions.

[0168] For identification purposes, for example, SCI may carry information such as the selected resource ID indicating the selected resource and / or resource pool configuration in multi-hop transmissions.

[0169] Another option is for the source endpoint node to determine resources from a pre-configured resource pool, such as... Figure 20 The example is shown in the context of a three-hop path between two end nodes 2002 and 2004, through one or more relay UEs 2010, 2020, and 2030 at each hop.

[0170] like Figure 20 As shown, resource allocation can be determined by the source node from a pre-configured resource pool; the source node is the end node #1 in the example shown. This can be used for multi-hop UE-to-network relay or multi-hop UE-to-UE relay.

[0171] In scenarios outside the coverage area, the source node may not be connected to network devices such as gNB. In this case, one or more resources for multi-hop transmission can be determined by the source node from a pre-configured / obtained resource pool.

[0172] For identification purposes, for example, SCI may carry a selected resource ID or other information indicating the selected resource in a multi-hop transmission.

[0173] The primary UE can select one or more resources from a set of pre-configured resource pools. Figure 21 Example of a three-hop path between two end nodes 2102, 2104 via one or more relay UEs 2110, 2120, 2130 at each hop is shown. The primary UE is shown at 2140.

[0174] The resource allocation determined by the primary UE can be used for multi-hop UE to network relay or multi-hop UE to UE relay.

[0175] If the primary UE is not within the coverage area, it may not be connected to network devices such as gNB, and the resources used for multi-hop transmission can be determined by the primary UE from a pre-configured / obtained resource pool.

[0176] As in other embodiments, in order to identify the selected resource, the SCI may carry one or more resource IDs or other information indicating the selected resource in a multi-hop transmission.

[0177] These and / or other resource allocation / scheduling methods can be used together. For example:

[0178] Resource allocation through dynamic signaling can be used for traffic without requiring high latency and reliability.

[0179] Resource allocation configured at higher layers can be used for stable traffic with higher latency requirements and no centralized scheduling capabilities, such as uplink UE-to-network or UE-to-UE traffic, but may not be spectrum-efficient for sporadic traffic; and

[0180] Resource allocation through higher-level configuration and dynamic signaling can serve as an alternative to these two approaches, bringing benefits for both low latency and higher spectral efficiency.

[0181] When different resource allocation methods compete for the same resource, one or more priority rules can be set to avoid conflicts. For example, in a combination of the three methods mentioned above, the second and third methods may have higher priority than the first method. In this case, traffic scheduled via the first method may need to be allocated alternative resources for transmission.

[0182] The examples above illustrate several different signaling options for resource allocation and scheduling for multi-hop UE relay. These options range from higher-layer signaling (semi-static signaling) to dynamic signaling, and combinations of these examples are also possible. Potential benefits include supporting a variety of resource allocation and scheduling methods for multi-hop UE relay to meet different types of traffic demands and to balance the overhead of transmit and performance requirements or objectives such as latency and reliability.

[0183] For example, dynamic signaling embodiments may involve more signaling and cause more latency compared to other embodiments due to scheduling / signaling transmission. Embodiments using higher-level signaling may potentially waste resources (e.g., no data is being sent at pre-configured resources) and also cause more latency (e.g., data only needs to be sent at pre-configured resources). By using a pre-configured end-to-end cycle structure and dynamic signaling that triggers its use only when data arrives, the resource waste of higher-level signaling and dynamic signaling overhead, as well as the latency of both, can be reduced. For example, this illustrates how different signaling embodiments can differently trade off or balance overhead / latency.

[0184] Figure 22 Includes signal flow diagrams and time-frequency diagrams illustrating examples of multi-hop UE relay using UC according to embodiments. Figure 22 The diagram illustrates an example of a two-hop path between two end nodes 2202, 2204, through one or more relay UEs 2210, 2220 at each hop. Other embodiments may involve more hops and / or other elements, such as a primary UE or network device. Figure 22 The diagram shows a two-hop example to avoid further congestion in the schema. Figure 22 The corresponding resource allocation for each hop is also shown.

[0185] exist Figure 22 In the document, signaling at 2222, 2224, and 2226 generally represents control signaling used for allocating communication resources. Various examples of such signaling are provided herein, and any of these examples can be applied to multi-hop communication. Therefore, signaling at 2222, 2224, and 2226 can be any combination of DCI, SCI, higher-level signaling, or any other suitable signaling disclosed herein. Generally, end nodes or relay UEs can receive, transmit, or both receive and transmit such signaling.

[0186] In some embodiments, the communication resources for multi-hop communication include communication resources in a first time period and a second time period, for example, by... Figure 22 The data shown in the figure represents the corresponding hop relay data of the user equipment as relay UEs 2210 and 2220 in the multi-hop relay between the first end node 2202 and the second end node 2204.

[0187] Data in Figure 22The data is relayed between two hops. At 2230, the data in the packet transmission is relayed by one or more relay UEs 2210 in the first hop. This is shown as packet 2240. At 2250, the data in the packet transmission is further relayed by one or more relay UEs 2220 in the second hop. This shows data relayed between the first and second hops between the first end node 2202 and the second end node 2204. The relayed data may involve relaying data in other hops between the first and second end nodes besides the first and second hops shown. For example, other hops may exist between relay UEs 2210 and 2220, between end node 2202 and relay UE 2210, and / or between end node 2204 and relay UE 2220.

[0188] The communication resources allocated in the signaling at 2222, 2224, and 2226 may include communication resources for use in, for example... Figure 22 The relay data is relayed in each hop of the entire multi-hop communication path from end node 2202 to end node 2204. In one embodiment, communication resources are allocated in a first time period for relaying data through one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, and communication resources are allocated in a second time period for relaying data through one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay. In the context of relay data, the reference to one or more relay UEs is intended to include single-path relaying through only one relay UE at any hop, as well as multi-path relaying through one or more relay UEs at any hop.

[0189] Figure 22 This shows that resources are allocated not only for relaying data between two hops via relay UEs 2210 and 2220 at 2240 and 2250, but also for sending data packets from end node 2202 at 2230.

[0190] In some embodiments, communication resources are group-based. For example, for use in... Figure 22 The communication resources in the first and second time periods of the two hop relay data shown may include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group. More generally, there may be multiple communication resource groups, each including communication resources within a corresponding common time period for that group. Examples of communication resource groups and the allocation of communication resources according to groups are provided elsewhere in this document.

[0191] In the example above, the communication resources include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group for relaying data in two hops. The communication resources may also include communication resources from a third communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group, which respectively include communication resources within a third time period and a fourth time period for relaying data in the first hop and the second hop, respectively. For example, in one embodiment, communication resources in the first time period are allocated for one of data reception and transmission performed in the first hop by a relay UE, for example, at the first hop, and communication resources in the third time period are allocated for the other of reception and transmission performed in the first hop by a relay UE, for example, at the first hop. Similarly, communication resources in the second time period may be allocated for one of data reception and transmission performed in the second hop by a relay UE, for example, at the second hop, and communication resources in the fourth time period may be allocated for the other of reception and transmission performed in the second hop by a relay UE, for example, at the second hop.

[0192] For example, Figure 6 and 7 This illustrates the allocation of communication resources for receiving and transmitting from different communication resource groups in each hop. (Reference) Figure 7 The communication resource allocation from Group #1 and Group #2 is used for receiving and transmitting data via hop #1 relay UE 710, relaying data in the left-to-right direction in the example shown. The communication resource allocation from Group #2 and Group #3 is used for receiving and transmitting data via hop #2 relay UE 720, relaying data in the left-to-right direction in the example shown. The communication resource allocation from Group #3 and Group #4 is used for receiving and transmitting data via hop #3 relay UE 730, relaying data in the left-to-right direction in the example shown. These are merely illustrative examples; other allocations are possible.

[0193] Figure 6 and 7 It also shows where the allocation is used in a jump (e.g., Figure 22 Communication resources used for transmission in the first hop (in the middle) are also allocated for transmission in the adjacent next hop (e.g., Figure 22 Example of receiving data in the second hop (of the process). See reference. Figure 7 The communication resources allocated from group #2 are used for transmitting via hop #1 relay UE 710 and receiving via hop #2 relay UE 720, for relaying data from left to right in the example shown. Similarly, the communication resources allocated from group #3 are used for transmitting via hop #2 relay UE and receiving via hop #3 relay UE 730, for relaying data from left to right in the example shown. Again, these are merely illustrative examples; other allocations are possible.

[0194] As discussed elsewhere in this document, each communication resource group can be separated from adjacent communication resource groups by a time gap. For example, such a time gap can be useful to accommodate the processing of received data. The decoding and forwarding of relay UEs 2210 and 2220 at 2234 and 2244 are examples of processing that can be performed during the time gap.

[0195] More generally, referring to the first to fourth communication resource groups for receiving and transmitting in each hop according to the above example, the first and third communication resource groups may be spaced apart by a first time gap for decoding the received data at 2234 before transmitting the received data in the first hop at 2240, and the second and fourth communication resource groups may be spaced apart by a time gap for decoding the received data at 2244 before transmitting the received data in the second hop at 2250.

[0196] As another example, see again Figure 7 The communication resources from group #2 and group #3 can be spaced apart by a time interval for decoding the received data via hop #2 relay UE 720 before the data is transmitted via hop #2 relay UE 720. This is another example, and other embodiments are possible.

[0197] Multi-hop relay can involve initial transmissions as shown at 2230, 2240, and 2250, and one or more retransmissions or repetitions as shown at 2232, 2242, and 2252. For example, one or both of the communication resources in the first time period and the second time period may include communication resources for the initial transmission of data in the first hop at 2240 and / or the second hop at 2250 in the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) procedure, and communication resources for one or more data retransmissions in the first hop at 2242 and / or the second hop at 2252. At 2232, resources may also be allocated for one or more retransmissions to the source node.

[0198] In some embodiments, communication resources include communication resources for HARQ feedback, such as... Figure 22 The example is shown in the text.

[0199] HARQ procedures may include jump-to-jump cycle HARQ procedures, end-to-end HARQ procedures, or combined HARQ procedures, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle for a single end-to-end transmission between a first end node (e.g., 2202, 2204) and a second end node comprises multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles. In some embodiments, HARQ procedures support early termination after successful data decoding and allow the reuse of communication resources allocated for retransmission after early termination. These types of HARQ procedures are discussed elsewhere in this document by way of example.

[0200] Figure 22 This is an illustrative example. Other embodiments may exist.

[0201] For example, there are various options for signaling at 2222, 2224, and 2226. This signaling may be or include dynamic signaling at the physical layer. Additionally or alternatively, communication resources may be allocated in a higher-layer configuration. In some embodiments, communication resources are allocated in a higher-layer configuration, and the signaling includes dynamic signaling, such as downlink control information or sidelink control information.

[0202] In the context of group-based allocation, signaling may include, for example, higher-level signaling indicating communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group, and the relative timing relationship between the first and second communication resource groups; and dynamic signaling indicating the start of communication resources. For example, higher-level signaling may indicate an end-to-end mode or a transmission cycle resource pool, and dynamic signaling may activate transmission or indicate when a mode begins.

[0203] Communication resources can be allocated based on sensing and selecting communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool. In some embodiments, communication resources are allocated through a source node (for...) Figure 22 One of the first and second end nodes (2202) in the terminal node is allocated from the pre-configured resource pool. Communication resources can be allocated from the pre-configured resource pool by the primary UE.

[0204] All of these signaling and resource allocation embodiments have been described above by way of example, at least.

[0205] They also envisioned Figure 22Other variations are not included. The embodiments are not limited in any way to two-hop relays with one transmission per hop. Relay data may involve one or both of the following: for example, multiple data transmissions in the first hop via one or more relay UEs at the first hop, and multiple data receptions in the second hop via one or more relay UEs at the second hop. Generally, at least in embodiments involving the UC, one or more relay UEs 2210 may transmit data to one or more relay UEs 2220. Multiple transmissions / receptions are not limited to transmissions or receptions between relay UEs. Additionally or alternatively, multiple transmissions or receptions may exist between the end node and multiple relay UEs.

[0206] For example, multiple transmissions and / or multiple receptions can involve broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

[0207] Figure 22 This illustrates a unidirectional relay of data from end node 2202 to end node 2204. In this example, communication resources in the first and second time periods are used to relay data in the first direction during the corresponding hops of a multi-hop relay between the first end node 2202 and the second end node 2204. However, it should be understood that the signaling and communication resources at 2222, 2224, and 2226 may also include communication resources in the third and fourth time periods for relaying additional data in the second direction during the corresponding hops of a multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes, such as... Figure 7 The example illustrates the direction from end node 2204 to end node 2202. For example, communication resources in a third time period can be allocated to relay additional data in the first hop of a multi-hop relay, and communication resources in a fourth time period can be allocated to relay additional data in the second hop of a multi-hop relay.

[0208] Continue to refer to Figure 7 In the example shown, resource allocation for relaying data in a left-to-right direction includes communication resources from groups #1 and #2 for relaying UE 710 in hop #1, communication resources from groups #2 and #3 for relaying UE 720 in hop #2, and communication resources from groups #3 and #4 for relaying UE 730 in hop #3. To relay additional data in the opposite direction (right-to-left in the example shown), resource allocation includes communication resources from groups #1 and #2 for relaying UE 730 in hop #3, communication resources from groups #2 and #3 for relaying UE 720 in hop #2, and communication resources from groups #3 and #4 for relaying UE 710 in hop #1. As with other embodiments herein, these are merely illustrative examples, and other allocations are possible.

[0209] Alternatively or concurrently, other features disclosed herein may be implemented in other embodiments.

[0210] The above embodiments are described primarily in the context of example methods. Other embodiments are also possible.

[0211] For example, see Figure 23A and 23B Example devices that can implement the methods and teachings according to this disclosure are shown.

[0212] Figure 23A Example ED 2310 is shown and Figure 23B Example base station 2370 is shown. These components can be used in system 100 ( Figure 1 or any other suitable system.

[0213] like Figure 23A As shown, ED 2310 includes at least one processing unit 2300. The processing unit 2300 implements various processing operations of ED 2310. For example, the processing unit 2300 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input processing, output processing, or any other function that enables ED 2310 to operate in a communication system. The processing unit 2300 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions or embodiments detailed herein. Each processing unit 2300 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 2300 may, for example, include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0214] ED 2310 also includes at least one transceiver 2302. Transceiver 2302 is used to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 2304. Transceiver 2302 is also used to demodulate data or other content received via at least one antenna 2304. Each transceiver 2302 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or via a wired connection. Each antenna 2304 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. One or more transceivers 2302 and one or more antennas 2304 may be used in ED 2310. Although transceiver 2302 is shown as a separate functional unit, it may be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0215] ED 2310 also includes one or more input / output devices 2306 or interfaces. Input / output devices 2306 facilitate interaction with users or other devices on the network (network communication). Each input / output device 2306 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving / providing information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0216] Additionally, ED 2310 includes at least one memory 2308. Memory 2308 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 2310. For example, memory 2308 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions or embodiments described above and executed by processing unit 2300. Each memory 2308 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval device. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, etc.

[0217] like Figure 23B As shown, base station 2370 includes at least one processing unit 2350, at least one transmitter 2352, at least one receiver 2354, one or more antennas 2356, at least one memory 2358, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 2366. Transceivers (not shown) may be used in place of transmitter 2352 and receiver 2354. Scheduler 2353 may be coupled to processing unit 2350. Scheduler 2353 may be included within base station 2370 or may operate separately from the base station. Processing unit 2350 implements various processing operations of base station 2370, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input processing, output processing, or any other functions. Processing unit 2350 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions or embodiments detailed herein. Each processing unit 2350 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 2350 may, for example, include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0218] Each transmitter 2352 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each receiver 2354 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly from one or more EDs or other devices. Although at least one transmitter 2352 and at least one receiver 2354 are shown as separate components, they can be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 2356 includes any suitable structure for transmitting, receiving, or both transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Although a shared antenna 2356 is shown herein coupled to both transmitter 2352 and receiver 2354, one or more antennas 2356 can be coupled to transmitter 2352, and one or more individual antennas 2356 can be coupled to receiver 2354. Each memory 2358 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval device, such as those described above in conjunction with ED 2310. Memory 2358 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by base station 2370. For example, memory 2358 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions or embodiments described herein and executed by processing unit 2350.

[0219] Each input / output device 2366 facilitates interaction with users or other devices on the network (network communication). Each input / output device 2366 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving / providing information from users, including network interface communication.

[0220] It should be understood that one or more steps in the methods of the embodiments provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by these or other modules. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, components executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units or modules can be or include one or more integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are implemented using software, then these modules can be retrieved by a processor, in whole or in part, individually or collectively, for processing, in one or more instances, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0221] Generally, components of hardware, firmware, execution software, or some combination thereof can be used to implement the features disclosed herein. Electronic devices that may be suitable for implementing any or all of these components include microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other types of "smart" integrated circuits.

[0222] Any type of storage device can be implemented. For example, memory 2308 and / or memory 2358 may include one or more physical storage devices. Solid-state storage devices such as flash memory devices can be implemented. Alternatively, storage devices with removable or even removable storage media can be implemented.

[0223] Figure 23A and Figure 23B Examples of UEs and network devices in which embodiments can be implemented are shown respectively. More generally, means such as UEs or network devices may include processors and non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as... Figure 23A or Figure 23B The processing units 2300 and 2350 and the memories 2308 and 2358 are included. Examples of UEs and network devices are provided elsewhere in this document. Other components, such as communication interfaces coupled to the processor, may also be provided. Figure 23A and 23B Components 2302, 2304, 2352, 2354, and 2356 are examples of communication interfaces that may be provided in some embodiments.

[0224] In one embodiment, the storage medium stores a program executed by a processor, which includes instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein. For example, when executed by a processor, these instructions may cause the processor to perform any of a variety of operations.

[0225] Another embodiment relates to a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing programming. The programming includes instructions for performing the methods disclosed herein.

[0226] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a communication interface, a processor coupled to the communication interface, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor. The processor and medium are shown by way of example. Figure 23AThe processor 2300 and memory 2308 are included in the medium, and the communication interface may include components such as a transceiver 2302 and / or one or more antennas 2304. Similarly, the processor and medium are shown by way of example. Figure 23B The processing unit 2350 and memory 2358, and the communication interface may include components such as a transmitter 2352, a receiver 2354 and / or one or more antennas 2356.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the programming includes instructions for, or causing, a processor to transmit signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying user equipment (UE) data through each hop in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The relay data in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay involves, for example, first-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node, and second-hop relay data via one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay. The communication resource allocation in the first time period is for, for example, relaying first-hop data via one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, and the communication resource allocation in the second time period is for, for example, relaying second-hop data via one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay.

[0228] Some embodiments include any one or more of the following features in any combination of various combinations:

[0229] The communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups, each of which includes a plurality of communication resources within a corresponding common time period of the group;

[0230] The communication resources also include communication resources from a third communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group from multiple communication resource groups, which respectively include communication resources in the third time period and the fourth time period, for relaying data in the first hop and the second hop respectively.

[0231] The communication resource allocation during the first time period is used, for example, for one of the data reception and transmission performed in the first hop by one of the one or more relay UEs at the first hop; the communication resource allocation during the third time period is used, for example, for another of the reception and transmission performed in the first hop by the same relay UE at the first hop.

[0232] The communication resource allocation during the second time period is used for, for example, one of the data reception and transmission performed in the second hop by one of the relay UEs at the second hop; the communication resource allocation during the fourth time period is used for the other of the reception and transmission performed in the second hop by, for example, the relay UE at the second hop.

[0233] The first communication resource group and the third communication resource group are spaced apart by a first time gap for decoding the received data before transmitting the received data in the first hop;

[0234] The second and fourth communication resource groups are spaced apart by a time interval used to decode the received data before transmitting the received data in the second hop.

[0235] The first communication resource group and the second communication resource group are spaced apart by a time gap, for example, before one or more relay UEs at the second hop transmit the received data in the second hop, the received data is decoded by one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the second hop.

[0236] Communication resources allocated for transmission, for example, via one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the first hop are also allocated for reception, for example, via one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the second hop;

[0237] The communication resources in the first and second time periods are used to relay data in the first direction in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes. The communication resources also include communication resources in the third and fourth time periods for relaying additional data in the second direction in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes. The communication resources in the third time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay and the communication resources in the fourth time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0238] Each of the multiple communication resource groups is separated from its adjacent communication resource group by a time interval;

[0239] Relay data involves one or both of the following: transmitting data multiple times in the first hop via one or more relay UEs at, for example, the first hop, and receiving data multiple times in the second hop via one or more relay UEs at, for example, the second hop;

[0240] Multiple transmissions or multiple receptions involve broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

[0241] Communication resources in the first and second time periods include communication resources used for the initial transmission of data in the first and second hops of the HARQ process and for one or more retransmissions.

[0242] Communication resources also include communication resources for HARQ feedback;

[0243] HARQ procedures include jump-to-jump cycle HARQ procedures, end-to-end HARQ procedures, or combined HARQ procedures, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle of one end-to-end transmission between the first end node and the second end node includes multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles.

[0244] The HARQ process supports early termination after successful data decoding and allows the reuse of communication resources allocated for retransmission after early termination.

[0245] The signaling may include downlink control information or sidelink control information;

[0246] Communication resources are allocated using a higher-level configuration;

[0247] Communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration, and signaling is or includes downlink control information or sidelink control information;

[0248] Communication resources are allocated based on sensing and selecting communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool;

[0249] Communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool through one of the first and second end nodes, which serve as the source node for the data.

[0250] Communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool through the primary UE;

[0251] The relay data also includes relay data in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node, excluding the first and second hops;

[0252] The signaling is or includes: higher-level signaling for indicating communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group and the relative timing relationship between the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group; and dynamic signaling for indicating the start of communication resources.

[0253] Other features that can be implemented in the device embodiments may be obvious or become obvious from the method embodiments disclosed herein.

[0254] Figure 24This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a telecommunications network 2400 according to one embodiment. The telecommunications network 2400 includes a core network 2402 and an access network 2406. The access network 2406 serves multiple UEs 2404a, 2404b, 2404c, 2404d, 2404e, 2404f, 2404g, 2404h, and 2404i. In some embodiments, the access network 2406 is an evolved universal terrestrial access (E-UTRA) network. Another example of the access network 2406 is a cloud access network (C-RAN). The access network 2406 includes multiple BSs 2408a, 2408b, and 2408c. Each BS 2408a-c provides a corresponding radio coverage area 2410a, 2410b, and 2410c, also referred to as a cell. Each BS in BS 2408a-c can be implemented using a wireless transceiver, one or more antennas, and associated processing circuitry (e.g., antenna radio frequency (RF) circuitry, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, etc.).

[0255] Although not shown, each of the BS 2408a-c is connected directly to the core network 2402 or via one or more central processing hubs (e.g., servers). The BS 2408a-c can be used as a gateway between the wired and wireless portions of the access network 2406.

[0256] Depending on the implementation, each BS in BS 2408a-c can also be called a base transceiver station, wireless BS, network node, transmitting node, transmitting point, Node B, eNode B, or remote radio head (RRH), etc.

[0257] In operation, multiple UEs 2404a-i access the telecommunications network 2400 via access network 2406 through wireless communication with one or more BSs 2408a-c.

[0258] UEs 2404a-d are very close to each other. Although each UE 2404a-d can wirelessly communicate with BS 2408a, they can also communicate directly with each other, as shown at 2416. The communication indicated at 2416 is direct communication between the UEs without going through an access network component (e.g., BS), such as the side-by-side communication disclosed herein. Figure 24As shown, UE-to-UE communication 2416 is directly between UEs 2404a-d and is not routed through BS 2408a or any other part of access network 2406. Communication 2416 may also be referred to as lateral communication. In the embodiments disclosed herein, UE-to-UE communication uses a lateral channel and a lateral air interface. On the other hand, communication between an access network component (e.g., BS 2408a) and a UE (e.g., communication 2414) is referred to as access communication. Access communication occurs on an access channel, which can be an uplink or downlink channel, and uses a radio access communication interface, such as a cellular radio access air interface. Access and lateral air interfaces can use different transmission formats, such as different waveforms, different multiple access schemes, or different radio access technologies. Some examples of radio access technologies that can be used for the access air interface or lateral air interface are: Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA), and WiFi.

[0259] By using sidelink communication 2416, UE 2404a-d can assist in wireless communication between UE 2404a-d and BS 2408a. As an example, if UE 2404c fails to correctly decode a data packet received from BS 2408a, but UE 2404d can receive and correctly decode the data packet from BS 2408a, UE 2404d can directly send the decoded data packet to UE 2404c using sidelink communication 2416. As another example, if UE 2404c moves out of the wireless coverage area 2418c, making it impossible for UE 2404c to communicate wirelessly with BS 2408a, UE 2404b can forward messages between UE 2404c and BS 2408a. As yet another example, both UE 2404a and UE 2404c can receive signals sent from BS 2408a carrying data packets for UE 2404c. Then, UE 2404a can transmit the signals received by UE 2404a to UE 2404c via side-by-side communication 2416. UE 2404c can then use the information received from UE 2404a to help decode data packets from BS 2408a. In these examples, capacity or coverage can be improved by forming enhanced UE assistance UEs 2404a, 2404b, and 2404d, or one or more of them.

[0260] In some embodiments, UEs 2404a-d form UE groups 2420. However, it should be noted that the features disclosed herein do not depend on pre-formed UE groups.

[0261] In scenarios where UE group 2420 and UE 2404c are assisted, other UEs 2404a, 2404b, and 2404d form a cooperative candidate set to assist UE 2404c. If UEs 2404a and 2404b assist UE 2404c, then UEs 2404a and 2404b form a cooperative active set. When UEs 2404a-d move around, some UEs may leave UE group 2420. Alternatively, UE movement may lead to other UEs joining UE group 2420. Therefore, the cooperative candidate set may change over time. For example, the cooperative candidate set can change semi-statically. For example, if the network determines that UE group 2420 no longer needs or has the opportunity to assist BS 2408a in wireless communication with members of UE group 2420, then UE group 2420 can also be terminated by network 2406.

[0262] There may be more than one UE group. For example, Figure 24 UEs 2404e and 2404f form another UE group 2422.

[0263] Figure 25 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network 2552 providing services to two UEs 2554a and 2554b according to one embodiment. Network 2552 may be... Figure 24 In the access network 2406, the two UEs 2554a and 2554b can be Figure 24 Two of the four UEs 2404a-d, or UEs 2554a and 2554b, can be Figure 24 UE 2404e and 2404f in the example. However, more generally, this is not necessarily the case, therefore in Figure 25 Different figure labels are used.

[0264] Network 2552 includes a BS 2556 and a management module 2558. The management module 2558 instructs the BS 2556 to perform actions. The management module 2558 is physically spaced from the BS 2556 and coupled to the BS 2556 via a communication link 2560. For example, the management module 2558 may be part of a server in network 2552. Alternatively, the management module 2558 may be part of the BS 2556.

[0265] Management module 2558 includes processor 2562, memory 2564, and communication module 2566. Communication module 2566 is implemented by processor 2562 when processor 2562 accesses and executes a series of instructions stored in memory 2564; these instructions define the actions of communication module 2566. When instructions are executed, communication module 2566 causes BS 2556 to perform the actions described herein, thereby enabling network 2552 to establish, coordinate, instruct, or control UE cooperation and enhance UE formation and operation. Alternatively, communication module 2566 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0266] UE 2554a includes a communication subsystem 2570a, two antennas 2572a and 2574a, a processor 2576a, and a memory 2578a. UE 2554a also includes a communication module 2580a. The communication module 2580a is implemented by the processor 2576a when the processor 2576a accesses and executes a series of instructions stored in the memory 2578a, these instructions defining the actions of the communication module 2580a. When the instructions are executed, the communication module 2580a causes UE 2554a to perform the actions described herein regarding UE cooperation. Alternatively, module 2580a may be implemented by dedicated circuitry (e.g., an ASIC or an FPGA).

[0267] Communication subsystem 2570a includes processing circuitry, transmitting circuitry, and receiving circuitry for sending messages from and receiving messages from UE 2554a. Although one communication subsystem 2570a is shown, multiple communication subsystems may be present. Antenna 2572a transmits and receives wireless communication signals from BS 2556. Antenna 2574a transmits and receives side-link communication signals from other UEs (including UE 2554b). In some implementations, two separate antennas 2572a and 2574a may not exist. A single antenna may be used. Alternatively, multiple antennas may be present, but not divided into antennas solely for side-link communication and antennas solely for communication with BS 2556.

[0268] SL communication can be conducted via Wi-Fi, in which case antenna 2574a can be a Wi-Fi antenna. Alternatively, lateral communication can be conducted via Bluetooth. TM In this case, antenna 2574a can be Bluetooth. TMAntenna. Alternatively, side-by-side communication can be conducted using licensed or unlicensed spectrum.

[0269] UE 2554b includes the same components described above with respect to UE 2554a. That is, UE 2554b includes a communication subsystem 2570b, antennas 2572b and 2574b, a processor 2576b, a memory 2578b, and a communication module 2580b.

[0270] Figure 24 and 25 A system in which embodiments can be implemented is shown. In some embodiments, the UE includes a processor, for example... Figure 25 2576a, 2576b, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing programs for processor execution, such as Figure 25 Examples are 2578a and 2578b. Alternatively, non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided separately as a computer program product. Examples are provided elsewhere in this document.

[0271] This disclosure includes various embodiments relating to general solutions for multi-hop relay using UC for UE-to-network relay and UE-to-UE relay. In some embodiments, communication may be bidirectional.

[0272] Potential benefits of one or more disclosed embodiments may include, for example, facilitating multi-hop UE relay using UC to achieve goals such as lower latency and higher reliability for certain types of applications, such as ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLC). Another potential benefit is more robust multi-hop UE relay with improved performance and enhanced coverage.

[0273] The embodiments disclosed herein include at least the examples summarized below.

[0274] According to Example 1, a method involves transmitting signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying data via a user equipment (UE) in a corresponding hop of a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. Relaying data in a corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay involves relaying the data in a first hop and a second hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node. The communication resources in the first time period are allocated for relaying the data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay, and the communication resources in the second time period are allocated for relaying the data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0275] Example 2 relates to the method according to Example 1, wherein the communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups. Each of the plurality of communication resource groups includes a plurality of communication resources within a corresponding common time period of the group.

[0276] Example 3 relates to the method according to Example 2, wherein the communication resources further include communication resources from a third communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups, the plurality of communication resource groups respectively including communication resources within a third time period and a fourth time period for relaying data in a first hop and a second hop, respectively. Communication resources in the first time period are allocated for one of the data reception and transmission performed in the first hop, and communication resources in the third time period are allocated for the other of the reception and transmission performed in the first hop. Communication resources in the second time period are allocated for one of the data reception and transmission performed in the second hop, and communication resources in the fourth time period are allocated for the other of the reception and transmission performed in the second hop.

[0277] Example 4 relates to the method according to Example 3, wherein communication resources allocated for transmission in the first hop are also allocated for reception in the second hop.

[0278] Example 5 relates to the method according to Example 1, wherein communication resources in the first and second time periods are used to relay data in a first direction in corresponding hops of a multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes, and wherein the communication resources further include communication resources in the third and fourth time periods for relaying additional data in a second direction in corresponding hops of the multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes. Communication resources in the third time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay, and communication resources in the fourth time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0279] Example 6 relates to the method according to Example 2, wherein each of a plurality of communication resource groups is spaced apart from its adjacent communication resource group by a time gap.

[0280] Example 7 relates to the method according to Example 3, wherein a first communication resource group and a third communication resource group are spaced apart from each other for a first time gap for decoding the received data before transmitting the received data in the first hop, and wherein a second communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group are spaced apart from each other for a time gap for decoding the received data before transmitting the received data in the second hop.

[0281] Example 8 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the relay data includes one or both of the following: multiple transmissions of data in a first hop and multiple receptions of data in a second hop.

[0282] Example 9 relates to the method according to Example 8, wherein multiple transmissions or multiple receptions include broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

[0283] Example 10 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources for the initial transmission and one or more retransmissions of data in the first hop and the second hop in the HARQ process.

[0284] Example 11 relates to the method according to Example 10, wherein the communication resources further include communication resources for HARQ feedback.

[0285] Example 12 relates to the method according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the HARQ process includes a jump-to-jump cycle HARQ process, an end-to-end HARQ process, or a combined HARQ process, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle for a single end-to-end transmission between a first end node and a second end node includes multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles.

[0286] Example 13 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the HARQ process supports early termination after successful data decoding and allows the reuse of communication resources allocated for retransmission after early termination.

[0287] Example 14 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

[0288] Example 15 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration.

[0289] Example 16 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration, and wherein signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

[0290] Example 17 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein communication resources are allocated based on sensing and selecting communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool.

[0291] Example 18 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool via one of a first and second end nodes that serve as the source node for data.

[0292] Example 19 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool by a primary UE.

[0293] Example 20 relates to a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the relay data further includes relay data in additional hops other than the first and second hops in a multi-hop relay between the first and second end nodes.

[0294] Example 21 relates to the method according to Example 2, wherein the signaling includes: higher-level signaling for indicating communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group and a relative timing relationship between the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group; and dynamic signaling for indicating the start of the communication resources.

[0295] According to Example 22, an apparatus includes: a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor storing a program for execution by the processor. The program includes instructions for transmitting signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying data via a user equipment (UE) in a corresponding hop of a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The relay data in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay includes relay data in a first hop and a second hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node. The communication resources in the first time period are allocated for relaying the data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay, and the communication resources in the second time period are allocated for relaying the data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0296] Example 23 relates to an apparatus according to Example 22, wherein communication resources in a first time period and a second time period include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group among a plurality of communication resource groups. Each of the plurality of communication resource groups includes a plurality of communication resources within a corresponding common time period of the group.

[0297] Example 24 relates to an apparatus according to Example 23, wherein the communication resources further include communication resources from a third communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups, the plurality of communication resource groups respectively including communication resources within a third time period and a fourth time period for relaying data in a first hop and a second hop, respectively. Communication resources in the first time period are allocated for one of the data reception and transmission performed in the first hop, and communication resources in the third time period are allocated for the other of the reception and transmission performed in the first hop. Communication resources in the second time period are allocated for one of the data reception and transmission performed in the second hop, and communication resources in the fourth time period are allocated for the other of the reception and transmission performed in the second hop.

[0298] Example 25 relates to an apparatus according to Example 24, wherein communication resources allocated for transmission in the first hop are also allocated for reception in the second hop.

[0299] Example 26 relates to an apparatus according to Example 22, wherein communication resources in a first time period and a second time period are used to relay data in a first direction in a corresponding hop of a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node, and wherein the communication resources further include communication resources in a third time period and a fourth time period for relaying additional data in a second direction in a corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node. Communication resources in the third time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay, and communication resources in the fourth time period are allocated for relaying additional data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0300] Example 27 relates to an apparatus according to Example 23, wherein each of a plurality of communication resource groups is spaced apart from an adjacent communication resource group by a time gap.

[0301] Example 28 relates to an apparatus according to Example 24, wherein a first communication resource group and a third communication resource group are spaced apart from each other for a first time gap for decoding the received data before transmitting the received data in a first hop, and wherein a second communication resource group and a fourth communication resource group are spaced apart from each other for a time gap for decoding the received data before transmitting the received data in a second hop.

[0302] Example 29 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 28, wherein the relay data includes one or both of the following: multiple transmissions of data in a first hop and multiple receptions of data in a second hop.

[0303] Example 30 relates to an apparatus according to Example 29, wherein multiple transmissions or multiple receptions include broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

[0304] Example 31 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 30, wherein communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources for the initial transmission and one or more retransmissions of data in the first hop and the second hop in the HARQ process.

[0305] Example 32 relates to an apparatus according to Example 31, wherein the communication resources further include communication resources for HARQ feedback.

[0306] Example 33 relates to an apparatus according to Example 31 or Example 32, wherein the HARQ process includes a jump-to-jump cycle HARQ process, an end-to-end HARQ process, or a combined HARQ process, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle for a single end-to-end transmission between a first end node and a second end node includes multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles.

[0307] Example 34 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 31 to 33, wherein the HARQ process supports early termination after successful data decoding and allows the reuse of communication resources allocated for retransmission after early termination.

[0308] Example 35 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein the signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

[0309] Example 36 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration.

[0310] Example 37 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration, and wherein signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

[0311] Example 38 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein communication resources are allocated based on sensing and selecting communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool.

[0312] Example 39 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool via one of a first and second end nodes that serve as the source node for data.

[0313] Example 40 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 34, wherein communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool by a primary UE.

[0314] Example 41 relates to an apparatus according to any one of Examples 22 to 40, wherein the relay data further includes additional hop relay data in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node, in addition to the first hop and the second hop.

[0315] Example 42 relates to an apparatus according to Example 23, wherein the signaling includes: higher-level signaling for indicating communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group and a relative timing relationship between the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group; and dynamic signaling for indicating the start of the communication resources.

[0316] According to Example 43, a computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing programming. The programming includes instructions for transmitting signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for relaying data via a user equipment (UE) in a corresponding hop of a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The relayed data in the corresponding hop of the multi-hop relay includes relayed data in a first hop and a second hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node. The communication resources in the first time period are allocated for relaying the data in the first hop of the multi-hop relay, and the communication resources in the second time period are allocated for relaying the data in the second hop of the multi-hop relay.

[0317] The description merely illustrates the application of the principles of embodiments of this disclosure. Other arrangements and methods can be implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0318] For example, although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the benefits of the various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system or method designed according to embodiments of this disclosure does not necessarily include any of the figures in the drawings or all features shown in all portions schematically illustrated in the figures. Furthermore, selected features of one example embodiment may be combined with selected features of other example embodiments.

[0319] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this specification is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of this disclosure, upon referring to this description. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

[0320] Although various aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, various modifications and combinations thereof may be made without departing from this disclosure. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded only as illustrations of some embodiments of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims, and any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents covering the scope of this disclosure are to be considered. Thus, while embodiments and their potential advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, articles of manufacture, substances, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will readily understand from the disclosure of this document that existing or soon-to-be-developed processes, machines, articles of manufacture, substances, apparatuses, methods, or steps that have substantially the same functionality as the corresponding embodiments described herein, or that can achieve substantially the same results as the embodiments described herein, may be used in accordance with this disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, articles of manufacture, substances, apparatuses, methods, or steps within their scope.

[0321] Furthermore, although described primarily in the context of methods and apparatus, other implementations are also contemplated, for example, as instructions stored in a non-transitory processor-readable medium. These media may store programming or instructions for performing any of the various methods consistent with this disclosure.

[0322] Furthermore, any module, component, or device executing instructions illustrated herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media to store information, such as computer-readable or processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media includes magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, etc. TMOptical discs or other optical storage devices, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other storage technologies. Any such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium may be part of a device or may be accessed or connected to a device. Any application or module described herein may be implemented using computer-readable and executable instructions, or a processor may be stored in or otherwise held by such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: In a wireless communication network, signaling is transmitted for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for corresponding hop relay data in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The corresponding hop relay data in the multi-hop relay includes data relayed through one or more relay user equipment (UEs) at the first hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node, and one or more relay UEs at the second hop of the multi-hop relay. The communication resource allocation in the first time period is used to relay the data through the one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, and the communication resource allocation in the second time period is used to relay the data through the one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay; The communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups, each of the plurality of communication resource groups including a plurality of communication resources within a corresponding common time period of the group; The first communication resource group and the second communication resource group are spaced apart by a time gap, which is used to decode the received data by the one or more relay UEs at the second hop before the one or more relay UEs at the second hop send the received data; The first communication resource group is also allocated for relaying data in the first time period for one or more relay UEs that are not adjacent to the one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, or the first communication resource group is also allocated for the second end node to send data in the first time period. The second communication resource group is also allocated for relaying data in the second time period for one or more relay UEs that are not adjacent to the one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay, or the second communication resource group is also allocated for the first end node to send data in the second time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources allocated for transmission by the one or more relay UEs at the first hop are also allocated for reception by the one or more relay UEs at the second hop.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of communication resource groups is separated from its adjacent communication resource group by a time interval.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relayed data includes one or both of the following: the data is transmitted multiple times through the one or more relay UEs at the first hop, and the data is received multiple times through the one or more relay UEs at the second hop.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple transmissions or multiple receptions include broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources for the initial transmission and one or more retransmissions of the data in the first hop and the second hop in the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication resources also include communication resources for HARQ feedback.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The HARQ process includes a jump-to-jump cycle HARQ process, an end-to-end HARQ process, or a combined HARQ process, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle for a single end-to-end transmission between the first end node and the second end node includes multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The HARQ process supports early termination after successful decoding of the data and allows the reuse of the communication resources allocated for retransmission after the early termination.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration, and the signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated based on sensing and selecting the communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool through one of the first and second end nodes, which serve as the source node for the data.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool by the primary UE.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay data also includes data relayed in other hops besides the first hop and the second hop in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signaling includes: higher-level signaling for indicating the communication resources from the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group and the relative timing relationship between the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group; and dynamic signaling for indicating the start of the communication resources.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: Communication interface; A processor, which is coupled to the communication interface; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor stores programming for execution by the processor, the programming including instructions for transmitting signaling in a wireless communication network for allocating communication resources in a first time period and a second time period for corresponding hop relay data in a multi-hop relay between a first end node and a second end node. The corresponding hop relay data in the multi-hop relay includes data relayed through one or more relay user equipment (UEs) at the first hop of the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node, and one or more relay UEs at the second hop of the multi-hop relay. The communication resource allocation in the first time period is used to relay the data through the one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, and the communication resource allocation in the second time period is used to relay the data through the one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay; The communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources from a first communication resource group and a second communication resource group from a plurality of communication resource groups, each of the plurality of communication resource groups including a plurality of communication resources within a corresponding common time period of the group; The first communication resource group and the second communication resource group are spaced apart by a time gap, which is used to decode the received data by the one or more relay UEs at the second hop before the one or more relay UEs at the second hop send the received data; The first communication resource group is also allocated for relaying data in the first time period for one or more relay UEs that are not adjacent to the one or more relay UEs at the first hop in the multi-hop relay, or the first communication resource group is also allocated for the second end node to send data in the first time period. The second communication resource group is also allocated for relaying data in the second time period for one or more relay UEs that are not adjacent to the one or more relay UEs at the second hop in the multi-hop relay, or the second communication resource group is also allocated for the first end node to send data in the second time period.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources allocated for transmission by the one or more relay UEs at the first hop are also allocated for reception by the one or more relay UEs at the second hop.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of communication resource groups is separated from its adjacent communication resource group by a time interval.

21. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The relayed data includes one or both of the following: the data is transmitted multiple times through the one or more relay UEs at the first hop, and the data is received multiple times through the one or more relay UEs at the second hop.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The multiple transmissions or multiple receptions include broadcast communication, multicast communication, or unicast communication.

23. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources in the first time period and the second time period include communication resources for the initial transmission and one or more retransmissions of the data in the first hop and the second hop in the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The communication resources also include communication resources for HARQ feedback.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The HARQ process includes a jump-to-jump cycle HARQ process, an end-to-end HARQ process, or a combined HARQ process, wherein an end-to-end transmission cycle for a single end-to-end transmission between the first end node and the second end node includes multiple jump-to-jump transmission cycles.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The HARQ process supports early termination after successful decoding of the data and allows the reuse of the communication resources allocated for retransmission after the early termination.

27. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

28. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration.

29. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated in a higher-level configuration, and the signaling is downlink control information or sidelink control information.

30. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated based on sensing and selecting the communication resources from a pre-configured resource pool.

31. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool through one of the first and second end nodes, which serve as the source node for the data.

32. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The communication resources are allocated from a pre-configured resource pool by the primary UE.

33. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The relay data also includes data relayed in additional hops other than the first hop and the second hop in the multi-hop relay between the first end node and the second end node.

34. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that, The signaling includes: higher-level signaling for indicating the communication resources from the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group and the relative timing relationship between the first communication resource group and the second communication resource group; and dynamic signaling for indicating the start of the communication resources.

35. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing programming, characterized in that, The programming includes instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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