Configuration of Relay UE Context Information

Abstract

In particular, a method is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining virtual relay context information that enables one or more relay mobile device candidates to relay traffic; and applying the virtual relay context information to a corresponding relay mobile device among the one or more relay mobile device candidates configured to relay traffic. A corresponding apparatus, computer program, and system are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication networks, or more particularly to systems, apparatuses, and methods for configuring relay UE (User Equipment) context information for a mobile device. Background Art

[0002] UE-to-network (UE2NW) relay can be used to extend network coverage. When a UE having active Uu traffic (e.g., traffic via the Uu interface) is entering or about to enter a coverage hole, it can treat another eligible UE as a UE-to-network relay to relay its traffic with the network. Such relay can be performed via layer 2 or layer 3 UE-to-network relay.

[0003] A remote UE may experience relatively poor radio conditions with its serving BS (Base Station), or the remote UE may even be in a network coverage hole or outside the coverage area. Thus, the remote UE can search for any (multiple) relay UE candidates to assist its communication with the network. Before a UE can be considered a relay UE candidate for serving and relaying the traffic of the remote UE, there may be specific radio conditions to be satisfied for both the Uu and PC5 interfaces. If there are multiple relay candidates, the remote UE can select, according to the current solution, a relay having, for example, the highest received SL-RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) (see, for example, 3GPP TS (Technical Specification) 36.331). After the remote UE selects a relay, the relay UE can be configured by the network to support the relay function, e.g., configure the mapping between (multiple) SL radio bearers and (multiple) Uu radio bearers, allocate resources for relay communication, etc. Thereafter, the relay UE can, for example, use this configuration to start relaying traffic between the remote UE and the network.

[0004] However, due to the mobility (e.g., movement) of the relay and / or the remote UE, the Uu (interface) conditions of the relay UE and / or the SL conditions between the relay and the remote UE may change quite dynamically, which may lead to frequent change / reselection of the relay UE to serve the considered remote UE. For example, the remote UE can first be served by one relay UE, but subsequently, that relay UE may become unsuitable to continue as a relay UE, e.g., because its Uu or SL radio conditions may become worse due to mobility. In such a case, it may be beneficial to perform relay reselection, e.g.:

[0005] 1. The relay UE can trigger an SL release procedure with the remote UE, with or without a possible warning of becoming unsuitable to act as a relay for the remote UE.

[0006] 2. Then, the remote UE needs to search for and select a new relay UE.

[0007] 3. The network may configure information for a new relay UE to support the relay function. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] However, between the triggering of the relay UE (step 1 above) and the network configuring a new relay UE (step 3 above), the remote UE may experience a service interruption. In addition, the network may require additional signaling overhead to configure a new relay UE (e.g., step 3 above). In addition, the relay UE will release the side link to the remote UE, after which the remote UE needs to search for a new relay UE, thus requiring the network to configure a new relay UE.

[0009] Therefore, among other things, an object of the exemplary embodiments is to implement a solution to improve service continuity in the case of relay reselection while keeping the signaling overhead low.

[0010] According to a first exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0011] - obtaining virtual relay context information that enables the device to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network; and

[0012] - applying the virtual relay context information to be configured as a relay mobile device for at least one remote mobile device when at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied and / or when an activation indication is obtained.

[0013] The method may be performed and / or controlled by a device, such as a mobile device, such as a mobile terminal, UE, smartphone, tablet, IoT device, wearable device, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples. For example, the method may be performed and / or controlled using at least one processor of the mobile device. The mobile device may be an entity of the mobile communication network. The mobile device may be capable of multi-carrier operation in the mobile communication network.

[0014] According to a second exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0015] - configuring virtual relay context information that enables one or more relay mobile device candidates to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between at least one remote mobile device and the device;

[0016] - providing the virtual relay context information to one or more relay mobile device candidates before the corresponding relay mobile candidate is selected as the relay mobile device for at least one remote mobile device.

[0017] The method may be performed and / or controlled, for example, by a device such as a radio access node, such as a base station, such as a gNB, en-gNB, or ng-eNB. For example, the method may be performed and / or controlled using at least one processor of a radio access node and / or a base station.

[0018] According to a third exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0019] - providing discovery information indicating the presence of at least one or more relay mobile device candidates;

[0020] and;

[0021] - selecting, from the one or more relay mobile device candidates, a corresponding relay mobile device configured with virtual relay context information for relaying traffic for the device; and

[0022] - communicating, using the selected relay mobile device with the virtual relay context information, with a base station of a mobile communication network.

[0023] The method may be performed and / or controlled, for example, by a device such as a mobile device, such as a mobile terminal, UE, smartphone, tablet, IoT device, wearable device, or a combination thereof, to name but a few non-limiting examples. For example, the method may be performed and / or controlled using at least one processor of a mobile device. The mobile device may be an entity of a mobile communication network. The mobile device may be capable of multi-carrier operation in a mobile communication network.

[0024] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed, which when executed by a processor causes a device (e.g., a server) to perform and / or control the actions of the method according to the first exemplary aspect, the second exemplary aspect, and / or the third exemplary aspect.

[0025] The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, particularly on a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a disk or a memory, etc. The computer program may be stored in the computer-readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be used to participate in the operation of a device, such as an internal or external memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or the hard disk of a computer, or for the distribution of a program, such as an optical disc.

[0026] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed, which is configured to perform and / or control the method according to the first exemplary aspect, the second exemplary aspect, and / or the third exemplary aspect, or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect, the second exemplary aspect, and / or the third exemplary aspect.

[0027] The components of the device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They can include, for example, at least one processor for executing the required functions, at least one memory for storing program code, or both. Alternatively, they can include, for example, circuitry designed to implement the required functions, such as implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated circuit. Generally, the components can include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0028] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device (e.g., the above device) to at least execute and / or control the methods according to the first exemplary aspect, the second exemplary aspect, and / or the third exemplary aspect.

[0029] The device disclosed above according to any aspect can be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the device disclosed according to any aspect can be a device, such as a server or a server cloud. The device disclosed according to any aspect can include only the disclosed components, such as components, processors, memories, or can also include one or more additional components.

[0030] According to another exemplary aspect, a system is disclosed, which includes:

[0031] At least one first device according to the above first exemplary aspect, at least one second device according to the above second exemplary aspect, and at least one third device according to the above third exemplary aspect.

[0032] Hereinafter, the exemplary features and exemplary embodiments of all aspects will be described in further detail.

[0033] As used herein, a mobile communication network refers to a network that can be utilized by one or more mobile devices. Such a mobile communication network typically operates according to a given standard or specification, which can prescribe what various entities associated with the mobile communication network (e.g., one or more mobile devices, one or more base stations, or corresponding radio access nodes (e.g., gNB)) are allowed to do and how it should be implemented. Communication protocols and / or parameters for the connection are also typically defined. Examples of standardized radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution), GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network), UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), E-UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN), 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), to name just a few non-limiting examples. An example of a standardized communication system architecture is the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. LTE is standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE employs E-UTRAN access. Further developments are known as Advanced LTE (LTE-A), 5G or 5G+ and / or NR communication standards. The "network" as used herein can be, for example, the aforementioned mobile communication network.

[0034] As used herein, such a device (e.g., a mobile device) according to the first exemplary aspect and / or the third exemplary aspect can be, for example, portable (e.g., weighing less than 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1 kg or less), such as, by way of non-limiting example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant device, a computer, a laptop computer, a UE, an IoT device included in a vehicle, for example, or a combination thereof. The device can, for example, include or be connectable to a display for presenting information. The device can, for example, include or be connectable to a component for outputting sound, for example, in the form of an oral command or information. The device can, for example, include or be connectable to one or more sensors for determining the location of the device, such as a GNSS receiver in the form of a GPS receiver, for example. The device can, for example, include or be connectable to one or more sensors, such as in the form of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or a magnetometer and / or a barometer, which are used to collect (e.g., measure) other information, such as motion sensor data. The device can, for example, include or be connectable to a receiver and / or a transmitter (e.g., a transceiver) for receiving and / or sending information.

[0035] The device according to the first exemplary aspect can be, for example, a relay UE, which can enable communication between a device according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote UE) and a mobile communication network (e.g., a device according to the second exemplary aspect) (e.g., a base station of the mobile communication network).

[0036] The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can be, for example, a remote mobile device (e.g., a remote UE), which can, for example, experience poor radio conditions with the current serving base station (e.g., the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect) (e.g., a network node), and / or can leave or move out of the coverage area of the serving base station. Thus, for example, the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can act as a relay mobile device (e.g., a relay UE) or a relay mobile device candidate (e.g., a relay UE candidate) for one or more apparatuses according to the third exemplary aspect, for example, in the case where the apparatus acting as the relay mobile device or the relay mobile device candidate is within the coverage area of the current serving base station, just to list one non-limiting example.

[0037] The apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can obtain virtual relay context information, for example, by receiving virtual context relay information from a base station of a mobile communication network. The base station providing the virtual relay context information to the apparatus can be, for example, the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect. The relay context information can alternatively or additionally be obtained (e.g., received) from a remote mobile device that has earlier obtained the virtual relay context information.

[0038] The virtual relay context information can enable one or more relay mobile device candidates to relay traffic. This can allow multiple (e.g., at least two) relay mobile device candidates to be prepared to act as relay mobile devices by means of the virtual relay context information. The relay mobile device candidates can be prepared to act as the corresponding relay mobile devices. Since the relay mobile device candidates are prepared in this way, it can apply the virtual relay context information to act as the corresponding relay mobile devices. In addition, one or more other relay mobile devices are prepared in this way, and the remote mobile device can switch between one or more relay mobile devices in a fast manner. The virtual relay context information provided to one or more relay mobile device candidates can be the same for one or more relay mobile devices. This can allow switching between one or more relay mobile device candidates to relay the traffic of the corresponding remote mobile device.

[0039] In the case where at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied and / or in the case where an activation indication is obtained, the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can apply the virtual relay context information to be configured as, or act as or be used as a relay mobile device for at least one remote mobile device.

[0040] The corresponding remote mobile device can ultimately select the corresponding relay mobile device, for example, based on the satisfaction of at least one condition (e.g., a relay measurement condition). Additionally, the relay mobile device candidate can apply virtual relay context information based on its own satisfaction of at least one condition. The corresponding relay mobile device can be selected from multiple (e.g., at least two) relay mobile device candidates, which can be pre-prepared by the corresponding relay mobile device candidate obtaining virtual relay context information. Moreover, the reselection of the corresponding relay mobile device can be performed and / or controlled in the same manner, as multiple relay mobile device candidates can be correspondingly prepared to serve the remote mobile device as the relay mobile device. The remote mobile device can provide an activation indication that indicates that the device according to the third exemplary aspect has selected it (the device according to the first exemplary aspect) as its relay mobile device. At least partially based on such an activation indication, the corresponding relay mobile device can apply the virtual relay context information (readily available in its memory), which enables the configuration to relay the traffic of the remote mobile device (e.g., the device according to the third exemplary aspect). Thus, the corresponding mobile device(s) as such a relay mobile device candidate can obtain (e.g., receive) the virtual relay context information, for example, before applying the virtual relay context information.

[0041] The selection of the corresponding relay mobile device among one or more relay mobile device candidates for relaying the traffic of the device according to the third exemplary aspect can be at least partially based on one or more conditions that facilitate enabling the relay mobile device candidate(s) to act as the corresponding relay mobile device of the device according to the third exemplary aspect. More details regarding such one or more conditions are disclosed below.

[0042] To improve service continuity, a network (e.g., a base station; e.g., a device according to a second exemplary aspect) may configure such a virtual relay UE context, for example, by configuring virtual relay context information. Such virtual relay context information may be the same for one or more relay mobile device candidates. Such virtual relay context information may be configured for a corresponding remote mobile device, e.g., a device according to a third exemplary aspect. For example, the virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) may be or at least partially include configurations of C-RNTI (Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier), SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling) / CG (Configured Grant), SRB (Signaling Radio Bearer), DRB (Data Radio Bearer), LCH (Logical Channel), NAS (Non-Access Stratum), RRC (Radio Resource Control), MAC (Media Access Control), and PHY (Physical) layer, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples. The network may configure the virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) to (a plurality of) potential relay mobile devices, e.g., via a remote mobile device or directly to (a plurality of) corresponding relay mobile device candidates. The virtual relay UE context information may be used by any eligible relay UE selected by the remote UE to relay traffic between the remote UE and the network. This may be allowed because the same virtual relay context information may be provided to one or more relay mobile device candidates, enabling switching between one or more relay mobile device candidates that will subsequently act as the corresponding relay mobile device.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is obtained from at least one remote mobile device and / or a mobile communication network.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is provided to one or more relay mobile device candidates and / or at least one remote mobile device.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is obtained from a mobile communication network and optionally relayed to one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0046] For example, the configured virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) may be sent (e.g., provided) by a device according to a second exemplary aspect to a remote UE (a device according to a third exemplary aspect), where the remote UE then provides (e.g., sends) the virtual relay context information to (e.g., all) (a plurality of) potential relay UEs (e.g., one or more relay mobile device candidates), for example, via PC5SL. Additionally or alternatively, the virtual relay context information may be provided by a device according to a second exemplary aspect to at least one of one or more relay mobile device candidates, which in turn may provide (e.g., send) the virtual relay context information to (e.g., all) (a plurality of) other relay mobile device candidates, for example, via unicast, multicast, and / or broadcast, just to mention a few non-limiting examples.

[0047] Such a virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) may also be used by a device according to a third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote mobile device) for its direct communication with a base station, provided that the virtual relay UE context is configured by the base station. For example, if the remote UE returns to the coverage area of the current serving base station, the base station may be the current serving base station. Or, if the remote UE enters the coverage area of another neighboring base station that configures the virtual relay UE context, the base station may be that neighboring base station. In the latter example, the remote UE may further indicate to the base station that the remote UE is using the virtual relay context to communicate with the base station. Additionally, this may be based on the base station identifier of the corresponding base station that provides the virtual relay context information. This in turn may trigger the network (e.g., the base station of the network) to configure a new actual virtual UE context (e.g., configure new or updated virtual relay context information) for the device (e.g., the remote UE), while releasing / not releasing the previous virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information).

[0048] The virtual relay context information may be obtained by a device according to a first exemplary aspect and / or a device according to a third exemplary aspect via the Uu interface. Such a Uu interface may be established between the corresponding device and a base station (e.g., the serving base station of the device) or another base station of the mobile communication network, where the base station provides the virtual relay context information to a relay mobile device that relays the virtual relay context information to the device. In the latter case, such a Uu interface may be established between the serving base stations of the corresponding relay mobile devices.

[0049] The virtual relay context information obtained by a remote mobile device (e.g., a device according to the third exemplary aspect) can be a first set of virtual relay context obtained from a source base station. Then, in the case of a handover from a serving cell to an adjacent cell, the device can obtain (e.g., receive) another set (a second set) of virtual relay context information, where such a second set of virtual relay context information can be originated from (e.g., sent by) a target base station serving the adjacent cell. This can allow the device to select a corresponding relay mobile device candidate as the relay mobile device served by the cell even before being served by different cells (e.g., adjacent cells) it intends to hand over to.

[0050] The device according to the second exemplary aspect can be a base station of a mobile communication network. The device can serve at least one device according to the first exemplary aspect. To enable the corresponding device according to the third exemplary aspect to improve service continuity, the device (according to the second exemplary aspect) can configure virtual relay context information for the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect. The virtual relay context information can enable the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect to relay traffic for the device according to the third exemplary aspect. As disclosed in the example embodiments regarding the first exemplary aspect above, the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can be selected by the corresponding device according to the third exemplary aspect among one or more relay mobile device candidates. In addition, the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can use the virtual relay context information configured for the first device to relay traffic for another device according to the first example aspect. The example embodiments of all exemplary aspects can enable the formation of a "relay chain" among one remote mobile device, one or more relay mobile devices, and a mobile communication network, to name just one non - limiting example. In another example embodiment, the virtual relay context information can be applied (e.g., only applied) by a relay mobile device directly connected to the network in the "relay chain". Thus, dynamic handover and selection among one or more relay mobile devices can be allowed to serve the remote mobile device as the first - hop mobile relay device directly connected to the network.

[0051] The virtual relay context information can be configured such that (e.g., the same) virtual relay context information can be used by any relay mobile device candidate (e.g., eligible to relay traffic via the mobile communication network, e.g., based on one or more evaluated conditions) to relay traffic with little or no signaling, e.g., between the corresponding relay mobile device and the device for which the traffic to be relayed is to occur.

[0052] The configured virtual relay context information can also be provided, for example, by sending the virtual relay context information to a device for which traffic is to be relayed (e.g., a remote mobile device). Alternatively or additionally, the virtual relay context information can be sent to one or more relay mobile device candidates. This can be enabled, for example, because discovery information can be obtained (e.g., received) from the device for which traffic is to be relayed.

[0053] To transfer traffic between a device according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote mobile device) and a corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect (e.g., a relay mobile device), a PC5 interface can be used. Such a PC5 interface can also be referred to as 3GPP PC5 (also known as LTE V2X / sidelink and / or NR sidelink), which enables direct communication between two mobile devices (e.g., two devices according to the first exemplary aspect and / or the third exemplary aspect, such as a remote mobile device and a relay mobile device). The PC5 interface can implement communication according to a standardized short-range technology, for example, operating in the 5.9 GHz or another / alternative frequency band. Communication via such a PC5 interface can be performed without the assistance of a mobile communication network.

[0054] This can allow a device according to the third exemplary aspect to be served by one or more services of a mobile communication network, for example, even though it is located outside the coverage area of a corresponding base station of the mobile communication network. Example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects can be used in at least two scenarios:

[0055] - A device according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote UE) and a relay mobile device (a device according to the first exemplary aspect, e.g., a relay UE) are served by the same base station (e.g., a device according to the second exemplary aspect); or

[0056] - A device according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote UE) and a potential relay mobile device (a device according to the first exemplary aspect, e.g., a relay UE) are served by different base stations (such different base stations can both be corresponding devices according to the second exemplary aspect).

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is obtained before at least one condition is satisfied and / or an activation indication is obtained.

[0058] Accordingly, virtual relay context information can be obtained (e.g., received) before activating the virtual relay context information stored (e.g., kept available) in a memory, for example, being executed and / or controlled. In this way, the corresponding relay mobile device candidate that has obtained the virtual relay context information can be ready to be used as the corresponding relay mobile device. In the case where the corresponding relay mobile device is to act as such a relay mobile device, it applies the virtual relay context information. This allows for a fast and more robust relay activation, because the mobile communication network can easily fallback to another relay mobile device candidate (which is also ready to be used as a relay mobile device), for example, if the application of the corresponding relay mobile device candidate fails or times out, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0060] - determining whether at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied, wherein the one or more conditions enable the device to act as a relay mobile device between at least one remote mobile device and a base station, and wherein the virtual relay context information is at least partially applied based on the determination.

[0061] The device according to the first exemplary aspect can perform and / or control one or more measurements to determine whether at least one condition is satisfied. For example, this can be a relay measurement condition. Additionally, the device according to the first exemplary aspect can wait for such a relay measurement condition to be satisfied. Possibly, at least one condition can be associated with the virtual relay context information. To determine whether at least one condition is satisfied, after obtaining the virtual relay context information, the device according to the first exemplary aspect can store the obtained virtual relay context information.

[0062] The one or more conditions can be at least one of the following: the device (according to the third exemplary aspect) for which the relay service is to be provided is currently outside the coverage area of its serving base station, and / or the device experiences a poor radio link, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0063] The corresponding relay mobile device to be selected by the device according to the third exemplary aspect for which the relay service is to be provided (e.g., the device according to the first exemplary aspect) can be determined (e.g., evaluated) as a suitable candidate, for example, because the corresponding relay mobile device satisfies one or more conditions included in the virtual relay context information to act as the corresponding relay mobile device.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is obtained by the device and at least one other device to serve at least one remote mobile device as the corresponding relay mobile device to relay traffic between at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network.

[0065] Virtual context information can be associated with a corresponding remote mobile device such that it is specific to the corresponding remote mobile device. This can allow one or more relay mobile device candidates to freely switch between them as long as they serve the remote mobile device under consideration.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0067] - Providing at least one condition indication indicating that at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied.

[0068] In a case where it is determined that a result of at least one condition being satisfied has been obtained, at least one condition indication may be provided (e.g., sent) to the corresponding remote mobile device (e.g., the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect). Based on such at least one condition indication, the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect may select its relay mobile device among one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0070] - Providing an activation indication indicating that virtual relay context information is applied to the selected relay mobile device.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0072] - Obtaining from at least one remote mobile device an activation indication indicating application of virtual relay context information, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied at least in part based on the obtained activation indication of the at least one remote mobile device.

[0073] After selection of a relay mobile device for relaying traffic, the apparatus may, for example, indicate its selection to the selected relay mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may indicate its selection to a mobile communication network (e.g., its serving base station) and / or to the selected relay mobile device, to name but a few non-limiting examples. Thus, the activation indication may be provided by the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. Thus, the activation information may be obtained (e.g., received) by the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0074] The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can implicitly indicate the selected relay mobile device (e.g., the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect) by, for example, providing (e.g., transmitting) services (e.g., data) to the selected relay mobile device via a side link (e.g., the PC5 interface). The apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can explicitly indicate the selected relay mobile device by, for example, providing a dedicated message (e.g., an RRC message) to the selected relay mobile device. Such a message can also be provided to the selected relay mobile device via the side link.

[0075] After receiving such an activation indication, the selected relay mobile device can apply the virtual relay context information so that the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect and / or the relay mobile device can be configured (e.g., set) to relay the services of the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment of all the exemplary aspects, the virtual relay context information includes at least a part of the one or more conditions of one or more relay mobile device candidates, and the at least part of the one or more conditions enables the corresponding relay mobile device to apply the virtual relay context information to relay the services of the remote mobile device.

[0077] One or more conditions can enable the corresponding remote mobile device (e.g., according to the third exemplary aspect) to, for example, select the corresponding relay mobile device to relay its services. One or more conditions can enable the corresponding relay mobile device candidate (e.g., the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect) to determine whether to apply the virtual relay context information. By applying the virtual relay context information, the corresponding relay mobile device can be configured to relay the services of the corresponding remote mobile device.

[0078] The mobile communication network (e.g., the base station, e.g., the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect) can also configure one or more conditions for the relay mobile device candidate to consider itself as a qualified relay candidate to use the virtual relay context information (e.g., the virtual relay UE context). Therefore, only the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates that meet the configured condition(s) can (e.g., directly) apply the virtual relay context information to serve the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., the remote UE).

[0079] The apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can evaluate the above one or more conditions before the apparatus performs and / or controls the relay of services from and / or to the base station and / or during the relay of services from and / or to the base station.

[0080] As described above, the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect and / or the third exemplary aspect can also use the configured condition(s) to use the virtual relay context information to communicate directly with the base station.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment of all the exemplary aspects, the virtual relay context information includes at least one of the following:

[0082] - An identifier corresponding to the virtual relay context information (e.g., a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI));

[0083] - A scheduling configuration (e.g., semi-persistent scheduling (SPS));

[0084] - A configured grant (CG) configuration;

[0085] - One or more bearer configurations (e.g., (a) signaling radio bearer(s) (SRB)

[0086] and / or (a) data radio bearer(s) (DRB));

[0087] - A channel configuration (e.g., a logical channel (LCH) configuration);

[0088] - An upper layer configuration (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer configuration and / or a non-access

[0089] stratum (NAS) layer configuration);

[0090] - A media access control (MAC) layer configuration (e.g., a layer 2 configuration); and

[0091] - A physical (PHY) layer configuration (e.g., a layer 1 configuration).

[0092] The virtual relay context information may include some or all of the above contexts. In this way, any relay mobile device candidate (e.g., eligible to relay the traffic of the device through a mobile communication network based on one or more evaluated conditions) can use (e.g., the same) virtual relay context information to relay the traffic of the device according to the third exemplary aspect. Additionally, the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can use such a context to communicate with a corresponding base station (e.g., a device according to the second exemplary aspect) that is correspondingly configured with the virtual relay context information.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0094] - Providing a condition change indication indicating a change in the at least one condition, the condition change indication causing the device to be unable / capable of applying the virtual relay context information and acting as a relay mobile device between at least one remote mobile device and a base station.

[0095] In addition, the relay mobile device can perform and / or control the determination of whether at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied throughout the process in which it acts as a relay mobile device. For example, in a case where at least one condition on which the device has applied virtual relay context information, for example, may not be satisfied (e.g., no longer satisfied), or will not be satisfied after a certain time, the corresponding relay mobile device can indicate this to its serving or corresponding remote mobile device that has served as a relay mobile device service.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0097] - Communicating with at least one remote mobile device via the relay mobile device using the provided virtual relay context information.

[0098] The at least one remote mobile device can be a device according to the third exemplary aspect. The relay mobile device can be a device according to the first exemplary aspect. The communication between the at least one remote mobile device and the device (according to the second exemplary aspect) can be performed via the relay mobile device using the provided virtual relay context information.

[0099] The relay mobile device for communicating with at least one remote mobile device can be switched. The virtual relay context information can allow different relay UEs (e.g., relay mobile device candidates) to use the same virtual context to serve the same remote UE, for example, at different times.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0101] - Obtaining discovery information indicating the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates, where the virtual relay context information is at least partially configured based on the discovery information.

[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0103] - Providing discovery information indicating the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0104] The discovery information can be provided to the base station of the device according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., the serving base station, e.g., the device according to the second exemplary aspect). The discovery information can be provided via a direct link (e.g., an established link) between the device and the base station. Alternatively or additionally, the discovery information can be provided to the base station via the corresponding relay mobile device of the relay service, where the discovery message is provided to its serving base station. This allows the device according to the second exemplary aspect to obtain (e.g., receive) the discovery information.

[0105] In addition, the serving base station of the corresponding relay mobile device may transmit discovery information to one or more other base stations via the mobile communication network.

[0106] Before providing the discovery information, the discovery information may be collected, for example, by the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. For example, the apparatus may collect (e.g., measure) which signals of one or more relay mobile device candidates are observable (e.g., receivable) at its (e.g., current) location. In addition, the apparatus may request an indication of which mobile device or devices may be suitable relay mobile devices. The corresponding relay mobile device may provide (e.g., transmit) a corresponding response to the apparatus.

[0107] The discovery information may be collected (e.g., measured) by the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect, for example, by the apparatus determining whether one or more mobile devices are located in its vicinity. The apparatus may further determine whether one or more mobile devices located in its vicinity may act as potential mobile devices for relaying its traffic. Thus, one or more mobile devices located in the vicinity of the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect may be one or more relay mobile device candidates. This may be done by checking one or more conditions, e.g., whether the corresponding relay mobile device candidate meets one or more conditions. Whether one or more mobile devices are located in the vicinity of the apparatus may be collected, for example, by determining whether one or more signals transmitted by the corresponding mobile device are observable. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more mobile devices may be requested to confirm their presence by, for example, a broadcast corresponding request. In the case where a confirmation is obtained, the presence of the corresponding mobile device from which the confirmation is obtained may be collected. The result may be determined to be represented by or included in the discovery information. In addition, the collection of the discovery information may not be limited to one or more relay mobile device candidates within the coverage area of the serving cell of the corresponding base station of the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. In addition, the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates located in adjacent cells served by the same or different base stations may be collected. Thus, the discovery information may also represent or include this.

[0108] The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., a remote UE) may be configured to report the presence of such relay mobile device candidates (e.g., potential nearby relay UEs) within the coverage area of its serving cell, and / or the presence of such relay mobile device candidates within the coverage area of (a) neighboring cell(s) to the network. The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect may report this, for example, by providing the discovery information to the corresponding serving base station, as described above.

[0109] To collect discovery information, the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can identify the cell(s) to which the relay mobile device candidate is connected to or resident in. For example, the identification of the connected or resident cell can be explicitly indicated in a sidelink discovery message obtained by the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect for collecting discovery information. Additionally or alternatively, the identification of the connected or resident cell can be implicitly derived by the apparatus at least partially based on, for example, the resource(s) that transmit the corresponding acknowledgement (e.g., discovery message / signal).

[0110] The discovery information can also include one or more identities (e.g., identifiers of the corresponding relay mobile device candidate).

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, configuring the virtual relay context information further includes:

[0112] - determining one or more relay mobile device candidates; and

[0113] - configuring the virtual relay context information based on the corresponding capabilities of the determined relay mobile device candidates.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0115] - determining one or more capabilities of one or more relay mobile device candidates,

[0116] wherein the virtual relay context information is configured at least partially based on the determined one or more capabilities of one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0117] One or more capabilities of the relay mobile device candidate can be derived by the network (e.g., base station). Before the occurrence of the example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects, the network can learn the corresponding capabilities of the relay mobile device candidate. Therefore, the remote mobile device may need to provide (e.g., send) the ID(s) of the relay mobile device candidate to the network, and the network can extract the corresponding one or more capabilities (e.g., UE capability information) of the corresponding relay mobile device candidates associated with the received ID(s).

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0119] - configuring a handover of the corresponding remote mobile device via its relay mobile device to the target base station.

[0120] In the case where the corresponding (e.g., selected) relay mobile device has applied virtual relay context information, the corresponding apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can be switched from one base station to another base station, although the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect may not (e.g., currently) have established a link to the target base station of the mobile communication network to which it is to be switched. In addition, another relay mobile device served by the target base station can be configured to be switched. Additionally or alternatively, the corresponding relay mobile device for the handover can be configured with virtual relay context information. This can allow the corresponding relay mobile device to perform in the handover according to the example embodiments of all exemplary aspects.

[0121] The apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect can configure the handover, for example, by performing signaling to switch the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect (e.g., from the source base station that is the last base station serving the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect) to the target base station (e.g., an adjacent cell) via the selected corresponding relay mobile device. The corresponding remote mobile device can thus be switched. For example, the remote UE can be switched to a new cell but still remain as a remote UE using a new relay mobile device already in the new cell (i.e., not switched). The current relay mobile device may not be switched, and the "target" relay mobile device of the new cell is already in the target cell, but the remote mobile device can move from one relay mobile device serving the remote mobile device to another relay mobile device to serve the remote mobile device in the new cell. The handover process itself can be served via the current serving relay mobile device of the remote mobile device.

[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0123] - Providing virtual relay context information via a second base station and a corresponding relay mobile device served by the second base station.

[0124] This can allow the virtual relay context information to be provided to one or more relay mobile device candidates and / or to a remote mobile device via the second base station and another relay mobile device served by the second base station, for providing to the corresponding one or more relay mobile device candidates and / or the corresponding remote mobile device.

[0125] The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can communicate with a base station of a mobile communication network by using a selected relay mobile device. The corresponding (e.g., selected) relay mobile device can be within the coverage area (e.g., region) of the corresponding base station. The base station can have served or be serving the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. The base station can be another base station that does not serve the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. For example, the apparatus can have moved out of or be moving out of the coverage area of the corresponding base station such that it cannot (e.g., no longer) be directly served by the base station. When the selected relay mobile device is configured with virtual relay context information and thus, when the virtual relay context information has been applied, the service provided to the apparatus by it can be relayed by the selected mobile relay device to the base station. In addition, the service from the base station is relayed to the apparatus via the relay mobile device. This can allow the apparatus to utilize the mobile communication network although it can currently be outside the coverage area and / or experience a poor radio link, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0127] - obtaining virtual relay context information; and

[0128] - providing the virtual relay context information to one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0129] The virtual relay context information can be obtained from the mobile communication network (e.g., a base station (e.g., the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect)). After the virtual relay context information is obtained, the apparatus can provide (e.g., send) the virtual relay context information to one or more relay mobile device candidates, for example, via the PC5 interface. Thus, when the apparatus selects the corresponding relay mobile device for relaying the service to apply the virtual relay context information, one or more relay mobile device candidates can be enabled so as to perform relaying without further signaling. Additionally or alternatively, the virtual relay context information can be directly provided (e.g., sent) to (e.g., all) the corresponding relay mobile device candidates (e.g., (multiple) potential relay UEs) by the network (e.g., the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect) (e.g., via the Uu interface).

[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0131] - obtaining at least one condition indication indicating that at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied by at least one relay mobile device candidate; and

[0132] - providing an activation indication indicating the application of the virtual relay context information at least in part based on the at least one condition indication.

[0133] - providing an activation indication indicating the application of the virtual relay context information at least in part based on the at least one condition indication.

[0134] In a case where it can be determined that at least one condition is satisfied for a relay mobile device candidate, the at least one condition indicates that it can be obtained (e.g., received) from a corresponding relay mobile device (e.g., the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect). Based on such an indication of at least one condition, the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect can select its relay mobile device among one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0135] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the virtual relay context information is configured / obtained from the target base station to which the handover is to be performed.

[0136] The serving cell (e.g., the corresponding base station, e.g., the source base station, the corresponding source node) and the neighboring cell (e.g., another base station of the mobile communication network, e.g., the target base station, the corresponding target node) can coordinate to hand over the apparatus from the serving cell to the neighboring cell. This can be performed via the selected relay mobile device of the apparatus. Even if the apparatus (e.g., the remote UE) has not yet entered the coverage area of the neighboring cell, the selected relay mobile device can be served by the neighboring cell.

[0137] The neighboring cell can configure (e.g., new or its own) virtual relay context information (e.g., virtual relay UE context) for the apparatus to be (e.g., to be) handed over. This can allow, for example, dynamic reselection of one or more relay mobile devices served by the neighboring cell (from one or more relay mobile device candidates), while the apparatus may not yet have a direct (e.g., RRC) connection established with the neighboring cell and thus has not yet been handed over.

[0138] Example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects can utilize layer 2 and / or layer 3 UE-to-network relay. Example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects can also be applicable to UE-to-UE relay scenarios, where a relay mobile device (e.g., a relay UE) can be configured and used to relay traffic between another two mobile devices, and these two mobile devices can be the corresponding apparatuses according to the first exemplary aspect and / or the third exemplary aspect. For example, this can be implemented using (e.g., the configured) virtual relay context information that enables communication between the corresponding mobile devices. In the case of UE-to-UE relay, the virtual relay context information can be configured by the network and / or the mobile devices (e.g., UEs) participating in the UE-to-UE relay communication.

[0139] The above features and example embodiments can equally apply to different aspects according to the present invention.

[0140] It should be understood that the statements in this section are only examples and not limitations.

[0141] Other features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are merely designed for illustrative purposes and not as a definition of the limitation, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and processes described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0142] In the figures, the following drawings are shown:

[0143] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to an exemplary aspect;

[0144] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method according to a first exemplary aspect;

[0145] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method according to a second exemplary aspect;

[0146] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method according to a third exemplary aspect

[0147] Figure 5a , Figure 5b is a signaling associated with an exemplary embodiment of all exemplary aspects;

[0148] Figure 6a , Figure 6b is another signaling associated with an exemplary embodiment of all exemplary aspects;

[0149] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a device configured to perform the method according to a first exemplary aspect;

[0150] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a device configured to perform the method according to a second exemplary aspect; and

[0151] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a device configured to perform the method according to a third exemplary aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0152] The following description aids in understanding and should be understood to supplement and be read in conjunction with the description provided in the above Summary of the Invention section of this specification.

[0153] Figure 1 is an example of a schematic high - level block diagram of a system 100 configured to perform and / or control the (multiple) corresponding methods according to all exemplary aspects.

[0154] System 100 includes a mobile communication network 110 schematically shown as a rectangle. It should be understood that this shape does not represent the coverage area of the mobile communication network 110, but rather a sort of one or more entities that can utilize the mobile communication network 110.

[0155] System 100 includes one or more mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7. The corresponding mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7 can be devices according to a first exemplary aspect.

[0156] System 100 also includes a plurality of base stations, shown as gNB 120-1 and 120-2, whose signals can be observed by the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7. Here, the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-4 can observe the signals of base station 120-1. Thus, the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-4 are located within the coverage area of base station 120-1 and / or cell 140-1. The mobile devices 130-5 to 130-7 are located within the coverage area of base station 120-2 and / or cell 140-2. One or more additional such base stations can be part of the mobile communication network 110, Figure 1 not shown in the figure.

[0157] The mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7 move along, for example, a street in the moving direction, as Figure 1 shown.

[0158] The mobile device 130-1 is shown as moving out of the coverage area 140-1 of base station 120-1. The situation when the mobile device 130-1 is outside the coverage area 140-1 is shown by the illustration of the mobile device 130-1'. In addition, the corresponding mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7 can be located inside a vehicle moving along the street. This is illustrated by the right arrow pointing to the "Moving Direction". Thus, after the mobile device 130-1 has moved out of the coverage area 120-1, one or more of the mobile devices 130-2 to 130-4 can also move out of the coverage area 120-1. Then, starting from the mobile device 130-1, the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-4 can move into the coverage area 120-2.

[0159] To implement one or more of the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7, base stations 120-1 and 120-2, and / or Figure 1For communication between other entities not shown, the mobile communication network 110 of the system 100 can be used. The mobile communication network 110 can be a cellular (e.g., compliant with 3G / 4G / 5G / NR or future communication standards) network. Additionally or alternatively, a non-cellular communication network (such as a satellite-based communication network or the Internet) can also be used to implement communication, just to name a few non-limiting examples. It should be understood that information can be sent from the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7 to the base stations 120-1, 120-2 and vice versa. In addition, communication can occur between the base stations 120-1, 120-2.

[0160] Example embodiments implementing the corresponding method(s) according to the first exemplary aspect, the second exemplary aspect, and / or the third exemplary aspect can utilize Figure 1 the architecture shown in the system 100.

[0161] Example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects can implement, for example, the following:

[0162] Because the mobile device is moving out of or has moved out of the coverage area 140-1, the network (e.g., the mobile communication network 110) can configure a virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) for the remote UE (e.g., the mobile device 130-1). The virtual relay context information can be used by any suitable relay UE (e.g., one or more relay mobile device candidates, e.g., the mobile devices 130-2 to 130-4 in the coverage area 140-1 and / or the mobile devices 130-5 to 130-7 in the coverage area 140-2). The virtual relay context information can be provided to the mobile device 130-1 via the serving base station 140-1, and the mobile device 130-1 can provide the virtual relay context information to one or more relay mobile device candidates, for example, via the PC5 interface. Additionally or alternatively, via the base station 120-1 and / or the base station 120-2, the virtual relay context information can be provided from the mobile communication network 110 (e.g., directly) to one or more relay mobile device candidates. One or more relay mobile device candidates can be in the vicinity or near the mobile device 130-1. The corresponding mobile devices 130-1 and 130-1' can select one of the one or more relay mobile device candidates as the relay mobile device, e.g., the mobile device 130-2. Then, the corresponding mobile devices 130-1 and 130-1' can indicate their selection to the mobile device 130-2. Since the corresponding mobile device 130-2 has obtained (e.g., received) the virtual relay context information, the mobile device 130-2 selected as the relay mobile device can apply the virtual relay context information so that the mobile device 130-1 can, for example, relay traffic through the relay mobile device 130-2 served by the base station 120-1 when it has moved out of the coverage area 140-1.

[0163] Figure 2 Flowchart 200 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method according to a first exemplary aspect. The flowchart 200 may be executed, for example, by Figure 1 mobile devices 130-2 to 130-7 (e.g., relay UEs).

[0164] In a first step 201, virtual relay context information is obtained, for example, from a base station of a mobile communication network (e.g., Figure 1 base stations 120-1, 120-2). The virtual relay context information may be received directly from such a base station or via a remote mobile device (e.g., Figure 1 mobile device 130-1), which, after obtaining (e.g., receiving, see Figure 4 steps 402 and 403) the virtual relay context information, provides the virtual relay context to the device that executes and / or controls Figure 2 the flowchart 200.

[0165] In an optional second step 202, it is determined whether at least one condition specified, for example, by the obtained virtual relay context information is satisfied. In the case where such at least one condition is satisfied, the device that executes and / or controls Figure 2 the flowchart 200 applies the virtual relay context information in a fifth step 205 to serve the remote mobile device as a relay mobile device for the remote mobile device, such that the remote mobile device can communicate with the base station via the relay mobile device.

[0166] Furthermore, in an optional third step 203, a condition indication is provided, for example, by sending a condition indication to the remote mobile device, which enables the remote mobile device to select a relay mobile device among a plurality of relay mobile devices.

[0167] If the device that executes and / or controls Figure 2 the flowchart 200 is selected by such a remote mobile device to serve the remote mobile device as a relay mobile device, then in an optional fourth step 204, an activation indication is obtained (e.g., received) from the corresponding remote mobile device. Such an activation indication may also be obtained without the provision of a condition indication. Based on such an activation indication, the device that executes and / or controls Figure 2 the flowchart 200 may also apply the virtual relay context information in a fifth step 205.

[0168] Figure 3 Flowchart 300 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method according to a second exemplary aspect. The flowchart 300 may be executed, for example, by Figure 1 corresponding base stations 120-1 and / or 120-2.

[0169] In an optional first step 301, discovery information is obtained, for example, from a corresponding mobile device (e.g., mobile device 130-1). The discovery information can be obtained, for example, by receiving the discovery information. The discovery information can be received directly from the corresponding mobile device or via a selected relay mobile device of the corresponding mobile device.

[0170] In a second step 302, virtual relay context information is configured. The virtual relay context information can be configured, for example, at least in part based on the discovery information. The virtual relay context information can be configured for a certain remote mobile device (e.g., Figure 1 mobile device 130-1). The virtual relay context information can be configured on one or more additional information. This can enable the configuration of a relay mobile device when the corresponding mobile device and / or one or more relay mobile device candidates have the virtual relay context information, without additional signaling between the selected corresponding relay mobile device and the network.

[0171] In a third step 303, the virtual relay context information is provided, for example, to the corresponding mobile device from which the discovery information was obtained in step 301, and / or additionally provided to one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0172] In an optional fourth step 304, after the virtual relay context information can be applied in a device (e.g., Figure 1 one of mobile devices 130-2 to 130-7) according to the first exemplary aspect, the provided virtual relay context information of step 303 is used to enable communication with a remote mobile device (e.g., Figure 1 device 130-1) via a relay mobile device. In addition, for example, when another virtual relay context information is configured for another mobile device, the mobile communication network 110 can further evaluate that a certain mobile device has been selected as a relay mobile device for another mobile device, such that the relay mobile device cannot be selected as the corresponding relay mobile device for multiple mobile devices. For example, the corresponding mobile device acting as a relay mobile device can be restricted to a certain number of "users", i.e., the mobile devices for which it can relay services, just as a non-limiting example.

[0173] In an optional fifth step 305, a handover of the corresponding remote mobile device via the selected relay mobile device to a target base station is configured, such that a corresponding mobile device (e.g., Figure 1 mobile device 130-1') outside the coverage areas 140-1 and 140-2 of Figure 1 can be handed over from its last serving base station (e.g., Figure 1 base station 120-1) to an adjacent base station (e.g., Figure 1base station 120-2), even though the corresponding mobile device 130-1' does not have an established (e.g., direct) link to base station 120-2.

[0174] The virtual relay context information can be further updated.

[0175] Figure 4 FIG. 400 is a flowchart showing an example embodiment of a method according to a third exemplary aspect. The flowchart 400 can be executed, for example, by Figure 1 mobile device 130-1 (130-1') (e.g., a remote UE).

[0176] In a first step 401, discovery information is provided, for example, to Figure 1 serving and / or neighboring base stations 120-1 and / or 120-2. The discovery information can be provided directly to the corresponding base stations 120-1 and / or 120-2, or provided via a selected relay mobile device. For example, in Figure 1 the case where mobile device 130-1' has selected mobile device 130-2 as its relay mobile device, such that traffic can be relayed via mobile device 130-2. Thus, mobile device 130-1' (outside Figure 1 coverage area 140-1) can provide discovery information to base station 120-1 via mobile device 130-2. Before providing the discovery information, the apparatus executing and / or controlling flowchart 400 can collect the discovery information, e.g., as disclosed above in the Summary of the Invention section.

[0177] In an optional second step 402, virtual relay context information is obtained. The virtual relay context information can be obtained, for example, by receiving virtual relay context from Figure 1 serving and / or neighboring base stations 120-1 and / or 120-2. The virtual relay context information can enable the apparatus executing and / or controlling flowchart 400 to provide virtual relay context information to one or more relay mobile device candidates, such that the apparatus executing and / or controlling flowchart 400 can select at least one of them as its selected relay mobile device to relay its traffic.

[0178] Thus, in an optional third step 403, as described above, virtual relay context information is provided, for example, to one or more relay mobile device candidates. Additionally, as shown in step 401, the apparatus can collect new or updated discovery information that can be provided to the network.

[0179] In the fourth step 404, a corresponding relay mobile device is selected, for example, from one or more relay mobile device candidates. Thus, the apparatus and / or the relay mobile device candidates that execute and / or control the flowchart 400 can evaluate one or more conditions. In addition, the apparatus can communicate with one or more relay mobile device candidates, for example, via the PC5 interface, to determine (e.g., check) whether the corresponding relay mobile device candidates meet one or more conditions.

[0180] In an optional fifth step 405, an activation indication is provided to the selected relay mobile device (candidate). This can be indirect, for example, by the apparatus that executes and / or controls the flowchart 400 starting to provide the service to be relayed by the selected corresponding relay mobile device, such that the selected corresponding relay mobile device knows that it must be the selected relay mobile device, and / or the apparatus that executes and / or controls the flowchart 400 can provide a message (e.g., an RRC message, a MAC control element, etc.) to the selected relay mobile device. In both cases, the relay mobile device can apply the virtual relay context information that it may have previously obtained (e.g., received), such that the relay mobile device can act as the selected relay mobile device of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the relay mobile device can obtain the virtual relay context information as well as such an activation indication.

[0181] In the sixth step 406, the service to be relayed is provided / obtained (e.g., sent / received) by the apparatus via the selected relay mobile device, for example, via the PC5 interface, to establish a direct connection between the apparatus and the selected corresponding relay mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the service sent by the base station via the relay mobile device is received accordingly from the relay mobile device. The selected relay UE has applied the virtual relay context information, and it can communicate with the network via the Uu interface. Thus, communication between the remote mobile device and the base station can occur. The selection of which mobile device should act as the corresponding relay mobile device can change, such that at least a part of the flowchart 400 can be executed and / or controlled multiple times (e.g., at least twice). In addition, in the case where the remote mobile device reselects (e.g., a new) relay mobile device from one or more relay mobile device candidates, for example, when the current serving relay mobile device is no longer suitable, at least a part of the flowchart 400 can be executed and / or controlled multiple times (e.g., at least twice), just to give another non-limiting example. Further, if the virtual relay context information also includes any configuration that the remote mobile device is to apply to communicate with the network via the selected relay mobile device that applies the virtual relay context, the remote mobile device can apply the configuration to communicate with the network via the relay mobile device.

[0182] It should be understood that, for example, at any time during the execution and / or control of the process flow diagram 400, discovery information (e.g., new or updated discovery information) can be provided when considered necessary.

[0183] Figure 2 The process flow diagram 200 of Figure 3 the process flow diagram 300 of and / or Figure 4 the process flow diagram 400 of can be executed and / or controlled together, so as to realize the signaling flow between the corresponding remote mobile device, one or more relay mobile devices that are respectively relay mobile device candidates, and the corresponding base station of the mobile communication network.

[0184] Figure 5a and Figure 5b show example embodiments, in which the corresponding mobile device (e.g., remote UE 530-1; Figure 1 the mobile device 130-1 of) and one or more corresponding relay mobile device candidates (e.g., (multiple) candidate relay UEs 530-2 to 530-4; mobile devices 130-2 to 130-4) are served by the same base station (e.g., base station 520-1, e.g., Figure 1 the base station 120-1 of). In addition, another base station 520-2 is shown.

[0185] The base station can be a gNB, and the network can include one or more network nodes (e.g., gNB and / or AMF) deployed in, for example, the network of an operator (e.g., Figure 1 the mobile communication network 110 of).

[0186] In the first step, the serving cell (BS1: base station 1, e.g., Figure 1 the base station 120-1 of) of UE1 (remote UE, e.g., Figure 1 the mobile device 130-1 of) can detect the potential need to apply UE-to-network (mobile device-to-network) relay for its (multiple) serving UEs, for example, in the presence of a coverage hole.

[0187] In one example, for example, in the following cases, the network can detect a coverage hole:

[0188] - The adjacent cell after the coverage hole (e.g., BS2: base station 2, e.g., Figure 1 the base station 120-2 of) receives one or more RRCReestabilityRequest messages over time, and

[0189] - The source cell (e.g., BS1) identified by the physical cell identity (e.g., physCellId) carried in the (multiple) RRC Reestabilishment Request messages did not initiate a handover procedure for the (multiple) corresponding UEs.

[0190] In another example, when the serving cell Uu-RSRP drops below a given threshold and no RSRP measurement of an adjacent cell is higher than another given threshold, the UE can identify a coverage hole. Then, the UE can provide an "aperiodic and non-event-triggered" measurement report to notify the network that it is approaching a coverage hole problem.

[0191] In the second step, BS1 configures a measurement event for UE1 to trigger its relay discovery process, e.g., when the Uu-RSRP detected by UE1 is lower than a configured threshold. The value of the RSRP threshold can be configured to be higher than the minimum RSRP requirement to support the direct Uu connection between UE1 and its serving BS1. In this way, UE1 can still have a direct connection to BS1 after it discovers the (multiple) relay candidates.

[0192] In the third step, once the configured event for the relay discovery process is triggered, UE1 discovers potential relays in its vicinity. This can be done using discovery announcement / request / response messages over the sidechain by the current standardized relay discovery process (e.g., which collects discovery information). During the discovery process, each relay candidate can transmit its serving / residing cell identity to UE1. In addition, the relay candidate can also transmit its own identity to UE1.

[0193] The detection / discovery of nearby relay UEs should allow the remote UE to identify the cell to which the nearby relay UE is connected or resides in. For example, the identity of the connected or residing cell can be explicitly indicated in a message (e.g., SL discovery message). Or, the identity of the connected or residing cell can be implicitly derived by the remote UE based on, for example, the resources on which the discovery message / signal is transmitted.

[0194] In the fourth step, UE1 sends a report (e.g., providing discovery information) to BS1 and indicates the existence of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates served by BS1. In addition, UE1 can also report the identity of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates (e.g., included in the discovery information) to BS1.

[0195] In the fifth step, BS1 may check the UE capability information of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates. In the case where UE1 reports the UE identities of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates and the corresponding serving cell IDs in the last step, BS1 may interact with other network nodes (i.e., the network nodes where the UE capability information is stored) to use the identity to obtain the UE capability information. In this way, one or more relay mobile device candidates can be sorted because, according to their respective UE capability information, they may not be suitable to act as the corresponding relay mobile devices, for example, by using virtual relay context information.

[0196] In the case where UE1 does not report the identities of the (multiple) relay candidates, BS1 may check the UE capability information of all potential relay candidates it serves (i.e., for example, those (multiple) serving relay mobile device candidates that have indicated their interest in acting as a relay by sending a SidelinkUEInformation message to the network).

[0197] UE capability information may be collected by the network from traditional procedures via the Uu interface, for example, by using a UE capability query procedure.

[0198] In the sixth step, BS1 may configure a virtual relay UE context for UE1 (e.g., configure virtual relay context information) such that the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates can be used to relay UE1's traffic. In addition, BS1 may also configure the corresponding conditions for applying the virtual relay UE context.

[0199] The virtual relay UE context may include the necessary configuration information for the relay mobile device candidate (or multiple such candidates) to act as a relay for UE1, such as the configuration of C-RNTI, SPS / CG resources, SRB, DRB, LCH, NAS, RRC, MAC, PHY, etc.

[0200] The configuration of the virtual relay UE context may consider the UE capability information obtained from step 5 such that the configured virtual relay context can be applicable to the considered (multiple) relay mobile device candidates, for example, by considering the minimum set of UE capabilities from (e.g., all) the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates.

[0201] The above (multiple) conditions may include (multiple) restrictions and / or (multiple) conditions for a relay mobile device candidate to act as a relay using the configured virtual relay UE context. For example, the above (multiple) conditions may include (multiple) radio conditions such as PC5 and / or Uu that a relay UE (e.g., the relay mobile device) should satisfy. In addition, the above (multiple) conditions may include other relevant information, such as the minimum UE capabilities required to apply the configured virtual relay UE context. Thus, as an example, if UE1 does not report the identity of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates in step 4, BS1 may derive the UE capability requirements, and it may be used by the relay mobile device candidate to check whether it can meet the UE capability requirements to apply the configured virtual relay UE context.

[0202] In another example, even if UE1 reports the identity of the discovered (multiple) relay mobile device candidates in step 4, the UE capability requirements can still be checked by any (multiple) potential new relay candidates discovered in the future. For example, if a new relay mobile device candidate (e.g., a relay candidate not discovered in step 3) is discovered later, its UE capabilities will be checked. In other words, the new relay mobile device candidate applies the configured virtual relay UE context only if it can meet the minimum UE capability requirements configured by BS1.

[0203] The transmission (e.g., providing virtual relay context information) of the configured virtual relay UE context and / or (multiple) corresponding conditions from BS1 to the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates it serves can be performed as follows:

[0204] - via UE1 (i.e., as Figure 5a and Figure 5b shown);

[0205] - Alternatively or additionally, BS1 may directly broadcast / multicast / unicast at least a portion of the configuration to the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates that can act as a relay for UE1 (this method is not shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b ).

[0206] In the seventh step, after receiving the configured conditions (e.g., included in the virtual relay context information), if the conditions have been configured, each relay mobile device candidate starts monitoring / checking whether the configured conditions for applying the virtual relay UE context are met. If the result of the condition check changes at the relay mobile device candidate, it may report the update to UE1.

[0207] In the eighth step, each relay mobile device candidate among the relay mobile device candidates shall indicate to UE1 whether it meets one or more conditions for applying the virtual relay UE context. In Figure 5a and Figure 5b , UE2 and UE4 report that they meet the configured conditions, but UE3 does not.

[0208] In the ninth step, based on the indication(s) received from the relay candidate(s), e.g., by considering SL-RSRP according to the current standardization method, UE1 performs a relay selection process from the relay mobile device candidates that can apply the configured virtual relay UE context. In Figure 5a and Figure 5b , UE1 selects UE4 as the relay (e.g., selects the relay mobile device).

[0209] In the tenth step, UE1 sends an activation message (e.g., an indication of the selected relay mobile device) to the selected relay (i.e., Figure 5a and Figure 5b UE4 in

[0210] ) to activate the use of the configured virtual relay UE context (e.g., apply the virtual relay context information).

[0211] In the eleventh step, when receiving the activation message from UE1, UE4 applies the configured virtual UE context (e.g., applies the virtual relay context information) to act as a relay between UE1 and BS1.

[0211] In the twelfth step, UE1 may perform relay reselection, for example, when receiving an indication of updated conditions from the relay candidate(s) (e.g., at least partially based on one or more new radio conditions and / or new or updated virtual relay context information that can be obtained due to the provision of new or updated discovery information). In Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the conditions at UE4 may become unsuitable for acting as a relay, so UE1 may reselect another relay candidate (e.g., UE2).

[0212] In the thirteenth step, UE1 sends an activation message to the new relay UE (UE2), and UE2 directly applies the configured virtual relay UE context to serve UE1 without additional configuration from the network. Thus, the proposed solution avoids, for example, the relay configuration process for a new relay UE over Uu.

[0213] In one embodiment, the (e.g., network-configured) virtual relay UE context (e.g., virtual relay context information) may be valid for a configured period of time and / or until an event is detected.

[0214] When the context is valid within a specific configuration time period, the network can configure a new set of virtual relay UE contexts, for example, before the configured time expires.

[0215] For example, when UE1 establishes a connection with a new base station directly or via a relay served by the new base station, an event can be configured and detected.

[0216] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An example embodiment is shown, where the corresponding mobile device (e.g., remote UE 630-1; e.g., Figure 1 mobile device 130-1) and one or more corresponding relay mobile device candidates (e.g., (multiple) candidate relay UEs 630-5 to 630-7; mobile devices 130-5 to 130-7) are served by different base stations 620-1 and 620-2 (e.g., Figure 1 base station 120-1 and base station 120-2 of

[0217] If the relay mobile device candidate and the remote UE are served by different base stations, the flowchart is for example as Figure 6a and Figure 6b shown. Before the following process occurs, it is assumed that UE1 is served directly via Uu or via a relay UE by BS1 ( Figure 1 base station 120-1 of Figure 1 while there are (multiple) relay mobile device candidates (e.g., UE5, UE6, and UE7) served by another neighboring cell (e.g., BS2; e.g., Figure 5a and Figure 5b The differences compared to the previous example embodiment shown in

[0218] In a (e.g., different) third step, UE1 can discover that (multiple) relay mobile device candidates are served by the neighboring cell (BS2). UE1 can further detect that the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates served by BS2 are more suitable to act as relays than the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates served by BS1. For example, UE1 can detect / discover more (multiple) relay candidates in the coverage area of BS2 than in the coverage area of BS1. In addition, UE1 can consider the SL-RSRP of relay candidates served by different base stations to determine the most suitable SL-RSRP. For example, UE1 monitors the SL-RSRP of the (multiple) relays served by BS2, which is better than the (multiple) relays served by BS1, during the relay discovery process.

[0219] In the fourth step, UE1 may indicate / report to BS1 that the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates are served by BS2, optionally together with the identity of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates.

[0220] In the fifth step (5.a), BS1 may send a handover (HO) request to BS2 and indicate the presence of the (multiple) relay candidates served by BS2, optionally together with the identity of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates.

[0221] In step 5.b, BS2 may check the UE capability information, which is the same as that in Figure 5a and Figure 5b step 5.

[0222] In step 5.c, BS2 configures a virtual relay UE context and the conditions for one or more relay UEs served by BS2 to apply this context. The virtual relay UE context is the same as the virtual UE context introduced in Figure 5a and Figure 5b . The configuration of the virtual relay UE context and the (multiple) corresponding conditions allows UE1 to dynamically switch between the (multiple) different relay mobile device candidates served by BS2 without BS2 configuring each of the selected relay mobile devices of the (multiple) relay mobile device candidates. Additionally or alternatively, by using the virtual relay UE context, UE1 can switch to BS2 via a relay UE served by BS2 even though UE1 has not entered the coverage area of BS2. Optionally, BS2 may configure a second set of UE contexts and corresponding second set of conditions, which may be used to configure UE1 for its direct Uu connection with BS2. This configuration may be sent to BS1 using, for example, a HO request confirmation message.

[0223] The first set of the virtual relay UE context may be applied by the relay candidates served by BS2 to relay the traffic of UE1 when UE1 can meet the configured conditions.

[0224] Once it enters the coverage area of BS2, UE1 may apply the second set of UE contexts to communicate directly with BS2. The conditions for applying this second set of UE contexts may be optionally configured.

[0225] In one example, as a condition for applying the second set of UE contexts, BS2 may configure a high RSRP threshold for the Uu interface of UE1 to apply the second set of UE contexts. In this way, UE1 is served by the relay until its Uu interface with BS2 becomes quite good. Thus, UE1 uses the virtual relay UE context to apply the proposed dynamic relay handover scheme until the configured Uu-RSRP threshold from the second set of (multiple) conditions is met. This allows UE1 to take advantage of the good radio conditions with the relay UE and continuously utilize the relay link.

[0226] If the second set of UE contexts is not configured, once UE1 enters the coverage area of BS2, UE1 can also apply the first set of virtual relay UE contexts to the direct Uu connection with BS2.

[0227] In the sixth step, the virtual relay UE contexts and the associated conditions can be transmitted from BS1 to the relay candidates via UE1.

[0228] In another embodiment, they can also be directly transmitted from BS2 to the relay candidates. If BS2 configures a second set of UE contexts and / or a second set of conditions for the direct Uu connection between UE1 and BS2, this configuration can be transmitted from BS1 to UE1.

[0229] Between the seventh step and the eleventh step, UE1 can perform dynamic relay handover among one or more relay mobile device candidates as shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b shown.

[0230] In the twelfth step, UE1 itself can enter the coverage area of BS2, and / or it meets the second set of conditions for applying the second set of UE contexts. In this case, UE1 can communicate directly with BS2 using the Uu interface as follows:

[0231] - If the second set of UE contexts is configured, UE1 applies the second set of UE contexts to communicate directly with BS2.

[0232] - Otherwise, UE1 can apply the configured virtual relay UE contexts to communicate with BS2.

[0233] In this case, UE1 can further indicate to BS2 that it is using the virtual relay UE contexts to communicate with BS2. This can in turn trigger BS2 and the network to configure a new actual UE context for UE1 with / without releasing the virtual relay UE contexts.

[0234] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a device 700 according to an exemplary aspect. The device 700 can represent, for example, Figure 1 one or more of the mobile devices 130-2 to 130-7.

[0235] The device 700 includes a processor 710, a working memory 720, a program memory 730, a data memory 740, (one or more) communication interfaces 750, an optional user interface 760, and (one or more) optional sensors 770.

[0236] The apparatus 700 may be configured, for example, to perform and / or control a method according to the first exemplary aspect, or include corresponding components (at least one of 710 to 770) for performing and / or controlling a method according to the first exemplary aspect. The apparatus 700 may also constitute an apparatus that includes at least one processor (710) and at least one memory (720) including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus (e.g., apparatus 700) to at least perform and / or control a method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0237] The processor 710 may include, for example, a virtual relay context information acquirer 711 as a functional and / or structural unit. The virtual relay context information acquirer 711 may be configured, for example, to acquire (e.g., receive) a virtual relay context (see Figure 2 step 201).

[0238] The processor 710 may include, for example, an optional condition determiner 712 as a functional and / or structural unit. For example, the condition determiner 712 may be configured to determine whether at least one condition based on which the virtual relay context information will be applied is satisfied (see Figure 2 step 202).

[0239] The processor 710 may include, for example, a virtual relay context information applicator 713 as a functional and / or structural unit. The virtual relay context information applicator 713 may be configured, for example, to apply the virtual relay context (see Figure 2 step 205).

[0240] The processor 710 may further control, for example, the memories 720 to 740, the (multiple) communication interfaces 750, the optional user interface 760, and the (multiple) optional sensors 770.

[0241] The processor 710 may execute, for example, computer program code stored in the program memory 730, and the program memory 730 may represent a computer-readable storage medium including program code that, when executed by the processor 710, causes the processor 710 to execute a method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0242] The processor 710 (and any other processors mentioned in this specification) can be any suitable type of processor. The processor 710 can include, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more processors with one or more accompanying digital signal processors, one or more processors without accompanying (multiple) digital signal processors, one or more dedicated computer chips, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more computers. The relevant structure / hardware has been programmed to perform the above functions. The processor 710 can be, for example, an application processor that runs an operating system.

[0243] The program memory 730 can also be included in the processor 710. The memory can be, for example, fixedly connected to the processor 710 or at least partially removable from the processor 710, for example, in the form of a memory card or stick. The program memory 730 can be, for example, non-volatile memory. For example, it can be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name just a few examples. The program memory 730 can also include an operating system for the processor 710. The program memory 730 can also include firmware for the device 700.

[0244] The device 700 includes a working memory 720 in the form of, for example, volatile memory. For example, it can be random access memory (RAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM), to name just a few non-limiting examples. It can be used, for example, by the processor 710 when executing the operating system and / or computer programs.

[0245] The data memory 740 can be, for example, non-volatile memory. For example, it can be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name just a few examples. The data memory 740 can store, for example, discovery information, virtual relay context information, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0246] (Multiple) communication interfaces 750 enable the device 700 to communicate with other entities, such as with one or more base stations (e.g., Figure 1 gNB 120-1 or 120-2). (Multiple) communication interfaces 750 can include, for example, wireless interfaces (e.g., cellular radio communication interfaces and / or WLAN interfaces) and / or wired interfaces (e.g., IP-based interfaces) to communicate with entities, for example, via the Internet. (Multiple) communication interfaces can enable the device 700 to communicate with other entities, such as with Figure 1communicate with other mobile devices 130-2 to 130-7.

[0247] The user interface 760 is optional and may include a display for presenting information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from the user.

[0248] (A) sensor(s) 770 is / are optional and may include, for example, a barometric pressure sensor for collecting pressure information.

[0249] Some or all components of the device 700 may be connected, for example, via a bus. Some or all components of the device 700 may be combined into one or more modules.

[0250] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a device 800 according to an exemplary aspect. The device 800 may represent, for example, one or more in a base station, such as Figure 1 gNBs 120-1 and 120-2.

[0251] The device 800 includes a processor 810, a working memory 820, a program memory 830, a data memory 840, (a) communication interface(s) 850, and an optional user interface 860.

[0252] The device 800 may be configured, for example, to execute and / or control a method according to a second exemplary aspect, or include corresponding components (at least one of 810 to 860) for executing and / or controlling a method according to a second exemplary aspect. The device 800 may also constitute a device that includes at least one processor (810) and at least one memory (820) including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device (e.g., the device 800) to at least execute and / or control a method according to a second exemplary aspect.

[0253] The processor 810 may include, for example, a virtual relay context information configurator 811 as a functional and / or structural unit. The virtual relay context information configurator 811 may be configured, for example, to configure a virtual relay context (see Figure 3 step 302).

[0254] The processor 810 may include, for example, an optional discovery information acquirer 812 as a functional and / or structural unit. The discovery information acquirer 812 may be configured, for example, to acquire (e.g., receive) discovery information (see Figure 3 step 301).

[0255] The processor 810 may include, for example, an optional switching configurator 813 as a functional and / or structural unit. For example, the switching configurator 813 may be configured to configure virtual relay context information (see Figure 3 step 305).

[0256] The processor 810 may further control, for example, memories 820 to 840, the (multiple) communication interfaces 850, and the optional user interface 860.

[0257] The processor 810 may execute, for example, computer program code stored in the program memory 830, which may represent a computer-readable storage medium including the program code that, when executed by the processor 810, causes the processor 810 to execute the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

[0258] The processor 810 (and any other processor mentioned in this specification) may be any suitable type of processor. The processor 810 may include, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more processors with one or more accompanying digital signal processors, one or more processors without accompanying (multiple) digital signal processors, one or more dedicated computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more computers. The relevant structure / hardware has been programmed to perform the above functions. The processor 810 may be, for example, an application processor running an operating system.

[0259] The program memory 830 may also be included in the processor 810. The memory may be, for example, fixedly connected to the processor 810 or at least partially removable from the processor 810, for example, in the form of a memory card or stick. The program memory 830 may be, for example, non-volatile memory. For example, it may be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. The program memory 830 may also include an operating system for the processor 810. The program memory 830 may also include firmware for the device 800.

[0260] The device 800 includes a working memory 820 in the form of, for example, volatile memory. For example, it may be random access memory (RAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM), to name but a few non-limiting examples. It may be used, for example, by the processor 810 when executing the operating system and / or the computer program.

[0261] The data memory 840 can be, for example, a non-volatile memory. For example, it can be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name just a few examples. The data memory 840 can store, for example, discovery information, virtual relay context information, or a combination thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0262] (Multiple) communication interfaces 850 enable the device 800 to communicate with other entities (e.g., Figure 1 at least one of the mobile devices 130-1 to 130-7) and / or with a corresponding base station (e.g., Figure 1 gNB 120-1 or 120-2). (Multiple) communication interfaces 850 can include, for example, a wireless interface (e.g., a cellular radio communication interface and / or a WLAN interface) and / or a wired interface (e.g., an IP-based interface) to communicate with entities via the Internet, for example.

[0263] The user interface 860 is optional and can include a display for presenting information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from the user.

[0264] Some or all components of the device 800 can be connected via a bus, for example. Some or all components of the device 800 can be combined into one or more modules, for example.

[0265] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a device 900 according to an exemplary aspect, and the device 900 can represent, for example, Figure 1 the (e.g., remote) mobile device 130-1.

[0266] The device 900 includes a processor 910, a working memory 920, a program memory 930, a data memory 940, (multiple) communication interfaces 950, an optional user interface 960, and (multiple) optional sensors 970.

[0267] The device 900 can be configured to execute and / or control a method according to a third exemplary aspect, or include corresponding components (at least one of 910 to 970) for executing and / or controlling a method according to a third exemplary aspect. The device 900 can also constitute a device that includes at least one processor (910) and at least one memory (920) including computer program code, and the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to cause the device (e.g., the device 900) to at least execute and / or control a method according to a third exemplary aspect, together with the at least one processor.

[0268] The processor 910 may include, for example, a virtual relay context information acquirer 911 as a functional and / or structural unit. The virtual relay context information acquirer 911 may be configured to acquire (e.g., receive) information of a virtual relay context (see Figure 4 step 402).

[0269] The processor 910 may include, for example, an optional discovery information collector 912 as a functional and / or structural unit. For example, the discovery information collector 912 may be configured to collect discovery information so as to be able to provide discovery information (see Figure 4 step 401).

[0270] The processor 910 may include, for example, a relay mobile device selector 913 as a functional and / or structural unit. The relay mobile device selector may be configured to select a relay mobile device among one or more relay mobile device candidates (see Figure 4 step 404).

[0271] The processor 910 may further control, for example, memories 920 to 940, (a plurality of) communication interfaces 950, an optional user interface 960, and (a plurality of) optional sensors 970.

[0272] The processor 910 may execute, for example, computer program code stored in the program memory 930, and the program memory 930 may represent a computer-readable storage medium including program code, which, when executed by the processor 910, causes the processor 910 to execute the method according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0273] The processor 910 (and any other processor mentioned in this specification) may be any suitable type of processor. The processor 910 may include, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more processors with one or more accompanying digital signal processors, one or more processors without accompanying (a plurality of) digital signal processors, one or more dedicated computer chips, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more computers. The relevant structure / hardware has been programmed to perform the above functions. The processor 910 may be, for example, an application processor running an operating system.

[0274] The program memory 930 may also be included in the processor 910. The memory may be, for example, fixedly connected to the processor 910 or at least partially removable from the processor 910, such as in the form of a memory card or stick. The program memory 930 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. For example, it may be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. The program memory 930 may also include an operating system for the processor 910. The program memory 930 may also include firmware for the device 900.

[0275] The device 900 includes a working memory 920 in the form of, for example, a volatile memory. For example, it may be a random access memory (RAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM), to name but a few non-limiting examples. It may be used, for example, by the processor 910 when executing the operating system and / or a computer program.

[0276] The data memory 940 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. For example, it may be any one of FLASH memory (or a part thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a part thereof), or a hard disk (or a part thereof), to name but a few examples. The data memory 940 may store, for example, discovery information, virtual relay context information, or a combination thereof, to name but a few non-limiting examples.

[0277] (One or more) communication interfaces 950 enable the device 900 to communicate with other entities, such as with one or more base stations (e.g., Figure 1 gNB 120-1 or 120-2). (One or more) communication interfaces 950 may include, for example, a wireless interface (e.g., a cellular radio communication interface and / or a WLAN interface) and / or a wired interface (e.g., an IP-based interface) to communicate with entities, for example, via the Internet. (One or more) communication interfaces may enable the device 900 to communicate with other entities, such as with Figure 1 other mobile devices 130-2 to 130-7.

[0278] The user interface 960 is optional and may include a display for displaying information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from the user.

[0279] (One or more) sensors 970 are optional and may include, for example, a barometric pressure sensor for collecting pressure information.

[0280] Some or all components of apparatus 900 may be connected, for example, via a bus. Some or all components of apparatus 900 may be combined into one or more modules.

[0281] The following embodiments should also be considered to be disclosed:

[0282] Embodiment 1:

[0283] A method performed and / or controlled by at least one apparatus, the method comprising:

[0284] - Obtaining virtual relay context information that enables the apparatus to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network; and - Applying the virtual relay context information to be configured as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device when at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied and / or when an activation indication is obtained.

[0285] Embodiment 2:

[0286] The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained before at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied and / or before the activation indication is obtained.

[0287] Embodiment 3:

[0288] The method according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the method further comprising:

[0289] - Determining whether at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied, wherein the one or more conditions enable the apparatus to be used as a relay mobile device between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station, and wherein the virtual relay context information is applied at least in part based on the determination.

[0290] Embodiment 4:

[0291] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained by the apparatus and at least one other apparatus to serve the at least one remote mobile device as a respective relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network.

[0292] Embodiment 5:

[0293] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising:

[0294] - Providing at least one condition indication indicating that at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied.

[0295] Example 6:

[0296] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further comprises:

[0297] - Obtaining, from the at least one remote mobile device, the activation indication indicating application of the virtual relay context information, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied at least in part based on the obtained activation indication being applied by the at least one remote mobile device.

[0298] Example 7:

[0299] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the virtual relay context information comprises at least a part of the one or more conditions for the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0300] Example 8:

[0301] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the virtual relay context information comprises at least one of the following:

[0302] - An identifier corresponding to the virtual relay context information;

[0303] - A scheduling configuration;

[0304] - A configured authorization configuration;

[0305] - One or more bearer configurations;

[0306] - A channel configuration;

[0307] - A NAS layer configuration;

[0308] - An RRC layer configuration;

[0309] - A MAC layer configuration; and

[0310] - A PHY layer configuration.

[0311] Example 9:

[0312] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further comprises:

[0313] - Providing a condition change indication indicating a change in the at least one condition, the condition change indication causing the device to be unable / able to apply the virtual relay context information and act as a relay mobile device between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station.

[0314] Example 10:

[0315] The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device and / or the mobile communication network.

[0316] Embodiment 11:

[0317] A method performed by at least one device, comprising:

[0318] - Configuring virtual relay context information that enables one or more relay mobile device candidates to serve as relay mobile devices for at least one remote mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and the device;

[0319] - Providing the virtual relay context information to the one or more relay mobile device candidates before the respective relay mobile candidate is selected as a relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device.

[0320] Embodiment 12:

[0321] The method according to Embodiment 11, further comprising:

[0322] - Communicating with the at least one remote mobile device via the relay mobile device using the provided virtual relay context information.

[0323] Embodiment 13:

[0324] The method according to Embodiment 11 or Embodiment 12, further comprising:

[0325] - Obtaining discovery information indicating the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates, wherein the virtual relay context information is at least partially configured based on the discovery information.

[0326] Embodiment 14:

[0327] The method according to Embodiment 13, wherein configuring the virtual relay context information further comprises:

[0328] - Determining the one or more relay mobile device candidates; and

[0329] - Configuring the virtual relay context information based on the respective capabilities of the determined relay mobile device candidates.

[0330] Embodiment 15:

[0331] The method according to Embodiment 13 or Embodiment 14, the method further comprising:

[0332] - Determining one or more capabilities of the one or more relay mobile device candidates,

[0333] wherein the virtual relay context information is configured based at least in part on one or more determined capabilities of the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0334] Example 16:

[0335] The method according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein the discovery information includes the respective capabilities of the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

[0336] Example 17:

[0337] The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 16, wherein the virtual relay context information is provided to the one or more relay mobile device candidates and / or the at least one remote mobile device.

[0338] Example 18:

[0339] The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 17, wherein the virtual relay context information further includes: at least a portion of one or more conditions for the one or more relay mobile device candidates, the at least a portion of the one or more conditions enabling a corresponding relay mobile device to apply the virtual repeater context information to relay the traffic of the remote mobile device.

[0340] Example 19:

[0341] The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 18, wherein the virtual relay context information further includes at least one of the following:

[0342] - an identifier corresponding to the virtual relay context information;

[0343] - a scheduling configuration;

[0344] - a configured authorization configuration;

[0345] - one or more bearer configurations;

[0346] - a channel configuration;

[0347] - an NAS layer configuration;

[0348] - an RRC layer configuration;

[0349] - a MAC layer configuration; and

[0350] - a PHY layer configuration.

[0351] Example 20:

[0352] The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 19, further comprising:

[0353] - Configure the corresponding remote mobile device to hand over via its relay mobile device to the target base station.

[0354] Example 21:

[0355] The method according to any one of Examples 11 to 20 further includes:

[0356] - Provide the virtual relay context information at least via a second base station and a corresponding relay mobile device served by the second base station.

[0357] Example 22:

[0358] A method performed by at least one device includes:

[0359] - Provide discovery information indicating the presence of at least one or more relay mobile device candidates; and

[0360] - Select a corresponding relay mobile device configured with virtual relay context information from the one or more relay mobile device candidates for relaying traffic for the device; and - Communicate with a base station of a mobile communication network using the selected relay mobile device using the virtual relay context information.

[0361] Example 23:

[0362] The method according to Example 22 further includes:

[0363] - Provide an activation indication indicating that the virtual relay context information is applied to the selected relay mobile device.

[0364] Example 24:

[0365] The method according to Example 22 or Example 23, wherein the virtual relay context information includes at least one of the following:

[0366] - An identifier corresponding to the virtual relay context information;

[0367] - Scheduling configuration;

[0368] - Configured grant configuration;

[0369] - One or more bearer configurations;

[0370] - Channel configuration;

[0371] - NAS layer configuration;

[0372] - RRC layer configuration;

[0373] - MAC layer configuration; and

[0374] - PHY layer configuration.

[0375] Example 25:

[0376] The method according to any one of Examples 22 to 24 further includes:

[0377] - Obtaining at least one condition indication indicating that at least one condition among one or more conditions is satisfied by at least one relay mobile device candidate; and

[0378] - Providing an activation indication indicating the application of the virtual relay context information based at least in part on the at least one condition indication.

[0379] Example 26:

[0380] The method according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein the virtual relay context information is configured / obtained from a target base station to which a handover is to be performed.

[0381] Example 27:

[0382] An apparatus configured to perform and / or control the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, or including corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10.

[0383] Example 28:

[0384] An apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform and / or control the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10.

[0385] Example 29:

[0386] An apparatus configured to perform and / or control the method according to any one of Examples 11 to 21, or including corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to any one of Examples 11 to 21.

[0387] Example 30:

[0388] An apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform and / or control the method according to any one of Examples 11 to 21.

[0389] Example 31:

[0390] An apparatus configured to perform and / or control a method according to any one of Embodiments 22 to 26, or comprising corresponding components for performing and / or controlling a method according to any one of Embodiments 22 to 26.

[0391] Embodiment 32:

[0392] An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform and / or control a method according to any one of Embodiments 22 to 26.

[0393] Embodiment 33:

[0394] A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code, the computer program code, when executed by a processor, causing an apparatus to perform and / or control:

[0395] - obtaining virtual relay context information that enables the apparatus to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network; and - applying the virtual relay context information as the relay mobile device configured for the at least one remote mobile device when at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied and / or when an activation indication is obtained.

[0396] Embodiment 34:

[0397] A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code, the computer program code, when executed by a processor, causing an apparatus to perform and / or control:

[0398] - configuring virtual relay context information that enables one or more relay mobile device candidates to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and the apparatus;

[0399] - providing the virtual relay context information to the one or more relay mobile device candidates before the corresponding relay mobile candidate is selected as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device.

[0400] Embodiment 35:

[0401] A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code, the computer program code, when executed by a processor, causing an apparatus to perform and / or control:

[0402] - Provide discovery information indicating the presence of at least one or more relay mobile device candidates; and

[0403] - Select a corresponding relay mobile device configured with virtual relay context information from the one or more relay mobile device candidates for relaying traffic for the apparatus; and - Communicate with a base station of a mobile communication network by using the selected relay mobile device using the virtual relay context information.

[0404] Example 36:

[0405] A system, comprising:

[0406] - At least one first apparatus according to Example 27 or Example 28;

[0407] - At least one second apparatus according to Example 29 or Example 30; and

[0408] - At least one third apparatus according to Example 31 or Example 32.

[0409] In this specification, any presented connection in the described embodiments should be understood in a manner that the components involved are operably coupled. Thus, a connection can be a direct or indirect connection with any number or combination of intermediate elements, and there can be only a functional relationship between the components.

[0410] Furthermore, any method, process, and action described or illustrated herein can be implemented using executable instructions in a general or special purpose processor, which are stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such a processor. The reference to "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to cover dedicated circuits such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices.

[0411] The expression "A and / or B" is considered to include any one of the following three cases: (i) A, (ii) B, (iii) A and B. Furthermore, the article "a" should not be understood as "one", i.e., the use of the expression "an element" does not exclude the existence of other elements. The term "comprising" should be understood in an open manner, i.e., an object "comprising element A" may further include other elements in addition to element A.

[0412] It should be understood that all the presented embodiments are merely exemplary, and any feature presented for a particular exemplary embodiment can be used alone, or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular exemplary embodiment, and / or in combination with any other feature not mentioned in combination with any aspect. In particular, the exemplary embodiments presented in this specification should also be understood to be disclosed in all possible combinations with each other, as long as it is technically reasonable and the exemplary embodiments are not alternatives to each other. It should also be understood that any feature presented for an exemplary embodiment of a particular category (method / apparatus / computer program / system) can also be used in a corresponding manner in any other category of exemplary embodiments. It should also be understood that the presence of a feature in the presented exemplary embodiments does not necessarily mean that the feature forms an essential feature and cannot be omitted or replaced.

[0413] A statement that a feature includes at least one of the features listed subsequently is not necessarily in the following way: the feature includes all the features listed subsequently, or at least one of a plurality of the features listed subsequently. In addition, any combination of the listed features can be selected or only one of the listed features can be selected. A specific combination of all the features listed subsequently can also be considered. In addition, a plurality or only one of the listed features is possible.

[0414] The order of all the above method steps is not mandatory, and other orders can also be adopted. However, the specific order of the method steps exemplarily shown in the figures should be regarded as a possible order of the method steps of the corresponding embodiments described by the corresponding figures.

[0415] The subject matter has been described above by way of exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that there are alternative ways and variations that are well known to those skilled in the art, and the alternative ways and variations can be implemented without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile device for communication, comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the mobile device to at least perform: - obtaining virtual relay context information, the virtual relay context information enabling the mobile device to be prepared to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network; and - applying the virtual relay context information to the relay mobile device configured for the at least one remote mobile device when at least one of the one or more conditions is determined to be satisfied and / or when an activation indication is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained before the at least one condition is satisfied and / or the activation indication is obtained, wherein the activation indication activates the application of the virtual relay context information, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one of the following: the at least one remote mobile device is outside the coverage area of the base station, or the at least one remote mobile device is in a poor link.

2. The mobile device according to claim 1, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the mobile device to further perform: - determining whether at least one of the one or more conditions is satisfied, the one or more conditions enabling the mobile device to be used as a relay mobile device between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied at least in part based on the determination.

3. The mobile device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained by the mobile device and at least one other mobile device to serve the at least one remote mobile device as a respective relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network.

4. The mobile device according to claim 3, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the mobile device to further perform: - obtaining the activation indication indicating the application of the virtual relay context information from the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied at least in part based on the obtained activation indication of the at least one remote mobile device.

5. The mobile device according to claim 3, wherein the virtual relay context information comprises: at least a part of the one or more conditions for the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

6. The mobile device according to claim 3, wherein the virtual relay context information further includes at least one of the following: - an identifier corresponding to the virtual relay context information; - a scheduling configuration; - Configured authorization configuration; - One or more bearer configurations; - Channel configuration; - Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer configuration; - Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer configuration; - Medium Access Control (MAC) layer configuration; and - Physical (PHY) layer configuration.

7. The mobile device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the mobile device to further perform: - Provide a condition change indication indicating a change in the at least one condition, the condition change indication causing the mobile device to be unable / able to apply the virtual relay context information and act as a relay mobile device between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station.

8. The mobile device according to claim 3, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device and / or the mobile communication network.

9. A base station for communication, comprising: At least one processor, and At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to at least perform: - Configure virtual relay context information, the virtual relay context information enabling one or more relay mobile device candidates to be prepared to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station; - Provide the virtual relay context information to the one or more relay mobile device candidates before the respective relay mobile candidate is selected as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied by the relay mobile device selected as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device in at least one of the following cases: when the relay device determines that at least one of one or more conditions is satisfied, or when an activation indication is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the activation indication activates the application of the virtual relay context information, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one of the following: the at least one remote mobile device is outside the coverage area of the base station, or the at least one remote mobile device is in a poor link.

10. The base station according to claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to further perform: - Communicate with the at least one remote mobile device via the relay mobile device by using the provided virtual relay context information.

11. The base station according to claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to further perform: - Obtain discovery information indicating the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates, wherein the virtual relay context information is at least partially configured based on the discovery information.

12. The base station according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to further perform: - determining one or more capabilities of the one or more relay mobile device candidates, wherein the virtual relay context information is configured based at least in part on the determined one or more capabilities of the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

13. The base station according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the virtual relay context information is provided to the one or more relay mobile device candidates and / or the at least one remote mobile device.

14. The base station according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the virtual relay context information further comprises: at least a portion of one or more conditions for the one or more relay mobile device candidates, the at least a portion of the one or more conditions enabling a corresponding relay mobile device to apply the virtual relay context information to relay traffic of the at least one remote mobile device.

15. The base station according to claim 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the base station to further perform: - providing the virtual relay context information at least via a second base station and a corresponding relay mobile device served by the second base station.

16. A remote mobile device for communication, comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the remote mobile device to at least perform: - providing discovery information indicating at least the presence of one or more relay mobile device candidates; and - selecting a corresponding relay mobile device configured with virtual relay context information from the one or more relay mobile device candidates for relaying traffic for the remote mobile device; - providing an activation indication to the selected relay mobile device indicating to apply the virtual relay context information to the selected relay mobile device, such that the selected relay mobile device relays traffic between the remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network, wherein the selected relay mobile device has been configured with the virtual relay context information by the base station; and - communicating with a base station of a mobile communication network using the selected relay mobile device using the virtual relay context information.

17. The remote mobile device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the remote mobile device to further perform: - obtaining the virtual relay context information; and - providing the virtual relay context information to the one or more relay mobile device candidates.

18. The remote mobile device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the remote mobile device to further perform: - obtaining at least one condition indication indicating that at least one condition among one or more conditions is satisfied by at least one relay mobile device candidate; and - providing an activation indication indicating application of the virtual relay context information, at least in part based on the at least one condition indication.

19. A communication method, comprising: - obtaining, by a mobile device, virtual relay context information that enables preparation to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network; and - applying, by the mobile device, the virtual relay context information to be configured as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device when it is determined that at least one condition among the one or more conditions is satisfied and / or when an activation indication is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the virtual relay context information is obtained before the at least one condition is satisfied and / or the activation indication is obtained, wherein the activation indication activates the application of the virtual relay context information, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one of the following: the at least one remote mobile device is outside the coverage area of the base station, or the at least one remote mobile device is in a poor link.

20. A communication method, comprising: - configuring, by a base station, virtual relay context information that enables one or more relay mobile device candidates to prepare to serve at least one remote mobile device as a relay mobile device to relay traffic between the at least one remote mobile device and the base station; - providing, by the base station, the virtual relay context information to the one or more relay mobile device candidates before a corresponding relay mobile candidate is selected as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the virtual relay context information is applied by the relay mobile device selected as the relay mobile device for the at least one remote mobile device in at least one of the following: when it is determined by the relay device that at least one condition among one or more conditions is satisfied or when an activation indication is obtained from the at least one remote mobile device, wherein the activation indication activates the application of the virtual relay context information, wherein the one or more conditions include at least one of the following: the at least one remote mobile device is outside the coverage area of the base station, or the at least one remote mobile device is in a poor link.

21. A communication method, comprising: - providing, by a remote mobile device, discovery information indicating the presence of at least one relay mobile device candidate; and - The remote mobile device selects a corresponding relay mobile device configured with virtual relay context information from the one or more relay mobile device candidates for relaying services for the remote mobile device; - Provide an activation indication indicating the application of the virtual relay context information to the selected relay mobile device, where the activation indication activates the application of the virtual relay context information so that the selected relay mobile device relays services between the remote mobile device and a base station of a mobile communication network, and the selected relay mobile device has been configured with the virtual relay context information by the base station; And - The remote mobile device communicates with a base station of a mobile communication network by using the selected relay mobile device that uses the virtual relay context information.

Images