System and method for relay service

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium for relay service is provided. A second wireless communication device near a first wireless communication device can receive information to be used for selection of a relay device. The second wireless communication device can determine whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for relay services. Background Art

[0002] The third generation partnership project (3GPP), a standardization organization, is currently specifying a new radio interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR) and the next generation packet core network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: 5G access network (5G-AN), 5G core network (5GC) and user equipment (UE). To facilitate the implementation of different data services and requirements, the elements of 5GC (also known as network functions) have been simplified, and some of them are software-based, allowing them to be adjusted as needed. Summary of the invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to solve problems related to one or more problems existing in the prior art, as well as to provide additional features, which will become apparent when referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who read this disclosure that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to a system, a method, an apparatus, or a computer-readable medium. A second wireless communication device in proximity to a first wireless communication device may receive information to be used to select a relay device. The second wireless communication device may determine whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device.

[0005] In some embodiments, determining whether to select the first wireless communication device may include receiving an indication from the wireless communication node that at least one wireless communication device is to be wirelessly connected as a relay device. In some embodiments, determining whether to select the first wireless communication device may include: determining to select the wireless connection with the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on the indication.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node, the at least one relay type including at least one of the following: layer 2 relay or layer 3 relay. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a preference for one or more of the at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a configuration from the wireless communication node, the configuration being used to configure the first wireless communication device with one or more of the at least one relay type. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication to the second wireless communication device of one or more of the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive an indication of a preferred relay type or a supported relay type from the second wireless communication device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with its first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device and based on an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with its first wireless communication device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a frequency list with which the first wireless communication device is configured to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a frequency list of interest from the wireless communication node to configure the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a frequency list of interest to the second wireless communication device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include a list of frequencies of interest. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the list of frequencies of interest.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may select as a relay device a wireless communication device having: a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those of the second wireless communication device, or a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those targeting a service destination identifier of the second wireless communication device having the highest quality of service (QoS) or priority.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive priority information for the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send priority information to the second wireless communication device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include priority information for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the priority information and whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among the candidate relay devices.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive information about the quality of service (QoS) supported by the first wireless communication device to relay services from a wireless communication node. The information may include at least one of the following: a white QoS flow identifier (QFI) list, a black QFI list, or a default priority threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device for relaying services. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on: a first wireless communication device having at least one QoS profile for relaying services supported by the white QFI list or excluded by the black QFI list, or a first wireless communication device having a priority value that meets a default priority threshold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send assistance information of the first wireless communication device to the wireless communication node.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to directly connect to the relay device in network relay mode. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the first wireless communication node. The first wireless communication may send the assistance information of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication node via an Xn or X2 interface of the first wireless communication node.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node in a network release message. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a configured average RSRP threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on a threshold, the RSRP measurement, and the RSRP measurement of the link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a first threshold, and the RSRP measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and a second threshold.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine a failure in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication of a type of failure of the link to a third wireless communication device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine that degradation in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send link quality information of the link to a third wireless communication device.

[0024] At least one aspect is directed to a system, a method, an apparatus, or a computer-readable medium. A first wireless communication device in proximity to a second wireless communication device may send information used for selection of a relay device. The second wireless communication device may be enabled to determine whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device.

[0025] In some embodiments, enabling the second wireless communication device may include receiving an indication from the wireless communication node that at least one wireless communication device is to be wirelessly connected as a relay device. In some embodiments, enabling the second wireless communication device may include determining to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the indication.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node, the at least one relay type including at least one of the following: layer 2 relay or layer 3 relay. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a preference for one or more of the at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a configuration from the wireless communication node, the configuration being used to configure the first wireless communication device with one or more of the at least one relay type. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication to the second wireless communication device of one or more of the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive an indication of a preferred relay type or a supported relay type from the second wireless communication device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be enabled to determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device and based on an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with the first wireless communication device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a frequency list with which the first wireless communication device is configured to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a frequency list of interest from the wireless communication node to configure the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a frequency list of interest to the second wireless communication device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include a list of frequencies of interest. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be configured to determine, based on the list of frequencies of interest, to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device can be caused to select as a relay device a wireless communication device having the following items: a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those of interest to the second wireless communication device, or a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those of interest that target a service destination identifier of the second wireless communication device having the highest quality of service (QoS) or priority.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive priority information for the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send priority information to the second wireless communication device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include priority information for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the priority information and whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among the candidate relay devices.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive information about the quality of service (QoS) supported by the first wireless communication device to relay services from a wireless communication node. The information may include at least one of the following: a white QoS flow identifier (QFI) list, a black QFI list, or a default priority threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to relay the service. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on: a first wireless communication device having at least one QoS profile for relaying the service supported by the white QFI list or excluded by the black QFI list, or a first wireless communication device having a priority value that satisfies a default priority threshold.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send assistance information of the first wireless communication device to the wireless communication node.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to directly connect to the relay device in network relay mode. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the first wireless communication node. The first wireless communication may send the assistance information of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication node via an Xn or X2 interface of the first wireless communication node.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node in a network release message. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a configured average RSRP threshold.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on a threshold, the RSRP measurement, and the RSRP measurement of the link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a first threshold, and the RSRP measurement of the link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and a second threshold.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine a failure in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication of a type of failure of the link to a third wireless communication device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine that degradation in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send link quality information of the link to a third wireless communication device.

[0044] At least one aspect is directed to a system, a method, an apparatus, or a computer-readable medium. A wireless communication node may send information used for selection of a relay device to a second wireless communication device in proximity to a first wireless communication device. The second wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device.

[0045] In some embodiments, enabling the second wireless communication device may include receiving an indication from the wireless communication node that at least one wireless communication device is to be wirelessly connected as a relay device. In some embodiments, enabling the second wireless communication device may include determining to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the indication.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node, the at least one relay type including at least one of the following: layer 2 relay or layer 3 relay. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a preference for one or more of the at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a configuration from the wireless communication node, the configuration being used to configure the first wireless communication device with one or more of the at least one relay type. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication to the second wireless communication device of one or more of the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive an indication of a preferred relay type or a supported relay type from the second wireless communication device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device and based on the indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type configured with the first wireless communication device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive from the first wireless communication device a list of frequencies with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send the list of frequencies of interest to the first wireless communication device to configure the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may be caused to send the list of frequencies of interest to the second wireless communication device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include a list of frequencies of interest. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the list of frequencies of interest.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device can be caused to select as a relay device a wireless communication device having: a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those of the second wireless communication device, or a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those targeting a service destination identifier of the second wireless communication device having the highest quality of service (QoS) or priority.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive priority information for the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send priority information to the second wireless communication device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information to the second wireless communication device. The information may include priority information for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the priority information and whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among the candidate relay devices.

[0053] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send information about the quality of service (QoS) supported by the first wireless communication device to relay the service to the first wireless communication device. The information may include at least one of the following: a white QoS flow identifier (QFI) list, a black QFI list, or a default priority threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may be caused to send information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device to relay the service.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the first wireless communication device. The information may include information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to relay the service. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be caused to determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on: a first wireless communication device having at least one QoS profile for relaying the service supported by the white QFI list or excluded by the black QFI list, or a first wireless communication device having a priority value that satisfies a default priority threshold.

[0055] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive assistance information of the first wireless communication device from the first wireless communication device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to directly connect to the relay device in network relay mode. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may communicate with the first wireless communication node. The first wireless communication may send the assistance information of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication node via an Xn or X2 interface of the first wireless communication node.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information from the wireless communication node in a network release message. The information may include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as a relay device based on the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a configured average RSRP threshold.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on a threshold, the RSRP measurement, and the RSRP measurement of the link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the third wireless communication device may be caused to determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device based on the RSRP measurement and a first threshold, and the RSRP measurement of the link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and a second threshold.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine a failure in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication of a type of failure of the link to a third wireless communication device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine that degradation in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send link quality information of the link to a third wireless communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Various preferred embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustration only and only for the purpose of describing example embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of description, these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0065] Figure 1 illustrates an example cellular communication network in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of example base station and user equipment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example environment for sidelink and relay services in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0068] Figure 4 illustrates a sequence diagram of an example process for a system to transmit a relay type configuration to configure a relay service in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0069] Figure 5 A sequence diagram illustrating an example process of a system for transmitting a frequency list to configure a relay service in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0070] Figure 6 A sequence diagram illustrating an example process of a system for configuring a relay service using reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0071] Figure 7 A sequence diagram illustrating an example process of a system for switching relay modes based on relay assistance information according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0072] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a system for performing load balancing by switching to a relay service in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0073] Fig. 9 A sequence diagram illustrating an example process of a system for load balancing by switching to a relay service according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0074] Fig.10 A flow diagram of an example method for relaying services is illustrated in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Various preferred embodiments of the present solution are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. It is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications may be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an example order, and that the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0076] The following acronyms are used throughout this disclosure:

[0077]

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0081] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented. In the discussion that follows, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as “network 100.” Such an example network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter “BS 102”; also referred to as a wireless communication node) and a user equipment device 104 (hereinafter “UE 104”; also referred to as a wireless communication device), which may communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and cell clusters 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. In Figure 1 1, BS 102 and UE 104 are contained within respective geographic boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating on its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to its intended users.

[0082] For example, BS 102 may operate on an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 may communicate via downlink radio frames 118 and uplink radio frames 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may also be divided into subframes 120 / 127 that may include data symbols 122 / 128. In the present disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that may practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of the present solution, such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communications.

[0083] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for sending and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of the present solution is illustrated. The system 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In an illustrative embodiment, the system 200 may be used in a wireless communication environment (such as Figure 1 The present invention relates to a method for transmitting (eg, sending and receiving) data symbols in a wireless communication environment 100 of the present invention, as described above.

[0084] The system 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). The BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 220 as needed. The UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 240 as needed. The BS 202 communicates with the UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0085] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the system 200 may also include Figure 2Any number of modules other than the modules shown in . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any actual combination thereof. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described according to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software may depend on specific applications and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Personnel familiar with the concepts described herein can implement such functions in a suitable manner for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to an antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to an antenna 212. The downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time so that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250 while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212. Instead, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmit link 250 at the same time as the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with minimal guard times between changes in duplex direction.

[0087] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with an appropriately configured RF antenna arrangement 212 / 232 capable of supporting a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards (such as long-term evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, etc.). However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the application of specific standards and related protocols. Instead, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0088] According to various embodiments, BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femtocell or a microcell. In some embodiments, UE 204 may be implemented in various types of user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, etc. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or implemented with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. In this way, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0089] In addition, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly implemented in hardware, firmware, software modules, or any practical combination thereof, which are executed by the processor modules 214 and 236, respectively. The memory modules 216 and 234 may be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, the memory modules 216 and 234 may be coupled to the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, so that the processor modules 210 and 230 may read information from and write information to the memory modules 216 and 234, respectively. The memory modules 216 and 234 may also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, the memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions, which are to be executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. The memory modules 216 and 234 may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0090] The network communication module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic and / or other components of the base station 202, which support two-way communication between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communication module 218 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX services. In a typical deployment, but not limited to, the network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface so that the base station transceiver 210 can communicate with a traditional Ethernet-based computer network. In this way, the network communication module 218 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). The terms "configured for", "configured to" and their variants used herein for a specific operation or function refer to a physically constructed device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc., which is programmed, formatted and / or arranged to perform a specified operation or function.

[0091] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "Open Systems Interconnection Model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven subcomponents or layers, each representing a conceptual set of services provided to its upper and lower layers. The OSI model also defines a logical network and effectively describes computer packet transmission by using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as a seven-layer OSI model or a seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be a physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be a media access control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be a radio link control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be a radio resource control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is another layer.

[0092] 2. Systems and methods for relay services

[0093] One of the technical challenges in next generation communications may involve the selection of a remote UE (e.g., UE 104) to perform relay UE and the conditions that trigger the remote UE to perform relay UE discovery and communication. In the field of wireless communications, with the rapid development of smart terminals and mobile Internet applications, the requirements for user experience, high speed, and large data volume may become increasingly higher. Cellular networks with base stations as data transmission node centers may have limitations in terms of high data rates and proximity service support.

[0094] Taking this demand into consideration, sidelink communication technology can be implemented. This technology can also be called ProSe technology. The application of sidelink technology can reduce the burden on cellular networks, reduce UE battery power consumption, increase data rates, and improve the robustness of network infrastructure, while meeting the above-mentioned high data rate services and proximity services.

[0095] Sidelink technologies may include: (1) sidelink discovery technologies and (2) sidelink communication technologies. Sidelink discovery technologies may include the process of determining the proximity of two or more sidelink UEs (e.g., within the range of sidelink direct communication) or determining that a first UE is adjacent to a second UE. Typically, sidelink UEs can discover each other by sending or receiving discovery signals or information. Under the coverage of a cellular network, the network can assist sidelink UEs in sidelink discovery. In addition, sidelink communication technologies may include technologies for partial or full data communication between sidelink UEs, which can communicate directly without going through a network infrastructure. Sidelink technologies can operate in licensed or unlicensed frequency bands, allowing multiple UEs supporting sidelink functionality to perform direct discovery or direct communication with or without network coverage.

[0096] Reference now Figure 3 , depicts a block diagram of a system or environment 300 for sidelink and relay services. As shown, environment 300 may include at least one network node 310 (e.g., BS 102) and one or more UEs 320A-G (e.g., UE 104) (generally referred to as UE 320). Network node 310 may maintain, service, or otherwise provide at least one network 315. Network 315 may cover some UEs and may not cover other UEs. There may be three use cases 305A-305C for the sidelink technology of environment 300.

[0097] Under use case 305A, UE 320A and UE 320B may perform sidelink discovery or communication under the coverage of cellular network 315 of network node 310. User plane data may not pass through network infrastructure. This use case 305A may also include the following two branches: (a) sidelink discovery and (b) sidelink communication. Under discovery, the branch may be divided into open sidelink discovery and restricted sidelink discovery. Under communication, the branch may be divided into sidelink broadcast communication, sidelink multicast communication, and sidelink unicast communication.

[0098] Under use case 305B, UE-to-network relay transmission in a weak coverage area (e.g., outside network 315) can allow UE 320D with poor signal quality to communicate with the network through a nearby UE 320C with network coverage. This can help operators expand coverage and increase capacity.

[0099] Under use case 305C, multi-hop communication between UE 320E-320G (UE to UE relay) may be allowed. For example, in the event of an earthquake or emergency, the cellular network 315 may not function properly or be unable to reach the UE 320E-320G. In this case, communication may be conducted between the control plane and the UE 320E-320G. One-hop or multi-hop data communication may be conducted without passing through the network infrastructure (e.g., network node 310 or network 315).

[0100] In all use cases 320A-320C, the sidelink communication can maintain service continuity. As the UE 320 moves, the relative distance between the UEs 320 in the sidelink communication may change. It may no longer be suitable for sidelink communication, or the UE 320 may return to a place with network coverage 315. As a result, it may not be necessary to relay data via the sidelink. In addition, two UEs 320 that are communicating with each other find that they are close to each other.

[0101] In order to reduce the load on the cellular network 315 and reduce transmission delays, data communications can be switched from cellular to sidelink. In these cases, it is possible to consider switching the traffic between the sidelink UEs between the sidelink path and the cellular path. During the service flow switching process, it is ensured that service continuity should be maintained and that degradation of communication quality should be avoided.

[0102] In order to ensure the normal operation of UE-to-network relay and UE-to-UE relay scenarios, the relay UE 320 can use explicit base station instructions to determine whether the UE 320 can perform relay service transmission. As for the remote UE 320, the remote UE 320 can select a suitable relay UE3 320 to send relay data according to the process detailed below. Throughout this disclosure, the term "first UE 320A" may refer to a relay UE, the term "second UE 320B" may refer to a remote UE1, and the term "third UE 320C" may refer to another remote UE2.

[0103] A. Relay type configuration for configuring relay services

[0104] Reference now Figure 4 , depicts a sequence diagram of a process 400 for the system 300 to transmit a relay type configuration to configure a relay service between a first UE 320A and a second UE 320B. Under the process 400, the first UE 320A may be in coverage and a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode of the network 315. The second UE 320B may be in coverage or out of coverage of the network 315, and the second UE 320b may be in an RRC connected mode or an RRC inactive mode or an RRC idle mode.

[0105] Before the first UE 320A broadcasts the relay type indication to the second UE 320B, the first UE 320A may report the supported relay type information (as UE capability information) toward the network node 310 (405). Before the network configures the relay type for the first UE 320A, the first UE 320A may also indicate a preference for the use of the relay type to the network node 310 (410). The indication may identify which relay types (e.g., layer 2 relay and layer 3 relay) the first UE 320A prefers to use in subsequent relay services. The network node 310 may return the relay type configuration (415). If the first UE 320A supports more than one relay type (e.g., both layer 2 relay and layer 3 relay), the network node 310 may further configure the first UE 320A to use one or more relay types (e.g., layer 2 relay and layer 3 relay).

[0106] The first UE 320A may in turn broadcast a relay type indication (420). The indication may identify whether the first UE 320A supports layer 2 relay or layer 3 relay. The indication may be carried in a discovery message or a direct communication request message. The second UE 320B may select the most suitable first UE 320A. The selection may be based on the relay type currently supported by the second UE 320B and the received relay type broadcast in the discovery message or the direct communication request message. In some embodiments, when the second UE 320B triggers the PC5-RRC / PC5-S connection setup, the second UE 320B may indicate to the first UE 320A its preferred relay type or supported relay type (if the first UE 320A may support multiple relay types).

[0107] B. Frequency list identifying relay UE

[0108] Reference now Figure 5 , depicts a sequence diagram of a process 500 for system 300 for transmitting a frequency list for use in a relay service between a first UE 320A and a second UE 320B. Under process 500, the first UE 320A may be in coverage and RRC connected mode of the network 315. The second UE 320B may be in coverage or out of coverage, RRC connected mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode of the network 315.

[0109] The first UE 320A may be preconfigured with a frequency list. The frequency list may be associated with different service codes, or destination IDs, or the UE ID of the first UE 320A. The first UE 320A may report the preconfigured frequency list to the network node 310 (505). In some embodiments, the reported frequency list may be associated with the service code or the destination ID or the UE ID of the first UE 320A. After the first UE 320A reports the preconfigured frequency list to the network node 310, the network node 310 may configure and send a frequency list of interest (510). The list may be associated with different service codes, destination IDs, or UE IDs. The frequency list of interest may be selected from the preconfigured frequency list.

[0110] In conjunction, if the second UE 320B is in coverage and RRC connected mode, the second UE 320B may also report a preconfigured frequency list to the network node 310 (515). The second UE 320B may also be configured with a frequency list of interest from the network node 310 (520). On the other hand, if the second UE 320B is not in coverage and is in RRC idle mode, the second UE 320B may use the preconfigured frequency list. After receiving from the network node 310, the first UE 320A may broadcast the frequency list of interest (525). In some embodiments, the frequencies of interest may be associated with different service codes, destination IDs, or UE IDs. The broadcasted frequency list may be carried in a discovery message or in a direct communication request message.

[0111] After receiving the broadcasted frequency list of interest of the first UE 320A, the second UE 320B may refer to the frequency list of interest to select the most suitable first UE 320A (530). When selecting, the second UE 320B may identify the first UE 320A, where the number of intersections of the frequencies of interest in the frequency list of interest of the first UE 320A and the frequency list of interest of the second UE 320B is as high as possible. In some embodiments, the second UE 320B may determine the current service destination ID of itself with the highest QoS or default priority. The second UE 320B may select the first UE 320A with the largest frequency intersection of interest targeting the service destination ID.

[0112] C. Priority information for selecting relay UE

[0113] In some embodiments, priority information can be used to select a UE for relay service. Under this method, the first UE 320A can be within the coverage of the network 315 and can be in RRC connection mode. The second UE 320B can be within or outside the coverage of the network 315 and can be in RRC connection mode, RRC inactive mode or RRC idle mode. The network node 310 can assign or configure different priority values ​​for each relay UE (e.g., the first UE 320A). For example, the smaller the value, the higher the priority may be. Conversely, the larger the value, the lower the priority may be. The priority value can indicate that the ability of the first UE 320A to act as a relay UE makes it selected as a relay UE for performing relay service. The priority value can be configured by a system information block (SIB) or RRC dedicated signaling, or a downlink media access control (MAC) control element (CE), or in a downlink control indication (DCI), etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, before assigning a priority value to the first UE 320A, the first UE 320A may report condition information to the network node 310. The condition information of the first UE 320A may include one or more of the following: remaining battery indication; maximum number of PC5 link connections; number of hops (e.g., how many hops (or connected UEs) the first UE 320A uses to connect to the network node 310); PC5 link service priority; currently existing PC5 link connection; current speed (e.g., data transmission rate); and channel busy rate (CBR) measurement on the side link transmission resource pool, etc.

[0115] After receiving the priority value configuration from the network node 310, the first UE 320A may broadcast or send the relay priority to other UEs including the second UE 320B. The relay priority may be through a discovery message or a direct communication request or response message. After receiving the broadcast of the priority value from the first UE 320A, if the PC5-RSRP measurement result of the first UE is higher than the configured PC5-RSRP threshold, the second UE 320B may select the highest priority UE (e.g., the first UE 320A) according to the priority value.

[0116] D. Check UE QoS information for relay service

[0117] In some embodiments, quality of service (QoS) information may be used to select a UE for relay service. In this method, the first UE 320A is within the coverage of the network 315 and may be in RRC connected mode. The second UE 320B may be within or outside the coverage of the network 315 and may be in RRC connected mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. The network node 310 may configure a QoS indication for the first UE 320A. In some embodiments, the QoS indication may be a white QoS flow identifier (QFI) list. The list may indicate that the first UE 320A may support relay service services with such a QoS profile associated with each QFI. In some embodiments, the QoS indication may be a black QFI list. The list may indicate that the first UE 320A cannot support relay service services with such a QoS profile associated with each QFI. In some embodiments, the QoS indication may be a default priority threshold that defines a priority value for selecting a UE for relay service services. A default priority value higher than (or lower than) the configured default priority threshold may be supported by the first UE 320A for relay service services.

[0118] The QoS indication may be a QoS profile, a QoS flow identifier, a default priority value. The QoS indication may be configured via SIB, RRC message, downlink MAC CE or DCI, etc. After the network node 310 configures the QoS indication for the first UE 320A, the first UE 320A may broadcast the QoS indication. The QoS indication may be broadcast in a discovery message or a direct communication request message. After receiving the broadcast QoS indication, the second UE 320B may compare the QoS profile of the current service for the second UE 320B with the QoS indication from the first UE 320A to check whether the first UE 320A can be selected.

[0119] E. Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) Measurement for Relay Service Selection

[0120] Reference now Figure 6, depicts a sequence diagram of a process 600 for the system 300 to select a UE for relay service using RSRP measurements. For a UE-to-UE relay scenario, a first UE 320A may be in or out of coverage of a network 315 and may be in RRC connected mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. A second UE 320B may be in or out of coverage of a network 315 and may be in RRC connected mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. A third UE 320C may be in or out of coverage of a network 315 and may be in RRC connected mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. The first UE 320A and the second UE 320B have established a PC5-S / PC5-RRC connection, and the third UE 320C is performing relay UE selection.

[0121] The first UE 320A may report its RSRP measurement value for the link between the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B to the third UE 320C (605). The report may be in a discovery message or a direct communication request message. The report may be based on a side link RRC message, a MAC CE, or selective control information (SCI). When the third UE 320C performs relay UE selection, the third UE 320C may also measure the link between the third UE 320C and the first UE 320A. The third UE 320C may comprehensively consider the RSRP measurement results of the two links for relay UE selection. The third UE 320C may use different techniques to perform RSRP measurement.

[0122] In some embodiments, the average RSRP threshold 610 may be configured by the network node 310 connected to the third UE 320C, or may be preconfigured. After receiving the RSRP measurement report for the link between the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B from the first UE 320A, the third UE 320C may perform the following calculation:

[0123]

[0124] The third UE 320C may then compare the average RSRP measurement result to the configured average RSRP threshold 610. If the average RSRP measurement result is above the configured average RSRP threshold 610, the third UE 320C may include the first UE 320A as a candidate selective relay UE. After comparing other measurements, the third UE 320C may select the highest measured UE (e.g., the first UE 320A) from the candidate UEs (625).

[0125] In some embodiments, the RSRP threshold 615 may be determined or configured by the connection network node 310 connected to the third UE 320C, or may be preconfigured (expressed as RSRP Thresh). The third UE 320C may receive an RSRP measurement report (expressed as RSRP meas1) for a link between the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B from the first UE 320A. In addition, the third UE 320C may also measure the RSRP (expressed as RSRP meas2) for the link between the first UE 320A and the third UE 320C. Only when RSRP meas1>=RSRP Thresh and RSRP meas2>=RSRP Thresh, the third UE 320C may regard the first UE 320A as a candidate selective relay UE. Finally, the third UE 320C may select a UE (e.g., the first UE 320A) with the highest RSRP meas1 or the highest RSRP meas2 from the candidates for relay UEs (625).

[0126] In some embodiments, the two RSRP thresholds 620A and 620B may be determined or configured by the network node 310 connected to the third UE 320C, or may be preconfigured (expressed as RSRP thresh1 and RSRP thresh2). The third UE 320C may receive an RSRP measurement report (expressed as RSRP meas1) for a link between the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B from the first UE 320A. In addition, the third UE 320C may also measure the RSRP (expressed as RSRP meas2) for a link between the first UE 320A and the third UE 320C. Only when RSRP meas1>=RSRP thresh1 and RSRP meas2>=RSRP thresh2, the third UE 320C may consider the first UE 320A as a candidate selective relay UE. Finally, the third UE 320C may select a UE (eg, the first UE 320A) having the highest RSRP meas1 or the highest RSRP meas2 from among the candidates of the relay UEs ( 625 ).

[0127] F. Counteracting failures in the connection links

[0128] In some embodiments, the UE may perform a process to offset a failure in a connection link. For a UE-to-UE relay scenario, a first UE 320A may be within or outside the coverage of a network 315, and may be in RRC connection mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. A second UE 320B may be within or outside the coverage of a network 315, and may be in RRC connection mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. A third UE 320C may be within or outside the coverage of a network 315, and may be in RRC connection mode, RRC inactive mode, or RRC idle mode. A first UE 320A and a second UE 320B may have established a connection link (e.g., a PC5-S / PC5-RRC connection). A third UE 320C may perform relay UE selection.

[0129] Due to various reasons, the link between the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B (denoted as link 1) may have a connection failure. In such a scenario, it may not make sense for the first UE 320A and the third UE 320C to maintain PC5-RRC / PC5-Slink (denoted as link 2) because the third UE 320C wants to communicate with the second UE 320B. After link 1 enters a failure condition, the first UE 320A can indicate link 1 failure type information (indicating link 1 failure) to the third UE 320C via a PC5-RRC or link-side link MAC CE carrying an indication of the failure type. In some embodiments, the destination ID identifying the third UE 320C can be carried in the link failure indication.

[0130] When the first UE 320A detects that the link quality for link 2 (between the first UE 320A and the third UE 320C) becomes worse than the configured threshold, the first UE 320A may send link quality information to the second UE 320B. The link quality information may include one or more of the following: PC5 RSRP measurement results; or measured CBR results for link 2 or link 2 transmission resource pool, etc. In some embodiments, the first UE 320A may directly instruct the second UE 320B to perform relay UE reselection.

[0131] The failure type may be distinguished according to various reasons, such as: Link 1 failure due to radio link failure (RLF), indicating that Link 1 failed due to poor link quality causing RLF; Link 1 failure due to service termination, indicating that Link 1 failed due to the lack of any service transmission for the second UE 320B. If the third UE 320C is in coverage and RRC connected mode, the third UE 320C may receive a link failure indication from the first UE 320A. The third UE 320C may report the link 2 failure information to the network node. The report may include the failure type.

[0132] G. Switch network relay mode

[0133] Reference now Figure 7 , depicts a sequence diagram of a process 700 of a system 300 for switching a network relay mode using relay UE assistance information. Each first UE 320A, 320'A, 320"A (generally referred to herein as UE 320A) may be within coverage of a network 315 and may be in an RRC connected mode. A second UE 320B may be within coverage of the network 315 and may be in an RRC connected mode.

[0134] The network node 310 will configure the RSRP threshold for the second UE 320B (705). RSRP can be used to determine whether the UE is to switch from a direct connection to the network node 310 to a network relay mode. The RSRP threshold can be configured using different QoS profiles, default priorities, or QFIs, such as RSRP-priority threshold 1 and RSRP-priority threshold 2, etc.

[0135] After the second UE 320B receives the configured RSRP threshold, the second UE 320B may compare the configured threshold with its RSRP measurement result to decide whether to switch to network relay mode (715). If the RSRP threshold is configured with a different QoS profile, default priority, or QFI, the second UE 320B may check the RSRP threshold using the currently served QoS profile or the highest default priority level.

[0136] When determining to switch from cellular interface (Uu) mode to network relay mode, the second UE 320B may send a mode switch request (715) to the network node 310. The mode switch request may be sent via dedicated RRC signaling, uplink MAC CE, or UCI. In some embodiments, after receiving the mode switch request, the network node 310 may respond with a mode switch response message (720). The response message may be sent via dedicated RRC signaling, downlink MAC CE, or DCI.

[0137] In conjunction, the first UE 320A (and also 320'A and 320"A) (also in coverage and RRC connected mode) can report its assistance information to the network node 310 (725, 725' and 725"). The assistance information for each first UE from the first UE 320A may include one or more of the following: remaining battery indication; maximum number of PC5 link connections; number of hops referring to how network elements are connected to the network node 310 between the first UE 320A and the network node 320; PC5 link service priority; currently existing PC5 link connections; current speed; and CBR measurement on the side link transmission resource pool.

[0138] Subsequently, the network node 310 may filter out the most suitable first UE 320A for the second UE 320B (730). The filtering may be performed after receiving the auxiliary information from the first UE 320A and the mode switching indication from the second UE 320B, or after responding with a mode switching response message. Once filtered out, the network node 310 may indicate the UE ID of the first UE 320A to the second UE 320B (735). In some embodiments, the network node 310 may filter out a group of suitable first UEs 320A and indicate the UE ID list of the group of first UEs 320A to the second UE 320B. In some embodiments, the candidate relay UE ID list may be included in the mode switching response message. In some embodiments, the mode switching response may include at least one of the following information: a list of frequencies of interest associated with each relay service or destination ID; a relay service transmission resource pool configuration on each frequency; a relay service Priority-CBR transmission parameter configuration list; a relay service reception resource pool configuration for each frequency; and a SLRB configuration for each relay service, etc.

[0139] After receiving the UE ID list of the first UE 320A, the second UE 320B can receive the discovery message of the adjacent first UE 320A (740). The second UE 320B can also filter out the first UE 320A in the configured UE ID list (745). From the filtering, the second UE 320B can select the first UE 320A as a candidate relay UE. In the candidate relay UE set, the second UE 320B will select the most suitable first UE 320A as the relay UE. In some embodiments, the second UE 320B can also first perform relay UE discovery and select a set of candidate relay UE lists. Then, the second UE 320B can report the candidate relay UE list to the network node 310. After receiving the reported candidate relay UE list of the second UE 320B, the network node 310 can facilitate the second UE 320B to select the final relay UE (e.g., the first UE 320A).

[0140] H. Load balancing by switching to a relay service

[0141] Reference now Figure 8 , depicts a block diagram of a system 300 for performing load balancing 800 by switching to a relay service. A first UE 320A may be within the coverage of a network 315A and may be in an RRC connected mode. A second UE 320B may be within the coverage of a network 315B and may be in an RRC connected mode. For load balancing purposes, in some cases, the load of one network node 310A may be relatively full, but an adjacent network node (e.g., network node 310B) may still have network capacity. In this case, the network node 310A may request the second UE 320B to change to a network relay mode (805). The second UE 320B may connect to the first UE 320A served or controlled by the adjacent network node 310B.

[0142] Reference now Fig. 9 , depicts a sequence diagram of a process 900 for the system 300 to implement load balancing by switching to a relay service. Under process 900, the network node 310A may collect assistance information from the first UE 320A and 320'A (905 and 905'). The first UE 320A and 320'A may be under the control of the network node 310B. The network node 310A may receive the assistance information collected by the network node 310B. The assistance information may be associated with the UE ID via an Xn / X2 interface sent by the neighboring network node 310B.

[0143] In some embodiments, if the network node 310A has received a candidate relay UE ID list selected by the second UE 320B through relay discovery, the network node 310A may report the candidate relay UE ID list to the neighboring network node 310B via the Xn / X2 interface (910). After receiving the relay UE ID list, the network node 310A may filter out which (some) relay UEs are within the coverage of the network 315A (915). The network node 315A may select the most suitable relay UE (e.g., the first UE 320A) for the second UE 320B. In some embodiments, the network node 310B may send the final selected relay UE ID associated with the condition information of the relay UE to the network node 310A. In some embodiments, the network node 310A may receive multiple relay UE IDs via different neighboring cells. In some embodiments, the network node 310A may select the most suitable relay UE and indicate it to the second UE 320B.

[0144] The network node 310A may send a relay UE handover request message (920) to the second UE 320B. The relay UE handover request message may include one or more of the following: an RRC release cause value (e.g., networkOverload); a mode handover request (from a Uu connection to a network relay connection); a candidate relay UE ID with a cell ID (e.g., an NR cell global identity (NCGI) or an evolved terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) cell global identity (ECGI)); and a candidate relay UE ID list, etc. In the UE ID list, each relay UE ID may be associated with a cell ID NCGI or ECGI. In some embodiments, the relay UE handover request message may be sent via RRC dedicated signaling, downlink MAC CE or DCI, etc.

[0145] After receiving the network release message, the second UE 320B may perform a sidelink discovery to find the first UE 320A (925) that is close to the second UE 320B. In addition, the second UE 320B may filter out the first UE 320A or 320'A on the configured relay UE ID list as a candidate relay UE. Before, in conjunction with, or after the sidelink discovery, the second UE 320B may send a network release confirmation to the network node 310A. The network release confirmation message may include one or more of the following: a confirmation indication and the final selected relay UE ID, etc. In some embodiments, the release confirmation message may be sent via RRC dedicated signaling, uplink MAC CE, UCI.

[0146] In conjunction, the second UE 320B may initiate a PC5 connection with the final selected relay UE (eg, the first UE 320A) (940).After the PC5 connection is set up, the final selected relay UE (eg, the first UE 320A) may send remote UE connection information to the network node 310A.

[0147] I. Relay Reselection and Path Switching

[0148] In one scenario, the first UE 320A may be a L2 UE to a network relay UE. The second UE 320B may be a remote UE and may be connected to the network node 310 via the first UE 320A. When the PC5 link quality between the second UE 320B and the first UE 320A is poor, it may be better for the second UE 320B to monitor the network (NW) system information block (SIB) message for relay reselection or path switching to guide Uu. For the second UE 320B to obtain the NW SIB message, the following may be considered.

[0149] The second UE 320B may send a SIB request message to the first UE 320A to request the first UE 320A to forward the NWSIB message. The SIB request message may be sent via a PC5-RRC message. The SIB request message may include at least one of the following: a SIB forwarding indication, a required SIB list, and a forwarding mode. The forwarding mode of the SIB request message may indicate that the second UE 320B expects the first UE 320A to forward the NWSIB message via a sidelink master information block (SL-MIB), broadcast, unicast, or PC5-RRC message. After receiving the SIB request message, the first UE 320A may determine to forward the requested NW SIB message received from the NW (e.g., the network node 310) to the second UE 320B. The first UE 320A may forward the requested NW SIB message via a PC5-RRC message, unicast, broadcast, or SL-MIB.

[0150] In some embodiments, before the second UE 320B sends the SIB request message to the first UE 320A, the first UE 320A may indicate a valid SIB list to the second UE 320B. The SIB list may include a SIB message received from the NW. If the SIB that the second UE 320B intends to request is included in the valid SIB list indicated by the first UE 320A, the second UE 320B may request the first UE 320A to forward the SIB message to the second UE 320B. Otherwise, the second UE 320B may request the NW to send the SIB message via RRC dedicated signaling via the first UE 320A.

[0151] J. Configure the UE's RRC state

[0152] The first UE 320A may be a L2 UE to a network relay UE. The second UE 320B may be a remote UE connected to the network node 310 via the first UE 320A. When there is no data to be communicated (e.g., sent or received) via the network 315, the network node 310 may configure the second UE 320B to enter an RRC inactive or RRC idle state. When the second UE 320B is in an RRC inactive or idle state, the first UE 320A may facilitate monitoring of paging messages for the second UE 320B and forward the paging messages to the second UE 320B.

[0153] In order for the first UE 320A to monitor the paging message and forward the paging message to the second UE 320B, the first UE 320A can identify the UE ID (e.g., 5G short temporary mobile user identity (S-TMSI), or 5G-S-TMSImod 1024) for the second UE 320B and the Uu DRX configuration of the second 320B. When the second UE 320B enters the RRC idle or inactive state (receives RRC release or configuration from the NW), the second UE 320B can send information to the first UE 320A. When the NW decides to configure the second UE 320B to enter the RRC idle or inactive state, the NW (e.g., the network 315 or the network node 310) can send the above information to the first UE 320A.

[0154] The first UE 320A can identify the RRC state of the second UE 320B. Using this identification, when the second UE 320B is in the RRC idle or inactive state, the first UE 320 can monitor the paging message for the second UE 320B. When the RRC state of the second UE 320B is changing, the second UE 320B can notify the first UE 320A. The second UE 320B can notify the first UE 320A of one or more of the following: RRC state indication (e.g., RRC connection, idle or inactive state), and paging monitoring or forwarding indication. In some embodiments, when the NW determines to configure the second UE 320B to transition to a new RRC state, the NW can notify the first UE 320A. The NW can send the RRC state of the second UE 320B or the paging monitoring or forwarding indication of the second UE 320B to the first UE 320A.

[0155] K. Conditions for relay UE to enter RRC connected mode

[0156] The first UE 320A may be within the coverage of the network 315, in RRC idle or RRC inactive mode. The second UE 320B may be within the coverage or outside the coverage. The network node 310 may send a transmission resource pool for the first UE 320A to send a side link discovery message within the relay UE initiated configuration via the SIB. However, in the AS layer, there may be no dedicated discovery physical channel. Therefore, it may not be possible to distinguish between side link discovery messages, normal data packets and other PC5-S / PC5-RRC signaling. Therefore, the first UE 320A can use the configured transmission resource pool not only for side link discovery message transmission, but also for data transmission and PC5 signaling transmission, which is not the original intention of the network. In this case, at the AS layer, there should be some method to identify the discovery message.

[0157] In some embodiments, one SL-SRB may be used to map to a sidelink discovery message. When the network node 310 configures a sidelink transmission resource pool used only for discovery message transmission in a SIB, the transmission resource pool may be associated with a specific SL-SRB index. In some embodiments, the sidelink discovery message may be associated with a specific QoS profile or QFI. When the network node 310 configures a sidelink transmission resource pool used only for discovery message transmission in a SIB, the transmission resource pool may be associated with a specific QoS profile or QFI.

[0158] In some embodiments, in order to distinguish between the sidelink relay service and the sidelink V2X service, different destination IDs may be used. Therefore, when the network node 310 configures a sidelink transmission resource pool used only for the discovery message transmission in the SIB, the transmission resource pool may be associated with a specific destination ID for indicating the sidelink relay service.

[0159] On the other hand, the network node 310 may not configure any transmission resource pool in the SIB for the relay initiation of the first UE 320A. After the first UE 320A receives the relay UE initiation configuration of the network and determines that it can become a relay UE, the first UE 320 can access the RRC connection mode to obtain the side link transmission resource pool to send the side link discovery message (for example, adding a condition for the relay UE to enter the RRC connection mode). When the first UE 320A receives the relay UE initiation configuration via the SIB and determines that it can become a relay UE, the first UE 320A can enter the RRC connection mode.

[0160] L. Methods for relaying services

[0161] Reference now Fig.10 , depicted is a functional band diagram of a method 1000 for relaying services. The method 1000 may be implemented by using the present invention in conjunction with Figures 1 to 9The present invention may be performed or implemented by any component described in detail, such as the network node 310, the network 315, the first UE 320A and the second UE 320B. In short, the first wireless communication device may send a configuration setting (1005). The wireless communication node may receive the configuration setting (1010). The wireless communication node may send selection information (1015). The first wireless communication device may receive the selection information (1020). The first wireless communication device may send the selection information (1025). The second wireless communication device may receive the selection information from the first wireless communication device (1030). The second wireless communication device may send the configuration setting (1035). The wireless communication node may receive the configuration setting (1040). The wireless communication node may send the selection information (1045). The second wireless communication device may receive the selection information from the wireless communication node (1050). The second wireless communication device may determine whether to select the first wireless communication device as a relay device (1055). If not selected, the second wireless communication device may find another wireless communication device (1060). If selected, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a relay device (1065). The second wireless communication device may establish a link with the first wireless communication device (1070 and 1070').

[0162] In more detail, a first wireless communication device (e.g., a first UE 320A) may provide, transmit, or otherwise send a configuration setting (1005) to a wireless communication node (e.g., a network node 310). The first wireless communication device may be within or outside the coverage of a network (e.g., a network 315) maintained and provided by the wireless communication node. The configuration setting may indicate one or more properties, attributes, or characteristics of the first wireless communication device related to supporting a relay service with a second wireless communication device (e.g., a second UE 320B). The second wireless communication device may be within or outside the coverage of a network maintained and provided by the wireless communication node. The first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device may be located or positioned near each other (e.g., within a transmission range). In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine or identify one or more properties, attributes, or characteristics. Based on the identification, the first wireless communication device may generate a configuration setting for providing to the wireless communication node.

[0163] In some embodiments, the configuration settings sent by the first wireless communication device may identify or include a set of relay types supported during a relay discovery or connection setup process. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a set of relay types supported during a relay discovery or connection setup process to the wireless communication node. The relay types may include, for example, layer 2 relays or layer 3 relays or both. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication may send a preference for one or more of the supported relay types to the wireless communication node. The preference may identify at least one or both of a layer 2 relay or a layer 3 relay.

[0164] In some embodiments, the configuration setting may identify or include a list of frequencies with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send the list of frequencies to the wireless communication node. The list of frequencies may include one or more frequencies preconfigured for the first wireless communication device to support the relay service. In some embodiments, the list of frequencies may be associated with a service code, a destination identifier, or an identifier for the first wireless communication device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the configuration setting may identify or include relay assistance information. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send relay assistance information to the wireless communication node. The relay assistance information may identify or include one or more of the following: a remaining battery indication; a maximum number of PC5 link connections; a number of hops referring to how a network element is connected to a wireless communication node between the first and wireless communication nodes; a PC5 link service priority; a currently existing PC5 link connection; a current speed; and a CBR measurement on a side link transmission resource pool, etc. The relay assistance information may be associated with an identifier for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send assistance information to another wireless communication node (e.g., network node 310B) via an air interface (e.g., an Xn or X2 interface) of a wireless communication node (e.g., network node 310A).

[0166] The wireless communication node may acquire, identify, or otherwise receive configuration settings from a first wireless communication device (1010). In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive from the first wireless communication device a set of relay types supported by the first wireless communication device during a relay discovery or connection setup process of the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive from the first wireless communication device a preference for one or more relay types supported by the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive from the first wireless communication device relay assistance information.

[0167] The wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send selection information to the first wireless communication device (1015). The selection information may be used by the second wireless communication device to select a relay device when determining whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device. Based on the configuration settings received from the first wireless communication device, the wireless communication node may identify, generate, or determine the selection information. In some embodiments, the type of selection information may depend on the type of information provided by the first wireless communication device in the configuration settings. In some embodiments, the type of selection information provided may be independent of the configuration settings from the first wireless communication device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include a configuration for configuring the first wireless communication device with one or more relay types. The configuration may identify the relay type to be used by the first wireless communication device for relay service. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send a configuration to configure one or more relay types for the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may select one or more relay types from a set of relay types provided in a configuration setting.

[0169] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include a frequency list of interest. The frequency list of interest may identify or include one or more frequencies to be used by the first wireless communication device for relay services. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send the frequency list of interest to the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may select one or more frequencies for the frequency list of interest from a frequency list provided in a configuration setting.

[0170] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include priority information for the first wireless communication device. The priority information may identify or include a priority value indicating the order in which the first wireless communication device is selected for use as a relay service. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may assign or determine priority information for the wireless communication device based on any number of factors. These factors may include relay assistance information provided by the first wireless communication device or measurements of the first wireless communication device performed by the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send the priority information to the first wireless communication device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include information related to the quality of service (QoS) supported by the first wireless communication device for relay services. The wireless communication node may send information about QoS to the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the information about QoS may identify or include a white QoS flow identifier (QFI) list. The white QFI list may identify or include one or more QFIs corresponding to different QoS profiles to be allowed for relay services. In some embodiments, the information about QoS may identify or include a black QFI list. The black QFI list may identify or include one or more QFIs corresponding to different QoS profiles to limit the provision of relay services. In some embodiments, the information about QoS may include a priority threshold (e.g., a default priority threshold). The priority threshold may define or identify the priority value at which the corresponding wireless communication device will be identified as supporting the relay service business.

[0172] The first wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive selection information from the wireless communication node (1020). In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a configuration to configure the first wireless communication with one or more relay types to be used for the relay service. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive a list of frequencies of interest to configure the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive priority information for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may receive information about QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to relay services. The information about QoS may identify or include one or more of the following: a white QFI list, a black QFI list, or a priority threshold, etc.

[0173] The first wireless communication device may forward, provide, or otherwise send selection information (1025) to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may broadcast the selection information. After receiving the selection information, the first wireless communication device may send or broadcast the selection information. The selection information may identify or include one or more of the following: configuration of a relay type, a list of frequencies of interest, priority information, and information about QoS, etc. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send an indication of one or more relay types with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a list of frequencies of interest to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send priority information to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send information about QoS for relay services supported by the first wireless communication device.

[0174] The second wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive selection information from the first wireless communication device (1030). In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive selection information broadcast by the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information regarding an indication of one or more relay types with which the first wireless communication device is configured for relay service. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information identifying or including a list of frequencies of interest. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information identifying or including priority information for the first wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information identifying or including information regarding QoS for relay services supported by the first wireless communication device.

[0175] In conjunction, the second wireless communication device may provide, transmit, or otherwise send configuration settings to the wireless communication node (1035). In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may be within coverage of a network maintained and provided by the wireless communication node. The configuration settings may indicate one or more properties, attributes, or characteristics of the second wireless communication device related to connecting to a relay service with another wireless communication device (e.g., the first UE 320A). In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may transmit, provide, or send an indication (e.g., a mode switch request) to the wireless communication node to switch to a relay service with another wireless communication device.

[0176] The configuration settings sent by the second wireless communication device may be similar to the configuration settings sent by the first wireless communication device to the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the configuration settings may identify or include a list of frequencies with which the second wireless communication device is configured. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send the list of frequencies to the wireless communication node. The list of frequencies may include one or more frequencies preconfigured for the second wireless communication device to connect to the relay service. In some embodiments, the list of frequencies may be associated with a service code, a destination identifier, or an identifier for the second wireless communication device.

[0177] The wireless communication node may acquire, identify, or otherwise receive configuration settings from the second wireless communication device 1040. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive a frequency list from the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may receive an indication from the second wireless communication device to switch the relay service to another wireless communication device.

[0178] The wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send selection information (1045) to the second wireless communication device. The selection information may be used to select a relay device for the second wireless communication device to determine whether to connect to another wireless communication device (e.g., the first UE 320A) as a relay device. Based on the configuration settings received from the first wireless communication device or the second wireless communication device, the wireless communication node may identify, generate, or determine the selection information. In some embodiments, the type of selection information may depend on the type of information provided in the configuration settings. In some embodiments, the type of selection information provided may be independent of the configuration settings. In some embodiments, the selection information may include an indication of which wireless communication device is wirelessly connected to as a relay device.

[0179] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include a frequency list of interest. The frequency list of interest may identify or include one or more frequencies to be used by the second wireless communication device for relay services. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send the frequency list of interest to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may select one or more frequencies for the frequency list of interest from a frequency list provided in a configuration setting of the second wireless communication device.

[0180] In some embodiments, the selection information may identify or include one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices to which the second wireless communication device is to connect for relay service. The wireless communication node may identify or select one or more wireless communication devices based on relay assistance information received from the wireless communication device. The selection may be in response to receiving an indication to switch to a relay service. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may compare the relay assistance information with the specification (e.g., QoS or RSRP) for the relay service. If it is determined that the relay assistance information satisfies, the wireless communication node may include the identification of the corresponding wireless communication device in the information. Otherwise, if it is determined that the relay assistance information does not satisfy, the wireless communication node may exclude the corresponding identifier. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may send one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, information about one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device may be sent to the second wireless communication device in a network release message.

[0181] The second wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive selection information (1050) from the wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive at least one wireless communication device (e.g., an identifier for UE 320A) as an indication that the relay device is wirelessly connected. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive a list of frequencies of interest to configure the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive information identifying or including one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based on the auxiliary information. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may receive one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices in a network release message from the wireless communication node.

[0182] The second wireless communication device may determine whether to select the first wireless communication device for wireless connection as a relay device (1055). The selection may be based on many factors, such as an indication of which wireless communication device to connect to, supported relay types, a list of frequencies of interest, information about one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices, priority information, and information about QoS.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect with the first wireless communication device based on the indication. When the indication from the wireless communication node identifies the first wireless communication device, the second wireless communication device may determine to connect with the first wireless communication device as a relay service. Conversely, when the indication from the wireless communication node does not identify the first wireless communication device, the second wireless communication device may determine not to connect with the first wireless communication device as a relay service.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on one or more supported relay types. The relay type may identify or include one or more relay types with which the first wireless communication device is configured. In addition, the relay type may identify or include one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device. When the relay type of the first wireless communication device does not match any relay type of the second wireless communication device, the second wireless communication device may determine not to select the first wireless communication device.

[0185] Conversely, when at least one of the relay types of the first wireless communication device matches one of the relay types of the second wireless communication device, the second wireless communication device may determine to select the first wireless communication device as a relay device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may send an indication of a priority relay type or a supported relay type to the first wireless communication device. Subsequently, the first wireless communication device may receive an indication of a priority relay type or a supported relay type from the second wireless communication device. The priority relay type or the supported relay type may be used to establish a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on a list of frequencies of interest. This determination may be made based on a list of frequencies of interest from the first wireless communication device and a list of frequencies of interest from a wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may identify or select a wireless communication device having a greater number of frequencies of interest that are the same as the frequencies of interest of the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may identify or select a wireless communication device having a greater number of frequencies of interest that are the same as the frequencies of interest on a destination identifier corresponding to the second wireless communication device having the highest QoS or priority. When the identified wireless communication device corresponds to the first wireless communication device, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device. Otherwise, when the identified wireless communication corresponds to another wireless communication, the second wireless communication device may select another wireless communication.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on priority information. The priority information may indicate the priority or order of wireless communication devices with which the second wireless communication device can connect for relay service. The selection may be based on whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among the candidate relay devices. When the first wireless communication device has the highest priority, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a relay device. Otherwise, when the first wireless communication device does not have the highest priority, the second wireless communication device may not select the first wireless communication device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on QoS information. The selection may be based on a QoS profile for the relay service supported by the white QFI list or a QoS profile excluded by the black QFI list. When the QoS profile is supported by the white QFI list or is not included in the black QFI list, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a relay service. Otherwise, when the QoS profile is not supported by the white QFI list or is included in the black QFI list, the second wireless communication device may not select the first wireless communication device as a relay service. The selection may be based on the first wireless communication device having a priority that meets a priority threshold defined by the information about QoS.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect directly to the relay device in network relay mode. The determination may be based on a comparison between an RSRP threshold and an RSRP measurement of a connection between the second wireless communication device and the wireless communication node. When the RSRP measurement does not meet the threshold, the second wireless communication device may determine to connect directly to the relay device in network relay mode. Otherwise, when the RSRP measurement does meet the threshold, the second wireless communication device may determine not to connect to the relay device in network relay mode.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may determine whether to connect to the first wireless communication device as a relay device based on one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected by the wireless communication node. The determination may be in response to a determination to directly connect to the relay device in network relay mode. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may perform discovery to identify one or more wireless communication devices. When the identifier for the first wireless communication device matches one of the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a relay service. Otherwise, when the identifier for the first wireless communication device does not match any of the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices, the second wireless communication device may determine not to select the first wireless communication device.

[0191] If not selected, the second wireless communication device may identify or find another wireless communication device to connect to for relay service (1060). Other wireless communication devices may be identified according to the above functions. For example, when the first wireless communication device does not have the highest priority, the second wireless communication device may select the wireless communication device with the highest priority for relay service. Otherwise, the second wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a relay device (1065). The selection may be made in the manner described above.

[0192] The second wireless communication device may establish a link with the first wireless communication device (1070 and 1070'). A link may be established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device for relay service. When establishing the link, the second wireless communication device may stop the direct connection with the wireless communication node. After the link is established, the second wireless communication device may communicate with the wireless communication node via the first wireless communication device.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may provide, transmit, or otherwise send measurement information (e.g., RSRP measurement) to a third wireless communication device (e.g., UE 320C). The measurement information may be used for a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. The third communication device may be within or outside the network coverage of the wireless communication node. Using the measurement information, the third wireless communication device may determine whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the determination may be based on the measurement information and a measurement threshold (e.g., an average RSRP threshold). When the measurement information meets the threshold, the third wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device. Otherwise, when the measurement information does not meet the threshold, the third wireless communication device may not select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device.

[0195] In some embodiments, the determination may be based on measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, a threshold (e.g., a configured RSRP threshold), and measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device. When the measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and the measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the second communication device meet the threshold, the third wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device. Otherwise, the third wireless communication device may not select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device.

[0196] In some embodiments, the determination may be based on measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication, measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device, and thresholds for corresponding links (e.g., RSRP thresholds). When the measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and the measurement information between the first wireless communication device and the second communication device meet the corresponding thresholds, the third wireless communication device may select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device. Otherwise, the third wireless communication device may not select the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device.

[0197] When maintaining the link, the first communication device may monitor the connection quality in the link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. Based on the monitoring, in some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may identify or determine a fault in the link. In response to the determination of the fault, the first wireless communication device may send a fault indication to a third wireless communication device or a wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may calculate, identify or determine that the degradation in the link exceeds a threshold. When the degradation is greater than the threshold, the first wireless communication device may send link quality information of the link to the third wireless communication device or the wireless communication node.

[0198] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may describe example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, such persons will understand that the solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of an embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described illustrative embodiments.

[0199] It should also be understood that any reference to an element using names such as "first", "second", etc. herein does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Instead, these names can be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, mentioning a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must be before the second element in some way.

[0200] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of different technologies and techniques may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols, for example, which may be referenced in the above description, may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0201] It will be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, components, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of programs or design code containing instructions (referred to herein as "software" or "software modules" for convenience), or any combination of these technologies. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Technicians may implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not cause a departure from the scope of this disclosure.

[0202] In addition, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general purpose processor, a digital processor, a signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0203] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium capable of transferring a computer program or code from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0204] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. In addition, for ease of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to an embodiment of the present solution.

[0205] In addition, memory or other storage and communication components can be used in the embodiment of the present solution. It will be understood that, for the sake of clarity, the above description has described the embodiment of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it is apparent that any suitable functional distribution between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains can be used without affecting the present solution. For example, the functions performed by the separate processing logic elements or controllers can be performed by the same processing logic elements or controllers. Therefore, reference to a specific functional unit is only a reference to the appropriate components for providing the described functions, without indicating a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0206] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: sending, by a second wireless communication device in proximity to the first wireless communication device, configuration settings to the wireless communication node to support a relay service; receiving, by the second wireless communication device, information to be used for selection of a relay device, wherein the information includes information of a frequency list of interest, wherein the frequency list of interest identifies or includes one or more frequencies to be used by the second wireless communication device for relay service, the information being generated by the wireless communication node based on the configuration setting; as well as The second wireless communication device determines whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as the relay device, wherein the selection of the first wireless communication device is determined based on the list of frequencies of interest.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the second wireless communication device, from a wireless communication node, an indication that at least one wireless communication device is to be wirelessly connected as the relay device; as well as The second wireless communication device determines to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected to serve as the relay device according to the instruction.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the second wireless communication device from the first wireless communication device, information including an indication of one or more relay types of at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured; as well as The second wireless communication device determines to select a wireless connection with the first wireless communication device as the relay device based on one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device and based on the indication of the one or more relay types among the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more of the at least one relay type are utilized by a configuration sent from a wireless communication node to the first wireless communication device to configure the first wireless communication device, and the configuration is determined by the wireless communication node based on at least one relay type supported by the first wireless communication device and a preference for one or more of the at least one relay type supported, sent by the first wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, the at least one relay type comprising at least one of the following: a layer 2 relay or a layer 3 relay; The method further comprises: An indication of a preferred relay type or a supported relay type is sent by the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information of the list of frequencies of interest received from the first wireless communication device is information received by the first wireless communication device from a wireless communication node for configuring the first wireless communication device, and the list of frequencies of interest is selected by the wireless communication node from a frequency list previously sent to the wireless communication node by the first wireless communication device.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication device selects a wireless communication device having the following items as the relay device, further comprising: The same maximum number of frequencies of interest as those of the second wireless communication device or the same maximum number of frequencies of interest targeting a service destination identifier of the second wireless communication device having the highest quality of service QoS or priority.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the second wireless communication device, information from the first wireless communication device, the information including priority information for the first wireless communication device; as well as The second wireless communication device determines to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected based on the priority information and whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among candidate relay devices.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the priority information received from the first wireless communication device is received by the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node and then sent to the second wireless communication device.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the second wireless communication device, information from the first wireless communication device, the information including the information about quality of service QoS supported by the first wireless communication device for relaying services; as well as The second wireless communication device determines by which of the first wireless communication devices to be wirelessly connected is selected based on: the first wireless communication device having at least one QoS profile for relay services supported by a white QoS flow identifier QFI list or excluded by a black QFI list, or the first wireless communication device having a priority value that satisfies a default priority threshold.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the information received from the first wireless communication device and supported by the first wireless communication device for QoS of relay services is sent to the second wireless communication device after being received by the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node, and the information includes at least one of the following: a white QoS flow identifier QFI list, a black QFI list, or a default priority threshold.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The second wireless communication device determines whether to directly connect to the relay device in a network relay mode; receiving, by the second wireless communication device, information from the wireless communication node, the information including one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices selected based on the auxiliary information of the wireless communication device corresponding to the candidate relay devices; as well as The second wireless communication device determines to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as the relay device according to the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the assistance information is received by the wireless communication node from the first wireless communication device and used by the wireless communication node to select one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The assistance information of the first wireless communication device is received by the second wireless communication node via an Xn or X2 interface of the first wireless communication node, wherein the first wireless communication device communicates with the first wireless communication node.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: receiving, by the second wireless communication device, information from the wireless communication node in a network release message, the information comprising one or more identifiers of candidate relay devices selected based at least on the assistance information of the first wireless communication device; as well as The second wireless communication device determines to select the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected as the relay device according to the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay devices.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device is sent from the first wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device, and Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device according to the RSRP measurement and a configured average RSRP threshold.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device is sent from the first wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device, and Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device based on a threshold, the RSRP measurement, and an RSRP measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device is sent from the first wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device, and Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device based on the RSRP measurement, a first threshold, an RSRP measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device, and a second threshold.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein a failure in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device is determined by the first wireless communication device; and An indication of the type of failure of the link is sent by the first wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein degradation in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device exceeding a threshold is determined by the first wireless communication device; and The link quality information of the link is sent by the first wireless communication device to the third wireless communication device.

20. A method of communication, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication device in proximity to a second wireless communication device, configuration settings to a wireless communication node to support a relay service; receiving, by the first wireless communication device, information generated by the wireless communication node based on the configuration device and to be used for selection of a relay device, wherein the information includes information of a frequency list of interest, wherein the frequency list of interest identifies or includes one or more frequencies to be used by the second wireless communication device for relay service; and The information is sent by the first wireless communication device to enable the second wireless communication device to determine whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as the relay device, wherein selection of the first wireless communication device is determined based on the list of frequencies of interest.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein whether to wirelessly connect with the first wireless communication device as the relay device is determined by the second wireless communication device according to an indication received from a wireless communication node that at least one wireless communication device wants to wirelessly connect as the relay device.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends at least one supported relay type to the wireless communication node, wherein the at least one relay type includes at least one of the following: layer 2 relay or layer 3 relay; sending, by the first wireless communication device, to the wireless communication node, a preference for one or more of the at least one supported relay type; receiving, by the first wireless communication device, a configuration from the wireless communication node, the configuration being used to configure the first wireless communication device with one or more of the at least one relay type; sending, by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device, an indication of the one or more relay types of the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured; as well as An indication of a preferred relay type or a supported relay type is received by the first wireless communication device from the second wireless communication device.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: sending, by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device, information including an indication of the one or more relay types of the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured; Whether to wirelessly connect with the first wireless communication device as the relay device is determined by the second wireless communication device based on one or more relay types supported by the second wireless communication device and based on the indication of the one or more relay types among the at least one relay type with which the first wireless communication device is configured.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends, to a wireless communication node, a frequency list using which the first wireless communication device is configured; receiving, by the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node, a list of frequencies of interest selected from the list of frequencies to configure the first wireless communication device; as well as The list of frequencies of interest is sent by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends information to the second wireless communication device, wherein the information includes the list of frequencies of interest; as well as The selection of the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected is determined by the second wireless communication device according to the list of frequencies of interest.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein a wireless communication device having the following items is selected as the relay device by the second wireless communication device: a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those of interest of the second wireless communication device, or a maximum number of frequencies of interest that are the same as those targeting a service destination identifier of the second wireless communication device with the highest quality of service QoS or priority.

27. The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving, by the first wireless communication device, priority information for the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node; as well as The priority information is sent by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: sending, by the first wireless communication device, to the second wireless communication device, information including the priority information for the first wireless communication device; Whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as the relay device is determined by the second wireless communication device based on the priority information and whether the first wireless communication device has the highest priority among candidate relay devices.

29. The method of claim 20, further comprising: Receiving, by the first wireless communication device from the wireless communication node, information about quality of service QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to relay traffic, including at least one of the following: a white QoS flow identifier QFI list, a black QFI list, or a default priority threshold; as well as The information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device to relay a service is transmitted by the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: sending, by the first wireless communication device, to the second wireless communication device, information including the information about the QoS supported by the first wireless communication device for relaying a service; as well as The selection of the first wireless communication device to be wirelessly connected is determined by the second wireless communication device based on: the first wireless communication device having at least one QoS profile for relay services supported by the white QFI list or excluded by the black QFI list, or the first wireless communication device having a priority value that meets the default priority threshold.

31. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device to the wireless communication node.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as the relay device is determined by the second wireless communication device based on the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device selected according to auxiliary information of the wireless communication device corresponding to the candidate relay device, wherein the information including the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device is received by the second wireless communication device from the wireless communication node in a network release message after determining whether to directly connect to the relay device in network relay mode.

33. The method of claim 20, wherein the first wireless communication device communicates with a first wireless communication node and is configured to: The auxiliary information of the first wireless communication device is sent to the second wireless communication node via the Xn or X2 interface of the first wireless communication node.

34. A method according to claim 23, wherein whether to wirelessly connect to the first wireless communication device as the relay device is determined by the second wireless communication device based on the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device selected according to auxiliary information of the wireless communication device corresponding to the candidate relay device, wherein the information including the one or more identifiers of the candidate relay device is received by the second wireless communication device from the wireless communication node in a network release message.

35. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device according to the RSRP measurement and a configured average RSRP threshold.

36. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device, and Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device according to a threshold, the RSRP measurement, and the RSRP measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

37. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The first wireless communication device sends a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device. Whether to include the first wireless communication device as a candidate relay device is determined by the third wireless communication device based on the RSRP measurement and a first threshold, and the RSRP measurement of a link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device and a second threshold.

38. The method of claim 20, comprising: determining, by the first wireless communication device, a failure in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device; as well as An indication of the failure type of the link is sent by the first wireless communication device to a third wireless communication device.

39. The method of claim 20, further comprising: determining, by the first wireless communication device, that degradation in a link established between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device exceeds a threshold; as well as The first wireless communication device sends link quality information of the link to a third wireless communication device.

40. A second wireless communication device, comprising: At least one processor configured to: transmitting, via a transmitter in proximity to the first wireless communication device, configuration settings to the wireless communication node to support a relay service; receiving, via a receiver, information to be used for selection of a relay device, wherein the information includes information of a frequency list of interest, wherein the frequency list of interest identifies or includes one or more frequencies to be used by the second wireless communication device for relay service, the information being generated by the wireless communication node based on the configuration setting; as well as and determining whether to wirelessly connect with the first wireless communication device as the relay device, wherein selection of the first wireless communication device is determined based on the list of frequencies of interest.

41. A first wireless communication device, comprising: At least one processor configured to: transmitting, via a transmitter in proximity to the second wireless communication device, configuration settings to the wireless communication node to support a relay service; receiving, via a receiver, information generated by the wireless communication node based on the configuration device to be used for selection of a relay device, wherein the information includes information of a frequency list of interest, wherein the frequency list of interest identifies or includes one or more frequencies to be used by the second wireless communication device for relay service; and The information is transmitted via the transmitter to enable the second wireless communication device to determine whether to wirelessly connect with the first wireless communication device as the relay device, wherein selection of the first wireless communication device is determined based on the list of frequencies of interest.

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