Method and equipment for fault handling, path adding and path switching in multi-path scene

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a method and equipment for fault handling, path adding and path switching in a multi-path scene. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE may: connect to a BS via a plurality of paths including an indirect path and a direct path through a relay node; and receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message from the relay node, wherein the notification message or the PC5-S release message is transmitted by the relay node due to Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, connection establishment failure of the relay node. In addition, when the UE performs indirect path addition or indirect path switching, the UE may receive the notification message or the PC5-S release message from the relay node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication technology, and more specifically to fault handling, path addition and path switching in multipath scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (e.g., base stations) that support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. The wireless communication system can support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing the resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like)). Additionally, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth-generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology (also known as New Radio (NR)), and other suitable radio access technologies above 5G (e.g., sixth-generation (6G)).

[0003] In a wireless communication system, a user equipment (UE) can communicate with another UE via a data path supported by an operator network (e.g., cellular or Wi-Fi network infrastructure). The data path supported by the operator network may include a base station (BS) and multiple gateways. The wireless communication system can support multiple paths. For example, a UE can access the BS via a direct path and an indirect path through relay nodes.

[0004] It is necessary to handle fault handling, path addition, and path switching in multi-path scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The article “a” preceding an element is not limited and should be understood to refer to “at least one” or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” are interchangeable. As used herein (including in the claims), “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with, for example, “at least one of…” or “one or more of…” or “one or both of…”) indicates an inclusive list such that a list of at least one of, for example, A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, an example step described as “based on condition A” may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase “at least partially based on.” Furthermore, as used herein (including in the claims), a “set” may comprise one or more elements.

[0006] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a UE. The UE may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the UE: connects to a BS via multiple paths including indirect and direct paths through a relay node; and receives notification messages or PC5-S release messages from the relay node, wherein the notification messages or PC5-S release messages are transmitted by the relay node due to a Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, or connection establishment failure of the relay node.

[0007] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: in response to receiving the PC5-S release message, indicate from the PC5-S layer of the UE to the access plane (AS) layer of the UE the release of the PC5 unicast link between the UE and the relay node.

[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to report fault information associated with the indirect path via the direct path in response to the direct path not being suspended. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to perform a reconstruction process in response to the direct path being suspended.

[0009] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may indicate the receipt of the notification message or the PC5-S release message.

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a UE. The UE may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the UE: connects to a BS via multiple paths including a first indirect path and a direct path; receives from the BS a reconfiguration message instructing the UE to switch from the first indirect path to a second indirect path, wherein the reconfiguration message may indicate a target relay node; and in response to receiving the reconfiguration message, starts a timer for indirect path switching and performs an indirect path switching process toward the target relay node.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: receive a notification message or a PC5-S release message from the target relay node or detect a sidelink radio link failure (RLF) between the UE and the target relay node during the indirect path handover process.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: stop the timer for indirect path handover or determine that the timer for indirect path handover has expired in response to receiving the notification message or the PC5-S release message or detecting the sidelink RLF.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path in response to receiving the notification message or the PC5-S release message or detecting the sidelink RLF.

[0014] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: transmit a sidelink reconfiguration message to the target relay node; receive a sidelink reconfiguration failure message from the target relay node in response to transmitting the sidelink reconfiguration message; and stop the timer used for indirect path switching in response to receiving the sidelink reconfiguration failure message.

[0015] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: start a timer for sidelink reconfiguration in response to performing the indirect path switching procedure; and stop the timer for indirect path switching in response to the expiration of the timer for sidelink reconfiguration.

[0016] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to transmit fault information associated with the indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path in response to receiving the sidelink reconfiguration failure message or the expiration of the timer for sidelink reconfiguration.

[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a UE. The UE may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the UE: is connected to a BS via a direct path; and transmits to the BS information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes, wherein the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes indicates the ID of a first relay node and the ID of a cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in an idle mode or an inactive mode together with the BS.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and the first relay node are connected to each other using non-3GPP access technologies.

[0019] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: an ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; an ID of the first relay node assigned by the core network; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0020] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: establish an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node; and in response to the establishment of the indirect path, transmit information associated with a second relay node to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the channel quality of the non-3GPP link is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0021] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: establish an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node; detect a fault in the indirect path or receive a notification message or release message from the first relay node; and, in response to detecting the fault in the indirect path or receiving the notification message or the release message, transmit information associated with the second relay node to the BS.

[0022] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: establish an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node; detect a fault in the indirect path or receive a notification message or a release message from the first relay node; and, in response to detecting the fault in the indirect path or receiving the notification message or the release message, transmit fault information associated with the indirect path to the BS.

[0023] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may include the information associated with a second relay node, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

[0024] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: establish an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node; and in response to the establishment of the indirect path, transmit to the BS information associated with a second relay node and an indicator indicating whether to switch from the first relay node to the second relay node, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

[0025] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: establish an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node; and, in response to a condition being met, transmit information associated with a second relay node to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link, and the condition may include that the channel quality of the indirect path is below a threshold.

[0026] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a relay node. The relay node may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the relay node: remains on a BS, wherein the relay node and the BS are in an idle mode or an inactive mode; transmits to a UE the ID of the relay node and the ID of a cell serving the relay node, the UE being connected to the BS via a direct path; and transmits the ID of the relay node to the BS.

[0027] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the ID of the relay node may include one of the following: an ID of the relay node assigned by the application layer of the relay node; a random value generated by the relay node; or a recovery identifier of the relay node when the relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0028] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and the relay node are connected to each other using non-3GPP access technologies.

[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a BS. The BS may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the BS to: receive from a UE information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes, wherein the UE is connected to the BS via a direct path, the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes indicating the ID of a first relay node and the ID of a cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in an idle mode or an inactive mode together with the BS; and transmit a multipath configuration to the UE, wherein the multipath may include the direct path and an indirect path via the first relay node to the BS.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and the first relay node are connected to each other using non-3GPP access technology.

[0031] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: an ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; an ID of the first relay node assigned by the core network; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0032] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to allow the BS to receive the ID of the first relay node from the first relay node, and the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: an ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0033] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured such that the BS: in response to transmitting the multipath configuration, establishes the indirect path with the UE; and in response to the indirect path being established, receives information associated with a second relay node from the UE, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the channel quality of the non-3GPP link is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0034] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to enable the BS to determine whether to switch the UE from the first relay node to the second relay node.

[0035] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured such that the BS: stores the second relay node as a candidate relay node for the UE; receives information associated with a third relay node from the UE, wherein the UE and the third relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link; and replaces the second relay node as the candidate relay node for the UE with the third relay node.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured such that the BS: in response to transmitting the multipath configuration, establishes the indirect path with the UE; receives from the UE information associated with a second relay node or fault information associated with the indirect path; and in response to receiving the information associated with the second relay node or the fault information, determines a fault in the indirect path.

[0037] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may include the information associated with the second relay node.

[0038] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the BS to instruct the UE to switch from the first relay node to the second relay node.

[0039] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus may include: at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon; at least one receiving circuitry; at least one transmitting circuitry; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiving circuitry, and the at least one transmitting circuitry, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and the computer-executable instructions may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To illustrate the advantages and features of this disclosure, the description of the disclosure is presented with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and should therefore not be construed as limiting its scope.

[0041] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of wireless communication systems according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for lateral link reconfiguration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figures 3 to 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figures 9 to 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for a UE to perform wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method for performing wireless communication by a relay node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a method for performing wireless communication by a network device (NE) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 14 Examples of UEs according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0048] Figure 15 Examples of processors according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; and

[0049] Figure 16 Examples of NEs according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functionality may be accomplished by different embodiments intended to be covered within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding, embodiments are provided under (multiple) specific network architectures and new service scenarios (e.g., 3GPP 5G NR or 6G, 3GPP LTE, etc.). It has been considered that all embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to similar technical problems as network architectures and new service scenarios evolve; furthermore, the terminology used in this disclosure may be changed without affecting the principles of this disclosure.

[0052] In communication systems, a UE can access a BS via multipath, including direct paths and indirect paths via relay nodes (e.g., another UE). Solutions are needed to facilitate the implementation of this multipath. For example, solutions are needed to facilitate fault handling, path addition, and path switching in multipath scenarios.

[0053] This disclosure provides solutions to the above-mentioned problems. For example, it provides embodiments that facilitate fault handling, path addition, and path switching in multipath scenarios.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more NEs 102 (e.g., one or more BSs), one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-A advanced network. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be an NR network, such as a 5G network, an 5G-A advanced network, or a 5G ultra-wideband (5G-UWB) network. In other embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of 4G and 5G networks or other suitable radio access technologies, including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, such as 6G. Additionally, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

[0056] One or more NEs 102 may be distributed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the NEs 102 described herein may be, include, or be referred to as a network node, base station, network element, network function, network entity, radio access network (RAN), NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. NEs 102 and UEs 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, NEs 102 and UEs 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) via a Uu interface.

[0057] NE 102 can provide a geographic coverage area, and NE 102 can support services to one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, NE 102 and UE 104 can support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some embodiments, NE 102 can be mobile, such as a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some embodiments, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies can overlap, but different geographic coverage areas can be associated with different NEs 102.

[0058] One or more UEs 104 may be distributed throughout the geographic area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or be referred to as a remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, remote device, subscriber device, transmitter device, receiver device, or some other suitable term. In some embodiments, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, and other instances. Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, and other instances.

[0059] UE 104 may be able to support direct wireless communication with other UE 104s via a communication link. For example, UE 104 may support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployment, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployment, or cellular V2X deployment), communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, UE 104 may support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0060] The wireless communication system 100 may support sidelink-based relay functionality. For example, a UE 104 supporting sidelink communication can be used as a relay node to extend the coverage of NE 102 (e.g., BS). UEs outside or within the coverage area can communicate with the BS via the relay node (e.g., relay UE). In some embodiments, a UE acting as a relay between another UE and the BS may be referred to as a UE-to-network (U2N) relay.

[0061] NE 102 may support communication with CN 106 or another NE 102, or both. For example, NE 102 may interface with another NE 102 or CN 106 via one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N3, or network interfaces). In some embodiments, NE 102 may communicate directly with each other. In some other embodiments, NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via CN 106). In some embodiments, one or more NE 102 may include sub-components (e.g., access network entities), which may be instances of access node controllers (ANCs). The ANC may communicate with one or more UE 104s via one or more other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as radio headends, smart radio headends, or transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[0062] CN 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. CN 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and user plane entities that route packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access plane (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signaling bearers, etc.) of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more NEs 102 associated with CN 106.

[0063] CN 106 can communicate with a packet data network via one or more backhaul links (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or another network interface). The packet data network may contain an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 can communicate with the application server. UE 104 can establish a session (e.g., a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session or the like) with CN 106 via NE 102. CN 106 can use the established session (e.g., an established PDU session) to route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between UE 104 and the application server. A PDU session can be an instance of a logical connection between UE 104 and CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of CN 106).

[0064] In the wireless communication system 100, NE 102 and UE 104 can use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some embodiments, NE 102 and UE 104 may support different resource structures. For example, NE 102 and UE 104 may support different frame structures. In some embodiments, such as in 4G, NE 102 and UE 104 may support a single-frame structure. In some other embodiments, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, NE 102 and UE 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multi-frame structures). NE 102 and UE 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more digital technologies.

[0065] The wireless communication system 100 may support one or more digits, and the digits may include subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first digit (e.g., μ = 0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. In some embodiments, the first digit (e.g., μ = 0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one time slot per subframe. A second digit (e.g., μ = 1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. A third digit (e.g., μ = 2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a regular or extended cyclic prefix. A fourth digit (e.g., μ = 3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix. A fifth digit (e.g., μ = 4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a regular cyclic prefix.

[0066] Time intervals for organizing resources (e.g., communication resources) can be based on frames (also known as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, such as 10 milliseconds (ms). In some embodiments, each frame may contain multiple subframes. For example, each frame may contain 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, such as 1 ms. In some embodiments, each frame may have the same duration. In some embodiments, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may contain several (e.g., a certain number) time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more digitizations supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth digitizations (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with corresponding subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and 16 time slots per subframe, respectively. Each time slot may contain several (e.g., a certain number) symbols (e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). In some embodiments, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots in a subframe may depend on the digitization. For a conventional cyclic prefix, a time slot may contain 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a time slot may contain 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per time slot, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame for both the regular and extended cyclic prefixes may depend on the numerics. It should be understood that references to the first numerics (e.g., μ = 0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) can be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0068] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided into various categories, frequency bands, channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support one or more operating frequency bands, such as frequency ranges specified as FR1 (410MHz to 7.125GHz), FR2 (24.25GHz to 52.6GHz), FR3 (7.125GHz to 24.25GHz), FR4 (52.6GHz to 114.25GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6GHz to 71GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz to 300GHz). In some embodiments, NE 102 and UE 104 may perform wireless communication within one or more of the said operating frequency bands. In some embodiments, FR1 may be used by NE 102 and UE 104, as well as other equipment or devices for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by NE 102 and UE 104, as well as other equipment or devices for short-range high data rate capabilities.

[0069] FR1 may be associated with one or more digits (e.g., at least three digits). For example, FR1 may be associated with: a first digit (e.g., μ = 0) containing a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second digit (e.g., μ = 1) containing a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third digit (e.g., μ = 2) containing a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or more digits (e.g., at least two digits). For example, FR2 may be associated with: a third digit (e.g., μ = 2) containing a 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth digit (e.g., μ = 3) containing a 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0070] UE 104 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smart TVs (e.g., TVs connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems), or the like. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, UE 104 may include portable wireless communication devices, smartphones, cellular phones, flip phones, devices with subscriber identity modules, personal computers, selective call receivers, or any other devices capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals on a wireless network. In some embodiments of this disclosure, UE 104 includes wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, optical head-mounted displays, or the like. Furthermore, UE 104 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile device, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, subscriber station, user terminal, or device, or described using other terms used in the art. UE 104 may communicate with NE 102 (e.g., BS) via uplink (UL) communication signals. NE 102 can communicate with UE 104 via downlink (DL) communication signals.

[0071] In some embodiments of this disclosure, NE 102 and UE 104 can communicate via licensed spectrum, while in other embodiments, NE 102 and UE 104 can communicate via unlicensed spectrum. This disclosure is not intended to limit implementation to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol.

[0072] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method 200 for lateral link reconfiguration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable. Figure 2 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 204A and UE 204B can be used as Figure 1 The UE 104 shown in the image.

[0073] refer to Figure 2 At 211, UE 204A may transmit a sidelink reconfiguration message to UE 204B. At 213, UE 204B may, in response to receiving the sidelink reconfiguration message, transmit a sidelink reconfiguration complete message if the reconfiguration is successful, or transmit a sidelink reconfiguration failure message if the reconfiguration fails.

[0074] In some embodiments of this disclosure, method 200 can be used to modify a PC5 radio resource control (RRC) connection, such as establishing, modifying, or releasing a sidelink data radio bearer (DRB), configuring sidelink measurement and reporting, or configuring sidelink channel state information (CSI) reference signal resources. For example, a UE can initiate method 200 to establish a PC5 connection with another UE. Method 200 may be referred to as a sidelink reconfiguration process.

[0075] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless communication system may support multipathing. For example, a UE (also referred to as a remote UE) may access an NE (e.g., a BS) via a direct path and an indirect path via a relay node (e.g., another UE). In some embodiments, the communication link between the remote UE and the relay node may conform to 3GPP access technologies (hereinafter referred to as multipath scenario 1). For example, the relay node may be a Layer 2 U2N repeater. In some embodiments, the communication link between the remote UE and the relay node may conform to non-3GPP access technologies, such as Bluetooth or WiFi (hereinafter referred to as multipath scenario 2). In some instances, it may be assumed that the connection between the remote UE and the relay node is ideal. In some instances, the solution of multipath scenario 1 may be reused for multipath scenario 2 without excluding the possibility of discarding parts of the solution that are unnecessary for multipath scenario 2; or vice versa.

[0076] This disclosure provides technical solutions for facilitating multipath implementation in communication networks. For example, it provides solutions for improving fault handling, path addition, and path switching in multipath scenarios. Further details of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 300 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure apply. Figure 3 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 304A and relay node 304B can be used as Figure 1 UE 104 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in the BS 302 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 At point 311, UE 304A can connect to (or access) BS 302 via a direct path. That is, UE 304A can connect directly to BS 302 without any relay nodes. One or more relay nodes may remain on BS 302. Some of the one or more relay nodes (e.g., relay node 304B) may be in idle or inactive mode along with BS 302. Some other relay nodes may be in connected mode along with BS 302. For example, relay node 304B may be in the RRC_idle or RRC_inactive state as specified in the 3GPP standard. UE 304A may be in the RRC_connected state as specified in the 3GPP standard.

[0079] In some embodiments, the UE 304A and relay node in connected mode can report measurement results associated with (multiple) neighboring cells or (multiple) candidate repeaters. The measurement reports may be based on configuration from BS 302.

[0080] At 317, UE 304A may transmit information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes to BS 302. In some embodiments, UE 304A and the reported candidate relay nodes may connect to each other using non-3GPP access technologies. In some embodiments, UE 304A and the reported candidate relay nodes may connect to each other using 3GPP access technologies.

[0081] In some embodiments, one or more candidate relay nodes may include one or more relay nodes in connected mode (represented as relay node #A). Information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may include the ID of relay node #A (e.g., Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI)) and the ID of the cell serving relay node #A (e.g., NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI)). At 315, relay node #A may transmit its C-RNTI and the NCGI of its serving cell to UE 304A. In these embodiments, operation 313 may be omitted.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more candidate relay nodes may include one or more relay nodes (e.g., relay node 304B) in an idle or inactive mode. For example, information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may include the ID of relay node 304B and the ID of the cell serving relay node 304B (e.g., NCGI). Idle or inactive relay nodes may not have a C-RNTI. The ID of relay node 304B may include one of the following: (1) the ID of relay node 304B assigned by a higher layer (e.g., application layer) of relay node 304B; (2) a random value generated by relay node 304B; (3) the ID of relay node 304B assigned by the core network; or (4) a recovery identifier of relay node 304B when relay node 304B is in an inactive mode along with BS 302.

[0083] At 315, relay node 304B may transmit its ID to UE 304A, which may be included in an information element (IE). In this way, at 317, UE 304A may include the ID of relay node 304B in information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes.

[0084] In some instances, the ID (1) assigned by the application layer of relay node 304B may conform to non-3GPP access technologies. UE 304A and relay node 304B may connect to each other using non-3GPP access technologies. Relay node 304B may transmit ID (1) to BS 302 at 313 and to UE 304A at 315.

[0085] In some instances, relay node 304B may generate a random value (i.e., ID(2)) of a certain length (e.g., 24 or 32 bits) and transmit the random value to BS 302 at 313 and to UE 304A at 315.

[0086] In some instances, ID (3) may be a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) or another ID assigned by the relay node 304B from the core network. At 315, the relay node 304B may transmit ID (3) to the UE 304A. In these instances, operation 313 may be omitted.

[0087] In some instances, ID(4) may be an inactive RNTI (I-RNTI) of relay node 304B. Relay node 304B may transmit ID(4) to BS 302 at 313 and to UE 304A at 315.

[0088] In response to receiving information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes, BS 302 may configure multiple paths for UE 304A. For example, at 319, BS 302 may transmit the multiple path configuration to UE 304A. In some embodiments, the multiple paths may include a direct path and an indirect path to BS 302 via a relay node (e.g., relay node 304B). For example, UE 304A may establish an indirect path to BS 302 via relay node 304B.

[0089] In some embodiments, after a multipath to BS 302 has been established, UE 304A may update the candidate relay nodes. For example, in response to detecting a link failure (e.g., a non-3GPP link failure) of a candidate relay node, UE 304A may update the list of candidate relay nodes (e.g., information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes as transmitted to BS 302 at 317).

[0090] In some embodiments, after a multipath to BS 302 has been established, BS 302 may configure indirect path changes based on (multiple) candidate relay nodes as reported by UE 304A.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of operations in exemplary method 300 can be changed, and some operations in exemplary method 300 can be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, operation 313 is indicated by a dashed arrow as an option and can be omitted in some scenarios.

[0092] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply. Figure 4 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 404A and relay node 404B can be used as Figure 1 UE 104 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in the BS 402 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0093] refer to Figure 4At point 411, UE 404A can connect to (or access) BS 402 via a direct path. That is, UE 404A can connect directly to BS 402 without any relay nodes. One or more relay nodes may remain on BS 402. Some of the one or more relay nodes (e.g., relay node 404B) may be in idle or inactive mode along with BS 402. Some other relay nodes may be in connected mode along with BS 402. For example, relay node 404B may be in RRC_idle or RRC_inactive state. UE 404A may be in RRC_connected state.

[0094] In some embodiments, the UE 404A and relay node in connected mode can report measurement results associated with (multiple) neighboring cells or (multiple) candidate repeaters. The measurement reports may be based on configuration from BS 402.

[0095] At 417, UE 404A may transmit information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes to BS 402. In some embodiments, UE 404A and the reported candidate relay nodes may connect to each other using non-3GPP access technologies. In some embodiments, UE 404A and the reported candidate relay nodes may connect to each other using 3GPP access technologies.

[0096] In some embodiments, one or more candidate relay nodes may include one or more relay nodes (represented as relay node #B) in connected mode. Information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may include the ID of relay node #B (e.g., C-RNTI) and the ID of the cell serving relay node #B (e.g., NCGI). At 415, relay node #B may transmit its C-RNTI and the NCGI of its serving cell to UE 404A. In these embodiments, operation 413 may be omitted.

[0097] In some embodiments, one or more candidate relay nodes may include one or more relay nodes (e.g., relay node 404B) in an idle or inactive mode. For example, information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may include the ID of relay node 404B and the ID of the cell serving relay node 404B (e.g., NCGI). Idle or inactive relay nodes may not have a C-RNTI. The ID of relay node 404B may include one of the following: (1') the ID of relay node 404B assigned by a higher layer (e.g., application layer) of relay node 404B; (2') a random value generated by relay node 404B; (3') the ID of relay node 404B assigned by the core network; or (4') a recovery identifier of relay node 404B when relay node 404B is in an inactive mode along with BS 402.

[0098] At 415, relay node 404B can transmit its ID to UE 404A, which can be included in the IE. In this way, at 417, UE 404A can include the ID of relay node 404B in information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes.

[0099] In some instances, the ID (1') assigned by the application layer of relay node 404B may conform to a non-3GPP access technology. UE 404A and relay node 404B may connect to each other using a non-3GPP access technology. Relay node 404B may transmit ID (1') to BS 402 at 413 and to UE 404A at 415. In some instances, relay node 404B may generate a random value (i.e., ID (2')) of a certain length (e.g., 24 or 42 bits) and transmit the random value to BS 402 at 413 and to UE 404A at 415. In some instances, ID (3') may be a TMSI or another ID of relay node 404B assigned by the core network. At 415, relay node 404B may transmit ID (3') to UE 404A. In these instances, operation 413 may be omitted. In some instances, ID(4') can be the I-RNTI of relay node 404B. Relay node 404B can transmit ID(4') to BS 402 at 413 and to UE 404A at 415.

[0100] In response to receiving information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes, BS 402 may configure multiple paths for UE 404A. For example, at 419, BS 402 may transmit the multiple path configuration to UE 404A. In some embodiments, the multiple path may include a direct path and an indirect path to BS 402 via a relay node (e.g., relay node 404B). For example, at 421, UE 404A may establish an indirect path to BS 402 via relay node 404B in response to receiving the multiple path configuration.

[0101] In some embodiments, in response to the establishment of an indirect path or multipath (e.g., after a multipath to BS 402 has been established), UE 404A may transmit information to BS 402 at 423 regarding candidate relay nodes (e.g., one or more candidate relay nodes, such as relay node #C). Figure 4(Not shown in the text) Information associated with relay node #C. In some embodiments, the information associated with relay node #C may include the ID of relay node #C and the ID of the cell serving relay node #C (e.g., NCGI). Relay node #C may be in connected, idle, or inactive mode along with BS 402. The description of the relay node ID in the foregoing embodiments may be applied to the ID of relay node #C. In some embodiments, UE 404A and relay node #C may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link. In some embodiments, UE 404A and relay node #C may be connected to each other via a 3GPP link.

[0102] For example, in some embodiments, UE 404A may determine that the channel quality of the link (e.g., a non-3GPP link) between UE 404A and relay node #C is good (e.g., the channel quality is greater than or equal to a threshold). At 423, UE 404A may transmit information associated with relay node #C to BS 402. In response to receiving the information associated with relay node #C, BS 402 does not consider the current link between UE 404A and relay node 404B to be poor or faulty. In some embodiments, BS 402 may determine whether to switch UE 404A from relay node 404B to another relay node based on load and other factors.

[0103] In some embodiments, BS 402 may use relay node #C as a candidate relay node for UE 404A. For example, if BS 402 determines to switch UE 404A from relay node 404B to another relay node, BS 402 may instruct UE 404A to switch to relay node #C. In some embodiments, after instructing BS 402 to use relay node #C, UE 404A may transmit information associated with another relay node (e.g., relay node #D) to BS 402. In some embodiments, UE 404A and relay node #D may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link. In some embodiments, UE 404A and relay node #D may be connected to each other via a 3GPP link. BS 402 may replace relay node #C with relay node #D as a candidate relay node for UE 404A. For example, after receiving information associated with relay node #D, if BS 402 determines that UE 404A should be switched from relay node 404B to another relay node, BS 402 may instruct UE 404A to switch to relay node #D.

[0104] In some embodiments, a fault may occur on the indirect path from relay node 404B to BS 402. For example, after an indirect path or multipath to BS 402 has been established, UE 404A may detect a fault in the indirect path (e.g., a fault in a non-3GPP link between UE 404A and relay node 404B), or UE 404A may receive a notification message or release message from relay node 404B.

[0105] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message, UE 404A may transmit information associated with relay node #C to BS 402 at 423. In response to receiving the information associated with relay node #C, BS 402 may consider that the current link between UE 404A and relay node 404B has failed. That is, BS 402 may determine that a fault has occurred in the indirect path of UE 404A. In some embodiments, BS 402 may instruct UE 404A to switch from relay node 404B to another relay node (e.g., relay node #C).

[0106] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message, UE 404A may transmit fault information (or fault report) associated with the indirect path to BS 402 at 423. Upon receiving the fault information, BS 402 may consider that the current link between UE 404A and relay node 404B has failed. That is, BS 402 may determine that a fault has occurred in the indirect path of UE 404A. In some embodiments, the fault information may be information associated with relay node #C. In some embodiments, BS 402 may instruct UE 404A to switch from relay node 404B to another relay node (e.g., relay node #C).

[0107] In some embodiments, in addition to transmitting information associated with relay node #C to BS 402 at 423, UE 404A may also transmit at 423 an indicator indicating whether to perform an indirect path handover (e.g., a handover from relay node 404B to relay node #C). BS 402 may determine whether to instruct UE 404A to perform an indirect path handover based on the indicator.

[0108] In some embodiments, UE 404A may transmit information associated with relay node #C to BS 402 in response to a condition being met. For example, in response to a channel quality of the indirect path being below a threshold (e.g., the channel quality of the link between UE 404A and relay node 404B being below a threshold), UE 404A may transmit information associated with relay node #C to BS 402 at 423. In response to receiving information associated with relay node #C, BS 402 may consider the current link between UE 404A and relay node 404B to be faulty or malfunctioning. That is, BS 402 may determine that a fault has occurred in the indirect path of UE 404A. In some embodiments, BS 402 may instruct UE 404A to switch from relay node 404B to another relay node (e.g., relay node #C).

[0109] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of operations in exemplary method 400 can be changed, and some operations in exemplary method 400 can be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, operation 413 is indicated by a dashed arrow as an option and can be omitted in some scenarios.

[0110] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply. Figure 5 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 504A and relay node 504B can be used as Figure 1 UE 105 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in the BS 502 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0111] refer to Figure 5 At 511, UE 504A can connect to (or access) BS 502. In some embodiments, UE 504A can be configured with multiple paths. For example, UE 504A can connect to BS 502 via multiple paths, including indirect and direct paths via relay node 504B. In some embodiments, UE 504A can report measurement results associated with neighboring cells(s) or candidate repeaters(s). Measurement reports can be based on configurations from BS 502.

[0112] At point 513, UE 504A can receive notification messages or PC5-S release messages from relay node 504B. Relay node 504B can transmit notification messages or PC5-S release messages due to Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, connection establishment failure, or connection recovery failure at relay node 504B.

[0113] In some embodiments, in response to receiving a PC5-S release message, a higher layer of UE 504A (e.g., the PC5-S layer) may instruct at 515 to release the PC5 unicast link between UE 504A and relay node 504B to the access layer (AS) of UE 504A.

[0114] In some embodiments, in response to the direct path not being suspended (e.g., the primary cell group (MCG) not being suspended), UE 504A may report fault information associated with the indirect path to BS 502 via the direct path at 517. In some embodiments, the fault information may indicate the receipt of a notification message or a PC5-S release message. In response to receiving the fault information, BS 502 may configure UE 504A at 519 to perform a (candidate) relay node change.

[0115] In some embodiments, UE 504A may perform a reconstruction procedure in response to a direct path being suspended (e.g., MCG being suspended). In these embodiments, operations 517 and 519 may be omitted.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of operations in exemplary method 500 can be changed, and some operations in exemplary method 500 can be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, operations 517 and 519 are indicated by dashed arrows as options and can be omitted in some scenarios.

[0117] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure apply to... Figure 6 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 604A and relay node 604B can be used as Figure 1 UE 106 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in BS 602 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0118] refer to Figure 6 At 611, UE 604A can connect to (or access) BS 602. In some embodiments, UE 604A can be configured with multiple paths. For example, UE 604A can connect to BS 602 via multiple paths including an indirect path (denoted as indirect path #1) through a relay node (denoted as relay node #E) and a direct path. In some embodiments, UE 604A can report measurement results associated with neighboring cells(s) or candidate repeaters(s). Measurement reports can be based on configurations from BS 602.

[0119] BS 602 can determine the indirect path for handing over UE 604A. At 613, BS 602 can transmit a reconfiguration message instructing UE 604A to perform an indirect path handover (e.g., from indirect path #1 to another indirect path (denoted as indirect path #2)). The reconfiguration message can indicate the target relay node (e.g., relay node 604B) for indirect path #2. That is, BS 602 can instruct UE 604A to hand over from relay node #E to relay node 604B.

[0120] In response to receiving a reconfiguration message, UE 604A may start a timer (referred to as timer #A1) at 615 and perform an indirect path handover procedure toward relay node 604B. Since timer #A1 is used for indirect path handover in multipath scenarios, it may also be referred to as a timer for indirect path changes in multipath scenarios or other similar terms that may be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0121] In some embodiments, in response to performing an indirect path handover procedure, UE 604A may release the source relay node (e.g., relay node #E). For example, UE 604A may initiate method 200 with respect to relay node #E.

[0122] In some embodiments, during an indirect path handover process, UE 604A may receive a notification message or a PC5-S release message from relay node 604B at 617 (indicated by the dashed arrow as an option). Relay node 604B may transmit the notification message or PC5-S release message due to a Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, connection establishment failure, or connection recovery failure at relay node 604B. For example, a Uu link failure or handover may occur when relay node 604B is in connected mode. For example, when relay node 604B is in idle or inactive mode, it may be triggered by an indirect path handover process to perform a potentially failed connection establishment or recovery. Alternatively, UE 604A may detect a sidelink RLF between UE 604A and relay node 604B.

[0123] In some embodiments, in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF, UE 604A may stop timer #A1 at 619. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF, UE 604A may transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to BS 402 via the direct path at 621.

[0124] In some embodiments, in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF, UE 604A may determine at 619 that timer #A1 has expired (even though timer #A1 has not actually expired). UE 604A may operate accordingly when the timer expires. For example, in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF, UE 604A may transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to BS 402 via the direct path at 621.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of operations in exemplary method 600 can be changed, and some operations in exemplary method 600 can be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, operation 617 is indicated by a dashed arrow as an option and can be omitted in some scenarios.

[0126] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply. Figure 7 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 704A and relay node 704B can be used as Figure 1 UE 107 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in BS 702 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0127] refer to Figure 7 At 711, UE 704A can connect to (or access) BS 702. In some embodiments, UE 704A can be configured with multiple paths. For example, UE 704A can connect to BS 702 via multiple paths including an indirect path (denoted as indirect path #1') through a relay node (denoted as relay node #F) and a direct path. In some embodiments, UE 704A can report measurement results associated with neighboring cells(s) or candidate repeaters(s). Measurement reports can be based on configurations from BS 702.

[0128] BS 702 can determine the indirect path for handing over UE 704A. At 713, BS 702 can transmit a reconfiguration message instructing UE 704A to perform an indirect path handover (e.g., from indirect path #1' to another indirect path (represented as indirect path #2")). The reconfiguration message can indicate the target relay node of indirect path #2' (e.g., relay node 704B). That is, BS 702 can instruct UE 704A to hand over from relay node #F to relay node 704B.

[0129] In response to receiving a reconfiguration message, UE 704A may start a timer (referred to as timer #B1) at 715 for indirect path handover and perform an indirect path handover procedure toward relay node 704B. Since timer #B1 is used for indirect path handover in multipath scenarios, it may also be referred to as a timer for indirect path changes in multipath scenarios or other similar terms that may be conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0130] In some embodiments, in response to performing an indirect path handover procedure, UE 704A may release the source relay node (e.g., relay node #F). For example, UE 704A may initiate method 200 regarding relay node #F.

[0131] In some embodiments, in response to performing an indirect path handover procedure, UE 704A may start a timer for sidelink reconfiguration (e.g., timer T400 as specified in the 3GPP standard). For example, UE 704A may initiate method 200 with respect to relay node 704B. For example, at 717, UE 704A may transmit a sidelink reconfiguration message to relay node 704B. In some embodiments, in response to transmitting the sidelink reconfiguration message, UE 704A may start a timer for sidelink reconfiguration.

[0132] In some embodiments, in response to a transmission-side traverse reconfiguration message, UE 704A may receive a traverse reconfiguration complete message from relay node 704B. In some embodiments, UE 704A may stop timer #B1 in response to the completion of the PC5-RRC connection establishment between UE 704A and relay node 704B or in response to UE 704A transmitting a reconfiguration complete message to BS 702 (e.g., via relay node 704B).

[0133] In some embodiments, in response to a transmission-side traversal reconfiguration message, UE 704A may receive a traversal reconfiguration failure message from relay node 704B at 719.

[0134] In some embodiments, UE 704A may stop timer #B1 at 721 in response to receiving a side link reconfiguration failure message. At 723, UE 704A may further transmit fault information associated with the indirect path handover to BS 702 via the direct path in response to receiving the side link reconfiguration failure message.

[0135] In some embodiments, UE 704A may stop timer #B1 at 721 in response to the expiration of a timer (e.g., timer T400) for side link reconfiguration. At 723, UE 704A may further transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to BS 702 via the direct path in response to the expiration of the timer for side link reconfiguration.

[0136] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 700 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 700 may be eliminated or modified.

[0137] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply. Figure 8 The embodiments shown herein. For example, UE 804A and relay node 804B can be used as Figure 1 UE 108 or Figure 2 UE 204A or UE 204B in BS 802 can be used as Figure 1 The NE 102 shown in the image.

[0138] refer to Figure 8 At 811, UE 804A may connect to (or access) BS 802. For example, UE 804A may connect to BS 802 via a direct path. In some embodiments, UE 804A may report measurement results associated with (multiple) neighboring cells or (multiple) candidate repeaters. Measurement reports may be based on configurations from BS 802.

[0139] BS 802 may determine that an indirect path addition is to be performed for UE 804A. At 813, BS 802 may transmit a reconfiguration message instructing UE 804A to perform an indirect path addition. For example, the reconfiguration message may indicate the target relay node of the indirect path (e.g., relay node 804B).

[0140] In response to receiving a reconfiguration message, UE 804A may start a timer (referred to as timer #C1) at 815 and perform an indirect path addition procedure toward relay node 804B. Since timer #C1 is used for indirect path addition in a multipath scenario, it may also be referred to as a timer for indirect path addition in a multipath scenario or other similar terms that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the timer for indirect path addition may be the same timer as the timer for indirect path handover as described above.

[0141] In some embodiments, in response to performing an indirect path addition procedure, UE 804A may start a timer for side traversal reconfiguration (e.g., timer T400 as specified in the 3GPP standard). For example, UE 804A may initiate method 200 with respect to relay node 804B. For example, at 817, UE 804A may transmit a side traversal reconfiguration message to relay node 804B. In some embodiments, in response to transmitting the side traversal reconfiguration message, UE 804A may start a timer for side traversal reconfiguration.

[0142] In some embodiments, in response to a transmission-side traverse reconfiguration message, UE 804A may receive a traverse reconfiguration complete message from relay node 804B. In some embodiments, UE 804A may stop timer #C1 in response to the completion of the PC5-RRC connection establishment between UE 804A and relay node 804B or in response to UE 804A transmitting a reconfiguration complete message to BS 802 (e.g., via relay node 804B).

[0143] In some embodiments, in response to a transmission-side traversal reconfiguration message, UE 804A may receive a traversal reconfiguration failure message from relay node 804B at 819.

[0144] In some embodiments, UE 804A may stop timer #C1 at 821 in response to receiving a side link reconfiguration failure message. At 823, UE 804A may further respond to receiving a side link reconfiguration failure message by transmitting fault information associated with the indirect path addition to BS 802 via the direct path.

[0145] In some embodiments, UE 804A may stop timer #C1 at 821 in response to the expiration of a timer (e.g., timer T400) for side link reconfiguration. At 823, UE 804A may further transmit fault information associated with indirect path addition to BS 802 via the direct path in response to the expiration of the timer for side link reconfiguration.

[0146] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 800 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 800 may be eliminated or modified.

[0147] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method 900 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to... Figure 9 The embodiments shown are illustrated in the document. In some instances, method 900 can be executed by the UE, for example, as described in the reference. Figure 1The UE 104 described or as referenced Figure 2 The UE 204A or UE 204B described herein. In some embodiments, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions or operations.

[0148] At point 911, the UE can connect to the BS via multiple paths, including indirect and direct paths through relay nodes. At point 913, the UE can receive notification messages or PC5-S release messages from relay nodes, where notification messages or PC5-S release messages are transmitted by relay nodes due to Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, or connection establishment failure of the relay node.

[0149] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may, in response to receiving a PC5-S release message, indicate from the UE's PC5-S layer to the UE's AS layer the release of the PC5 unicast link between the UE and the relay node.

[0150] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may report fault information associated with the indirect path via the direct path in response to the direct path not being suspended. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may perform a reconstruction procedure in response to the direct path being suspended. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may indicate the receipt of a notification message or a PC5-S release message.

[0151] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 900 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 900 may be eliminated or modified.

[0152] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method 1000 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable. Figure 10 The embodiments shown are illustrated in the document. In some instances, method 1000 can be executed by the UE, for example, as described in the reference. Figure 1 The UE 104 described or as referenced Figure 2 The UE 204A or UE 204B described herein. In some embodiments, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions or operations.

[0153] At point 1011, the UE can connect to the BS via multiple paths, including a first indirect path and a direct path. At point 1013, the UE can receive from the BS a reconfiguration message instructing the UE to switch from the first indirect path to a second indirect path, wherein the reconfiguration message may indicate a target relay node. At point 1015, in response to receiving the reconfiguration message, the UE can start a timer for indirect path handover and perform an indirect path handover procedure toward the target relay node.

[0154] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may receive a notification message or a PC5-S release message from the target relay node or detect the sidelink RLF between the UE and the target relay node during the indirect path handover process.

[0155] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may stop the timer used for indirect path handover or determine that the timer used for indirect path handover has expired in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF.

[0156] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may, in response to receiving a notification message or a PC5-S release message or detecting a sidelink RLF, transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path.

[0157] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: transmit a side traverse reconfiguration message to a target relay node; receive a side traverse reconfiguration failure message from the target relay node in response to transmitting the side traverse reconfiguration message; and stop a timer used for indirect path handover in response to receiving the side traverse reconfiguration failure message.

[0158] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: start a timer for side link reconfiguration in response to performing an indirect path handover procedure; and stop the timer for indirect path handover in response to the expiration of the timer for side link reconfiguration.

[0159] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path in response to receiving a sidelink reconfiguration failure message or the expiration of a timer for sidelink reconfiguration.

[0160] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 1000 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 1000 may be eliminated or modified.

[0161] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable. Figure 11 The embodiments shown are illustrated in the document. In some instances, method 1100 can be executed by the UE, for example, as described in the reference. Figure 1 The UE 104 described or as referenced Figure 2 The UE 204A or UE 204B described herein. In some embodiments, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions or operations.

[0162] At 1111, the UE can connect to the BS via a direct path. At 1113, the UE can transmit information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes to the BS, wherein the information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of the first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, and the first relay node is in idle mode or inactive mode together with the BS.

[0163] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and the first relay node may connect to each other using non-3GPP access technologies.

[0164] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: the ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; the ID of the first relay node assigned by the core network; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0165] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: establish an indirect path to the BS via a first relay node; and in response to the establishment of the indirect path, transmit information associated with a second relay node to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the channel quality of the non-3GPP link is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0166] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: establish an indirect path to the BS via a first relay node; detect a fault in the indirect path or receive a notification message or release message from the first relay node; and in response to detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message, transmit information associated with a second relay node to the BS.

[0167] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: establish an indirect path to the BS via a first relay node; detect a fault in the indirect path or receive a notification message or release message from the first relay node; and, in response to detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message, transmit fault information associated with the indirect path to the BS. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may include information associated with a second relay node, wherein the UE and the second relay node may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

[0168] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: establish an indirect path to the BS via a first relay node; and in response to the establishment of the indirect path, transmit to the BS information associated with a second relay node and an indicator indicating whether to switch from the first relay node to the second relay node, wherein the UE and the second relay node may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

[0169] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may: establish an indirect path to the BS via a first relay node; and, in response to a condition being met, transmit information associated with a second relay node to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node may be connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the condition may include a channel quality of the indirect path being below a threshold.

[0170] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 1100 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 1100 may be eliminated or modified.

[0171] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method 1200 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable. Figure 12 The embodiments shown are illustrated in the document. In some instances, method 1200 may be executed by a relay node, such as as described in the reference. Figure 1 The UE 104 described or as referenced Figure 2 The UE 204A or UE 204B described herein. In some embodiments, the relay node may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions or operations.

[0172] At point 1211, the relay node can remain on the BS, where the relay node and the BS are in idle or inactive mode. At point 1213, the relay node can transmit its ID and the ID of the cell serving the relay node to the UE, where the UE is connected to the BS via a direct path. At point 1215, the relay node can transmit its ID to the BS.

[0173] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the relay node ID may include one of the following: the relay node ID assigned by the application layer of the relay node; a random value generated by the relay node; or a recovery identifier of the relay node when the relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0174] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and relay nodes may connect to each other using non-3GPP access technologies.

[0175] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 1200 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 1200 may be eliminated or modified.

[0176] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a method 1300 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable. Figure 13The embodiments shown are illustrated herein. In some instances, method 1300 may be performed by a BS or NE (e.g., as referenced). Figure 1 The NE 102 described herein is executed. In some embodiments, the BS or NE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the BS or NE to perform the described functions or operations.

[0177] At 1311, the BS can receive information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes from the UE, wherein the UE is connected to the BS via a direct path, and the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of a first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, wherein the first relay node is in idle mode or inactive mode together with the BS. At 1313, the BS can transmit a multipath configuration to the UE, wherein the multipath may include a direct path and an indirect path to the BS via the first relay node.

[0178] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE and the first relay node are connected to each other using non-3GPP access technologies.

[0179] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: the ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; the ID of the first relay node assigned by the core network; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0180] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may receive the ID of the first relay node from the first relay node, and the ID of the first relay node may include one of the following: the ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; a random value generated by the first relay node; or a recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

[0181] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may: establish an indirect path with the UE in response to a transmission multipath configuration; and receive information associated with a second relay node from the UE in response to the establishment of the indirect path, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the channel quality of the non-3GPP link is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0182] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may determine whether to switch the UE from the first relay node to the second relay node.

[0183] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may store a second relay node as a candidate relay node for the UE; receive information associated with a third relay node from the UE, wherein the UE and the third relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link; and replace the second relay node with the third relay node as a candidate relay node for the UE.

[0184] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may: establish an indirect path with the UE in response to transmission multipath configuration; receive information associated with a second relay node or fault information associated with the indirect path from the UE; and determine a fault in the indirect path in response to receiving the information associated with the second relay node or the fault information. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the fault information may include information associated with the second relay node. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the BS may instruct the UE to switch from a first relay node to a second relay node.

[0185] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the order of operations in exemplary method 1300 may be altered and some operations in exemplary method 1300 may be eliminated or modified.

[0186] Figure 14 An example of a UE 1400 according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. UE 1400 may include a processor 1402, a memory 1404, a controller 1406, and a transceiver 1408. The processor 1402, memory 1404, controller 1406, or transceiver 1408, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components for performing the aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled via one or more interfaces (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0187] Processor 1402, memory 1404, controller 1406, or transceiver 1408, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., a circuit system). The hardware may include processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof, configured to or otherwise support elements for performing the functions described in this disclosure.

[0188] Processor 1402 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, processor 1402 may be configured to operate memory 1404. In some other embodiments, memory 1404 may be integrated into processor 1402. Processor 1402 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1404 to cause UE 1400 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0189] Memory 1404 may comprise volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 1404 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 1402, cause UE 1400 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in non-transitory computer-readable media, such as memory 1404 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media includes any media that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0190] In some implementations, processor 1402 and memory 1404 coupled to processor 1402 may be configured to cause UE 1400 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., processor 1402 executes instructions stored in memory 1404). For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, processor 1402 may support wireless communication at UE 1400.

[0191] For example, UE 1400 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as... Figure 9 The components of the described operation. For example, UE1400 may be configured to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via multiple paths, including indirect and direct paths through relay nodes; and components for receiving notification messages or PC5-S release messages from relay nodes, wherein the notification messages or PC5-S release messages are transmitted by the relay nodes due to Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, or connection establishment failure of the relay nodes.

[0192] For example, UE 1400 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as... Figure 10 The components of the described operation. For example, UE 1400 may be configured to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via multiple paths including a first indirect path and a direct path; components for receiving from the BS a reconfiguration message instructing the UE to switch from the first indirect path to a second indirect path, wherein the reconfiguration message may indicate a target relay node; and components for starting a timer for indirect path switching in response to receiving the reconfiguration message and performing an indirect path switching procedure toward the target relay node.

[0193] For example, UE 1400 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as... Figure 11The components of the described operation. For example, UE 1400 may be configured to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via a direct path; and components for transmitting information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes to the BS, wherein the information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of a first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in idle mode or inactive mode together with the BS.

[0194] For example, UE 1400 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as... Figure 12 The components of the described operation. For example, UE 1400 may be configured to support: components for staying on a BS (e.g., NE), wherein the UE is in an idle mode or inactive mode together with the BS; components for transmitting the UE's ID and the ID of the cell serving the UE to another UE, wherein the other UE is connected to the BS via a direct path; and components for transmitting the UE's ID to the BS.

[0195] Controller 1406 manages the input and output signals of UE 1400. Controller 1406 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into UE 1400. In some implementations, controller 1406 may utilize an operating system, such as... Or other operating systems. In some implementations, controller 1406 may be implemented as part of processor 1402.

[0196] In some embodiments, UE 1400 may include at least one transceiver 1408. In other embodiments, UE 1400 may have more than one transceiver 1408. Transceiver 1408 may represent a wireless transceiver. Transceiver 1408 may include one or more receiver chains 1410, one or more transmitter chains 1412, or a combination thereof.

[0197] Receiver chain 1410 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, or packets) via wireless media. For example, receiver chain 1410 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over the air or wireless media. Receiver chain 1410 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. Receiver chain 1410 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission and to acquire transmitted data. Receiver chain 1410 may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive transmitted data.

[0198] Transmitter chain 1412 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, or packets). Transmitter chain 1412 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal in preparation for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes, such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Transmitter chain 1412 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. Transmitter chain 1412 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal over the air or in the wireless medium.

[0199] Those skilled in the art will understand that components in the exemplary UE 1400 may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, some components in the exemplary UE 1400 may be omitted or modified, or new components may be added to the exemplary UE 1400. For example, in some embodiments, the UE 1400 may not include the controller 1406.

[0200] Figure 15 An example of a processor 1500 according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. Processor 1500 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 1500 may include a controller 1502 configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. Processor 1500 may optionally include at least one memory 1504, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, processor 1500 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 1506. One or more of these components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0201] Processor 1500 may be a processor chipset and includes a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, acquire, retrieve, transmit, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) according to examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory native to the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1500) or included in the processor chipset), or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0202] Controller 1502 can be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of processor 1500 (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, and reading) to enable processor 1500 to support various operations according to examples described herein. For example, controller 1502 can operate as a control unit of processor 1500, thereby generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of processor 1500. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory accesses, and coordinating operation timing.

[0203] Controller 1502 may be configured to fetch (e.g., fetch, retrieve, receive) instructions from memory 1504 and determine subsequent instructions(s) to be executed to enable processor 1500 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Controller 1502 may be configured to track the memory addresses of instructions associated with memory 1504. Controller 1502 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, controller 1502 may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of processor 1500 to enable processor 1500 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, controller 1502 may be configured to manage data flow within processor 1500. Controller 1502 may be configured to control data transfers between registers, ALU, and other functional units of processor 1500.

[0204] Memory 1504 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory native to processor 1500 or included in processor 1500, or other memory such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc.). In some embodiments, memory 1504 may reside within or on the processor chipset (e.g., native to processor 1500). In some other embodiments, memory 1504 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote from processor 1500).

[0205] Memory 1504 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 1500, cause processor 1500 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. Controller 1502 and / or processor 1500 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1504 to cause processor 1500 to perform various functions. For example, processor 1500 and / or controller 1502 may be coupled to or coupled to memory 1504, and processor 1500, controller 1502, and memory 1504 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some instances, processor 1500 may include multiple processors and memory 1504 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may be individually or collectively configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0206] One or more ALUs 1506 can be configured to support various operations according to the examples described herein. In some embodiments, one or more ALUs 1506 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 1500). In some other embodiments, one or more ALUs 1506 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1500). One or more ALUs 1506 can perform one or more calculations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALUs 1506 can receive input operands and arithmetic codes that determine the operation to be performed. One or more ALUs 1506 are configured with various logic and arithmetic circuitry (including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates) to process and manipulate data according to the operations. Additionally or alternatively, one or more ALU 1506 may support logical operations (such as AND, OR, XOR, NOR, and NAND), thereby enabling one or more ALU 1506 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0207] Based on the examples disclosed herein, processor 1500 may support wireless communication.

[0208] For example, processor 1500 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 9 The components of the described operation. For example, processor 1500 may be configured or operable to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via multiple paths including indirect and direct paths through relay nodes; and components for receiving notification messages or PC5-S release messages from relay nodes, wherein the notification messages or PC5-S release messages are transmitted by the relay nodes due to Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, or connection establishment failure of the relay nodes.

[0209] For example, processor 1500 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 10 The components of the described operation. For example, processor 1500 may be configured to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via multiple paths including a first indirect path and a direct path; components for receiving from the BS a reconfiguration message instructing a UE (e.g., processor) to switch from the first indirect path to a second indirect path, wherein the reconfiguration message may indicate a target relay node; and components for starting a timer for indirect path switching in response to receiving the reconfiguration message and performing an indirect path switching procedure toward the target relay node.

[0210] For example, processor 1500 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 11 The components of the described operation. For example, processor 1500 may be configured to support: components for connecting to a BS (e.g., NE) via a direct path; and components for transmitting information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes to the BS, wherein the information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of a first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in an idle mode or an inactive mode together with the BS.

[0211] For example, processor 1500 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 12 The components of the described operation. For example, processor 1500 may be configured to support: components for staying on a BS (e.g., NE), wherein the processor is in an idle or inactive mode together with the BS; components for transmitting the processor's ID and the ID of the cell serving the processor to another UE, wherein the other UE is connected to the BS via a direct path; and components for transmitting the processor's ID to the BS.

[0212] For example, processor 1500 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 13The components of the described operation. For example, processor 1500 may be configured to support: components for receiving information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes from a UE, wherein the UE is connected to the processor via a direct path, the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of a first relay node and the ID of a cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in an idle mode or an inactive mode together with the processor; and components for transmitting multipath configuration to the UE, wherein the multipath may include a direct path and an indirect path via the first relay node to the processor.

[0213] Those skilled in the art will understand that components in the exemplary processor 1500 may be altered without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, some components in the exemplary processor 1500 may be omitted or modified, or new components may be added to the exemplary processor 1500. For instance, in some embodiments, the processor 1500 may not include the ALU 1506.

[0214] Figure 16 An example of an NE 1600 according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. The NE 1600 may include a processor 1602, a memory 1604, a controller 1606, and a transceiver 1608. The processor 1602, memory 1604, controller 1606, or transceiver 1608, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components for performing the aspects of this disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled via one or more interfaces (e.g., operatively ground, communicatively ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground).

[0215] Processor 1602, memory 1604, controller 1606, or transceiver 1608, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., a circuit system). The hardware may include processors, DSPs, ASICs, or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof, configured or otherwise supporting elements for performing the functions described in this disclosure.

[0216] Processor 1602 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, processor 1602 may be configured to operate memory 1604. In some other embodiments, memory 1604 may be integrated into processor 1602. Processor 1602 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1604 to cause NE 1600 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0217] Memory 1604 may comprise volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 1604 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 1602, cause NE 1600 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 1604 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media includes any media that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0218] In some implementations, processor 1602 and memory 1604 coupled to processor 1602 may be configured to cause NE 1600 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., processor 1602 executing instructions stored in memory 1604). For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, processor 1602 may support wireless communication at NE 1600.

[0219] For example, the NE 1600 can be configured to support the execution of tasks such as those related to... Figure 13 The components of the described operation. For example, the NE 1600 may be configured to support: components for receiving information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes from the UE, wherein the UE is connected to the NE via a direct path, the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes may indicate the ID of a first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in an idle mode or an inactive mode together with the NE; and components for transmitting multipath configuration to the UE, wherein the multipath may include a direct path and an indirect path to the NE via the first relay node.

[0220] Controller 1606 manages the input and output signals of NE 1600. Controller 1606 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into NE 1600. In some implementations, controller 1606 may utilize an operating system, such as... Or other operating systems. In some implementations, controller 1606 may be implemented as part of processor 1602.

[0221] In some embodiments, the NE 1600 may include at least one transceiver 1608. In other embodiments, the NE 1600 may have more than one transceiver 1608. The transceiver 1608 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1608 may include one or more receiver chains 1610, one or more transmitter chains 1612, or a combination thereof.

[0222] Receiver chain 1610 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, or packets) via wireless media. For example, receiver chain 1610 may include one or more antennas for receiving signals over the air or wireless media. Receiver chain 1610 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., an LNA) configured to amplify the received signal. Receiver chain 1610 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission and to acquire transmitted data. Receiver chain 1610 may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive transmitted data.

[0223] Transmitter chain 1612 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, or packets). Transmitter chain 1612 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more technologies, such as AM, FM, or digital modulation schemes, such as PSK or QAM. Transmitter chain 1612 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. Transmitter chain 1612 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will understand that components in the exemplary NE 1600 may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, some components in the exemplary NE 1600 may be omitted or modified, or new components may be added to the exemplary NE 1600. For example, in some embodiments, the NE 1600 may not include the controller 1606.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will understand that the operations or steps of the methods described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module may reside in 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. Additionally, in some aspects, the operations or steps of the method may reside as one or any combination or set of code and / or instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium that may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0226] While this disclosure has described specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. This disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added to, or substituted in other embodiments. Furthermore, not all elements in each figure are essential to the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of this disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0227] In this document, the terms “switch” and “path switch” are used interchangeably. The terms “path switch” and “path change” are used interchangeably. The terms “includes,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element beginning with “a,” “an,” or the like does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Moreover, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms “having,” etc., are defined as “including.” For example, the expression “A and / or B” or “at least one of A and B” may include any and all combinations of words enumerated with said expression. For example, the expression “A and / or B” or “at least one of A and B” may include A, B, or both A and B. The terms “first,” “second,” or similar are used only to clearly illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the nature of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to and configured to enable the UE to: It connects to the base station (BS) via multiple paths, including indirect and direct paths through relay nodes; and The relay node receives a notification message or a PC5-S release message, wherein the notification message or PC5-S release message is transmitted by the relay node due to a Uu link failure, handover, cell reselection, or connection establishment failure of the relay node.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: In response to receiving the PC5-S release message, the PC5 unicast link between the UE and the relay node is released from the PC5-S layer of the UE to the access layer AS layer of the UE.

3. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: In response to the direct path not being suspended, fault information associated with the indirect path is reported via the direct path; or In response to the direct path being paused, a reconstruction process is executed.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein the fault information indicates the receipt of the notification message or the PC5-S release message.

5. A user equipment (UE) comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to and configured to enable the UE to: It connects to the base station (BS) via multiple paths, including a first indirect path and a direct path; The BS receives a reconfiguration message instructing the UE to switch from the first indirect path to the second indirect path, wherein the reconfiguration message indicates a target relay node; and In response to receiving the reconfiguration message, a timer for indirect path switching is started and an indirect path switching process toward the target relay node is executed.

6. The UE of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: During the indirect path handover process, a notification message or PC5-S release message is received from the target relay node, or a sidelink radio link failure (RLF) is detected between the UE and the target relay node.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: In response to receiving the notification message or the PC5-S release message, or detecting the side link RLF, the timer used for indirect path switching is stopped or the timer used for indirect path switching is determined to have expired.

8. The UE of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to transmit fault information associated with indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path in response to receiving the notification message or the PC5-S release message or detecting the sidelink RLF.

9. The UE of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: Transmit a side-link reconfiguration message to the target relay node; In response to transmitting the sidelink reconfiguration message, a sidelink reconfiguration failure message is received from the target relay node; and In response to receiving the side link reconfiguration failure message, the timer used for indirect path switching is stopped.

10. The UE of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: In response to performing the indirect path switching procedure, a timer for side link reconfiguration is started; and In response to the expiration of the timer used for side link reconfiguration, the timer used for indirect path switching is stopped.

11. The UE of claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to transmit fault information associated with the indirect path handover to the BS via the direct path in response to receiving the sidelink reconfiguration failure message or the expiration of the timer for sidelink reconfiguration.

12. A user equipment (UE) comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to and configured to enable the UE to: Connected to the base station (BS) via a direct path; and The BS transmits information associated with one or more candidate relay nodes, wherein the information associated with the one or more candidate relay nodes indicates the ID of a first relay node and the ID of the cell serving the first relay node, the first relay node being in idle mode or inactive mode together with the BS.

13. The UE of claim 12, wherein the UE and the first relay node are connected to each other using non-3GPP access technology.

14. The UE of claim 12, wherein the ID of the first relay node includes one of the following: The ID of the first relay node assigned by the application layer of the first relay node; The random value generated by the first relay node; The ID of the first relay node assigned by the core network; or The recovery identifier of the first relay node when the first relay node and the BS are in an inactive mode.

15. The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: An indirect path to the BS is established via the first relay node; and In response to the establishment of the indirect path, information associated with the second relay node is transmitted to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link and the channel quality of the non-3GPP link is greater than or equal to a threshold.

16. The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: An indirect path to the BS is established via the first relay node; Detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message from the first relay node; and In response to detecting the fault in the indirect path or receiving the notification message or the release message, information associated with the second relay node is transmitted to the BS.

17. The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: An indirect path to the BS is established via the first relay node; Detecting a fault in the indirect path or receiving a notification message or release message from the first relay node; and In response to detecting the fault in the indirect path or receiving the notification message or the release message, fault information associated with the indirect path is transmitted to the BS.

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the fault information includes the information associated with the second relay node, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

19. The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: An indirect path to the BS is established via the first relay node; and In response to the establishment of the indirect path, information associated with the second relay node and an indicator indicating whether to switch from the first relay node to the second relay node are transmitted to the BS, wherein the UE and the second relay node are connected to each other via a non-3GPP link.

20. A relay node, comprising: At least one memory; and At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory and configured to enable the relay node to: Residing on a base station (BS), wherein the relay node is in idle or inactive mode together with the BS; The relay node ID and the cell ID serving the relay node are transmitted to the user equipment (UE), wherein the UE is connected to the BS via a direct path; and The ID of the relay node is transmitted to the BS.

Images