Establishing a complementary communication link

Abstract

A method (600) performed by a first user equipment (UE), operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network. The method includes transmitting a request message. The method also includes receiving, from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message. Wherein the response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE. The message also includes determining, based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.

Description

ESTABLISHING A COMPLEMENTARY COMMUNICATION LINKTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Disclosed are a method performed by a first user equipment (UE) operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network, a UE operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding carrier.BACKGROUND

[0002] Establishing multiple communication paths between two endpoints is a well- known technique for enabling high reliability communications and / or potentially increasing throughput. For example, to improve reliability and / or throughput, a first communication device (CD) (a.k.a., user equipment (UE)), may establish several communications links that can be used in parallel (e.g., as separate streams / legs over a Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) connection). The different communication links may, e.g., be established via a cellular connection and a Wi-Fi connection.SUMMARY

[0003] Certain challenges presently exist. For example, a UE may increase resiliency and / or throughput by utilizing multiple radio communication links setup with basic functionality of multipath Internet Protocol (IP) connections, such as MPTCP (Multi-Path Transmission Control Protocol). As an example, if Wi-Fi becomes unavailable or unresponsive, the UE may switch over to using a cellular data connection. In other words, if multiple complementary connections are available for use by the UE, then the mechanisms of MPTCP can be utilized. A problem arises, however, whenever there is only one connection currently activated for use by the UE. In such case, there is a further problem in that, conventionally, there is no solution for discovering one or more relay UEs that can provide for complementary data transmission paths, i.e., additional transmission paths which can provide redundancy in case the first path becomes unavailable or degrades, thereby increasing resiliency.

[0004] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided method performed by a first user equipment (UE) having a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network(i.e., the UE is operable to use the first communication link for transmitting data toward the first network). The method includes transmitting a request message. The method also includes receiving, from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message. The response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE. The method also includes determining, based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.

[0005] In another aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which when executed by processing circuitry of a UE causes the UE to perform any of the methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment, there is provided a carrier containing the computer program wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, and a computer readable storage medium.

[0006] In another aspect there is provided a UE operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network. The is UE configured to transmit a request message. The UE is further configured to receive, from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message. The response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE. The UE is further configured to determine, based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.

[0007] An advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is that they improve reliability for the wireless communications of a UE. For example, a UE may dynamically establish complementary communication links with nearby UE(s) based on its current connection with a network.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a signal flow diagram according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a process according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a computing apparatus according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system 100, according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown, communication system 100 includes a first UE (UE 102) in communication (e.g., wired and / or wireless communication) with a host 104 via a network 110 (e.g., the internet). As used herein, a UE is any device capable of communicating (wirelessly or non- wirelessly) with another communication device. Accordingly, UE 102 may be embodied as a smartphone, a home computer, a streaming device, a tablet, a sensor, a vehicle, a gateway, a router, an access point, etc.

[0017] UE 102 may be configured to transmit messages towards the host 104 via a wireless link 108 established with an access point 106, which may be a radio base station (e.g., a 4G base station (eNB), a 5G base station (gNB), etc.) or which may be wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point). Access point 106 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) packets or higher / lower layer protocol data units (PDUs)) from UE 102 and route the received messages towards host 104 via network 110. The wireless link 108 between UE 102 and access point 106 may be referred to as the “first” communication link 108.

[0018] UE 102 may have one or more communication capabilities (e.g., 5G cellular capability or Wi-Fi capability) and may be configured to establish first communication link 108 using one of its communication capabilities. When the quality of first communication link 108 begins to degrade, however, UE 102 may experience an interrupted connection with host 104.

[0019] For example, a user of UE 102 may connect UE 102 to a Wi-Fi network at a cafe in order to listen to music. When the user leaves the cafe, the signal strength of the Wi-Fi decreases or disconnects completely causing the music to pause. As such, in anticipation of the user leaving the cafe, it may be beneficial for UE 102 to enable the use of a second communication link for use in communicating with host 104, wherein the second communication link is a preferably complementary to the first communication link. The second communication link is complementary to first communication link 108 when there is a difference between the two links such when the first communication link fails or suffers a performance degradation due to some particular issue (e.g., changes in the radio environment, network outage, high network node load or other issues with network configurations) this issue will not cause the same problem(s) with the second communication link.

[0020] UE 102 may enable the use of a second communication link by selecting a neighboring UE (e.g., UE 112 or UE 122) and requesting the neighboring UE (a.k.a., “relay UE”) to relay messages from UE 102 to network 110 via the second communication link (e.g., the relay UE is UE 112 and the second communication link is a link 118 established between second UE 112 and an access point 116 or access point 106). The second communication link 118 provided by the relay UE may support a connection between UE 102 and host 104 (or another host connected to network 110) to achieve a higher aggregated data communication capability and / or to achieve a more stable communication capability when first communication link 108 degrades. In this way, resiliency is improved because, if first communication link 108 fails, UE 102 can, for example, utilize UE 112 and link 118 to communicate with host 104.

[0021] UE 102 may determine whether first communication link 108 is better than second communication link 118 (e.g., UE 102 may determine that utilizing link 108 provides lower latency, provides higher throughput than link 118, and / or link 108 is more reliable or stable than link 118). UE 102 may transmit messages to host 104 utilizing the better communication link. In some embodiments, UE 102 may duplicate messages and transmit messages to host 104 utilizing both first communication link 108 and second communication link 118. Host 104 may monitor for, and discard, received message duplicates.

[0022] UE 102 may not require a network node or standardized method for communicating with a relay UE. UE 102 may communicate with a relay UE over a D2D link(e.g., link 151) and request the relay UE to setup a new link that can be used for relaying traffic from UE 102 to network 110 or request use of an established link that can be used for relaying the traffic.

[0023] The embodiments described herein enable complementary first and second communication links to be configured and selected. That is, UE 102 and the selected one or more relay UEs may collaborate to achieve higher communication reliability when communicating with a network. This may be achieved by establishing a first and a second wireless communication links using one or more of: different mobile network operators, different access points, different radio carrier frequencies, different frequency bands, different antenna technologies (e.g., different MIMO configurations), etc.

[0024] The establishment of complimentary communication links via two or more UEs may utilize less hardware in each UE compared to establishing multiple complimentary communication links using one single UE, since there is no requirement that each UE must be equipped with multiple cellular modems. Further, the established links may be more complimentary when utilizing two or more UEs compared to establishing multiple communication links using one single UE due to, e.g., the possibility to have different geographical locations of the multiple UEs.

[0025] A network server 199 may assist UE 102 in selecting which relay UE(s) it should select. Aspects like fairness can be taken into consideration, providing a balance between how different UEs contribute and benefit from the device collaboration. Other aspects like a UE’s battery state or connection with an electrical outlet, and whether two UEs utilize the same / differ ent network operator(s) can also be taken into consideration. Network server 199 may consider when a user is the owner of several devices which can be selected to add complementary links.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a signal flow diagram 200 for enabling UE 102 (a.k.a., “first UE”) to make use of a complementary communication link according to an embodiment. Signal flow diagram 200 may begin with UE 102 establishing a connection 202 (e.g., a TCP connection) with host 104 via communication link 108.

[0027] Communication link 108 may be characterized by one or more parameters defining the communication link. The one or more parameters may include the accesstechnology, frequency band, access point, mobility characteristics of the UE, transmit and receive beam characteristics, network identity (e.g., Mobile Network Code), dual connect! vity / carrier aggregation capabilities, signal / communi cation channel conditions, and geographical (location) information of UE 102 and / or the access points.

[0028] UE 102 may transmit a request message 204. In some embodiments, request message 204 is a broadcast message that can be received by each UE within a proximity of UE 102. The proximity may be defined by a range of D2D communications supported by UE 102 (e.g., Wi-Fi / WLAN, Bluetooth or a cellular technology). UE 112 (a.k.a., “second UE”) may be within proximity of UE 102 and receive request message 204. In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish D2D communication link 151 with UE 112 prior to transmitting request message 204. In such embodiments, UE 102 may transmit request message 204 to UE 112 via the established D2D link. Request message 204 may include a request for the receiving UE, such as UE 112, to respond with information indicating their communication capability.

[0029] UE 112 may transmit a response message 206 towards UE 102. Response message 206 may include communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the UE 112 (e.g., all of the communication links available to UE 112). The communication capability information may include, for each communication link UE 112 is capable of using to relay traffic from UE 102 to network 110, network identity information identifying mobile network or mobile network operator (MNO), radio access technology (RAT) information identifying a RAT associated with the link, radio link quality indications, a cell identifier identifying a cell serving UE 112, etc. The communication capability information may also include information that pertains to each available communication link, such as, for example, location information identifying a location of UE 112, battery charge information indicating available battery charge, mobility information, modem configuration, etc.

[0030] UE 102 may determine, based on the communication capability information received from UE 112 and information regarding communication link 108, whether to select UE 112 to function as a UE-to-network relay for UE 102. In doing so, UE 102 may determine whether the communication capabilities of UE indicate that UE 112 can provide a complementary link (i.e., UE 112 is capable of relaying traffic from UE 102 to network 110 via a link complementary to communication link 108). Determining whether UE 112 can provide acomplementary link may include determining whether UE 112 utilizes a different access technology (e.g., a different radio access technology (RAT), see table 1 below), a different mobile communication network, a different frequency band, a different access point connection, different mobility characteristics, different transmit or receive beam characteristics, etc.

[0031] Table 1 below provides illustrative examples and descriptions of communication capabilities and their potential complementary counterparts.Table 1

[0032] As an example, UE 102 may determine whether the communication capabilities of UE 112 sufficiently complement first communication link 108. The communication capabilities of UE 112 may identify a type of communication link UE 112 may establish. For example, the communication capabilities may indicate UE 112 is capable of establishing a 5G communication link with an access point 116, access point 116 is a macrocell in the network, andUE 112 is currently moving in a particular direction. In some embodiments, UE 102 will additionally consider a channel quality of the D2D connection 151 between UE 102 and UE 112.

[0033] As one example, the communication capability information may indicate that UE 112 has one candidate link that it can use to relay traffic from UE 102 to network 110. UE 102 may determine whether to select UE 112 as a relay UE based on a distance score (or score for short) that UE 102 assigns to the candidate link, where the score is based on one or more differences between the candidate link and communication link 108. The greater the score, the more likely the candidate link will remain stable when communication link 108 degrades. Accordingly, in one embodiment UE 102 will not select UE 112 as possibly relay UE unless UE 112 can provide a candidate link having a score that exceeds some predefined threshold.

[0034] In one embodiment, UE 102 assigns a score to the candidate link by calculating a score and assigning the calculated score to the candidate link. In one embodiment, UE 102 calculates the score for a candidate link by obtaining a set of weights and using the weights (e.g., summing the weights) to arrive at the score. Some of the weights in the set are determined based on differences between the candidate link and link 108, while other weights are based on general information about UE 112 (e.g., battery charge information).

[0035] For instance, the set of weights may include a weight for each one of the above mentioned “communication capabilities”, i.e., a RAT weight, a frequency band weight, a cell ID weight, a mobility weight, a beam forming weight. The value given to a weight may depend on information about link 108. For example, if the communication capability information for a particular candidate link indicates that the candidate link is a 5G link and link 108 is a 4G link then the RAT weight is set to 0.4. If link 108, however, was a Wi-Fi link, then the RAT weight may be higher (e.g., 0.7) because a difference between Wi-Fi RAT and 5GRAT is greater than the difference between 4G RAT and 5G RAT. As another example, if the communication capability information for the candidate link indicates that the candidate link is established with the same cell as link 108, then the cell ID weight may be set to 0, otherwise it may be set to a number greater than zero. As a further example, if the communication capability information for the candidate link indicates that the candidate link is established using the same frequency band as link 108, then the frequency band weight may be set to 0, otherwise it may be set to a number greater than zero.

[0036] The set of weights may also include weights that do not depend on information regarding link 108. For example, the set of weights may include a battery level weight that is set based on UE 112’s battery level. As another example, the set of weights may include a mobility weight that is set to a value depending on UE 112’s movement relative to UE 102 (e.g., if UE 112 is moving rapidly in a direction away from UE 102, then the mobility weight may be set to zero or some other low number).

[0037] In an embodiment in which UE 112 is capable of relaying traffic from UE 102 to network 110 via two or more different candidate links, UE 102 may assign a score to each of these candidate links

[0038] For instance, UE 102, as noted above, may assign a greater score to a candidate cellular communication link (e.g., 5G access link) than a candidate WLAN link when communication link 108 is a Wi-Fi link; similarly, UE 102 may assign a greater score to a candidate WLAN link than a candidate cellular link when communication link 108 is a cellular link. As yet another example, UE 102 may assign a greater score to a candidate 5G communication link than a candidate 4G link when communication link 108 is a 4G link.

[0039] In some embodiments, UE 102 may receive a response message from a plurality of UEs, the plurality of UEs including UE 112 and third UE 122. That is, like UE 112, UE 122 may also receive the request message 204 and transmit a response message towards UE 102. The response message transmitted by UE 122 may include information identifying all of the communication capabilities available to UE 122. For each candidate link that UE 122 can provide to UE 102 for relaying UE 102’s traffic, UE 102 may calculate a score, as described above. UE 102 may then select for example: i) the top N candidate links with the highest score (N > 0), ii) the top N candidate links that exceed the threshold, or iii) UE 112’s candidate link having the highest score that exceeds the threshold, if any, and UE 122’s candidate link having the highest score that exceeds the threshold, if any. That is, in some embodiments, UE 102 may select each UE of the plurality of UEs with a score above a threshold, potentially establishing multiple second communication links.

[0040] In some embodiments, the selection among multiple available UEs may be performed by network server 199 which UE 102 and the other UEs are communicating with. Thenetwork server may collect information from the UEs and provide information to one or more of the wireless devices on how to establish second communication links.

[0041] As described above, UE 102 may assign a weight to each communication capability of second UE 102 and UE 102 may assign the weights based on communication information regarding first communication link 108. Below are further illustrative examples of the weighting process performed by UE 102.

[0042] In a first illustrative example, a user may be stationary in a cafe watching a video on UE 102. Here, UE 102 may prioritize high throughput over likelihood of a handover event occurring. As such, UE 102 may apply a greater weighting to a UE connected with a picocell with a higher throughput (and a higher likelihood of experiencing a handover event) than a UE connected with a macrocell with a lower throughput (and a lower likelihood of experiencing a handover event).

[0043] In a second illustrative example, UE 102 may experience high mobility as its user travels on a train. Here, UE 102 may prioritize a low frequency connection and a mobility pattern matching the mobility of UE 102, e.g., a UE travelling on the same train as UE 102.

[0044] In a third illustrative example, UE 102 may prioritize handover event timing. Here, UE 102 may determine when a handover event will likely occur on first communication link 108. UE 102 may then provide greater weighting to UEs which may experience handover events at a different time compared to first communication link 108. As such, the overall communication between UE 102 and host 104 will not deteriorate by all communication links experiencing a handover event at a similar time.

[0045] In a fourth illustrative example, UE 102 may be connected to a large network cell such as a macrocell. Here, UE 102 may prioritize potential connections with smaller network cells. As such, UE 102 may assign a greater weight to a UE connected to a picocell than a UE connected to a macrocell.

[0046] In a fifth illustrative example, UE 102 may prioritize potential connections to larger network cells to decrease the likelihood of a handover event occurring. As such, UE 102 may assign a greater weight to a UE connected to a macrocell than a UE connected to a picocell.

[0047] In a sixth illustrative example, a user may be using an application with a high data requirement, such as rendering 3D videos. Here, UE 102 may prioritize throughput and assigned greater weights to UEs connected to a picocell.

[0048] In a seventh illustrative example, UE 102 may be mobile and may assign greater weights to stationary UEs.

[0049] In an eighth illustrative example, UE 102 may be running a vital application and may prioritize stability. As such, UE 102 may assign greater weights to UEs with a stable connection.

[0050] In a ninth illustrative example, UE 102 may detect movement of the UE (e.g., using an inertial measurement unit). As such, UE 102 will prioritize connections with 5G cellular links.

[0051] After selecting UE 112, UE 102 may transmit a selection message 210 towards UE 112. Selection message 210 may include a request to set up second communication link 118 according with the selected communication capabilities, if second communication link 118 is not already established. For example, selection message 210 may request second UE connect to a wireless network using a certain connection type. Selection message 210 may also include a request to establish a D2D communication link between UE 102 and UE 112, if the D2D link is not already established.

[0052] UE 102 may then begin transmitting data 212 towards host 104 using UE 112 as a relay (i.e., UE 112 receives data 212 and forwards the data towards host 104).

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates signal flow diagram 300 for establishing a complementary communication link according to another embodiment. Signal flow diagram 300 may begin with UE 102 establishing a connection 302 with host 104 via communication link 108.

[0054] UE 102 may transmit a request message 304. In some embodiments, the request message 304 is a broadcast message. In this example, UE 112 is within proximity of UE 102 and receives request message 304. In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish a D2D communication link with UE 112 prior to transmitting request message 304 and transmit request message 304 to UE 112 via the D2D link.

[0055] Request message 304 may also include information regarding first communication link 108 (e.g., RAT, Frequency, and / or cell ID) and / or information identifying communication links that are complementary to link 108. That is, in some embodiments, UE 102 may determine which types of communication capabilities complement first communication link 108 and include in request message 304 a request for these preferred or prioritized connection types. UE 102 may determine which types of communication capabilities complement first communication link 108 using any process or example described herein.

[0056] Any UE receiving request message 304, such as UE 112, may select 306 a set of communication capabilities. UE 112 may select a subset of its communication capabilities. In some embodiments, UE 112 may determine which of its communication capabilities are complementary with the information regarding first communication link 108. If none of the communication capabilities of UE 112 are complementary, UE 112 may not respond to request message 304. UE 112 may perform the determination using any of the processes or examples described herein. In some embodiments, UE 112 may determine whether its communication capabilities matched the preferred or prioritized connection types. UE 112 may then generate and transmit a response message 308 towards UE 102. Response message 308 may include communication capability information identifying the selected communication capabilities of UE 112.

[0057] After receiving response message 308, UE 102 may select UE 112 and transmit a selection message 310 towards UE 112. Selection message 310 may include a request to set up second communication link 118 according with the selected communication capabilities, if second communication link 118 is not already established. For example, selection message 310 may request second UE connect to a wireless network using a certain connection type. Selection message 310 may also include a request to establish a D2D communication link between UE 102 and UE 112, if the D2D link is not already established.

[0058] UE 102 may then begin transmitting data 312 towards host 104 using UE 112 as a relay.

[0059] After UE 102 selects one or more relay UEs, UE 102 may create additional data paths using the selected relay UEs. This may, as one example, be setup via a multipath TCP (MPTCP) configuration to the data receiver node (e.g., host 104). With the MPTCP, multipleindividual TCP connections can be setup from one data source (e.g., UE 102) to a data receiver node (e.g., host 104). Although MPTCP may be mentioned herein, several other examples of concurrent communication over multiple links are possible, including but not limiting to stream control transmission protocol (SCTP), Session Initiation Protocol with IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) and multipath QUIC.

[0060] Using concurrent communication over multiple links via, e.g., MPTCP, UE 102 may divide its traffic to be transmitted into two or more substreams. UE 102 may transmit one substream using link 108, and it may transmit data of one or more other substreams to the one or more relay UEs for transmissions via their IP connectivity to the data receiver node (e.g., host 104).

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a signal flow diagram 400 for MPTCP setup according to an embodiment. Signal flow diagram 400 may begin with UE 102 send a TCP connection request (i.e., TCP SYN packet) to host 104 via link 108. Because UE 102 seeks to establish an MPTCP connection, the TCP request includes the MP Capable fields (e.g., MP Capable flag and key). More specifically, UE 102 sends to host 104 an IP packet comprising the TCP connection request.

[0062] Host 104 may transmit a response message 404 towards UE 102. Response message 404 may include an IP Header with a source IP address of host 104 and a destination IP address of UE 102 and the TCP acknowledgment (i.e., TCP SYN / ACK) with MP Capable fields to indicate that host 104 is MPTCP capable. UE 102 then transmits an acknowledgement 405 to host 104 to complete the first leg of the MPTCP connection.

[0063] To establish a second leg of the MPTCP connection, UE 102 sends a TCP connection request (i.e., TCP SYN packet) to host 104 via relay UE 112. Because UE 102 seeks to have this TCP connection be joined with the previously created TCP connection, the TCP request includes the MP Join fields (e.g., a token to identify the previously created TCP connection). More specifically, UE 102 sends to UE 112 an IP packet comprising the TCP connection request and UE 112 relays this IP packet to host 104.

[0064] Host 104 may transmit a response message 408 towards UE 102. Response message 404 may include an IP Header with a source IP address of host 104 and a destination IP address of UE 102 and the TCP acknowledgment (i.e., TCP SYN / ACK) with MP Join fields toindicate that host 104 has accepted the join request. UE 102 then transmits an acknowledgement 410 to host 104 via UE 112 to complete the second leg of the MPTCP connection.

[0065] UE 102, and other UEs discussed above, may use different D2D protocols to enable the embodiments disclosed herein. As one example, a D2D communication protocol may be embodied as a local Wi-Fi communication, Apple AirDrop, or Bluetooth communication protocol. In this manner, UE 102 may determine that any responding second UE is expected to be within local proximity of UE 102.

[0066] In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish a local connection to a second UE in proximity using Bluetooth. Once data communication is setup, the signaling of messages to ask for complementary access details can be transmitted as data payload over the established link.

[0067] In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish a connection to a second UE in proximity using Wi-Fi direct. Once data communication is setup, the signaling of messages to ask for complementary access details can be transmitted as data payload over the established link.

[0068] In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish a connection to a second UE in proximity by sharing an application for data communication e.g., via a server on Internet. Multiple devices may be connected to the same coordinating Internet server, and information indicative of local presence can be provided to the Internet server. Once a first device wants to connect to a second device, one or more IP addresses of candidate second devices can be provided by the Internet Server.

[0069] In some embodiments, UE 102 may establish a connection to a second UE in proximity using 3GPP sidelink protocol. Once data communication is setup, the signaling of messages to ask for complementary access details can be transmitted as data payload over the established link.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram 500 of UE 112. As shown in FIG. 5, UE 112 may include an application entity 502, a function 504 within application entity 502, an applicationmodem interface 506, a first modem 508, and a second modem 510. Function 504 may beconfigured to implement a process to perform the communications as illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3 on an IP payload level. For example, UE 112 may receive a support request via local communication over second modem 510 from UE 102. The request may trigger second UE to characterize the available network parameters available for first modem 508 using 3 GPP technology. Application entity 502 may send commands to first modem 508 to determine existing access link capabilities such as network access technology, PLMN identity, signal quality, frequency band etc.

[0071] Function 504 may include the capability to generate a data packet to respond to the request from UE 102, including the gathered information on the access link capabilities. Further, upon receiving a request to establish the connection, second UE 102 may ensure the complementary access is established according to the request.

[0072] In some embodiments, UE 112 may receive a request to support complementary access. Second UE 102 may then request connection parameter information from its cellular modem or first modem 508. UE 112 may then transmit information on complementary access possibilities using second modem 510. UE 112 may receive request to activate the available connection. In response to the request, UE 112 may activate the wide area modem according to the request. If not already available, UE 112 activates tethering, enabling the end-to-end connection using the activated wide area link.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process 600, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, process 600 may be performed by a first user equipment, UE, (e.g., UE 102) operable to use a first communication link (e.g., a radio link between the UE and a base station) for transmitting data toward a first network. Process 600 may begin in step s602. Step s602 comprises transmitting (e.g., broadcasting) a request message. Step s604 comprises receiving, from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message, wherein the response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE. Step s606 comprises determining, based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.Y1

[0074] In some embodiments, the first communication link is between the first UE and a first access point (e.g., 5G base station, 4G base station, Wi-Fi access point, etc.), and the second communication link is between the second UE and the first access point or a second access point.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first communication link uses a first frequency band for communication, the second communication link is between the second UE and the first access point, the second communication link uses a second frequency band for communication, and the second frequency band is different than the first frequency band.

[0076] In some embodiments, process 600 further comprises, prior to transmitting the request message, establishing a device-to-device, D2D, link (e.g., a 5G sidelink) with the second UE, wherein the request message is transmitted to the second UE using the established D2D link; determining to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network; and transmitting user data towards the second UE using the established D2D link for the second UE to transmit data using the second communication link.

[0077] In some embodiments, the communication capability information further identifies a second communication capability of the second UE, and using the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to a network comprises: using the communication capability information and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the first communication capability of the second UE or the second communication capability of the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network.

[0078] In some embodiments, using the communication capability information and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the first communication capability or the second communication capability of the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network comprises: using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information to determine a first score for the first communication capability and a second score for the second communication capability; and comparing the first score and the second score.

[0079] In some embodiments, process 600 further comprises receiving, from a third UE, a message comprising second communication capability information identifying at least a firstcommunication capability of the third UE; and using the second communication capability information, the communication capability information received from the second UE, and the information regarding the first communication link, to determine whether to use the third UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network.

[0080] In some embodiments, using the second communication capability information, the communication capability information received from the second UE, and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the third UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network comprises: using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information received from the second UE to determine a first score for the first communication capability of the second UE; using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information received from the third UE to determine a second score for the first communication capability of the third UE; comparing the first score and the second score.

[0081] In some embodiments, process 600 further comprises establishing, via the first communication link, a first transport layer connection with an application running on a host; and after determining to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to a network, establishing, via the second UE, a second transport layer connection with the application.

[0082] In some embodiments, establishing, via the second UE, the second transport layer connection with the application comprises transmitting a transport layer connection request message (e.g., TCP SYN datagram) to the second UE via a device-to-device, D2D, link (e.g., a 5G sidelink) established with the second UE.

[0083] In some embodiments, transmitting the transport layer connection request message (e.g., TCP SYN datagram) to the second UE via the D2D link comprises transmitting to the second UE via the D2D link a network layer protocol data unit (e.g., IP packet) comprising a payload comprising the transport layer connection request message.

[0084] In some embodiments, establishing, via the second UE, the second transport layer connection with the application comprises transmitting to the second UE via a device-to-device, D2D, link (e.g., a 5G sidelink) a message for causing the second UE to transmit to the host a transport layer connection request message.

[0085] In some embodiments, the determination as to whether to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE is further based on mobility information regarding the first UE (e.g., information indicating whether the UE is moving or likely to be moving within a period of time) and / or location information indicating a current location of the first UE.

[0086] In some embodiments, the request message includes the information regarding the first communication link (e.g., RAT, Frequency, and / or cell ID), and the communication capability information received from the second UE identifies only those communication capabilities of the second UE that are complementary of the first communication link.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second communication link is complementary to the first communication link.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second communication link being complementary to the first communication link comprises: one or more characteristics of the second communication link being complementary to one or more characteristics of the first communication link.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a UE 700 (e.g., UE 102, 112, 122) according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, UE 700 may comprise: processing circuitry (PC) 702, which may include one or more processors (P) 755 (e.g., one or more general purpose microprocessors and / or one or more other processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like), which processors may be co-located in a single housing or in a single data center or may be geographically distributed (i.e., UE 700 may be a distributed computing apparatus); at least one network interface 748 (e.g., a physical interface or air interface) comprising a transmitter (Tx) 745 and a receiver (Rx) 747 for enabling the UE to transmit data to and receive data from other nodes connected to network 110 (e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) network) to which network interface 748 is connected (physically or wirelessly) (e.g., network interface 748 may be coupled to an antenna arrangement comprising one or more antennas for enabling UE 700 to wirelessly transmit / receive data); and a storage unit (a.k.a., “data storage system”) 708, which may include one or more non-volatile storage devices and / or one or more volatile storage devices. In embodiments where PC 702 includes a programmable processor, a computer readable storage medium (CRSM) 742 may be provided. CRSM 742 may store a computer program (CP) 743 comprising computer readable instructions(CRI) 744. CRSM 742 may be a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as, magnetic media (e.g., a hard disk), optical media, memory devices (e.g., random access memory, flash memory), and the like. In some embodiments, the CRI 744 of computer program 743 is configured such that when executed by PC 702, the CRI causes UE 700 to perform the steps described herein (e.g., steps described herein with reference to the flow charts). In other embodiments, UE 700 may be configured to perform the steps described herein without the need for code. That is, for example, PC 702 may consist merely of one or more ASICs. Hence, the features of the embodiments described herein may be implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0090] While various embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0091] As used herein transmitting a message “to” or “toward” an intended recipient encompasses transmitting the message directly to the intended recipient or transmitting the message indirectly to the intended recipient (i.e., one or more other devices are used to relay the message from the source device to the intended recipient). Likewise, as used herein receiving a message “from” a sender encompasses receiving the message directly from the sender or indirectly from the sender (i.e., one or more devices are used to relay the message from the sender to the receiving device). Further, as used herein “a” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0092] Additionally, while the processes described above and illustrated in the drawings are shown as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, and some steps may be performed in parallel.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (600) performed by a first user equipment, UE, (102) operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network, the method comprising: transmitting (s602) a request message; receiving (s604), from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message, wherein the response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE; and determining (s606), based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first communication link is between the first UE and a first access point, and the second communication link is between the second UE and the first access point or a second access point.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first communication link uses a first frequency band for communication, the second communication link is between the second UE and the first access point, the second communication link uses a second frequency band for communication, and the second frequency band is different than the first frequency band.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: prior to transmitting the request message, establishing a device-to-device, D2D, link with the second UE, wherein the request message is transmitted to the second UE using the established D2D link; determining to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network; and transmitting user data towards the second UE using the established D2D link for the second UE to transmit data using the second communication link.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the communication capability information further identifies a second communication capability of the second UE, and using the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to a network comprises: using the communication capability information and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the first communication capability of the second UE or the second communication capability of the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein using the communication capability information and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the first communication capability or the second communication capability of the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network comprises: using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information to determine a first score for the first communication capability and a second score for the second communication capability; and comparing the first score and the second score.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: receiving, from a third UE, a message comprising second communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the third UE; and using the second communication capability information, the communication capability information received from the second UE, and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the third UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein using the second communication capability information, the communication capability information received from the second UE, and the information regarding the first communication link to determine whether to use the third UE for relaying data from the first UE to the network comprises:using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information received from the second UE to determine a first score for the first communication capability of the second UE; using the information regarding the first communication link and the communication capability information received from the third UE to determine a second score for the first communication capability of the third UE; comparing the first score and the second score.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising: establishing, via the first communication link, a first transport layer connection with an application running on a host; and after determining to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to a network, establishing, via the second UE, a second transport layer connection with the application.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein establishing, via the second UE, the second transport layer connection with the application comprises transmitting a transport layer connection request message to the second UE via a device-to-device, D2D, link established with the second UE.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein transmitting the transport layer connection request message to the second UE via the D2D link comprises transmitting to the second UE via the D2D link a network layer protocol data unit comprising a payload comprising the transport layer connection request message.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein establishing, via the second UE, the second transport layer connection with the application comprises transmitting to the second UE via a device-to- device, D2D, link a message for causing the second UE to transmit to the host a transport layer connection request message.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the determination as to whether to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE is further based on mobility information regarding the first UE and / or location information indicating a current location of the first UE.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the request message includes the information regarding the first communication link , and the communication capability information received from the second UE identifies only those communication capabilities of the second UE that are complementary of the first communication link.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the second communication link is complementary to the first communication link.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second communication link being complementary to the first communication link comprises: one or more characteristics of the second communication link being complementary to one or more characteristics of the first communication link.

17. A computer program (743) comprising instructions (744), executable by processing circuitry (702) of a user equipment, UE, (102), for configuring the UE to perform the method of any one of claims 1-16.

18. A carrier containing the computer program of claim 17, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, and a computer readable storage medium (742).

19. A user equipment, UE, (102) operable to use a first communication link for transmitting data toward a first network, the UE configured to: transmit (s602) a request message; receive (s604), from a second UE, a response message responsive to the request message, wherein the response message comprises communication capability information identifying at least a first communication capability of the second UE; anddetermine (s606), based on the communication capability information and information regarding the first communication link, to use the second UE for relaying data from the first UE to the first network or a second network via a second communication link.

20. The UE of claim 19, wherein the computing apparatus is further configured to perform the steps of any one of claims 2-16.

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