Method and apparatus for transmitting traffic between terminals through multi-hop

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The present disclosure can be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, healthcare, digital education, retail businesses, security- and safety-related services, and the like) on the basis of 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. An operation method for a relay device (UE-to-network relay) of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: an operation of transmitting a first message for requesting UE policy provisioning to a network entity; and an operation of receiving, from the network entity, a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to an allowable degree of a service delay when a 5G ProSe remote UE uses a service through the relay device.

Description

Method and device for transmitting traffic between terminals via multi-hop

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system and proposes an efficient user traffic transmission method of 5G ProSe UE-to-NETWORK Relay in an environment supporting multiple hop relays.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band to enable fast transmission speeds and new services, and can be implemented not only in the sub-6GHz frequency band such as 3.5 gigahertz (3.5GHz), but also in the ultra-high frequency band called millimeter wave (mmWave) such as 28GHz and 39GHz ('Above 6GHz'). In addition, for 6G mobile communication technology, which is called the system after 5G communication (Beyond 5G), implementation in the terahertz (THz) band (for example, 3 THz band at 95GHz) is being considered to achieve a transmission speed that is 50 times faster than 5G mobile communication technology and an ultra-low latency time that is reduced to one-tenth.

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology, the goal is to support services and satisfy performance requirements for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). These include beamforming and massive MIMO to mitigate path loss of radio waves in ultra-high frequency bands and increase the transmission distance of radio waves, support for various numerologies (such as operation of multiple subcarrier intervals) and dynamic operation of slot formats for efficient use of ultra-high frequency resources, initial access technology to support multi-beam transmission and wideband, definition and operation of BWP (Bidth Part), new channel coding methods such as LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) codes for large-capacity data transmission and Polar Code for reliable transmission of control information, and L2 pre-processing (L2). Standardization has been made for network slicing, which provides dedicated networks specialized for specific services, and pre-processing.

[0004] Currently, discussions are underway to improve and enhance the initial 5G mobile communication technology in consideration of the services that 5G mobile communication technology was intended to support, and physical layer standardization is in progress for technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) to help autonomous vehicles make driving decisions and increase user convenience based on their own location and status information transmitted by vehicles, NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) for the purpose of system operation that complies with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed bands, NR terminal low power consumption technology (UE Power Saving), Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is direct terminal-satellite communication to secure coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is impossible, and Positioning.

[0005] In addition, standardization of wireless interface architecture / protocols is in progress for technologies such as intelligent factories (Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT) to support new services through linkage and convergence with other industries, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) that provides nodes for expanding network service areas by integrating wireless backhaul links and access links, Mobility Enhancement technology including Conditional Handover and Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS) handover, and 2-step random access (2-step RACH for NR) that simplifies random access procedures. Standardization is also in progress for system architecture / services such as 5G baseline architecture (e.g., Service-based Architecture, Service-based Interface) for grafting Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) that provides services based on the location of the terminal.

[0006] Once these 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, an explosive increase in connected devices will be connected to the communication network, necessitating enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operation of these connected devices. To this end, new research will be conducted on improving 5G performance and reducing complexity, supporting AI services, supporting metaverse services, and drone communications by utilizing eXtended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to efficiently support Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

[0007] In addition, the development of these 5G mobile communication systems includes new waveforms to ensure coverage in the terahertz band of 6G mobile communication technology, multi-antenna transmission technologies such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), Array Antenna, and Large Scale Antenna, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas to improve the coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, as well as full duplex technology to improve the frequency efficiency and system network of 6G mobile communication technology, satellite, AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and AI-based communication technology that realizes system optimization by internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources to provide services with complexity that exceeds the limits of terminal computing capabilities. It could serve as a basis for the development of next-generation distributed computing technologies that can be realized by utilizing this technology.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method and device capable of effectively providing a service in a wireless communication system.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method and device for effectively supporting ProSe (Proximity based Services) in a multi-hop environment.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] A method for operating a relay device (UE-to-network relay) of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: transmitting a first message to a network entity for requesting UE (user equipment) policy provisioning; and receiving a second message from the network entity including a data aggregation indicator related to an allowable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device.

[0012] A method for operating a network entity of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving a first message for requesting UE (user equipment) policy provisioning from a relay device (UE-to-network relay); and transmitting a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to an allowable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device to the relay device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a relay device (UE-to-network relay) of a wireless communication system includes a transceiver; and a processor. The processor controls transmission of a first message requesting UE (user equipment) policy provisioning to a network entity, and receives a second message from the network entity including a data aggregation indicator related to an acceptable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a network entity of a wireless communication system includes a transceiver; and a processor. The processor may control a relay device (UE-to-network relay) to receive a first message for requesting UE (user equipment) policy provisioning, and transmit a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to an acceptable level of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device to the relay device.

[0015] The disclosed embodiment provides a device and method capable of effectively providing a service in a wireless communication system.

[0016] In connection with one embodiment, a method and device for effectively supporting ProSe in a multi-hop environment are provided. Specifically, an effective method and device are provided for a communication process between UEs via at least one relay.

[0017] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a 5G network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay architecture including a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay supporting multiple hops according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay in a single hop environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay in a multi-hop environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a user data transmission process between a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay and an NG-RAN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a provisioning procedure for a Data Aggregation Indicator parameter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model A procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model B procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that, where possible, identical components are represented by identical reference numerals throughout the attached drawings. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0029] In describing the embodiments herein, descriptions of technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains and are not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. This is to avoid obscuring the gist of the present disclosure by omitting unnecessary explanations and to convey the gist more clearly.

[0030] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing are assigned the same reference numbers.

[0031] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0032] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the processing flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, and the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0033] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0034] Here, the term '~ unit' used in the present embodiment means a software or hardware component such as an FPGA or ASIC, and the '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, the '~ unit' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to be on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, the '~ unit' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or further separated into additional components and '~ units'. Additionally, components and '~parts' may be implemented to regenerate one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card.

[0035] Hereinafter, the base station is an entity that performs resource allocation of a terminal, and may be at least one of a Node B, a BS (Base Station), an eNB (eNode B), a gNB (gNode B), a wireless access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network. The terminal may include a UE (User Equipment), an MS (Mobile Station), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing a communication function. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems having a similar technical background or channel type to the embodiments of the present disclosure described below. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems through some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure at the discretion of a person having skilled technical knowledge.

[0036] In the following description, terms used to identify connection nodes, terms referring to network entities or network functions (NFs), terms referring to messages, terms referring to interfaces between network objects, terms referring to various identification information, etc. are provided as examples for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0037] For convenience of explanation, some terms and names defined in the 3rd generation partnership project long-term evolution (3GPP) standards may be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these terms and names, and can be equally applied to systems conforming to other standards.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a 5G network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the network entities or network nodes that constitute the 5G network are described as follows.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a 5G network (or wireless communication system) may include a UE (User Equipment) (101), (R)AN ((Radio) Access Network) (103), UPF (User Plane Function) (105), DN (Data Network) (107), AUSF (Authentication Server Function) (109), AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) (111), SMF (Session Management Function) (113), SCP (Service Communication Proxy) (115), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) (117), NEF (Network Exposure Function) (119), NRF (Network Repository Function) (121), PCF (Policy Control Function) (123), UDM (Unified Data Management) (125), and AF (Application Function) (127).

[0041] UE (101) may include a terminal, NG UE (Next Generation UE), MS (Mobile Station), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or multimedia system capable of performing communication functions.

[0042] (R)AN (103) is an entity that performs wireless resource allocation of UE (101), and may be at least one of an eNode B, a Node B, a BS (Base Station), an NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network), a 5G-AN, a wireless access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network.

[0043] In addition, although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below using a 5G system as an example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds. In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems with some modifications within a scope that does not significantly deviate from the scope of the present disclosure at the judgment of a person having skilled technical knowledge. As wireless communication systems evolve from 4G systems to 5G systems, a new core network, NextGen Core (NG Core) or 5GC (5G Core Network), is defined. The new core network virtualizes all existing network entities (NEs) and creates network functions (NFs). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function (NF) may mean a network entity, a network component, or a network resource.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, 5GC may include NFs illustrated in FIG. 1. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1, and 5GC may include more or fewer NFs than the NFs illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045] AMF (111) may be a network function that manages access and mobility of UE (101). For example, AMF may perform network functions such as registration, connection, reachability, mobility management, access verification, authentication, and mobility event generation.

[0046] The SMF (113) may be a network function that manages a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection provided to a user UE (101). The PDN connection may be referred to as a Packet Data Unit (PDU) Session. For example, the SMF (113) may perform network functions such as session management through establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions and maintaining tunnels between the UPF and the RAN required therefor, IP (Internet protocol) address allocation and management of the UE (101), user plane selection and control, traffic processing control in the UPF (105), and charging data collection control.

[0047] PCF (123) may be a network function that applies a mobile communication service provider's service policy, charging policy, and policy for PDU Session to UE (101).

[0048] The UDM (125) may be a network function that stores information about subscribers. For example, the UDM (125) may perform functions such as generating authentication information for 3GPP security, processing user identifiers (user IDs), managing a list of network functions supporting the UE (101), and managing subscription information.

[0049] NEF (119) may be a function that provides information about UE (101) to a server outside the 5G network. In addition, NEF (119) may provide a function that provides information necessary for service to the 5G network and stores it in a Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0050] The UPF (105) may be a gateway that transmits user data (PDU) to a DN (Data Network). More specifically, the UPF (105) may perform a data processing function so that data transmitted by the UE (101) can be transmitted to an external network or data received from an external network can be transmitted to the UE (101). For example, the UPF (105) may perform network functions such as serving as an anchor between radio access technologies (RATs), packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy application, traffic usage report creation, buffering, etc.

[0051] NRF(121) can perform the function of discovering NF.

[0052] AUSF (109) can perform terminal authentication in 3GPP access networks and non-3GPP access networks.

[0053] NSSF (117) can perform the function of selecting a Network Slice Instance provided to UE (101).

[0054] The AF (127) can perform functions that provide service or application-related information. The AF (127) can access the NEF (119) for resource discovery and interact with the PCF (123) to enable policy control. Furthermore, the AF (127) can request traffic routing for applications from the operator network and provide application services to subscribers.

[0055] SCP (115) can perform network functions that enable dynamic scaling and management of communications and services in 5G networks. SCP (115) can provide a variety of functions, from simplifying network topology to load balancing, overload handling, and message processing within a 5G service-based architecture.

[0056] DN (107) may be a data network through which UE (101) transmits and receives data in order to use a network operator's service or a third party service.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay architecture including a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) UE-to-UE Relay supporting multiple hops according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the communication system may include a 5G ProSe Remote UE (201), a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (203), a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (205), and an NG-RAN (or operator network) (207).

[0059] Each of the 5G ProSe Remote UE (201), 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (203), and 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (205) can be implemented as a 5G ProSe enabled UE.

[0060] 5G ProSe Remote UE (201) can communicate with NG-RAN (207) using 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (203) and 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (205).

[0061] The 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (203) can provide a data relay service so that the 5G ProSe Remote UE (201) can communicate with the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (205).

[0062] The 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (205) can provide connectivity services of mobile communication network operators by transmitting data of 5G ProSe Remote UE received from the 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (203) to the NG-RAN (207).

[0063] Each 5G ProSe enabled UE (201, 203, 205) can use the PC5 interface to transmit data and signaling. At least one 5G ProSe enabled UE (201, 203, 205) can use the Uu interface to communicate with the NG-RAN (207).

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a structure that supports multiple hops in which one or more 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relays (203) can be used for data transmission.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay in a single hop environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] In the single-hop environment of Fig. 3, the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310) can only serve 5G ProSe Remote UEs (320) located nearby. Since the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310) does not exist within the radio transmission range of most 5G ProSe Remote UEs, the 5G ProSe Remote UE cannot use the mobile communication network service using the UE-to-Network Relay (310).

[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay in a multi-hop environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] In FIG. 3, most of the 5G ProSe Remote UEs cannot use the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310) due to the short Radio Transmission Range, but in FIG. 4, the 5G ProSe Remote UEs can communicate with PLMN A NG-RAN1 using at least one nearby 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay (at least one of 420, 430, 440, 420) and a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (450) rather than communicating directly with the NG-RAN in order to save terminal battery power.

[0069] However, the increased use of 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (410) due to support for Multiple Hops in FIG. 4 may cause control signaling congestion in the 5G network and increase battery consumption of the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (410). In this case, the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (410) may also be implemented as a 5G ProSe enabled UE.

[0070] In the present disclosure, in an environment using a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310, 410) capable of multiple hops as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a method and device are proposed for reducing the number of data transmissions that a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310, 410) transmits to a mobile communication service provider network (e.g., PLMN A NG-RAN1), thereby reducing signaling overhead in the mobile communication service provider network and reducing battery consumption of the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (310, 410).

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a user data transmission process between a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay and an NG-RAN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] In this disclosure, a data aggregation indicator parameter is proposed to reduce the number of data transmissions of a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510).

[0073] The Data Aggregation Indicator can indicate the extent to which a 5G ProSe Remote UE can tolerate service delay (or data delay) when using a mobile network operator service using a Relay service.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the Data Aggregation Indicator value may be set to different values ​​depending on the ProSe Service (RSC: Relay Service Code). According to one embodiment, the Data Aggregation Indicator may be assigned a value based on at least one of the 5QI / PQI (PC5 5QI) value of each RSC and the network policy.

[0075] In one embodiment, the Data Aggregation Indicator may be indicated by a specific value or a specific Level (e.g., L1, L2, L3). For example, among the values ​​of the Data Aggregation Indicator, L1 may be set to 5 seconds, L2 to 10 seconds, and L3 to 20 seconds. Depending on the service requirements of each ProSe Service, the level values ​​of the Aggregation Indicator may be set to different values.

[0076] In some embodiments, a Data Aggregation Indicator may not be assigned for emergency services such as the Emergency Service. Emergency services such as the Emergency Service require data to be transmitted to the mobile network immediately upon generation, and thus may not be assigned a Data Aggregation Indicator.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows an example of a user data transmission process to NG-RAN (540) according to a Data Aggregation Indicator.

[0078] The 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) can establish, for example, two PDU Sessions for data transmission of a 5G ProSe Remote UE to the NG-RAN (540). User data destined for each PDU Session can be located in a queue for each PDU Session. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 5 illustrates that the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) establishes two PDU Sessions for user data transmission, but the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) can establish a variety of PDU Sessions for user data transmission.

[0079] According to an embodiment, each traffic for ProSe Service may be set to a Data Aggregation Indicator of L1 or L2. According to an embodiment, each ProSe Service data may be buffered in the transmission queue of the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) for L1 time or L2 time and then transmitted to the NG-RAN (540) all at once. Through this, the number of times the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) turns on the radio modem and transmits data all at once to the NG-RAN (540) may be reduced.

[0080] The 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) must exchange control signaling with the NG-RAN (540) to activate the User Plane (UP) in order to communicate with the NG-RAN (540) and also turn on the radio modem.

[0081] That is, as the number of transmissions from the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) to the NG-RAN (540) increases, the time and number of times the radio modem of the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) must be turned on also increase, and the amount of control signaling that must be exchanged with the NG-RAN (540) may also increase. This may ultimately cause battery power consumption of the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) and control signaling congestion in the network.

[0082] By using the Data Aggregation Indicator proposed in this disclosure, the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (510) can buffer transmitted data and transmit them to the NG-RAN (540) at once, thereby solving the aforementioned problems. In addition, since the buffering time set through the Data Aggregation Indicator proposed in this disclosure is set to a level that does not degrade the service quality, the user QoE (Quality of Experience) may not be lowered.

[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates a provisioning procedure for a Data Aggregation Indicator parameter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the communication system may include a UE (610), a (R)AN (620), an AMF (630), and a PCF (640).

[0085] In operation 601, the UE (610) may transmit a UE Policy provisioning request message to the AMF (630). Here, the UE (610) may act as a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay.

[0086] In operation 602, AMF (630) may send a Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify message to PCF (640) to request ProSe Policy Provisioning.

[0087] In operation 603, the UE (610) may receive from the PCF (640) at least one of a Data Aggregation Indicator per RSC (e.g., including at least one of L1, L2, and L3), a Battery Threshold, and a maximum number of Service Data Flows per PDU session. According to an embodiment, the Data Aggregation Indicator per RSC may include at least two of L1, L2, and L3, and the UE (610) may select one level value (any one of L1, L2, and L3) from the at least two. However, in the present disclosure, the information transmitted in operation 603 is not limited to the values ​​listed above.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the UE (610) may receive at least one of a Data Aggregation Indicator per RSC (e.g., one of L1, L2, L3), a Battery Threshold, and a maximum number of Service Data Flows per PDU session from the ProSe application server via the PCF (640).

[0089] In operation 603, at least one of the UE (610), (R)AN (620), AMF (630), and PCF (640) may perform the UE Policy delivery procedure defined in clause 4.2.4.3 of 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model A procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 7, the communication system may include a UE-to-Network Relay (710), a Remote UE-1 (720), a Remote UE-2 (730), and a Remote UE-3 (740). The UE-to-Network Relay (710) may perform an announcing function, and the Remote UE-1 (720), Remote UE-2 (730), and Remote UE-3 (740) may perform a monitoring function.

[0092] The 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model A procedure is a procedure for discovering a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (710). In operation 701, the UE-to-Network Relay (710) may periodically broadcast a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message. According to an embodiment, the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message may include RSC values ​​of relay services that the UE-to-Network Relay (710) may provide.

[0093] According to one embodiment, at least one of Remote UE-1 (720), Remote UE-2 (730), and Remote UE-3 (740) may receive a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message broadcast in operation 701.

[0094] According to an embodiment, in operation 703, the UE-to-Network Relay (710) may broadcast a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message including RSC values ​​capable of providing relay service through currently created PDU Sessions and a Data Aggregation Indicator associated with the RSC if its Battery Power value is lower than or equal to a Battery Threshold value received from the PCF. That is, the ProSe Service (RSC) that requires creating a new PDU Session is no longer provided, and only the RSC service that can be provided through an existing PDU Session may be provided. At this time, the Data Aggregation Indicator value is transmitted together with each RSC, and the UE-to-Network Relay (710) can inform the 5G ProSe Remote UE (any one of 720, 730, and 740) that the RSC service provided by the UE-to-Network Relay (710) may be delayed.

[0095] According to one embodiment, in operation 703, if the number of Service Data Flows serviced through a specific PDU Session is greater than or equal to the Maximum Number of Service Data Flows per PDU Session value received from the PCF, the UE-to-Network Relay (710) may include the RSC serviced through the specific PDU Session and the Data Aggregation Indicator value associated therewith in the 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message. When announcing other RSCs, the Data Aggregation Indicator value may not be included in the UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message. This is to reduce the load on the mobile communication network by aggregated and transmitted to the NG-RAN because the service traffic transmitted through the corresponding PDU Session is too much.

[0096] In one embodiment, a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement message may include one RSC. In one embodiment, if a UE-to-Network Relay (710) serves three RSCs, it may broadcast three different UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Announcement messages.

[0097] The technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the data aggregation method for reducing battery power consumption and network load of the relay listed above.

[0098] FIG. 8 illustrates a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model B procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, the communication system may include a Remote UE (810), a UE-to-Network Relay-1 (820), a UE-to-Network Relay-2 (830), and a UE-to-Network Relay-3 (840). The Remote UE (810) may perform a discoverer function, and each of the UE-to-Network Relay-1 (820), the UE-to-Network Relay-2 (830), and the UE-to-Network Relay-3 (840) may perform a discoveree function.

[0100] The 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery with Model B procedure may be a procedure for discovering a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay (at least one of 820, 830, and 840).

[0101] In operation 801, the 5G ProSe Remote UE (810) may discover a UE-to-Network Relay (at least one of 820, 830, and 840) by transmitting a 5G ProSe UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message may include a service that the 5G ProSe Remote UE (810) requests for Relay for Data Aggregation, i.e., RSC and the corresponding Data Aggregation Indicator.

[0103] Among the UE-to-Network Relays that have received the UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message, the UE-to-Network Relay (at least one of 820, 830, and 840) that provides the corresponding RSC can respond to the Relay service request by considering not only the RSC but also the Data Aggregation Indicator.

[0104] At least one of UE-to-Network Relay-1 (820), UE-to-Network Relay-2 (830), and UE-to-Network Relay-3 (840) receives a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message, and determines whether it is an RSC that can be serviced by considering the battery status and / or the maximum number of data flows supported by the PDU Session that serves the corresponding RSC, and responds to the relay service request.

[0105] At least one of UE-to-Network Relay-1 (820), UE-to-Network Relay-2 (830), and UE-to-Network Relay-3 (840) may receive a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message, check the Data Aggregation Indicator value to determine whether it is an RSC that can provide service, and respond to the Relay service request.

[0106] UE-to-Network Relay-1 (820), which received a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message in operation 801, can transmit a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Response message to Remote UE (810) in operation 802a.

[0107] UE-to-Network Relay-2 (830), which received a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Solicitation message in operation 801, can transmit a UE-to-Network Relay Discovery Response message to Remote UE (810) in operation 802b.

[0108] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The terminal (or UE) of FIG. 9 may be implemented as any one of the UEs illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. For example, the terminal of FIG. 9 may be implemented as a UE-to-Network Relay.

[0110] A terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (920) that controls the overall operation of the terminal, a transceiver (900) including a transmitter and a receiver, and a memory (910). Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the terminal may include more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0111] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transceiver (900) can transmit and receive signals with network entities or other terminals. The signals transmitted and received with the network entities may include control information and data. In addition, the transceiver (900) can receive signals via a wireless channel, output them to the processor (920), and transmit the signals output from the processor (920) via the wireless channel.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (920) can control the terminal to perform any one of the operations described above. Meanwhile, the processor (920), the memory (910), and the transceiver (900) do not necessarily have to be implemented as separate modules, and of course, they can be implemented as a single component in the form of a single chip. In addition, the processor (920) and the transceiver (900) can be electrically connected. In addition, the processor (920) can be an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a circuit, an application-specific circuit, or at least one processor.

[0113] The processor (920) may control a first message to be transmitted to a network entity for requesting UE policy provisioning. The processor (920) may receive a second message from the network entity, which includes a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity-based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device. According to an embodiment, the network entity may be a policy control function (PCF) or an application server.

[0114] In one embodiment, the second message may further include at least one of a battery threshold and a maximum number of service data flows per packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the data aggregation indicator may include at least one value set based on at least one of a quality value corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) and a network policy.

[0116] The processor (920) can set up a first PDU session and a second PDU session for data transmission, set a first value included in the data aggregation indicator in the first PDU session, and set a second value included in the data aggregation indicator in the second PDU session.

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (910) can store data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the terminal. In particular, the memory (510) provides the stored data upon request of the processor (920). The memory (510) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. In addition, there can be a plurality of memories (910). In addition, the processor (920) can perform the above-described embodiments based on a program for performing the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure stored in the memory (910).

[0118] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] The network entity of FIG. 10 can be implemented as any one of the network entities illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0120] A network entity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (1020) that controls the overall operation of the network entity, a transceiver (1000) including a transmitter and a receiver, and a memory (1010). Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the network entity may include more or fewer components than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transceiver (1000) can transmit and receive signals with at least one of other network entities or terminals. The signals transmitted and received with at least one of the other network entities or terminals may include control information and data.

[0122] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1020) can control a network entity to perform any one of the operations described above. Meanwhile, the processor (1020), the memory (1010), and the transceiver (1000) do not necessarily have to be implemented as separate modules, and can of course be implemented as a single component in the form of a single chip. In addition, the processor (1020) and the transceiver (600) can be electrically connected. In addition, the processor (1020) can be an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a circuit, an application-specific circuit, or at least one processor.

[0123] The processor (1020) may receive a first message for requesting UE policy provisioning from a relay device (UE-to-network relay). The processor (1020) may control a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE to transmit a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay when using a service through the relay device to the relay device.

[0124] In one embodiment, the second message may further include at least one of a battery threshold and a maximum number of service data flows per packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the data aggregation indicator may include at least one value set based on at least one of a quality value corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) and a network policy.

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (1010) can store data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of a network entity. In particular, the memory (1010) provides the stored data upon request of the processor (620). The memory (1010) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. In addition, there can be a plurality of memories (1010). In addition, the processor (1020) can perform the above-described embodiments based on a program for performing the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure stored in the memory (1010).

[0127] It should be noted that the aforementioned configuration diagrams, examples of control / data signal transmission methods, examples of operational procedures, and configuration diagrams are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, not all components, entities, or operational steps described in the embodiments of the present disclosure should be construed as essential components for implementing the disclosure, and implementations may be made within a scope that does not detract from the essence of the disclosure even if only some components are included. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined and operated as needed. For example, parts of the methods proposed in the present disclosure may be combined to operate network entities and terminals.

[0128] The operations of the base station or terminal described above can be realized by providing a memory device storing the corresponding program code in any component within the base station or terminal device. That is, the control unit of the base station or terminal device can execute the operations described above by reading and executing the program code stored in the memory device using a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0129] The various components and modules of the entity, base station or terminal device described in this specification may be operated using hardware circuits, such as logic circuits based on complementary metal oxide semiconductors, firmware, software and / or hardware and firmware and / or software embedded in a machine-readable medium. For example, various electrical structures and methods may be implemented using electrical circuits such as transistors, logic gates and application-specific semiconductors.

[0130] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure.

[0131] These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage device, compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other forms of optical storage device, magnetic cassette. Or, they may be stored in a memory configured as a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may be included in multiple numbers.

[0132] Additionally, the program may be stored in an attachable storage device that is accessible via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide local area network (WLAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural form may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular form may be composed of plural elements.

[0134] Meanwhile, although the detailed description of the present disclosure has described specific embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the scope of the following claims but also by equivalents of the scope of the claims. In other words, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are possible. In addition, each of the above embodiments can be combined and operated with each other as needed. For example, parts of the methods proposed in the present disclosure can be combined with each other to operate a base station and a terminal. In addition, although the above embodiments have been presented based on a 5G, NR system, other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the above embodiments can be implemented with other systems such as LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A-Pro systems.

[0135] While the detailed description of this disclosure has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the scope of the claims described below, but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In the operating method of a relay device (UE-to-network relay) of a wireless communication system, An action of transmitting a first message to a network entity to request UE (user equipment) policy provisioning; and A method characterized by including an operation of receiving a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device from the network entity.

2. In paragraph 1, the second message is, A method characterized by further comprising at least one of a battery threshold, and a maximum number of service data flows per packet data unit (PDU) session.

3. In paragraph 1, A method characterized in that the above data aggregation indicator includes at least one value set based on at least one of a quality value corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) and a network policy.

4. In paragraph 1, The act of establishing a first PDU session and a second PDU session for data transmission; An operation of setting a first value included in the data aggregation indicator in the first PDU session; and A method further comprising the action of setting a second value included in the data aggregation indicator in the second PDU session.

5. In paragraph 1, the network entity, A method characterized by being a PCF (policy control function) or an application server.

6. In the operation method of a network entity of a wireless communication system, An operation of receiving a first message from a relay device (UE-to-network relay) for requesting UE (user equipment) policy provisioning; and A method characterized by including an operation of transmitting a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay when a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE uses a service through the relay device to the relay device.

7. In paragraph 6, the second message is, A method characterized by further comprising at least one of a battery threshold, and a maximum number of service data flows per packet data unit (PDU) session.

8. In paragraph 6, A method characterized in that the above data aggregation indicator includes at least one value set based on at least one of a quality value corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) and a network policy.

9. In paragraph 6, A first PDU session and a second PDU session are established for data transmission, A first value included in the data aggregation indicator is set in the first PDU session, A method characterized in that a second value included in the data aggregation indicator is set in the second PDU session.

10. In paragraph 6, the network entity, A method characterized by being a PCF (policy control function) or an application server.

11. In a relay device (UE-to-network relay) of a wireless communication system, Transmitter and receiver; and comprising a processor, said processor comprising: Controls transmission of a first message to a network entity to request UE (user equipment) policy provisioning, A device characterized in that the 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE receives a second message from the network entity including a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay when using a service through the relay device.

12. In paragraph 11, the second message is, A device characterized by further comprising at least one of a battery threshold, and a maximum number of service data flows per packet data unit (PDU) session.

13. In paragraph 11, A device characterized in that the above data aggregation indicator includes at least one value set based on at least one of a quality value corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) and a network policy.

14. In the 11th paragraph, the processor, Establish a first PDU session and a second PDU session for data transmission, Set a first value included in the data aggregation indicator in the first PDU session, A device characterized by setting a second value included in the data aggregation indicator in the second PDU session.

15. In a network entity of a wireless communication system, Transmitter and receiver; and comprising a processor, said processor comprising: Receive a first message from a relay device (UE-to-network relay) to request UE (user equipment) policy provisioning, A network entity characterized in that it controls a 5G ProSe (Proximity based Services) Remote UE to transmit a second message including a data aggregation indicator related to the allowable degree of service delay to the relay device when using a service through the relay device.

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