Wireless data communication based on network-coded relaying

Abstract

On first resources, a relay device receives a first wireless transmission comprising first data from a first device. On second resources distinct from the first resources, the relay device receives a second wireless transmission comprising second data from a second device. The relay device sends a third wireless transmission to the first device and to the second device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data.

Description

[0001] SYP356014W001

[0002] WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION BASED ON NETWORK-CODED RELAYING Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless data communication based on network-coded relaying, and to corresponding devices and systems.

[0004] Background

[0005] In wireless communication systems, such as cellular networks specified by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), it is also known to utilize relay-based operation. For example, the 3GPP cellular networks also support scenarios where service is provided to an out-of-coverage UE (user equipment) by utilizing a relay station (RS). The RS may be another UE which is in coverage, or dedicated infrastructure. The latter type of RS is also denoted as IAB (Integrated Access Backhaul). A typical use case involving such IAB would for example be as an RS mounted on a bus in an urban area. UEs inside the bus might be out-of-coverage, whereas the RS is not. A base station of the cellular network, in the NR technology denoted as “gNB” (“Next Generation Node B”) would then transmit towards the RS, which in turn relays the data to the UE. In a similar manner, the UE would transmit data to the RS, which in turn relays the data to the base station. In this way, UEs within the bus may be provided with stable connections, without requiring an excessive amount of handovers. Another kind of relay operation involves utilizing another UE as RS for relaying data between two other UEs.

[0006] However, in typical relaying scenarios, the RS cannot receive and transmit simultaneously because it has no full duplex capability. This means that for example relaying between a gNB and a UE would be performed in four separate steps: 1) The gNB sends downlink (DL) data to the RS, 2) the RS relays the DL data to the UE, 3) the UE sends uplink data to the RS, and the RS relays the UL data to the gNB, with each step requiring its own resources. As compared to that, without relaying steps 2) and 4) would not be needed. This kind of relay operation may thus double resource usage.

[0007] For improving resource efficiency, a technique denoted as network coding (NC) was proposed. Usage of NC in relaying between a base station (BS) and a mobile station (MS) is described in "Using wireless network coding to replace a wired with wireless backhaul" by H. Thomsen, E. De Carvalho, and P. Popovski. IEEE Wireless Communications Letters 4.2 (2014): 141-144. In this case, MS and the BS simultaneously transmit their data to a small base station (SBS)taking care that the rates and / or transmit powers are carefully selected such that the SBS can decode both data signals. The SBS obtains the bit streams of both data signals and combines them by a bitwise XOR operation. The resulting combined signal is then re-encoded and broadcasted, so that it can be received by both the MS and the BS. The MS can then obtain the data from the BS by applying another XOR operation to the combined signal and the data signal which was before transmitted by the MS. Similarly, the BS can obtain the data from the MS by applying another XOR operation to the combined signal and the data signal which was before transmitted by the BS. However, implementing comparable operations in the 3GPP NR technology is not possible as the UE and the gNB cannot transmit simultaneously to the RS.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for techniques which allow for expanding the possibility of utilizing NC in relaying operation.SYP356014W001

[0010] This need is met by a method for relaying data as defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further embodiments.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of relaying data between a first device and a second device. The method comprises that, on first resources, a relay device receives a first wireless transmission comprising first data from the first device. Further, the method comprises that, on second resources distinct from the first resources, the relay device receives a second wireless transmission comprising second data from the second device. Further, the method comprises that, on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the relay device sends a third wireless transmission to the first device and to the second device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data. One of the first device and the second device can be a mobile terminal, e.g., a UE, while the other of the first device and the second device is a network node, e.g., a gNB or similar radio access node of a cellular network. The first data could then correspond to DL data and the second data to UL data, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first device and the second device could both correspond to mobile terminals, e.g, UEs. The first data and the second data could then for example correspond to sidelink (SL) data.

[0012] By means of the method of the first aspect, the data to be relayed can be provided on distinct resources to the relay device. On the other hand, NC can be applied to relay the data to the respective destinations. In this way, it becomes possible to benefit from increased resource efficiency by using NC also in scenarios with limitations concerning simultaneous transmissions by the first device and the second device, like for example in relaying between a UE and a gNB in the 3GPP NR technology.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain. Alternatively or in addition, the first resources and the second resources could be different in time domain. In this way, the first wireless transmission and the second wireless transmission can be multiplexed in a flexible manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and the relay device sends a fourth wireless transmission to the first device, the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of the second data. In this way, it becomes possible to efficiently address scenarios where the amount of the second data is higher than the amount of the first data. This could for example be the case when the second data corresponds to DL data and the first data corresponds to UL data.

[0015] Accordingly, scenarios with DL / UL asymmetry may be addressed in an efficient manner.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the relay device receives control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying and sends the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration. The control information may indicate timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission. Alternatively or in addition, the control information may indicate the first resources and / or the second resources. Alternatively or in addition, the control information may indicate a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.SYP356014W001

[0017] The control information may be received by physical layer signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) layer signaling, and / or higher layer signaling, e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling. The relay device may receive the control information from the first device, the second device, and / or from a network node which is different from the first device and the second device. By means of the control information, the network-coded relaying may be efficiently controlled, e.g., taking into account information available at other devices.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the relay device may provide capability information to the first device and / or to the second device, the capability information indicating a capability of the relay device to participate in network-coded relaying. The capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device. Alternatively or in addition, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data. Based on the capability information, the first device and / or second device may efficiently control network-coded relaying. For example, the first device and / or the second device could provide at the above-mentioned control information based on the capability information.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure this provides a method of relaying data between a first device and a second device. The method comprises that, on first resources, the first device sends a first wireless transmission to a relay device. The first wireless transmission comprises first data which are to be relayed to the second device. The first resources are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device. Further, the method comprises that, on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the first device receives a third wireless transmission from the relay device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data. One of the first device and the second device can be a mobile terminal, e.g., a UE, while the other of the first device and the second device is a network node, e.g., a gNB or similar radio access node of a cellular network. The first data could then correspond to DL data and the second data to UL data, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first device and the second device could both correspond to mobile terminals, e.g, UEs. The first data and the second data could then for example correspond to sidelink (SL) data.

[0020] By means of the method of the second aspect, the data to be relayed can be provided on distinct resources to the relay device. On the other hand, NC can be applied to relay the data to the respective destinations. In this way, it becomes possible to benefit from increased resource efficiency by using NC also in scenarios with limitations concerning simultaneous transmissions by the first device and the second device, like for example in relaying between a UE and a gNB in the 3GPP NR technology.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain. Alternatively or in addition, the first resources and the second resources could be different in time domain. In this way, the first wireless transmission and the second wireless transmission can be multiplexed in a flexible manner.SYP356014W001

[0022] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and the first device receives a fourth wireless transmission from the relay device, the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of the second data. In this way, it becomes possible to efficiently address scenarios where the amount of the second data is higher than the amount of the first data. This could for example be the case when the second data corresponds to DL data and the first data corresponds to UL data.

[0023] Accordingly, scenarios with DL / LIL asymmetry may be addressed in an efficient manner.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first device receives control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying and receives third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration. The received control information may indicate timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission. Alternatively or in addition, the received control information may indicate the first resources and / or the second resources. Alternatively or in addition, the received control information may indicate a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data. The control information may be received by physical layer signaling, MAC layer signaling, and / or higher layer signaling, e.g., RRC. The first device may receive the control information from the relay device, from the second device, and / or from a network node which is different from the relay device and the second device. By means of the control information, the network-coded relaying may be efficiently controlled, e.g., taking into account information available at other devices.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first device provides control information to the relay device and / or to the second device, the control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying, and receives the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration. The provided control information may indicate timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission. Alternatively or in addition, the provided control information may indicate the first resources and / or the second resources. Alternatively or in addition, the provided control information may indicate a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data. The control information may be provided by physical layer signaling, MAC layer signaling, and / or higher layer signaling, e.g., RRC. The first device may provide the control information to the relay device, and / or to the second device. By means of the control information, the network-coded relaying may be efficiently controlled, e.g., enabling other devices to take into account information available at the first devices.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first device provides first capability information to the second device and / or to the relay device, the first capability information indicating a capability of the first device to participate in network-coded relaying. The first capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the first device. Alternatively or in addition, the first capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first device receives second capability information from the second device, the second capability information indicating aSYP356014W001

[0028] capability of the second device to participate in network-coded relaying. The second capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the second device. Alternatively or in addition, the second capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first device receives third capability information from the relay device, the third capability information indicating a capability of the relay device to participate in network-coded relaying. The third capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device. Alternatively or in addition, the third capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0030] Based on the first capability information, second capability information and / or third capability information, the first device, second device, and / or relay device may efficiently control network-coded relaying. For example, the first device and / or the second device could provide at the above-mentioned control information based on the respectively received capability information.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, by applying a logical operation to the received network-coded combination of the first data and the second data and to the sent first data, the first device separates the second data from the network-coded combination.

[0032] Accordingly, the first device may utilize its knowledge of the first data to obtain the second data from the received third wireless transmission.

[0033] According to further aspects and embodiments, corresponding devices, e.g., relay device, first device, or second device, which are configured to perform the methods of the above aspects and embodiments, are provided. Such devices may also include control circuitry for executing the methods.

[0034] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below may be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0035] Brief description of the drawings

[0036] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a relaying scenario according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a further example of a relaying scenario according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a further example of a relaying scenario according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of NC-based relaying processes according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a further example of NC-based relaying processes according to an embodiment.SYP356014W001

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of processes for configuration of NC-based relaying according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a further example of NC-based relaying processes according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates an further example of processes for configuration of NC-based relaying according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates a further example of NC-based relaying processes according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a further example of NC-based relaying processes according to an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method according to an embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for illustrating a further method according to an embodiment. FIG: 14 schematically illustrates structures of a mobile terminal or relay device according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates structures of a network node according to an embodiment.

[0050] Detailed Description

[0051] Some examples of the present disclosure generally provide for a plurality of circuits or other electrical devices. All references to the circuits and other electrical devices and the functionality provided by each are not intended to be limited to encompassing only what is illustrated and described herein. While particular labels may be assigned to the various circuits or other electrical devices disclosed, such labels are not intended to limit the scope of operation for the circuits and the other electrical devices. Such circuits and other electrical devices may be combined with each other and / or separated in any manner based on the particular type of electrical implementation that is desired. It is recognized that any circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may include any number of microcontrollers, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor unit (GPU), integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof), and software which co-act with one another to perform operation(s) disclosed herein. In addition, any one or more of the electrical devices may be configured to execute a program code that is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium programmed to perform any number of the functions as disclosed.

[0052] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following description of embodiments is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described hereinafter or by the drawings, which are taken to be illustrative only.

[0053] The drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent to a person skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between functional blocks, devices, components, or otherSYP356014W001

[0054] physical or functional units shown in the drawings or described herein may also be implemented by an indirect connection or coupling. A coupling between components may also be established over a wireless connection. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0055] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a communication system 100. In the illustrated example, the communication system is assumed to be a cellular network equipped with a plurality of radio access nodes 110, each serving a cell 101. The radio access nodes 110 may for example correspond to gNBs of the 3GPP NR technology. UEs 120 with coverage of such cell 101 may connect to the radio access node 110 and establish a radio link for DL and UL communication. As further illustrated, also direct wireless communication between the UEs may be supported, e.g., based on a SL communication mode as for example specified for the 3GPP NR technology.

[0056] As further illustrated, the radio access nodes 110 may be connected to a core network (CN) 150. It is noted that each radio access nodes 110 may be implemented as a single physical entity, but could also be implemented by multiple cooperating devices, e.g., remote antennas, remote radio heads, distributed signal processing units, or the like. Collectively, one or more of the radio access nodes 110 may form a radio access network (RAN).

[0057] The CN 150 may be responsible for routing data to and from the UEs 120, which is accomplished via the radio access nodes 110. The CN 150 may provide various functions like authentication, mobility management, charging, or the like. The CN 150 may also provide connectivity to a public data network 160, such as the internet, or to external communication services, e.g., telephony services.

[0058] The UEs 120 may correspond to various types of communication devices. The UEs 120 may also be referred to as mobile stations, user terminals, or mobile radios. In some scenarios, a UEs 120 may also correspond to an loT (Internet of Things) devices, such as sensors, actors, smart meters, or the like.

[0059] The radio access nodes 110 are examples of network infrastructure equipment. In some scenarios, the radio access nodes 110 could also be referred to as network node, transceiver station, gNB, eNB (evolved Node B), or the like. The specific designation may also depend on the underlying technology of the communication system 100, For example, if the communication system 100 is based on the 3GPP NR technology, the radio access nodes 110 would be termed as gNB. Similarly, if the communication system 100 is based on the 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology, the radio access nodes 110 would be termed as eNB. Future technologies, e.g., a 6G (6th Generation) technology, could use different designations. It is also noted that the communication system could support multiple technologies in parallel, e.g., both the LTE technology and the NR technology, or both the NR technology and a 6G technology.

[0060] In addition to the radio access nodes 110, the communication system may also include RSs 130. Such RS 130 may provide similar functionalities as the radio access nodes 110, i.e., a UE 120 may establish a radio link for DL and UL communication with the RS 130. In some scenarios, functionalities of the RSs 130 may be limited, i.e., it may provide only a subset of the functionalities of the radio access node 110. As compared to the radio access nodes 110, connectivity of the RS 130 is to the CN 150 is provided indirectly through a radio access nodeSYP356014W001

[0061] 110. The RS 130 could for example be implemented as an IAB. From the perspective of the RAN, the RS 130 may act similar as a UE 120, i.e. , its connectivity is based on a radio link for UL and DL communication with a radio access node 110. From the perspective of a UE 120, the RS 130 may act similar as a radio access node 110, i.e., a UE 120 may establish a radio link for UL and DL communication with the RS 130.

[0062] As can be seen, the communication system 100 also supports relay-based connectivity. In some scenarios, the relay-based connectivity may be based on the dedicated RS 130. In other scenarios, the relay-based connectivity may be based on utilizing a UE 120 as relay. For example, a first UE 120 could establish a SL connection to a second UE 120, and the second UE 120 could establish a radio link for UL and DL communication with a radio access node 110. The second UE 120 could then operate as a relay between the first UE 120 and the radio access node 110. Further, a first UE 120 could establish a SL connection to a second UE 120, and the second UE 120 could establish a SL connection to a third UE 120. The second UE 120 could then operate as a relay between the first UE 120 and the third UE 120. The latter case may also be referred to as UE-to-UE relaying.

[0063] As mentioned above, concepts of the present disclosure aim at enabling usage of NC to improve efficiency of relaying. FIGs. 2, 3, and 4 schematically illustrate relaying scenarios in which the illustrated concepts may be applied.

[0064] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates relaying of data between a first device 210 (Device 1) and a second device 220 (Device 2), using a relay device 230. As illustrated, the first device 210 sends first data (Data 1) to the relay device 230, and the relay device 230 relays the first data to the second device 220. Further, the second device 220 sends second data (Data 2) to the relay device 230, and the relay device 230 relays the second data to the first device 210. In accordance with the illustrated concepts, the first data are conveyed by a first wireless transmission on first resources, and the second data are conveyed by a second wireless transmissions on second resources distinct from the first resources. NC is applied to convey the relayed data, i.e., the relayed first data and the relayed second data, in a third wireless transmission.

[0065] In the scenario of FIG. 2, the first device 210 could for example correspond to a UE, i.e., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1 , and the second device 220 could correspond to a radio access node, e.g. , any of the radio access nodes 110 of FIG. 1. The first data would then correspond to UL data, and the second data would correspond to DL data. A corresponding example is illustrated in FIG. 3. Further, the first device 210 could correspond to a radio access node, e.g., any of the radio access nodes 110 of FIG. 1, and the second device 220 could correspond to a UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1. The first data would then correspond to DL data, and the second data would correspond to UL data. In each case, the relay device could be a dedicated RS, such as the RS 130 of FIG. 1, or it could be another UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1. According to a further example, the first device 210 could correspond to a first UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1, and the second device 220 could correspond to a second UE, e.g., a further one of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1. In that case, the relay device 230 could be a still further UE, e.g., a further one of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1. The first data and the second data could then correspond to SL data, i.e., data conveyed through a SL connection. A corresponding exampleSYP356014W001

[0066] is illustrated in FIG. 4. It is however noted that it is also conceivable to utilize a dedicated RS, e.g., the RS 130 of FIG. 1, for UE-to-UE relaying similar to FIG. 4.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a signaling diagram for further illustrating utilization of NC in the illustrated concepts. The example of FIG. 5 assumes that data is relayed between a first device 210 and a second device 220, and the relaying of the data is accomplished by a relay device 230, like explained in connection with FIG. 2.

[0068] In the processes of FIG. 5, the first device 210 sends a first wireless transmission 501 carrying first data to the relay device 230. The first wireless transmission 501 is sent on first resources. The relay device 230 receives the first wireless transmission 501 and decodes the first data from the first wireless transmission 501. Further, the second device 210 sends a second wireless transmission 502 carrying second data to the relay device 230. The second wireless transmission 502 is sent on second resources which are distinct from the first resources. For example, the first resources and the second resources could be distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain. The relay device 230 receives the second wireless transmission 502 and decodes the second data from the second wireless transmission 502.

[0069] The relay device 230 then applies NC to the first data and to the second data. This may involve combining the first data and the second data by an XOR (exclusive binary or) operation. It is however noted that other logical operations than XOR could be used as an alternative. As an example of such alternative logical operation, it could for example be considered to use a logical operation based a symbol-wise logical operation, rather than a bitwise logical operation.

[0070] For example, the symbol-wise combination can be performed as follows: If two data symbols are to be added, then one takes the first, and adds the second by moving the first according to the position of the second, and ’’wraps around”. For example, when combining two 4-PAM (4-level Phase Amplitude Modulation) symbols x, y, this may be done by forming a new symbol z according to:

[0071]

[0072] For example, x, y could be two 4-PAM symbols from {-3, -1,1, 3}. For 16-QAM symbols, corresponding principles may be applied respectively for the real part and the imaginary part of the symbol. Based on the formula, if the receiver knows x (its transmit value), and then observes z, it can recover y.

[0073] As a result of the logical operation, the relay device 230 obtains a network-coded combination (NC combination) of the first data and the second data (in FIG. 5 denoted as “NC Data 1+2”).

[0074] The relay device 230 sends the NC combination of the first data and the second data in a third wireless transmission 503 to the first device 210 and to the second device 220. To be receivable by both the first device 210 and the second device 220, the third wireless transmission 503 could be sent as a broadcast message or as a groupcast message. The relay device sends the third wireless transmission on third resources. Due to the required processing for generating the NC combination, the third resources will practically be distinct from the firstSYP356014W001

[0075] resources and the second resources at least in the time domain. However, a distinction in frequency domain could be present as well.

[0076] The first device 210 receives the third wireless transmission 503 and decodes the NC combination of the first data and the second data therefrom. As illustrated by block 504, the first device 210 then separates (i.e., extracts) the second data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generation the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the first data which were sent by the first device 210. For this purpose, the first device 210 may buffer the sent first data until the received NC combination including the first data is successfully processed.

[0077] Similarly, the second device 220 receives the third wireless transmission 503 and decodes the NC combination of the first data and the second data therefrom. As illustrated by block 505, the second device 220 then separates (i.e., extracts) the first data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generating the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the second data which were sent by the second device 220. For this purpose, the second device 220 may buffer the sent first data until the received NC combination including the first data is successfully processed.

[0078] As can be seen from the example of FIG. 5, an initial phase of the relaying process involves that the data to be relayed is provided on distinct resources to the relay device 230. The resources can be distinct in time domain, i.e., based on Time-Division-Duplex (TDD) operation, or can be distinct in frequency domain, i.e., based on frequency-division-duplex (FDD) operation, we mean either time resources (TDD) or frequency resources (FDD).

[0079] FIG. 6 shows a signaling diagram for further illustrating utilization of NC in the illustrated concepts. The example of FIG. 6 assumes that data is relayed between a UE 120 and a radio access node 110, and the relaying of the data is accomplished by a relay device 230, like explained in connection with FIG. 3. It is noted that in the processes of FIG. 6 the relay device 230 could be a dedicated RS 130, like the RS 130 of FIG. 1, or a further UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1.

[0080] In the processes of FIG. 6, the radio access node 110 sends a first wireless transmission 601 carrying DL data to the relay device 230. The first wireless transmission 601 is sent on first resources. The relay device 230 receives the first wireless transmission 601 and decodes the DL data from the first wireless transmission 601. Further, the UE 120 sends a second wireless transmission 602 carrying UL data to the relay device 230. The second wireless transmission 602 is sent on second resources which are distinct from the first resources. For example, the first resources and the second resources could be distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain. The relay device 230 receives the second wireless transmission 602 and decodes the UL data from the second wireless transmission 602.

[0081] The relay device 230 then applies NC to the UL data and to the DL data. This may involve combining the UL data and the DL data by an XOR operation. It is however noted that other logical operations than XOR could be used as an alternative, e.g., various kinds of reversable logical operations, where the original input to the logical operation can be restoredSYP356014W001

[0082] by applying the revers logical operation to the output of the logical operation. As a result, the relay device 230 obtains a network-coded combination (NC combination) of the UL data and the DL data (in FIG. 6 denoted as “NC UL+DL Data”).

[0083] The relay device 230 sends the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data in a third wireless transmission 603 to the radio access node 110 and to the UE 120. To be receivable by both the radio access node 110 and the UE 120, the third wireless transmission 603 could be sent as a broadcast message or as a groupcast message.

[0084] The radio access node 110 receives the third wireless transmission 603 and decodes the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data therefrom. As illustrated by block 604, the radio access node 110 then separates (i.e. , extracts) the UL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generation the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the DL data which were sent by the radio access node 110. For this purpose, the radio access node 110 may buffer the sent DL data until the received NC combination including the DL data is successfully processed.

[0085] Similarly, the UE 120 receives the third wireless transmission 603 and decodes the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data therefrom. As illustrated by block 605, the UE 120 then separates (i.e., extracts) the DL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generating the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the UL data which were sent by the UE 120. For this purpose, the UE 120 may buffer the sent UL data until the received NC combination including the UL data is successfully processed.

[0086] As can be seen from the example of FIG. 6, an initial phase of the relaying process involves that the data to be relayed is provided on distinct resources to the relay device 230. Specifically, DL resources can be used for conveying the DL data to be relayed from the radio access node 110 to the relay device 110, and UL resources can be used for conveying the UL data to be relayed from the UE 120 to the relay device 130. The resources can be distinct in time domain, i.e., based on Time-Division-Duplex (TDD) operation, or can be distinct in frequency domain, i.e., based on frequency-division-duplex (FDD) operation, we mean either time resources (TDD) or frequency resources (FDD). The radio access node 110 thus its wireless transmission in predefined DL resources, and the UE 120 may its wireless transmissions in predefined UL resources. In this way, interference to neighbor cells can be avoided or at least reduced by coordination of DL and UL resources among neighboring cells. The relay device 230 may in turn send its transmission either on UL resources or on DL resources, depending on which resources are available or better suited under current conditions. When assuming balanced UL and DL traffic, the amount of resources that can be saved as compared to non-NC based relaying, where the relayed UL data and DL data are conveyed in separate transmissions, can be up to 25%. If UL and DL traffic becomes unbalanced, the efficiency gain reduces.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a signaling diagram for illustrating an example of processes that may be applied for configuration of the NC-based relaying of FIG. 6.SYP356014W001

[0088] In the processes of FIG. 7, the relay device 230 provides capability information 701 to the radio access node 110. The capability information 701 may for example indicate whether the relay device 230 supports NC-based relaying and, if NC-based relaying is supported, additional information concerning NC-based relay operation of the relay device 230, such as supported logical operations for combining the data to be relayed and processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying. The capability information 701 could also indicate a preference of the relay device 230 concerning the resources to be used when providing the UL data and the DL data to the relay device 230, e.g., if the resources should be distinct in frequency domain, distinct in time domain, or both. The capability information 701 can for example be provided by RRC signaling, e.g., when establishing the radio link between the relay device 230 and the radio access node 110.

[0089] Further, the UE 120 provides capability information 702 to the radio access node 110. The capability information 702 may for example indicate whether the UE 120 supports NC-based relaying and, if NC-based relaying is supported, additional information concerning NC-based relay operation of the UE 120, such as supported logical operations for combining the data to be relayed and processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying. The capability information 702 could also indicate a preference of the relay UE 120 concerning the resources to be used when providing the UL data to the relay device 230, e.g., if distinction from the resources used for providing the DL data to the relay device 230 should be in frequency domain, distinct in time domain, or both. The capability information 702 can for example be provided by RRC signaling, e.g., when establishing the radio link between the UE 120 and the relay device 230.

[0090] The radio access node 110 then provides configuration information 703 to the relay device 230. The configuration information 703 may for example instruct the relay device 230 to activate (or deactivate) NC-based relaying (if supported according to the capability information 701). This could for example also involve switching between the NC-based relaying and non-NC based relaying, where the relayed UL data and DL data are conveyed in separate transmissions. Further, the configuration information 703 may indicate the logical operation to be applied for combining the data to be relayed, e.g., XOR or another logical operation. Further, the configuration information 703 may indicate a timing of the wireless transmission for conveying the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data, e.g., in relation to the wireless transmission providing the UL data to the relay device 230 or in relation to the wireless transmission providing the DL data to the relay device 230, or in relation to the later of these wireless transmissions. The indicated timing may be based on expected processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying, which may occur at the relay device 230 and at the UE 120. The expected processing delays may be determined based on the received capability information 701, 702. Further, the configuration information may include resource allocation information, e.g., information concerning resources to be assigned to wireless transmissions conveying the UL data from the UE 120 to the relay device 230. The configuration information 703 may be UE-specific. That is to say, if the relay device 230 acts as relay for multiple UEs 120, the configurations may differ among these UEs 120. For example, NC-based relaying could be activated for only a subset of the UEs 120 while for other UEs 120 non-NC basedSYP356014W001

[0091] relaying is utilized. The configuration information 703 can for example be provided by RRC signaling, e.g., when establishing or re-configuring the radio link between the relay device 230 and the radio access node 110.

[0092] The radio access node 110 also provides configuration information 704 to the UE 120. The configuration information 704 may for example instruct the UE 120 to activate (or deactivate) NC-based relaying (if supported according to the capability information 702). This could for example also involve switching between the NC-based relaying and non-NC based relaying. Further, the configuration information 704 may indicate the logical operation applied for combining the relay data, e.g., XOR or another logical operation. Further, the configuration information 704 may indicate a timing of the wireless transmission for conveying the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data, e.g., in relation to the wireless transmission providing the UL data to the relay device 230 or in relation to the wireless transmission providing the DL data to the relay device 230, or in relation to the later of these wireless transmissions. The indicated timing may be based on expected processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying, which may occur at the relay device 230 and at the UE 120. The expected processing delays may be determined based on the received capability information 701, 702. Further, the configuration information may include resource allocation information, e.g., information concerning resources to be assigned to wireless transmissions conveying the DL data from the radio access node 110 to the relay device 230. The configuration information 704 can for example be provided by RRC signaling, e.g., when establishing or re-configuring the relay-based connection between the UE 120 and the radio access node 110. The relay device 230 may forward the configuration information 704 to the UE 120.

[0093] The radio access node 110 then sends resource allocation information 705 to the relay device 230. This may be accomplished in a dynamic manner, e.g., using scheduling grants conveyed by DCI (Downlink Control Information). Alternatively, also semi-persistent scheduling could be used. The resource allocation information 705 informs the relay device 230 about the resources assigned to the upcoming wireless transmission(s) conveying DL data to the relay device 230. Further, the resource allocation information 705 informs the relay device 230 about the resources assigned to the wireless transmission for carrying NC-combination of the relayed UL data and DL data.

[0094] Further, the relay device 230 sends resource allocation information 706 to the UE 120. This may be accomplished in a dynamic manner, e.g., using scheduling grants conveyed by DCI. Alternatively, also semi-persistent scheduling could be used. The resource allocation information 706 informs the UE 120 about the resources assigned to the upcoming wireless transmission(s) conveying UL data to the relay device 230. Further, the resource allocation information 706 informs the UE 120 about the resources assigned to the wireless transmission for carrying NC-combination of the relayed UL data and DL data. The relay device 230 may determine the resource allocation information 706 depending on the received configuration information 703 and / or depending on the received resource allocation information 703 from the radio access node 110.

[0095] Then, as indicated by block 707, the UE 120, the relay device 230, and the radio access node 110 may perform data communication using NC-based relaying, as explained inSYP356014W001

[0096] connection with FIG. 6. This may involve that the radio access node 110 sends the first wireless transmission 601 in accordance with the configuration indicated by the configuration information 703 and on resources indicated by the resource allocation information 705. Further, this may involve that UE 120 sends the second wireless transmission 602 in accordance with the configuration indicated by the configuration information 704 and on resources indicated by the resource allocation information 706. Further, this may involve that the relay device generates the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data in accordance with accordance with the configuration indicated by the configuration information 703. Further, this may involve that relay device 230 sends the third wireless transmission 603 in accordance with the configuration indicated by the configuration information 703 and on resources indicated by the resource allocation information 705.

[0097] As can be seen from the processes of FIG. 7, both the relay device 230 and the UE 120 may communicate their respective capabilities to support NC-based relaying. The radio access node 110 may assess the received capability information and decided whether NC-based relaying should be activated under the given conditions. For example, the radio access node 110 could decide to activate the NC-based relaying if UL and DL traffic is relatively balanced. However, it case of significant imbalance, e.g., in situations when the DL traffic significantly exceeds the UL traffic, the radio access node 110 could decide to deactivate the NC-based relaying. In some scenarios, such switching between NC-based relaying and non-NC based relaying could also be controlled in a dynamic manner, e.g., using the same DCI which also provides the resource allocation information 705, 706 to the relay device 230 and to the UE 120.

[0098] FIG. 8 shows a signaling diagram for further illustrating utilization of NC in the illustrated concepts. The example of FIG. 8 assumes that data is relayed between a first UE 120 and a second UE 120, and the relaying of the data is accomplished by a further UE 120, like explained in connection with FIG. 4. The further UE 120 is in the following also denoted as relay UE 120.

[0099] In the processes of FIG. 8, the first UE 120 sends a first wireless transmission 801 carrying first SL data (SL data 1) to the relay UE 120. The first wireless transmission 801 is sent on first resources. The relay UE 120 receives the first wireless transmission 801 and decodes the firs SL data from the first wireless transmission 801. Further, the UE 120 sends a second wireless transmission 802 carrying second SL data (SL data 2) to the relay UE 120. The second wireless transmission 802 is sent on second resources which are distinct from the first resources. For example, the first resources and the second resources could be distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain. The UE 120 receives the second wireless transmission 802 and decodes the second SL data from the second wireless transmission 802.

[0100] The relay UE 120 then applies NC to the first SL data and to the second SL data. This may involve combining the first SL data and the second SL data by an XOR operation. It is however noted that other logical operations than XOR could be used as an alternative. As a result, the relay UE 120 obtains a network-coded combination (NC combination) of the first SL data and the second SL data (in FIG. 8 denoted as “NC SL data 1+2”).

[0101] The relay UE 120 sends the NC combination of the first SL data and the second SL data in a third wireless transmission 803 to the first UE 120 and to the second UE 120. To beSYP356014W001

[0102] receivable by both the first UE 120 and the second UE 120, the third wireless transmission 803 could be sent as a broadcast message or as a groupcast message.

[0103] The first UE 120 receives the third wireless transmission 803 and decodes the NC combination of the first SL data and the second SL data therefrom. As illustrated by block 804, the first UE 120 then separates (i.e. , extracts) the second SL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generation the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the first SL data which were sent by the first UE 120. For this purpose, the first UE 120 may buffer the sent first SL data until the received NC combination including the first SL data is successfully processed.

[0104] Similarly, the second UE 120 receives the third wireless transmission 803 and decodes the NC combination of the first SL data and the second SL data therefrom. As illustrated by block 805, the second UE 120 then separates the first SL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generating the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the UL data which were sent by the second UE 120. For this purpose, the second UE 120 may buffer the sent first data until the received NC combination including the UL data is successfully processed.

[0105] FIG. 9 shows a signaling diagram for illustrating an example of processes that may be applied for configuration of the NC-based relaying of FIG. 8.

[0106] In the processes of FIG. 9, the UEs 120 exchange capability information 901, 902, 903, 904. Specifically, the first UE 120 exchanges capability information 901 with the relay UE 120, and the second UE 120 exchanges capability information 902 with the relay UE 120. It is noted that at this stage, the relay UE 120 might not yet be selected as relay. The exchange of the capability information 901, 902 may for example be accomplished by SL discovery signaling. The capability information 901 , 902 may for example indicate whether the respective UE 120 supports NC-based relaying and, if NC-based relaying is supported, additional information concerning NC-based relay operation of the UE 120, such as supported logical operations for combining the data to be relayed and processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying. The capability information 901, 902 could also indicate a preference of the UE 120 concerning the resources to be used when providing the SL data to be relayed and / or the resources to be used for sending the NC combination of the SL data, e.g., if the resources should be distinct in frequency domain, distinct in time domain, or both.

[0107] As further illustrated, the UEs 120 may exchange configuration information 903, 904. Specifically, the first UE 120 exchanges configuration information 903 with the relay UE 120, and the second UE 120 exchanges configuration information 904 with the relay UE 120. It is noted that at this stage, the relay UE 120 might not yet be selected as relay. The exchange of the configuration information 903, 904 may for example be accomplished by SL control information (SCI) and / or by higher layer signaling, such as SL RRC signaling (also denoted as PC5-RRC signaling). The configuration information 903, 904 may for example configure indicate selection of the relay UE 120 as relay. Further, the configuration information may instruct the relay UE 120 to activate (or deactivate) NC-based relaying (if supported according to theSYP356014W001

[0108] capability information 901, 902). This could for example also involve switching between the NC-based relaying and non-NC based relaying, where the relayed SL data in separate transmissions to the first UE 120 and to the second UE 120. Further, the configuration information 901, 902 may indicate the logical operation to be applied for combining the data to be relayed, e.g., XOR or another logical operation. Further, the configuration information 901, 902 may indicate a timing of the wireless transmission for conveying the NC combination of the first SL data and the second SL data, e.g., in relation to the wireless transmission providing the first SL data to the relay UE 120 or in relation to the wireless transmission providing the second SL data to the relay UE 120, or in relation to the later of these wireless transmissions. The indicated timing may be based on expected processing delays associated with the NC-based relaying, which may occur at the relay UE 120, at the first UE 120, and at the second UE 120. The expected processing delays may be determined based on the received capability information 901, 902. Further, the configuration information 903, 904 may include resource allocation information, e.g., information concerning resources to be assigned to wireless transmissions conveying the first SL data from the first UE 120 to the relay UE and / or information concerning resources to be assigned to wireless transmissions conveying the second SL data from the second UE 120 to the relay UE 120. The configuration information may also include information concerning resources to be assigned to wireless transmissions for carrying NC-combination of the relayed first SL data and second SL data. The resource allocation information may for example be provided based on resource pools for selection of the resources.

[0109] Then, as indicated by block 905, the first UE 120, the relay UE 120, and the second UE 120may perform data communication using NC-based relaying, as explained in connection with FIG. 8. This may involve that the first UE 120 sends the first wireless transmission 801 in accordance with the configuration and on resources indicated by the configuration information 903. Further, this may involve that second UE 120 sends the second wireless transmission 802 in accordance with the configuration and on resources indicated by the configuration information 904. Further, this may involve that the relay UE 120 generates the NC combination of the first SL data and the second SL data in accordance with accordance with the configuration indicated by the configuration information 901, 902 and sends the third wireless transmission 803 in accordance with the configuration and on resources indicated by the configuration information 901, 902.

[0110] It is noted that the timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and the second wireless transmission may vary and may depend on expected processing delays. This means that it could also occur that there are further wireless transmissions between on the one hand the first and second wireless transmission and the third wireless transmission. For example, wireless transmissions conveying the data to be relayed and wireless transmissions conveying the NC combination could be interleaved with a certain time offset. An example of corresponding processes is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this example, the data (UL and DL) is assumed to be transmitted in a sequence of data items, with index n denoting the position of the data item in the sequence.SYP356014W001

[0111] FIG. 10 shows a signaling diagram for further illustrating utilization of NC in the illustrated concepts. The example of FIG. 10 assumes that data is relayed between a UE 120 and a radio access node 110, and the relaying of the data is accomplished by a relay device 230, like explained in connection with FIG. 3. It is noted that in the processes of FIG. 10 the relay device 230 could be a dedicated RS 130, like the RS 130 of FIG. 1, or a further UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1.

[0112] In the processes of FIG. 10, the radio access node 110 sends a first wireless transmission 1001 carrying DL data item n to the relay device 230. The first wireless transmission 1001 is sent on first resources. The relay device 230 receives the first wireless transmission 1001 and decodes the DL data item n from the first wireless transmission 1001. Further, the UE 120 sends a second wireless transmission 1002 carrying UL data item n to the relay device 230. The second wireless transmission 1002 is sent on second resources which are distinct from the first resources. For example, the first resources and the second resources could be distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain. The relay device 230 receives the second wireless transmission 1002 and decodes UL data item n from the second wireless transmission 1002.

[0113] The relay device 230 sends an NC combination of previously received an decoded UL data item n-y and DL data item n-y in a third wireless transmission 1003 to the radio access node 110 and to the UE 120, where y is an integer of 1 or larger and depends on the processing delays that may occur at the relay UE 120.

[0114] Before the UE 120 and the radio access node 110 have completed processing of the third wireless transmission 1003, further wireless transmissions may occur. Specifically, the radio access node 110 may send further wireless transmissions 1011 carrying DL data items n+1 ... n+x, and the UE 120 may send further wireless transmissions 1012 carrying UL data items n+1 ... n+x, where x is an integer of 1 or larger and depends on the processing delays that may occur at the UE 120 and at the radio access node 110. Further, the relay device 230 may send further wireless transmissions 1013 carry the NC combinations of these UL data items and DL data items.

[0115] Only then, as illustrated by blocks 1014 and 1015, the radio access node 110 completes separation of UL data item n from the NC combination and the UE completes separation of DL data item n from the NC combination.

[0116] Specifically in scenarios as illustrated in FIG. 10, coordinated configuration of the timing of the wireless transmissions may help the devices receiving the relayed data in the process of separating the data, by facilitating relating the received NC combination to the data which was previously sent.

[0117] As mentioned above, in some scenarios there may be an imbalance of the data to be relayed. For example, it may occur that the amount of DL data to be relayed exceeds the amount of UL data to be relayed. In such cases, the smaller-sized data could be expanded so that it matches the size of the other data, i.e., has the same number of bits, before applying the logical operation. This could for example be achieved by regarding the missing bits of the smaller-sized data as “0”, or as “1”. Alternatively, the larger-sized data to be relayed could be split into a first part, which is relayed in the NC combination, and a second part, which is relayedSYP356014W001

[0118] in a further wireless transmission, e.g., a further wireless transmission on dedicated resources (time and / or frequency domain). An example of corresponding processes is illustrated in FIG.

[0119] 11.

[0120] FIG. 11 shows a signaling diagram for further illustrating utilization of NC in the illustrated concepts. The example of FIG. 11 assumes that data is relayed between a UE 120 and a radio access node 110, and the relaying of the data is accomplished by a relay device 230, like explained in connection with FIG. 3. It is noted that in the processes of FIG. 11 the relay device 230 could be a dedicated RS 130, like the RS 130 of FIG. 1, or a further UE, e.g., any of the UEs 120 of FIG. 1.

[0121] In the processes of FIG. 11 , the radio access node 110 sends a first wireless transmission 1101 carrying DL data to the relay device 230. The first wireless transmission 1101 is sent on first resources. The relay device 230 receives the first wireless transmission 1101 and decodes the DL data from the first wireless transmission 1101. Further, the UE 120 sends a second wireless transmission 1102 carrying UL data to the relay device 230. The second wireless transmission 1102 is sent on second resources which are distinct from the first resources. For example, the first resources and the second resources could be distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain. The relay device 230 receives the second wireless transmission 1102 and decodes the UL data from the second wireless transmission 1102. In the example of FIG. 11, it is assumed that the size of the DL data exceeds the size of the UL data. Accordingly, the relay device proceeds by splitting the DL data into a first part, which has the same size, in particular same number of bits, as the UL data, and a second part, which includes the remaining DL data.

[0122] The relay device 230 then applies NC to the UL data and to the first part of the DL data. This may involve combining the UL data and the DL data by an XOR operation. It is however noted that other logical operations than XOR could be used as an alternative. As a result, the relay device 230 obtains a network-coded combination (NC combination) of the UL data and the first part of the DL data (in FIG. 11 denoted as “NC UL+DL data”). The relay device 230 sends the NC combination of the UL data and the DL data in a third wireless transmission 1103 to the radio access node 110 and to the UE 120. The third wireless transmission 1103 may be sent as a broadcast message or as a groupcast message. Further, the relay device 230 sends a fourth wireless transmission 1104 to the UE 120, which carries the second part of the DL data. The fourth wireless transmission may be sent as a unicast message.

[0123] The radio access node 110 receives the third wireless transmission 1103 and decodes the NC combination of the UL data and the first part of the DL data therefrom. As illustrated by block 11055, the radio access node 110 then separates (i.e. , extracts) the UL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generation the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the first part of the DL data. For this purpose, the radio access node 110 may buffer the sent DL data until the received NC combination including the DL data is successfully processed.

[0124] Similarly, the UE 120 receives the third wireless transmission 1103 and decodes the NC combination of the UL data and the first part of the DL data therefrom. As illustrated by blockSYP356014W001

[0125] 1106, the UE 120 then separates (i.e., extracts) the first part of the DL data from the NC combination. This is accomplished by applying a further XOR operation (or other logical operation corresponding to the operation used in generating the NC combination) to the received NC combination and to the UL data which were sent by the UE 120. For this purpose, the UE 120 may buffer the sent UL data until the received NC combination including the UL data is successfully processed. Further, the UE 120 receives the fourth wireless transmission 1104 and decodes the second part of the DL data therefrom. As compared to the third wireless transmission, simplified processing may be applied by the UE 120.

[0126] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method 1200 for relaying data between a first device and a second device. The method 1200 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in a relay device, e.g., the above relay UE 120, the above RS 130, or the above relay device 230. One of the first device and the second device can be a mobile terminal, such as any of the above UEs 120, while the other of the first device and the second device is a network node, such as any of the above radio access nodes 110. Alternatively, the first device and the second device could both correspond to mobile terminals, to a first and a second of the above UEs 120.

[0127] The method can be executed or be controlled by a control circuitry of the relay device. For instance, the method can be executed by a processor of the relay device upon loading and executing program code that is stored in a memory of the relay device.

[0128] At optional step 1202, the relay device may send capability information to the first device and / or to the second device. The capability information may indicate a capability of the relay device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation, which may correspond to various kinds of reversable logical operation.

[0129] Alternatively or in addition, step 1202 may involve that the relay receives capability information from the first device. The received capability information may indicate a capability of the first device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the first device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations of the first device for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation (e.g., a symbol-wise logical operation).

[0130] Alternatively or in addition, step 1202 may involve that the relay receives capability information from the second device. The received capability information may indicate a capability of the second device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the second device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations of the second device for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation (e.g., a symbol-wise logical operation).SYP356014W001

[0131] At optional step 1204, the relay device may receive control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying. The control information may be received in response to the capability information sent at step 1202, and / or the control information may depend on the capability information sent at step 1202. The relay device may receive the control information from the first device, the second device, and / or from a network node. Such network node may be different from the first device and from the second device.

[0132] Alternatively or in addition, step 1204 may involve that the relay device sends control information to the first device and / or to the second device, the control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying.

[0133] At step 1206, the relay device receives a first wireless transmission carrying first data from the first device and receives a second wireless transmission carrying second data from the second device. The relay device receives the first wireless transmission on first resources and the second wireless transmission on second resources distinct from the second resources.

[0134] At step 1208, the relay device sends a third wireless transmission to the first device and to the second device. The third wireless transmission carries a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data. The relay device sends the third wireless transmission on third resources.

[0135] The sending of the third wireless transmission may be based on the control information of step 1204. For example, the control information may indicate timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission, and the relay device may control the timing of the third wireless transmission accordingly. Further, the control information may indicate a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data. Further, the control information may indicate the third resources. Further, the control information may indicate the first resources and / or the second resources.

[0136] In some scenarios, the third wireless transmission may carry only a part of the second data. The method 1200 may then further involve that the relay device sends a fourth wireless transmission to the first device, the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of the second data. FIG. 11 illustrates a corresponding example.

[0137] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method 1300 for relaying data between a first device and a second device. The method 1200 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in the first device. One of the first device and the second device can be a mobile terminal, such as any of the above UEs 120, while the other of the first device and the second device is a network node, such as any of the above radio access nodes 110. Alternatively, the first device and the second device could both correspond to mobile terminals, to a first and a second of the above UEs 120. The relaying may be done via a relay device, e.g., the above relay UE 120, the above RS 130, or the above relay device 230.

[0138] The method can be executed or be controlled by a control circuitry of the first device. For instance, the method can be executed by a processor of the first device upon loading and executing program code that is stored in a memory of the first device.

[0139] At optional step 1302, the first device may send capability information to the first device and / or to the second device. The capability information may indicate a capability of the firstSYP356014W001

[0140] device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the first device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation (e.g., a symbol-wise logical operation).

[0141] Alternatively or in addition, step 1302 may involve that the first receives capability information from the relay device. The received capability information may indicate a capability of the relay device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations of the relay device for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation (e.g., a symbol-wise logical operation).

[0142] Alternatively or in addition, step 1302 may involve that the first device receives capability information from the second device. The received capability information may indicate a capability of the second device to participate in network-coded relaying. For example the capability information may indicate a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the second device. Further, the capability information may indicate one or more supported logical operations of the second device for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data, e.g., an XOR operation or other logical operation (e.g., a symbol-wise logical operation).

[0143] At optional step 1304, the first device may receive control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying. The control information may be received in response to the capability information sent at step 1302, and / or the control information may depend on the capability information sent at step 1302. The first device may receive the control information from the first device, the second device, and / or from a network node. Such network node may be different from the first device and from the second device.

[0144] Alternatively or in addition, step 1304 may involve that the first device sends control information to the second device and / or to the relay device, the control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying.

[0145] At step 1306, the first device sends a first wireless transmission to the relay device. The first wireless transmission carries first data which are to be relayed to the second device. The first device sends the first wireless transmission on resources that are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device to the relay device, the second wireless transmission carrying second data which are to be relayed to the first device.

[0146] At step 1308, the first device receives a third wireless transmission from the relay device, the third wireless transmission carrying a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data. The first device receives the third wireless transmission on third resources.

[0147] The sending of the third wireless transmission may be based on the control information of step 1304. For example, the control information may indicate timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wirelessSYP356014W001

[0148] transmission, and the first device may control reception timing of the third wireless transmission accordingly. Further, the control information may indicate a logical operation applied in network-coded combining of the first data and the second data. Further, the control information may indicate the third resources. Further, the control information may indicate the first resources and / or the second resources.

[0149] In some scenarios, the third wireless transmission may carry only a part of the second data. The method 1300 may then further involve that the first device receives a fourth wireless transmission from the relay device, the fourth wireless transmission carrying a further part of the second data. FIG. 11 illustrates a corresponding example.

[0150] It is noted that the methods of FIGs. 12 and 13 could also be combined in a system which includes a first device operating according to the method of FIG. 13 and a relay device operating according to the method of FIG. 12. Further, such system could also include a second device, and the second device could also operate according to the method of FIG. 13, in a complementary manner to the first device.

[0151] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example of structures that may be used for implementing a device operating according to the illustrated concepts, in particular a mobile terminal or a device participating in NC-based relaying according to the illustrated concepts. The structures of FIG: 14 may for example be used for implementing any of the above UEs 120 or for implementing the RS 130. As illustrated, the device may be equipped with an antenna 201, a wireless transmitter (TX) 202, and a wireless receiver (RX) 203, both connected to the antenna 201. Further, the device may be equipped with a controller 204. The controller 204 may correspond to various kinds of control circuitry, e.g., a processor and / or dedicated control circuits. The controller 204 may operate to control the wireless transmitter 202 and the wireless receiver 203 to transmit and receive wireless signals, e.g., wireless signals corresponding to the above-mentioned wireless transmissions.

[0152] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a further example of structures that may be used for implementing a network node operating according to the illustrated concepts, in particular a device participating in NC-based relaying according to the illustrated concepts. The structures of FIG: 15 may for example be used for implementing any of the above radio access nodes 110. As illustrated, the device may be equipped with an antenna 211 , a wireless transmitter (TX) 212, and a wireless receiver (RX) 213, both connected to the antenna 201. Further, the device may be equipped with a controller 214. The controller 214 may correspond to various kinds of control circuitry, e.g., a processor and / or dedicated control circuits. The controller 214 may operate to control the wireless transmitter 212 and the wireless receiver 213 to transmit and receive wireless signals, e.g., wireless signals corresponding to the above-mentioned wireless transmissions. As further illustrated, the device may also include a network interface (NW IF) 215 providing connectivity to other network nodes.

[0153] The transmitters 202, 212 and receivers 203, 213 may include radio frequency filters and amplifiers as well as signal processing components and devices to transmit and receive radio signals in accordance with, for example, the 3GPP NR standard. The controllers 204, 214 may also include microprocessors, CPUs, or dedicated chipsets configured to carry out instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-volatile memory. Processing steps, suchSYP356014W001

[0154] as steps as explained in connection with FIGs. 12 and 13, may be carried out by a microprocessor in conjunction with a random access memory, operating according to instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0155] As can be seen, the illustrated concepts allow for improving resource efficiency of relay operation between two devices by utilizing NC also in scenarios with limitations concerning simultaneous transmission of the two devices. The illustrated concepts may for example enable utilization of NC-based relaying in the 3GPP NR technology. The illustrated concepts may be applied in a flexible manner to varying relaying scenarios, e.g., UE-to-network relaying or UE-to-UE relaying. Further, a dedicated RS or a further UE may be used as the relay device.

[0156] In view of the above, EXAMPLES provided by the present disclosure include:

[0157] EXAMPLE1: A method of relaying data between a first device (110, 120: 210) and a second device (110, 120, 220), the method comprising:

[0158] on first resources, a relay device (120; 130; 230) receiving a first wireless transmission comprising first data from the first device (110, 120: 210);

[0159] on second resources distinct from the first resources, the relay device (120; 130; 230) receiving a second wireless transmission comprising second data from the second device (110, 120: 220); and

[0160] on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the relay device (120; 130; 230) sending a third wireless transmission to the first device (110, 120: 210) and to the second device (110, 120: 220), the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data.

[0161] EXAMPLE2: The method of EXAMPLE 1, wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain.

[0162] EXAMPLE 3: The method of EXAMPLE 1 or 2, wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in time domain.

[0163] EXAMPLE 4: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 3,

[0164] wherein the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and wherein the method further comprises:

[0165] the relay device (120; 130; 230) sending a fourth wireless transmission to the first device (110, 120: 210), the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of the second data.

[0166] EXAMPLE 5: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 4, comprising:

[0167] the relay device (120; 130; 230) receiving control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying; and

[0168] the relay device (120; 130; 230) sending the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration.

[0169] EXAMPLE 6: The method according to EXAMPLE 5,

[0170] wherein the control information indicates timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission.

[0171] EXAMPLE 7: The method according to EXAMPLE 5 or 6,

[0172] wherein the control information indicates the first resources and / or the second resources.

[0173] EXAMPLE 8: The method according to any of EXAMPLES 5 to 7,SYP356014W001

[0174] wherein the control information indicates a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0175] EXAMPLE 9: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 8, comprising:

[0176] the relay device (120; 130; 230) providing capability information to the first device (110, 120: 210) and / or to the second device (110, 120: 220), the capability information indicating a capability of the relay device (120; 130; 230) to participate in network-coded relaying.

[0177] EXAMPLE 10: The method of EXAMPLE 9,

[0178] wherein the capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device (120; 130; 230).

[0179] EXAMPLE 11 : The method of EXAMPLE 9 or 10,

[0180] wherein the capability information indicates one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0181] EXAMPLE 12: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 11 ,

[0182] wherein one of the first device (110, 120: 210) and the second device (110, 120: 220) is a network node and the other of the first device (110, 120: 210) and the second device (110; 120; 220) is a mobile terminal.

[0183] EXAMPLE 13: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 11 ,

[0184] wherein the first device (110, 120: 210) is a first mobile terminal and the second device (110, 120; 220) is a second mobile terminal.

[0185] EXAMPLE 14: The method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 12,

[0186] wherein the relay device (120; 130; 230) is a mobile terminal.

[0187] EXAMPLE 15: A method of relaying data between a first device (110, 120: 210) and a second device (110, 120: 220), the method comprising:

[0188] on first resources, the first device (110, 120: 210) sending a first wireless transmission to a relay device (120; 130; 230), the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device (110, 120: 220), wherein the first resources are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device (110, 120: 220) to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device (110, 120: 210);

[0189] on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving a third wireless transmission from the relay device (120; 130; 230), the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

[0190] EXAMPLE 16: The method of EXAMPLE 15, wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain.

[0191] EXAMPLE 17: The method of EXAMPLE 15 or 16, wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in time domain.

[0192] EXAMPLE 18: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 17,

[0193] wherein the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and wherein the method further comprises:SYP356014W001

[0194] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving a fourth wireless transmission from the relay device (120; 130; 230), the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of second data.

[0195] EXAMPLE 19: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 18, comprising:

[0196] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying; and

[0197] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration.

[0198] EXAMPLE 20: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 19, comprising:

[0199] the first device (110, 120: 210) providing control information to the relay device (120; 130; 230) and / or to the second device (110, 120; 210), the control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying; and

[0200] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration.

[0201] EXAMPLE 21 : The method of EXAMPLE 19 or 20,

[0202] wherein the control information indicates timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission.

[0203] EXAMPLE 22: The method of any of EXAMPLES 19 to 21 ,

[0204] wherein the control information indicates the first resources and / or the second resources.

[0205] EXAMPLE 23: The method according to any of EXAMPLES 19 to 22,

[0206] wherein the control information indicates a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0207] EXAMPLE 24: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 23, comprising:

[0208] the first device (110, 120: 210) providing first capability information to the second device (110, 120: 220) and / or to the relay device (120; 130; 230), the first capability information indicating a capability of the first device (110, 120: 210) to participate in network-coded relaying.

[0209] EXAMPLE 25: The method of EXAMPLE 24,

[0210] wherein the first capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the first device (110, 120: 210).

[0211] EXAMPLE 26: The method of EXAMPLE 24 or 25,

[0212] wherein the first capability information indicates one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0213] EXAMPLE 27: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 26, comprising:

[0214] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving second capability information from the second device (110, 120: 220), the second capability information indicating a capability of the second device (110, 120: 220) to participate in network-coded relaying.

[0215] EXAMPLE 28: The method of EXAMPLE 27,

[0216] wherein the second capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the second device (110, 120: 220).

[0217] EXAMPLE 29: The method of EXAMPLE 27 or 28,SYP356014W001

[0218] wherein the second capability information indicates one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0219] EXAMPLE 30: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 29, comprising:

[0220] the first device (110, 120: 210) receiving third capability information from the relay device (120; 130; 230), the third capability information indicating a capability of the relay device (120; 130; 230) to participate in network-coded relaying.

[0221] EXAMPLE 31: The method of EXAMPLE 30,

[0222] wherein the third capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device (120; 130; 230).

[0223] EXAMPLE 32: The method of EXAMPLE 30 or 31 ,

[0224] wherein the third capability information indicates one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

[0225] EXAMPLE 33: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 32, further comprising:

[0226] by applying a logical operation to the received network-coded combination of the first data and the second data and to the sent first data, the first device (110, 120: 210) separating the second data from the network-coded combination.

[0227] EXAMPLE 34: The method of any EXAMPLES 15 to 33,

[0228] wherein one of the first device (110, 120: 210) and the second device (110, 120: 220) is a network node and the other of the first device (110, 120: 210) and the second device (110, 120: 220) a mobile terminal.

[0229] EXAMPLE 35: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 33,

[0230] wherein the first device (110, 120: 210) is a first mobile terminal and the second device (110, 120: 220) is a second mobile terminal.

[0231] EXAMPLE 36: The method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 35,

[0232] wherein the relay device (120; 130; 230) is a mobile terminal.

[0233] EXAMPLE 37: A relay device (120; 130; 230) operable for relaying data between a first device (110, 120; 210) and a second device (110, 120; 210), the relay device (120; 130; 230) comprising control circuitry (204) configured to:

[0234] on first resources, receive a first wireless transmission comprising first data from the first device (110, 120; 210);

[0235] on second resources distinct from the first resources, receive a second wireless transmission comprising second data from the second device (110, 120; 220); and

[0236] on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, send a third wireless transmission to the first device (110, 120; 210) and to the second device (110, 120; 220), the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data.

[0237] EXAMPLE 38: The relay device (120; 130; 230) of EXAMPLE 37, wherein the control circuitry (204) is configured to perform the method of any of EXAMPLES 1 to 14.

[0238] EXAMPLE 39: A first device (110, 120; 210) operable for relaying data between the first device (110, 120; 210) and a second device (110, 120; 220), the first device (110, 120; 210) comprising control circuitry (204; 214) configured to:SYP356014W001

[0239] on first resources, send a first wireless transmission to a relay device (120; 130; 230), the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device (110, 120; 220), wherein the first resources are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device (110, 120; 220) to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device (110, 120; 210);

[0240] on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, receive a third wireless transmission from the relay device (120; 130; 230), the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

[0241] EXAMPLE 40: The first device (110; 120; 210) of EXAMPLE 39, wherein the control circuitry (204) is configured to perform the method of any of EXAMPLES 15 to 36.

[0242] EXAMPLE 41: A system, comprising:

[0243] a first device (110, 120; 210), a second device (110, 120; 220), and a relay device (120; 130; 230),

[0244] wherein the first device (110, 120; 210) is configured to, on first resources, send a first wireless transmission to the relay device (120; 130; 230), the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device (110, 120; 210), and wherein the second device (110, 120; 220) is configured to, on second resources distinct from the first resources, send a second wireless transmission to the relay device (120; 130; 230), the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device (110, 120; 210), and

[0245] wherein the relay device (120; 130; 230) is configured to, on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, send a third wireless transmission to the first device (110, 120; 210) and the second device (110, 120; 210), the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

[0246] EXAMPLE 42: The system of EXAMPLE 41 ,

[0247] wherein the relay device (120; 130; 230) is further configured to perform the method of any of EXAMPLES 2 to 14, and / or

[0248] wherein the first device (110, 120; 210) is further configured to perform the method of any of EXAMPLES 16 to 36.

Claims

SYP356014W001Claims1. A method of relaying data between a first device and a second device, the method comprising:on first resources, a relay device receiving a first wireless transmission comprising first data from the first device;on second resources distinct from the second resources, the relay device receiving a second wireless transmission comprising second data from the second device; andon third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the relay device sending a third wireless transmission to the first device and to the second device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data.

2. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain.

3. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and wherein the method further comprises:the relay device (120; 130; 230) sending a fourth wireless transmission to the first device, the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of the second data.

4. The method of claim 1 , comprising:the relay device receiving control information indicating a configuration for network-coded relaying; andthe relay device sending the third wireless transmission based on the indicated configuration,5. The method of claim 4,wherein the control information indicates timing of the third wireless transmission in relation to the first wireless transmission and / or the second wireless transmission.

6. The method of claim 4,wherein the control information indicates the first resources and / or the second resources.

7. The method of claim 5,wherein the control information indicates a logical operation for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

8. The method of claim 1 , comprising:the relay device providing capability information to the first device and / or to the second device, the capability information indicating a capability of the relay device to participate in network-coded relaying.

9. The method of claim 8,wherein the capability information indicates a processing delay associated with network-coded relaying operation of the relay device.

10. The method of claim 8,- 28 -SYP356014W001wherein the capability information indicates one or more supported logical operations for network-coded combining of the first data and the second data.

11. The method of claim 1,wherein one of the first device and the second device is a network node and the other of the first device and the second device is a mobile terminal.

12. The method of claim 1,wherein the first device is a first mobile terminal and the second device is a second mobile terminal.

13. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the relay device is a mobile terminal.

14. A method of relaying data between a first device and a second device, the method comprising:on first resources, the first device sending a first wireless transmission to a relay device, the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device, wherein the first resources are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device;on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, the first device receiving a third wireless transmission from the relay device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

15. The method of claim 14,wherein the first resources and the second resources are distinct in frequency domain and / or distinct in time domain.

16. The method of claim 14,wherein the third wireless transmission comprises a part of the second data, and wherein the method further comprises:the first device receiving a fourth wireless transmission from the relay device, the fourth wireless transmission comprising a further part of second data.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:by applying a logical operation to the received network-coded combination of the first data and the second data and to the sent first data, the first device separating the second data from the network-coded combination.

18. A relay device operable for relaying data between a first device and a second device, the relay device comprising control circuitry configured to:on first resources, receive a first wireless transmission comprising first data from the first device;on second resources distinct from the first resources, receive a second wireless transmission comprising second data from the second device; andon third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, send a third wireless transmission to the first device and to the second device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of at least a part of the first data and at least a part of the second data.SYP356014W00119. A first device operable for relaying data between the first device and a second device, the first device comprising control circuitry configured to:on first resources, send a first wireless transmission to a relay device, the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device, wherein the first resources are distinct from second resources assigned for a second wireless transmission from the second device to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device;on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, receive a third wireless transmission from the relay device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

20. A system, comprising:a first device, a second device, and a relay device,wherein the first device is configured to, on first resources, send a first wireless transmission to the relay device, the first wireless transmission comprising first data which are to be relayed to the second device, andwherein the second device is configured to, on second resources distinct from the first resources, send a second wireless transmission to the relay device, the second wireless transmission comprising second data which are to be relayed to the first device, and wherein the relay device is configured to, on third resources distinct from the first resources and the second resources, send a third wireless transmission to the first device and the second device, the third wireless transmission comprising a network-coded combination of the first data and the second data.

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