5G Delay-Tolerant Data Routing With Duplicate-Aware Relays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G networks face inefficiencies in managing delay tolerant data traffic, leading to unnecessary duplication, resource waste, and unreliable delivery due to lack of network awareness of data duplicates and optimal relay paths.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Delay Tolerant Data Services (DTDS) within the 5G core network (DTDS@CN) and relays (DTDS@UE) to optimize network resources by identifying delay tolerant traffic, providing reliable delivery, path optimization, and offering services such as duplicate detection, aggregation, advanced filtering, reliability assistance, error correction, prioritization, and specialized charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is sent to multiple relays to improve delivery reliability, then delivery reliability is improved, but network resource waste increases due to duplicate transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing duplicate detection mechanisms at relays before data is transmitted across the network. Relays check incoming data bundles against stored copies using identifier matching, preventing duplicate transmissions from propagating further. This proactive approach eliminates wasted network resources while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-relay transmission strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If data bundles are transmitted to multiple relays to ensure delivery, then delivery reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relays report received data bundle identifiers to a central coordinator or share information with peer relays. This feedback loop enables the network to track which data has been successfully delivered and which relays have copies, allowing dynamic adjustment of transmission strategies. The system learns from transmission outcomes to optimize future routing decisions, improving resource utilization while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If duplicate data copies are eliminated at endpoints only, then data integrity is maintained, but network resources are wasted during transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidnetwork resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relays as intermediary nodes that perform duplicate detection and elimination functions. Rather than relying solely on endpoint verification, relays act as intermediaries that check for duplicates using identifier matching and prevent redundant transmissions. This distributed approach at intermediary nodes reduces network waste while maintaining data integrity, as duplicates are eliminated before consuming significant network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4676103A15g delay tolerant data services
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP4676103A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4676103A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4676103A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are described herein for a 5G system that deploys services providing optimizations and value add services based on delay tolerant data (DTD) exchanges between end devices and machine to machine (M2M) servers. In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus may receive, from a second apparatus via the network, first information comprising a delay tolerant communication configuration comprising an identifier and a delay tolerant characteristic. The apparatus may receive, from a third apparatus, data in a plurality of data bundles that each comprises the identifier. The apparatus may process, based on the first information, the plurality of data bundles. The apparatus may route, based on the first information, the plurality of data bundles. The third apparatus may comprise a user equipment (UE).