5GC Relay UE Association for Aligned Remote UE Paging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3GPP specifications do not clearly define how to efficiently link or associate a remote user equipment (RMUE) with a relay user equipment (RLUE) in a wireless communication network, particularly for efficient paging operations, which is crucial for power efficiency and resource utilization in indirect communication scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method is described where a radio access network node and a core network node align paging parameters of the RMUE with those of the RLUE using a shared access and mobility management function (AMF), enabling efficient linking and delinking of RMUE and RLUE devices based on AMF usage and registration messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the Relay UE monitors its own paging offset only, then the paging signaling can be sent from the wireless network in the Relay UE's PO, but the Remote UE cannot be efficiently associated with the Relay UE at the wireless communication network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging efficiencyVSAvoidassociation information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary entity that receives association information from the RAN node and uses it to modify paging parameters. The AMF acts as a mediator between the RAN node and the core network, enabling efficient paging by aligning the Remote UE's paging parameters with the Relay UE's paging parameters through the AMF's processing of association information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies paging parameters (specifically the paging offset) to enable efficient paging. The AMF changes the paging parameters of the Remote UE to align with the Relay UE's paging parameters based on the received association information, allowing the Remote UE to be paged at the Relay UE's paging occasion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the wireless communication network links the Remote UE with the Relay UE, then efficient paging can be enabled, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging operationVSAvoidnetwork node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the association information handling with the existing paging functionality. The AMF integrates the reception of association information from the RAN node with its existing paging parameter management functions, avoiding the need for separate complex association management mechanisms while enabling efficient paging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF performs multiple functions: it receives association information from the RAN node, modifies paging parameters based on this information, and manages paging for both Relay UE and Remote UE. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components or mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient paging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If paging parameters of RMUE are aligned with RLUE, then power efficiency is enhanced, but the adaptability when moving between coverage areas decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcoverage area adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic paging parameter alignment. When the Remote UE moves and connects to a different RAN node, the new RAN node can send updated association information to the AMF, which then modifies the paging parameters accordingly. This dynamic update mechanism allows the system to maintain power efficiency through parameter alignment while adapting to changes in coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from RAN nodes to the AMF to maintain optimal paging parameters. When the Remote UE moves to a new coverage area, the new RAN node provides feedback (association information) to the AMF, which then adjusts the paging parameters to maintain alignment with the current Relay UE, ensuring both power efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4147533B1Associating remote UE with relay UE in 5gc
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4147533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4147533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods of operating a radio access network node (1100) and a core network node (1108, 1110) to link a remote user equipment, RMUE, device (1102) to a relay user equipment, RLUE, device (1104) in a communications network (1106) are described. The radio access network node (1100) operates to receive a message that includes information corresponding to either the RMUE device (1102) or the RLUE device (1104) having a connection that is established between the radio access network node (1100) and the corresponding one of the RMUE device (1102) or the RLUE device (1104) and that uses a first access and mobility management function, AMF (1108). The radio access network node (1100) further operates to link the RMUE device (1102) to the RLUE device (1104) using the first AMF (1108). The core network node (1108, 1110) operates to receive a message that a first AMF (1108) includes data corresponding to the RLUE device (1104) and links the RMUE device (1102) to the RLUE device (1104) based on the message.