Assisting Node Sidelink Repeating for Blocked Direct Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of device-to-device sidelink communications, particularly in scenarios where direct sidelink communications are disrupted or blocked.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an assisting node, such as a smart repeater or reflector, that receives indications of available resources and signaling configurations from a network entity to repeat sidelink communications between user equipment (UEs), thereby enhancing communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct sidelink communications are used between UEs, then communication latency is reduced and efficiency is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates when obstacles block the direct path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assisting node as an intermediary device that receives sidelink communications from a first UE and forwards them to a second UE. This mediator node provides an alternative communication path when the direct sidelink path is blocked by obstacles, thereby maintaining communication reliability while preserving the low-latency benefits of direct sidelink communication when available.
2Reliability
If assisting nodes are deployed to provide alternative signal paths, then communication reliability is improved, but network device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assisting node operates autonomously by receiving configuration parameters and resource allocations from the network entity, then independently performing the sidelink repeating function. The node self-configures its transmission parameters based on received signaling without requiring complex centralized control, thereby reducing overall network complexity while maintaining reliability improvements.
3Reliability
If assisting nodes repeat sidelink communications, then signal coverage is extended and reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assisting node performs sidelink repeating operations periodically based on configured resource allocations and transmission schedules received from the network entity. Rather than continuously transmitting, the node activates only when needed according to the periodic schedule, thereby extending signal coverage and improving reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during periods when direct sidelink communication is functional.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for sidelink repeating operations, such as by using an assisting node (e.g., a smart repeater, relay, or reflector) to enhance sidelink communication reliability. For example, one or more assisting nodes may be configured by a network entity and repeat sidelink communications for two or more user equipments (UEs). In aspects, an assisting node may receive, from the network entity, an indication of resources available for sidelink communications between a first UE and a second UE. The assisting node may also receive signaling that configures the assisting node to repeat sidelink communications between the first and the second UEs over the indicated resources. The assisting node then repeats sidelink communications between the first and the second UEs according to the received signaling.