Conditional D2D Relay for Ambient IoT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless systems, ambient IoT devices face challenges with energy efficiency and connectivity due to limitations in device-to-device communication, especially in scenarios with line-of-sight blockages or strong interference, which affect the quality of service and lead to connectivity outages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of conditional device-to-device communication procedures that utilize extended timers and relay devices to manage radio link failures, allowing for efficient wake-up cycles and reduced power consumption, enabling communication even in blocked conditions through relay nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-to-device communication is used to maintain connectivity through relay devices, then connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediaries between user equipment and the network entity. When direct communication is blocked, the UE communicates through the relay device, which forwards signals bidirectionally. This intermediary approach maintains connectivity reliability without requiring complex changes to the UE itself, as the relay handling complexity is distributed to separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is segmented into direct mode and relay mode. The system divides the communication path into different segments based on channel conditions - direct UE-to-network when available, or UE-to-relay-to-network when blocked. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in normal operation while providing reliable connectivity through optional relay paths when needed.
2Reliability
If extended timers are used to wait for relay device signals, then connectivity reliability is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism is made dynamic rather than static. The system uses configurable timer values that can be adjusted based on the specific scenario, and the timer is only extended when necessary (when radio link failure is detected and relay communication is initiated). This dynamic approach balances reliability improvement with time efficiency, avoiding unnecessary delays in normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time parameter dynamically based on communication conditions. Normal communication uses standard timing parameters, while relay-assisted communication uses extended timer values. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for both speed (normal mode) and reliability (relay mode) without constant time delay penalties.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up cycles are implemented for energy saving, then power consumption is reduced, but connectivity response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake-up cycles where the UE wakes up at predetermined intervals to check for messages or perform communications, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic action significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, while the interval can be configured to balance energy savings with response time requirements. The relay device can buffer messages during the UE's sleep period and forward them upon wake-up.
Data Source
AI summary
Conditional device-to-device communications for ambient Internet of Things devices is provided. A method for conditional device-to-device communications for ambient Internet of Things devices may include transmitting a first signal to a relay device indicating that a condition has been satisfied, and determining whether a radio link failure with a network entity exists based on whether a second signal is received a specified number of times from the relay device.