Conditional Path Switch for Remote UE Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, when a UE device is out of coverage, conventional systems struggle to switch from a direct communication path to an indirect path through a relay UE device due to insufficient link quality, preventing timely notification of the path switch instruction from the base station to the remote UE device.
Innovation Solution
A conditional path switch reconfiguration message is sent by the serving base station to the remote UE device, instructing it to switch to an alternate communication path when specific signal quality thresholds are met, allowing the UE device to initiate the switch when conditions are fulfilled, even if the current link quality is degraded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base station sends path switch notification to the remote UE device over the current direct communication link, then the path switch instruction can be delivered to the UE device, but the notification cannot be received when the current link quality falls below the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The base station pre-configures the remote UE device with alternate communication paths and switch conditions before the current link degrades. The UE device is instructed to autonomously switch to the pre-configured alternate path when link quality falls below the threshold, eliminating the need for real-time notification delivery over the degraded link.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote UE device is empowered to autonomously monitor its own link quality and independently execute the path switch decision based on pre-configured conditions, without requiring continuous base station intervention or real-time notification. This self-service mechanism ensures the switch can occur even when the base station cannot communicate with the UE over the current link.
2Reliability
If the system waits for adequate current link quality to send path switch instructions, then reliable notification can be ensured, but the path switch is delayed and connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs path switch preparation in advance by pre-configuring alternate paths and switch triggers while the current link quality is still adequate. This allows the UE device to immediately execute the switch when conditions deteriorate, eliminating the delay that would occur if the system waited for notification delivery confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station provides the UE device with backup communication paths and switch conditions in advance, creating a cushion that allows the UE to autonomously maintain connectivity when the current link degrades below the threshold, preventing connectivity loss without requiring real-time negotiation.
3Productivity
If the remote UE device autonomously switches to alternate path when condition is met, then seamless path switching is achieved, but the system requires pre-configuration of switch conditions and alternate paths
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of path configuration and condition setting, while the UE device executes the simple autonomous switch based on pre-configured triggers. This division of complexity allows fast autonomous switching at the UE while the base station handles the sophisticated path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the communication path by pre-defining switch conditions (such as link quality thresholds) and alternate path configurations. This parameter-based approach enables the UE device to autonomously determine when to switch without complex real-time decision-making, achieving fast switching with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A serving base station connected to a remote user equipment (UE) device over a current communication path sends a conditional path switch reconfiguration message to the remote UE device. The current communication path is either an indirect communication type through at least one relay UE device or a direct communication type without relay UE devices. The conditional path switch reconfiguration message instructs the remote UE device to switch from the current communication path to an alternate communication path when a condition is met. The alternate communication path is a different communication type from the current communication type of the current communication path.