D2D Relay Capability Signaling for Multi-Hop Sidelink Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently configuring and enabling relaying for device-to-device (D2D) communication, particularly in scenarios where network environments are unsuitable for direct unicast communication between V2X capable UEs, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for D2D communication that enables capability information exchange between UEs to determine and configure layer-2 based relaying or other types of relaying, allowing flexible configuration of multi-hop paths for data transmission, using adaptation layer functionalities and sidelink communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-hop sidelink unicast communication is used with relay UEs to enable D2D communication in unsuitable network environments, then communication coverage and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs pre-indicate their relaying capability information (support for layer-2 based relaying or other types) in connection establishment messages. This allows relay UEs to be identified and selected before actual data transmission begins, simplifying the configuration process for multi-hop communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relay UEs as intermediaries to forward data between source and target UEs when direct communication is not feasible. The relay UE capability indication mechanism enables automatic identification and selection of suitable relay nodes, reducing configuration complexity while extending communication coverage.
2Productivity
If relay UE capability indication is implemented in connection establishment messages, then relaying configuration efficiency is improved, but message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the relaying capability indication with existing connection establishment messages (such as direct communication request or direct communication accept messages). By combining multiple functions into a single message exchange, the patent improves configuration efficiency without significantly increasing overall message overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If layer-2 based relaying is supported by UEs, then transmission flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic relaying where UEs can adaptively select between layer-2 based relaying and other relaying types based on their capability indications and network conditions. This dynamic approach allows flexible transmission adaptation while managing processing complexity through capability-based selection rather than universal support for all relaying types.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for direct device-to-device communication. The method which may be performed by a first terminal device comprises receiving a message for connection establishment from a second terminal device. The message includes capability information about relaying for direct device-to-device communication. The method further comprises determining whether to transmit the message to a third terminal device, based at least in part on the capability information. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the relaying for direct device-to-device communication, e.g., layer-2/layer-3 based relaying, may be configured and/or enabled efficiently and flexibly.