Multi-Hop D2D Relay MAC Mapping for Flexible Link Establishment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing links between source and target end user equipment (UE) in device-to-device relay communications lack flexibility, hindering user experience and limiting data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation and updating of a mapping table using PC5 signaling messages to manage media access control (MAC) addresses for source and relay UEs, enabling flexible link establishment between UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional link establishment methods are used between source and target UE, then the process is simple, but flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in link establishmentVSAvoidcomplexity of link establishment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the link establishment process into multiple phases: direct link establishment between source and target UE, relay link establishment through intermediate UEs, and mapping table creation. This segmentation allows flexible selection of direct or relay paths while maintaining manageable complexity through structured procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces relay UEs as intermediaries that facilitate communication between source and target UEs when direct links are unavailable. The mapping table acts as a mediator that tracks and manages the relationships between UEs and relay nodes, enabling flexible multi-hop path selection without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If relay UEs are introduced for link establishment, then flexibility and data transfer capability improve, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of relay management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mapping table serves multiple functions: tracking UE-to-relay mappings, managing multi-hop paths, and enabling flexible routing decisions. This multi-functionality improves data transfer capability through relay support while containing complexity by consolidating management tasks into a single unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing mapping tables before actual data transfer through relay UEs. This pre-configuration of relay paths and UE mappings enables efficient data transfer while simplifying the actual transmission process, as the complex relay management is completed in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If mapping tables are created and updated for multi-hop relay, then adaptability and routing flexibility improve, but information processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges mapping information for multiple UEs and relay nodes into a single consolidated mapping table. This consolidation improves routing flexibility by providing a comprehensive view of available paths while reducing signaling overhead by eliminating the need for separate management structures for each UE-relay pair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046744A1Methods, architectures, apparatuses and systems for mac address handling for multi-hop device to device relay

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for multi-hop device to device relay. For example, a first PC5 signaling message may be received from a first WTRU relay comprising a MAC address for a source WTRU and the first WTRU relay. A mapping table that comprises the MAC address for the source WTRU and the first WTRU relay may be created. A second PC5 signaling message may be received from a second WTRU relay or a target WTRU comprising a MAC address for the target WTRU, MAC address for the source WTRU and/or MAC address for the second WTRU relay. The mapping table may be updated with the MAC address for the target WTRU. A third PC5 signaling message may be transmitted to the first WTRU relay, comprising the MAC address of the target WTRU, MAC address of the source WTRU and the MAC address of the first WTRU relay.