D2D Relay UE Sidelink Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current device-to-device (D2D) communication technologies face inefficiencies in power and resource utilization, particularly in LTE systems, which hinder optimal operation and capacity in wireless communication networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a D2D relay system where a relay UE assists in relaying information between a remote UE and the base station, utilizing sidelink channels for efficient resource allocation and power management, including the use of radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) and eNB-assisted resource allocation to enhance communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If D2D communication is implemented in LTE systems, then direct device-to-device communication capability is improved, but power consumption and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device between the remote UE and the base station. The relay UE receives downlink data from the base station and forwards it to the remote UE over PC5 sidelink, while also relaying uplink data from the remote UE to the base station. This intermediary approach enables D2D communication for remote UEs that cannot maintain direct connections, improving adaptability while managing power consumption through intelligent relay selection and connection management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic relay selection and connection management where the relay UE can be changed based on channel conditions, power status, and communication requirements. The system dynamically establishes, maintains, and releases relay connections to optimize power consumption and resource utilization while maintaining D2D communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If remote UEs maintain direct connection with base station, then communication reliability is improved, but system capacity and resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication path into two parts: a control plane connection between the remote UE and base station for signaling and coordination, and a user plane connection between the relay UE and remote UE over PC5 for data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through controlled signaling while improving capacity by utilizing device-to-device resources for actual data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relay UE acts as an intermediary that handles data transmission between the remote UE and base station, freeing up base station resources while maintaining reliable communication through coordinated control signaling. The base station maintains control over resource allocation and connection management, ensuring reliability, while the relay UE handles the bulk data transfer, improving system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If relay UE is introduced for remote UE communication, then system capacity and resource reuse are improved, but device complexity and connection management overhead deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidconnection management overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the remote UE and relay UE exchange information about channel conditions, power status, and communication quality. The base station receives feedback from both devices and uses this information to make intelligent decisions about relay selection, resource allocation, and connection management, thereby reducing overall system complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the relay UE and remote UE to autonomously perform certain connection management tasks such as establishing PC5 links, negotiating parameters, and managing local resource allocation. This self-service capability reduces the signaling overhead to the base station and simplifies connection management while still maintaining system-wide coordination for capacity optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3620026B1Relaying in a device-to-device communication system
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3620026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3620026B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3620026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present aspects relate to device-to-device (D2D) relaying in a wireless communication system. In an aspect, a relay UE receive at least one message including a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) of at least a remote UE and transmit, on a sidelink channel, a sidelink grant associated with the RNTI to the remote UE.. In another aspect, a remote UE may receive an indication to establish a connection with a relay UE on a sidelink channel, establishing the connection with the relay UE on the sidelink channel, and receive, from the relay UE on the sidelink channel, a sidelink grant associated with a RNTI of the remote UE.