DAPS Path Switching for Relay Handover Service Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies have not effectively addressed the need for efficient communication in wireless networks involving user equipment (UE) to network (U2N) communication systems, particularly in scenarios where a UE functions as a relay node to extend network coverage, leading to potential service interruptions during path switches.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual active protocol stack (DAPS) path switch mechanism, where a UE maintains connections with both the source and target relay nodes during a handover, allowing for seamless transitions and reducing service interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a UE performs a traditional path switch from source connection to target connection, then the handover process is simplified, but service interruptions occur during the transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover process complexityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dual active protocol stacks that maintain simultaneous connectivity to both source and target relay nodes during handover. The source protocol stack continues operating while the target protocol stack is activated, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission and eliminating service interruptions traditionally associated with path switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The target protocol stack is established and activated before the source protocol stack is deactivated. This preliminary action allows the UE to prepare the target connection in advance, ensuring seamless transition without service interruption when switching from source to target relay node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a UE maintains connections with both source and target relay nodes during handover, then service continuity is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidprotocol stack complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the protocol stack into separate source and target protocol stacks that operate independently. This segmentation allows each stack to be managed separately, with the source stack handling communications with the source relay node and the target stack handling communications with the target relay node, making the complexity manageable through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual active protocol stacks are designed to perform multiple functions: the source stack maintains existing connectivity while the target stack establishes new connectivity. Both stacks can simultaneously handle data transmission, making the system multi-functional and capable of ensuring service continuity while managing complexity through shared architectural patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260006669A1Method and apparatus for path switch

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses for path switch in a communication system. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a UE may: receive, from a BS, an RRC reconfiguration message for a DAPS path switch from a source connection to a target connection, wherein the RRC reconfiguration message indicates an ID of a target relay node; and start a timer for path switch in response to receiving the RRC reconfiguration message.