Disaggregated UE Relay Credential Sharing for Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in establishing reliable connections for devices that cannot reach the network directly using the primary Uu interface or determine that it is unsuitable for certain traffic criteria, leading to inefficiencies in communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a first wireless device establishes a local connection with a second wireless device using alternative interfaces (e.g., PC5, BLE, WiFi-D) to relay communication to a network entity, with the first device sharing credentials to enable the relay UE to connect to the network, allowing for improved RF performance and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless device uses the primary Uu interface to connect to the network, then direct network access is achieved, but coverage and connectivity are limited in areas with reduced network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay wireless device as an intermediary between the first wireless device and the network entity. The relay device receives wireless traffic from the first device and relays it to the network, enabling connectivity in areas where direct Uu interface access is unavailable or insufficient. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing alternative coverage paths while maintaining network access.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless devices establish separate connections to the network, then individual connectivity is maintained, but system complexity and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connectivity functions of multiple wireless devices through a relay device that establishes a single connection to the network entity on behalf of multiple devices. The relay device aggregates traffic from multiple first wireless devices and manages their connectivity through a unified connection, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual device connectivity through the relay.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay wireless device performs multiple functions: it acts as a client to the network entity, serves as a relay for multiple first wireless devices, and manages credentials and connections for all devices. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated connections for each device, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining connectivity.
3Productivity
If credentials are shared between relay UE and network entity, then connection efficiency is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first wireless device provide credentials to the relay device before the relay device establishes its connection to the network entity. The relay device uses these pre-provided credentials to authenticate and establish the connection efficiently, avoiding repeated authentication steps while maintaining security through proper credential management and usage limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products for a wireless device are provided. An example method includes establishing a first connection with a second wireless device. The example method further includes establishing a second connection with the network entity via the second wireless device based on a second credential. The example method further includes transmitting a first credential to the second wireless device, the first credential associated with relay of wireless traffic between the first wireless device and a network entity.