L2 Sidelink UE Relay for System Information in Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently facilitating UE-to-network relay operations, particularly in scenarios where direct radio conditions between user equipment (UE) and the network are poor, leading to coverage gaps and limited connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an L2 SL-based UE-to-network relay operation, where a first UE receives system information blocks from a base station and relays them to a second UE through a sidelink channel, enabling improved network access even in challenging radio conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct UE-to-network communication is used, then communication simplicity is maintained, but network connectivity is lost in poor radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device between the remote UE and the network. The relay UE receives system information blocks from the network and forwards them to the remote UE via sidelink communication, enabling the remote UE to access network information indirectly when direct communication is unavailable.
2Reliability
If relay operations are implemented, then network connectivity is improved for remote UEs, but information transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE performs preliminary actions by acquiring system information blocks from the network in advance and storing them locally. This allows the relay UE to forward critical system information to remote UEs without requiring real-time network access, ensuring information availability even when network conditions are poor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs acquire system information directly from base station, then information accuracy is ensured, but accessibility is limited in coverage gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE serves as an intermediary that bridges the coverage gap by receiving system information blocks from the base station and transmitting them to remote UEs via sidelink. This enables remote UEs in coverage gaps to access system information that they could not obtain directly from the base station.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for layer 2 (L2) sidelink (SL)-based user equipment (UE)-to-network relay operations in a wireless communication network. A method for operating a first UE includes receiving, from a second UE, a message including assistance information for a relay operation between the first UE and the second UE and receiving, from a base station (BS), a short message. The method further includes acquiring, based on information in the short message, first system information blocks including an earthquake and tsunami warning system/commercial mobile alert service (ETWS/CMAS) notification or second system information blocks for the second UE and transmitting, to the second UE over a sidelink channel, the acquired first system information blocks or the acquired second system information block.