L2 UE-to-UE Relay Reselection for Path Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, especially in 5G and NR networks, UE to UE (U2U) relay communication faces challenges in ensuring reliable path recovery and relay reselection, particularly for out-of-coverage scenarios where single hop SL communication is insufficient to maintain coverage and quality of service (QoS).

Innovation Solution

The implementation of UE-to-UE relay reselection mechanisms, where a source UE initiates a U2U relay by establishing a direct communication channel through a first relay UE and can switch to a second relay UE based on trigger conditions such as channel link quality, radio link failure, or notification from the destination UE, ensuring continuous communication through multiple hops using PC5 interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single hop SL communication is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage and reliability deteriorate in out-of-coverage scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay communication structureVSAvoidpath recovery and service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay communication path into multiple hops, where a source UE can communicate through multiple relay UEs (first relay UE, second relay UE) to reach the destination UE. This multi-hop segmentation enables extended coverage and improved reliability by providing alternative paths when direct or single-hop communication fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate relay UEs that act as mediators between the source UE and destination UE. These relay UEs forward communications and enable path recovery by providing intermediate nodes that can be dynamically selected or switched based on communication conditions, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing end-user device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If relay reselection mechanisms are implemented, then service continuity and QoS are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidrelay management functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relay reselection mechanisms where the source UE can switch between different relay UEs (first relay UE to second relay UE) based on trigger conditions such as communication quality metrics, link failures, or network notifications. This dynamic adaptation maintains service continuity and QoS by automatically selecting optimal relay paths without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the source UE monitors communication conditions through measurements and notifications from relay UEs and destination UE. Based on this feedback regarding link quality and communication status, the system automatically triggers relay reselection to maintain service continuity, reducing the need for complex proactive management while ensuring reliable service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If multiple relay UEs are used for extended coverage, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relay selection and switching between different relay UEs based on communication conditions. By dynamically activating only the necessary relay nodes and switching to alternative relays when conditions deteriorate, the system extends coverage area while managing power consumption through selective activation rather than continuous operation of all relay paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters such as relay selection criteria, hopping frequency, and communication timing based on measured conditions including power availability and coverage requirements. This allows the system to adapt power consumption levels while maintaining extended coverage by optimizing when and how relay UEs are activated and utilized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240049009A1Layer 2 (L2) user equipment (UE) to UE (U2U) relay reselection for path recovery
Publication Date: 2024.02.08 APPLE INC
  • US20240049009A1 patent drawing
  • US20240049009A1 patent drawing
  • US20240049009A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A user equipment (UE), a baseband processor or other network device can operate in a new radio (NR) unlicensed network can operate to communicate in a UE to UE (U2U) relay path through a first relay UE with another UE as a source or destination UE according to a direct communication request initiating from the source UE. The UE can further perform a U2U relay reselection to a second relay UE in response to a trigger condition, either as a source UE or a destination UE.