Layer 2 Device-to-Device Relay Communications for Multi-Hop Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face limitations in supporting high data rate capabilities and proximity services, and there is a need for efficient Device-to-Device (D2D) relay communications to enhance coverage and reduce battery power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Layer 2 UE-to-UE relay communication system with an adaptation layer over PC5 hops, where relay UEs provide source and destination IDs for End-to-End unicast links, enabling multi-hop scenarios and improving network robustness and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cellular network communications are used, then network infrastructure and base station routing are established, but data transmission requires passing through base stations increasing latency and reducing direct communication efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission path from the traditional cellular network infrastructure by implementing direct Device-to-Device communication over PC5 interfaces, eliminating the mandatory routing through base stations and core network for direct SL communications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay UEs as intermediary nodes that facilitate communication between source and destination UEs when direct communication is not possible, with the relay providing source ID and destination ID information to establish E2E unicast links
2Reliability
If direct Device-to-Device communication is implemented, then network coverage and capacity are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to relay UE coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple hops through relay UEs, where each relay handles specific segments of the communication by managing source ID and destination ID mappings for different E2E unicast links
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes relay UEs multi-functional by enabling them to serve multiple purposes: direct communication, relay communication, and providing ID management services for both per-hop and end-to-end links
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay UEs provide source ID and destination ID for E2E unicast links, then direct communication capability is enabled, but information exchange complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE acts as an intermediary that manages ID information exchange between source and destination UEs, providing source ID to destination UE and destination ID to source UE to enable proper routing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary ID exchange and mapping setup during the relay selection and link establishment phase, so that when data transmission occurs, the ID information is already in place and no complex real-time negotiation is needed
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangements described herein relate to systems, methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media for a relay UE providing to a destination UE a source ID of a source wireless communication device for an End-to-End (E2E) unicast link between the source UE and the destination UE. The relay UE provides to the source UE a destination ID of the destination UE for the E2E unicast link.