Layer 2 Relay NAS Procedures for Congestion-Aware WTRU Reselection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing non-access stratum (NAS) procedures in layer 2 relaying, particularly in wireless networks, leading to inefficiencies and congestion issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing methods and apparatuses that enhance NAS procedures in layer 2 relaying by optimizing message flows and congestion control, enabling scheduled mobile terminated data delivery, and utilizing relay WTRUs to improve network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If relay WTRUs are used to extend network coverage and improve connectivity, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but network congestion and NAS procedure inefficiencies worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidNAS procedure efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay WTRU's operational capabilities by introducing separate uplink and downlink congestion control mechanisms. The relay WTRU independently manages uplink data transmission to the network and downlink data reception from the network, allowing targeted optimization of each direction's NAS procedures rather than treating congestion control as a monolithic process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic congestion control where the relay WTRU adjusts its data transmission and reception behavior based on real-time network conditions. The WTRU dynamically modifies NAS procedure execution, data buffer management, and resource allocation according to varying congestion levels, ensuring optimal NAS procedure efficiency under different network load conditions while maintaining extended coverage benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If congestion control mechanisms are implemented to manage network load, then network stability is improved, but data delivery latency and communication speed worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoiddata delivery speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the relay WTRU proactively manage data buffering and transmission scheduling before congestion occurs or at early stages of congestion. The WTRU pre-configures buffer thresholds, transmission priorities, and NAS procedure timing based on predicted network conditions, allowing data delivery to proceed efficiently while preventing congestion from developing, thus maintaining both stability and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the relay WTRU continuously monitors network congestion indicators, data queue lengths, and transmission success rates. Based on this feedback, the WTRU dynamically adjusts congestion control parameters such as transmission power, data rate, and NAS procedure timing. This closed-loop control maintains network stability while minimizing the impact on data delivery speed through real-time optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12408072B2Methods and apparatuses directed to non-access stratum procedures in connection with layer 2 relaying
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • US12408072B2 patent drawing
  • US12408072B2 patent drawing
  • US12408072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses directed to non-access stratum procedures in connection with layer 2 relaying are provided. A method implemented in a first WTRU, may comprise: receiving, from a second WTRU, a first sidelink transmission comprising a first information indicating an amount of time for the first WTRU to refrain from transmitting, to the second WTRU; determining to reselect to a third WTRU responsive to receiving the first information and based on a second sidelink transmission from the third WTRU; reselecting or autonomous reselecting to the third WTRU; establishing a connection with the third WTRU; and transmitting, to the third WTRU, a third sidelink transmission comprising a second information indicating congestion as a cause for the reselection.