Layer 2 Sidelink Relay Communication for NR Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cellular networks face limitations in supporting high data rate services and proximity services, necessitating the development of device-to-device (D2D) communication technology to reduce network burden and improve power consumption, with existing LTE sidelink communication mechanisms not applicable to New Radio (NR) systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing sidelink relay communication under dual connectivity using layer 2 relay UEs, allowing remote UEs to connect to the network via a layer 2 relay UE, with methods and systems for configuring data traffic forwarding and dual connectivity through assistance and configuration messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cellular network is used, then network coverage is provided, but network burden increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device that forwards data between remote UEs and the network. The relay UE establishes separate data radio bearers for different UEs, enabling remote UEs to communicate through the relay without directly connecting to the network, thereby reducing network burden and power consumption while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If LTE sidelink communication mechanisms are used, then D2D communication is enabled, but the mechanisms are not applicable to NR systems

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidmechanism compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts sidelink communication mechanisms from LTE to NR by changing key parameters including frame structure, QoS processing, bearer configurations, and bearer establishment procedures. The relay UE establishes data radio bearers specific to NR system requirements, making the mechanism compatible with NR while maintaining D2D communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If layer 2 relay UE is used for remote UE connection, then network coverage is extended, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidrelay communication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay communication process into distinct components: discovery messages for relay identification, configuration messages for bearer setup, and separate data radio bearers for different UEs. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the relay function into manageable, standardized steps that can be implemented independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12425945B2Method for sidelink relay communication under dual connectivity

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication method for use in a first wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless communication method comprises transmitting, to a first wireless network node, assistance information related to a second wireless terminal, and receiving, from the first wireless network node, a configuration message of configuring the first wireless terminal to forward data traffic for the second wireless terminal.