Layer-2 Link Modification for UE-to-UE Relay Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting layer-2 link modifications for UE-to-UE relay communication in wireless communication systems, particularly in next-generation networks like 5G, where dynamic and secure communication protocols are needed to manage multiple UEs and ensure reliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for a source remote UE to establish and modify layer-2 links with relay UEs, using PC5 messages to add or modify layer-2 identities for U2U relay communications, ensuring secure and efficient communication by exchanging Layer-2 IDs and configuring security settings, allowing for the integration of UE-to-UE relay operations within the existing 5G ProSe framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If layer-2 link modification is implemented to add multiple destination remote UEs in UE-to-UE relay communication, then the adaptability and versatility of the communication system is improved, but the device complexity and protocol management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the layer-2 link modification process into distinct phases: initial link establishment with first destination remote UE, subsequent modification phase to add second destination remote UE, and separate message exchange sequences for each modification step. This segmentation allows complex multi-UE link management to be broken down into manageable, standardized operations that can be handled through existing PC5 message structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic layer-2 link modification where the link can be flexibly updated to add or remove destination remote UEs during runtime. The source remote UE can dynamically send link modification requests to the relay UE to add new destination remote UEs (like the second destination remote UE) without establishing entirely new links, allowing the communication topology to adapt dynamically while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
2Productivity
If dynamic layer-2 link modification is supported for UE-to-UE relay communication, then the productivity and communication efficiency are improved, but the reliability and security management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security establishment during the initial layer-2 link setup between the source remote UE and relay UE. Security contexts and encryption keys are established in advance before any link modifications occur. When the link is later modified to add a second destination remote UE, the pre-established security framework is reused and extended, ensuring that security management remains reliable while enabling efficient dynamic modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of PC5 messages exchanged between source remote UE, relay UE, and destination remote UEs. Each link modification request, acceptance, and completion is confirmed through structured message exchanges that include security verification. This feedback loop ensures that every modification step is securely authenticated and confirmed, maintaining reliability while enabling productive dynamic changes.
3Ease of operation
If PC5 messages are used for layer-2 link modification to add destination remote UEs, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal PC5 message structures that serve multiple functions: initial link establishment, link modification requests, modification acceptance, and completion confirmation. The same PC5 message framework is reused across different phases of link management, reducing the need for separate specialized message types. This multi-functionality simplifies operation while minimizing protocol overhead by avoiding redundant message structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple information elements related to layer-2 link modification into consolidated PC5 messages. Instead of separate messages for each aspect of link modification, the patent combines link identifier updates, destination remote UE additions, and security context references into integrated message exchanges. This merging reduces the total number of messages required while maintaining complete information transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for a source remote User Equipment (UE). In one embodiment, the source remote UE establishes a first layer-2 link with a relay UE for a first UE-to-UE (U2U) relay communication with a first destination remote UE. The source remote UE also sends a first PC5 message to the relay UE for modifying the first layer-2 link to add a second destination remote UE for a second U2U relay communication. Furthermore, the source remote UE receives a second PC5 message from the relay UE for complete of modification of the first layer-2 link, wherein the second PC5 message includes a second Layer-2 Identity (L2ID) of the second destination remote UE.