Mobile Device-to-Network Relay Architecture for Out-of-Coverage Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently relaying communications between mobile devices and base stations, especially when mobile devices are outside the serving cell or sector, leading to gaps in coverage and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mobile device-to-network relay architecture, where mobile devices within the serving cell or sector act as relays, utilizing proximity services and Layer 3 routing based on EPS bearers to facilitate communication with out-of-coverage mobile devices, enabling IP routing and forwarding to establish reliable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mobile devices are placed outside the serving cell or sector, then coverage area is expanded, but communication reliability deteriorates due to gaps in coverage and connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay mobile devices as intermediary nodes between out-of-coverage mobile devices and the base station. These relay devices receive communications from the base station and forward them to out-of-coverage devices, and vice versa, thereby extending coverage while maintaining communication reliability through a trusted intermediate path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices act as relays for out-of-coverage devices, then connectivity coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to routing and forwarding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The relay mobile device automatically performs routing and forwarding functions based on pre-established bearer contexts. The device self-manages the relay connection by identifying out-of-coverage devices, establishing EPS bearers for relay traffic, and forwarding communications without requiring complex manual configuration or external control, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for users.
3Reliability
If Layer 3 routing based on EPS bearers is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes EPS bearers with pre-configured QoS parameters and routing information before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary setup includes defining the relay bearer context, setting quality of service parameters, and pre-establishing the forwarding path, which reduces real-time processing overhead during actual communication by eliminating the need for dynamic routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device configured to route communications between one or more out-of-coverage communication devices using one or more proximity services (ProSe). For example, the communication device can be configured as a mobile device-to network relay. The communication device can be configured to route communications associated with one more out-of-coverage communication devices that are serviced by the communication device. The communication device can be configured to utilize Layer 3 routing.