MTC UE D2D Relay Selection for Energy-Constrained Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing device-to-device (D2D) communication for machine type communication (MTC) devices, particularly in low-power discovery, transitioning between direct and relay link communication, and paging, especially in scenarios where MTC devices communicate indirectly through intermediate devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing a discovery procedure to identify intermediate devices for communication with a base station and deciding based on criteria whether to communicate directly or indirectly, using techniques such as searching for synchronization signals and establishing D2D connections, with parameters determined for efficient communication in narrowband regions within a larger system bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MTC devices use direct communication with base station, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (relay UEs) that act as mediators between MTC devices and base stations. When direct communication is not feasible or energy-efficient, MTC devices communicate through these intermediate devices, which forward data packets. This resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative communication path that reduces energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability through the relay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode selection where MTC devices can switch between direct communication and indirect communication through relays based on current conditions. The device evaluates factors such as channel quality, energy status, and device availability to dynamically choose the optimal communication path, thereby balancing reliability and energy consumption adaptively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MTC devices perform discovery procedure to identify intermediate devices, then adaptability of communication paths is improved, but complexity of device operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery procedure is designed to be self-service in nature, where MTC devices autonomously perform discovery of intermediate devices using pre-configured parameters and standardized protocols. The devices independently evaluate discovered devices and select appropriate relays without requiring complex manual configuration or centralized coordination, thus improving adaptability while keeping operation manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in discovery signals and communication configurations to enable adaptability. By modifying discovery parameters such as transmission power, timing, and frequency resources based on network conditions, the system achieves flexible communication path selection without requiring complex operational procedures from devices.
3Use of energy by moving object
If MTC devices communicate indirectly through intermediate devices, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing relay connections and performing discovery procedures in advance before actual data transmission is needed. Intermediate devices are identified and validated as potential relays beforehand, so when data needs to be transmitted, the communication path is already prepared, minimizing the latency penalty of indirect communication while maintaining energy savings.
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AI summary
An exemplary method of an MTC UE includes performing a discovery procedure (e.g. relay searching, D2D discovery of relay UE) to identify one or more devices through which the UE may indirectly communicate with a base station in the network and deciding based on one or more criteria (e.g., based on link quality or signal strength) whether to communicate with the base station directly or indirectly, via a device identified by the discovery procedure. According to certain aspects, when a UE is in communication with a network indirectly, the network might page the UE directly, indirectly, or both. A method at an intermediate device includes determining discovery parameters and transmitting discovery signalsto permit the UE to discover the device. The intermediate device may measure and transmit to the UE an indicator of the quality of the signal between the base station and the device.