Multi-hop Relay Chain Formation in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network architectures lack effective methods for forming and maintaining multi-hop relay chains, particularly when UEs are out of coverage, and there is no solution for switching affected UEs to new or existing relay chains.
Innovation Solution
A method for multi-hop relay chain formation in a wireless communication network involves discovering nearby UEs, selecting an intermediate UE, requesting a PC5 link establishment, and joining or forming a multi-hop relay chain within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hop relay chains are implemented to improve coverage and energy efficiency, then the coverage area and energy consumption are improved, but the network management complexity and relay chain formation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay chain formation process into distinct phases: discovery phase where UEs identify potential relay nodes, selection phase where appropriate relays are chosen, and establishment phase where PC5 links are created. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the overall complex task into manageable steps with specific protocols for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where UEs autonomously perform relay chain formation without extensive network intervention. Remote UEs independently discover nearby UEs, select intermediate relays, and establish PC5 links through standardized procedures, reducing network management complexity while maintaining coverage expansion capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If distributed relay chain formation is allowed to simplify network management, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and control over relay chain configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where UEs exchange capability information and status updates during the relay chain formation process. This feedback loop allows distributed UEs to adjust their selections based on real-time network conditions, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of distributed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of relay chain parameters such as selection criteria and configuration details based on changing network conditions. This enables the system to maintain high reliability through adaptive parameter changes while continuing to operate in a distributed manner without requiring centralized control.
3Ease of operation
If relay UEs are given freedom to manage relay chains distributedly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity for autonomous decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining standardized procedures and protocols for relay chain formation and management. These pre-established rules and decision frameworks reduce the complexity of autonomous decision-making at runtime, allowing UEs to operate distributedly without requiring complex real-time computation or analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, lightweight decision-making protocols that can be easily implemented and discarded if needed, rather than requiring complex, persistent autonomous decision systems. The standardized procedures act as disposable templates that guide UE behavior without imposing long-term complexity on the devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of multi-hop relay chain formation in a wireless communication network includes discovering, via a remote electronic device, one or more other electronic devices in communication range of the remote electronic device; selecting one of the discovered electronic devices as an relay electronic device for communicating in the multi-hop relay chain; after selecting the relay electronic device, transmitting, via the remote electronic device, a request to establish a PC5 link; and establishing the PC5 link with the remote electronic device to join or form the multi-hop relay chain within the wireless communication network.