Multi-hop UE Relay Path Selection via Periodic Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices with limited connectivity to eNodeBs, especially in scenarios with coverage constraints, face challenges in establishing efficient communication paths due to limited direct connectivity, which can lead to suboptimal performance and resource inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-hop transmission paths utilizing relay UEs, where eNodeBs and relay UEs transmit periodic reference signals and link selection assistance information to establish suitable communication paths, allowing end UEs to select the most efficient multi-hop paths based on metrics such as hop count, signal strength, path loss, and network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hop transmission paths are implemented using relay UEs, then connectivity for coverage-constrained devices is enhanced and coverage is extended, but device complexity and path selection overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay UEs as intermediary nodes between coverage-constrained devices and eNodeBs. These relay UEs receive and forward signals, enabling extended coverage without requiring direct device-to-eNodeB connectivity. The relay UEs act as mediators that bridge the communication gap in coverage holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple hops through relay UEs rather than requiring a single direct connection. This segmentation allows coverage extension by breaking down the long-range communication into shorter, manageable segments that can be relayed through intermediate nodes.
2Measurement precision
If periodic reference signals and link selection assistance information are transmitted by eNodeBs and relay UEs, then path selection accuracy is improved, but network traffic and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of reference signals and link selection assistance information rather than continuous transmission. This periodic action provides sufficient measurement data for path selection while reducing overall power consumption and network traffic compared to continuous signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously perform path selection decisions based on received assistance information, reducing the need for continuous network control signaling. The UEs self-determine optimal paths using local measurements and assistance data, thereby reducing network traffic and power consumption associated with centralized path management.
3Productivity
If relay UEs are selected based on multiple metrics including hop count, signal strength, path loss, and network load, then communication performance is optimized, but the complexity of relay selection and information processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal path selection mechanism that works across different relay scenarios and network conditions. The same framework handles various metrics (hop count, signal strength, path loss, network load) uniformly, allowing the system to adapt to different situations without requiring separate specialized procedures for each metric or scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where UEs measure path quality metrics and report back to the network, which then provides link selection assistance information. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic optimization of communication paths based on current network conditions while distributing the processing complexity between UE measurements and network-based assistance information generation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are processes related to discovering and establishing suitable multihop communication paths for (endpoint) user equipments (UEs). A network-initiated discovery and path selection processes may utilize periodically transmitted reference signals along with optional assistance information. A network node, such an eNodeB, and other relaying-capable nodes, such as relay UEs, may transmit periodic reference signals. Based on these transmitted reference signals and optional assistance information, the relay UEs and/or an endpoint node (e.g., the eNodeB or the endpoint UE) may make a selection decision for previous hop paths for communication. The endpoint UE or the eNodeB may make the selection decision for the end-to-end path in order to provide coverage extension for the end UE using multi-hop transmission paths.