Multi-path UE-to-Network Relay Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges with multi-path transmission, particularly at higher frequencies, where complexities arise due to the use of user equipment (UE)-to-network relay as an alternative path for specific services.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves extending the Access Type Preference in the Route Selection Descriptor (RSD) of the UE route selection policy (URSP) to include multi-path options, allowing the UE to establish multi-path sessions using both direct Uu interface access and Layer-2 or Layer-3 UE-to-Network Relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-path transmission is implemented using UE-to-network relay, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple independent paths: direct Uu interface path and indirect PC5 interface path via UE-to-network relay. Each path can be independently managed and controlled, allowing the system to maintain reliability through path diversity while reducing overall complexity by handling each segment separately through distinct protocol stacks and resource management mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary UE-to-network relay that mediates between the remote UE and the network. This relay handles the complexity of path management, routing decisions, and resource allocation, thereby improving communication reliability for remote UEs while containing system complexity within the relay node rather than propagating it throughout the entire system.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are established, then service quality for remote UEs is improved, but path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path management where the UE can flexibly switch between direct and indirect communication paths based on real-time conditions such as channel quality, relay availability, and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation improves service quality by optimizing path selection while simplifying management through automated, condition-based decision-making rather than static complex routing tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors the status and quality of available paths and uses this information to make intelligent routing decisions. The system continuously gathers feedback on path performance, relay availability, and network conditions, then adjusts path selection accordingly, improving service quality while keeping management simple through reactive, feedback-driven control.
3Productivity
If direct Uu interface access is used, then communication efficiency is high, but coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary UE-to-network relay to extend coverage beyond the direct Uu interface range. The relay acts as a bridge, receiving signals from remote UEs in coverage extension areas and forwarding them to the network via the Uu interface, thereby maintaining high communication efficiency through optimized path selection while significantly expanding the effective coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to communication by introducing indirect paths through relays located in different geographic positions. Instead of being limited to direct line-of-sight connections in a single dimension, the system utilizes multiple spatial dimensions by routing traffic through intermediate nodes, thereby extending coverage area while maintaining communication efficiency through intelligent path management.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system of providing multi-path transmissions are described. A user equipment (UE) sends a Multi-path Policy Provisioning Request in a UE Policy Container to a policy control function (PCF). The PCF provisions a UE route selection policy (URSP) to the UE including a Multi-Path preference in an Access Type preference or multi-path parameter of a Route Selection Descriptor of a URSP rule. The Multi-Path preference indicates a preferred path over a Uu interface and Layer-2 or Layer-3 UE-to-Network Relay. The UE determines packet data unit (PDU) establishment additionally based on path availability, as well as ProSe Layer-3 UE-to-Network Relay Offload indication and ProSe Policy. The Multi-path Policy Provisioning Request is earned in a Registration Request message or UE Policy Provisioning Request message.