Multi-Hop Relay Authorization for Proximity Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack the capability for multi-hop relay communication through multiple relay UEs, limiting connectivity in scenarios where direct or single-hop relay is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A proximity communication policy is introduced that includes a Relay Service Code (RSC) and multi-hop relay authorization information, enabling terminal devices to authorize and establish connections through multiple relay UEs using discovery methods Mode A and Mode B, allowing multi-hop relay communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If single relay UE is used for relay communication, then the system complexity is low, but the connectivity coverage and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity coverageVSAvoidrelay chain length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay communication function into discoverable units by introducing hop count parameters (HopCount in discovery messages, MaxHopCount in authorization information) that divide the multi-hop relay process into manageable hops. Each relay UE can independently evaluate and process each hop based on these segmented parameters, enabling scalable multi-hop support without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authorization mechanism where the network device provides proximity communication policy information containing multi-hop relay authorization information to relay UEs. This intermediary authorization layer mediates between the need for multi-hop connectivity and system complexity by providing pre-configured authorization rules that relay UEs can automatically evaluate, reducing the need for complex real-time negotiation protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-hop relay authorization is implemented, then the connectivity flexibility is improved, but the authorization management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay authorization flexibilityVSAvoidauthorization management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network device pre-configure and distribute proximity communication policy information containing multi-hop relay authorization information to relay UEs before actual relay operations. This pre-authorization approach allows relay UEs to automatically evaluate authorization based on pre-set rules (such as RSC matching and hop count limits) without requiring complex real-time authorization negotiations, thereby improving flexibility while managing complexity through advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by designing the authorization mechanism where relay UEs autonomously evaluate whether to accept relay tasks based on received proximity communication policy information and their own capabilities. The relay UE independently determines authorization status by comparing RSC values and checking hop count constraints without needing continuous network intervention, allowing flexible multi-hop relay establishment while reducing authorization management complexity through decentralized autonomous decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4716305A1Relay communication method, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4716305A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4716305A1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4716305A1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The present application relates to a relay communication method, a terminal device, and a network device. The relay communication method comprises: a terminal device receives a near-field communication rule, the near-field communication rule comprising an RSC and multi-hop relay authorization information corresponding to the RSC. The present application can realize multi-hop relay communication by means of a plurality of relay UEs.