Multi-Hop Sidelink Relay Data Routing for Extended PC5 Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sidelink relay operations in wireless communication systems are limited to single-hop configurations, which restrict their applicability in scenarios requiring extended coverage, necessitating support for multi-hop relay operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for implementing multi-hop sidelink relay operations through intermediate and last relay UEs, involving data processing methods that include receiving configuration information, controlling sidelink relay adaptation protocol data transfer, and determining egress links or RLC channels based on configuration information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If single-hop sidelink relay operation is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidrelay operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay operation into multiple hops, where data is transmitted through intermediate relay UEs rather than requiring a single direct relay connection. This segmentation allows coverage to be extended across multiple segments (hops) while keeping each individual relay node relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary relay UEs that act as mediators between the source UE and the destination UE. These intermediary nodes forward data packets, enabling multi-hop communication without requiring complex direct connections between endpoints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-hop relay operation is supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay operation adaptabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data processing approach where relay UEs can handle multiple functions: receiving configuration information, transferring SRAP data, determining egress links, and forwarding to child relay UEs. This multi-functional design allows the same device to adapt to different relay scenarios without requiring specialized hardware for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic configuration information that allows relay UEs to adapt their behavior based on current network conditions. The configuration information includes parameters for SRAP data transfer and egress link determination that can be dynamically adjusted to optimize performance in different multi-hop scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If configuration information processing is implemented, then data transmission reliability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration where relay UEs receive and process configuration information in advance before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action includes receiving SRAP configuration, determining egress links, and preparing data transfer paths, which ensures reliable transmission when data actually needs to be sent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables relay UEs to autonomously process configuration information and make decisions about data routing without requiring continuous network control. The relay UEs self-configure their SRAP entities and automatically determine appropriate egress links based on received configuration, reducing ongoing processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4679894A1Method and device for processing data through multi-hop sidelink relay operation
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 KT CORP
  • EP4679894A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679894A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679894A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a method and device for controlling a data processing operation using radio relay technology. The method for data processing of an intermediate relay user equipment (UE) includes receiving configuration information for processing data for a remote UE from a parent relay UE, controlling transfer of sidelink relay adaptation protocol (SRAP) data received from a receiving part of an SRAP entity on a PC5 interface to a transmitting part of the SRAP entity on the PC5 interface, and determining an egress link or an egress RLC channel for transmitting the data to a child relay UE based on the configuration information.