Multipath Sidelink Relaying With PDCP Duplication for Remote UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP specifications for layer 2 User Equipment (UE) relays do not adequately address multipath scenarios, particularly for remote UEs out of coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods and architectures for multipath sidelink relaying in wireless communication systems, including protocols and network configurations to enhance communication reliability and efficiency for UEs operating in challenging coverage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If layer 2 UE relay is implemented for remote UE out of coverage, then connectivity is provided to remote UE, but multipath scenarios are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay connection into multiple independent paths (direct path and indirect path through relay UE). Each path can be independently configured and managed, allowing the system to select or combine paths based on multipath conditions. This segmentation enables the system to address multipath scenarios by treating each path as a separate communication channel that can be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay UE is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a regular UE and a relay node. The system supports multiple path types (direct and indirect) that can be used for different purposes or combined. This multi-functionality allows the same relay infrastructure to handle both single-path and multipath scenarios, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing 3GPP specifications are used, then basic relay functionality is achieved, but communication reliability in multipath environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary relay UE that mediates communication between the remote UE and the network. This relay UE handles path selection, signal forwarding, and coordination between direct and indirect paths. By introducing this intermediary layer, the system achieves improved communication reliability in multipath environments while maintaining implementation simplicity, as the relay UE follows standardized procedures rather than requiring complex custom implementations at each endpoint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multipath support is added to layer 2 relay, then adaptability to multipath scenarios is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and configuration mechanisms where the relay UE and network can adaptively adjust which paths (direct or indirect) are active based on current channel conditions, traffic requirements, and relay capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide multipath support only when needed, rather than maintaining complex multipath infrastructure continuously, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Procedures, methods, architectures, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer program products for flexible transmissions in multipath sidelink relaying. A wireless transmit-receive unit, WTRU, may be configured with a bearer configured for multipath. Such a bearer may have a common, Uu, PDCP layer, but have two separate RLC entities associated with it—a Uu RLC entity for transmission/reception directly on Uu, and a SL RLC entity for transmission/reception via SL, to a WTRU to NW relay. Data on a multipath bearer can be transmitted via the Uu path, the SL path, or both, i.e., duplication. In the case the WTRU is configured for duplication, or decides to enable duplication for a multipath bearer (a duplication bearer), the WTRU may transmit PDCP PDUs both over the Uu path and the SL path.