NR Sidelink Relay Under Dual Connectivity for Coverage Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cellular networks face limitations in supporting high data rate services and proximity services, necessitating the development of device-to-device (D2D) communication technology to reduce network burden, enhance data rates, and improve network robustness, while existing LTE sidelink communication mechanisms are not applicable to New Radio (NR) systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing sidelink relay communication under dual connectivity using layer 2 relay UEs, where remote UEs connect to the network via a relay UE in dual connectivity, enabling data transmissions through layer 2 relay UEs, and configuring various bearers and paths for efficient data forwarding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional cellular network is used, then network coverage is limited, but network capacity and data rate requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidnetwork coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relay UEs as intermediary devices that forward data between remote UEs and the network. The relay UE acts as a mediator that extends network coverage by relaying signals through device-to-device communication while maintaining connectivity to the cellular network, thereby solving both coverage and data rate requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If LTE sidelink communication mechanisms are applied, then D2D communication can be achieved, but the mechanisms are not applicable to NR systems

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts sidelink communication parameters and protocols for NR systems by modifying frame structures, resource allocation schemes, and signaling mechanisms from LTE to NR specifications. This allows D2D communication functionality to be preserved while ensuring compatibility with the new radio access technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If relay UE is introduced to extend coverage, then network coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidrelay mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay UE autonomously performs discovery, selection, and configuration operations without requiring complex network-side management. The device self-configures the relay connection and manages data forwarding independently, reducing the operational complexity of the relay mechanism while extending network coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4136862B1Method for sidelink relay communication under dual connectivity

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

A wireless communication method for use in a first wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless communication method comprises transmitting, to a first wireless network node, assistance information related to a second wireless terminal, and receiving, from the first wireless network node, a configuration message of configuring the first wireless terminal to forward data traffic for the second wireless terminal.