NR End-to-End Sidelink Relay Setup for Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of enabling communication between a source UE and a target UE through a relay UE in New Radio (NR) SL communication systems, given the differences in frame structure, QoS processing, and bearer configuration compared to Long Term Evolution (LTE) SL communication mechanisms, is not adequately addressed by existing LTE-based SL relay technology solutions.
Innovation Solution
An end-to-end communication establishment method and system that involves a source UE in an RRC CONNECTED state determining and requesting, via a base station, the establishment of an end-to-end sidelink with a target UE through a selected relay UE, using Sidelink Signaling Radio Bearer (SL-SRB) and Sidelink Data Radio Bearer (SL-DRB) lists, and receiving configuration information to establish the sidelink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE-based SL relay technology is used, then relay communication can be established, but it is not suitable for 5G/NR systems due to significant differences in frame structure, QoS processing, and bearer configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the LTE-based SL relay technology by changing key parameters including frame structure timing, QoS processing rules, and bearer configuration methods to match NR system requirements, enabling the relay technology to function correctly in the new system environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the relay communication system to adapt its operation based on NR system conditions, making the technology flexible enough to handle the significant differences between LTE and NR architectures
2Area of stationary object
If a source UE with poor signal quality or zero coverage attempts direct communication, then communication cannot be established, but using a relay UE extends coverage and enables communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the source UE with poor/zero coverage and the target UE or network, enabling communication by routing signals through the relay UE which has better signal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple hops (source UE → relay UE → target UE/network), allowing each segment to be optimized independently and enabling coverage extension to areas that would otherwise be unreachable
3Reliability
If end-to-end sidelink establishment is implemented in NR SL communication, then communication between source UE and target UE through relay UE is enabled, but bearer configuration and QoS processing differ significantly from LTE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies bearer configuration parameters and QoS processing rules to align with NR system requirements while maintaining the end-to-end sidelink establishment mechanism, ensuring reliable communication adapted to the new system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an end-to-end communication establishment method and system. The method comprises: source user equipment (UE) in a radio resource control connected state determines to establish, by means of a selected relay UE, an end-to-end sidelink with a target UE; the source UE sends to a base station first request information used for establishing the end-to-end sidelink between the source UE and the target UE, wherein the first request information at least comprises one of an SL-SRB list, an identifier of the target UE, an identifier of the relay UE, and an SL-DRB list; and the source UE receives first configuration information issued by the base station, and establishes the end-to-end sidelink with the target UE by means of the selected relay UE according to the first configuration information.