Path Switching for Single RF Link Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In device-to-device (D2D) communication scenarios where a terminal device has only one receiving radio-frequency link, existing path switching methods fail to switch communication links effectively, leading to data reception issues from either the D2D link or the cellular link.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for path switching that involves a terminal device receiving access and resource information from a base station via a second terminal device, allowing it to release the first communication link and establish a second communication link based on this information, enabling seamless switching between D2D and cellular links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing path switching method is used (establishing RRC connection then releasing D2D link), then the switching process is simple, but the remote UE fails to receive data when having only one receiving radio-frequency link
Solution Approach 1:
The base station allocates uplink resources for the remote UE to send the release message before the D2D link is actually released. This preliminary resource allocation ensures that the remote UE can immediately release the D2D link and switch to cellular link without interruption, solving the data reception failure issue while maintaining simple switching procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary to coordinate the path switching process. The base station provides timing information and resource allocation to synchronize the release of D2D link with the establishment of cellular link, ensuring seamless switching for single-receiving-link UEs without complicating the overall switching mechanism
2Productivity
If the remote UE releases the D2D link before establishing the cellular link, then service continuity is maintained, but data may be lost during the switching transition
Solution Approach 1:
The base station provides timing information in advance that indicates when to release the D2D link and when the cellular link will be ready. This preliminary timing coordination ensures that the transition occurs at an optimal moment, maintaining service continuity while preventing data loss through proper synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the remote UE reports link quality measurements to the base station, and the base station responds with timing information and resource allocation. This closed-loop feedback ensures that switching decisions are based on actual link conditions, maintaining both service continuity and data reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A path switching method includes: determining, by a base station, to switch a first terminal device from a first communication link to a second communication link, and sending, to the first terminal device by using a second terminal device, access information required by the first terminal device to access the base station, so that the first terminal device establishes the second communication link to the base station based on the access information. In the method, the second terminal device may release the first communication link before or after the second communication link is established, or may release the first communication link in a process of establishing the second communication link.