ProSe Relay Preparation for UE-to-Network Communication Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current specifications for UE-to-Network relay in 3GPP ProSe do not effectively utilize the UE-to-Network relay functionality, leading to inefficiencies in communication continuity when a radio terminal moves out of cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method where radio terminals discover each other and report to the network, enabling the network to request preparation for relay operations using ProSe services, ensuring data relay continuity even when a radio terminal moves outside cellular coverage by establishing a PC5 connection with a relay node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radio terminal moves outside cellular coverage, then direct communication with the network is lost, but relay communication through ProSe can maintain connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The network apparatus requests preparation for relay operations before the radio terminal actually moves outside coverage. The discovery procedure is initiated and relay parameters are configured in advance, so when the terminal needs to move to another cell or exit coverage, the relay setup is already ready to execute immediately, maintaining communication continuity without last-minute complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A relay node acts as an intermediary between the radio terminal and the network apparatus. The relay node receives data from the terminal and forwards it to the network, enabling communication continuity when the terminal is outside direct network coverage. The relay node handles the complexity of routing and protocol translation
2Reliability
If relay preparation is requested before cell change, then communication continuity is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network apparatus requests preparation for relay operations only when necessary, such as when the radio terminal is at the edge of coverage or when handover is anticipated. The discovery procedure is triggered selectively based on terminal location and network conditions, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining continuity where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the radio terminal reports its location and communication status to the network apparatus. Based on this feedback, the network apparatus dynamically decides when to initiate relay preparation, optimizing the balance between communication continuity and network resource consumption
3Reliability
If discovery procedure is executed to find relay nodes, then relay availability is improved, but time for service setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery procedure for finding relay nodes is executed in advance before the terminal needs to move to another cell or exit coverage. Relay nodes are pre-identified and their parameters are pre-configured, so when the actual relay operation is needed, the terminal can quickly establish connection without time-consuming discovery processes
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery procedure maintains continuous operation in the background, continuously scanning for and identifying potential relay nodes. This ensures that relay nodes are always available when needed, eliminating service setup time delays while maintaining reliable relay availability
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication control method according to a present embodiment, at least one radio terminal of a first radio terminal and a second radio terminal discoveries the other radio terminal by executing a discovery for discovering a proximal terminal. The at least one radio terminal reports, to a network apparatus that the other radio terminal is discovered. The network apparatus requests, while the first radio terminal is located within a coverage of a cell, at least one of the first radio terminal and the second radio terminal to make a preparation for executing a relay by the second radio terminal by utilizing a proximal service.