ProSe UE Relay Network Reachability Broadcasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting User Equipment (UE) relay functions, particularly in scenarios where Proximity-based Service (ProSe)-enabled UEs are outside network coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable ProSe-enabled UEs served by a cellular network to receive and broadcast network reachability information, allowing them to act as relays for other UEs outside the network coverage by measuring signal strength and broadcasting this information when within a certain threshold, and managing relay hops to facilitate network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ProSe-enabled UEs are allowed to broadcast network reachability information to support relay functions, then connectivity for UEs outside network coverage is improved, but network control and security management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the base station as an intermediary that mediates between the network and ProSe-enabled UEs. The base station authenticates UEs, authorizes them to broadcast network reachability information, and manages relay hop constraints. This intermediary approach enables improved connectivity for out-of-coverage UEs while maintaining network control and security, resolving the technical contradiction by delegating management functions to a trusted intermediary rather than allowing uncontrolled peer-to-peer relay operations.
2Reliability
If UEs broadcast network reachability information frequently to maintain relay availability, then relay service reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic broadcasting of network reachability information by ProSe-enabled UEs. Instead of continuous broadcasting, UEs transmit reachability information at predetermined intervals or triggered by specific events (such as entering/leaving coverage areas). This periodic action maintains relay service availability for out-of-coverage UEs while significantly reducing energy consumption and signaling overhead compared to continuous broadcasting, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple relay hops are allowed to extend network coverage further, then coverage area is improved, but network security and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces and manages a hop count parameter that limits the number of relay hops allowed in the network. By controlling this parameter, the system can extend coverage area through multiple relay hops while maintaining security and manageability. The base station authorizes specific UEs to act as relays and enforces hop constraints, preventing unlimited propagation of reachability information. This parameter-based control resolves the technical contradiction by enabling extended coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through quantitative constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a Public Safety ProSe-enabled User Equipment (UE) for use in a wireless communication system. The method according to one embodiment includes performing ProSe by the Public Safety ProSe-enabled UE in a cellular communication system. The Public Safety ProSe-enabled UE is a member of a ProSe Group, and at least one UE of the ProSe Group is not served by a cellular network. In addition, the method according to the embodiment is performed by checking whether the Public Safety ProSe-enabled UE is in a location served by the cellular network and transmitting first information related to the ProSe Group from the ProSe Group to the cellular network if a condition is satisfied.