Radio Link Sharing Between User Equipment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) devices may experience varying levels of access to wireless networks due to differences in radio link quality, supported bands, and power consumption, leading to inconsistent connectivity and potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method for sharing radio links between UEs through an IP network, where a requester UE identifies a donor UE with better connectivity and multiple SIM capabilities, relays identity information to register with the network, and communicates through the donor UE until better service is available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE with poor radio link quality attempts direct network access, then the UE can independently access the network, but the connectivity reliability and service quality deteriorate due to blocked signals or poor RF front end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a donor UE as an intermediary device that relays communication between the requesting UE and the network. The requesting UE with poor radio link quality establishes a connection through the donor UE, which has better radio link quality and can directly access the network. This mediator approach allows the disadvantaged UE to achieve reliable connectivity without requiring direct network access capability.
2Reliability
If a UE uses better radio link quality and bandwidth resources, then the network access quality improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to self-select their communication mode based on their current radio link conditions. When a UE experiences poor radio link quality, it automatically switches to using another UE as a relay rather than attempting direct network access. This self-service mechanism allows the system to dynamically optimize power consumption by avoiding high-power transmission modes when conditions are poor, while maintaining good network access quality when conditions permit.
3Reliability
If a UE shares radio link with multiple UEs through relay communication, then the connectivity of disadvantaged UEs improves, but the device complexity and protocol management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal relay communication framework where any UE can potentially serve as a donor UE for other UEs experiencing poor connectivity. The protocol design allows a single donor UE to handle multiple requesting UEs simultaneously, and any UE can transition between being a requester and a donor based on its current radio conditions. This multi-functional approach simplifies protocol management compared to dedicated one-to-one relay arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a first user equipment (UE) from a second UE, identity information and transmitting, by the first UE to a communications controller, the identity information. The method also includes receiving, by the first UE from the communications controller, a first packet after transmitting the identity information and transmitting, by the first UE to the second UE, the first packet in accordance with the identity information.