Radio Terminal Sidelink Relay Timer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effective utilization of UE-network relaying in the 3GPP mobile communication system is hindered by inadequate specifications, leading to inefficiencies in establishing and maintaining connections for Device to Device (D2D) proximity services, particularly in scenarios where a radio terminal needs to relay data between a remote UE outside cell coverage and the network.
Innovation Solution
A radio terminal is configured to perform sidelink communication, transmit discovery messages, and receive requests from other terminals to establish and manage UE-network relaying connections, using a controller to determine the status of nearby terminals and relay data through the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), even without an established EPS bearer between the remote UE and the packet data network gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote UE outside cell coverage needs to establish connection with the network through UE-network relaying, then data relaying capability is enabled, but the establishment and maintenance of connections becomes inefficient due to inadequate specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the remote UE proactively send a connection request message to the relay UE before actual data transmission is needed. This allows the relay UE to prepare the connection in advance, reducing the time required for connection establishment when data transmission is actually needed, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If extensive detachment and reattachment processes are required for D2D ProSe, then network protocol compliance is maintained, but the time required to start relaying operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential connection establishment functionality from the full detachment and reattachment process. By implementing a simplified direct connection mechanism between remote UE and relay UE that bypasses the need for complete detachment and reattachment, it maintains the necessary protocol compliance while removing the time-consuming steps, thus reducing time loss without sacrificing reliability
3Speed
If UE-network relaying is implemented without established EPS bearer, then relaying can start faster, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the remote UE send a connection request message to the relay UE before actual data transmission begins. This allows the relay UE to establish the necessary connection parameters and prepare the data path in advance, enabling fast relaying initiation while maintaining connection stability through proper preliminary setup
Data Source
AI summary
In a first user equipment, apparatus and method, a first user equipment performs sidelink communication with a second user equipment, receives a first message from the second user equipment, where the first message is periodically transmitted from the second user equipment based on a first timer, starts or restarts a second timer upon receiving the first message, where a value of the second timer is determined based on a value of the first timer, and transmits a second message to a network apparatus upon expiration of the second timer, where the second message indicates that the second user equipment is disconnected from the first user equipment.