Rate Control for UE-to-Network Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, particularly in LTE and NR, there is a challenge in enforcing rate limitations for Layer-3 UE-to-network relay and Layer-2 UE-to-network relay scenarios, as existing methods struggle to effectively manage bit rate constraints in sidelink communications, especially when UEs operate autonomously or without network coverage, leading to resource imbalances and insufficient resource allocation for other users.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first terminal device and a relay terminal device that receive and apply bit rate limitations from a network device, ensuring these limitations are maintained through queue management and resource allocation, with assistance from queue status information and measurement configurations to optimize data rate and resource utilization, thereby enforcing UE-AMBR and UE-PC5-AMBR constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UEs operate autonomously in sidelink communications without network coverage, then communication flexibility and autonomy are improved, but rate limitation enforcement deteriorates leading to resource imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring rate limitation parameters (UE-PC5-AMBR, Session-AMBR) in the UE before autonomous sidelink operation. The UE stores these parameters and automatically enforces them without real-time network intervention, resolving the contradiction by preparing rate control mechanisms in advance that remain effective during autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously enforce rate limitations on its own sidelink transmissions without external network control. The UE independently monitors its data rate, compares it against stored AMBR parameters, and applies rate control locally, allowing autonomous operation while maintaining reliable rate limitation enforcement through self-managed resource management functions.
2Ease of operation
If network devices enforce rate limitations for relayed traffic, then resource allocation fairness is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rate control function from the network device and relocates it to the UE. By taking out the rate limitation enforcement mechanism from the network side and implementing it locally in the UE, the patent achieves fair resource allocation (as the UE self-regulates) while reducing network device complexity (as they no longer need to implement complex relay traffic control).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the UE acts as its own rate control mediator. Instead of the network device directly controlling relayed traffic rates, the UE intermediates by autonomously monitoring and enforcing rate limitations on its own transmissions, simplifying the network device's role while maintaining fair resource allocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing rate control methods are applied to Layer-3 UE-to-network relay, then compatibility with existing protocols is maintained, but effectiveness in enforcing session-AMBR and PC5 LINK-AMBR deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated rate control mechanisms for different relay layers. For Layer-3 relay, it specifically enforces Session-AMBR on Uu interface traffic and PC5 LINK-AMBR on sidelink traffic separately, rather than applying generic rate control. This localized, precise enforcement for each layer maintains protocol compatibility while achieving accurate rate limitation enforcement for each specific interface and traffic type.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for rate control. A method performed by a first terminal device comprises receiving at least one bit rate limitation from a network device. The method further comprises applying the at least one bit rate limitation. A relay terminal device is used to relay communication between the first terminal device and a data network.