Relay-Assisted Network Coordination for Multi-Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications systems are deficient in efficiently switching connections between user equipment (UE) and network entities during path degradation, particularly in multi-path scenarios involving direct and indirect paths, and in adding new paths to maintain communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A first network entity receives a measurement report from a UE indicating degraded communications and transmits a request to a second network entity to switch the connection, assigning identifiers to the UE and a relay UE for establishing a new connection, with both entities configuring each other and the UE to facilitate communication through the relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection switching between network entities is performed during path degradation, then communication quality is maintained, but network coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary node to facilitate communication between the first UE and the second network entity. The relay UE establishes indirect paths through which data can be transmitted when direct connections are degraded, thereby maintaining communication quality without requiring complex direct reconfiguration between all network entities. The relay mechanism acts as a mediator that simplifies the coordination overhead by providing pre-established alternative paths.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If relay connections are established for path switching, then communication continuity is ensured, but message exchange and configuration overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of relay connections and identifier assignments before actual path switching is required. Network entities pre-establish relay relationships and assign identifiers to potential relay UEs in advance, so that when path degradation occurs, the switching can be executed rapidly using pre-configured information. This preliminary setup reduces the message exchange overhead during actual switching events, as the critical configuration data is already available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identifiers are assigned to UEs for relay connections, then connection management flexibility is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identifier space into different types and purposes: first identifiers for direct connections, second identifiers for relay connections, and third identifiers for indirect paths. Each identifier type serves a specific function in the communication architecture. This segmentation allows network entities to process and manage identifiers in a structured manner, reducing information processing complexity by treating different identifier types according to their specific purposes rather than handling them as a monolithic set.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications supporting network coordination during path switching and multi-path scenarios are described. For example, a first network entity may receive, from a first user equipment (UE), a measurement report indicating a degradation of communications between the first UE and the first network entity. The first network entity may transmit, to a second network entity, a request message to switch a connection between the first UE and the first network entity to a connection between the first UE and the second network entity. The second network entity may transmit, to the first network entity, an acknowledgment based on the request. The first network entity may configure the first UE for the new connection and the second network entity may configure the second UE for the new connection. The first UE may communicate with the second network entity via the second UE.