Relay Channel Access for Zero-Power Unlicensed Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Zero-power devices lack channel access capability in unlicensed spectrum, leading to communication challenges and interference with other devices.

Innovation Solution

A method for wireless communication that involves a first device acquiring a time-domain resource via channel access to facilitate communication between a second and third device, using a relay mode to enable communication on the unlicensed spectrum while reducing collisions and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If zero-power devices are deployed in unlicensed spectrum, then device density and scalability are improved, but channel access capability and interference management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice densityVSAvoidchannel access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a first device (relay node) as an intermediary between zero-power second devices and the network. The first device performs channel access on behalf of the second devices, which lack this capability. This mediator approach enables zero-power devices to communicate in unlicensed spectrum without requiring them to implement complex channel access procedures themselves, thus maintaining high device density while resolving the channel access capability issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If zero-power devices communicate in unlicensed spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but collision and interference with other devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidcollision and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first device performs preliminary channel access and secures time-domain resources before the second devices transmit. By acquiring the time-domain resource in advance through proper channel access procedures, the relay node ensures that subsequent transmissions by zero-power devices occur in reserved time slots, thereby utilizing the unlicensed spectrum effectively while minimizing collisions and interference with other devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If relay mode is used for zero-power device communication, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a relay mode where the first device acts as an intermediary, handling complex communication tasks such as channel access and resource management. This allows second devices to remain simple zero-power devices while still achieving reliable communication through the mediating first device. The complexity is centralized in the relay node rather than distributed across all devices, maintaining system reliability without requiring complex functionality in every device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4694524A1Wireless communication method and device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4694524A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4694524A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4694524A1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method and device. The method is applicable to a first device. The method comprises: acquiring a first time domain resource by means of channel access, wherein the first time domain resource comprises a second time domain resource corresponding to a second device, and the second device is a device that is in communication with a third device by means of the first device. In the embodiments of the present application, a first time domain resource acquired by a first device by means of channel access comprises a second time domain resource corresponding to a second device, and the second device is a device that is in communication with a third device by means of the first device, that is, when in communication with the third device, on the one hand, the second device is in communication with the third device by means of the time domain resource acquired by the first device, and on the other hand, the second device is in communication with the third device by means of the first device in a relay mode, so that the second device is in communication with the third device on an unlicensed spectrum, and conflicts and interference with other devices are reduced.