Relay Wireless Device Signaling Reduction via Channel Quality Gating

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular communications networks, existing relay selection and reselection methods lead to excessive signaling, causing interference and inefficiencies, particularly when a remote UE out of network coverage initiates a connection request or when multiple relay UEs report their availability to the eNB, leading to unnecessary transmissions and overhead.

Innovation Solution

Implementing criteria-based response mechanisms for relay wireless devices to selectively respond to relay requests and report their availability, such as prioritizing channel quality and emergency flags, and dynamically adjusting thresholds to reduce unnecessary responses and reports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all relay UEs respond to relay requests and report availability to eNB, then coverage and connectivity are improved, but signaling overhead and interference increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting response thresholds based on channel quality metrics. Relay UEs evaluate channel conditions and only respond when quality parameters meet predefined criteria, transforming a static all-or-nothing response approach into a dynamic quality-gated mechanism that reduces unnecessary signaling while maintaining connectivity reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by having only a subset of relay UEs respond to relay requests based on channel quality assessment. Instead of requiring all relay UEs to respond (excessive action), the system selectively enables responses from those with adequate channel conditions, reducing overall signaling overhead while ensuring sufficient connectivity coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If multiple relay UEs report availability to eNB, then service continuity is improved, but transmission overhead and network interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidtransmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of response eligibility by introducing channel quality thresholds. Relay UEs monitor channel conditions and adjust their reporting behavior based on whether quality parameters satisfy predefined criteria, reducing unnecessary transmissions while maintaining service continuity through selective reporting from qualified relay UEs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay UEs continuously monitor channel quality and adjust their response behavior accordingly. The system uses feedback from channel condition assessments to dynamically control whether relay UEs should report availability, creating a closed-loop control that optimizes transmission overhead while ensuring service continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If relay UEs always respond to relay requests, then connection establishment is improved, but radio resource utilization deteriorates due to excessive transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidradio resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing channel quality conditions that gate relay response behavior. Instead of unconditional responses that waste resources, the system modifies the response parameter based on channel quality metrics, enabling connections when conditions are favorable while avoiding unnecessary transmissions that degrade radio resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3281488B1Method of operaton of a relay wireless device in a cellular communication network, relay device, computer program and carrier
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3281488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3281488B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3281488B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods relating to the reduction of signaling for selecting or re-selecting a relay wireless device in a cellular communications network. Embodiments of a method of operation of a relay wireless device in a cellular communications network are provided. The relay wireless device is a wireless device having relay functionality. In some embodiments, the method of operation of the relay wireless device comprises receiving a relay request from a remote wireless device, wherein the remote wireless device is a wireless device desiring a connection to the cellular communications network via a relay wireless device. The method further comprises determining whether one or more criteria for responding to the relay request are satisfied and responding to the remote wireless device upon determining that the one or more criteria for responding to the relay request are satisfied.