Relay-Assisted Dual Connectivity Setup for 5G NR UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved dual connectivity in 5G NR technology to enhance communication between user equipment (UE) and network entities, particularly through the use of relay UEs, to address latency, reliability, and scalability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing dual connectivity configurations involving a primary connection with a first network entity and a secondary connection through one or more relay UEs, enabling data transmission via configured second bearers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual connectivity configuration is implemented with relay UEs, then coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and connection setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay UEs as intermediary devices that facilitate connections between remote UEs and network entities. The relay UE acts as a mediator that receives configurations from the network and forwards them to the remote UE, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining dual connectivity benefits. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a structured pathway that manages complexity centrally rather than distributing it across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions where the network entity pre-configures the relay UE with necessary parameters and protocols before the actual dual connectivity establishment. The relay UE is prepared in advance with relay-specific configurations, allowing the remote UE to connect more smoothly without dealing with the full complexity of dual connectivity setup. This preliminary preparation reduces the operational complexity during actual connection establishment.
2Productivity
If secondary connections are established via relay UEs, then throughput and coverage are enhanced, but connection setup time and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity performs preliminary configuration of the relay UE before the remote UE needs to establish a connection. Necessary parameters, protocols, and relay-specific settings are pre-configured and stored at the relay UE, ready for immediate use. This preliminary action significantly reduces the time required for connection setup while maintaining the throughput benefits of dual connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection establishment process into distinct phases: relay configuration phase, connection establishment phase, and data transmission phase. By separating these functions and configuring the relay independently in advance, the system avoids the bottleneck of configuring everything during the connection setup moment, thereby reducing overall setup time while preserving throughput capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If relay UEs are used for dual connectivity, then network coverage is extended, but system complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of dual connectivity configuration from the remote UE. The network entity configures the relay with all necessary parameters, and the relay handles the complexity of maintaining connections with both the network and remote devices. This intermediary approach extends coverage while keeping the configuration process manageable by centralizing complexity at the relay level rather than requiring complex configurations at every endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay UE is designed to self-configure with relay-specific parameters provided by the network, and then automatically manage its dual connectivity functions without requiring manual intervention for each connection. The system enables automated configuration procedures where the relay UE can independently establish and maintain connections, reducing the operational burden on network operators and users while extending coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote UE may detect one or more relay UEs for a dual connectivity configuration for communication with a first network entity and a second network entity. The dual connectivity configuration may include a primary connection with the first network entity and a secondary connection with the second network entity. The remote UE may receive, from the first network entity, a configuration for establishing the secondary connection via one of the one or more relay UEs based on a decision at the first network entity. The remote UE may establish the secondary connection via the one of the one or more relay UEs for communication with the second network entity. The remote UE may configure one or more second bearers for the secondary connection via the one of the one or more relay UEs. The one or more second bearers may support data transmission via the secondary connection.