Relay Mobile Device IP Routing for Out-of-Coverage Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently routing communications between mobile devices and base stations, especially when devices are outside the coverage area of a serving cell or sector, leading to gaps in connectivity and reduced network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a relay architecture that enables mobile devices to act as relays, using IP routing and EPS bearers to facilitate communication between out-of-coverage mobile devices and base stations, as well as between each other, through device-to-device and device-to-network relaying, and inter/intra-base station routing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mobile devices are placed outside the coverage area of serving cell or sector, then network coverage area is expanded, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to gaps in coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay mobile devices as intermediary nodes between out-of-coverage mobile devices and the network. These relay devices receive communications from out-of-coverage devices and forward them to base stations, effectively bridging the coverage gap while maintaining connectivity reliability. The relay architecture enables devices outside traditional coverage areas to communicate through intermediate relays that maintain network connection.
2Area of stationary object
If relay architecture is implemented to extend coverage, then network coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional relay mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements relay functionality using existing mobile devices that can operate in multiple modes - as regular user devices or as relay nodes. The relay mobile devices perform both their normal communication functions and additional relay functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach extends coverage without requiring entirely new specialized hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay architecture leverages the computational and communication resources of mobile devices themselves to provide relay services. Instead of requiring dedicated relay infrastructure, the system uses the devices' own processors, memory, and communication interfaces to perform routing and forwarding operations, making the extension of coverage self-service rather than infrastructure-dependent.
3Reliability
If device-to-device relaying is used to connect out-of-coverage devices, then connectivity is improved, but network performance deteriorates due to additional routing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes relay bearers and routing paths in advance before actual data transmission occurs. When a mobile device connects through a relay, the relay mobile device pre-configures the necessary bearers and routing information with the network. This preliminary setup reduces the processing overhead during actual data transmission, as the routing paths are already established and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as bearer allocation, routing priorities, and resource allocation based on whether a device is connected directly or through a relay. By changing these parameters adaptively, the network optimizes performance for relay-connected devices, reducing the negative impact of additional routing overhead on overall network productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device configured to route communications between one or more out-of-coverage communication devices and a base station using one or more proximity services (ProSe). For example, the communication device can be configured as a mobile device-to network relay. The communication device can be configured to route communications between two or more out-of-coverage communication devices that are serviced by the communication device. The communication device can be configured to utilize Layer 3 and/or internet protocol (IP) routing. A base station can be configured to route communications between two or communication devices serviced by the base station. The base station can also be communication coupled to another base station via a backhaul communication connection, and be configured to route communications from one or more communication devices serviced by the base station to one or more other communication devices serviced by the other base station via the backhaul communication connection.