Relay WTRU Paging for Multi-Hop NR Sidelink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3GPP Release 16 NR sidelink communication system is limited to single-hop connectivity and does not support coverage extension in scenarios without a Uu reference point interface, failing to meet enhanced QoS requirements for NR-based sidelink communication.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution extends sidelink connectivity by implementing a UE-to-network relay mechanism that utilizes NR-based sidelink technology to enhance coverage, allowing for multi-hop communication and improved QoS through a UE-to-network relay framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-hop sidelink connectivity is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage extension capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage extension problem into multiple independent hops, where each relay UE provides a discrete coverage extension segment. Instead of requiring a single complex multi-hop protocol, the system divides the extended coverage area into multiple single-hop segments, each managed independently by relay UEs that are themselves served by the network or other relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested relay structure where relay UEs can be nested within other relay coverage areas. A remote UE connects to a first relay UE, which may itself be connected to a second relay UE, creating a nested hierarchy of relay connections that extends coverage progressively while maintaining manageable complexity at each level.
2Length of stationary object
If multi-hop relay communication is implemented, then coverage extension is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay communication into independent single-hop relationships, where each relay UE maintains a separate connection to the network or to another relay UE. This segmentation avoids the need for complex multi-hop routing protocols and keeps each relay's operational complexity manageable while achieving extended coverage through the chain of relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by adding relay UEs as intermediate nodes in the communication path, transitioning from direct UE-to-network communication to UE-to-relay-to-network communication. This dimensional addition enables coverage extension without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual relay operations.
3Reliability
If relay UE monitors multiple paging occasions, then paging reliability for remote UEs is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network configure the relay UE with advance knowledge of which paging occasions are relevant for its remote UEs. The network provides paging indication information that allows the relay to proactively identify and monitor only the necessary paging occasions, rather than blindly monitoring all possible occasions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having the relay UE receive paging information from the network and forward it to remote UEs. Instead of requiring remote UEs to directly monitor network paging channels (which would consume their power), the network pages the relay UE once, and the relay copies this paging information to multiple remote UEs, efficiently distributing paging traffic while conserving energy at the relay and remote UE levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a relay wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) includes receiving an indication of a change in state of a remote WTRU having a paging link with the relay WTRU, receiving a paging message from a network. The paging message includes a system information (SI) change indication, wherein the SI change indication indicates an availability of updated SI information from the network for the remote WTRU. The relay WTRU transmits the updated SI information to the remote WTRU based on the received indication of a change in state of the remote WTRU.