Uplink Downlink Relay Path Separation for Network Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in improving communication reliability in device-to-device (D2D) communication networks, where user equipment (UE) is used as a relay node, is to optimize the transmission paths and power consumption while maintaining network reliability.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves separating uplink and downlink transmissions into different paths, using UE-relay for uplink data transmission to reduce the impact of UE-relay faults, and allowing UE to directly receive downlink data from the base station, thereby reducing power consumption and improving endurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If UE is used as relay node for uplink transmission, then uplink transmission distance is increased, but network reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission distanceVSAvoidnetwork reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay function by introducing separate uplink relay UEs and downlink relay UEs. The uplink relay UE handles uplink transmission extension while the downlink relay UE handles downlink transmission. This segmentation prevents a single relay UE from being a single point of failure, as different relay UEs can be selected for different transmission directions, thereby improving network reliability while maintaining extended transmission distance capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of relay selection by dynamically selecting different relay UEs based on transmission direction (uplink or downlink) and channel conditions. Instead of using a fixed relay UE for both directions, the system adjusts the relay selection parameter to optimize reliability and performance for each transmission type, resolving the contradiction between extended distance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If UE uses UE-relay for uplink transmission, then uplink transmission quality is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relay selection where the UE can switch between direct transmission and relayed transmission modes based on real-time channel conditions and power constraints. When channel conditions are good, direct transmission is used to save power. When channel conditions deteriorate or relayed transmission provides significant quality improvement, the UE switches to relay mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the trade-off between transmission quality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If separate relay UEs are used for uplink and downlink, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent design allows relay UEs to perform multiple functions. A relay UE that is not currently acting as a relay can function as a normal communicating UE. When selected as a relay, it performs relay functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated relay-only devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of separate uplink and downlink relay selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4124168B1Data transmission method, user equipment, and base station
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4124168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4124168B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4124168B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a data transmission method. The method includes: sending, by user equipment, uplink data to a base station by using an uplink user equipment relay; and receiving, by the user equipment, downlink data from the base station, or receiving, by the user equipment, downlink data from the base station by using a downlink user equipment relay. Uplink transmission and downlink transmission are separately performed in different transmission paths, so as to reduce impact of a fault of a user equipment relay on a network, and improve network reliability.