Relay Path Switching Control for Continuous Wireless Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in efficiently switching data transmission paths between relay and direct paths or between different relay paths, leading to issues in service continuity during path switching scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method and device that includes triggering UE to switch paths by sending switching commands or messages, performing PDCP operations, and managing RLC entities to facilitate seamless data transmission on target paths, with relay UE assisting in the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE switches from relay path to direct path or between different relay paths, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but service continuity and data transmission reliability deteriorate due to path switching delays and packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary actions by determining the target path before the UE completes transmission on the source path, and sends switching commands in advance to trigger the UE to switch to the target path proactively, reducing switching delays and ensuring service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The network device monitors transmission status and provides feedback by sending switching commands when it determines that switching from source path to target path is appropriate, enabling adaptive path switching that maintains service continuity
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE switches paths during data transmission, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but data transmission reliability worsens due to packet loss during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The network device determines the target path in advance before the UE completes transmission on the source path, and sends switching commands proactively to minimize the window for packet loss during path switching
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as an intermediary that coordinates the path switching process, sending switching commands to the UE and relay UE to ensure synchronized transitions and prevent packet loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay UE is involved in path switching, then network coverage extension is improved, but switching complexity increases leading to longer switching delays
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves as an intermediary that centralizes the control of path switching, sending switching commands to both the UE and relay UE to coordinate the transition and reduce complexity at the UE side
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs preliminary determination of the target path and sends switching commands in advance, allowing relay UE to prepare for the switch and reducing actual switching delays
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a wireless communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first UE receiving a switching command sent by a source network device, wherein the switching command is used for instructing the first UE to switch from a source path to a target path, the source path being a path between the first UE and the source network device, the target path being a path between the first UE and a target network device, and at least one of the source path and the target path being a relay path; and the first UE starting, upon being triggered by the switching command or a first message, to send uplink data and/or receive downlink data on the target path, wherein the first message is a message that is sent by a second UE to the first UE, the second UE being a relay UE on the relay path. The present application specifies an occasion for a UE to start data transmission on a target path in a switching scenario involving a relay path, which helps the UE to perform data transmission in a relatively determined manner.