Relay Selection Using Combined PC5 and Uu Link Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE technology, there is a need for improved relay selection methods to maintain communication when user equipment (UE) moves out of coverage, as existing methods struggle with efficient relay node discovery and selection, especially in scenarios with poor signal quality and varying network load.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a remote UE selecting a relay UE based on a weighted combination of PC5 link quality and Uu link quality, considering spectral efficiency and network loading to optimize one-hop link quality and minimize resource usage, using preconfigured or broadcasted weights to determine the optimal relay node.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relay selection is based on simple signal strength metrics, then relay discovery is fast and simple, but communication reliability is poor in varying network conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidrelay selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for relay selection from simple signal strength metrics to a composite metric that includes PC5 link quality, Uu link quality, spectral efficiency, and network loading. This multi-parameter approach improves communication reliability by considering multiple factors that affect link quality, while the use of preconfigured or broadcasted weights keeps the implementation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic relay selection by continuously monitoring link qualities and network conditions. The relay selection is not static but adapts to changing network conditions, allowing the system to select the optimal relay based on current PC5 and Uu link qualities, spectral efficiency, and network loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple relay nodes are monitored for selection, then communication reliability improves, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay connection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces spectral efficiency and network loading as additional parameters to the traditional link quality metrics. By incorporating these parameters into the relay selection criterion, the system can identify relays that not only have good signal quality but also efficient resource usage and lower network loading, thus improving reliability while conserving network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the remote UE receives information about PC5 link quality, Uu link quality, spectral efficiency, and network loading from potential relay nodes. This feedback allows the remote UE to make informed relay selection decisions that balance communication reliability with network resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If relay selection considers spectral efficiency and network loading, then resource utilization improves, but selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidrelay selection algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the relay selection criteria beyond traditional link quality metrics to include spectral efficiency and network loading. This parameter expansion enables the system to optimize resource utilization by selecting relays that offer both good communication quality and efficient resource usage, while the use of weighted combinations keeps the algorithm complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal relay selection mechanism that can handle multiple objectives simultaneously: ensuring communication reliability through link quality assessment, optimizing resource utilization through spectral efficiency consideration, and managing network load through loading-aware selection. This multi-functional approach allows a single relay selection algorithm to address multiple network optimization goals.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3295759B1Method for link quality based relay selection, apparatus and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3295759B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295759B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3295759B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus determines a first link quality. The first link quality indicates a link quality of a first link between a first potential relay UE and the remote UE. The apparatus determines a second link quality. The second link quality indicates a link quality of a second link between the first potential relay UE and a first base station. The apparatus ranks the first potential relay UE relative to a second potential relay UE. The ranking of the first potential relay UE is based on a combination of the first link quality and the second link quality. The apparatus selects one of the first potential relay UE and the second potential relay UE for a relay connection based on the ranking of the first potential relay UE relative to the second potential relay UE.