Relay UE Registration via Intermediate Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote User Equipment (UE) cannot establish a relayed connection to a telecommunication network without a previous direct connection to the access network, limiting its ability to communicate via relay capable UE.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of an intermediate node that establishes a user plane connection between the relay capable UE and itself, allowing the registration message from the remote UE to be forwarded to the Mobility Management Function via the user plane, eliminating the need for an initial direct connection to the network and enhancing security through temporary identity translation and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the remote UE uses traditional ProSe discovery and link setup mechanisms, then the connection establishment follows standardized procedures, but the remote UE must have a previous direct connection to the access network which limits its ability to connect without prior network contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay capable UE as an intermediary entity that enables the remote UE to establish a connection to the telecommunication network without requiring a direct connection to the access network. The relay capable UE forwards signaling messages between the remote UE and the network, acting as a mediator that bypasses the limitation of traditional direct connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection establishment process is segmented into separate pathways: the user plane connection through the relay capable UE and the control plane connection through the access network. This segmentation allows the remote UE to establish user plane connectivity via the relay while maintaining the ability to establish control plane connections when needed, thereby increasing adaptability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the remote UE sends registration message directly to the network via relay capable UE, then prior direct connection is eliminated, but the relay capable UE may intercept sensitive information in the registration message
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive information from the registration message by introducing a separate identity establishment process. The remote UE's identity is established through a secure identity translation mechanism where the relay capable UE forwards messages but cannot interpret or intercept the actual identity information, thereby removing the security vulnerability while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay capable UE acts as a blind intermediary that forwards messages without accessing their content. The identity translation mechanism ensures that even the relay capable UE cannot intercept or interpret sensitive information, as it only handles standardized message formats without semantic meaning to the relay.
3Ease of operation
If the relay capable UE forwards all signaling messages over user plane, then connection establishment is simplified, but control plane functions cannot be properly executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication plane into user plane and control plane components. User plane messages are forwarded through the relay capable UE for initial connection establishment, while control plane messages are routed through the access network to ensure proper execution of control functions. This segmentation maintains ease of operation for connection establishment while preserving control plane reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic message routing where the relay capable UE determines whether to forward messages over the user plane or route them through the control plane based on message type and connection state. This dynamic approach allows simplified user plane forwarding for basic connectivity while ensuring control plane functions are executed through appropriate channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of establishing a signalling connection between a remote User Equipment, UE, and a telecommunication network via a relay capable UE, wherein said relay capable UE has established user plane connectivity to an intermediate node comprised by said telecommunication network and is arranged for supporting establishment of said connection for said remote UE, said method comprising the steps of receiving a registration message over said user plane forwarded by said relay capable UE and originating from said remote UE for registering said remote UE to said telecommunication network, forwarding said registration message to a Mobility Management Function comprised by said telecommunication network and receiving a registration accept message from said Mobility Management Function for accepting registration of said remote UE to said telecommunication network, and forwarding said registration accept message to said remote UE via said relay capable UE.