Network-Controlled Relay UE Selection for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ProSe/D2D technologies face challenges in minimizing service interruption and optimizing relay UE discovery and selection/reselection, particularly for remote UEs moving between coverage areas, leading to increased power consumption and potential data interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves network-controlled measurement and selection processes for relay UE, using criteria such as network coverage status, preconfigured QoS parameters, and dynamic thresholds to minimize unnecessary relay discovery and selection, thereby conserving power and maintaining service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay UE discovery and selection/reselection are performed frequently to ensure service continuity, then service interruption is reduced, but UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting measurement thresholds and triggering conditions based on service requirements and radio conditions. The network configures parameters such as measurement thresholds, reporting conditions, and measurement intervals that adapt to changing scenarios, allowing the UE to perform measurements only when necessary rather than continuously, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through conditional measurement triggering and adaptive measurement configurations. The measurement process transitions from static continuous monitoring to dynamic event-triggered measurements, where the UE activates measurements only when specific conditions are met (e.g., signal quality degradation, mobility events), optimizing the balance between service reliability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If relay UE discovery and selection are performed continuously to maintain optimal connection, then service quality is improved, but data interruption increases due to measurement gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through configured measurement intervals and event-triggered measurement cycles. Instead of continuous measurement, the UE performs measurements at periodic intervals or when specific events occur (e.g., signal quality thresholds breached, handover conditions met). This periodic measurement approach reduces the frequency of measurement gaps and associated data interruptions while still maintaining adequate service quality monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring measurement parameters, thresholds, and triggering conditions before measurements are needed. The network provides advance configuration including measurement objects, reporting configurations, and event criteria, allowing the UE to prepare measurement routines in advance and execute them efficiently only when conditions warrant, minimizing disruption to data transmission.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement criteria are used for relay UE selection (PC5 link quality, Uu link quality, service requirements), then selection accuracy is improved, but measurement and decision complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement and selection process into distinct, manageable components: PC5 link quality measurement, Uu link quality measurement, service requirement evaluation, and composite decision-making. Each component is handled separately with dedicated measurement configurations and evaluation criteria, allowing the complex multi-criteria selection to be broken down into modular steps that are easier to implement and manage while maintaining overall selection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, systems, techniques, and computer program products are provided in which an eNB, within a wireless communications network, determining network coverage status relating to a cell served by it, where the eNB supports UE- to -Network relay for a remote UE using direct device-to-device communication between the remote UE and a relay UE connected to the serving cell. Based on a determination of network coverage status, at least one UE is initiated and selected to act as a relay UE. The radio interface link quality of the relay UE can be evaluated and the relay UE can be configured to send an indication of the radio interface link quality to the remote UE. Based on the determined network coverage status and selection of a relay UE, the remote UE is controlled by the eNB for the relay UE discovery and selection either directly or via the relay UE.