Relay UE Identification via Source Layer-2 ID Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In new radio (NR) systems, when a user equipment (UE) moves out of network coverage, it fails to switch from a direct communication link with a base station to a relay link with another UE due to the base station's inability to accurately identify the relay UE through the relay UE ID reported under sidelink communication, leading to failed relay communication.
Innovation Solution
The UE actively reports its source layer-2 ID to the base station, allowing the base station to accurately identify and instruct the second UE to switch to the selected relay UE, ensuring successful relay communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base station uses relay UE ID reported under sidelink communication to identify the relay UE, then relay communication can be established, but the base station cannot accurately identify the relay UE leading to switching failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identifier (source layer-2 ID or C-RNTI) that bridges the gap between sidelink communication and uplink communication identification systems. This intermediary allows the base station to accurately identify the relay UE through uplink channels while maintaining the sidelink relay communication framework, thus resolving the identification accuracy problem without sacrificing relay communication reliability
2Measurement precision
If the UE reports source layer-2 ID to the base station, then the base station can accurately identify the relay UE, but additional signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the source layer-2 ID serve multiple functions: it acts as both the identifier for relay UE recognition by the base station and as part of the uplink communication addressing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signaling fields, thereby minimizing additional signaling overhead while achieving accurate relay UE identification
Solution Approach 2:
The UE reports the source layer-2 ID to the base station in advance, before the actual relay communication switching occurs. This preliminary action allows the base station to pre-configure the correct identification mapping and switching parameters, reducing the need for real-time signaling during the critical switching moment and thereby reducing overall signaling overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending switching-auxiliary information is performed by a user equipment (UE) for sidelink communication. The method comprises: sending by the UE, a source layer-2 ID of the UE to a base station device. A method for switching is performed by a base station. The method includes: receiving a source layer-2 ID from a first UE, and receiving a switching measurement result from a second UE, wherein the switching measurement result includes the source layer-2 ID of the first UE; determining the first UE is a relay UE based on the source layer-2 ID; sending configuration information required for switching to the first UE; and sending a switching command to the second UE, wherein the switching command indicates switching to the first UE.