Relay WTRU N3GPP Access for Secure ProSe Network Relaying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote WTRUs outside New Radio (NR) coverage or preferring relayed communication face challenges in establishing direct connectivity with the network, as existing ProSe WTRU-to-Network Relay technologies are limited to 3GPP connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus enable ProSe service over non-3GPP connections by allowing a relay WTRU to support and establish N3GPP connections, including security bootstrapping, policy information exchange, and managing bit rates for relayed traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ProSe WTRU-to-Network Relay technologies are used, then connectivity to the network is supported for remote WTRUs, but the connection is limited to 3GPP only and cannot establish N3GPP connections
Solution Approach 1:
The relay WTRU is enhanced to support multiple connection types (both 3GPP and non-3GPP/N3GPP) through a unified relay framework. The relay entity can operate with different access technologies by establishing appropriate security contexts and PDU sessions for each type, making the relay functionality universal rather than limited to a single connection type.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay functionality is segmented into distinct operational modes: 3GPP relay mode and non-3GPP relay mode. Each mode has its own security context, PDU session management, and connection establishment procedures. This segmentation allows the system to handle different connection types independently while maintaining a unified relay WTRU structure.
2Reliability
If security bootstrapping is performed for N3GPP access, then secure communication is established, but additional message exchange and coordination are required between relay WTRU and network entities
Solution Approach 1:
The relay WTRU acts as an intermediary in the security bootstrapping process for N3GPP access. It receives security credentials from the network entity, establishes a security context, and then uses this context to secure communications with remote WTRUs. The relay WTRU mediates between the network's security infrastructure and the N3GPP access security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Security bootstrapping is performed in advance before actual data communication begins. The relay WTRU establishes security contexts and receives necessary credentials during the initial connection setup phase, so that when remote WTRUs connect, secure communication is already in place without requiring additional security negotiations during data transfer.
3Ease of operation
If policy information including RSC, N3GPP identity, and security mode is exchanged, then proper relay service configuration is achieved, but information exchange overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Policy information including Relay Service Code (RSC), N3GPP identity, and security mode is exchanged during the initial relay establishment phase rather than during each communication session. This preliminary exchange configures the relay WTRU in advance, eliminating the need for repeated information exchange and reducing overall signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The policy information exchange framework is designed to be universal, supporting both 3GPP and non-3GPP relay scenarios through a common set of parameters. The RSC and N3GPP identity information can identify and configure different relay service types, while the security mode parameter adapts to the specific access technology being used, reducing the need for separate configuration procedures.
4Reliability
If relay WTRU manages bit rate for PDU session to not exceed AMBR, then quality of service is maintained, but continuous monitoring and control of traffic is required
Solution Approach 1:
The relay WTRU implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the actual bit rate of PDU sessions and compare it against the Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate (AMBR) limit. When the bit rate approaches or exceeds the AMBR, the relay WTRU can trigger rate limiting or traffic prioritization actions, ensuring QoS requirements are met while staying within contractual limits. This feedback loop enables dynamic traffic management without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay wireless transmit/receive unit. WTRU, sends (1110), to a network entity, a message indicating support for relay for ProSe service over a non-3GPP, N3GPP, connection. The relay WTRU receives (1110), from the network entity, policy information for WTRU to Network relay over N3GPP. The policy information comprises a relay service code, RSC, N3GPP identity information. and supported security mode for a N3GPP access. The relay WTRU broadcasts (1130) discovery information over a PC5 connection and establishes (1140), with a remote WTRU associated with the RSC, a PC5 connection for ProSe direct communication including a security association with the remote WTRU. The relay WTRU performs (1150) security bootstrapping of N3GPP access over the PC5 connection with the remote WTRU, establishes (1160) a N3GPP connection for ProSe direct communication, and establishes (1170) a new PDU session or changes (1170) an existing PDU session for relaying traffic of the remote WTRU to the network entity.