Remote UE Indirect-to-Direct Mode Switching During Relay Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, a remote UE may become disconnected if its relay UE hands over to a target base unit that cannot support it, leading to service disruption when switching from indirect to direct communication mode.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a group of remote units associated with the relay unit, selecting a target base unit, and sending a command to unsupported remote units to switch directly to the mobile network without using the relay unit, ensuring seamless handover and service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the relay UE hands over to a target base unit, then the relay UE can maintain connection with the network, but the remote UE becomes disconnected because the target base unit cannot support it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication connection into two independent paths: the relay UE maintains its connection to the target base unit, while the remote UE establishes a separate direct connection to the network. This segmentation allows each UE to have independent connection management, resolving the contradiction where the relay's handover would otherwise force the remote UE into disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching for the remote UE, allowing it to transition from indirect communication (through relay UE) to direct communication (directly to base unit) based on network conditions and capability. This dynamic adaptability ensures the remote UE maintains connectivity regardless of the relay UE's handover status.
2Reliability
If the remote UE switches from indirect to direct communication mode, then service continuity can be maintained, but the complexity of managing multiple communication paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the network base unit as an intermediary that manages and coordinates the communication mode switching. The base unit receives handover requests, determines remote UE support capability, and controls the switching process, thereby simplifying the complexity that would otherwise be borne by the UEs themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of the target base unit's capability to support remote UEs before executing the handover. The source base unit determines whether the target base unit can support the remote UE, and only then proceeds with the appropriate switching action, preventing service disruption through advance planning.
3Productivity
If the target base unit supports the remote UE, then both relay and remote UEs can be handed over together, but if not, the remote UE must switch modes which may cause service disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary capability assessment of the target base unit before handover execution. The source base unit determines whether the target base unit can support the remote UE, and based on this preliminary information, decides whether to execute joint handover or initiate mode switching, thereby avoiding service disruption through advance knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the source base unit receives capability information about the target base unit's support for remote UEs, and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate handover strategy. This feedback loop ensures that handover decisions are based on actual target base unit capabilities, preventing service disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for switching a communication mode of a remote UE. One apparatus includes a processor (405) and a radio transceiver (425) that communicates with a relay unit (120). Here, the processor (405) decides to handover the relay unit (120) and determines a group of one or more remote units (105) associated with the relay unit (120), wherein the relay unit (120) is a relay for the group. The processor (405) selects a target base unit (110) of a mobile communication network based on the relay unit (120) and the group of one or more remote units (105) and determines a first subgroup of remote units (105) from among the group of one or more remote units (105) that cannot be supported by the target base unit (110). The processor (405) also sends, to a remote unit (105) in the first subgroup of remote units (105), a command to resume communication with the mobile communication network without using the relay unit (120).