Remote UE NAS Deactivation for Relay Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, when a UE establishes a connection with a UE-to-network relay, unnecessary radio operations occur, leading to service continuity issues due to the inability to properly manage tracking area updates (TAU) and maintain network connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a remote UE to perform relay discovery, transmit a TAU request message with relay-related information to an MME, deactivate the NAS when necessary, and activate it for releasing connections, allowing for efficient management of network services and TAU operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE establishes connection with a UE-to-network relay, then the UE can receive network connection service through the relay, but unnecessary radio operations occur and service continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the NAS layer from the communication stack when the UE connects through a relay. This extraction prevents the NAS layer from generating unnecessary TAU requests that would otherwise cause radio operations and service disruption. The NAS layer is completely removed from the data path through the relay, eliminating the source of the problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the NAS layer behavior based on the connection type. When connected directly to the network, the NAS layer operates normally. When connected through a relay, the NAS layer is deactivated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each connection scenario, preventing unnecessary radio operations while maintaining service continuity.
2Loss of information
If the UE performs periodic TAU operations through the relay, then location updates can be maintained, but unnecessary radio operations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the periodic TAU operation from the relay connection path by deactivating the NAS layer. This extraction eliminates the generation of TAU request messages that would traverse the relay, thereby preventing unnecessary radio operations and energy consumption while still maintaining location update functionality through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely disabling location tracking, the patent applies partial action by maintaining location update capabilities through the access stratum while removing the excessive NAS-layer TAU operations. This selective approach keeps essential functionality while eliminating wasteful radio operations.
3Ease of operation
If the NAS layer remains active during relay connection, then normal TAU procedures can be executed, but the UE context may be improperly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NAS layer from the active communication path during relay connection, which simplifies UE context management by removing the source of context deletion issues. The access stratum maintains necessary context information without the complicating NAS layer, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving essential TAU functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication stack into two independent parts: the access stratum that handles relay communication and context management, and the NAS layer that is deactivated during relay connection. This segmentation allows each part to function independently without interfering with the other, simplifying overall system management.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission and reception method by a remote user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: determining a relay discovery; transmitting a first tracking area update (TAU) request, which comprises relay-related information, to a mobility management entity (MME); and, as a response to the first TAU request, receiving a TAU acceptance and performing non-access-stratum (NAS) deactivation.