Remote UE Path Switching via Relay for 5G Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently switching between direct and indirect communication paths for remote User Equipments (UEs) in wireless communication systems, particularly in supporting UE-to-Network Relay scenarios, which affect service continuity and quality of service (QoS) in 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

A method where a remote UE establishes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with a network node, transmits a Layer 2 Identity (L2ID), and sets up a PC5 connection with a relay UE for path switching, enabling the relay UE to facilitate communication between the remote UE and the network, using RRC Reconfiguration messages to manage the switching process and ensure service continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a remote UE uses direct communication path, then communication speed is improved, but coverage area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device that enables remote UEs to communicate with the network indirectly when direct communication is not available. The relay UE receives data from the remote UE via PC5 interface and forwards it to the network node, thereby extending coverage area while maintaining communication functionality for UEs in coverage extensions or out-of-coverage scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If a remote UE switches from direct to indirect communication path, then coverage area is improved, but service continuity is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing the PC5 connection between the remote UE and relay UE before initiating the path switch from direct to indirect communication. The network node also prepares the RRC reconfiguration message in advance, containing all necessary configuration parameters, to ensure that the transition to indirect communication can be executed smoothly without service interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the remote UE sends RRC reconfiguration complete messages to confirm successful path switching, and the network node monitors the communication status to ensure continuity. The relay UE also provides feedback about the PC5 connection status, enabling the network to maintain service continuity during and after the path switch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If a relay UE is introduced for indirect communication, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay UE is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a regular UE for direct communication and as a relay node for indirect communication. The same UE can switch between direct Uu interface communication and indirect communication via PC5 interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated relay devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If path switching from direct to indirect communication is implemented, then coverage area is improved, but loss of time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpath switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary actions by preparing the RRC reconfiguration message in advance, including all necessary configuration parameters for the indirect communication path. The relay UE also pre-establishes the PC5 connection with the remote UE, so that when path switching is triggered, the transition can be executed quickly without requiring time-consuming setup procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the PC5 connection between the remote UE and relay UE active and ready for immediate data transmission. The relay UE continuously monitors the connection status and can immediately forward data packets once the path switch is initiated, minimizing interruption time and maintaining service continuity during the transition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20230084233A1Method and apparatus for a remote user equipment (UE) to support direct to indirect communication path switching in a wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A method and device are disclosed from the perspective of a remote UE. In one embodiment, the remote UE establishes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with a network node. The remote UE also transmits a Layer 2 Identity (L2ID) of the remote UE to the network node. The remote UE further receives a first RRC Reconfiguration message from the network node for path switching from direct to indirect communication, wherein the first RRC Reconfiguration message indicates a relay UE for the path switching. In addition, the remote UE establishes a PC5 connection with the relay UE. Furthermore, the remote UE transmits a first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message corresponding to the first RRC Reconfiguration message to the network node via the relay UE.