Sidelink Connection Setup via RAN Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE V2X systems face challenges in efficiently establishing high-reliability and low-latency unicast sidelink connections, particularly in vehicular communication scenarios, due to difficulties in assigning locally unique UE IDs and high signaling overhead, which hinders the adoption of network-assisted L1 unicast-based SL communications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves RAN-level signaling enhancements and application-aware triggers to determine whether to use L1 unicast-based or L1 broadcast-based SL connections, allowing for quick setup of unicast D2D communication sessions by leveraging network assistance and resource allocation for L1 unicast-based SL when available, or resorting to L1 broadcast-based SL in its absence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If L1 unicast-based SL connection is used for setting up unicast sidelink, then connection reliability and network assistance are improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase due to difficulties in assigning locally unique UE IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the radio access network (RAN) as an intermediary to assist in setting up the L1 unicast-based sidelink connection. The RAN provides network assistance by helping to assign locally unique UE IDs and managing the signaling overhead, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity. The network acts as a mediator that coordinates the unicast connection establishment between two UEs without requiring them to independently solve the complex ID assignment problem.
2Reliability
If L1 unicast-based SL connection setup procedure is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection setup mechanism that can adaptively switch between L1 unicast-based SL and L1 broadcast-based SL connection establishment procedures. The system dynamically selects the appropriate setup method based on current network conditions, application requirements, and availability of network assistance, thereby optimizing the trade-off between communication reliability and setup time for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection establishment process into multiple phases and paths: an initial broadcast-based phase for rapid connection setup, and a subsequent unicast-based phase for enhanced reliability when network assistance is available. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast initial connectivity while providing an option for more reliable communication when conditions permit.
3Productivity
If L1 broadcast-based SL connection is used, then setup speed is improved, but connection reliability and network assistance capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from L1 broadcast-based SL (fast setup) to L1 unicast-based SL (higher reliability) when network assistance becomes available. The dynamic adaptation allows the system to capitalize on the speed advantage of broadcast-based setup initially, then upgrade to the more reliable unicast-based connection when network resources and assistance are confirmed available.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method at a first user equipment, the method comprising: deciding to set up a unicast sidelink, SL, connection with a second user equipment; determining whether or not a radio access network serving the first user equipment or a radio access network serving the second user equipment is able to assist in setting up the unicast SL connection; performing one of the following: upon determining the positive, applying a L1 unicast-based SL connection for setting up the unicast SL connection, upon determining the negative, applying a L1 broadcast-based SL connection for setting up the unicast SL connection; and communicating with the second user equipment over the unicast SL.