Sidelink Relay QoS Mapping via Adapt Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sidelink communication technologies in 5G NR do not support multi-hop relay functions with Quality of Service (QoS) differentiation, which is crucial for mission-critical applications like public safety communications and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) that require guaranteed latency, reliability, and data exchange capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method for transferring data packets in end-to-end multi-hop sidelink radio communication using a User Equipment (UE) with a processor-operated protocol stack that includes RLC and Adaptation layers, which map data packets across RLC channels to ensure specified QoS requirements are met at each hop, enabling QoS differentiation and efficient routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-hop relay functions are implemented in sidelink communication, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but QoS differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS handling function by introducing separate QoS parameter fields (5QI, QoS flow ID, ARP) at each hop in the multi-hop relay chain. Each relay node independently processes and forwards QoS parameters, enabling end-to-end QoS differentiation across multiple hops while maintaining extended network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary relay nodes that act as QoS parameter carriers between source and destination. These relay nodes receive, preserve, and forward QoS parameters (5QI, QoS flow ID, ARP) without consuming them, enabling QoS differentiation to be maintained across the multi-hop path while extending coverage beyond direct communication range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data packets are routed through multiple intermediate relay UEs, then out-of-network coverage is achieved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes QoS parameters (5QI, QoS flow ID, ARP) in advance at the source node before data transmission begins. These parameters are pre-configured and attached to data packets, enabling relay nodes to perform rapid QoS-based routing decisions without complex real-time calculations, thus reducing latency in multi-hop transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized QoS parameters (5QI for service type, QoS flow ID for flow identification, ARP for resource allocation) that can be efficiently processed and transmitted. These parameter changes enable fast QoS matching and routing decisions at each relay node, minimizing processing delay while maintaining coverage extension.
3Reliability
If QoS parameters are mapped and maintained at each hop, then QoS reliability is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal QoS parameters (5QI, QoS flow ID, ARP) that can be used across all relay nodes in the multi-hop chain. These standardized parameters serve multiple functions: service identification, flow differentiation, and resource allocation, enabling QoS reliability without requiring node-specific complex protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes standardized 5G QoS parameters (5QI, QoS flow ID, ARP) that simplify the protocol implementation. These parameters provide a uniform interface for QoS handling across different relay nodes, reducing protocol complexity while ensuring end-to-end QoS reliability through consistent parameter mapping and preservation at each hop.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (80) of performing transfer of data packets requiring a specified Quality of Service, QoS, by a User Equipment, UE, in an end-to-end, E2E, multi-hop sidelink radio communication (81). The UE comprises a processor operated protocol stack arranged for providing Physical, PHY, layer functionality, Media Access Control, MAC, layer functionality, Radio Link Control, RLC, layer functionality, and Adaptation, Adapt, layer functionality. The RLC layer functionality providing a plurality of ingress and egress RLC channels for transferring data packets. The method comprising receiving (83), by the RLC layer functionality, data packets a tan ingress RLC channel, mapping (84), by the Adapt layer functionality, data packets received at the ingress RLC channel to an egress RLC channel in accordance with a mapping rule for destining the data packets while maintaining the specified QoS, and transferring (86), by the RLC layer functionality, the mapped data packets at the egress RLC channel.