Sidelink Relay Protocol for Multi-Hop QoS Bearer Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G NR protocol stack lacks mechanisms to support Quality of Service (QoS) for relaying functionality over multi-hop links involving Uu links and PC5 interface sidelinks, as the Backhaul Adaption Protocol (BAP) does not facilitate multiplexing and demultiplexing of bearers with different QoS levels, and GTP-U or STCP protocols are inefficient for direct use over sidelinks.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the NR protocol stack include an enhanced Backhaul Adaption Protocol (BAP) for sidelink communication, with additional features for bearer multiplexing and demultiplexing over Relay Link (RaL) RLC channels, and a new Relay Link Tunneling Protocol (RaLTP) to support multi-hop connection-oriented and connectionless sidelink communication, along with data link layer protocols for end-to-end keep-alive and flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing Backhaul Adaption Protocol (BAP) is used for sidelink communication, then the protocol implementation is simple, but it cannot support multiplexing and demultiplexing of bearers with different QoS levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new protocol layer (RaLTP or enhanced BAP) that segments the QoS handling function from the existing BAP. This new layer is specifically designed to handle bearer multiplexing and demultiplexing with QoS support, while the underlying BAP continues to handle basic data transmission. This segmentation allows QoS capabilities to be added without completely redesigning the existing protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protocol layer (RaLTP or enhanced BAP with multiplexing functions) that sits between the upper layer applications and the existing BAP/RLC infrastructure. This intermediary layer performs bearer multiplexing and demultiplexing operations, translating QoS requirements into appropriate RLC channel selections, thereby enabling QoS support without directly modifying the fundamental BAP operation.
2Reliability
If GTP-U or STCP protocols are used over sidelinks, then end-to-end QoS control can be achieved, but the protocol overhead and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential QoS control functions from the complex GTP-U or STCP protocols and implements them in a simplified, purpose-built protocol layer (RaLTP or enhanced BAP). Instead of using the full-featured but heavy GTP-U protocol, the patent takes out only the necessary QoS handling, multiplexing, and demultiplexing functions and implements them more efficiently in the context-specific protocol, reducing overhead while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameters and structure to be optimized for sidelink communication specifically. Rather than using generic protocols like GTP-U designed for broader scenarios, the patent defines streamlined protocols with parameters tailored for direct device-to-device communication, reducing unnecessary overhead while maintaining QoS control reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-hop sidelink communication is implemented, then remote UE connectivity is enabled, but the lack of bearer multiplexing mechanisms reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal multiplexing mechanism in the RaLTP or enhanced BAP layer that can handle multiple bearers with different QoS requirements over the same multi-hop sidelink path. This multi-functional layer can simultaneously manage different types of traffic (voice, data, signaling) with appropriate QoS treatment, making the multi-hop connection more efficient by allowing multiple services to share the same physical path without interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices that may assist in remote UE connectivity. There may be use of an enhanced version of Backhaul Adaption Protocol (BAP) on the sidelink for multi-hop connection oriented sidelink communication or multi-hop connectionless sidelink communication, with additional enhancements to allow multiplexing and demultiplexing of bearers over Relay Link (RaL) RLC channels.