Sidelink Relay Traffic Flow Control for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in extending service coverage, enhancing data transmission reliability, and reducing power consumption in user equipment (UE) for sidelink communication, particularly in supporting direct communication between UEs and base stations via sidelink relays.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling traffic flow between a base station and user equipment (UE) using sidelink relays, where the UE transmits traffic status information, obtains scheduling information, and controls traffic flow based on this information, enabling efficient resource allocation and pre-emptive scheduling to optimize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If direct communication between UEs is supported via sidelink relay, then service coverage is extended, but device complexity increases due to additional relay nodes and traffic flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sidelink relay UE as an intermediary node between the remote UE and the base station. The relay UE establishes separate communication links: a sidelink with the remote UE and a Uu link with the base station. This intermediary approach extends service coverage to areas where direct UE-base station communication is unavailable, while managing complexity through standardized relay protocols and traffic flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into distinct links: the sidelink between remote UE and relay UE, and the Uu link between relay UE and base station. Each link is managed independently with separate resource allocation and traffic flow control. This segmentation allows the system to extend coverage through relay nodes while controlling complexity by treating each link as a separate communication entity with standardized protocols.
2Reliability
If traffic flow control is implemented through sidelink relay, then data transmission reliability is improved, but use of energy increases due to additional signaling and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the relay UE reports traffic status information (such as buffer status, channel conditions) to the base station. The base station uses this feedback to dynamically adjust resource allocation and scheduling decisions. This feedback loop improves data transmission reliability by enabling adaptive traffic flow control, while managing energy consumption through efficient feedback signaling that triggers only when conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary resource allocation and scheduling decisions based on predicted traffic patterns and historical data. The base station pre-allocates resources for sidelink and Uu links before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary action improves reliability by preparing communication paths in advance, while reducing energy consumption by avoiding reactive signaling and processing during active transmission.
3Productivity
If pre-emptive scheduling is used for traffic flow control, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to advanced scheduling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The base station implements pre-emptive scheduling by allocating resources for sidelink and Uu links before actual data transmission needs arise. The scheduler predicts traffic patterns and proactively reserves communication resources, reducing latency and improving data transmission efficiency. This preliminary resource allocation enhances productivity while managing complexity through standardized scheduling algorithms and resource management protocols.
4Area of stationary object
If sidelink relay communication is established, then service coverage is extended, but loss of time increases due to additional relay hops
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is divided into segmented links (sidelink and Uu link) with independent resource allocation. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall communication delay. This segmented approach extends service coverage through relay nodes while minimizing time loss through efficient inter-link coordination and synchronized resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5th-generation (5G) or 6th-generation (6G) communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for sidelink (SL) communication may include: transmitting traffic status information about SL uplink and SL downlink; obtaining scheduling information for SL uplink traffic control and SL downlink traffic resource allocation determined based on the traffic status information; and controlling traffic flow, based on the scheduling information, wherein the UE is a SL remote UE or a SL relay UE.