Terminal Relay Paging for MTC Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, there is no existing solution for paging and updating area information of second terminals in terminal relay scenarios, which hinders efficient communication and network coverage in environments like basements where MTC devices require relay services.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for paging and updating area information of second terminals using a first terminal in a terminal relay scenario, where the first terminal forwards paging messages and area information to the second terminal, enabling effective communication and network coverage by determining the correct paging moment and area for the second terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If terminal relay is used to extend network coverage and reduce power consumption, then network coverage and power efficiency are improved, but there is no existing solution for paging and area information update of second terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidpaging mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first terminal acts as an intermediary between the network device and the second terminal for paging and area information updates. The network device sends paging messages to the first terminal, which then forwards them to the second terminal. Similarly, area information is updated through the first terminal, eliminating the need for direct network-second terminal communication and simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first terminal performs multiple functions: it serves as a relay for data communication, paging message delivery, and area information updates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive network coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If terminal relay is deployed in special environments like basements, then power consumption of MTC devices is reduced, but existing paging solutions do not support second terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of MTC deviceVSAvoidpaging reliability for second terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first terminal serves as a reliable intermediary that maintains communication links between the network and second terminals in challenging environments. By routing paging messages through the first terminal, which has established connectivity, the system ensures reliable delivery even when second terminals cannot directly communicate with the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes relay connections and area information configurations in advance before paging is needed. The first terminal pre-configures the communication path and area information for second terminals, ensuring that when paging is required, the communication path is already established and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If dedicated relay devices or small cells are used to provide relay service, then network coverage is enhanced, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing terminals in the network self-organize to provide relay services to other terminals. Instead of deploying dedicated relay infrastructure, ordinary terminals volunteer or are selected to act as relays, thereby extending network coverage without adding specialized infrastructure or increasing overall network structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Ordinary terminals are designed to perform both their primary communication functions and relay functions. This multi-functionality allows the network to extend coverage using existing terminal capabilities rather than requiring separate dedicated relay devices or small cell infrastructure, thus avoiding increased network structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If terminal relay is used for MTC devices with strict cost requirements, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but no paging solution exists for relayed terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidarea information of second terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The first terminal acts as an information intermediary that maintains and forwards area information for second terminals. Instead of requiring second terminals to directly maintain complex area information with the network, the first terminal stores and manages this information, forwarding it when needed and ensuring no information is lost in the relay process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first terminal maintains a copy of the area information for second terminals, eliminating the need for second terminals to directly maintain this information with the network. This copying mechanism ensures information availability while reducing the complexity and cost for low-cost MTC devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3160211B1Paging method
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3160211B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3160211B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3160211B1 patent drawingFigure 4~10

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communications technologies, and in particular, to a terminal, a network device, a paging method, and an area information update method, so as to: in a terminal relay scenario, page a terminal to which another terminal provides a relay service, and update area information of the terminal to which the another terminal provides the relay service. A first terminal provided in embodiments of the present invention includes: a receiving module, configured to receive a paging message, where the paging message carries a terminal identity of a second terminal; and a processing module, configured to: when determining that the second terminal is a terminal to which the first terminal provides a relay service, page the second terminal according to the terminal identity of the second terminal. By means of the first terminal provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the second terminal to which the first terminal provides the relay service is effectively paged in a terminal relay scenario.