U2U Relay Logical Connection for Network Reachability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, relay user equipment (UE) chains face challenges in maintaining connectivity and reducing protocol overhead while ensuring that U2U relay UEs remain reachable by the network, especially when they are out of direct coverage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that allows U2U relay UEs to utilize an existing L2 multi-hop U2N relay connection for IDLE or INACTIVE UE mobility functions, such as system information block reception and paging, by establishing a common U2U relay logical connection using pre-defined control channels and signaling radio bearers, thereby reducing the need for individual E2E SL connections and associated signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual E2E SL connections are established for each U2U relay UE to maintain network reachability, then reliability of network communication is improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reachabilityVSAvoidconnection setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual E2E SL connections into a single common U2U relay logical connection that serves all U2U relay UEs simultaneously. This common connection is established between the U2N relay UE and the gNB, eliminating the need for separate connections for each relay UE while maintaining network reachability for all UEs in the relay chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common U2U relay logical connection serves multiple functions for multiple U2U relay UEs simultaneously. It enables system information block reception, paging message delivery, and mobility function support for all U2U relay UEs through a single shared connection, making the connection universal rather than individual-specific.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple unicast sidelink connections are established for each U2U relay UE, then network reachability is maintained, but protocol overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reachabilityVSAvoidprotocol overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual connection establishment procedures into a single common connection setup. Instead of each U2U relay UE establishing its own E2E SL connection with associated signaling, all U2U relay UEs share one common U2U relay logical connection, significantly reducing the volume of protocol overhead messages required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If U2U relay UEs establish individual E2E SL connections for mobility functions, then network reachability is ensured, but productivity of connection setup decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reachabilityVSAvoidconnection setup efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The common U2U relay logical connection is established in advance between the U2N relay UE and the gNB before individual U2U relay UEs need to access the network. This preliminary setup of the common connection eliminates the need for each U2U relay UE to perform separate connection establishment procedures, improving setup efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240340984A1Communication with relay user equipment

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method including transmitting, by an apparatus, a first data packet to at least one of a plurality of user-equipment-to-user-equipment, U2U, relay user equipments, wherein the first data packet includes at least one of: a system information block, a paging message, an acknowledgement for a small data transmission, a connection setup response, a connection release response, or path information including information associated with the apparatus.