UE-to-Network Relay Service Interruption Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In UE-to-network relay systems, service interruptions occur due to mobility, changes in network coverage, and relay device conditions, which can lead to undesirable latency and disruptions, especially in time-critical public safety applications like MCPTT.

Innovation Solution

The system detects indicators of expected service interruptions, such as radio link degradation or battery low conditions, and transmits messages to relays and remote UEs to initiate actions that minimize or avoid these interruptions, including switching to alternative relays or operation modes like UUR, thereby ensuring continuous communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If UE-to-network relay is used to provide network services to out-of-coverage UEs, then network coverage is extended, but service interruptions occur due to relay mobility and network coverage changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting indicators of expected service interruptions (such as radio link degradation or battery low conditions) before actual service interruption occurs. The network or relay UE transmits indication messages to remote UEs in advance, allowing them to proactively switch to alternative relays or operation modes before communication is disrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the relay UE or network continuously monitors relay conditions (radio link quality, battery status, mobility state) and provides feedback through indication messages to the network and remote UEs. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of relay operations and proactive switching decisions to maintain service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If relay UE moves or enters different network coverage areas, then mobility is supported, but service interruptions and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay mobilityVSAvoidservice interruption latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects indicators of expected service interruptions caused by relay mobility (such as radio link degradation or entering different network coverage areas) before actual service interruption occurs. Indication messages are transmitted to remote UEs in advance, allowing them to switch to alternative relays or operation modes proactively, thereby minimizing service interruption latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If relay UE battery is low or relay function is deactivated, then device power management is achieved, but communication link is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay power consumptionVSAvoidcommunication link reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects indicators of expected service interruptions related to relay power status (such as battery low conditions or relay deactivation) before actual communication link disruption occurs. Indication messages are transmitted to remote UEs in advance, allowing them to switch to alternative relays or operation modes proactively, thereby maintaining communication link reliability while enabling device power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3320730B1Systems and methods for managing a UE-to-network relay
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3320730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3320730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3320730B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Method and systems for managing a communication link. One or more indicators of an expected service interruption associated with a communication link is determined. The communication link may be a link between a relay and a communication target and/or a link between the relay and a user equipment (UE). In response, the UE initiates one or more actions to reduce or avoid the expected service interruption.