UE-to-Network Relay Selection for Off-Network PTT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Push-to-Talk (PTT) platforms face challenges in handling multiple relays within range of a single client device, improving signaling efficiencies for group communications, extending relay range, and optimizing off-network mode communication protocols, particularly in scenarios where client devices are outside the coverage area of a telecommunications network.
Innovation Solution
The method involves discovering and selecting UE-to-Network relays based on capacity indications, using direct mode communications to connect to the network, and employing multi-hop relays and group bridge protocols to facilitate PTT services across regions, allowing off-network clients to access PTT services through UE-to-Network and UE-to-UE relays, thereby optimizing network resource usage and extending coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple relays are used to extend coverage area, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to handling multiple relay connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group bridge relay as an intermediary device that consolidates multiple relay connections. Instead of managing individual connections from each client device to multiple relays, the group bridge relay acts as a central mediator that receives and distributes communications, simplifying the connection management architecture while extending coverage area through multiple relay nodes.
2Reliability
If individual connections are established through multiple relays for each client device, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual relay connections into a single group bridge relay connection. Multiple client devices connect to the group bridge relay as a unified entity rather than establishing separate connections to each relay, reducing signaling overhead and management complexity while maintaining reliable communication paths through the consolidated group bridge architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct mode communications are used for off-network clients, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of information increases due to signaling inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary registration and capability exchange between client devices and group bridge relays before actual communication. This preliminary action establishes communication parameters, relay capabilities, and group memberships in advance, enabling efficient direct mode communications for off-network clients without repeated signaling overhead during actual PTT operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method includes discovering, by a user equipment (UE), a plurality of UE-to-Network relays available to the first UE. The UE is located outside a coverage area of a wireless communications network. The method includes receiving, by the first UE, one or more capacity indications from the plurality of UE-to-Network relays and selecting, by the first UE, a first UE-to-Network relay from the plurality of UE-to-Network relays to connect to the wireless communications network in accordance with a relay selection policy and the one or more capacity indications. The method includes connecting, by the first UE, to the first UE-to-Network relay using direct mode communications.