UE-to-Network Relay for Mission Critical Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in providing reliable critical communication services to user equipment (UEs) outside the network coverage area, particularly in mission-critical scenarios, where traditional cellular technologies are insufficient for ensuring seamless and efficient communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a UE-to-network relay mechanism using ProSe (Proximity Services) capabilities, allowing UEs to establish direct links and relay critical communication content, even when out of network coverage, through a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection, and utilizing IMS registration to access the IMS network for mission-critical services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cellular technologies are used, then network coverage is limited to areas with cellular infrastructure, but communication reliability is insufficient for mission-critical services outside network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
A relay UE acts as an intermediary device between the remote UE and the network, enabling the remote UE to access mission-critical services indirectly through the relay UE's network connection. The relay UE forwards messages and data between the remote UE and the network, effectively extending network coverage to areas without direct cellular infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct network access to indirect network access through a relay node, adding a dimensional layer to the communication architecture. This allows UEs outside the network coverage area to connect by routing communications through UEs that are within coverage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs establish direct links for communication, then network coverage is extended to off-network areas, but device complexity increases due to relay mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE and remote UE autonomously establish direct links using ProSe capabilities without requiring complex network coordination. The UEs self-configure the direct communication channel and handle message routing independently, reducing the complexity burden on the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay UE performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains its own network connection, discovers and connects to remote UEs, establishes direct links with them, and forwards their communications. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single device rather than requiring specialized infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay mechanisms are implemented, then communication service is extended to remote UEs, but message routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE serves as a message intermediary that transparently forwards communications between remote UEs and the network. The relay mechanism adds minimal routing overhead by using standardized ProSe message formats and straightforward forwarding rules, avoiding complex routing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay UE and remote UE perform preliminary discovery and link establishment using ProSe procedures before actual mission-critical communication begins. This preliminary setup phase handles the complexity of direct link configuration, authentication, and resource allocation, allowing simple routing during the actual communication phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless device transmits to a second wireless device, a SIP REGISTER message comprising a first Contact header field comprising an internet Protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) identifier identifying a mission critical video capability of the first wireless device. The second wireless device transmits to an IMS network entity, a second SIP REGISTER message comprising a second Contact header field comprising the IMS identifier. The IMS network entity identifies a mission critical application server (MC AS) and registers the first wireless device to the MC AS. The MC AS: receives a SIP request from the IMS network entity for the first wireless device; determines that a mission critical video service can be established employing the SIP request and the mission critical video capability; and transmits the SIP request to the first wireless device via the second wireless device.