User Equipment Relay Configuration for Network Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, user equipment (UE) may face challenges in communicating with base stations due to environmental factors or power limitations, leading to reduced cell coverage, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize UEs as relays for other UEs in need of network access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where UEs with Proximity-based Services (ProSe) capabilities can act as relays for other UEs, with network-level and radio-level relaying capabilities registration, consent management, and configuration procedures to enable efficient relay functionality, allowing UEs to establish direct communication and enhance network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UEs are utilized as relays to extend network coverage, then coverage area is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary device between the network UE and the base station. The relay UE establishes separate communication links: one with the network UE (using ProSe direct communication) and another with the base station (using conventional cellular communication). This intermediary approach extends network coverage to areas where direct base station communication is unavailable, while managing complexity through standardized interface definitions and protocol layers.
2Area of stationary object
If relay functionality is added to UEs, then network coverage is improved, but device functionality complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a conventional UE for its own communication needs, a base station for managing relay connections with network UEs, and a relay node for forwarding data. The patent defines distinct functional modules (ProSe direct communication module, relay management module, data forwarding module) that enable these multiple roles without requiring separate hardware systems, thus managing device complexity while providing comprehensive relay functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay functionality is segmented into distinct operational layers and modules: the ProSe layer for direct UE-to-UE communication, the relay management layer for establishing and maintaining relay connections, and the data forwarding layer for actual packet routing. This segmentation allows each module to be independently managed and optimized, reducing overall device complexity while providing comprehensive relay capabilities.
3Reliability
If relay configuration procedures are implemented, then relay functionality is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions during the initial relay establishment phase. The network UE and relay UE exchange capability information, supported protocols, and communication parameters before actual data forwarding begins. This preliminary action ensures that relay functionality is properly configured and validated in advance, reducing the need for subsequent signaling adjustments and minimizing overall signaling overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device (7) configured to provide relay capabilities in a communications system (1) by communicating network-level mobile device relaying capabilities and radio-level mobile device relaying capabilities from the mobile device (7) to a communications node (3) of the communications system (1) so that the mobile device (7) can relay communications between the communications node (3) and another mobile device (2). User subscription information related to relaying is also disclosed.