UE Relay Connection Setup for Out-of-Coverage Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack an efficient method for establishing Layer 2 UE-to-Network relay connections, particularly in scenarios without infrastructure, such as tunnels or emergency situations, where enhanced coverage and high reliability are required for National Security Public Safety (NSPS) use cases.
Innovation Solution
A method for relay connection establishment that includes determining UE authorization, access control, and AS configurations, involving a relay request message exchange between UEs and network nodes to establish efficient Layer 2 or Layer 3 relays, with configuration messages for adaptation layers and logical channel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay connection establishment methods are implemented in existing communication systems, then coverage and reliability are improved, but system complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay connection establishment process into distinct phases: discovery phase where UEs identify potential relay candidates, selection phase where the optimal relay is chosen, and configuration phase where Layer 2 and Layer 3 parameters are set. This segmentation allows complex relay operations to be managed through modular, standardized procedures without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized relay nodes as intermediaries between UEs and the network. These relay nodes operate with defined protocols and interfaces, mediating complex communication scenarios while maintaining standardized interaction patterns. The intermediary relays simplify the overall system architecture by providing a uniform mechanism for extended coverage and device-to-device communication.
2Area of stationary object
If relay connection establishment procedures are implemented, then coverage extension is achieved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of relay parameters and protocols during the discovery and selection phases, before actual data transmission begins. Layer 2 and Layer 3 configurations are established in advance, allowing subsequent relay operations to proceed with minimal signaling. This preliminary setup reduces the signaling overhead during active communication while maintaining extended coverage.
3Reliability
If Layer 2 and Layer 3 relay configurations are implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and maintenance of relay connections at Layer 2 and Layer 3, rather than continuous full-protocol operation. Relay configurations are established periodically and maintained through efficient refresh mechanisms, reducing power consumption while ensuring communication reliability. This periodic approach allows UEs to enter low-power states between relay operations.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method at a second user equipment (UE2) comprising receiving, from a first UE (UE1), a relay request message indicating a relay request of UE1. The relay request is for a relay service requested by UE1. The relay request message comprises an indication of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to which UE1 is subscribed. The method comprises determining that the relay request can be accepted by UE2 in at least one case where: the UE2 is authorized to support the relay service; the relay service is allowed by a current cell of UE2 served by a network node; UE2 is currently in a Radio Resource Control connected state; UE1 subscribes to a same PLMN as UE2; or the network node has provided relevant Access Stratum configurations to UE2. The method comprises transmitting a relay response message to UE1 based on a result of the determination.