Flexible network architecture with user group support

摘要

A base station of a mobile communication network is connected to a core network and is operable in a normal mode and in a direct mode. The base station detects a request originating from a first user equipment to communicate with a second user equipment. The first user equipment is in direct reach of the base station. The base station establishes a communication link between the first and the second user equipment, and checks if the second user equipment is also within direct reach of the base station. The base station operates the communication link in direct mode, if yes, and operates the communication link in normal mode, otherwise.