Blank Subframe Configuration for D2D Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, D2D enabled nodes often struggle to receive both cellular and D2D signals simultaneously, leading to signal loss and excessive delay in data delivery, as network nodes are not aware of these losses, causing inefficiencies and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
Configuring blank subframes where D2D enabled nodes are not scheduled for cellular operations, allowing them to perform D2D operations, thereby optimizing resource utilization and avoiding interference with measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If D2D enabled nodes receive both cellular and D2D signals simultaneously, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal loss occurs and network nodes become unaware of signal delivery status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments time resources by introducing blank subframes where D2D enabled nodes are explicitly configured not to perform cellular operations. This temporal segmentation allows nodes to dedicate specific time periods to D2D communication while avoiding cellular signal reception, thereby preventing signal loss and enabling the network to track signal delivery status during non-blank subframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration mechanism where the network node provides explicit configuration information to D2D enabled nodes about blank subframe locations. This intermediary configuration acts as a mediator that coordinates between cellular and D2D operations, allowing the network to maintain awareness of when D2D signals will be transmitted without causing interference to cellular communications.
2Productivity
If D2D operations are performed during cellular subframes, then resource utilization is improved, but interference with cellular measurements and operations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts D2D operations from cellular subframes by designating specific blank subframes exclusively for D2D communication. This extraction removes the harmful interference that would occur if D2D operations were performed during cellular subframes, while still maintaining high resource utilization by systematically using the blank subframe resources for D2D purposes.
3Reliability
If blank subframes are configured for D2D operations, then signal loss is reduced, but network resource flexibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the configuration of blank subframes to be adaptive rather than fixed. The network can dynamically configure which subframes are blank based on current cellular traffic conditions and D2D communication requirements, thereby maintaining signal delivery reliability through consistent blank subframe usage while preserving network resource flexibility through configurable and adaptable blank subframe patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method performed by a first D2D enabled node (100), comprising the steps of obtaining a configuration indicative of one or more blank subframes in a first cell and/or on a first carrier frequency, wherein the one or more blank subframes comprise DL and/or UL subframes and the configuration of the one or more blank subframes is indicative of that the first D2D enabled node (100) is not and will not be scheduled in DL and/or UL during the one or more blank subframes. The method also comprises performing a D2D operation in at least one of the one or more blank subframes. There are also disclosed related devices like a D2D enabled node and a network node as well as related methods.