Cross-Operator D2D Communication via Intermediary Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current D2D communication technologies face challenges in enabling communication between user equipment from different radio networks with different duplexing modes, as existing logical interfaces do not allow communication between radio network nodes belonging to different operators, and national roaming is often restricted due to regulatory reasons, limiting the ability to cross operator licensed/unlicensed frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a logical interface between radio network nodes to facilitate D2D communication across borders by setting up a connection between eNBs, enabling the exchange of information and configuration messages to allow UE communication, and using a hybrid TDD/FDD duplexing mode to reduce bandwidth usage and improve connection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing logical interfaces are used for D2D communication, then communication within the same operator network is enabled, but communication between different operator networks is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node acting as an intermediary that bridges different operator networks. This intermediary node receives D2D communication requests from UEs in one operator's network, translates and forwards them to the target UE in another operator's network, and manages the cross-operator interface compatibility, thereby enabling communication without requiring direct interface support between all possible operator pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface mechanism that can handle multiple operator networks and different duplexing modes through a single standardized approach. The interface is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various operator configurations and communication scenarios without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each operator pair, thus reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If national roaming is restricted due to regulatory reasons, then operator network sovereignty is maintained, but D2D communication across frequency bands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network node serves as a regulatory-compliant intermediary that manages cross-frequency band communication requests. It implements regulatory policies by controlling which D2D communications are permitted across operator boundaries and frequency bands, maintaining operator sovereignty while enabling legitimate cross-band communications through centralized authorization and management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single duplexing mode is used in radio networks, then network configuration is simplified, but D2D communication between different duplexing modes is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment mechanisms that allow the system to adapt to different duplexing modes (TDD, FDD, half-duplex) based on the specific communication scenario. The network node and UEs can change operational parameters such as timing advances, frequency offsets, and resource allocation patterns to accommodate cross-mode D2D communications, enabling flexibility without requiring fixed single-mode configurations.
4Productivity
If UEs communicate through traditional network infrastructure, then coverage is extended, but communication efficiency and energy consumption are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into control plane and user plane components. The control plane remains network-managed for setup, coordination, and teardown of D2D links, while the actual data transmission occurs directly between UEs through the D2D radio link. This segmentation allows UEs to benefit from efficient direct communication for user data while still receiving network support for connection management, improving overall efficiency and reducing energy consumption compared to traditional infrastructure-based communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus related to a first radio network node serving a first UE in a first mobile radio network for enabling a D2D communication with a second UE served by a second radio network node in a second radio network. The first radio network node establishes a connection with the second radio network node. The first UE (230) requests to the first radio network node to enable a communication with the second user equipment (290). The first radio network sends a first message comprising information related to the first UE (230) to the second radio network node (280) for configuration of the second UE (290). The first radio network node receives a second message for configuration of the first UE (230) and sends to the first UE (230) a third message related to the second UE.