D2D Access Control via Network Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proximity-based applications and services in telecommunications face limitations such as battery life issues, high signalling load, and scalability problems due to reliance on GPS and unlicensed spectrum, necessitating an efficient mechanism for device-to-device (D2D) communication access in cellular networks like LTE.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism involving a processor-based apparatus and method for receiving D2D discovery signals, determining verification states, and transmitting data for verification by the communication network, allowing D2D devices to efficiently request access to D2D communication services, thereby optimizing network resource utilization and ensuring authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-based applications operate fully over the top using GPS and 3GPP mobile systems, then service functionality is achieved, but battery life is reduced due to extensive GPS usage and signalling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity server as an intermediary component that handles the complex GPS tracking and signalling operations. The server acts as a mediator between the mobile device and the proximity-based service, performing location verification and match notification functions that would otherwise require continuous device-side GPS operation. This transfers the energy-intensive processing from the mobile device to the server infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unlicensed-spectrum communication is used for D2D discovery, then some limitations are addressed, but scalability is limited among large numbers of devices and battery life is not preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the D2D discovery process into distinct phases: network-controlled discovery signal transmission, verification state determination, and selective data transmission for verification. This segmentation allows the system to manage large numbers of devices efficiently by controlling discovery processes through the network infrastructure rather than allowing uncontrolled peer-to-peer discovery, thereby improving scalability.
3Speed
If D2D communication is implemented in cellular networks, then communication speed and data rate are improved, but a fast and efficient access request mechanism is required to maintain network control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having devices determine verification states before actual D2D communication begins. The system performs verification state determination and network verification in advance, so that when D2D communication is initiated, the access control is already established. This preliminary verification mechanism simplifies the real-time access control requirements while maintaining network oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, devices and computer programs arranged to facilitate access to device-to-device (D2D) communication services in a communication network. One embodiment includes an apparatus for use in controlling access to a D2D communication service in a communication network, the apparatus including a processing system arranged to cause the apparatus to: receive a D2D discovery signal including data indicative of said D2D communication service; determine a verification state for the D2D communication service as one of a first verification state and a second, different, verification state, on the basis of said received D2D discovery signal, the first verification state being one in which said D2D communication service can be verified by the apparatus; and in the event that said D2D communication service is determined to be in the second verification state, transmit data indicative of said D2D communication service for verification by the communication network.