D2D Authorization Acquisition in Dual-Connectivity LTE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE systems face challenges in acquiring Device-to-Device (D2D) authorization information under dual connection scenarios, which restricts the efficient operation of D2D communication and ProSe services, especially in micro-cell eNB environments with high frequency point coverage limitations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves an SeNB acquiring D2D authorization information from an MeNB via an X2 interface process, including SeNB addition or modification processes, and the MeNB acquiring D2D authorization information from an MME, which is then provided to the SeNB through an X2 interface, allowing resource allocation for D2D communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a user moves between new cells or between new cell and current cell, then handover process is triggered, but signaling impact on core network increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover processVSAvoidsignaling impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts D2D authorization information from the core network signaling path and stores it locally at the eNB. This extraction eliminates the need for repeated D2D authorization signaling between eNB and MME during handovers, thereby reducing core network signaling impact while maintaining reliable handover processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary acquisition and storage of D2D authorization information at the eNB before handover occurs. By having this information预先 available, the system avoids triggering additional signaling during the actual handover process, thus reducing core network signaling load while ensuring handover reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If D2D authorization information is acquired through existing LTE procedures, then core network control is maintained, but signaling overhead increases under dual connection scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore network controlVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts D2D authorization information from the core network and stores it locally at the eNB. This allows the eNB to autonomously manage D2D resources without repeatedly querying the MME, thereby reducing signaling overhead while the core network retains initial authorization control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a local cache mechanism at the eNB as an intermediary between the core network and D2D communication. This intermediary stores D2D authorization information locally, reducing the need for direct signaling between eNB and MME during dual connection operations, thus lowering signaling overhead while maintaining core network control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If micro-cell eNBs are introduced to improve coverage, then network capacity increases, but frequent handovers cause great signaling impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsignaling impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts D2D authorization information from core network signaling and stores it locally at each micro-cell eNB. This enables micro-cell eNBs to independently handle D2D communications without frequent core network signaling, allowing network capacity expansion while mitigating the signaling impact of frequent handovers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary acquisition and local storage of D2D authorization information at micro-cell eNBs. This preliminary action ensures that when users frequently move between micro-cells, the handover process can proceed without triggering additional D2D authorization signaling to the core network, thus enabling high network capacity while reducing signaling impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3340662B1Method and apparatus for acquiring device-to-device (D2D) authorization information
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP3340662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3340662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for acquiring device-to-device (D2D) authorization information. The method comprises: a secondary evolved Node B (SeNB) acquires device-to-device (D2D) authorization information of a terminal UE from a master eNB (MeNB) by means of an X2 interface flow; and the SeNB allocates D2D resources to the UE according to the D2D authorization information. The SeNB can acquire the D2D authorization information of the UE under the condition of dual connection.