Communications Device Direct D2D Bearer Configuration via MME
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Direct E-UTRAN connections in D2D communication still utilize network resources and require control signaling, limiting the benefits of D2D radio communication.
Innovation Solution
A communications device that receives control information for configuring a communication bearer using a second access technology, allowing direct device-to-device communication without routing user data through the core network, thereby optimizing network resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct device-to-device communication is implemented using E-UTRAN connections, then service quality is maintained, but network resources are still utilized and control signaling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control plane signaling from the user plane data transmission. The MME sends control information to the communications device to configure the WLAN bearer, but subsequent user data transmissions occur directly over WLAN without requiring continuous E-UTRAN involvement. This separation allows direct device-to-device communication while minimizing network resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The MME acts as an intermediary that provides initial control information for WLAN bearer configuration, but then the communications device autonomously manages the WLAN connection. The control information from MME enables the device to establish and maintain the WLAN bearer without continuous network intervention, reducing network resource usage while maintaining service quality.
2Loss of energy
If direct device-to-device communication is implemented, then network resource utilization improves, but device complexity increases due to multi-access technology requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The communications device is designed with multi-functionality to support both E-UTRAN and WLAN access technologies. The device can operate on E-UTRAN for control plane communication and on WLAN for user plane data transmission, utilizing a single device architecture that handles multiple access technologies through integrated communication interfaces and protocol stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication functions are segmented into control plane (handled by E-UTRAN and MME) and user plane (handled by WLAN). This segmentation allows the device to use different access technologies for different purposes, reducing the overall complexity by separating concerns rather than requiring a single complex access technology to handle all functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control information is received via first access technology for configuring second access technology bearer, then seamless multi-access communication is enabled, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MME sends control information for WLAN bearer configuration in advance, before user data transmission begins. This preliminary action includes providing all necessary configuration parameters (IP address, gateway, QoS settings) in a single signaling exchange, eliminating the need for repeated signaling during data transmission and reducing overall signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The control information from MME enables the communications device to autonomously configure and manage its own WLAN bearer without requiring continuous network signaling. The device uses the provided control information to self-configure the bearer, perform authentication, and manage data transmission independently, minimizing ongoing signaling overhead.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A communications system is described in which a core network apparatus provides WLAN configuration for a communications device for establishing a communication link over a WLAN network. Also disclosed are the signalling messages used to control the setting up of the device to device communication link, as sent between a device in the core network and the base station(s) servicing the relevant communications devices.