D2D Capability Signaling for Cellular Network Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular communication systems lack efficient methods for wireless devices to obtain and utilize Device-to-Device (D2D) related capability information of network nodes, limiting D2D operation and service availability, as devices are not aware of which network nodes support D2D functionality, and network nodes cannot effectively communicate their D2D capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Systems and methods for providing, obtaining, and using D2D related capability information in cellular communications networks, where wireless devices and network nodes can obtain and signal D2D capability information, including support for specific carrier frequencies, frequency bands, Radio Access Technologies, and scheduling types, to enable informed operation mode selection and resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless devices operate in D2D mode without knowing network node D2D capability, then device operation flexibility is improved, but service reliability deteriorates because devices cannot identify suitable network nodes for D2D communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode selection flexibilityVSAvoidD2D service availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having network nodes broadcast their D2D capability information in advance through system information blocks before devices attempt D2D communication. This allows devices to proactively identify suitable network nodes and plan their communication mode accordingly, rather than discovering capability limitations only after attempting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by enabling devices to report their own D2D capabilities to network nodes, which then use this information to make informed decisions about allocating D2D resources and selecting appropriate operation modes. This bidirectional information exchange ensures both devices and network nodes have accurate capability knowledge for reliable D2D service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If network nodes broadcast detailed D2D capability information for all parameters, then service reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D service availabilityVSAvoidcapability information signaling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing D2D capability information into distinct parameters organized in structured tables, including support for different D2D operation modes, frequency bands, bandwidths, and scheduling types. This segmented organization allows the system to broadcast comprehensive capability information in a manageable, modular format that devices can selectively process based on their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If devices obtain D2D capability information from multiple sources and perform detailed analysis, then operation reliability is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D operation accuracyVSAvoidcapability information processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by enabling devices to obtain pre-processed D2D capability information directly from system information blocks broadcast by network nodes, rather than needing to collect and analyze raw data from multiple sources. The network node extracts and presents only the relevant capability parameters in a standardized format, significantly reducing device processing time and energy consumption while maintaining high operation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3097742B1D2d communication using d2d capability information of a network node
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3097742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3097742B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3097742B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing, obtaining, and using Device-to-Device (D2D) related capability information for a network node in a cellular communicatioris network. Embodiments of a wireless device for operation in a cellular communications system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the wireless device comprises a transceiver including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, at least one processor, and memory containing instructions executable by the at least one processor whereby the wireless device is operative to obtain D2D related capability information for one or more network nodes in the cellular communications system and use the D2D reiated capability information to perform one or more tasks.