Flexible Switching Between D2D and Cellular Communication Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face inefficiencies in resource utilization and data packet synchronization when switching between cellular and device-to-device (D2D) communication modes, leading to potential data loss and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that reconfigure protocol entities, including protocol buffers, to seamlessly switch between cellular and D2D communication modes by moving remaining data packets and communicating current data packet sequence numbers, allowing direct data link layer communication to minimize packet loss and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized controller (base station) is used for resource control in cellular mode, then resource control and interference control are simplified, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into two modes: centralized control mode (through base station) and direct communication mode (device-to-device). This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate path based on conditions, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining centralized control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between cellular mode and D2D mode based on real-time conditions such as device proximity and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resource utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through conditional mode selection.
2Productivity
If switching between cellular and D2D communication modes is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but data packet synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes protocol entities and buffer structures in advance for both cellular and D2D modes before switching occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that data packets can be seamlessly transferred between modes without synchronization issues, as the receiving end is already equipped with the necessary protocol structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses protocol entities and sequence number mechanisms as intermediaries to manage data packet synchronization during mode switching. These intermediaries track and coordinate data flow between cellular and D2D modes, preventing packet loss and maintaining synchronization despite the transition between different communication paths.
3Productivity
If direct D2D communication is used when devices are close, then resource utilization improves, but communication mode switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs protocol entities that are universal and functional in both cellular and D2D modes. The same protocol structure handles data transmission, buffering, and sequence number management regardless of the communication mode, thereby reducing the complexity of mode switching while maintaining high resource utilization in D2D scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed that comprises receiving a control command to switch from a first communication mode to a second communication mode from a coupled controller; reconfiguring a plurality of protocol entities including at least a first protocol buffer and a second protocol buffer; moving remaining data packets in the first protocol buffer into at least the second protocol buffer; communicating a current data packet sequence number; and forwarding data in the second communication mode.