D2D Cluster Network Synchronization via Master Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine-type communication (MTC) systems face challenges in maintaining uplink synchronization for devices in network-controlled device-to-device (D2D) communication, leading to inefficiencies and increased signaling overhead, particularly in scenarios where devices need to quickly access the serving network node while minimizing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that obtain timing information parameters and statuses of devices within a device cluster, monitor the need for uplink synchronization, and control synchronization to a serving network node, allowing for efficient resource allocation and management through a master device that conveys and requests necessary resources for network synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each device in a D2D cluster independently maintains uplink synchronization with the network, then uplink synchronization reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization functions of multiple D2D cluster devices by designating one device as the synchronization reference. This reference device maintains uplink synchronization with the network, while other cluster members derive their synchronization from this single reference point, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization reference device acts as an intermediary between the network and other D2D cluster members. It receives timing information from the network and distributes it to other cluster devices, eliminating the need for each device to independently communicate with the network and reducing signaling overhead.
2Speed
If devices in D2D cluster quickly access the serving network node, then communication speed is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions where the synchronization reference device pre-establishes timing relationships with the network before other cluster members need to access the network. This allows devices to quickly join D2D communications without each device performing independent synchronization procedures, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining fast access capability.
3Measurement precision
If timing information is continuously updated for all D2D devices, then synchronization precision is improved, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing timing information updates selectively rather than uniformly to all devices. The synchronization reference device receives and processes timing updates from the network, then distributes only the necessary synchronization information to cluster members, ensuring precise synchronization where needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: convey timing information parameters and information on statuses of validity timers of devices belonging to a device cluster and being in a network communication mode for network synchronization purposes to a master device of a device cluster, and obtain at least one re- source request for network synchronization from the master device of the device cluster on behalf of at least one device belonging to the device cluster and being in the network communication mode or in a network idle mode, and communicate with the master device of the device cluster for providing network synchronization.