Network-Assisted D2D Device Discovery Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device discovery schemes for Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in 3GPP cellular networks face challenges such as high signaling overhead and energy consumption, particularly when operating in licensed spectrum, and require modifications to the air interface to coexist with cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
A network-assisted device discovery mechanism where a base station in a cellular communications network receives D2D requests, selects suitable devices for communication, and transmits configuration messages to enable D2D communication with reduced signaling overhead and power consumption, allowing devices to operate in either licensed or unlicensed frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If devices broadcast beacons for device discovery in D2D communication, then device discovery capability is improved, but signaling overhead and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that collects device discovery information from multiple devices and distributes it to interested devices. Instead of devices directly broadcasting beacons to each other, they send their discovery information to the base station, which then provides this information to other devices that want to discover them. This mediator approach reduces the number of direct beacon transmissions needed while maintaining discovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines device discovery functionality with existing cellular network signaling channels. Device discovery information is merged into uplink and downlink signaling messages that are already part of the cellular communication protocol, rather than using separate dedicated beacon channels. This allows devices to exchange discovery information using existing signaling infrastructure, reducing additional overhead.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If devices broadcast beacons for device discovery in licensed spectrum, then device discovery capability is improved, but signaling overhead becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves as a central intermediary that aggregates device discovery information from multiple devices and distributes it to interested parties. This consolidation approach reduces the total number of beacon messages needed in the licensed spectrum, as the base station batches and manages the discovery information exchange rather than allowing every device to broadcast individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing cellular signaling messages serve multiple functions - they simultaneously carry both conventional cellular control information and device discovery information. By embedding device discovery data in existing uplink and downlink signaling channels, the system avoids creating separate dedicated beacon channels, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead in the licensed spectrum.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid solution with cellular network control and decentralized device control is used, then coexistence with cellular network is improved, but device discovery efficiency decreases due to unnecessary device participation
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as a selective intermediary that controls which devices participate in device discovery procedures. Rather than all devices participating in discovery as in decentralized approaches, the base station receives discovery requests, determines which devices should be involved, and coordinates their participation. This mediator role maintains cellular network control while improving efficiency by limiting participation to only necessary devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for network-assisted device discovery for device-to- device (D2D) communications are disclosed. In one embodiment, a base station in a cellular communications network receives a D2D request from a first wireless device to establish D2.D communication, in response to the D2D request the base station selects a second wireless device for D2D communication with the first wireless device based on the D2D request and information regarding wireless devices that are available for D2D communication. The base station then transmits a D2D request acknowledgment to the first wireless device that includes information that enables the first wireless device to establish D2D communication with the second wireless device. The base station also effects transmission of a D2D reconfiguration message to the second wireless device, where the D2D reconfiguration message includes information that informs the second wireless device that the first wireless device has requested establishment of D2D communication.