D2D Handover via Network Control Signal Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handover in network-assisted device-to-device communication are complex and risk losing network control, especially when devices move between cell coverage areas, requiring significant network signaling and complicating joint handover procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where one device acts as a network control signal gateway, allowing for seamless handover by switching the gateway function between devices, minimizing network signaling and ensuring continuous network control during cellular communication handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If joint handover of both devices is performed, then network control of D2D communication is maintained, but handover complexity increases and network signaling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The handover procedure is segmented into two independent parts: cellular communication handover and D2D communication handover. The first device performs cellular handover independently, while the second device maintains D2D communication with the target cell. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex joint handover procedures while maintaining network control through the gateway function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device acts as an intermediary (gateway) between the network and the second device. It receives and forwards control signals from the network to the second device, enabling network control to be maintained without requiring direct network signaling for every D2D communication action during handover.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one device performs handover while the other remains in original cell, then handover flexibility is improved, but risk of losing cellular communication link increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first device performs cellular handover to the target cell before the second device does. This preliminary action ensures that the gateway function is established in the target cell first, creating a stable foundation for maintaining D2D communication links before the second device completes its handover.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device serves as a relay or intermediary for control signals between the network and the second device during the asymmetric handover process. This gateway function ensures that the second device can maintain reliable cellular communication link through the first device even when performing handover at different times.
3Ease of operation
If gateway function is switched between devices, then handover smoothness is improved, but gateway function switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway function is made dynamic rather than static. The first device can switch from having the gateway function to releasing it, allowing flexible adaptation during handover. This dynamic switching enables smooth handover by allowing the first device to take on the gateway role when needed and release it when handover is complete.
4Loss of energy
If network control signaling is minimized, then signaling overhead is reduced, but network control reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first device acts as an intermediary that caches and forwards network control signals to the second device. This approach minimizes direct network signaling overhead while maintaining control reliability, as the gateway function ensures that control information is properly transmitted and acknowledged through the first device.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device performs self-service by autonomously managing the gateway function and handling control signal forwarding without requiring continuous network intervention. This reduces signaling overhead while maintaining reliability through the established gateway mechanism that ensures proper signal transmission and acknowledgment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, arrangement and a first communication device configured to perform cellular network assisted device-to-device communication with at least a second communication device. The first communication device has a communication link to a first network node. The first or the second communication devices has a network control signal gateway function. The gateway function includes receiving downlink control signals from a respective network node, transmitting uplink control signals to the respective network node, and operating all device-to-device communication control signaling related to the first and second devices in association with the downlink and uplink control signals. A cell of a second network node is detected as a prospect target cell for handover. Assurance is obtained that the first device does not have the gateway function. Handover of a cellular communication of the first communication device from the first network node to the second network node is performed.