D2D Link Reliability Verification Using Synthetic Packet Replicas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resource allocation schemes for Device-to-Device (D2D) communication are unsuitable for Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) due to lack of consideration for latency bounds and imperfect feedback channels, leading to potential economic losses and safety issues in wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

A risk-sensitive Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework with synthetic packet transmissions and weighted rewards is employed to ascertain reliability and latency compliance, using synthetic packets to verify resource allocations before actual data transfer, and adjusting resource allocations dynamically to meet reliability constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing resource allocation schemes are used for D2D communication, then resource allocation is simplified, but reliability and latency requirements for URLLC cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary verification of resource allocations using synthetic packet transmissions before actual data transfer. The receiving device attempts to receive synthetic packets and determines whether the D2D link violates reliability requirements, sending violation notifications to the centralized scheduler. This advance verification ensures reliability requirements are met before critical data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces synthetic packets as an intermediary element to verify resource allocation reliability. These synthetic packets serve as test transmissions that do not carry actual data but allow the system to assess whether resource allocations meet URLLC requirements before real data transmission occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If synthetic packet transmissions are used to verify resource allocations, then reliability compliance is ensured, but additional time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency bound complianceVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a limited number of synthetic packet transmissions (a plurality of attempts) to verify resource allocations rather than exhaustive testing. The receiving device attempts to receive synthetic packets and determines violation based on these attempts, balancing verification thoroughness with time efficiency for URLLC applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If perfect feedback channel is assumed for HARQ ACKs/NACKs, then RL framework operation is simplified, but real-world imperfect feedback conditions are not accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback processing simplicityVSAvoidfeedback accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device sends violation notifications to the centralized scheduler based on synthetic packet reception attempts. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust resource allocations based on actual link conditions, accounting for imperfect feedback channels in real-world scenarios while maintaining RL framework operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4078868B1Reliable device-to-device communication
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4078868B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4078868B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4078868B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed herein for ascertaining reliability aspects for Device-to-Device (D2D) links prior to actual data transmission. In some embodiments, a method performed by a second Wireless Communication Device (WCD) comprises attempting to receive synthetic packet transmissions, each comprising R replicas of a respective synthetic packet, from a first WCD over a direct or indirect D2D link using a current resource allocation. The method further comprises determining that the D2D link violates a requirement based on results of the attempting to receive the synthetic packet transmissions and sending a violation notification to a Centralized Scheduler (CS). Corresponding embodiments of a second WCD are also disclosed. Embodiments of a method of operation of a first WCD and corresponding embodiments of the first WCD as well as embodiments of a method of operation of a CS and corresponding embodiments of the CS are also described herein.