Network-Controlled D2D Massive Discovery via Anchor Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device-to-device (D2D) communication systems in LTE-advanced cellular networks face challenges in efficiently discovering multiple devices in proximity, particularly in supporting large-scale, flexible, and operator-coordinated D2D massive discovery across various service areas.
Innovation Solution
An on-the-fly network-controlled cooperative discovery method is introduced, where designated D2D capable devices send and measure reference signals, enabling multi-hop extensions to cover larger areas without dedicated radio links, and coordinating between multiple operators to support D2D communication regardless of operator affiliation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional D2D discovery methods are used, then device discovery is possible, but the discovery process is inefficient and cannot scale to massive numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discovery process by introducing a dedicated discovery reference signal (D2D-DRS) that operates independently from data transmission channels. This segmentation allows devices to perform discovery measurements without interfering with or being interfered by data communications, thereby improving discovery efficiency while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where selected anchor devices act as intermediaries to facilitate discovery. These anchor devices receive configuration signaling from the network and assist in the discovery process by transmitting and measuring D2D-DRS signals, enabling scalable massive discovery without requiring direct network control over all device pairs
2Adaptability or versatility
If D2D communication is controlled by network operator, then user experience is improved, but the system lacks flexibility for multi-operator coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to switch between different operational modes. The network can dynamically select anchor devices and configure D2D-DRS transmission parameters based on current network conditions and operator requirements. This dynamic configuration enables flexible multi-operator coordination while maintaining network control, as the system can adapt its behavior to different operator policies and service requirements without requiring permanent complex multi-operator infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If reference signals are transmitted for massive discovery, then device density detection is improved, but signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the D2D-DRS signal universal by designing it to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same D2D-DRS signal is used for both device discovery and for measuring device density through signal strength measurements. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision for device density detection while avoiding the need for separate dedicated measurement signals, thereby reducing overall signal overhead
4Reliability
If dedicated radio links are established for discovery, then discovery reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discovery function with existing cellular resource frameworks. Instead of establishing completely separate dedicated radio links, the D2D-DRS signals are transmitted using cellular uplink/downlink resources that are already allocated and managed by the network. This merging approach maintains discovery reliability through network-controlled resource allocation while reducing overall radio resource consumption by reusing existing infrastructure rather than creating parallel dedicated channels
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication network apparatus (201) may select and configure (401, 402) one or more first D2D capable devices (202) for initiating a massive discovery of D2D capable devices. The network apparatus 201 may notify (404, 405) user terminals (203, 204) in the area about the initiated massive discovery. The selected first device (202) may send (406) a first reference signal which may be received (407) in a first-hop subsequent device (203). The first-hop subsequent device (203) may send (408x), to a second-hop subsequent device (204), the first or a second reference signal. Alternatively, or after sending the first or second reference signal, the first-hop subsequent device (203) may switch to be a measuring device, to measure (408y) reference signals for the on-going massive discovery, wherein the first-hop subsequent device (203) may report (409y), to the network apparatus (201), massive discovery results.