D2D Resource Allocation for NAS-Assisted Proximity Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device-to-device (D2D) communication systems lack efficient methods for service discovery, call establishment, and proximity data path setup, especially in unicast and multicast/broadcast sessions, and require new architectures to facilitate inter-operator communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing policies and procedures at the non-access stratum (NAS) layer to determine proximity services, including NAS messages for triggering optimized data paths, and new data communication layer alternatives to enable direct WTRU-to-WTRU connections, with various bearer setups through or without intermediate nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct D2D communication paths are established between devices, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but network control and security management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network nodes (eNB, MME, PCRF) as intermediaries that mediate between direct D2D communication paths and network control. These intermediaries enable direct device-to-device communication while maintaining network oversight through policy enforcement, charging control, and path management, thus resolving the contradiction between communication speed and network control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional layers: direct D2D communication paths for data transmission, and separate network control planes for management. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both communication efficiency and network controllability by operating them independently yet coordinately
2Adaptability or versatility
If new D2D architecture nodes and interfaces are added to facilitate direct communication, then service discovery and call establishment capabilities are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional network nodes that handle multiple D2D services including service discovery, call establishment, path management, and charging. For example, the PCRF node provides policy control for multiple service types while the MME handles both discovery and communication setup, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new control plane dimension to the existing communication architecture, introducing separate interfaces and protocols for D2D-specific functions. This dimensional addition allows service discovery and call establishment to operate independently from traditional communication paths, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing operational complexity
3Productivity
If optimized proximity data paths are established through NAS layer procedures, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of D2D communication parameters and policies during initial network attachment or service setup. By pre-configuring bearers, charging rules, and path parameters in advance, the system reduces real-time signaling overhead when actual D2D communication occurs, thus improving transmission efficiency while managing procedure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges D2D-specific signaling procedures with existing NAS layer protocols, combining multiple functions into unified message exchanges. This consolidation reduces the number of separate signaling procedures required while maintaining optimized data path establishment, thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may include sending, to a network, a registration message indicating the WTRU is capable of device-to-device (D2D) communication and sending a request for assistance in discovering at least one other WTRU in proximity to the WTRU. The method may include receiving, from the network, in response to the request for assistance in discovering the at least one other WTRU, assistance information including one or more of a unique identifier or filtering information. The method may include performing, using the assistance information, a device discovery procedure to discover the at least one other WTRU, wherein the device discovery procedure comprises at least one of: monitoring for signals from the at least one other WTRU using the assistance information, or sending a discovery announcement based on the assistance information and transmitting application data directly to the at least one other WTRU.