D2D Network Architecture for Cellular Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current proximity-based communication technologies, such as those used in mobile broadband networks, are inefficient for device-to-device interactions due to the need for central coordination, which leads to increased power consumption and bandwidth usage, especially in scenarios where devices are in close proximity and can communicate directly.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Device-to-Device (D2D) network architecture that allows user equipment (UEs) to communicate directly without relying on traditional cellular network infrastructure, using D2D clusters and coordinators to manage resources and minimize interference, with dynamic resource allocation and proximity sensing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mobile broadband networks are used for proximity-based communication, then network coverage and connectivity are ensured, but power consumption and bandwidth usage increase due to central coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coordination function from the central network infrastructure and relocates it to the devices themselves. D2D-capable UEs autonomously discover nearby devices and establish direct communication links without requiring continuous network coordination, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity through selective use of network resources for resource allocation and interference management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The network acts as an intermediary that provides resource allocation and interference management for D2D communications rather than direct coordination of each communication pair. This intermediary approach enables efficient D2D operation by managing spectrum resources and coordinating with the cellular network to minimize interference, while allowing devices to communicate directly without continuous network involvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional mobile broadband networks are used for proximity-based communication, then network infrastructure support is available, but communication efficiency and bandwidth usage deteriorate due to routing through central nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork infrastructure supportVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication path by creating direct D2D communication channels between proximal devices, separating these short-range communications from the traditional cellular routing path. This segmentation allows efficient local communication for proximity-based applications while the network infrastructure continues to provide broader coverage and resource management for devices that require it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new communication dimension by establishing direct device-to-device links that operate parallel to the traditional network routing dimension. This creates a multi-dimensional communication architecture where devices can choose the most efficient path - direct D2D for proximal communications and network-routed for distant communications - thereby improving overall communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Use of energy by moving object

If D2D communication is implemented, then power consumption and bandwidth usage are reduced, but interference with traditional cellular communications may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinterference with cellular communications
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing interference coordination specific to D2D scenarios. The network allocates dedicated resource pools for D2D communications and applies localized interference management strategies, such as power control and resource exclusion, only in the vicinity of D2D transmissions, thereby reducing overall interference while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors interference levels from D2D transmissions and dynamically adjusts resource allocation and power control parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain low power consumption for D2D communications while preventing harmful interference to cellular communications through real-time coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If direct D2D communication is established, then communication efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to autonomous discovery and resource management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing D2D functionality that leverages existing cellular infrastructure and protocols. The same network infrastructure that provides cellular service also provides resource allocation and interference management for D2D communications, and existing UE capabilities are extended to support both traditional and D2D modes, thereby improving communication efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3582545B1Apparatus and method to enable device-to-device (D2D) communication in cellular networks
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3582545B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3582545B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3582545B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method of allowing user equipment to transmit information directly with other user equipment, using a device-to-device mode is disclosed herein. A device-to-device blank subregion is defined where device-to-device information can be transmitted without interference from other user equipment. The device-to-device blank subregion may be set up such that it is only used in an exclusive mode if a device-to-device cluster is considered highly interfering. A device may join a device-to-device network through the use of a beacon transmission interval, a control transmission interval, and a data transmission interval.