D2D Communication via Network Slice Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient device-to-device (D2D) communication in public-safety networks is hindered by the need for devices to discover each other's presence and compatibility, especially when the communication infrastructure is down or unavailable, as existing methods lack a reliable mechanism for device discovery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and utilizing network slice information to enable D2D communication only between devices operating on the same network slice, leveraging 5G network slicing technology to create virtual networks with unique identifiers, allowing devices to autonomously discover and communicate with each other when the network is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices perform discovery process to find each other for D2D communication, then devices can establish direct communication, but devices cannot communicate when network infrastructure is down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices obtain and store network slice information before the actual D2D communication is needed. The first device obtains network slice information for itself and other devices in advance, so when infrastructure becomes unavailable, the discovery process can immediately use this pre-obtained information to determine compatibility and establish communication without needing to query the infrastructure again.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices communicate on any network slice, then communication flexibility increases, but incompatible devices can communicate causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making network slice information device-specific and communication-pair-specific. Each device has its own network slice information, and the compatibility determination is made locally at each device based on comparing its own network slice information with the other device's network slice information. This ensures that only devices with matching network slice characteristics can communicate, preventing interference while maintaining flexibility within each slice.
3Measurement precision
If network slice information is obtained from infrastructure, then accurate slice information is available, but communication fails when infrastructure is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by obtaining network slice information from the infrastructure in advance when it is available, storing this information locally in the device. When the infrastructure becomes unavailable, the device uses the pre-obtained and stored network slice information to perform compatibility checks and establish D2D communication, thus maintaining both accuracy and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stored network slice information as an intermediary between the infrastructure and the D2D communication process. The network slice information acts as a mediator that carries the necessary compatibility characteristics from the infrastructure to the devices, allowing communication decisions to be made locally without direct infrastructure involvement when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing discovery within a D2D communications is provided herein. During operation, a first device will determine an identification of its own network slice, and an identification of a network slice other devices operate on. Only devices operating on the same network slice as the first device are allowed for D2D communication with the first device.