D2D Communications Device Resource Allocation Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fourth generation wireless telecommunications networks face limitations in network capacity and geographical coverage, especially during high load conditions and when devices are outside coverage areas, leading to potential compatibility issues between conventional and device-to-device (D2D) capable LTE communications devices.
Innovation Solution
A communications device equipped with a controller and transceiver that uses a unique identifier for device-to-device communications, allowing coordinated resource allocation through a coordinating entity, mimicking conventional LTE resource allocation procedures to ensure transparency and efficiency, even when devices are outside coverage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If device-to-device communications are implemented in LTE networks, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but compatibility issues and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct modes: conventional LTE communication mode and device-to-device communication mode. Each mode operates with its own resource allocation procedures and signaling mechanisms. The network can selectively activate D2D functionality in specific cells or for specific users without requiring all devices to support the complex D2D features, thereby improving overall network capacity while limiting complexity growth to only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network controller acts as a mediator between conventional LTE devices and D2D-capable devices. The controller manages resource allocation for both modes separately, translating D2D communication requirements into conventional LTE resource allocation formats. This intermediary approach allows D2D communications to coexist with conventional LTE without requiring full system redesign, thus improving capacity while controlling complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If device-to-device communications are implemented, then coverage area is extended, but compatibility issues with legacy devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling D2D communication functionality only in specific geographic areas or cells where coverage extension is needed, rather than requiring all devices throughout the entire network to support D2D. The network controller can activate D2D resources in particular cells while maintaining conventional LTE operation in other cells, thus extending coverage in target areas without compromising compatibility for legacy devices in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing only a subset of devices to participate in D2D communications while the majority continue with conventional LTE communication. This selective activation means that full D2D capability is not required system-wide, reducing compatibility requirements. Devices can opt into D2D mode when beneficial for coverage extension, while legacy devices continue operating normally, thus extending coverage without requiring universal adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first communications device is operable to transmit device-to-device communications to a second communications device using a wireless access interface of a wireless telecommunications system, access to the wireless access interface being coordinated by a coordinating entity. The first communications device comprises a controller and a transceiver, the controller being configured in combination with the transceiver to receive from the coordinating entity an indication of an identifier associated with a device-to-device communications link between the first and second communications devices, to transmit to the coordinating entity a message requesting resources of the wireless access interface for transmitting data across the device-to-device communications link, to receive from the coordinating entity an indication of a resource allocation of the wireless access interface associated with the identifier, and to transmit the data to the second communications device using the allocated resources.