D2D Resource Allocation With Network-Mediated Bearer Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in optimizing device-to-device (D2D) communication by efficiently establishing direct data paths and service discovery, particularly in scenarios where devices are in proximity, requiring enhanced architectures and procedures for call establishment and maintenance, especially in inter-operator environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are developed to optimize proximity data path setup by enabling direct WTRU-to-WTRU communication through various bearer configurations, including end-to-end and indirect paths via network nodes, with mechanisms for device discovery, call establishment, and policy management, supported by a D2D server and MME interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct D2D communication paths are established between devices, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but network complexity and resource allocation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network nodes (eNB, MME) as intermediaries to manage and coordinate D2D communication paths. These intermediaries handle bearer setup, resource allocation, and path optimization, reducing the complexity burden from end devices while maintaining direct communication benefits. The network infrastructure mediates between direct device-to-device links and core network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication path into multiple bearers (default bearer, dedicated bearer, D2D-specific bearer) with distinct functions and QoS parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path type, enabling direct D2D communication for speed while managing complexity through structured, modular bearer management at different network layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bearer configurations are supported for D2D communication, then service versatility and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal bearer framework where a single D2D bearer type can serve multiple service types (unicast, multicast, broadcast) and multiple QoS requirements. The default bearer provides universal connectivity, while dedicated bearers can be configured for specific services, reducing the need for entirely separate communication paths for each service type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different QoS parameters and bearer characteristics specific to each service requirement and local network condition. Each bearer can be optimized locally for its specific function (e.g., low latency for voice, high throughput for data) without affecting the overall system structure, allowing versatility through localized optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If D2D communication paths are established without network intermediation, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but reliability and quality of service control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidquality of service control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial intermediation where the network provides selective control rather than full management. The network establishes and configures bearers initially (partial action) to ensure QoS and reliability, but then allows direct device-to-device communication to proceed with minimal network involvement, achieving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining necessary quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary network-mediated actions (bearer setup, resource reservation, QoS configuration) before direct D2D communication begins. This preliminary intervention ensures reliability and QoS control are established in advance, allowing subsequent direct communication to achieve high resource efficiency without compromising service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If discovery and communication frequencies are separated, then interference management is improved, but measurement accuracy and link quality assessment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference managementVSAvoidlink quality assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices measure link quality on the discovery frequency and translate these measurements to predict performance on the communication frequency. The network receives these translated quality assessments and uses them to make informed decisions about bearer configuration and resource allocation, compensating for the frequency separation through intelligent feedback processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied or translated representation of link quality from the discovery frequency to the communication frequency. Instead of directly measuring communication frequency quality (which would cause interference), the system copies quality assessment information from the discovery frequency measurements, maintaining measurement precision without direct interference on the communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3512293B1Resource allocation for device-to-device (D2D) communication
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3512293B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3512293B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3512293B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method and apparatus are described for receiving, by a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) from a network in a radio resource control (RRC) message, resource allocation information, for a plurality of WTRUs, including frequency information for device to device (D2D) communication, wherein the resource allocation information for D2D communication is different than WTRU to network device communication; selecting, by the WTRU from the received resource allocation information, a subset of resources for a D2D channel; and transmitting, by the WTRU using the selected subset of resources, data directly to another WTRU.