D2D Traffic Balancing Across Multi-Carrier Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications networks face challenges in balancing Device-to-Device (D2D) traffic efficiently, leading to potential performance degradation in both wireless device and network operations due to inadequate resource allocation and switching interruptions during mode transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method and network device that acquire and adapt D2D traffic information to balance traffic between cells on different carriers, dynamically configuring and reconfiguring primary and secondary cells based on activity levels to optimize resource use and minimize interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If D2D traffic is concentrated on a single cell or carrier, then resource allocation is simplified, but network performance degrades due to traffic imbalance and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments D2D traffic across multiple cells and carriers based on traffic load conditions. The network device divides the D2D traffic into different segments that can be transmitted on different carriers (e.g., FDD UL carrier, TDD UL carrier, TDD DL carrier), preventing concentration on a single cell and thereby maintaining network performance while managing resource allocation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension for traffic distribution by utilizing multiple carriers (frequency dimension) and cells (spatial dimension). Instead of managing traffic on a single cell, the system distributes D2D traffic across multiple carriers and cells, transforming the resource allocation problem from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional, which improves network performance through better traffic balancing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If D2D operation switches between WAN and D2D modes frequently, then service flexibility is improved, but performance degrades due to receiver chain retuning interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple carriers and cells for D2D operation before mode switching is needed. The network device prepares alternative transmission paths on different carriers so that when mode switching between WAN and D2D is required, the receiver chain can switch to a pre-configured carrier without interruption, maintaining communication reliability while preserving service flexibility.
3Reliability
If Uplink resources are partitioned to avoid PCell interruption, then switching reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resource allocation adaptive rather than static. The network device dynamically selects which carrier to use for D2D transmission based on real-time traffic load conditions on different carriers. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain switching reliability by avoiding PCell interruptions when necessary, while optimizing resource utilization efficiency by utilizing carriers with available capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method for balancing device-to-device (D2D) traffic in a communications network. The method is performed by a network device in the communications network. The method comprises acquiring information indicating that a first set of D2D capable wireless devices is present in the communications network. The method comprises acquiring D2D traffic information of the first set of D2D capable wireless devices. The method comprises adapting D2D traffic within the communications network, between a first cell on a first carrier and a second cell on a second carrier in the communications network, based on the D2D traffic information, thereby balancing D2D traffic in the communications network. There is also provided a network device configured to perform such a method and a computer program causing a network device perform such a method.