Direct Inter-Device Communication Link in Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless communication systems, data transfer between user equipment (UEs) requires routing through a base station and core network, which can lead to inefficiencies and service interruptions when UEs in close proximity attempt to communicate directly, as they often need to switch between different radio access technologies (RATs).
Innovation Solution
Enabling a direct inter-device communication link between UEs using the same cellular radio access technology and radio band, allowing them to communicate without routing through the base station and core network, thereby improving spectral efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs communicate through base station and EPC network, then communication coverage and network control are improved, but spectral efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path by introducing a direct device-to-device (D2D) link between UEs, separating the control plane (still routed through base station and EPC) from the user plane (direct UE-UE communication). This allows spectral efficiency to improve through direct transmission while maintaining network control through the segmented control plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that coordinates and manages D2D communications without being part of the direct data path. It allocates resources, manages connections, and maintains control while allowing direct UE-UE spectral efficient transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs switch between cellular technology and other RATs for direct communication, then direct communication capability is improved, but service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cellular radio access technology universal by enabling it to support both traditional routed communication and direct D2D communication within the same network infrastructure. The same LTE/5G radio access technology serves multiple functions: traditional communication, direct communication, and control plane operations, eliminating the need to switch RATs and ensuring service continuity.
3Reliability
If data is routed through base station and EPC, then network control and security are improved, but communication latency and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture into control plane (through base station and EPC for security and control) and user plane (direct UE-UE for low latency). This segmentation allows critical control functions to maintain network security while user data transfers occur directly between UEs, reducing latency and power consumption.
4Productivity
If UEs use other RATs like WLAN or Bluetooth for direct communication, then spectral efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cellular radio access technology multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional network-routed communication and direct device-to-device communication. This eliminates the need for UEs to implement and switch between multiple RATs like WLAN or Bluetooth, reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral efficiency through direct cellular-based links.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for initiation of inter-device communication in wireless communication systems are provided. Both a user equipment (UE) and a network entity may initiate a direct inter-device communication link between UEs located in proximity. The UE may simultaneously maintain an active communication link with its serving base station while communicating with other UEs over the inter-device communication link. Long term evolution (LTE) downlink or uplink radio resources may be used for communications over the inter-device communication link.