Direct Inter-Device Communication Link in Wireless Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless communication systems, data transfer between user equipment (UEs) in close proximity is inefficient as it requires routing through a base station and core network, leading to higher transmit power consumption and potential service interruptions during handovers between different radio access technologies.
Innovation Solution
Enabling direct inter-device communication links between UEs using the same cellular radio access technology and radio band, allowing them to communicate directly without routing through the base station or core network, while maintaining connectivity with the network for message reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UEs communicate through base station and core network, then network control and routing are maintained, but spectral efficiency is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission path from the traditional network-routed path by enabling direct UE-to-UE communication. The direct communication link is established between UEs using cellular radio access technology, removing the mandatory routing through base station and core network for peer-to-peer data transfer, thereby improving spectral efficiency and reducing UE power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary for resource allocation and network coordination rather than mandatory data routing. The core network serves as an intermediary for authentication and policy control. This allows direct UE communication while maintaining network oversight through intermediary functions, resolving the contradiction between direct communication benefits and network control requirements
2Productivity
If handover from cellular technology to other RATs is used for direct communication, then direct communication capability is achieved, but service interruption and dropped calls occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same cellular radio access technology and radio band for both traditional network communication and direct inter-device communication. This eliminates the need for handover between different RATs (e.g., LTE to WLAN or Bluetooth), thereby maintaining service continuity and avoiding dropped calls while enabling direct communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular radio interface is designed with multi-functionality to serve both traditional UE-to-network communication and direct UE-to-UE communication using the same technology stack. This universal approach allows the system to provide direct communication capability without requiring switches between different communication technologies, thus maintaining service reliability
3Productivity
If other RATs (WLAN, Bluetooth) are used for direct communication, then spectral efficiency and power savings are achieved, but UE capability requirements and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same cellular radio access technology for both traditional and direct communication, avoiding the need for UEs to support multiple RATs. This homogeneous approach reduces UE capability requirements while still achieving spectral efficiency improvements through direct communication, as the same technology is optimized for both purposes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for inter-device communication in wireless communication systems are provided. A user equipment (UE) may initiate a direct inter-device communication link between UEs located in proximity. The UEs participating in the inter-device communications may perform a device handshake procedure or a device discovery procedure to set up appropriate transmission parameters for the communication over the inter-device communication link. A device-to-device radio network temporary identification (DD-RNTI) may be used for 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.