DSDS Side-Link Communication Using Roaming Coverage and CBRS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators incur high fees for communication services when dual-SIM, dual-subscription (DSDS) devices operate outside their coverage area but within a roaming partner's coverage, as existing systems rely on the partner's network for all communications.
Innovation Solution
Enable direct side-link communications between DSDS devices using unused licensed bandwidth from the first operator, allowing them to communicate directly without relying on the second operator's network for the entire communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSDS UEs use the secondary operator's network for all communications when outside the primary operator's coverage area, then communication services are maintained, but communication fees increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into two parts: (1) UEs connect to the secondary operator's network for initial setup and network access, (2) UEs establish direct side-link communications for data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through network infrastructure while reducing fees by avoiding complete dependency on the secondary operator's network for all communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side-link technology as an intermediary communication path between DSDS UEs. Instead of all traffic passing through the secondary operator's network infrastructure, the side-link acts as a direct intermediary channel that reduces reliance on the secondary operator's network for the entire communication process, thereby reducing communication fees.
2Loss of energy
If DSDS UEs establish direct side-link communications, then communication fees are reduced, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side-link communication mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to DSDS UEs in roaming scenarios. The same side-link infrastructure can serve multiple communication types (voice, data, messaging) and works across different operator configurations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing fee reduction benefits across all communication services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters based on conditions: when UEs are in coverage area, use normal network infrastructure; when outside coverage area, switch to side-link mode. This parameter change approach allows the system to manage complexity by only activating the side-link mechanism when necessary, rather than maintaining it as a permanent feature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the primary operator pays fees to the secondary operator for roaming communications, then users can access services outside coverage area, but operator revenue decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the primary operator paying full fees for all communications, the side-link technology enables partial action where only the necessary network infrastructure usage is compensated. The primary operator can reduce fees by allowing direct UE-to-UE communication for data services, while still maintaining full roaming capability for voice and other services that require network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
When two dual-SIM, dual-subscription (DSDS) wireless devices are located outside of their own (first) network operator's coverage area, but inside the coverage area of a second network operator having a roaming agreement with the first operator, the two devices are instructed to transmit data directly to one another via a side-link that is instigated and approved by the first operator, thereby reducing fees owed by the first operator to the second operator for the inter-device communications. In one implementation, the first operator secures a channel grant for the side-link from a CBRS SAS, and synchronization information for the side-link is provided to the two devices by the second operator.