Hybrid WWAN WLAN D2D Network Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for wireless data transmission in high-density areas like cities and universities leads to congestion in wireless wide area networks (WWANs) due to the limited radio frequency spectrum, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively, especially with current battery technology limiting the efficiency of wireless devices in using available bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing device-to-device (D2D) communication using wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11, to reduce bandwidth usage at choke points in WWANs by establishing direct communication links between devices, thereby freeing up licensed spectrum for longer-range communications and utilizing network-assisted proximity discovery to facilitate D2D connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If device-to-device communication is established using WLAN standards, then bandwidth usage at choke points in WWANs decreases, but the complexity of managing hybrid network architectures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into two distinct parts: control plane functions remain in the WWAN network, while data plane communication occurs directly between devices using WLAN. This segmentation allows bandwidth relief at network choke points while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity detection function as an intermediary that facilitates D2D communication setup. This intermediary manages the complexity of hybrid network operations by handling proximity detection, connection establishment, and coordination between WWAN and WLAN modes, shielding users from underlying complexity.
2Productivity
If D2D communication links are established between devices, then the load on eNodeBs and core networks is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining connections over greater distances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where devices can switch between WWAN and WLAN modes based on proximity, signal quality, and network conditions. This dynamic approach maintains reliability over greater distances by adapting the communication path, while still achieving network capacity improvements through WLAN offloading when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through proximity detection functions that continuously monitor connection quality and device proximity. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of communication parameters and mode switching, maintaining connection reliability while maximizing network capacity utilization through intelligent resource management.
3Ease of operation
If network-assisted proximity discovery is used to facilitate D2D connections, then the ease of establishing connections improves, but the use of energy for proximity detection and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic proximity detection rather than continuous monitoring, where devices perform proximity checks at intervals determined by network conditions and application requirements. This periodic approach maintains ease of connection establishment while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous discovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary proximity detection and connection setup actions before actual data transfer begins. By pre-establishing D2D links when devices are in proximity, the system reduces the energy-intensive operations needed during active communication, while maintaining ease of connection through advance preparation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology for setting up a Device to Device (D2D) communication channel between mobile wireless devices is disclosed. The technology includes identifying a first user equipment and a second user equipment located within a proximity; receiving network assisted proximity discovery information at one of the first UE and the second UE from an evolved packet core (EPC) operating on a third generation partnership practice (3GPP) wireless wide area network (WWAN); and setting up a device to device (D2D) communication between the first UE and the second UE based on the network assisted proximity discovery information received from the EPC.