Inter-operator D2D Communication via Network Element Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in enabling inter-operator device-to-device (D2D) communication between user equipment (UEs) served by different operators, due to spectrum regulation policies and roaming constraints, which can lead to high roaming charges and uncontrolled load on other operators' networks, and may impact E-UTRAN services.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network element operated by an operator broadcasts radio resource information to permit UE-to-UE communication across different operators, using distinct discovery messages for intra-operator and inter-operator D2D operations, allowing UEs to discover and communicate without roaming onto another operator's network, thus avoiding additional charges and load on the roamed operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UEs are allowed to roam autonomously to another operator's network for D2D communication, then inter-operator D2D communication can be established, but high roaming charges are incurred and uncontrolled load is imposed on the roamed operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a serving operator as an intermediary that mediates between the UE and the visited operator. The serving operator coordinates the D2D communication setup, allowing the UE to communicate with foreign UEs without actually roaming to the visited operator's network. This intermediary arrangement enables inter-operator D2D while avoiding roaming charges and uncontrolled load on the visited operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the D2D communication function from the cellular network attachment. The UE maintains its cellular link with the home operator while establishing D2D links with foreign UEs through coordinated resource allocation. This segmentation allows D2D communication to occur without full network roaming, thereby avoiding the associated charges and load issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs roam to another operator's network for D2D communication, then D2D links can be established on the same carriers, but the cellular link and traffic management burden increases for the roamed operator
Solution Approach 1:
The serving operator acts as an intermediary that manages the D2D communication without requiring the UE to attach to the visited operator's network. The visited operator only needs to provide radio resources for D2D, while the serving operator handles cellular link management and traffic control. This division reduces the management burden on the visited operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cellular link management function from the visited operator and assigns it to the serving operator. The visited operator only provides D2D radio resources, while the serving operator manages the UE's cellular connection and traffic. This extraction reduces the complexity and burden on the visited operator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs disconnect from serving operator's network to connect to roamed network for D2D, then inter-operator D2D can be performed, but E-UTRAN services are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cellular connection and D2D communication into separate functions. The UE maintains its cellular link with the home operator for E-UTRAN services while simultaneously establishing D2D links with foreign UEs. This segmentation allows D2D communication without disconnecting from the serving operator's network, thereby maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous cellular connection with the home operator while enabling D2D communication with foreign UEs. The UE does not disconnect from the serving operator's network, allowing E-UTRAN services to continue uninterrupted while D2D communication occurs on separate resources coordinated by the serving operator.
Data Source
AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from inter-operator device-to-device operation. For example, communication systems of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) advanced (LTE-A) release12/13 (Rel-12/13) or future releases may use such operation with respect to D2D communications. A method can include preparing, at a network element operated by an operator, radio resource information related to one or more operators other than the operator. The method can also include broadcasting, by the network element, the radio resource information. The radio resource information can be configured to permit a user equipment served by the network element to perform device-to-device discovery and/or communication with another user equipment served by at least one of the one or more operators.