Inter-PLMN ProSe Communication Using Shared Radio Resource Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems struggle to support direct communication between terminals of different mobile network operators, limiting the functionality and interoperability of proximity-based services.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for enabling inter-public land mobile network (PLMN) communication by a first ProSe function, which includes receiving a ProSe Communication Create Request message, determining inter-PLMN communication, and transmitting radio resource information to facilitate direct communication between UEs of different PLMNs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If direct communication is supported only within the same PLMN, then network security and control are simplified, but interoperability and functionality between different mobile network operators are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability between different PLMNsVSAvoidcomplexity of inter-PLMN communication coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ProSe function acts as an intermediary between UEs of different PLMNs, managing the communication setup and coordination. The AF serves as another intermediary that facilitates inter-PLMN communication requests. These intermediary entities abstract the complexity of cross-PLMN coordination, allowing direct communication while maintaining network control and security policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ProSe function is designed to handle both intra-PLMN and inter-PLMN direct communication scenarios through a unified interface and procedure. This multi-functional approach allows the same network entity to manage communication within and across different PLMNs, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms and lowering overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If radio resource information is shared between different PLMNs, then direct communication between UEs of different operators is enabled, but network security and resource management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect communication capability between different operatorsVSAvoidnetwork security and resource management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ProSe function serves as a trusted intermediary that securely manages radio resource information exchange between different PLMNs. It receives resource information from the AF and UE, validates it according to network policies, and coordinates the sharing process. This intermediary role ensures that resource sharing maintains network security while enabling inter-PLMN direct communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing ProSe protocols are used without inter-PLMN extensions, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but communication between terminals of different mobile network operators is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for inter-PLMN direct communicationVSAvoidprotocol complexity for inter-PLMN coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing ProSe protocol framework is extended to support both intra-PLMN and inter-PLMN communication through a unified procedure. The same message formats and signaling flows are used, with the ProSe function automatically adapting its behavior based on whether the communication is within or across PLMNs. This universal approach enables inter-PLMN support while minimizing protocol complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12549935B2Method and device for providing direct communication in wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an operating method of a first proximity-based services (ProSe) function belonging to a first public land mobile network (PLMN) includes: receiving a first ProSe Communication Create Request message from an application function (AF), a network exposure function (NEF) belonging to the first PLMN, or a first user equipment (UE) subscribed to the first PLMN; determining whether to perform inter-PLMN communication between the first UE and a second UE subscribed to a second PLMN, the second PLMN being different from the first PLMN; transmitting, to a second ProSe function belonging to the second PLMN, a ProSe Provisioning Request message including first radio resource information for direct communication by the first UE; receiving, from the second ProSe function, a ProSe Provisioning Response message including second radio resource information for direct communication by the second UE; and transmitting, to the first UE, the first ProSe Communication Create Request message including inter-PLMN communication information for direct communication with the second UE.