LTE D2D Discovery Channel Mapping to Control Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device-to-device (D2D) communication in LTE systems faces challenges in efficient resource utilization and coordination, particularly in large-scale deployments where devices need to automatically discover each other without overburdening the eNB with signaling, especially when devices lack desired counterparts for connection and require accurate position information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where discovery channels are mapped to control channels, allowing devices to transmit and receive discovery signals efficiently, with the eNB configuring multiple discovery channels and transmitting resource allocation information on a control channel, thereby simplifying device discovery and reducing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the eNB controls D2D mode configuration and allocates dedicated resources for each device, then interference control and resource utilization are improved, but the eNB signaling burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the D2D control function by introducing a separate control channel (PDCCH) that is independently configured from the discovery channel. This allows the eNB to maintain centralized control for interference management while reducing the signaling burden on the eNB by enabling devices to autonomously monitor and respond to control information on the dedicated control channel without requiring continuous eNB intervention for each device pairing.
2Ease of operation
If the eNB informs other user devices about potential connections, then device discovery is enabled, but accurate position information is required which may be unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control channel as an intermediary mechanism between devices. Instead of requiring the eNB to directly provide position information to devices for discovery purposes, the control channel serves as a mediator that carries control information including resource allocation details. This allows devices to discover each other and establish connections based on control channel information without the eNB needing to provide or have access to accurate position information.
3Extent of automation
If a dedicated discovery channel is reserved for automatic device discovery, then automatic discovery capability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control channel serve multiple functions: it not only carries discovery information but also provides resource allocation instructions for D2D communications. By combining these functions into a single control channel mechanism, the system achieves automatic device discovery capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated discovery resources, thus reducing overall resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The specification and drawings present a method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) for improving device discovery and D2D operation, e.g., in LTE wireless systems, by using control signaling provided by a wireless network (e.g., by an eNB). The discovery channel/channels which conveys discovery signal/signals are configured by a network (e.g., by the eNB) and are mapped to control channel/channels (e.g., one-to-one). After sending/receiving the discovery signal/signals, the D2D devices are monitoring control channel/channels to get current information for establishing the D2D communication among these D2D devices, the current information may include a resource allocation for the D2D communication and a device list of candidates for establishing the D2D communication.