Communications Device D2D Resource Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of conventional LTE communications and device-to-device (D2D) communications within a single network poses challenges due to potential interference and complexity in resource allocation, especially when D2D devices operate outside coverage areas or in high-load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a second wireless access interface using reserved resources, divided into data and control regions, allows D2D communications to operate independently, avoiding interference with conventional LTE communications by reserving specific resources for D2D use, enabling transparent coexistence and efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If D2D communications are integrated within LTE network coverage area, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but interference between conventional LTE and D2D communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LTE uplink frequency range into two distinct sets: a first set for conventional LTE communications and a second set for D2D communications. This segmentation is achieved by configuring the second set of resources as a contiguous frequency range within the uplink frequency range, excluding the first set. By separating the resource pools in the frequency domain, the patent enables both communication types to coexist with reduced mutual interference while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate resource pools are allocated for D2D and LTE communications, then interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network element pre-configure the second set of resources for D2D communications before actual D2D communication occurs. The network element provides configuration information indicating the second frequency range to the communications device in advance, allowing the device to prepare its second wireless access interface accordingly. This advance configuration simplifies the device's operation during actual D2D communication, as the resource allocation is already determined and does not require real-time complex coordination.
3Reliability
If D2D communications operate outside network coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing communications devices to autonomously utilize the pre-configured second set of resources for D2D communications when operating outside network coverage. The devices have been previously provided with configuration information indicating the second frequency range, which they can independently use without requiring real-time network coordination. This self-service capability ensures communication reliability in out-of-coverage scenarios while minimizing the complexity of resource allocation, as devices simply follow the pre-established resource configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications device including a transmitter transmitting data signals to a network element of a wireless communications system using shared resources of an uplink of a first wireless access interface included in the network element, a receiver receiving data signals from the network element using shared resources of a downlink of the first wireless access interface, allocations of the shared resources being made by the network element and the uplink of the first wireless access interface is within a first set of resources, and a controller controlling the transmitter and receiver to transmit/receive signals representing data to/from another communications device using a second wireless access interface within a second set of resources formed from resources of the first set of resources for preferable allocation for device-to-device communications by the network element, resources of the second wireless access interface being time divided into at least a data and control regions.