Network-Assisted D2D Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Device-to-device (D2D) communication discovery processes in wireless mobile communication technologies are resource-intensive and inefficient, leading to battery drain and radio interference due to continuous device advertising and polling for nearby peers, especially when devices are not in proximity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing operator-network-assisted D2D discovery, where the network monitors UE locations and informs devices of proximity, allowing for coordinated direct discovery only when devices are likely in range, reducing unnecessary radio and battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices continuously advertise and poll for nearby peers using existing discovery techniques, then D2D device discovery can be performed, but battery drain and radio interference increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary that performs proximity detection between devices. Instead of devices directly advertising and polling each other, the network monitors device locations and determines proximity, thereby eliminating the need for continuous device-to-device discovery signaling and reducing battery consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of device advertising and polling with a network-based location monitoring system. The network uses location information from device registration and handover events to determine proximity, substituting the energy-intensive device-side discovery mechanism with a more efficient network-side approach.
2Reliability
If devices continuously advertise and poll for nearby peers using existing discovery techniques, then D2D device discovery can be performed, but radio interference increases due to unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The network serves as a mediator that eliminates unnecessary radio transmissions. By monitoring device locations and determining proximity centrally, the network prevents devices from engaging in continuous advertising and polling that would generate radio interference, while still enabling D2D discovery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous device advertising and polling, the network performs periodic proximity detection based on location update events such as device registration and handover. This periodic network-side approach reduces radio interference compared to continuous device-side discovery attempts.
3Measurement precision
If detailed processing and data exchanges are used for device discovery, then nearby devices can be located, but processing complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network acts as an intermediary that handles the complex processing of location data and proximity determination. Devices simply provide location information to the network, which then performs the detailed analysis and returns proximity results, thereby reducing device processing complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex discovery processing from the devices and relocates it to the network. The network handles all detailed processing and data exchange for proximity detection, while devices only need to participate in standard location update procedures, significantly reducing device complexity.
4Speed
If devices attempt D2D communication without network assistance, then direct communication can be established, but discovery speed is reduced due to exhaustive searching
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary proximity detection based on device location information before devices attempt D2D communication. This preliminary action identifies potential D2D candidates in advance, allowing devices to skip exhaustive searching and directly establish communication with known nearby devices, thereby improving discovery speed and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The network provides feedback to devices about their proximity status to other devices. This feedback mechanism allows devices to immediately know whether potential communication partners are nearby, eliminating the need for slow exhaustive searching and enabling faster D2D connection establishment while conserving battery energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A technology for network-level device proximity detection is disclosed. In an example, core network (CN) device can include computer circuitry configured to: Store user equipment (UE) information; calculate proximity between two UEs; and assist the two UEs with direct device discovery based on the calculated proximity. The core network device can include a proximity services (ProSe) server, a gateway mobile location center (GMLC), an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), or a mobility management entity (MME).