Network Element Proximity Discovery for D2D Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device-to-device (D2D) communication technologies face challenges in proximity discovery, including uplink and downlink interference, significant signaling overhead, and inefficient search processes for target UEs, particularly in LTE networks where synchronization issues and limited detectability of reference signals hinder effective D2D communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and network element that facilitate proximity discovery by collecting information on UEs, creating candidate lists based on timing advance values and distance thresholds, and providing parameters to UEs for efficient D2D communication, utilizing existing LTE signals or new dedicated signals, and employing techniques like Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) to enhance signal detectability and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional D2D proximity discovery is used in LTE networks, then device-to-device communication can be established, but uplink and downlink interference occurs and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network element (e.g., eNodeB or proximity discovery server) as an intermediary to manage and coordinate proximity discovery processes. This intermediary collects UE information, creates candidate lists, and provides parameters to UEs, thereby mediating the discovery process to reduce direct interference between UEs while maintaining reliable D2D communication establishment
2Ease of operation
If traditional D2D proximity discovery is used, then target UEs can be identified, but significant signaling overhead is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting UE information, pre-creating candidate UE lists based on criteria such as timing advance values and distance thresholds, and pre-calculating parameters before actual proximity discovery is needed. This preliminary preparation reduces the signaling overhead during the actual discovery process by having information ready in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the complex proximity discovery management functions from the UE devices and concentrates them in a network element. By taking out the coordination, candidate list management, and parameter calculation functions from individual UEs and centralizing them in the network, the signaling overhead at the UE level is significantly reduced
3Productivity
If traditional search processes are used for target UEs, then proximity discovery can be performed, but the search process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the proximity discovery process into distinct phases: network element collects UE information, creates candidate lists segmented by criteria (timing advance, distance), and provides segmented parameter sets to UEs. This segmentation of the discovery process and candidate UEs into manageable groups significantly improves search efficiency and reduces the time required for proximity discovery
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, network node, and user equipments for providing parameters to a first user equipment served by the network element, the parameters describing at least a second user equipment for the purpose of the first user equipment initiating a device to device proximity discovery service with the second user equipment, the method collecting information for user equipments desiring device to device proximity discovery; creating a candidate user equipment list for a candidate tier based on the collected information at the network element, wherein each candidate tier comprises one or more thresholds based on timing advance values in use at the first or the at least the second user equipment; and providing the parameters describing at least a second user equipment to the first user equipment.