Network Slicing Framework for Time-Sensitive D2D Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current device-to-device (D2D) communication technologies, such as LTE Sidelink, are limited in their applications and face issues like range and interference, particularly in conventional wireless telecommunications systems, and are restricted by licensed spectrum usage, hindering their broader adoption for time-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
A network slicing framework is introduced to enable D2D communication among multiple devices using new radio (NR) Sidelink features, allowing for the discovery of devices in proximity, establishing groups, assigning roles, and allocating network resources to facilitate low-latency, interference-minimal peer-to-peer communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If D2D communication uses licensed spectrum (3GPP ProSe), then communication reliability is improved, but spectrum availability and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication spectrum into licensed and unlicensed portions, allowing D2D communication to operate on licensed spectrum for reliability-critical applications while utilizing unlicensed spectrum for other applications, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and spectrum availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectrum manager as an intermediary entity that coordinates resource allocation between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, enabling devices to dynamically select appropriate spectrum resources based on application requirements, thus improving both reliability and spectrum availability
2Ease of operation
If D2D communication uses short range technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), then ease of operation is improved, but communication range and interference resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of short-range D2D technologies (ease of operation) with cellular network coverage (extended range) by allowing devices to discover each other using simple protocols while establishing network-assisted communication paths, achieving both ease of operation and extended communication range
3Adaptability or versatility
If D2D communication establishes groups with multiple devices, then application versatility is improved, but resource allocation complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group manager as an intermediary entity that handles resource allocation for entire D2D groups, simplifying the complexity by centralizing management functions while allowing devices to participate in versatile group-based applications
4Adaptability or versatility
If D2D communication requests resources during application execution, then adaptability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary resource allocation where resources are pre-configured and reserved for D2D communications before actual data transmission begins, reducing latency while maintaining adaptability through dynamic resource adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A device-to-device (D2D) communication application is stored in a memory of a first device, and has an application identifier (ApplicationID) configured to enable D2D communication between two or more devices in proximity. The first device is configured with a user identifier (UserID). A group associated with the D2D communication application can then be established, which includes the first device and one or more second devices, each having the D2D communication capability and an associated UserID, each of the devices exchanging their ApplicationID and UserID with other devices to establish the group. A role in the group is assigned to each device of the first device and one or more second devices, which defines functions for each device to establish the D2D communications. Based on the role of each device, a set of resources from the network are allocated to enable the D2D communication on the D2D communication channel.