ProSe Discovery Channel Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for discovering network devices and application users in proximity rely on network routing, which can negatively impact performance and add unnecessary load, limiting the development of advanced proximity-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses direct radio signals exchanged between user equipment (UEs) on a common discovery channel to discover devices and application users in proximity, while minimizing signaling and maintaining confidentiality and privacy of identities, utilizing ProSe-enabled devices and servers to manage UE and application level identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all discovery related traffic and signaling is routed through the network, then network control and management is maintained, but network performance deteriorates and unnecessary load is added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts discovery signaling traffic from the network core and routes it directly between UEs via the ProSe application layer. This removes the burden of processing discovery messages from network elements while maintaining network control through authorization mechanisms, thereby improving network performance without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ProSe application layer acts as an intermediary between UEs for discovery communications. It handles discovery message routing and processing locally, eliminating the need for network core involvement in discovery traffic while the network maintains oversight through authorization policies, thus resolving the contradiction between network control and performance.
2Productivity
If direct radio signals are used for discovery between UEs, then network load is reduced, but signaling on the discovery channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments discovery signaling into application-layer messages exchanged directly between UEs, separate from core network signaling. This segmentation allows discovery traffic to be handled locally without overwhelming the network, while the structured message format ensures efficient use of radio resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves discovery signaling from the traditional network-controlled dimension to the application layer dimension, enabling direct UE-to-UE communication. This dimensional shift reduces network load while the application layer protocols manage signaling efficiency through standardized message formats and procedures.
3Ease of operation
If UE identities are transmitted during discovery, then device identification is enabled, but confidentiality and privacy of permanent identities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary identifiers (such as S-TMSI or other non-permanent UE identities) as copies of the actual UE identity for discovery purposes. These temporary identifiers enable device identification and differentiation during discovery while protecting the confidentiality of permanent identities like IMSI, thus resolving the contradiction between identification capability and privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program for discovery of network devices and application user. An example method for use in an access point or station may comprise receiving a discovery request from an application, the application running thereon, the discovery request including at least one application level identifier, causing monitoring of a discovery channel for at least one device within a proximate distance, and upon discovery of a device associated with the application level ID, providing an indication to the application of the discovery of the device.