ProSe Controller Offloads DSDS Traffic via Sidelink Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proximity services (ProSe) functionality in wireless communications does not allow dual subscriber identification module (SIM) dual subscriber (DSDS) devices to offload traffic from a non-preferred network to a service provider's preferred network, as these devices are not considered out of coverage according to existing ProSe specifications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced ProSe function in the preferred network that monitors and enables DSDS devices to establish a sidelink communication channel with proximate DSDS devices, allowing data offloading from non-preferred to preferred networks by treating DSDS devices in preferred network coverage as out of coverage, thereby using another DSDS device as a relay hop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current ProSe functionality is used, then devices can establish sidelink connections when out of coverage, but DSDS devices cannot offload traffic from non-preferred networks when in coverage of preferred network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay DSDS device as an intermediary between the out-of-coverage DSDS device and the preferred network. The relay device establishes a sidelink connection with the out-of-coverage device and forwards its traffic to the preferred network, enabling indirect access without requiring the device to be directly in coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional ProSe model by allowing in-coverage DSDS devices to act as relays for other DSDS devices. Instead of only out-of-coverage devices establishing sidelinks, the system enables devices within coverage to facilitate traffic offloading for devices that need network access, reversing the typical coverage requirement logic
2Area of stationary object
If DSDS devices operate on different network for wider coverage, then coverage area increases, but data traffic costs increase due to higher costs on non-preferred networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and traffic routing where DSDS devices can switch between preferred and non-preferred networks based on coverage availability and cost considerations. The system dynamically establishes sidelink connections and relay paths to route traffic through the preferred network when possible, optimizing both coverage and cost
3Loss of energy
If ProSe functionality requires devices to be out of coverage to establish sidelink connections, then network resource usage is optimized, but traffic offloading from non-preferred networks is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the ProSe architecture by introducing relay devices that operate in a intermediate layer between the radio access network and the sidelink. This creates a three-dimensional connectivity model where devices can connect through spatial relays rather than requiring direct network coverage, enabling traffic offloading while maintaining network resource optimization
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing an enhanced proximity services. The method includes monitoring, by a proximity controller provisioned in a preferred network, dual subscriber identification module (SIM) dual subscriber (DSDS) devices operating in the preferred network, detecting, by the proximity controller, a DSDS device operating in a non-preferred network, wherein the DSDS devices and the DSDS device are configured to switchably operate in one of the preferred network or the non-preferred network based on coverage, locating, by the proximity controller, from the monitored DSDS devices a DSDS device proximate to the DSDS device operating in the non-preferred network, and enabling, by the proximity controller, the proximate DSDS device and the DSDS device operating in the non-preferred network to establish a sidelink communication channel between the proximate DSDS device and the DSDS device operating in the non-preferred network for offloading data communications from the non-preferred network to the preferred network.