ProSe Offloading via WLAN Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing Proximity-based Service (ProSe) communication, particularly in off-loading ProSe traffic from E-UTRAN to WLAN to alleviate congestion and optimize network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for ProSe communication in a cellular system, where User Equipment (UE) receives scheduling information and CRC masked with a ProSe-related ID from a Base Station (BS), establishes a ProSe connection using WLAN resources, and exchanges WLAN radio signals with a peer UE, including procedures for setting up IP configuration, security provisioning, and monitoring PDCCH signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ProSe communication is managed through E-UTRAN, then network control and reliability are improved, but network congestion increases and system resources are exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ProSe communication into two distinct modes: E-UTRAN-based mode for network-controlled communications and WLAN-based mode for direct peer-to-peer communications. This segmentation allows the system to route different types of traffic through different networks, preventing E-UTRAN congestion while maintaining network control where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces WLAN as an intermediary network for ProSe communications. Instead of all ProSe traffic going directly through E-UTRAN, the system uses WLAN as an intermediate pathway for direct device-to-device communications, thereby reducing E-UTRAN load while maintaining connectivity.
2Productivity
If ProSe communication is off-loaded to WLAN, then network congestion is reduced, but connection establishment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring WLAN parameters and establishing WLAN connections before actual ProSe communication begins. The system pre-establishes WLAN interfaces and configures necessary parameters in advance, so that when ProSe traffic needs to be off-loaded, the connection is already ready, reducing the perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides indication information to UEs about available WLAN resources and connection status. This feedback loop allows UEs to make informed decisions about whether to establish WLAN connections for ProSe communication, simplifying the decision-making process.
3Speed
If UE monitors PDCCH continuously during WLAN communication, then network responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of PDCCH instead of continuous monitoring. The UE monitors PDCCH at specific periodic intervals during WLAN communication, which maintains network responsiveness while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the ability to receive critical network instructions through periodic PDCCH monitoring while in WLAN mode. This periodic monitoring ensures that if network intervention is needed, the UE can respond promptly without requiring continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for use in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a method of performing a ProSe communication by a UE in a cellular communication system and an apparatus therefore, in which the method comprises: receiving, from a BS, a first PDCCH signal including scheduling information and a CRC, wherein the CRC is masked with a ProSe-related ID; receiving, from the BS, a PDSCH signal using the scheduling information, wherein the PDSCH signal includes WLAN resources and information available for the ProSe communication; establishing a ProSe connection with a peer UE by using the WLAN resources and information; and exchanging WLAN radio signals with the peer UE in accordance with the ProSe connection, wherein the UE is configured to keep monitoring a second PDCCH signal during the WLAN radio signals are exchanged.