RRC Connection Management for D2D Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular communication systems face challenges in managing radio resources for device-to-device (D2D) communication, as the RRC layer connection is released when core network communication services are inactive, preventing reliable radio resource control for D2D communication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves setting a connected state of radio resource control for devices with both D2D and core network communication services active, detecting termination of core network communication, reconfiguring connections to disable core network services, and maintaining radio resource control for D2D communication, allowing radio resource management without requiring active core network communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RRC connection is established only when core network communication service is active, then core network communication can be managed properly, but radio resource control for D2D communication cannot be maintained when core network service is inactive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradio resource control reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection management into two independent parts: RRC connection for radio resource control and core network connection for core network services. This allows the RRC connection to be maintained independently for D2D communication even when the core network connection is inactive, resolving the contradiction between reliability of radio resource control and flexibility of communication modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a D2D server as an intermediary entity that mediates between devices and the core network. The D2D server maintains the RRC connection and manages radio resources for D2D communication, while separately managing core network connections. This intermediary enables independent maintenance of radio resource control and core network services, allowing D2D communication to continue when core network services are inactive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If RRC connection is released when core network service is inactive, then network resources are saved, but D2D communication cannot maintain radio resource control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resourcesVSAvoidradio resource control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting connection management into RRC and core network connection parts, the system can selectively release only the core network connection when inactive while maintaining the RRC connection for D2D communication. This resolves the contradiction by allowing selective resource release without compromising radio resource control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The D2D server acts as an intermediary that decouples RRC connection management from core network connection management. It can maintain the RRC connection and radio resource control independently while the core network connection is released, enabling efficient resource utilization without sacrificing D2D communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If D2D communication requires core network involvement, then network control is maintained, but communication efficiency and latency are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The D2D server serves as an intermediary that enables network control through centralized management while allowing efficient direct device-to-device communication. The server maintains control over resource allocation and connection management, while data can be transmitted directly between devices, resolving the contradiction between network control reliability and communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of requiring continuous core network involvement with a more efficient system where the D2D server establishes and manages connections, allowing direct device communication. This substitution maintains network control while significantly improving communication efficiency and reducing latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9775185B2Management of radio resource control for device-to-device communication

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Measures are provided for management of RRC for D2D communication. Such measures include setting a connected state of RRC for device(s) of a pair of devices. For the devices(s), both a D2D communication service between the pair of devices and a core network communication service between the device(s) and a core network entity are active. The setting enables radio resource management for the device(s) for the D2D communication service and the core network communication service. Termination of the core network communication service is detected for the device(s). A connection towards the core network entity is reconfigured for disabling the core network communication service of the device(s). The connected state of RRC is maintained for the devices(s) of the pair of devices, for which the device(s) only the device-to-device communication service is active. The maintaining enables radio resource management for the device(s) for the D2D communication service.