Apparatus and method to establish a device-to-device (D2D) connection in a 3GPP-LTE network using a distributed channel scan

• US 8,934,437 B2
• Filed: 01/28/2013
• Issued: 01/13/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Li, Qinghua, Li, Honggang, Huang, Rui, Zhu, Yuan, Yin, Hujun, Zhang, Yujian, Fwu, Jong-Kae, Yang, Rongzhen
• Primary Examiner(s): MEW, KEVIN D
• Application Number:
  US13/751,644
• Publication Number:
  US 20130301438A1
• Time in Patent Office: 715 Days
• Field of Search: 370/230, 370/230.1, 370231-234, 370/235, 370252-253, 370335-336, 370342-343, 370/345, 370/437, 370441-443, 370/465, 370/468, 370478-480
• US Class Current: 370/329
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/56 with provision for simultaneous communication in two directions
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 15/00 Suppression or limitation of noise or interference by means associated with receiver H04B1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/024 Co-operative use of antennas of several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0473 taking constraints in layer or codeword to antenna mapping into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0486 taking channel rank into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0626 Channel coefficients, e.g. channel state information [CSI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/063 Parameters other than those covered in groups H04B7/0623 - H04B7/0634, e.g. channel matrix rank or transmit mode selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0632 Channel quality parameters, e.g. channel quality indicator [CQI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0639 Using selective indices, e.g. of a codebook, e.g. pre-distortion matrix index [PMI] or for beam selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0647 Variable feedback rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/065 Variable contents, e.g. long-term or short-short
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/26 at least one of which is mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/00 Time-division multiplex systems H04J14/00 takes precedence; relay systems H04B7/14; selecting techniques H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1694 Allocation of channels in TDM/TDMA networks, e.g. distributed multiplexers Passive Optical Networks H04Q11/0062
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/26 in which the information and the address are simultaneously transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0026 Transmission of channel quality indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1803 Stop-and-wait protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1822 involving configuration of automatic repeat request [ARQ] with parallel processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 : Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 : the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/001 : the frequencies being arranged in component carriers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0035 : Resource allocation in a cooperative multipoint environment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0053 : Allocation of signaling, i.e. of overhead other than pilot signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0073 : Allocation arrangements that take into account other cell interferences for intercell interference mitigation or co-ordination in orthogonal multiplex systems H04J11/005
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0096 : Indication of changes in allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1469 : using time-sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM] H04L51/04; selective video distribution H04N21/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 : Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 : Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/00 : Hand-off or reselection arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0055 : Transmission or use of information for re-establishing the radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0061 : of neighbour cell information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0088 : Scheduling hand-off measurements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/0094 : Definition of hand-off measurement parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/04 : Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/16 : Performing reselection for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/18 : for allowing seamless reselection, e.g. soft reselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/30 : by measured or perceived connection quality data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/32 : by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/20 : Selecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 : in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 : using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0225 : using monitoring of external events, e.g. the presence of a signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 : where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0235 : where the received signal is a power saving command
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0251 : using monitoring of local events, e.g. events related to user activity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 : Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/001 : Synchronization between nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/02 : Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/1215 : for collaboration of different radio technologies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/21 : in the uplink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/27 : between access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/30 : Resource management for broadcast services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/51 : based on terminal or device properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/54 : based on quality criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 : using the level of interference
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/56 : based on priority criteria
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/18 : Management of setup rejection or failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/27 : Transitions between radio resource control [RRC] states
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/28 : Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

An apparatus and method that allow user equipment (UE) to transmit information directly with other user equipment, using a device-to-device (D2D) mode is disclosed herein. A first D2D UE (dUE1) that wishes so communicate to a second D2D UE (dUE2) in D2D mode makes various communications requests to an Evolved Node B (eNB), which can facilitate the connection between the dUE1 and the dUE2. Among these requests are to make the D2D connection via WiFi instead of via Long Term Evolution (LTE). The eNB determines the WiFi capabilities of dUE1 and dUE2, then assigns a subset of available channels to be scanned by dUE1 and a separate subset of available channels to be scanned by dUE2. Thereafter, the eNB can assign a WiFi channel based on the scans performed by dUE1 and dUE2.

Claims

1. An evolved Node B (eNB) comprising processing circuitry to directly couple a first user equipment (dUE1) to a second user equipment (dUE2) in a device-to-device (D2D) configuration, said circuitry arranged to:

receive a first control message from the dUE1;

receive a second control message from the dUE2;

receive a request for the dUE1 and the dUE2 to communicate in a device-to-device mode via WiFi signals;

determine common D2D features between the dUE1 and the dUE2;

determine a preferred connection method between the dUE1 and the dUE2;

determine a common set of WiFi channels that the dUE1 and the dUE2 are both capable of using;

separate the common set of WiFi channels into a first subset of WiFi channels and a second subset of WiFi channels;

direct the dUE1 to measure the first subset of WiFi channels;

direct the dUE2 to measure the second subset of WiFi channels;

receive measurements regarding the first subset of WiFi channels from the dUE1;

receive measurements regarding the second subset of WiFi channels from the dUE2; and

assign a WiFi channel to be used by the dUE1 and the dUE2 for device-to-device communications based on the measurements regarding the first subset of WiFi channels and the second subset of WiFi channels; and

direct the dUE1 and the dUE2 to use the preferred connection method to establish a D2D connection between the dUE1 and the dUE2.

2. The eNB of claim 1 wherein said first control message comprises information regarding D2D capabilities of the dUE1;

and

said second control message comprises information regarding D2D capabilities of the dUE2.

3. The eNB of claim 2 wherein:

the information regarding D2D capabilities of the dUE1 includes one or more of the following;

supported physical layer technologies, supported frequency bands, supported radio technology, Quality of Service Parameters, and power capacity of the dUE1;

and the information regarding D2D capabilities of the dUE2 includes one or more of the following;

supported physical layer technologies, supported frequency bands, supported radio technology, Quality of Service Parameters, and power capacity of the dUE2.

4. The evolved Node B of claim 2 wherein the information regarding the D2D capabilities of the dUE1 includes information regarding which WiFi channels the dUE1 is capable of using;

and

wherein the information regarding the D2D capabilities of the dUE2 includes information regarding which WiFi channels the dUE2 is capable of using.

5. The evolved Node B of claim 1 wherein the first control message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message;

and

wherein the second control message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

6. The evolved Node B of claim 5 wherein:

the first control message comprises a list of supported D2D technologies and parameters; and

the second control message comprises a list of supported D2D technologies and parameters.

7. A method for establishing a device to device (D2D) connection comprising:

receiving a first control message from a first user equipment (UE);

receiving a second control message from a second UE;

receiving a request to establish a D2D connection between the first UE and the second UE;

determining a set of available WiFi channels from the first control message and the second control message;

instructing the first UE and the second UE to perform a distributed channel scan, wherein instructing the first UE and the second UE to perform a distributed channel scan comprises separating the set of available set of WiFi channels into a first subset of WiFi channels and a second subset of WiFi channels;

tasking the first UE to measure the first subset of available WiFi channels and transmit the measurements of the first subset of available WiFi channels;

tasking the second UE measure the second subset of available WiFi channels and transmit the measurements of the second subset of available WiFi channels;

receiving the measurements of the first and second subsets of available WiFi channels from the first and second UEs; and

evaluating the measurements of the first and second subsets of available WiFi channels to select the preferred WiFi channel; and

assigning a preferred WiFi channel to be used for the D2D connection between the first UE and the second UE based on the distributed channel scan.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the measurements of the first subset of available WiFi channels include signal strength and interference levels of each channel in the first subset of available WiFi channels;

and

the measurements of the second subset of available WiFi channels include signal strength and interference levels of each channel in the second subset of available WiFi channels.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the measurements of the first subset of available WiFi channels include a percentage of occupation of each channel in the first subset of available WiFi channels;

and

the measurements of the second subset of available WiFi channels include a percentage of occupation of each channel in the second subset of available WiFi channels.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the first control message from the first UE comprises information regarding WiFi capabilities of the first UE;

and

further wherein the second control message from the second UE comprises information regarding WiFi capabilities of the second UE.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein:

the first control message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message; and

wherein the second control message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein:

the first control message comprises a list of supported D2D technologies and parameters of the first UE; and

the second control message comprises a list of supported D2D technologies and parameters of the second UE.

13. The method of claim 7 wherein the method is performed by an evolved Node B (eNB) operating in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

14. A method performed by a first user equipment for connecting the first user equipment (UE) with a second UE using a device to device (D2D) connection comprising:

sending a control message to an evolved Node B (eNB);

requesting a D2D connection between the first UE and the second UE;

receiving instructions from the eNB to measure a subset of available WiFi channels;

conducting a channel scan of the subset of available WiFi channels;

sending results of the channel scan to the eNB; and

receiving instructions comprising WiFi settings to be used in a D2D connection.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

establishing a connection between the first UE and the second UE using the instructions comprising WiFi settings.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the control message comprises information regarding D2D capabilities of the first UE.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the information regarding the D2D capabilities of the first UE includes information regarding WiFi channels that the first UE is capable of using.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the control message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the control message comprises supported D2D technologies and parameters.

20. The method of claim 14 further comprising establishing a D2D connection with the second UE.

21. A method for negotiating a device to device (D2D) connection in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network comprising:

receiving a first control message from a first user equipment (UE);

receiving a second control message from a second UE;

receiving a request to establish a D2D connection between the first UE and the second UE;

determining common capabilities of the first UE and the second UE based on the first control message and the second control message;

directing the first UE and the second UE to measure a first subset and a second subset, respectively, of resources over which a D2D connection can be assigned;

receiving a measurement report from the first UE and the second UE corresponding to the different subsets of resources; and

assigning the D2D connection based on the common capabilities and on the measurement report.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein:

the first control message comprises D2D capability information of the first UE; and

the second control message comprises D2D capability information of the second UE.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein:

the D2D capability information of the first UE includes one or more of the following;

supported physical layer technologies, supported frequency bands, supported radio technology, Quality of Service Parameters, and power capacity of the first UE; and

further wherein the D2D capability information of the first UE includes one or more of the following;

supported physical layer technologies, supported frequency bands, supported radio technology, Quality of Service Parameters, and power capacity of the second UE.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein assigning a D2D connection based on the common capabilities comprises evaluating the D2D capability information of the first UE and the D2D capability information of the second UE.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein

the first control message comprises supported D2D technologies and parameters;

and

the second control message comprises supported D2D technologies and parameters.