WO2016193783A1

WO2016193783A1 - Method and apparatus for implementing network-controlled peer-to-peer connectivity

Info

Publication number: WO2016193783A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/054105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sami Johannes Kekki; Mika Kasslin
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy; Nokia Usa Inc.
Priority date: 2015-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2016-12-08

Abstract

Embodiments are disclosed for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment. In the context of a method, an example embodiment includes causing, by a communications interface of a mobile device, transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN). The example method further includes receiving, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the example method includes initiating, by the mobile device, proximity-based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING NETWORK-CONTROLLED PEER- TO-PEER CONNECTIVITY

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to peer-to-peer mobile connectivity and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for implementing network control of proximity-based communications between devices.

BACKGROUND

Modern mobile devices (which may hereinafter be referred to as user equipment or UE) are designed for communication via a number of different communication mechanisms. In contrast to communication through intermediaries (e.g., via access points connected in a network), mobile devices can also communicate through proximity based services, such as Device-to-Device communications (D2D). Proximity-based services, including both the discovery of the service (or of the peer device or user), and the management of communications between the peer devices, is a relatively new area of technology within the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The proximity based service technology of 3GPP (ProSe) is characterized by tight network control of all discovery and communication related procedures. Another characteristic of the 3GPP ProSe technology is its seamless integration with the 3GPP core network functions.

In contrast, proximity-based services technologies by other standard bodies like Wi-Fi Alliance™ (WFA) have been developed to address a different set of requirements;

lightweight device-centric stand-alone operation has been the starting point. One such proximity-based service provided by WFA is known as Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) or Wi-Fi Aware™. NAN allows supporting devices to announce services and discover each other's announcements as well as information exchange between the peers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Example embodiments described herein utilize various means for introducing network assistance into NAN-capable devices to provide a more coordinated NAN discovery process. With this network assistance, the devices need not continuously run battery-consuming discovery procedures, and can selectively initiate discovery procedures when the devices are in close enough proximity to each other, as detected by the network function that is acting as a location service client for the devices.

Alternatively, the network assistance may be used to selectively initiate discovery procedures based on the location of a device or the venue/premise in which the device is detected to be. In this regard, one may assume that in certain locations or premises like shopping malls or conference halls, the number and density of users and devices is so high that discovery procedures are expected to be successful. In addition, by integrating NAN technology into the well-established cellular network procedures for authorization, authentication and charging, as well as with the third party service support, embodiments disclosed herein create new value from the use of NAN technology, by allowing its more efficient monetization. Last but not least, integration of NAN with cellular network procedures and especially the ProSe will ensure uniqueness of the service identifiers used in the discovery procedures. Although NAN technology provides a framework for service identifier allocation, NAN service identifiers may be generated by

service/application developers, which may result in service identifier collisions.

In a first example embodiment, a method is provided for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment. The method includes causing, by a communications interface of a mobile device, transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN), and receiving, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the method includes initiating, by the mobile device, proximity-based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. It should be noted that the ProSe discovery request may include a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and that the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum may comprise one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

In some embodiments, the ProSe discovery request utilizes a direct provisioning function (DPF), a direct discovery name management function (DDNMF), or an evolved packet core (EPC)-level discovery ProSe function (EDF).

In some embodiments, in an instance in which the authorization decision from the

PLMN indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based

communication technology within the PLMN, the authorization decision from the PLMN further indicates a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the method further includes causing transmission, by the communications interface, of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range. In such embodiments, the method may further include receiving a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments the ProSe proximity request may include an indication that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. In this regard, the parameter identifying the predetermined range may be based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication.

In a second example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for conducting peer- to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network- controlled environment. The apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN), and receive, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to initiate proximity- based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. It should be noted that the ProSe discovery request may include a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and that the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum may comprise one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

In some embodiments, in an instance in which the authorization decision from the PLMN indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range. In such embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments the ProSe proximity request may include an indication that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. In this regard, the parameter identifying the predetermined range may be based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication.

In a third example embodiment, a computer program product is provided for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment. The computer program product includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions that, when executed, cause an apparatus to cause

transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN), and receive, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to initiate proximity-based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. It should be noted that the ProSe discovery request may include a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and that the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum may comprise one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

In some embodiments, in an instance in which the authorization decision from the PLMN indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the authorization decision from the PLMN further indicates a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to cause transmission of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range. In such embodiments, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to apparatus to receive proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the

predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments the ProSe proximity request may include an indication that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. In this regard, the parameter identifying the predetermined range may be based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication.

In a fourth example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for conducting peer-to- peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network- controlled environment. The apparatus includes means for causing transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN), and means for receiving, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the apparatus includes means for initiating proximity-based

communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. It should be noted that the ProSe discovery request may include a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and that the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum may comprise one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

communication technology within the PLMN, the authorization decision from the PLMN further indicates a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for causing transmission of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range. In such embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments the ProSe proximity request may include an indication that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. In this regard, the parameter identifying the predetermined range may be based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication.

In a fifth example embodiment, a method is provided for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum. The method includes receiving a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and retrieving, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device. The method further includes generating an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, and causing transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method may further include identifying, based on the

ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN, wherein the authorization decision further indicates the set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range, in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device, generating a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and causing transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device, and causing the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device.

In a sixth example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum. The apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, retrieve, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device, generate an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity- based communication technology within the PLMN, and cause transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to identify, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN, wherein the authorization decision further indicates the set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range, and in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device, generate a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and cause transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device, and cause the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device.

In a seventh example embodiment, a computer program product is provided for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum. The computer program product includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions that, when executed, cause an apparatus to receive a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, retrieve, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device, generate an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, and cause transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to identify, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN, wherein the authorization decision further indicates the set of proximity-based

communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to receive a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range, and in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device, generate a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and cause transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

In some embodiments, the program code instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to determine a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device, and cause the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device. In an eighth example embodiment, an apparatus is provided for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum. The apparatus includes means for receiving a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication, and means for retrieving, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device. The method further includes means for generating an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, and means for causing transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for identifying, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN, wherein the authorization decision further indicates the set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving a

ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range, in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device, means for generating a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and means for causing transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes means for determining a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device, and means for causing the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of one system architecture integrating NAN technology into a 3GPP ProSe-enabled communication environment, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart describing example operations for conducting peer- to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network- controlled environment, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart describing example operations for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms "data," "content," "information," and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term "circuitry" refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term "circuitry" as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

As defined herein, a "computer-readable storage medium," which refers to a non- transitory physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device), can be differentiated from a "computer-readable transmission medium," which refers to an electromagnetic signal.

Embodiments described herein contemplate the governance of NAN proximity services by network control operations, such as, for instance, the 3GPP ProSe framework. As described below, NAN is herein introduced as a new discovery and communication technology in the 3GPP ProSe framework. Utilizing example

embodiments, a device capable of NAN radio communication can use the ProSe function of the system regardless of whether the device supports the 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Device-to-Device (D2D) radio capability. In some embodiments, the use of NAN radio communication in the device is not disclosed to the network and its ProSe function. Alternatively, the use of NAN technology may be disclosed to the network and controlled by the network. In this latter case, the technology used for discovery and communication (e.g., LTE D2D, NAN, or the like) can be chosen by either the network or by the UE, depending on the situation. Also in the latter case, the UE can use the ProSe registration to let the ProSe function know of its NAN or LTE D2D capability. If the ProSe Function is made aware of the NAN capability, the ProSe function can then adapt the identities to match with the NAN specification, as described below.

Another specific procedure offered by incorporating NAN into the 3GPP ProSe framework is that the ProSe proximity request can be used by a UE to request that the network informs the UE of when the UE moves into close proximity with another device having proximity-based communication capabilities. Even though the UE may be using NAN for all proximity based communications, the UE may request EPC support for WLAN direct discovery and communication with the other UE by adding the WLAN indication in the proximity request message.

To this last point, the UE may add information regarding the NAN radio capability into the ProSe proximity request. This may require the addition of a new parameter in the message to enable this functionality. It is noted that the use of NAN radio instead of LTE D2D or Wi-Fi Direct may also impact the Range class information included in the

Proximity Request (to take into account the specific capability of the NAN radio).

The principles described herein may apply both to generic proximity-based communications and also to ProSe UEs used for Public Safety, for which, instead of LTE D2D, such UEs may use the NAN discovery and communication mechanisms for point-to- point and for point-to-multipoint communications.

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described below in accordance with example embodiments for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum and conducting peer-to- peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum within a network- controlled environment. The methods may be performed by (and the apparatuses, and computer program products may be embodied by) any of a variety of devices that are capable of connecting to a plurality of access networks. For example, the devices may include any of a variety of mobile terminals, such as a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or any combination of the aforementioned devices. Additionally or alternatively, the computing device may include fixed computing devices that have suitable wireless connectivity capabilities, such as a personal computer, a computer workstation, or the like. Still further, the method, apparatus, and computer program product of an example embodiment may be embodied by a networked device, such as a server or other network entity connected to a first public land mobile network (PLMN) and configured to control proximity-based communication by a plurality of UEs within the PLMN.

Referring now to Figure 1 , a block diagram illustrates an apparatus 100 that may embody a mobile device or a network element. The apparatus 100 may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor 102, a memory 104, a communication interface 106, and a user interface 108. The apparatus 100 may be embodied by a computing device, such as a computer terminal. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus 100 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus 100 may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein. The processor 102 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 102 may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a co-processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC

(application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processor 02 may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 102 may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/or multithreading.

In an example embodiment, the processor 102 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 104 or otherwise accessible to the processor 102. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 102 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 102 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 102 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, or the like, the processor 102 may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein.

Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 102 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 102 to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processor 102 may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., a mobile terminal) configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention by further configuration of the processor by instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor 102 may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor 102.

In some embodiments, the processor 102 (and/or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication with the memory 04 via a bus for passing information among

components of the apparatus. The memory 104 may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory 04 may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processor). The memory 104 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like, for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory 104 could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 102. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 104 could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor 102.

Meanwhile, the communication interface 106 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a plurality of wireless communication network (e.g., access networks). In this regard, the communication interface 106 may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a plurality of wireless communication networks. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 06 may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communication interface 106 may additionally support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface 106 may include a communication modem and/or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), or other mechanisms. It should be understood that the communication interface 106 may, in various

embodiments, include one or more proximity-based communication technologies that enable the apparatus 100 to communicate directly with other devices (e.g., with mobile devices, fixed devices, or the like), such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Device-to-Device (D2D), Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN), or the like.

In embodiments where the apparatus 100 includes a user interface 108, user interface 108 may, in turn, be in communication with processor 102 to provide output to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. As such, the user interface 108 may include a display and, in some embodiments, may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more user interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a speaker, ringer, microphone, and/or the like. The processor 102 and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to processor 102 (e.g., memory 104, and/or the like).

As noted previously, embodiments of the present invention comprise various means for implementing network control of unlicensed proximity-based communication. Below, further discussion is provided regarding how unlicensed proximity-based communication can be managed using, for instance, 3GPP ProSe operations, and example operations are described that may be performed by a mobile device configured to communicate using unlicensed proximity-based communication technology, and a network device that may be configured to control such communication.

Incorporating NAN into 3GPP ProSe

Turning now to Figure 2, a schematic representation of example system architecture 200 is illustrated. As shown, system architecture 200 illustrates one mechanism for integrating NAN into a 3GPP ProSe communication environment. As shown in Figure 2, a UE 202 may operate within a network system in which proximity- based services are governed by the 3GPP ProSe specification. The ProSe

communication capability of the UE 202, illustrated as element 204, may thus be used to govern the proximity-based radio communications of the UE 202. Within this

environment, the UE 202 may include NAN radio communication capability 206.

The UE 202 may communicate with a ProSe function (208) via a PC3 reference point. In this regard, as described in 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12, the PC3 reference point is utilized as the connection between the UE and the ProSe Function, which is located at the home PLMN (HPLMN). PC3 relies on the EPC user plane for transportation (i.e. an "over IP" reference point), and is used to authorize both ProSe Direct Discovery and EPC-level ProSe Discovery requests, and to perform allocation of ProSe Application Codes corresponding to ProSe Application Identities used for ProSe Direct Discovery. PC3 is used to define the authorization policy per PLMN for ProSe Direct Discovery (for both Public Safety and non-Public Safety use cases) and communication (for Public Safety only) between a UE and the ProSe Function.

In .turn, the ProSe function 208 may include three main sub-functions that perform different roles depending on the ProSe feature, as specified in 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12. These sub-functions comprise a Direct Provisioning Function (DPF), shown in Figure 2 at 210, a Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF), shown in Figure 2 at 212, and an EPC-level Discovery ProSe Function (EDF), shown in Figure 2 at 214.

Because a UE 202 that uses NAN for ProSe would not consume any PLMN operators' radio resources (NAN utilizes unlicensed spectrum, rather than spectrum within the PLMN operators' radio resources), DPF is not mandatory for a NAN-enabled UE 202. For background, the 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12 clarifies that DPF is used to provision a UE with necessary parameters in order use ProSe Direct Discovery and ProSe Direct Communication. DPF provisions UEs with PLMN-specific parameters that allow the UE 202 to use ProSe in a specific PLMN. For direct communication used for Public Safety, DPF is also used to provision the UE 202 with parameters that are needed when the UE 202 is not served by E-UTRAN. However, when the UE 202 is utilizing an unlicensed portion of the spectrum, provisioning is unnecessary.

The sub-functions required for the NAN-enabled ProSe UE are the DDNMF 212 and EDF 214. As noted in the 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12, DDNMF is used for open ProSe Direct Discovery to allocate and process the mapping of ProSe Applications IDs and ProSe Application Codes used in ProSe Direct Discovery. It uses ProSe-related subscriber data stored in a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) for

authorization for each discovery request. It also provides the UE with the necessary security material in order to protect discovery messages transmitted over the air.

The 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12 notes that EDF, in turn, has several reference points. It has a reference point towards the Application Server (PC2), towards other ProSe Functions (PC6), towards the HSS (PC4a) and, as noted above, towards the UE (PC3). The functionality of EDF, as described in the 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12, includes the following: (1 )Storage of ProSe-related subscriber data and/or retrieval of ProSe-related subscriber data from the HSS 216; (2)Authorization and configuration of the UE for EPC-level ProSe Discovery and EPC-assisted WLAN direct discovery and communication over PC3; (3) storage of a list of applications that are authorized to use EPC-level ProSe Discovery and EPC-assisted WLAN direct discovery and communication; (4) Acting as location services client (secure user plane location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) agent) to enable EPC-level ProSe Discovery; (5) Providing the UE with information to assist WLAN direct discovery and communications; (6) Handling of EPC ProSe User IDs and Application Layer User IDs; (7) Exchange of signaling with 3rd party Application Servers over PC2 reference point for application registration and identifier mapping; (8) Exchange of signaling with ProSe Functions in other PLMNs over PC6 reference points for sending proximity requests, proximity alerts and location reporting; and (9) Optional support for functionality for requesting UE location via the HSS.

It should be noted that storage and/or retrieval of ProSe-related subscriber data from the HSS 216 may utilize reference point PC4a. The 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12 notes that this reference point is used to provide subscription information in order to authorize access for ProSe Direct Discovery and ProSe Direct Communication on a per PLMN basis. It is also used by the ProSe Function (e.g., EDF 214) for retrieval of EPC-level ProSe Discovery related subscriber data. In this regard, the user's profile in the HSS 216 may contain the subscription information allowing the use of ProSe. More specifically, the user of a NAN-capable device would likely require this subscription information for EPC-level ProSe Discovery. The other subscriptions needed for a generic 3GPP ProSe use are not necessarily needed, however, assuming that the only radio technology for proximity services is NAN.

Similarly, interaction with SLP 218 may utilize reference point PC4b. The 3GPP TS 23.303 (ProSe) Stage 2, Rel-12 notes that this reference point can be used by the ProSe Function.

The UE 202 can interact with these ProSe functions (DPF, DDNMF, and EDF) in the same way as a regular 3GPP ProSe UE would interact with them, because these sub- functions do not require knowledge of the NAN capability of the ProSe UE 202.

For completeness, it is noted that the reference point PC2 can be used to communicate with an application server, if one exists in the system. Similarly, reference points PC6 and PC7 may be utilized for situations in which the UE is roaming (and thus connected to alternative PLMNs). Operations Performed by a Mobile Device

Having described an example system diagram illustrating how NAN radio communication can be incorporated into the ProSe specification, some example procedures will now be described that implement embodiments described herein.

Turning to Figure 3, a flowchart is illustrated that contains a series of operations performed by a UE for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment. The operations illustrated in Figure 3 may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of apparatus 100, and more particularly through the use of one or more of processor 102, memory 104, communication interface 106, and/or user interface 108.

In operation 302 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, or the like, for causing transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN). This ProSe discovery request may utilize DPF, DDNMF, or EDF functions (as described above). In some embodiments, the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. If the apparatus 100 indicates that NAN is enabled and / or indicates that it prefers NAN to LTE D2D, the ProSe function can accept or reject or modify such request. In operation 304 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for receiving, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN. The

authorization decision indicates whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity- based communication technology within the PLMN. Generation of this authorization decision is described in greater detail below in connection with Figure 4.

In operation 306, the mobile device determines whether the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. If not, the procedure ends, because peer-to-peer communication is not authorized by the PLMN. However, if the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, then the procedure may advance to operation 308.

In some embodiments, though, the authorization decision from the PLMN further may indicate a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN. In such embodiments, even if the mobile device is authorized to use some forms of proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, if the mobile device does not support such communication technology, then the procedure ends nonetheless, as no supported proximity-based communication technology would be authorized. On the other hand, if the mobile device has received authorization to use one or more types of proximity-based communication technologies and supports at least one of those proximity-based communication technologies, then the mobile device may proceed with communication via one of those proximity-based communication technologies. If the authorized communication technology enables communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum, then the procedure advances to operation 308.

In operation 308 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, or the like, for, initiating, by the mobile device, proximity- based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum. The proximity- based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum may comprise one or more NAN radio announcements.

It should be noted that the NAN technology specification includes a 48-bit Service ID that is used in NAN announcements and/or discovery by clients. However, in example embodiments described herein, rather than utilize an ID of this format, the NAN radio announcements may apply identities defined according to the 3GPP specification for announcements and discovery. That is, the NAN-capable apparatus 100 may use ProSe Application Codes in its announcements over NAN radio. To do this, the UE may receive the codes from the ProSe Function in the Discovery Request procedure (and in this regard, it should be noted that DDNMF can be used for open ProSe Direct Discovery to allocate and process the mapping of ProSe Applications IDs and ProSe Application Codes used in ProSe Direct Discovery). In similar fashion, in such example

embodiments, the NAN-capable device may follow the 3GPP specification on how to apply a discovery filter and Application Mask in using it. In some example embodiments, if the ProSe function is made aware of the technology (or technologies) to be used for discovery and communication, the ProSe function can adapt the identities to better match the technology in question (e.g., by using a NAN identifier rather than a D2D identifier).

In operation 310 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, or the like, for causing transmission of a ProSe proximity request. In this regard, the ProSe proximity request may in some embodiments include a parameter identifying a predetermined range to monitor. As with the ProSe discovery request, in some embodiments contemplated herein, the ProSe proximity request performed in operation 3 0 may include an indication that the apparatus 100 supports NAN radio communication. In such embodiments, the parameter identifying the predetermined range can be based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication (rather than with D2D radio communication, for instance).

In operation 312 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for receiving a proximity indication message indicating that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range. Given the knowledge that a second mobile device is within range, the apparatus 100 may initiate communication with the second mobile device.

In an alternative embodiment of operation 312, the proximity indication message may indicate an estimated likelihood that one or more other devices are within the predetermined range of the apparatus 100 based on the identified location of the apparatus 100. In this latter embodiment, network assistance may then be provided for selectively initiating discovery procedures based on the location of the UE or a venue/premise within which the UE is detected to be. While it may not be possible to specify an exact location of the apparatus 100 or of other devices, knowledge of a general region within which the apparatus 100 is located may be utilized predictively to estimate whether other devices are likely to be nearby, and thus whether it would make sense to initiate a discovery procedure. For instance, one may assume that, in certain locations (e.g., shopping malls conference halls, public transportation terminals, or the like), the number and density of users and UEs is so high that discovery procedures are expected to be successful. This approach is more feasible for discovery of services in devices from different operators. Operations Performed by a Network Device

Having described example operations performed by a mobile device to implement NAN in a 3GPP ProSe environment, the complementary operations performed by a network device are discussed below. Turning to Figure 4, a flowchart is illustrated that contains a series of operations performed by a network element for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum. The operations illustrated in Figure 4 may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of apparatus 100, and more particularly through the use of one or more of processor 102, memory 104, and/or communication interface 106 or user interface 108.

In operation 402 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for receiving a ProSe discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication. In this regard, as noted previously, the ProSe discovery request may utilize DPF, DDNMF, or EDF.

In operation 404 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, or the like, for retrieving, from a HSS, ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device. In this regard, the ProSe function can query the subscription information of the mobile device in the HSS over a PC4a interface to check whether all or only a limited set of proximity technologies are allowed by the subscription.

In operation 406 the apparatus 00 includes means, such as processor 102, or the like, for generating an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information. In this regard, the authorization decision may indicate whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN. In some embodiments, operation 406 may include identifying, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN. In such embodiments, the authorization decision may further indicate the set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

In operation 408 the apparatus 100 may include means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for causing transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

Optionally, in operation 410 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for receiving a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device. The ProSe proximity request may in some embodiments include a parameter identifying a predetermined range. The procedure may then advance to optional operations 412 and 414.

In optional operation 412 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, or the like, for, generating a proximity indication message indicating that the second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device in response to determining that a second apparatus is within the predetermined range of the mobile device. In similar fashion to the previous discussion of operation 312 of Figure 3, in an alternative embodiment of operation 412, the proximity indication message may indicate an estimated likelihood that one or more other devices are within the predetermined range of the apparatus 100 based on the identified location of the apparatus 100. In this alternative embodiment, knowledge of the general region within which the mobile device is located may be utilized by the apparatus 100 to predictively estimate whether other devices are likely to be nearby, and thus whether it would make sense to initiate a discovery procedure. Accordingly, in this alternative embodiment, the proximity indication message may indicate a likelihood that one or more other devices are within the predetermined range of the apparatus 100, rather than indicating that one or more other devices have conclusively been identified within the predetermined range.

In optional operation 414 the apparatus 100 includes means, such as processor 102, communication interface 106, or the like, for causing transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

Optionally, in operation 416 the apparatus 100 may include means, such as processor 102, memory 104, communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for determining a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device. As noted previously, the ProSe function can query the subscription information of the mobile device in the HSS over a PC4a interface to check whether all or only a limited set of proximity technologies are allowed by the subscription. This approach enables a Mobile Network Operator to charge the end user based on the type of proximity radio used. For instance, the LTE D2D radio consumes PLMN resources over the licensed spectrum, while the NAN radio only consumes radio resources in an unlicensed spectrum. As such, pricing plans can reflect a difference between LTE D2D charges and NAN charges based on this differential in utilization of proprietary resources.

In an instance in which a charge is determined, the procedure advances to optional operation 418, in which the apparatus 100 may include means, such as processor 102, memory 104, communication interface 106, user interface 108, or the like, for causing the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device. As described above, example embodiments provide a mechanism for integrating a readily available proximity technology that is using the unlicensed spectrum into the 3GPP Proximity Services framework. In this regard, the above procedures illustrate a light weight approach usable by a 3GPP operator to offer proximity based services without the need to deploy the ProSe RAN functions. Instead, the deployment of the HPLMN Prose Function in the Core Network is sufficient for the service realization.

Accordingly, a device equipped with WFA NAN can benefit from the 3GPP ProSe system specification without the need to implement the 3GPP D2D radio aspects. The benefit includes the abilities to perform authentication, authorization and charging, and additionally includes the roaming support enabled by the 3GPP ProSe specification.

Furthermore, a device equipped with WFA NAN can also benefit from the location-service client functionality of the 3GPP system through the already-specified Proximity Request procedure in the ProSe Function of the system, thus significantly reducing battery consumption of the device. Finally, as described above, example embodiments provide the ability to spread and monetize NAN technology, and lay the foundation for future development of additional use cases for it.

As described above, Figures 3 and 4 illustrate flowcharts describing the operation of an apparatus, method, and computer program product according to example embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each flowchart block, and combinations of flowchart blocks, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory 104 of an apparatus 100 employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 102 of the apparatus 100. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

The flowchart blocks support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more flowchart blocks, and combinations of flowchart blocks, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which preform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, some of the operations above may be modified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional optional operations may be included. Modifications, amplifications, or additions to the operations above may be performed in any order and in any combination.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment, the method

comprising:

causing, by a communications interface of a mobile device, transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN);

receiving, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN; and

in an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, initiating, by the mobile device, proximity-based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication.

3. The method of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum comprises one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ProSe discovery request utilizes a direct provisioning function (DPF), a direct discovery name management function (DDNMF), or an evolved packet core (EPC)-level discovery ProSe function (EDF).

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in an instance in which the authorization decision from the PLMN indicates that the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the authorization decision from the PLMN further indicates a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

6. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

causing transmission, by the communications interface, of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

receiving a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes an indication that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein parameter identifying the predetermined range is based on a range class associated with NAN radio communication.

10. An apparatus for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause transmission of a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request to a public land mobile network (PLMN);

receive, in response to transmission of the ProSe discovery request, an authorization decision from the PLMN, the authorization decision indicating whether the apparatus is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN; and

in an instance in which the authorization decision indicates that the apparatus is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, initiate proximity-based communication over an unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the apparatus supports NAN radio communication.

12. The apparatus of either of claims 10 or 1 1 , wherein the proximity-based communication over the unlicensed portion of wireless spectrum comprises one or more neighbor awareness network (NAN) radio announcements.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the ProSe discovery request utilizes a direct provisioning function (DPF), a direct discovery name

management function (DDNMF), or an evolved packet core (EPC)-level discovery ProSe function (EDF).

14. The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein, in an instance in which the authorization decision from the PLMN indicates that the apparatus is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN, the authorization decision from the PLMN further indicates a set of proximity-based communication technologies that the apparatus is authorized to use within the PLMN.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

cause transmission, by the communications interface, of a ProSe proximity request, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes indication that the apparatus supports NAN radio communication.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein parameter identifying the

predetermined range is based on a range class associated with NAN radio

communication.

19. A computer program product for conducting peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum in a network-controlled environment comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions that, when executed, cause an apparatus to perform the steps of any of claims 1 to 9.

20. A method for implementing network control of peer-to-peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum, the method comprising:

receiving a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication;

retrieving, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device,

generating an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN; and causing transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

21 . The method of claim 20, wherein the ProSe discovery request utilizes a direct provisioning function (DPF), a direct discovery name management function (DDNMF), or an evolved packet core (EPC)-level discovery ProSe function (EDF).

22. The method of either of claims 20 or 21 , further comprising:

identifying, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN,

wherein the authorization decision further indicates the set of proximity- based communication technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN.

23. The method of any of claims 20 to 22, further comprising:

receiving a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range; and in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device,

generating a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the

predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and causing transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

24. The method of any of claims 20 to 23, further comprising:

determining a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device; and

causing the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device.

25. A apparatus for implementing network control of peer-to-peer

communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive a proximity-based service (ProSe) discovery request from a mobile device, wherein the ProSe discovery request includes a parameter indicating that the mobile device supports NAN radio communication;

retrieve, from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), ProSe subscription information from a profile associated with the mobile device,

generate an authorization decision based on the retrieved ProSe subscription information, the authorization decision indicating whether the mobile device is authorized to use proximity-based communication technology within the PLMN; and cause transmission of the authorization decision to the mobile device.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the ProSe discovery request utilizes direct provisioning function (DPF), a direct discovery name management function (DDNMF), or an evolved packet core (EPC)-level discovery ProSe function (EDF).

27. The apparatus of either of claims 25 or 26, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

identify, based on the ProSe subscription information, a set of proximity technologies that the mobile device is authorized to use within the PLMN,

28. The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive a ProSe proximity request from the mobile device, wherein the ProSe proximity request includes a parameter identifying a predetermined range; and in response to determining that a second mobile device is within the predetermined range of the mobile device,

generate a proximity indication message, wherein the proximity indication message indicates either that a second mobile device is within the

predetermined range or that one or more mobile devices are likely to be within the predetermined range, and

cause transmission, to the mobile device, of the generated proximity indication message.

29. The apparatus of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

determine a charge to apply based on a type of proximity-based communication used by the mobile device; and

cause the charge to be applied to an account associated with the mobile device.

30. A computer program product for implementing network control of peer-to- peer communication over unlicensed portions of wireless spectrum, the computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions that, when executed, cause an apparatus to perform the steps of any of claims 20 to 24.