BR112016021467B1 - SIGNALING FLOWS AND BUFFER SITUATION REPORTING FOR A GROUP IN DEVICE-TO-DEVICE BROADCAST COMMUNICATION - Google Patents

Abstract

SIGNALING FLOWS AND TEMPORARY STORAGE SITUATION REPORTING FOR A GROUP IN DEVICE-TO-DEVICE BROADCAST COMMUNICATION. These are methods, systems, and devices for wireless device-to-device (D2D) communication. A device can transmit an initiation message to a base station that indicates that the device wants to initiate a D2D communication session. The device can then receive a response from the base station that includes parameters for configuring the D2D session. When it has data to send to another device, the device can transmit the temporary storage status report (BSR) to the base station. The base station may respond with a D2D scheduling assignment (SA) grant configured according to the previously sent parameters. For example, the message can be encrypted with a D2D temporary identity string. In some cases, the device may transmit a group identification code (ID) to the base station, and the group ID may be associated with an index, so that an SA for that group may be referred to by index.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES

[0001] The present Patent Application claims priority for the Patent Application in the U.S. 14/608,819 by Baghel et al., entitled “Signaling Flows and Buffer Status Report for a Group In Device-To-Device Broadcast Communication”, filed in January 29, 2015, the Provisional Patent Application in the U.S. 61/955,150 by Baghel et al., entitled “Signaling Flows and Buffer Status Report for a Group In Device-To-Device Broadcast Communication”, filed March 18, 2014, and the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/038568 by Baghel et al., entitled “Signaling Flows and Buffer Status Report for a Group In Device-To-Device Broadcast Communication”, filed August 18, 2014; each of which is assigned to the assignee of the gift.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF REVELATION

[0002] The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to techniques for signaling streams and buffer status reporting to a group in device-to-device broadcast communication.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, message, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multi-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (eg time, frequency and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and frequency division multiple access systems. frequency orthogonal (OFDMA).

[0004] In general, a wireless multi-access communication system may include numerous base stations, each of which simultaneously supports communication to multiple mobile devices or other user equipment (UE) devices. Base stations can communicate with UEs on upstream and downstream links. Each base station has a range of coverage, which can be referred to as the cell coverage area. Device-to-device (D2D) communications involve direct wireless communications between UEs both within and beyond the coverage area of a base station. D2D communications can be facilitated by scheduling transmissions from a base station if the devices are within a coverage area. In some cases, D2D communications are used by public safety agents such as police, firefighters and rescue teams, for example.

[0005] In some cases, a device or group of devices can engage in D2D communications while within the service area of a base station network. In such cases, it may be appropriate for the device(s) that engage in a D2D communications session to coordinate wireless resources for the session with the base station. D2D communication sessions that are not coordinated with a base station may interfere with other transmissions in the area, and may require increased signaling between devices for synchronization and scheduling. In some cases, D2D devices that have not coordinated with a serving base station may experience interruptions in service that could interfere with a public safety operation.

SUMMARY

[0006] The characteristics described, in general, refer to one or more improved systems, methods and/or devices for wireless device-to-device (D2D) communication. A device can transmit an initiation message to a base station that indicates that the device wants to initiate a D2D communication session. The device can then receive a response from the base station that includes parameters for configuring the D2D session. When it has data to send to another device, the first device can transmit the buffer situation report (BSR) to the base station. The base station may respond with a D2D scheduling assignment (SA) grant configured according to the previously sent parameters. For example, the message can be scrambled with a D2D temporary identity string. In some cases, the device may transmit a group identification code (ID) to the base station, and the group ID may be associated with an index, so that an SA for that group may be referred to by index.

[0007] A wireless communication method is described which comprises transmitting a first message from a device to a first base station indicating that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, receiving a second message from the first base station comprising at least a D2D configuration parameter, transmitting a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session, and receiving a fourth message from the first base station which is transmitted according to the at least least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication is described, comprising means for transmitting a first message from a device to a first base station indicating that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, means for receiving a second message from the first base station comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter, means for transmitting a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session, and means for receiving a fourth message from the first base station which is transmitted according to at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0009] Also described is an apparatus for wireless communication comprising a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor and instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to transmit a first message from a device to a first base station indicating that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, receiving a second message from the first base station comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter, transmitting a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session and receive a fourth message from the first base station which is transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0010] A computer program product for wireless communication is also described, wherein the computer program product comprises non-transient computer-readable media that stores instructions executable by a processor to transmit a first message from a device to a first base station indicating that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, receiving a second message from the first base station comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter, transmitting a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session and receive a fourth message from the first base station which is transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0011] Some examples of the method, apparatus, and/or computer program product described above may further comprise transmitting a fifth message to the first base station that indicates that the device wishes to terminate the D2D communication session. Some examples may further comprise sending at least one group ID code to the first base station that identifies a set of one or more devices that engage in the D2D communication session.

[0012] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the third message further comprises the at least one group ID code. Some examples may further comprise mapping a set of group ID codes to a set of indices, where each group ID code is mapped to a different index.

[0013] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the fourth message comprises an index from the index set. Some examples may further comprise that the indication that there is data to transmit is a BSR.

[0014] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a group index associated with the group ID code for the communication session. The D2D communication session can be identified in the third message according to the group index

[0015] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D Radio Network Temporary Identity (RNTI). In some examples, receiving the fourth message comprises unscrambling the fourth message using the RNTI D2D.

[0016] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D semi-persistent programming (SPS) RNTI. Some examples may further comprise receiving a D2D SPS activation message and transmitting a D2D SPS activation acknowledgment.

[0017] In some examples of the method, apparatus, and/or computer program product described above, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D radio resource control (RRC) configuration parameter. Some examples may further comprise performing a handover from the first base station to a second base station, and continuing the D2D communication session while in a connected mode with the second base station, in which a configuration context for the D2D communication session has been transmitted. from the first base station to the second base station.

[0018] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the fourth message comprises a resource grant for a D2D SA or a D2D data transmission. In some examples, transmission of the first message is in response to a selection of a D2D communication mode on the device. In some examples, the first message comprises a group ID code. In some examples, each group ID code is mapped to a different index.

[0019] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the device may receive an alert message from the first base station or an MME comprising a group ID and/or an RNTI, where the alert message is an indication that the device can start receiving resource leases for D2D SAs and data transmissions. In some examples, the second message is received after the first base station has received authorization from an MME for the device to engage in D2D communications.

[0020] A wireless communication method is described, comprising receiving a first message from a first device at a base station, wherein the first message indicates that the first device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, transmitting a second message from the base station base station for the first device, wherein the second message comprises at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the D2D communication session, receiving a third message from the first device at the base station that indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session, and transmitting a fourth message from the base station to the first device in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0021] An apparatus for wireless communication is described, comprising means for receiving a first message from a first device at a base station, wherein the first message indicates that the first device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, means for transmitting a second message from the base station to the first device, the second message comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the D2D communication session, means for receiving a third message from the first device at the base station indicating that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session and means for transmitting a fourth message from the base station to the first device in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0022] An apparatus for wireless communication is described comprising a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor and instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to receive a first message from a first device at a station base station, wherein the first message indicates that the first device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, transmitting a second message from the base station to the first device, wherein the second message comprises at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the communication session D2D, receiving a third message from the first device at the base station that indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session, and transmitting a fourth message from the base station to the first device in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0023] A computer program product for wireless communication is described, wherein the computer program product comprises a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by a processor to receive a first message from a first device in a base station, wherein the first message indicates that the first device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session, transmitting a second message from the base station to the first device, wherein the second message comprises at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the D2D communication, receiving a third message from the first device at the base station that indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session, and transmitting a fourth message from the base station to the first device in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter.

[0024] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, the first message comprises at least one ID code that identifies a set of one or more devices that engage in the D2D communication session .

[0025] Some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above may further comprise identifying a group index associated with the group ID code for the communication session.

[0026] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, identifying the group index comprises assigning the group index to the group ID code for the D2D communication session. Assigning the group index to the group ID code for the D2D communication session can include arranging the group index within a set of group indexes for active D2D communication sessions according to a priority level associated with the Group ID.

[0027] In some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above, identifying the group index comprises receiving the group index in the first message.

[0028] Some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above may further comprise broadcasting, from the base station, the group index associated with the group ID code in a system information message .

[0029] Some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above may further comprise sending a D2D session request message to a subscription server for authorization for the D2D communication session and receiving service information D2D to the subscription server D2D communication session, where the D2D service information is based, at least in part, on a subscription profile of the first device. D2D service information may include any of a group index associated with the group ID code for the D2D communication session, group priority information associated with the group ID code, user priority information for devices associated with the group ID code or combinations thereof. Group priority information can include an Allocation Retention Priority (ARP) associated with the group ID code.

[0030] Some examples of the method, apparatus, and/or computer program product described above may further comprise determining a resource allocation for the D2D communication session based, at least in part, on group priority information. For example, the fourth message may include a first resource grant for the first D2D data transmissions of the D2D communication session, and the first resource grant may be based, at least in part, on the resource allocation determined for the D2D communication session. D2D communication.

[0031] Some examples of the method, apparatus and/or computer program product described above may further comprise receiving, at the base station, an indication from a second device associated with the group ID code that the second device has data for transmitting for the D2D communication session and transmitting, from the base station, a second resource grant to the second device for the second D2D data transmissions of the D2D communication session. The first and second resource grants are based, at least in part, on the respective user priority information associated with the first and second devices.

[0032] The further scope of applicability of the described methods and apparatus will become evident from the detailed description, claims and drawings below. The detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the description will become apparent to persons skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be realized in relation to the following drawings. In the accompanying Figures, similar components or features may have the same reference marking. Additionally, several components of the same type can be distinguished by following the reference marking through a dash and a second marking that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference tag is used in the descriptive report, the description is applicable to any of the similar components that have the same first reference tag, regardless of the second reference tag.

[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of a device-to-device (D2D) wireless communication system, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating a long-term evolution (LTE)/advanced LTE network architecture, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a signaling flow for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates group priority information that may be maintained for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a device for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a device for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a device for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a system for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a base station for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a base station for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a base station for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 14 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; It is

[0048] Figure 15 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The characteristics, in general, refer to one or more improved systems, methods and/or apparatus for device-to-device (D2D) wireless communications are described. A device (e.g. a user equipment (UE)) may transmit an initiation message to a base station that indicates that the UE wants to initiate a D2D communication session for a group associated with a group identification code (ID) . The UE may then receive a response from the base station that includes parameters for configuring the D2D session, which may include a group index for the D2D communication session and/or a temporary D2D identity string, in some examples. When it has data to send to another UE, the UE can transmit a buffer situation report (BSR) to the base station, which can use the group index to identify the D2D communication session. The base station may respond with a grant for a D2D scheduling assignment (SA) configured according to previously sent parameters. For example, the message can be scrambled with the D2D temporary identity string.

[0050] Features described include identifying group indexes for active D2D communication sessions. The group index can be assigned by the base station, received from a network entity or selected and transmitted by the UE initiating the D2D communication session. A base station may receive priority information for D2D communication sessions, which may include group priority information and/or UE priority information within the group.

[0051] These features can, in general, provide a means by which a device or group of devices can coordinate a D2D communications session with a serving base station. This can allow devices to engage in D2D communications, mitigate interference between D2D transmissions and network transmissions, and ensure public safety operations proceed with uninterrupted communications capability.

[0052] The techniques described in this document can be used for various wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may deploy a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases 0 and A are commonly referred to as CDMA2000 IX, IX, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as lxEV-DO of CDMA2000, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Broadband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system can deploy a radio technology such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can deploy radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM , etc. The UTRA and E-UTRA are parts of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). Long Term Evolution (LTE) of 3GPP and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) are UMTS releases using E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the “Third Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called “Third Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described in this document can be used for the above mentioned radio systems and technologies, as well as other radio systems and technologies. However, the description below describes an LTE system for example purposes, and LTE terminology is used throughout much of the description below, although the techniques apply beyond LTE applications.

[0053] Thus, the following description provides examples, and does not limit the scope, applicability or configuration set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Multiple examples can omit, replace, or add multiple procedures or components, as appropriate. For example, the methods described can be performed in a different order than described, and multiple steps can be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described in connection with certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a D2D wireless communications system 100, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The D2D wireless communications system 100 includes base stations 105, communication devices, also known as UEs 115, and a core network 130. Base stations 105 can communicate with UEs 115 under the control of a base station controller ( not shown), which may be part of the core network 130 or the base stations 105 in various examples. Base stations 105 may communicate control information and/or user data with the main network 130 via return traffic links 132. In the examples, base stations 105 may communicate, directly or indirectly, with each other via return traffic links 134, which may be wired or wireless communication links. The D2D 100 wireless communications system can support operation on multiple carriers (waveform signals of different frequencies). Wireless communication links 125 can be modulated according to various radio technologies. Each modulated signal can carry control information (eg reference signals, control channels, etc.), overload information, data, etc. Wireless communication links 120 may also be established between UEs 115-a in a configuration known as D2D communication.

[0055] The base stations 105 can communicate wirelessly with the UEs 115 through one or more base station antennas. Each of the base station sites 105 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic area 110. In some examples, the base stations 105 may be referred to as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), Home NodeB, Home eNodeB, or other appropriate terminology. The coverage area 110 for a base station can be divided into sectors that form only a portion of the coverage area (not shown). The D2D wireless communication system 100 may include base stations 105 of different types (e.g. macro, micro and/or pico base stations). There may be overlapping coverage areas for different technologies.

[0056] The D2D wireless communication system 100 can be a Heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of base stations provide coverage for various geographic regions. For example, each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a peak cell, a photocell, and/or other cell types. A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (for example, several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by devices with service subscriptions with the network provider. A peak cell would generally cover a relatively smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by devices with service subscriptions with the network provider. A photocell would also generally cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g. a home) and, in addition to unrestricted access, can also provide restricted access by devices that have an association with the photocell.

[0057] The core network 130 can communicate with the base stations 105 via return traffic 132 (eg, SI, etc.). Base stations 105 may also communicate with each other, for example, directly or indirectly via return traffic links 134 (e.g., X2, etc.) and/or via return traffic links 132 (e.g., via core network 130). Wireless communications system 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, base stations can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations can be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be time-aligned. The techniques described in this document can be used for synchronous or asynchronous operations.

[0058] The communication networks that can accommodate some of the various examples disclosed may be packet-based networks that operate according to a layered protocol stack. At the user plane, communications at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer or at the bearer can be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer can perform packet reassembly and segmentation to communicate over logical channels. A Media Access Control (MAC) layer can perform multiplexing and priority handling of logical channels on transport channels. The MAC layer can also use Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve the link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide for establishing, configuring and maintaining an RRC connection between a UE 115 and base stations 105 or core network 130 supporting radio carriers. radio to user data plan. At the Physical (PHY) layer, transport channels can be mapped to Physical channels.

[0059] The UEs 115 are dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each device can be stationary or mobile. A UE 115 can communicate with other UEs 115 using D2D communications. One or more of a group of devices utilizing D2D communications (eg, a first UE 115-a-1) may be within a coverage area 110-a of a cell (eg, base station 105-a). Other UEs (e.g., a second UE 115-a-2) in the group may be outside the coverage area 110-a of the cell or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station 105-a. Groups of UEs 115-a that communicate via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE 115-a transmits to every other UE 115-a in the group. In some cases, a base station 105-a facilitates resource programming for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are performed independently of a base station 105. In some cases, UEs 115-a engaged in D2D communications may be located relatively close together. In other circumstances, UEs 115-a may communicate with each other over long distances. In some cases, the UEs 115-a may be associated with a group ID code that can be used to identify and authenticate the UEs 115-a as part of a group. The group ID code can, for example, uniquely identify the group globally or within a provider network. In some cases, the group ID code is a 48-bit ID code, but group ID codes having more or less amount of bits can be used in some examples.

[0060] A UE 115 may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device wire, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a customer or some other suitable terminology. A UE 115 can be a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone , a wireless local loop station (WLL) or similar. A device may have the ability to communicate with macro-eNBs, pico-eNBs, femto-eNBs, relays, and the like.

[0061] The wireless communication links 125 shown in the system 100 may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE 115 to a base station 105, and/or downlink (DL) transmissions from a base station 105 to a UE 115 via DL carriers. Downlink transmissions can also be called forward link transmissions while uplink transmissions can also be called reverse link transmissions. The D2D wireless communication system 100 may also support D2D communication links 120, which may be communicated over the same carriers (e.g., DL, UL, etc.) as used by the wireless communication links 125 between base stations 105 and UEs ll5.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a diagram 200 illustrating an LTE/Advanced LTE network architecture, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The LTE/LTE-A network architecture may include a core network (so-called Evolved Packet System (EPS)). The EPS may include an Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 205 and an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 130-a, which support the provision of network access services to one or more UEs 115. The EPS can connect to multiple 280 Packet Data Networks (PDNs), which can include the Internet, the Intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and a Packet Switched Streaming Service (PS) (PSS ). EPS can interconnect with other access networks, but for simplicity these entities/interfaces are not shown. As shown, EPS provides packet-switched services, however, as those skilled in the art will readily observe, the various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be extended to networks that provide circuit-switched services.

[0063] The E-UTRAN 205 may include eNBs 105, which may provide user and control plane protocol terminations for the UEs 115. The eNBs 105 may be connected to each other (e.g., via an X2 interface, etc. .). The eNBs 105 may provide an access point to the EPC 130-a for the UEs 115. The eNBs 105 may be connected by one or more interfaces (e.g., S1-C, S1-U, etc.) to the EPC 130- The. The EPC 130-a may include Mobility Management Entities (MMEs) 220, the Service Gateway (SGW) 240, the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 230, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway -GW) 250. The MME 220 may be the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs 115 and the EPC 130-a. In general, the MME 220 can provide connection and carrier management. The HSS 230 can store subscription information for the UEs 115 associated with the network. The HSS 230 can perform authentication and authorization for services provided to the UEs 115 over the network. All user IP packets can be transferred through the SGW 240, which in turn can be connected to the PDN-GW 250. The PDN-GW 250 can provide UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The PDN-GW 250 can be connected to one or more PDNs 280.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates a diagram of a signaling flow 300 for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the signaling flow 300, the UEs 115-b-1 and 115-b-2 can be part of a group 302 for D2D communications, which can be identified by a group ID code in a network (for example, the network LTE/LTE-A) which includes a base station 105-b, an MME 220-a and an HSS 230-a. UEs 115-b-1 and 115-b-2 may be examples of UEs 115 of Figure 1 or Figure 2, and base station 105-b may be an example of base stations 105 of Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0065] UE 115-b-1 may transmit a first message 305 (e.g., a D2D Initiation Message as illustrated) to base station 105-b that indicates that UE 115-b-1 wishes to initiate a session D2D communication for group 302. In one example, the first 305 message could be an RRC message that indicates a request to start a D2D communication session. In some examples, transmission of the first message 305 may be in response to selection of a D2D communication mode at UE 115-b.

[0066] In some cases, the first message 305 may include a group ID code for the group of devices 302 that will be engaged in D2D communications for the D2D communication session. In some cases, more than one group ID code will be sent. Group ID codes can be used to identify which D2D group is the subject of future D2D messages for the D2D communication session. For example, a public safety team might associate each device that is used by a member of the team with a predefined group ID.

[0067] The base station 105-b may exchange messages 310 to authenticate and authorize the D2D communication session. For example, base station 105-b may send a D2D session request message to MME 220-a and/or HSS 230-a. The D2D session request message may include, for example, an ID (eg International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) etc.) of the UE and/or the group ID code. The MME 220-a can exchange messages with the HSS, which can determine whether the UE 115-b-1 is authorized to initiate the D2D communication session for the group 302. The base station 105-b can receive D2D service information for the D2D communication session (e.g. in a D2D authorization message) from the MME 220-a and/or the HSS 230-a which indicate that the D2D communication session is authenticated and authorized. The D2D service information may be determined by the MME 220-a and/or the HSS 230-a based, at least in part, on a signature profile from the UE 115-b-1.

[0068] In some examples, group 302 may be associated with priority information (eg, allocation retention priority (ARP), etc.). For example, the HSS 230-a may maintain a data store of priority information relating to each group ID and/or UE 115. Figure 4 illustrates D2D priority information 400 which may be maintained in the HSS 230-a accordingly. with various aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 4, the HSS 230-a may store information associated with each group and each subscriber of UE 115. For a group 410-a, the HSS 230-a may store group priority information 420-a and/or UE priority information 430-a. Group priority information 420-a may relate to the group ID code's priority over other group ID codes. UE priority information 430-a may relate to the priority of UEs within the group. For example, for first responders, the captain or other management or control entity may have a higher priority within a D2D group. HSS 230-a can store group priority information and additional UE priority information for additional groups 410-b, 410-n, etc. The D2D service information may include group priority information associated with the group ID code, UE priority information for UEs within the group, the group ID code and/or a group index for the D2D communication session .

[0069] Referring again to Figure 3, the base station 105-b may identify a group index 315 for the D2D communication session in block 315. The group index 315 may be an index that has fewer bits than the codes of group ID used to identify groups globally or within a provider network. For example, the group index can be 4, 8, 12 or 16 bits while the group ID codes can generally be 48 bits or longer. Thus, the group index can be used in the message such as layer signaling (e.g., MAC control elements, etc.) where the group ID code length can result in loss of efficiency in the porting of other communication elements. control or packet data.

[0070] In some examples, base station 105-b may assign group index 315 to the D2D communication session. For example, the base station 105-b may maintain a set of group indexes and may assign the group ID code to a currently unused group index 315 for the D2D communication session upon receipt of the first message 305. base station 105-b may arrange the group index 315 assigned to the group ID code within the group index set based on the group priority information.

[0071] In other examples, the base station 105b may identify the group index 315 based on the network message 310 for authentication and authorization of the D2D communication session. For example, the group index can be statistically or semi-statistically assigned to the group ID code in the HSS and the HSS 230-a can provide the group index 315 in the D2D authorization message to the base station 105-b.

[0072] In yet other examples, UE 115-b-1 that initiates the D2D communication session may select a group index for the communication session and may send the group index to base station 105-b in the first message . For example, UE 115-b-1 may determine the group index based on a pseudo-random function of the group ID code and/or other parameters such as system frame number (SFN), UE ID (e.g. , IMSI, etc.) and the like.

[0073] Base station 105-b may send a second message 320 (e.g., a D2D configuration response) to UE 115-b-1 that includes at least one D2D configuration parameter for the D2D communication session. The at least one D2D configuration parameter may include the assigned group index 315, a D2D radio network temporary identity (RNTI) for the D2D communication session, and the like. In some examples, the D2D configuration parameter includes a D2D semi-persistent programming (SPS) RNTI. Second message 320 may also include other RRC configuration parameters.

[0074] In some cases, the base station 105-b may transmit information related to the D2D communication session to other devices in the group. For example, base station 105-b may broadcast system information messages (eg, a system information block (SIB), etc.) 325 that include the group index 315 assigned to the D2D communication session.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, base station 105-b may send alert messages 325 to other UEs 115 in the group such as UE 115-b-2. The 325 alert messages may contain the group and/or RNTI index that indicates which devices in that group can receive resources for programming and D2D transmission. In some examples, other base stations 105 may also transmit information related to the D2D communication session to other devices in the group. For example, group indexes can be assigned to a tracking area, and other base stations 105 within the tracking area can broadcast information related to the D2D communication session.

[0076] UE 115-b-1 may then transmit a third message 330 (e.g., a D2D BSR) to base station 105-a. The third message 330 may indicate that the UE 115-b-1 has data to transmit for the D2D communication session. In some cases, the group ID code can be used to identify the group that UE 115-b-1 requests resources from. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115-b-1 can use the group index 315 associated with the group ID code to identify the group in the third message 330. For example, a BSR D2D can be transmitted in the third message as an element of MAC control in the third message 330. The D2D BSR may include one or more bytes that include the group index 315, a buffer size value, and/or a logical channel group ID (LCG ID) field that identifies a group of logical channels for which the buffer situation is reported. In some examples, the group index 315 can be eight bits, the LCG ID can be two bits, and the buffer size value can be six bits. In other examples, the 315 group index and/or buffer size value can be bits plus or minus and the LCG ID field can be omitted. Thus, a MAC control element for the D2D BSR can be one or more bytes long, and can be identified by a predetermined value in a logical channel ID (LCID) field in a MAC header.

[0077] Base station 105-b may transmit a fourth message 335 (e.g., a grant for a D2D SA) to UE 115-b-1 to allocate resources for the D2D communication session. The fourth message 335 may be transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. For example, the fourth message 335 can be scrambled with the RNTI D2D. Thus, receiving the fourth message 335 at the UE 115-b-1 may include decoding the fourth message 335 using the RNTI D2D. The fourth message 335 may include a D2D SA, or a resource grant where the D2D SA is transmitted (eg, using MAC control signaling or RRC signaling, etc.). The D2D SA can be a D2D SPS wakeup message. In this case, UE 115-b-1 may respond by sending a D2D SPS activation acknowledgement.

[0078] In some cases, the amount of resources allocated for the communication session can be determined by the base station 105-b based on the priority information of the group 302. For example, when multiple groups request resources, the priority information received of HSS 230-a can be used to determine relative resource allocations.

[0079] UE 115-b-1 may then send D2D data transmissions 340 via the resources assigned to the D2D communication session. D2D data transmissions 340 may be received by other UEs 115 in the group, such as UE 115-b-2.

[0080] In some cases, other UEs 115 of group 302 such as UE 115-b-2 may have D2D data to send to the group. UE 115-b-2 may send a message 345 that includes a D2D BSR to base station 105-b. Base station 105-b may send a message 350 that includes a D2D SA to UE 115-b-2 that allocates resources to UE 115-b-2 for the D2D communication session. In some cases, resource allocations to UE 115-b-1 and UE 115-b-2 for the D2D communication session may depend on UE priority information received from the HSS 230-a. For example, base station 105-b may determine resource allocations for communications for UEs 115-b-1 and 115-b-2 based on group priority and the relative priorities of the UEs within group 302. The UE 115-b-2 may then transmit D2D data streams 355 over the resources allocated for the D2D communication session. D2D data transmissions 355 may be received by other UEs 115 in the group such as UE 115-b-1.

[0081] In some cases, the UE 115-b-1 may transmit a fifth message 360 (e.g., a D2D Termination Message) to the base station 105-b that indicates that the UE wishes to terminate the D2D communication session. In other cases, UE 115-b-1 may perform a handover from base station 105-b to a second base station 105 (not shown). The UE 115-b-1 can continue the D2D communication session while in a connected mode with the second base station 105. The base station 105-b can send RRC context information for the D2D communication session to the second base station 105 to ensure the D2D session can continue without interruption or interference.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a block diagram 500 of a UE 115-c for D2D wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. UE 115-c may be an example of one or more aspects of a UE 115 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. UE 115-c may include a receiver 505, a D2D configuration module 510, and/or a transmitter 515 The UE 115 may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other.

[0083] The components of the UE 115 may, individually or collectively, be implemented with one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform all or part of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, functions may be performed by one or more processing units (or cores) on one or more integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (eg, structured/platform ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs, and other semi-custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embedded in memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors.

[0084] Receiver 505 may receive information such as packets, user data, and/or control information associated with various information channels (eg, control channels, data channels, etc.). Information may be passed to D2D configuration module 510, and to other components of UE 115-c.

[0085] The D2D configuration module 510 can be configured to transmit a first message from a device to a first base station that indicates that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session. D2D configuration module 510 may also be configured to receive a second message from the first base station comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter. D2D configuration module 510 may also be configured to transmit a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session. D2D configuration module 510 may also be configured to receive a fourth message from the first base station that is transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. The D2D Configuration Module can be configured to transmit and receive D2D Configuration messages in coordination with the Receiver 505 and Transmitter 515.

[0086] Transmitter 515 may transmit the one or more signals received from other components of UE 115-c. In some examples, transmitter 515 may be co-located with receiver 505 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 515 can include a single antenna, or it can include a plurality of antennas.

[0087] Figure 6 shows a block diagram 600 of a UE 115-d for wireless communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. UE 115-d may be an example of one or more aspects of UEs 115 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. UE 115-d may include a receiver 505-a, a D2D configuration module 510-a, and/or a transmitter 515-a. UE 115-d may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other. The D2D Configuration Module 510-a may also include an Initiation Module 605, a Configuration Parameter Module 610, and a BSR Module 615.

[0088] The UE 115-d components may, individually or collectively, be deployed with one or more ASICs adapted to perform all or part of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, functions may be performed by one or more processing units (or cores) on one or more integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (eg, structured/platform ASICs, FPGAs, and other semi-custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embedded in memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors.

[0089] The receiver 505-a can receive information that can be passed to the D2D configuration module 510-a, and to other components of the UE 115-d. D2D configuration module 510-a can be configured to perform the operations described above with reference to Figure 3. Transmitter 515-a can transmit the one or more signals received from other components of UE 115-d.

[0090] Initiation module 605 may be configured to transmit a first message from a device to a first base station that indicates that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session. In some examples, the first message comprises a group ID code. In one example, the first message might be a radio resource control (RRC) message. In some examples, transmission of the first message may be in response to selection of a D2D communication mode at UE 115-d.

[0091] The configuration parameter module 610 can be configured to receive a second message from the first base station that comprises at least one D2D configuration parameter. In some examples, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D RNTI. In some examples, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D SPS RNTI. In other examples, the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a D2D RRC configuration parameter. Configuration parameter module 610 may also be configured to receive an alert message from the first base station or an MME comprising a group ID and/or an RNTI, wherein the alert message is an indication that the UE 115- d can start taking resource leases for D2D SAs and data streams.

[0092] The BSR module 615 can be configured to transmit a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session. In some examples, the third message additionally comprises the at least one group ID code. In some examples, the indication that there is data to transmit is a BSR.

[0093] The descrambling module 620 may be configured to descramble a fourth message received from the first base station. In some examples, the fourth message may be scrambled with a D2D RNTI. In such cases, the fourth received message can be descrambled using the RNTI D2D. The use of the D2D RNTI to scramble the message can indicate to device 115 that the message contains a grant of resources for a D2D SA and/or a D2D data transmission.

[0094] Figure 7 shows a block diagram 700 of a D2D configuration module 510-b for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. D2D configuration module 510-b may be an example of one or more aspects of a D2D configuration module 510 described with reference to Figure 5 or Figure 6. The D2D configuration module 510-b may include an initiation module 605-a, a configuration parameter module 610-a, a BSR module 615-a, and a descrambling module 620-a. Each of these modules can perform the functions described above with reference to Figure 6. The 510-b D2D Configuration module can also include a 705 termination module, a 710 Group ID module, and a 715 SPS enablement module.

[0095] The D2D 510-b configuration module components may, individually or collectively, be deployed with one or more ASICs adapted to perform all or part of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, functions may be performed by one or more processing units (or cores) on one or more integrated circuits. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (eg, structured/platform ASICs, FPGAs, and other semi-custom ICs), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embedded in memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors.

[0096] Termination module 705 can be configured to transmit a fifth message to the first base station that indicates that the device wishes to initiate the D2D communication session. In some cases, this may be in response to a user making a selection on device 115 to end the D2D session.

[0097] Group ID module 710 may be configured to send at least one group ID code to the first base station that identifies a set of one or more devices that engage in the D2D communication session. Group ID module 710 can be configured to map a set of group ID codes to a set of indices, where each group ID code maps to a different index. In some examples, each group ID code is mapped to a different index. In some cases, one or more group ID codes may be sent with the first initiation message. In other cases, the one or more group ID codes may be sent with a BSR.

[0098] The 715 SPS activation module can be configured to receive an SPS D2D activation message. A D2D SPS activation message can be an indication that a set of resources can be available for D2D transmissions for a period of time that lasts for a number of subframes or frames. After this period of time, the resource lease may expire or be automatically disabled. In some cases, the UE 115 may also receive a D2D SPS disable message. Upon receiving the SPS D2D activation message, the SPS 715 activation module can be configured to transmit an SPS D2D activation acknowledgment.

[0099] Figure 8 shows a diagram of a system 800 for wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. System 800 may include a UE 115-e, which may be an example of a UE 115 with reference to Figures 1 to 3. UE 115-e may, in general, include components for bidirectional voice and data communications that include components for transmitting communications and components for receiving communications. The UE 115-e may also be engaged in wireless communication with a base station 105-c which may be an example of a base station 105 with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and/or a different UE 115-f which may be a an example of a UE 115 with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The UE 115-e may also include a D2D configuration module 810 which may be an example of a D2D configuration module 510 with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0100] The UE 115-e may include antenna(s) 840, a transceiver module 835, a processor module 805, and memory 815 (which includes software (SW) 820), which can each communicate, directly or indirectly, with each other (for example, via one or more 845 buses). Transceiver module 835 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally, via antenna(s) 840 and/or one or more wired or wireless links, with one or more networks, as described above. For example, transceiver module 835 can be configured to communicate bidirectionally with a base station 105. Transceiver module 835 can include a modem configured to modulate packets and deliver the modulated packets to antenna(s) 840 for transmitting, and for demodulating packets received from antenna(s) 840. While UE 115-e may include a single antenna 840, UE 115 may also have multiple antennas 840 capable of concurrently transmitting and/or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Transceiver module 835 may also be capable of concurrently communicating with one or more base stations 105.

[0101] Memory 815 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 815 can store computer-readable, executable software/firmware code 820 that contains instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause processor module 805 to perform various functions described herein (e.g., initiating D2D communication, transmit D2D BSRs, receive D2D SAs, terminate D2D communication sessions, etc.). Alternatively, software/firmware code 820 may not be directly executable by processor module 805, but configured to cause a computer (eg, when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. Processor module 805 may include an intelligent hardware device, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, and the like.

[0102] An 825 mode selection module can be configured to determine whether a user has selected a D2D communications mode. This may be in response to a user interaction with an application on the UE 115-e. Mode selection module 825 can also be configured to determine whether a user has selected to end a D2D communications session. In that case, the selection may be an indication to send a D2D session termination message to base station 105-c.

[0103] A handover module 830 can be configured to conduct handovers from one base station 105 to another base station 105. In some cases, a handover can occur while UE 115-e is engaged in a D2D communications session. In this case, the handover may involve the source base station communicating the D2D RRC context and/or other information related to the active D2D session to the target base station.

[0104] Figure 9 shows a block diagram 900 of a base station 105-d for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Base station 105-d may be an example of one or more aspects of base stations 105 described with respect to Figures 1 to 3. Base station 105-d may include a base station transceiver 905, a D2D communications management module 910 and/or a base station network interface 915. Base station 105-d may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components can be in communication with each other.

[0105] The base station transceiver module 905 can be used to transmit and receive various types of data and/or control signals (i.e., transmissions) over one or more communication links of a wireless communication system, such as the wireless communication systems 100 and/or 200 described with respect to Figure 1 and/or Figure 2. In some examples, base station transceiver module 905 may be operable to communicate messages with UEs 115 related to initialization and request facilities for D2D communication sessions such as D2D initialization messages, D2D configuration response messages, BSR messages, D2D SA messages, D2D session termination messages, and the like. Base station transceiver module 905 may pass information related to UE messages for D2D communication sessions to D2D communications management module 910.

[0106] The base station network interface 915 can be operable to send and receive network messages related to D2D communication sessions such as messages from an MME and/or an HSS related to authentication and/or authorization messages for sessions D2D as described above. Base station network interface 915 may pass information related to communicated D2D network messages (e.g., D2D authentication and authorization information, etc.) to D2D communications management module 910.

[0107] The D2D communications management module 910 can receive information related to D2D communication sessions from the base station transceiver module 905 and the base station network interface 915. The D2D communications management module 910 can perform operations for management of D2D communication sessions such as identifying group indexes for D2D communication sessions for groups (e.g. where each group is associated with a group ID code, etc.), broadcasting (e.g. via base station 905) D2D communication session information, paging UEs associated with active groups, determining resource allocations for D2D communication sessions, and for transmitting UEs within D2D communication sessions based on priority information, and the like. D2D communications management module 910 may send (e.g., via base station transceiver 905) resource grants (e.g., D2D SA, etc.) to UEs requesting resources for D2D communications sessions.

[0108] Figure 10 shows a block diagram 1000 of a base station 105-e for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Base station 105-e can be an example of one or more aspects of base stations 105 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 9. Base station 105-e can include a base station transceiver 905-a, a D2D communications management 910-a and/or a base station network interface 915-a. Base station 105-e may also include a processor (not shown). Each of these components can be in communication with each other.

[0109] The base station transceiver 905-a and the base station network interface 915-a can perform the features and functions described above with reference to the base station transceiver 905 and the base station network interface 915 of Figure 9.

[0110] The D2D 910-a communications management module can perform the features and functions described above with reference to the D2D 910 communications management module in Figure 9. The D2D 910-a communications management module can include a group index identification 1005, a D2D authentication manager 1010, a D2D priority manager 1015 and a D2D group information module 1020. Each of these components may be in communication with each other.

[0111] Group index identification module 1005 can identify group indexes for D2D communication sessions for groups (eg where each group is associated with a group ID code, etc.). In some examples, group index identification module 1005 may assign group indexes to D2D communication sessions. For example, the group index identification module 1005 may maintain a set of group indexes and may, upon receipt of a request from a UE 115 to initiate a D2D communication session associated with a group ID code, assign a currently unused group index for the D2D communication session. In other examples, the group index identification module 1005 can identify the group index based on an exchanged network message (e.g., via base station network interface 915-a) for authentication and authorization of the communication session. D2D. For example, group indexes can be statistically or semi-statistically assigned to group ID codes in the HSS, and the HSS can provide a group index for a D2D communication session in a D2D authorization message associated with the D2D communication session. In yet other examples, the group index identification module 1005 can identify the group index in a message from the UE 115 initiating the D2D communication session.

[0112] The D2D Authentication Manager 1010 may exchange messages (eg with an MME and/or an HSS, etc.) to authenticate and authorize D2D communication sessions as described above. In some examples, authentication and/or authorization messages from an MME and/or an HSS may include priority information (e.g., ARP information, etc.) of groups and UEs 115.

[0113] The D2D priority manager 1015 can manage resource allocation for D2D communication sessions based on priority information (eg, from D2D authentication manager 1010) of groups associated with the communication sessions. In some examples, the D2D priority manager 1015 can manage resource allocations for UEs 115 requesting resources for D2D communication sessions (e.g., via D2D BSR messages, etc.) based on group priority and on priority relative of the request UE 115 within the group.

[0114] The D2D group information module 1020 can manage the distribution of information related to active D2D communication sessions. For example, D2D group information module 1020 can broadcast system information messages (eg, SIB, etc.) that include the group indices assigned to the active D2D communication session. Additionally or alternatively, the D2D group information module 1020 can send alert messages (e.g., via base station transceiver 905-a) to other UEs 115 associated with groups that have active D2D communication sessions.

[0115] Figure 11 shows a block diagram 1100 of a base station 105-f (e.g., a base station forming part or all of an eNB) for supporting wireless D2D communication, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure . In some examples, base station 105-f can be an example of aspects of one or more of the base stations 105 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 9 and/or 10. Base station 105-f can be configured to deploy or facilitate at least part of the base station and/or apparatus features and functions described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, 9 and 10.

[0116] The base station 105-f may include a base station processor module 1110, a base station memory module 1120 (which includes software/firmware 1125), at least one or more base station transceiver modules (depicted by base station transceiver module(s) 1150), at least one or more base station antennas (represented by base station antenna(s) 1155), and/or a D2D communications management module 910-b. Base station 105-f also includes one or more of a base station communications module 1130 and/or a network communications module 1140. Each of these modules may be in communication with each other directly or indirectly via one or more more buses 1135.

[0117] The D2D 910-b communications management module can be configured to perform and/or control all or part of the characteristics and/or functions described above in reference to Figures 1-5, 9 and 10 related to incoming messages UEs to initiate D2D communication sessions, exchange messages with network entities (e.g. MME, HSS, etc.) related to authorization, authentication and/or priority information for D2D communication sessions, identify group indexes associated with D2D communication sessions D2D communication (e.g. based on group ID code, etc.), manage resource allocations for D2D communication sessions according to group and/or UE priorities, and manage distribution of information related to communication sessions active D2D. In some examples, D2D Communications Management Module 910-b may be part of software/firmware code 1125 and may include instructions that are configured to cause Base Station Processor Module 1110 to perform various functions described herein. . The D2D Communications Management Module 910-b may be an example of the D2D Communications Management Modules 1015 described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0118] Base station memory module 1120 may include RAM and/or ROM. Base station memory module 1120 may store computer readable executable software/firmware code 1125 that contains instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause base station processor module 1110 to perform various functions described herein. document. Alternatively, executable, computer-readable software/firmware code 1125 may not be directly executable by base station processor module 1110, but be configured to cause base station processor module 1110 (e.g., when compiled and executed) perform many of the functions described in this document.

[0119] The base station processor module 1110 may include an intelligent hardware device, for example, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. Base Station Processor Module 1110 may process information received via Base Station Transceiver Module(s) 1150, Base Station Communications Module 1130, and/or Network Communications Module 1140. base station processor 1110 may also process information to be sent to base station communications module 1130 for transmission to one or more other base stations 105-m and 105-n and/or to network communications module 1140, for transmission to a core network 130-b, which may be an example of one or more aspects of core networks 130 described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0120] The base station transceiver module(s) 1150 may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the base station antenna(s) 1155 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from base station antenna(s) 1155. Base station transceiver modules 1150 may, in some examples, be deployed as one or more base station transmitter modules and one or more separate base station receiver modules. Base station transceiver module(s) 1150 may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via antenna(s) 1155, with one or more UEs or handsets, such as one or more of the UEs 115 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 6 to 8. Base station 105-f may, for example, include multiple base station antennas 1155 (e.g., an array of antennas).

[0121] Figure 12 shows a flow chart 1200 illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Flowchart functions 1200 may be implemented by a UE (i.e., a device) 115 or components thereof, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In certain examples, flowchart blocks 1200 may be realized by a configuration module D2D 510, 810 with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0122] At block 1205, device 115 may transmit a first message from a device to a first base station that indicates that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session. In some examples, the first message comprises a group ID code. In one example, the first message could be an RRC message. In some examples, transmission of the first message may be in response to selection of a D2D communication mode in device 115. In certain examples, block functions 1205 may be implemented by initiating modules 605 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0123] At block 1210, device 115 may receive a second message from the first base station that comprises at least one D2D configuration parameter. The second message may include a D2D RNTI. In some examples, the D2D configuration parameter includes a D2D SPS RNTI. The second message can also include other RRC configuration parameters. In certain examples, block functions 12010 may be implemented by configuration parameter modules 610 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0124] At block 1215, device 115 may transmit a third message to the first base station, wherein the third message indicates that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session. The third message may indicate that device 115 has data to transmit for the D2D communication session. In some examples, the indication that there is data to transmit is a BSR for the D2D communication session. In some cases, the group ID code, a group index ID code, or both are transmitted with the third message. In certain examples, block functions 1215 may be performed by BSR module 615 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0125] At block 1220, device 115 may receive a fourth message from the first base station that is transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. For example, the fourth message can be scrambled with the RNTI D2D. In some examples, receiving the fourth message comprises unscrambling the fourth message using the RNTI D2D. The use of the D2D RNTI to scramble the message can indicate to device 115 that the message contains a grant of resources for a D2D SA and/or a D2D data transmission.

[0126] In certain examples, block functions 1220 can be performed by the descrambling module 620 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0127] It should be noted that the flowchart method 1200 is only one deployment and that the method operations and steps may be arranged or otherwise modified so that other deployments are possible.

[0128] Figure 13 shows a flow chart 1300 illustrating a method for wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Flowchart functions 1300 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In certain examples, flowchart blocks 1300 may be realized by a D2D configuration module 510, 810 with reference to the Figures 5 to 8. The method described in flowchart 1300 may also incorporate aspects of flowchart 1200 of Figure 12.

[0129] At block 1305, device 115 may transmit a first message from a device to a first base station that indicates that the device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session. In some cases, the first message may include a group ID code for a group of devices that will be engaged in D2D communications, but in other cases, the group ID code may be sent in the third message as indicated at block 1320, or in another message not indicated. In some cases, more than one group ID code will be sent. Group ID codes can be used to identify which D2D group is the subject of future D2D messages. For example, a public safety team might associate each device that is used by a member of the team with a predefined group ID. In certain examples, the functions of block 1305 may be performed by initiating module 605 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0130] At block 1310, device 115 may receive a second message from the first base station comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter. The second message may include a D2D RNTI. In some examples, the D2D configuration parameter includes a D2D SPS RNTI. The second message can also include other RRC configuration parameters. In certain examples, block functions 1310 may be performed by configuration parameter module 610 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0131] At block 1315, device 115 may map a set of group ID codes to a set of indices, where each group ID code is mapped to a different index. For example, a device user can be engaged in D2D communications with more than one public safety team, and each team can have a unique predetermined group ID code to differentiate their communications. In certain examples, the functions of block 1315 may be performed by group ID module 710 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0132] At block 1320, device 115 may transmit a third message to the first base station, the third message comprising a BSR for the D2D communications session, the set of group ID codes and associated indices. In certain examples, block functions 1320 may be performed by BSR module 615 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0133] At block 1325, device 115 may receive a fourth message from the first base station that is transmitted based on at least one D2D configuration parameter and a group index ID. For example, the fourth message can be scrambled with the RNTI D2D, and the group index can be used to identify the group the message is for. In certain examples, block functions 1325 may be performed by descrambling module 620 as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0134] It should be noted that the flowchart method 1300 is only one deployment and that the method operations and steps may be arranged or otherwise modified so that other deployments are possible.

[0135] Figure 14 shows a flowchart 1400 illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Flowchart functions 1400 may be implemented by a base station 105 (e.g., an eNB) or components thereof, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 11. In certain examples, flowchart blocks 1400 may be realized , or components of a base station 105 may be controlled by a D2D communications management module 910 to realize these features.

[0136] In block 1405, a first message may be received at base station 105 indicating that a first device wishes to initiate a D2D communication session. In some cases, the first message may include a group ID code for the group of devices that will be engaged in D2D communications for the D2D communication session.

[0137] In block 1410, the base station may transmit a second message to the first device that includes at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the D2D communication session. The at least one D2D configuration parameter may include an assigned group index for the D2D communication session, a D2D RNTI or a D2D SPS RNTI for the D2D communication session, and the like.

[0138] At block 1415, base station 105 may receive a third message from the first device indicating that there is data to transmit for the D2D communication session. The third message can include, for example, a D2D BSR and can identify the D2D communication session for which resources are requested by the group index.

[0139] In block 1420, base station 105 may transmit a fourth message to the first device in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. For example, the fourth message can be a D2D SA, a D2D SPS Activation message, or a resource grant where the D2D SA is transmitted, and can be scrambled using a D2D RNTI or a D2D SPS RNTI.

[0140] Figure 15 shows a flowchart 1500 illustrating a method for wireless D2D communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Flowchart functions 1500 may be implemented by a base station 105 (e.g., an eNB) or components thereof, as described with reference to Figures 1-4 and 9-11. In certain examples, D2D communications management modules 910 of Figures 9 to 11 can realize flowchart blocks 1500, or can control components of a base station 105 to realize these features.

[0141] At block 1505, base station 105 may receive a message from a first UE that indicates that the first UE wants to initiate a D2D communication session. In some cases, the first message may include a group ID code for the group of devices that will be engaged in D2D communications for the D2D communication session.

[0142] At block 1510, base station 105 may exchange messages with network entities (eg, MME, HSS, etc.) to authenticate and authorize the D2D communication session. For example, base station 105 may send a D2D session request message to an MME and/or an HSS. Base station 105 may receive a D2D authorization message from the MME and/or HSS which indicates that the D2D communication session is authenticated and authorized. MME and/or HSS messages can also provide priority information (eg ARP, etc.) to the group associated with the D2D communication session and/or the UEs in the group.

[0143] In block 1515, base station 105 may identify a group index for the D2D communication session. In some examples, base station 105 may assign group indexes to D2D communication sessions. For example, base station 105 may maintain a set of group indices and may, upon receipt of a request from a UE 115 to initiate a D2D communication session associated with a group ID code, assign a group index currently not used for the D2D communication session. In other examples, the base station 105 can identify the group index based on network messages exchanged in block 1510. For example, the group indexes can be statistically or semi-statistically assigned to the group ID codes in the HSS and the HSS can provide a group index for a D2D communication session in a D2D authorization message associated with the D2D communication session. In yet other examples, base station 105 may identify the group index in a message from UE 115 initiating the D2D communication session.

[0144] In block 1520, the base station 105 may notify the UEs in the group of the active D2D communication session and the group index associated with the D2D communication session. For example, base station 105 may send a D2D configuration response to the UE that initiated the session. The base station 105 can notify other UEs in the group via system information messages and/or alert messages.

[0145] In block 1525, base station 105 may determine if D2D BSRs have been received for active D2D communication sessions. If D2D BSRs have been received, the base station may allocate resources to the UE for the D2D communication session according to group and/or UE priority information (e.g. received from the MME/from the HSS in block 1510) in block 1530. Base station 105 may communicate resource allocations to UEs 115 in D2D SAs in block 1535.

[0146] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings describes examples and does not represent only those examples that can be deployed or that are within the scope of the claims. The terms "example" and "exemplary", when used in this description, mean "which serves as an example, occurrence or illustration", and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples". The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, can be practiced without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring concepts from the examples described.

[0147] Information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and integrated circuits that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic particles or fields, optical particles or fields, or any combination thereof.

[0148] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein can be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, port discrete or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor can also be deployed as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0149] The functions described in this document can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, functions may be stored or transmitted via one or more instructions or code on computer-readable media. Other examples and deployments are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, wired connection, or combinations of any of these. Feature deployment functions can also be physically located in multiple locations, which includes being distributed such that portions of the functions are deployed in different physical locations. In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by a phrase such as "at least one of or one or more of") indicates a disjunctive list so that, for example, a list of [at least one of A, B, or C] means A or B or C, or AB, or AC, or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C ).

[0150] Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and without limitation, computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that may be used to carry or store desired means of program code in the form of instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, so coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of media. Magnetic disk and optical disk, as used herein, include compact disk (CD), laser disk, optical disk, digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disk, where magnetic disks often reproduce data magnetic, while optical discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the foregoing are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0151] The foregoing description of the disclosure is provided to enable anyone skilled in the art to produce or use the disclosure. Various modifications of the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "example" or "exemplary" indicate an example or an occurrence and do not imply or require any preference for the example noted. Accordingly, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described in this document, but must be consistent with the broadest scope consistent with the principles and innovative features disclosed in this document.

Claims (15)

1. Wireless communication method, characterized in that it comprises: transmitting (1205) a first message from a device (115) to a first base station (105), wherein the first message indicates that the device (115 ) wishes to initiate a device-to-device D2D communication session, the first message comprising at least one identification code, ID, group for the first base station that identifies a set of one or more devices that engage in the session of D2D communication; receiving (1210) a second message from the first base station (105) comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter; transmitting a third message to the first base station (105), wherein the third message indicates that there is data to be transmitted for the D2D communication session; and receiving a fourth message from the first base station (105) which is transmitted in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the third message additionally comprises the at least one group ID code. 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: mapping a set of group ID codes to a set of indices, each group ID code being mapped to a different index, in that the fourth message comprises an index of the index set. 4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a group index associated with the group ID code for the D2D communication session, and in which the communication session D2D is identified in the third message according to the group index. 5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indication that there is data to be transmitted is a buffer status report, BSR. 6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a temporary radio network identity, RNTI, D2D in which receiving the fourth message comprises: unscrambling the fourth message with the use of RNTI D2D; and obtain resources for D2D communications. 7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises D2D semi-persistent programming, SPS RNTI, wherein the method additionally comprises: receiving an SPS activation message D2D as part of the fourth message; and transmit a D2D SPS activation confirmation. 8. Method (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one D2D configuration parameter comprises a radio resource control, RRC, D2D configuration parameter. 9. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: performing a handover from the first base station (105) to a second base station; and continuing the D2D communication session while in a second base station connected mode, wherein a configuration context for the D2D communication session has been transmitted from the first base station (105) to the second base station. 10. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission of the first message is done in response to a selection of a D2D communication mode in the device. 11. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth message comprises a resource grant for a scheduling assignment, SA, D2D, or a D2D data transmission. 12. Apparatus (115) for wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises means adapted to carry out the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. Wireless communication method, characterized in that it comprises: receiving a first message from a first device (115) at a base station (105), the first message indicating that the first device (115) wants to initiate a device-to-device, D2D, communication session, wherein the first message comprises at least one group identification code, ID, that identifies a set of one or more devices that engage in the D2D communication session; transmitting a second message from the base station (105) to the first device (115), the second message comprising at least one D2D configuration parameter associated with the D2D communication session; receiving a third message from the first device (115) at the base station (105) indicating that there is data to be transmitted for the D2D communication session; and transmitting a fourth message from the base station (105) to the first device (115) in accordance with the at least one D2D configuration parameter. 14. Apparatus (105) for wireless communications, characterized in that it comprises means adapted to carry out the method as defined in claim 13. 15. Computer-readable memory characterized by the fact that it comprises instructions stored therein that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.