WO2019179629A1

WO2019179629A1 - Communication control procedure for proximity service

Info

Publication number: WO2019179629A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/057384
Authority: WO
Inventors: M. Harish; N. Kishan
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
Priority date: 2018-03-22
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2019-09-26

Abstract

An apparatus for use by a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to obtain data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network, to generate, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and to provide the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

Description

COMMUNICATION CONTROL PROCEDURE FOR PROXIMITY SERVICE

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Field

Examples of embodiments relate to apparatuses, methods, systems, computer programs, computer program products and (non-transitory) computer-readable media usable for supporting and/or conducting a device-to-device communication in which two or more communication elements or functions, such as user equipments, communicate with each other directly without using further facilities of a communication network, such as a mobile communication network like LTE, 5G, or the like.

Background Art

The following description of background art may include insights, discoveries, understandings or disclosures, or associations, together with disclosures not known to the relevant prior art, to at least some examples of embodiments of the present invention but provided by the invention. Some of such contributions of the invention may be specifically pointed out below, whereas other of such contributions of the invention will be apparent from the related context.

The following meanings for the abbreviations used in this specification apply:

3GPP 3^rd Generation Partner Project

4G fourth generation

5G fifth generation

APP application

AS application server

BS base station

CN core network

CPU central processing unit

D2D device-to-device E-UTRAN evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network

eNB evolved node B

EPC evolved packet core

EPS evolved packet system

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

gNB next generation node B

HSS home subscriber server

ID identifier

IP Internet protocol

LTE Long Term Evolution

LTE- A LTE Advanced

MME mobility management element

ProSe proximity services

RAN radio access network

RAT radio access technology

RLC radio link control

RRC radio resource control

SLP secure user plane location location platform

S/PGW serving/packet gateway

UE user equipment

UMTS universal mobile telecommunication system

SUMMARY

According to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, an apparatus for use by a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to obtain data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network, to generate, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and to provide the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, a method for use in a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the method comprising obtaining data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to- device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network, generating, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

According to further refinements, these examples may include one or more of the following features:

- the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network may be obtained by at least one of: receiving the data from the at least one communication element or function, receiving the data from an application used for a device-to-device communication and running in the at least one communication element or function, processing a data input by an operator, and conducting a data analysis using information obtained from the communication network for predicting a communication situation in the network;

- the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network may comprise at least one of: information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to-device communication, information related to the at least one communication element or function involved in a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of the device- to-device communication, a time of the device-to-device communication, and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication, and information related to an application used for a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, a time of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, and a number of applications offering device-to-device communication;

- when generating the support information for the at least one communication element or function, at least one of the following may be included: an indication of a frequency at which a beacon used for requesting or offering a device-to-device communication is to be sent or received, an indication of a start or stop of offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a time period for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication; an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a previous time when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of a previous location when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of an estimated time when a device-to-device communication is offered, an indication of an estimated location where a device-to-device communication is offered, an indication of a count of communication elements or functions available for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a count of applications usable for a device-to-device communication, and an indication of a time window during which a device-to-device communication is executed and a time different to the time window in which the communication element or function is idle;

- for providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function, sending of the support information to the at least one communication element or function may be caused by including the support information into a signaling related to an authorization of the at least one communication element or function to conduct a device-to-device communication, and using a dedicated signaling for providing the support information to the a least one communication element or function;

- the support information may be provided to the at least one communication element or function upon receiving a request for the support information from the at least one communication element or function;

- the support information provided to the at least one communication element or function may be updated when at least one of the following is met: a predetermined period of time is elapsed, it is determined that the content of the support information is changed, and it is determined that the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed;

- the device-to-device communication may be conducted by using proximity services usable by an application running in the at least one communication element or function, and the communication network control element or function may comprise a proximity services function configured to conduct processing for controlling the communication of the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by using the device-to-device communication.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, an apparatus for use by a communication element or function configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a device-to-device communication in a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least: to obtain, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function, to process the support information, and to set up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

Furthermore, according to an example of an embodiment, there is provided, for example, a method for use in a communication element or function configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a device-to-device communication in a communication network, the method comprising obtaining, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function, processing the support information, and setting up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

- the support information may be obtained from the communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions by receiving the support information in a signaling related to an authorization to conduct a device-to-device communication, and a dedicated signaling for providing the support information;

- sending a request for proving the support information to the communication network control element or function may be caused;

- data indicating a communication situation related to the device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function in the communication network may be provided, wherein the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication may comprise at least one of: information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to-device communication, information related to the communication element or function, which indicates at least one of a location of the device-to-device communication, a time of the device-to-device communication, and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication, and information related to an application used for a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, a time of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, and a number of applications offering device-to-device communication;

- the support information may comprise at least one of the following: an indication of a frequency at which a beacon used for requesting or offering a device-to-device communication is to be sent or received, an indication of a start or stop of offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a time period for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a previous time when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of a previous location when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of an estimated time when a device-to-device communication is offered, an indication of an estimated location where a device-to-device communication is offered, an indication of a count of communication elements or functions available for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a count of applications usable for a device-to-device communication, and an indication of a time window during which a device-to-device communication is executed and a time different to the time window in which the communication element or function is idle;

- information received in the support information may be prioritized over information provided by an application used for a device-to-device communication when setting up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function;

- an update of the support information provided by the communication network control element or function may be received and processed when at least one of the following is met: a predetermined period of time is elapsed, a content of the support information is changed, and the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed;

- the device-to-device communication may be conducted by using proximity services usable by an application running in the communication element or function, and the communication network control element or function may comprise a proximity services function configured to conduct processing for controlling the communication of the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by using the device-to-device communication.

In addition, according to embodiments, there is provided, for example, a computer program product for a computer, including software code portions for performing the steps of the above defined methods, when said product is run on the computer. The computer program product may include a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored. Furthermore, the computer program product may be directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an example of a network architecture where examples of embodiments are implementable;

Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a processing for supporting and conducting a D2D communication according to examples of embodiments;

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a processing executed by a communication network control element or function according to some examples of embodiments;

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a processing executed by a communication element or function like a UE according to some examples of embodiments;

Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a network element or function acting as a communication network control element according to some examples of embodiments; and

Fig. 6 shows a diagram of a network element or function acting as a communication element according to some examples of embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the last years, an increasing extension of communication networks, e.g. of wire based communication networks, such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), DSL, or wireless communication networks, such as the cdma2000 (code division multiple access) system, cellular 3^rd generation (3G) like the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), fourth generation (4G) communication networks or enhanced communication networks based e.g. on LTE or LTE-A, fifth generation (5G) communication networks, cellular 2^nd generation (2G) communication networks like the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), the General Packet Radio System (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), or other wireless communication system, such as the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), took place all over the world. Various organizations, such as the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Telecoms & Internet converged Services & Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3^rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the WiMAX Forum and the like are working on standards or specifications for telecommunication network and access environments.

In a traditional cellular communication network, for properly establishing and handling a communication between two or more end points (e.g. communication stations or elements, such as terminal devices, user equipments (UEs), or other communication network elements, a database, a server, host etc.), one or more network elements or functions (e.g. virtualized network functions), such as communication network control elements or functions, for example access network elements like access points, radio base stations, relay stations, eNBs, gNBs etc., and core network elements or functions, for example control nodes, support nodes, service nodes, gateways, user plane functions, access and mobility functions etc., may be involved, which may belong to one communication network system or different communication network systems.

However, in order to provide higher data rate services (e.g., video sharing, gaming, proximity aware social networking etc.), the concept of direct communications of two communication elements like UEs has been developed, which is also referred to as D2D. D2D allows to increase the spectral efficiency of the network, to improve throughput, energy efficiency, delay, and other conditions. That is, D2D communications facilitate service optimization and spectrum/capacity efficiency in mobile communication networks.

D2D communication for 3GPP LTE is also referred to as Proximity Services (ProSe). ProSe is used e.g. in commercial and non-commercial scenarios, like geofencing, social networking, shops advertising, etc., and public safety deployments e.g. police, ambulance, etc.

A ProSe functionality is used by a specific application in the communication element or function, like a UE, which is referred to as ProSe application. ProSe features consist of two basic functions: ProSe discovery (direct or EPC-level) and ProSe direct communication. ProSe discovery identifies that ProSe-enabled UEs are in proximity, using for example the network’s RAN (e.g. E-UTRAN), other access technologies like WLAN or the EPC (e.g. based on location tracking in the EPC network). ProSe direct communication enables establishment of communication paths between two or more ProSe-enabled UEs that are in direct communication range. The ProSe direct communication path uses, for example, the RAN (e.g. E-UTRAN) or WLAN. ProSe discovery precedes ProSe communication in time, while ProSe communication may use information acquired during ProSe discovery. The direct discovery mechanisms are based e.g. on UEs sending announcements over the proximity radio interface and on ProSe UEs that are monitoring those.

As ProSe discovery mechanisms, the following can be mentioned: a core network (EPC) assisted discovery, and direct discovery. In direct discovery, ProSe-enabled UEs announce and/or listen to dedicated/shared radio resources in order to discover each other’s presence. The announcements may contain the identity of a specific application and the UEs identity. UEs using the same ProSe application, subscription, and necessary authorization can then discover each other. That is, a ProSe enabled UE can thus announce (i.e., periodically transmit ProSe discovery message) or monitor (i.e., periodically listen to ProSe announcing UEs and possibly sending discovery response to an announcing UE).

In the following, different exemplifying embodiments will be described using, as an example of a communication network to which examples of embodiments may be applied, a communication network architecture based on 3GPP standards for a communication network, such as a LTE network, without restricting the embodiments to such architectures, however. It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the embodiments may also be applied to other kinds of communication networks having suitable means by adjusting parameters and procedures appropriately, e.g. 5G networks, Wi-Fi, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, personal communications services (PCS), ZigBee®, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), systems using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), wired access, etc.. Furthermore, without loss of generality, the description of some examples of embodiments is related to a mobile communication network, but principles of the invention can be extended and applied to any other type of communication network, such as a wired communication network.

The following examples and embodiments are to be understood only as illustrative examples. Although the specification may refer to“an”,“one”, or“some” example(s) or embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is related to the same example(s) or embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single example or embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, terms like “comprising” and “including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned; such examples and embodiments may also contain features, structures, units, modules etc. that have not been specifically mentioned.

A basic system architecture of a (tele)communication network including a mobile communication system where some examples of embodiments are applicable may include an architecture of one or more communication networks including wireless access network subsystem(s) and core network(s). Such an architecture may include one or more communication network control elements or functions, access network elements, radio access network elements, access service network gateways or base transceiver stations, such as a base station (BS), an access point (AP), a NodeB (NB), an eNB or a gNB, a distributed or a centralized unit, which controls a respective coverage area or cell(s) and with which one or more communication stations such as communication elements, user devices or terminal devices, like a UE, or another device having a similar function, such as a modem chipset, a chip, a module etc., which can also be part of a station, an element, a function or an application capable of conducting a communication, such as a UE, an element or function usable in a machine-to-machine communication architecture, or attached as a separate element to such an element, function or application capable of conducting a communication, or the like, are capable to communicate via one or more channels via one or more communication beams for transmitting several types of data in a plurality of access domains. Furthermore, core network elements or network functions, such as gateway network elements/functions, mobility management entities, a mobile switching center, servers, databases and the like may be included.

The general functions and interconnections of the described elements and functions, which also depend on the actual network type, are known to those skilled in the art and described in corresponding specifications, so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. However, it is to be noted that several additional network elements and signaling links may be employed for a communication to or from an element, function or application, like a communication endpoint, a communication network control element, such as a server, a gateway, a radio network controller, and other elements of the same or other communication networks besides those described in detail herein below.

A communication network architecture as being considered in examples of embodiments may also be able to communicate with other networks, such as a public switched telephone network or the Internet. The communication network may also be able to support the usage of cloud services for virtual network elements or functions thereof, wherein it is to be noted that the virtual network part of the telecommunication network can also be provided by non-cloud resources, e.g. an internal network or the like. It should be appreciated that network elements of an access system, of a core network etc., and/or respective functionalities may be implemented by using any node, host, server, access node or entity etc. being suitable for such a usage. Generally, a network function can be implemented either as a network element on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., a cloud infrastructure.

Furthermore, a network element, such as communication elements, like a UE, a terminal device, control elements or functions, such as access network elements, like a base station (BS), an eNB, a radio network controller, a core network control element or function, such as an AMF, an UPF, a gateway element, or other network elements or functions, as described herein, and any other elements, functions or applications may be implemented by software, e.g. by a computer program product for a computer, and/or by hardware. For executing their respective processing, correspondingly used devices, nodes, functions or network elements may include several means, modules, units, components, etc. (not shown) which are required for control, processing and/or communication/signaling functionality. Such means, modules, units and components may include, for example, one or more processors or processor units including one or more processing portions for executing instructions and/or programs and/or for processing data, storage or memory units or means for storing instructions, programs and/or data, for serving as a work area of the processor or processing portion and the like (e.g. ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and the like), input or interface means for inputting data and instructions by software (e.g. floppy disc, CD-ROM, EEPROM, and the like), a user interface for providing monitor and manipulation possibilities to a user (e.g. a screen, a keyboard and the like), other interface or means for establishing links and/or connections under the control of the processor unit or portion (e.g. wired and wireless interface means, radio interface means including e.g. an antenna unit or the like, means for forming a radio communication part etc.) and the like, wherein respective means forming an interface, such as a radio communication part, can be also located on a remote site (e.g. a radio head or a radio station etc.). It is to be noted that in the present specification processing portions should not be only considered to represent physical portions of one or more processors, but may also be considered as a logical division of the referred processing tasks performed by one or more processors.

It should be appreciated that according to some examples, a so-called“liquid” or flexible network concept may be employed where the operations and functionalities of a network element, a network function, or of another entity of the network, may be performed in different entities or functions, such as in a node, host or server, in a flexible manner. In other words, a “division of labor” between involved network elements, functions or entities may vary case by case.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an example of a network architecture where examples of embodiments are implementable.

Reference numbers 1 1 and 13 denote communication elements or functions, such as a respective UE, which is enabled to conduct a D2D communication, such as a ProSe- enabled UE. UEs 1 1 and 13 may support, for example, to exchange ProSe control information between the ProSe-enabled UE and a ProSe function (described below) over a specific reference point, and to execute procedures for open and restricted ProSe direct discovery of other ProSe-enabled UEs over another reference point, and ProSe- enabled public safety, for example. Reference signs 12 and 14 denote a respective ProSe application which is included in the UEs 1 1 and 13 and configured to use the ProSe functionality.

Reference sign 20 denotes a ProSe function. The ProSe function 20 is, for example, a logical function that is used for network related actions required for ProSe. The ProSe function plays different roles for each of the features of ProSe. For example, there is one logical ProSe function 20 in the network (i.e. one ProSe function in each PLMN that supports ProSe). The ProSe function has, for example, the following sub-functions that perform different roles depending on the ProSe feature. One function is a so-called direct provisioning function used to provide a UE with necessary parameters in order use ProSe direct discovery and ProSe direct communication, such as parameters allowing the UE to use ProSe in the network area. Another function is a direct discovery name management function used for open ProSe direct discovery to allocate and process the mapping of ProSe applications IDs and ProSe application codes used in ProSe direct discovery. It uses ProSe related subscriber data stored in a HSS 60 for authorisation for each discovery request. It also provides the UE with the necessary security material in order to protect discovery messages transmitted over the air. In restricted ProSe direct discovery, it also interacts with an ProSe application server 80 (described later) via a specific reference point for the authorization of the discovery requests. A further function is the EPC-level discovery ProSe function used for EPC level discovery processing.

Reference sign 30 denotes a RAN, such as a E-UTRAN, via which the UEs 1 1 and 13 are connected to the mobile network. The E-UTRAN 30 comprises various cells controlled by a corresponding controller, such as an eNB, to which the UEs are connected via Uu links, for example.

Reference sign 80 denotes a ProSe application server. The ProSe application server 80 supports, for example, storage of EPC ProSe User IDs, ProSe function IDs, ProSe discovery UE ID, metadata, etc., the mapping of application layer user IDs and EPC ProSe user IDs, the maintaining of permission information for restricted ProSe direct discovery, and the like.

Reference signs 40 and 50 denotes elements of a core network, such as an EPC. Specifically, reference sign 40 represents an MME which performs, in connection with ProSe, functions like receiving subscription information related to ProSe from the HSS 60, provision of an indication to the E-UTRAN that the UEs 1 1 , 13 are authorized to use ProSe, and the like. On the other hand, reference sign 50 is related to a gateway network element or function, such as a SGW/PGW which receives information from the MME, maintains lists of UEs.

Reference sign 60 represents the HSS, and reference sign 70 denotes a secure user plane location location platform for authentication, positioning and roaming functions. The respective elements and functions shown in Fig. 1 are linked to each other by specific reference points or links.

In detail, as shown in Fig. 1 , a reference point PC1 defines the reference point between the ProSe application 12, 14 in the UE 1 1 , 13 and in the ProSe application server 80. It is used to define application level signaling requirements.

Reference point PC2 is defined between the ProSe application server 80 and the ProSe function 20. It is used to define the interaction between ProSe application server 80 and a ProSe functionality provided by the 3GPP EPS via the ProSe function 20 (e.g. name translation) for ProSe direct discovery and EPC-level ProSe discovery.

PC3 defines a reference point between the UE 1 1 , 13 and the ProSe function 20. PC3 relies on EPC user plane for transport (i.e. an "over IP" reference point). It is used to authorize ProSe direct discovery and EPC-level ProSe discovery requests, and perform allocation of ProSe application codes / ProSe restricted codes corresponding to ProSe application IDs used for ProSe direct discovery. Furthermore, it is used to define the authorization policy per network for ProSe direct discovery.

PC4a defines a reference point between the HSS 60 and the ProSe function 20. It is used to provide subscription information in order to authorize access for ProSe direct discovery and ProSe direct communication on a per network basis.

Reference point PC4b is located between the SLP 70 and the ProSe function 20. It is used by the ProSe function (i.e. by the EPC-level ProSe discovery function).

PC5 denotes the reference point between ProSe-enabled UEs, such as UEs 1 1 and 13, and is used for control and user plane for ProSe direct discovery, ProSe direct communication and ProSe UE-to-Network relay. Lower protocol layers of the PC5 reference point may be based on E-UTRA sidelink capabilities or on WLAN technology, for example. It is to be noted that there may be further reference points besides those defined above. For example, there can be reference points between ProSe functions in different networks.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1 , a reference point S6a is provided between the HSS 60 and the MME 40 and used to download ProSe related subscription information to the MME 40 during attach procedures or to inform the MME 40 that subscription information in the HSS 60 has changed. In addition, a reference point S1 between the E-UTRAN 30 and the core network is used to convey the ProSe direct services authorization from the MME 40 to e.g. an eNB.

In a network configuration like that shown in Fig. 1 , where a D2D communication using e.g. ProSe application is employed, the success or usage rate of D2D communications may vary with the geographical area and with time. Likewise, the number of ProSe applications itself may vary with place and time.

Usually, in an example like that shown in Fig. 1 , users with ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, avail ProSe after getting authorized by the network, i.e. by communicating with a corresponding communication network control element or function like ProSe function 20. Once getting authorized, the ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, may start to announce or monitor signaling in order to discover or let get discovered for D2D connectivity.

However, in conventional systems, the ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, keep on receiving or sending the beacons over air for at least a certain period of time. In other words, the ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and UE A 13, are not provided with information regarding an availability of desired services at an desired area and at a desired time (e.g. the present moment of time). Furthermore, it is also not specifically controlled on the network side (e.g. in a centralized way by the ProSe function 20) which frequency is set for beacons (i.e. signaling) regarding discovering or monitoring for D2D connectivity (i.e. on which frequency beacons are sent or received) since this is usually specified by the application used for D2D connectivity.

In order to describe this situation, the following example is provided. Assuming there is a ProSe application on e.g. UE B 13 which provides a movie streaming, wherein a starting time is e.g. 18:00. For the sake of simplicity is it further assumed that there is no other movie streaming application available in the area (i.e. at that vicinity) and at that time. Furthermore, it is assumed that a user of UE A 1 1 is requesting and provided with an authorization by the ProSe function 20 to discover a movie streaming application at around 17:45. Once the authorization is obtained, UE A 1 1 starts announcing, trying to discover a device providing the movie streaming application. However, it is obvious that the UE A 1 1 does not discover the service until 18:00. Thus, energy for sending the beacons for 15 minutes is just wasted.

Consequently, it is desirable to provide means allowing to avoid such an energy waste. According to examples of embodiments, this is achieved by enabling a communication network control element or function, such as the ProSe function 20, to provide additional information to the ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, for supporting the D2D connectivity. This information is referred to in the following as support information.

Currently, for example, parameters like a frequency of transmission of beacons or a start/stop indication of a provision of services is application specific. According to examples of embodiments of the invention, measures are provided allowing the communication network, i.e. a communication network control element or function like the ProSe function 20, to support ProSe-enabled devices in using specific applications by providing specific information. That is, the communication network (i.e. ProSe function) supports the ProSe-enabled devices with fine-tuned parameter values so that the D2D communication, e.g. via PC5 reference point, is optimized.

According to examples of embodiments, by employing examples of the proposed approaches, it is possible, for example, to save energy, to optimize usage of resources involved in the D2D connections between ProSe-enabled devices e.g. over PC5 interface, and to enable users or providers to use ProSe services in a cost-effective manner.

More specifically, according to examples of embodiments, the communication network aids ProSe-enabled devices with optimized resource parameter values (such as, for example, frequency settings of announcing and monitoring beacons over PC5) and other relevant decisions results (for example, start/stop of announcing/monitoring etc.) that are useful for availing ProSe services over e.g. PC5 interface. The ProSe function can thus effectively control the available resources (such as E-UTRA bandwidth) and save energy (altering the frequency, start or stop time of the beacons that devices announce/monitor over PC5 can be matched between ProSe-enabled devices) wherein different ProSe- enabled devices and different ProSe applications, which may vary with regard to place and time, can be considered.

According to some examples of embodiments, it is proposed that a communication network control element or function, such as the ProSe function 20, provides additional input information for ProSe-enabled devices, such as UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13, so that the energy consumption that occurs during D2D connections over PC5 interface are improved. For example, suitable parameters include at least one of the following:

1 . The frequency at which the beacons are sent or received, which is required for ProSe discovery services or communication;

2. The start or stop indication or a time/location suggestion on when/where exactly the announcing or monitoring should happen.

3. Last time/location when the ProSe-service was available and/or the possible expected time/location that the ProSe-service would be given.

4. ProSe-services and/or ProSe-devices count availability for ProSe-devices for its effective operation.

5. A (repeated) time window during which announcing or monitoring happens, while in a time different to the window the communication element or function is e.g. idle.

Procedures and effects of examples of embodiments being based on one or more of the above described measures are explained below in connection with Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a processing for supporting and conducting a D2D communication according to examples of embodiments in an environment like that shown in Fig. 1 .

It is to be noted that in the following example it is assumed that two ProSe enabled devices, here UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, are controlled by the same network (i.e. ProSe function 20), wherein UE A 1 1 is a monitoring device and UE B 13 is an announcing device. However, principles of examples of embodiments are also applicable in case only one ProSe enabled device or more than two ProSe enabled devices are controlled by the ProSe function 20, i.e. authorized for using ProSe connections and being provided with support information. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the processing illustrated in Fig. 2 represents only one example of a plurality of possibilities of a process flow for authorizing and setting up a D2D connection between at least two devices. For example, the order of processing may vary, and additional processing can be added, if required.

In S210 and S215, the ProSe enabled devices, like UE A 1 1 and UE B 13, are authorized by the network for ProSe based communication, i.e. for ProSe direct discovery and ProSe direct communication. In the authorization processing in S210 and S215, for example, the UEs 1 1 and 13 get authorization e.g. to use E-UTRAN based ProSe direct discovery, wherein also other communication resources are possible, such as a WLAN- based ProSe direct discovery. Furthermore, the UEs get authorization to use ProSe direct communication. Once the ProSe-enabled devices UE A 1 1 and UE B 13 are authorized, they are ready to establish a connection and communicate within themselves over PC5 interface.

In S220, the ProSe function obtains various data allowing to generate support information. The data are related generally to a communication situation of the D2D communication and include, for example, information being dependent on ProSe- enabled devices, ProSe applications and the application server involved in the ProSe communication. For example, the data are obtained from one or more of the network (e.g. in the form of indications from the core network regarding availability of network resources, such as parameters from which traffic load in specified areas of the network including the location of one or more of the ProSe enabled devices can be deduced, data from the HSS), the ProSe enabled device itself (e.g. in the form of device related information such as location information, information regarding transmission power, a count of ProSe enabled devices requesting ProSe communication, etc.), the ProSe application server 80 and/or the ProSe application 12, 14 of the device (e.g. in the form of application related information, such as settings regarding a start/stop of provision of services (like a movie streaming), a count of ProSe applications providing a service, etc.), another ProSe function (e.g. a ProSe function of another communication network which is connectable to the ProSe function via an interface like a PC6 reference point (not shown)), and the like. It is also possible to consider a direct input of information by an operator. It is to be noted that the data can be obtained at varying timings, e.g. before authorization, during authorization or after authorization processing. The data can be processed, for example, by deriving required information directly from the input data (e.g. a start/stop time or the like) or by executing a data analysis (e.g. for deducing a congestion situation or for predicting a communication situation for the D2D connection (e.g. an estimated provision time of a service, a possible increase of devices requesting a service, etc.).

In S230, the data being obtained in S220 are processed in order to generate support information. For example, the support information indicates various resource parameters such as a frequency of beacon transmission, a location indication where a ProSe service is available, a time indication when the ProSe service is available etc., which are usable for establishing the PC5 communication for the desired application between UE A 1 1 and UE B 13.

In S240 and S245, the support information is provided to the ProSe enabled devices UE A 1 1 and UE B 13. It is to be noted that the support information according to S240 and S245 can be provided to the UEs 1 1 and 13 by a separate signaling or in connection with the authorization processing in S210 and S215, provided that the support information are available at this time point.

In S250 and S255, each of the UE A 1 1 and the UE B 13 processes the support information. For example, at least one of the information regarding frequency of beacon transmission, time or location of provision of service are considered in order to tune the initiation of the D2D communication via e.g. PC5.

In S260, the direct communication between UE A 1 1 and the UE B 13 is established, wherein the result of the processing on S250 and S255 is considered, respectively.

It is to be noted that the support information may also vary over time. For example, in case the traffic load situation changes, or a count of devices changes, this could influence the D2D communication establishment. Therefore, an update processing for support information is also possible. In such a case, the ProSe function 20 is configured, for example, to conduct a processing corresponding to S240 and S245 with updated support information, wherein the ProSe enabled devices conduct a processing corresponding to S250 and S255 again. Such an update of the support information can also be conducted, for example, after a predetermined period of time (i.e. in regular intervals, for example), in case it is determined that the content of the support information is changed (e.g. one or more of the parameters provided to the UEs is not valid anymore), or in case it is determined that the communication situation for the D2D communication is changed (e.g. in case a high traffic load at one frequency is detected which may lead to a congestion situation so that a change of frequency is preferable).

For further explaining the processing according to examples of embodiments and effects being obtainable thereby, reference is made to the following explaining examples.

As a first example, it is assumed that the support information includes specific frequency parameters regarding the beacon transmission. Such a support information becomes relevant, for example, when data being obtained in the ProSe function 20 indicate that a congestion occurs at a certain frequency (referred to e.g. f1 ) usable for D2D related transmission, for example. In detail, assuming that the ProSe-enabled device UE A 1 1 is authorized from ProSe function to announce for an application. However, the application which usually sets the frequency used for the announcement is not aware of the congestion of the PC5 resources. Hence, the application would use a preset frequency, e.g. f1 for the announcement. Since the network, i.e. the ProSe function 20 deduces the congestion on f 1 , it provides an indication in the support information to change the frequency for the announcement to another frequency (e.g. f2). That us, the ProSe function can suggest to the devices to change the used frequency. In view of this information, the ProSe enabled devices (here UE A 1 1 and UE B 13) change to f2, i.e. the UE prioritizes the setting indicated by the network over the setting being preset in the application. Since both ProSe enabled devices know the change, it is possible to save energy, while at the same time the resource usage of PC5 link is optimized.

As another example, it is assumed that the support information indicate a specific location and/or a specific time for the provision of a service by a ProSe application. This information is derivable, for example, from data provided by the application server 80 or from the ProSe enabled devices. For example, the UE A 1 1 is looking for a ProSe-service application. Based on the history of when this application would be available, the ProSe function can suggest and indicate that the requested application service could be possibly and expected to be available in a different location or at a different time. In this way, the UE A 1 1 can consider this input and tune its broadcasting frequency or other PC5 resources accordingly. As a further example, a count or number (i.e. density) of ProSe enabled device or ProSe applications (i.e. services) is provided by the ProSe function as support information to the ProSe-enabled devices. This parameter is usable for optimization of the usage of PC5 resources, and also effective for cost calculation or economic success of service providers. For example, assuming that there is a shop which uses e.g. the ProSe- enabled device UE A 1 1 and sells e.g. sports accessories. In case there is a sudden increase of demand of near-by users interested in sports accessories, a corresponding indication can be provided by means of the count of devices requesting a corresponding service. The ProSe function 20 provides this information to the UE A 1 1 which can use it to decide to increase the frequency and/or to connect to more users. Alternatively, the users can be tried to be attracted by changing the contents of the service, e.g. by providing changed offers.

As another example, the ProSe function provides an information comparable to a keep alive timer value (e.g. T4102) that is used by ProSe-enabled devices for its PC5 connectivity. For example, a corresponding parameter can be deduced by the ProSe function 20 from values like frequency, start/stop, location etc.

Hence, as indicated above, there is a plurality of possible use-cases where the ProSe- function is capable of knowing/deducing (e.g. by data analytics at the ProSe function) support information for supporting the ProSe enabled devices to use the PC5 communication resources more effectively. Such an increase in the effectiveness of D2D communication allows to save energy (i.e. energy required for beacons transmission) and to optimally use available resources (e.g. bandwidth for PC5 communication is distributed such that congestion is avoided).

In the following, an example of a format of the support information generated in the ProSe function 20 and provided to the ProSe enabled devices UE A 1 1 and UE B 13 is shown. It is to be noted that the following represents only one possible example, while other implementations are also possible.

Specifically, the following example of providing the support information is based on the schema of a PC3 interface existing between a ProSe function and a ProSe enabled device. For facilitating the understanding, the elements related to the support information provision are indicated by italic letter.

<xs:complexType name="prose-direct-discovery-response">

<xs:sequence>

<xs:element name="Current-Time" type="xs:dateTime"/>

<xs:element name="Max-Offset" type="xs:integer"/>

<xs:element name="response-announce" type="AnnounceRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="response-monitor" type="MonitorRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-announce-response"

type="RestrictedAnnounceRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/> <xs:element name="restricted-monitor-response" type="RestrictedMonitorRsp- info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-discoveree-response"

type="RestrictedDiscovereeRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/> <xs:element name="restricted-discoverer-response"

type="RestrictedDiscovererRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/> <xs:element name="response-reject" type="RejectRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name= "pc5-optimization-response" type= "PC5Resource-info" minOccurs= "0" maxOccurs= "unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="anyExt" type="anyExtType" minOccurs="07>

<xs:any namespace="##other" processContents="lax" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

</xs:sequence>

<xs:attribute name="network-initiated-transaction-method" type="xs:integer"/> <xs:anyAttribute namespace="##any" processContents="lax"/>

</xs:complexType>

<xs:complexType name= "PC5 Resource-in fo">

<xs:sequence>

<xs:element name= "beacon-frequency-transmission" type= "xs:integer"/> <xs:element name= "start-time" type= "xs:dateTime"/>

<xs:element name= "stop-time" type= "xs:dateTime"/>

<xs:element name= "location" type= "xs:string"/>

<xs:element name= "last-service-available-time" type= "xs:dateTime"/>

<xs:element name= "expected-service-available-time" type= "xs:dateTime"/> <xs:element name= "last-service-available-location" type= "xs:string"/>

<xs:element name= "expected-service-available-location" type= "xs:string"/> <xs:element name="count-prose-entities" type="xs:integer"/> <!-- Monitoring device count for Announcers and Announcing services count for Monitors->

<xs:any namespace= "Many" processContents= "lax" minOccurs= "0" maxOccurs= "unbounded"/>

</xs:sequence>

<xs:anyAttribute namespace= "Many" processContents= "iax"/>

</xs:complexType>

As can be seen from the above example, examples of support information concern one or more of the following: a start-time, a stop-time, a location, a last-service-available- time, an expected-service-available-time, a last-service-available-location, an expected- service-available-location, a count of Prose entities (i.e. monitoring device count for announcers and announcing services count for monitors), wherein this list can be expanded by other parameters, when required, or limited to less parameters.

It is to be noted that according to examples of embodiments the support information can be sent to the ProSe enabled devices automatically or upon request. That is, according to some examples of embodiments, the processing in S240 and S245 in Fig. 2 requires that the ProSe enabled device has sent a corresponding request to the ProSe function 20. In this case, the provision of the support information is done by a separate transmission over e.g. PC3 interface. This is useful, for example, in that operators are able to charge for this service, e.g. in case of suggesting an effective resource parameters. For clients, it is helpful in contacting ProSe function through this procedure to avail the requested services, wherein it is also possible to provide the data to the ProSe function in this way.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a processing executed by a communication network control element or function, such as the ProSe function 20, which is configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions (D2D communication) in a communication network according to some examples of embodiments.

In S310, data indicating a communication situation related to a D2D communication by at least one communication element or function (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) in the communication network are obtained. For example, according to some examples of embodiments, the data indicating the communication situation related to the D2D communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network are obtained by at least one of: receiving the data from the at least one communication element or function, receiving the data from an application used for a D2D communication and running in the at least one communication element or function, processing a data input (directly) by an operator, and conducting a data analysis using information obtained from the communication network (e.g. HSS, other ProSe functions etc. ) for predicting a communication situation in the network.

According to some examples of embodiments, the data indicating the communication situation related to the D2D communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network comprises at least one of the following. They may comprise information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to-device communication (this can be obtained e.g. from the network side (e.g. the core network), derived by data analysis from information obtained from the devices and/or the network, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, they may comprise information related to the at least one communication element or function (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) involved in a D2D communication, which indicates at least one of a location of the D2D communication (e.g. the location of the respective one of UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13), a time of the device-to-device communication (e.g. a time when the respective one of the UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13 is turned on or off), and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication (i.e. each UE requesting/offering a specific service is counted). Alternatively or additionally, they may comprise information related to an application used for a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of offering a D2D communication by the application (where is the application offered, e.g. only inside of a shop or the like) , a time of offering a D2D communication by the application (e.g. when is the application available, such as start and stop of movie streaming), and a number of applications offering D2D communication.

In S320 on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function is generated. The support information indicate parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) in a D2D communication.

According to examples of embodiments, the support information includes at least one of the following parameters: an indication of a frequency at which a beacon used for requesting or offering a device-to-device communication is to be sent or received (e.g. the frequency f1 or f2, see above example), an indication of a start or stop of offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a time period for offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a previous time when a D2D communication was offered (allowing e.g. to deduce when it is promising to start announcing or monitoring), an indication of a previous location when a D2D communication was offered (allowing e.g. to deduce where it is promising to start announcing or monitoring), an indication of an estimated time when a D2D communication is offered, an indication of an estimated location where a D2D communication is offered, an indication of a count of communication elements or functions available for a D2D communication, an indication of a count of applications usable for a D2D communication, and an indication of a time window during which a D2D communication is executed and a time different to the time window in which the communication element or function is idle (for example, as a time window, a percentage of a time slot within a predetermined period of time, e.g. one second, is indicated during which the announcing or monitoring happens, while during the remaining time of the predetermined period the communication device is e.g. idle (as one example, in case a percentage of e.g. 45% is indicated, then the ProSe-enabled device UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13 announces the signal for first 450ms while in the remaining 550ms it stays idle), wherein this cycle repeats).

In S330, the support information is provided to the at least one communication element or function (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13). According to some examples of embodiments, for providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function, sending of the support information to the at least one communication element or function is caused, wherein the support information is included into a signaling related to an authorization of the at least one communication element or function to conduct a D2D communication. Alternatively, for providing the support information, a dedicated signaling to the a least one communication element or function is used (i.e. a signaling different to the authorization related signaling).

According to some further examples of embodiments, the support information is provided to the at least one communication element or function (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) upon receiving a request for the support information from the at least one communication element or function.

According to further examples of embodiments, the support information provided to the at least one communication element or function is updated when at least one of the following is met: a predetermined period of time is elapsed, it is determined that the content of the support information is changed, and it is determined that the communication situation for the D2D communication is changed.

According to examples of embodiments, the D2D communication is conducted by using proximity services (ProSe) usable by an application running in the at least one communication element or function. Then, a ProSe function is used as communication network control element or function for conducting the above described processing for controlling the communication of the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by using the D2D communication.

Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a processing executed by a communication element or function like a UE (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) according to some examples of embodiments, which is configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a D2D communication in a communication network.

In S410, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function is obtained, from a communication network control element or function (e.g. ProSe function 20) configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a D2D communication.

According to examples of embodiments, the support information is obtained from the communication network control element or function by receiving the support information in a signaling related to an authorization to conduct a D2D communication, or alternatively in a dedicated signaling for providing the support information (different to signaling related to authorization).

Furthermore, according to examples of embodiment, a request for proving the support information is transmitted to the communication network control element or function.

According to examples of embodiments, the support information includes at least one of the following parameters: an indication of a frequency at which a beacon used for requesting or offering a device-to-device communication is to be sent or received (e.g. the frequency f1 or f2, see above example), an indication of a start or stop of offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a time period for offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a D2D communication, an indication of a previous time when a D2D communication was offered (allowing e.g. to deduce when it is promising to start announcing or monitoring), an indication of a previous location when a D2D communication was offered (allowing e.g. to deduce where it is promising to start announcing or monitoring), an indication of an estimated time when a D2D communication is offered, an indication of an estimated location where a D2D communication is offered, an indication of a count of communication elements or functions available for a D2D communication, and an indication of a count of applications usable for a D2D communication.

In S420, the support information obtained in S410 is processed. For example, it is determined which information is included in the support information, wherein the further processing regarding the D2D communication with at least one other communication element or function is adapted accordingly. That is, setting up the D2D communication can be controlled by the ProSe-enabled device (e.g. the UE A 1 1 and/or the UE B 13) under consideration of the received support information. For example, according to examples of embodiments, the processing of the information depends on the type of information (e.g. frequency, start/stop time etc.) and/or a configuration on the UE side. In detail, as one example, when the support information concerns e.g. a frequency, the frequency indication received in the support information is considered (depending e.g. on a configuration setting in the UE) as being prioritized over information provided by e.g. an application used for a D2D communication when setting up the D2D communication with at least one other communication element or function (for example, when the support information indicate frequency f2, this setting is used instead of a setting of f1 indicated by the application). As another example, the UE can be also configured to ignore the support information. For example, in case e.g. location or time indications concerning the announcing or monitoring are provided, the UE can be configured to follow e.g. information provided by the PeoSe application. That is, according to some examples of embodiments, the usage of the support information on the side of the UE is controlled by configuration settings in each UE. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that at least some sort of support information are to be followed always by the UE (i.e. prioritized), in case this type of information is provided. It is also possible to indicate the necessity to follow the (then to be prioritized) support information by including a marker or the like in the support information which is interpreted by the receiving UE as an indication that the respective support information is to be followed.

In S420, the D2D communication with at least one other communication element or function is set up under consideration of the support information.

According to some further examples of embodiments, data indicating a communication situation related to the D2D communication with at least one other communication element or function in the communication network is provided towards the communication network control element or function (e.g. the ProSe function 20). The data indicating the communication situation related to the D2D communication comprises at least one of the following. They may comprise information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a D2D communication (this can be e.g. data allowing to derive by data analysis a traffic load or the like). Alternatively or additionally, they may comprise information related to the at least one communication element or function (i.e. UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13) involved in a D2D communication, which indicates at least one of a location of the D2D communication (e.g. the location of the respective one of UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13), a time of the device-to-device communication (e.g. a time when the respective one of the UE A 1 1 and/or UE B 13 is turned on or off), and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication (i.e. each UE requesting/offering a specific service is counted). Alternatively or additionally, they may comprise information related to an application used for a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of offering a D2D communication by the application (where is the application offered, e.g. only inside of a shop or the like), a time of offering a D2D communication by the application (e.g. when is the application available, such as start and stop of movie streaming), and a number of applications offering D2D communication.

Furthermore, according to examples of embodiments, an update of the support information is received and processed, wherein the update is provided by the communication network control element or function when at least one of the following is met, a predetermined period of time is elapsed, a content of the support information is changed, and the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed.

Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a network element or function acting as a communication network control element or function according to some examples of embodiments, i.e. the ProSe function 20 of Fig. 1 , which is configured to conduct a communication connection control procedure as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments. It is to be noted that the communication network control element or function, like the ProSe function 20 of Fig. 1 , may include further elements or functions besides those described herein below. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a communication network control element or function, the element or function may be also another device or function having a similar task, such as a chipset, a chip, a module, an application etc., which can also be part of a network element or attached as a separate element to a network element, or the like. It should be understood that each block and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry.

The communication network control element like the ProSe function 20 shown in Fig. 5 may include a processing circuitry, a processing function, a control unit or a processor 201 , such as a CPU or the like, which is suitable for executing instructions given by programs or the like related to the communication connection control procedure. The processor 201 may include one or more processing portions or functions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor or processing function. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors, processing functions or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in one or more physical or virtual entities, for example. Reference sign 202 and 203 denote input/output (I/O) units or functions (interfaces) connected to the processor or processing function 201 . The I/O units 202 may be used for communicating with the UE 1 1 , 13, as described in connection with Fig. 2, for example. The I/O units 203 may be used for communicating with other network elements or functions, such as the HSS 60, the AS 80 and the like, as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, for example. The I/O units 202 and 203 may be a combined unit including communication equipment towards several entities, or may include a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different entities. Reference sign 204 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor or processing function 201 and/or as a working storage of the processor or processing function 201 . It is to be noted that the memory 204 may be implemented by using one or more memory portions of the same or different type of memory.

The processor or processing function 201 is configured to execute processing related to the above described communication connection control processing. In particular, the processor or processing circuitry or function 201 includes one or more of the following sub-portions. Sub-portion 201 1 is a processing portion which is usable as a portion for obtaining and processing data. The portion 201 1 may be configured to perform processing according to S310 of Fig. 3. Furthermore, the processor or processing circuitry or function 201 may include a sub-portion 2012 usable as a portion for generating support information. The portion 2012 may be configured to perform a processing according to S320 of Fig. 3. In addition, the processor or processing circuitry or function 201 may include a sub-portion 2013 usable as a portion for providing support information. The portion 2013 may be configured to perform a processing according to S330 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows a diagram of a network element or function acting as a communication element or function according to some examples of embodiments, i.e. the UE 1 1 (or 13) of Fig. 1 , which is configured to conduct a communication connection control procedure as described in connection with some of the examples of embodiments. It is to be noted that the communication element or function, like the UE 1 1 of Fig. 1 , may include further elements or functions besides those described herein below. Furthermore, even though reference is made to a communication element or function, the element or function may be also another device or function having a similar task, such as a chipset, a chip, a module, an application etc., which can also be part of a network element or attached as a separate element to a network element, or the like. It should be understood that each block and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry.

The communication element like the UE 1 1 shown in Fig. 6 may include a processing circuitry, a processing function, a control unit or a processor 1 1 1 , such as a CPU or the like, which is suitable for executing instructions given by programs or the like related to the communication connection control procedure. The processor 1 1 1 may include one or more processing portions or functions dedicated to specific processing as described below, or the processing may be run in a single processor or processing function. Portions for executing such specific processing may be also provided as discrete elements or within one or more further processors, processing functions or processing portions, such as in one physical processor like a CPU or in one or more physical or virtual entities, for example. Reference sign 1 12 and 1 13 denote input/output (I/O) units or functions (interfaces) connected to the processor or processing function 1 1 1 . The I/O units 1 12 may be used for communicating with the ProSe function 20, as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, for example (e.g. via reference point PC3). The I/O units 1 13 may be used for communicating directly with other communication elements or functions, such as the UE 13, as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, for example (e.g. via reference point PC5). The I/O units 1 12 and 1 13 may be a combined unit including communication equipment towards several entities, or may include a distributed structure with a plurality of different interfaces for different entities. Reference sign 1 14 denotes a memory usable, for example, for storing data and programs to be executed by the processor or processing function 1 1 1 and/or as a working storage of the processor or processing function 1 1 1 . It is to be noted that the memory 1 14 may be implemented by using one or more memory portions of the same or different type of memory.

The processor or processing function 1 1 1 is configured to execute processing related to the above described communication connection control processing. In particular, the processor or processing circuitry or function 1 1 1 includes one or more of the following sub-portions. Sub-portion 1 1 1 1 is a processing portion which is usable as a portion for obtaining support information. The portion 1 1 1 1 may be configured to perform processing according to S410 of Fig. 4. Furthermore, the processor or processing circuitry or function 1 1 1 may include a sub-portion 1 1 12 usable as a portion for processing support information. The portion 1 1 12 may be configured to perform a processing according to S420 of Fig. 4. In addition, the processor or processing circuitry or function 1 1 1 may include a sub-portion 1 1 13 usable as a portion for setting up a D2D communication. The portion 1 1 13 may be configured to perform a processing according to S430 of Fig. 4.

It is to be noted that examples of embodiments of the invention are applicable to various different network configurations. In other words, the examples shown in the above described figures, which are used as a basis for the above discussed examples, are only illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. That is, additional further existing and proposed new functionalities available in a corresponding operating environment may be used in connection with examples of embodiments of the invention based on the principles defined.

According to a further example of embodiments, there is provided, for example, an apparatus for use by a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the apparatus comprising means configured to obtain data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network, means configured to generate, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and means configured to provide the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

Furthermore, according to some other examples of embodiments, the above defined apparatus may further comprise means for conducting at least one of the processing defined in the above described methods, for example a method according that described in connection with Fig 3.

According to a further example of embodiments, there is provided, for example, an apparatus for use by a communication element or function configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a device-to-device communication in a communication network, the apparatus comprising means configured to obtain, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function, means configured to process the support information, and means configured to set up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

Furthermore, according to some other examples of embodiments, the above defined apparatus may further comprise means for conducting at least one of the processing defined in the above described methods, for example a method according that described in connection with Fig 4.

According to a further example of embodiments, there is provided, for example, a non- transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: obtaining data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in a communication network, generating, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

According to a further example of embodiments, there is provided, for example, a non- transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: obtaining, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to- device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function, processing the support information, and setting up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

It should be appreciated that

- an access technology via which traffic is transferred to and from an entity in the communication network may be any suitable present or future technology, such as WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), LTE, LTE-A, 5G, Bluetooth, Infrared, and the like may be used; additionally, embodiments may also apply wired technologies, e.g. IP based access technologies like cable networks or fixed lines.

- embodiments suitable to be implemented as software code or portions of it and being run using a processor or processing function are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language, such as a high- level programming language, such as objective-C, C, C++, C#, Java, Python, Javascript, other scripting languages etc., or a low-level programming language, such as a machine language, or an assembler.

- implementation of embodiments is hardware independent and may be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as a microprocessor or CPU (Central Processing Unit), MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), and/or TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic). - embodiments may be implemented as individual devices, apparatuses, units, means or functions, or in a distributed fashion, for example, one or more processors or processing functions may be used or shared in the processing, or one or more processing sections or processing portions may be used and shared in the processing, wherein one physical processor or more than one physical processor may be used for implementing one or more processing portions dedicated to specific processing as described,

- an apparatus may be implemented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module including such chip or chipset;

- embodiments may also be implemented as any combination of hardware and software, such as ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field- programmable Gate Arrays) or CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components.

- embodiments may also be implemented as computer program products, including a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, the computer readable program code adapted to execute a process as described in embodiments, wherein the computer usable medium may be a non-transitory medium.

Although the present invention has been described herein before with reference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made thereto.

Claims

1 . An apparatus for use by a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the apparatus comprising at least one processing circuitry, and

at least one memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processing circuitry, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to obtain data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network,

to generate, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and

to provide the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to obtain the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by at least one of:

receiving the data from the at least one communication element or function, receiving the data from an application used for a device-to-device communication and running in the at least one communication element or function,

processing a data input by an operator, and

conducting a data analysis using information obtained from the communication network for predicting a communication situation in the network.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network comprises at least one of:

information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to- device communication, Information related to the at least one communication element or function involved in a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of the device-to- device communication, a time of the device-to-device communication, and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication, and

Information related to an application used for a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, a time of offering a device-to-device communication by the application, and a number of applications offering device-to-device communication.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to include, when generating the support information for the at least one communication element or function, at least one of the following:

an indication of a frequency at which a beacon used for requesting or offering a device- to-device communication is to be sent or received,

an indication of a start or stop of offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication,

an indication of a time period for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication;

an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication,

an indication of a previous time when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of a previous location when a device-to-device communication was offered,

an indication of an estimated time when a device-to-device communication is offered, an indication of an estimated location where a device-to-device communication is offered,

an indication of a count of communication elements or functions available for a device- to-device communication,

an indication of a count of applications usable for a device-to-device communication, and

an indication of a time window during which a device-to-device communication is executed and a time different to the time window in which the communication element or function is idle.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

for providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function, to cause sending of the support information to the at least one communication element or function by

including the support information into a signaling related to an authorization of the at least one communication element or function to conduct a device-to-device communication, and

using a dedicated signaling for providing the support information to the a least one communication element or function.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to provide the support information to the at least one communication element or function upon receiving a request for the support information from the at least one communication element or function.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to update the support information provided to the at least one communication element or function when at least one of the following is met:

a predetermined period of time is elapsed,

it is determined that the content of the support information is changed, and

it is determined that the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein

the device-to-device communication is conducted by using proximity services usable by an application running in the at least one communication element or function, and

the communication network control element or function comprises a proximity services function configured to conduct processing for controlling the communication of the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by using the device-to- device communication.

9. An apparatus for use by a communication element or function configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a device- to-device communication in a communication network, the apparatus comprising

at least one processing circuitry, and

to obtain, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function,

to process the support information, and

to set up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to obtain the support information from the communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions by receiving

the support information in a signaling related to an authorization to conduct a device- to-device communication, and

a dedicated signaling for providing the support information.

1 1 . The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to cause sending a request for proving the support information to the communication network control element or function.

12. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to provide data indicating a communication situation related to the device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function in the communication network, wherein the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication comprises at least one of:

information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to- device communication,

Information related to the communication element or function, which indicates at least one of a location of the device-to-device communication, a time of the device-to-device communication, and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device- to-device communication, and

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the support information comprises at least one of the following:

14. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to prioritize information received in the support information over information provided by an application used for a device-to-device communication when setting up a device-to- device communication with at least one other communication element or function.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are further configured to, with the at least one processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least:

to receive and process an update of the support information provided by the communication network control element or function, when at least one of the following is met: a predetermined period of time is elapsed,

a content of the support information is changed, and

the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein

the device-to-device communication is conducted by using proximity services usable by an application running in the communication element or function, and

17. A method for use in a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, the method comprising obtaining data indicating a communication situation related to a device-to-device communication by at least one communication element or function in the communication network,

generating, on the basis of the obtained data, support information for the at least one communication element or function, the support information indicating parameters usable for setting up a direct communication between the at least two communication elements or functions in a device-to-device communication, and

providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising

obtaining the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network by at least one of:

processing a data input by an operator, and

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication by the at least one communication element or function in the communication network comprises at least one of:

Information related to the at least one communication element or function involved in a device-to-device communication, which indicates at least one of a location of the device-to- device communication, a time of the device-to-device communication, and a number of communication elements or functions conducting a device-to-device communication, and

20. The method according to any of claims 17 to 19, further comprising

including, when generating the support information for the at least one communication element or function, at least one of the following:

an indication of a location for offering or monitoring for a device-to-device communication, an indication of a previous time when a device-to-device communication was offered, an indication of a previous location when a device-to-device communication was offered,

21. The method according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising

causing, for providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function, sending of the support information to the at least one communication element or function by

22. The method according to any of claims 17 to 21 , further comprising

providing the support information to the at least one communication element or function upon receiving a request for the support information from the at least one communication element or function.

23. The method according to any of claims 17 to 22, further comprising

updating the support information provided to the at least one communication element or function when at least one of the following is met:

a predetermined period of time is elapsed,

it is determined that the content of the support information is changed, and

24. The method according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein

25. A method for use in a communication element or function configured to conduct a direct communication with at least one other communication element or function by using a device- to-device communication in a communication network, the method comprising

obtaining, from a communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions in a communication network by using a device-to-device communication, support information indicating parameters usable for setting up the direct communication with the at least one other communication element or function,

processing the support information, and

setting up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function under consideration of the support information.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising

obtaining the support information from the communication network control element or function configured to control a direct communication of at least two communication elements or functions by receiving

a dedicated signaling for providing the support information.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising

causing sending a request for proving the support information to the communication network control element or function.

28. The method according to any of claims 25 to 27, further comprising

providing data indicating a communication situation related to the device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function in the communication network, wherein the data indicating the communication situation related to the device-to-device communication comprises at least one of: information related to network resources, which indicates at least one of a load situation in the communication network and an availability of communication resources for a device-to- device communication,

29. The method according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the support information comprises at least one of the following:

30. The method according to any of claims 25 to 29, further comprising prioritizing information received in the support information over information provided by an application used for a device-to-device communication when setting up a device-to-device communication with at least one other communication element or function.

31 . The method according to any of claims 25 to 30, further comprising

receiving and processing an update of the support information provided by the communication network control element or function, when at least one of the following is met: a predetermined period of time is elapsed,

a content of the support information is changed, and

the communication situation for the device-to-device communication is changed.

32. The method according to any of claims 25 to 31 , wherein

33. A computer program product for a computer, including software code portions for performing the steps of any of claims 17 to 24 or 25 to 32 when said product is run on the computer.

34. The computer program product according to claim 33, wherein

the computer program product includes a computer-readable medium on which said software code portions are stored, and/or

the computer program product is directly loadable into the internal memory of the computer and/or transmittable via a network by means of at least one of upload, download and push procedures.