Wireless device, network nodes and methods therein for handling a device-to-device (D2D) communication during handover in a wireless telecommunications network

A method performed by a first wireless device for handling a device-to-device, D2D, communication with a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device from a source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network is provided. The first wireless device interrupts the D2D communication. Then, the first wireless device determines a first uplink timing difference as the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to the target network node. Further, the first wireless device reconfigures the D2D communication based on the first uplink timing difference. Then, the first wireless device restarts the D2D communication as reconfigured. A first wireless device (121) is also provided.Further, a target network node (110, 111, 112), a source network node (110, 111) and methods therein for handling a D2D communication are provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to Device-to-Device (D2D) communications in a wireless telecommunications network. In particular, embodiments herein relate to handling a D2D-communication during handover of a wireless device in a wireless telecommunications network.

BACKGROUND

In wireless communication networks, recent developments of the 3GPP Long Term Evolution, LTE, facilitate accessing local IP based services in the home, the office, in public hot spot or even in outdoor environments. One area in which the access and local connectivity of these local IP based services may be used is in the direct communication between wireless devices in the close proximity of each other. In this case, close proximity may typically refer to less than a few tens of meters, but sometimes even up to a few hundred meters.

This direct mode or Device-to-Device, D2D, communication may demonstrate a number of potential gains over traditional cellular communication. This is because D2D devices are much closer to one another than other cellular devices that have to communicate via a cellular access point, e.g. a radio network node such as an eNodeB.

However, it should be noted that it is preferable to maintain the control of the D2D communication from a network point of view in order to ensure an efficient use of resources and interference handling.

In these mixed cellular and D2D wireless communication networks, it has been suggested to locate D2D communication on cellular uplink, UL, resources in a way such that Time-Division Duplex, TDD, is the duplex transmission scheme of the D2D communication. This means that the cellular UL resources would be allocated for D2D communication transmission in both upstream and downstream directions between each D2D pair of wireless devices in a Time-Division Multiplexed, TDM, manner.

Once the wireless devices discover the proximity of each other, the wireless devices and/or the network may initiate the establishment of the D2D link between the two wireless devices. This is commonly referred to as D2D bearer establishment, and will not be discussed further herein.

However, upon having established the D2D link between the two wireless devices, there is a problem of how to handle the D2D communication when one of the wireless devices is moving out of the cellular coverage of its current cell and into the cellular coverage of another cell, i.e. during a handover. Thus, there is a need to provide way of handling a D2D communication during handover of wireless device in a wireless communications network.

WO2011/109027 A1 describes a handover of a D2D pair of wireless devices between different cells. However, in this case, both of the wireless devices of the D2D pair are part of the handover and the network control of the D2D communication may simply pass from network node of the source cell to the network node of the target cell.

SUMMARY

It is an object of embodiments herein to provide way of handling a D2D communication during handover of wireless device in a wireless communications network.

According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a first wireless device for handling a device-to-device, D2D, communication with a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device from a source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The first wireless device interrupts the D2D communication. Then, the first wireless device determines a first uplink timing difference as the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to the target network node. Further, the first wireless device reconfigures the D2D communication based on the first uplink timing difference. Then, the first wireless device restarts the D2D communication as reconfigured.

According to a second aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a first wireless device for handling a D2D communication with a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device from a source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The first wireless device comprises processing circuitry configured to first interrupt the D2D communication. The processing circuitry is configured to then determine a first uplink timing difference as the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to the target network node. Further, the processing circuitry is configured to reconfigure the D2D communication based on the first uplink timing difference, and restart the D2D communication as reconfigured.

According to a third aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a target network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device and a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device to the target network node from a source network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The target network node, after completing the handover, receives at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device from the first wireless device. Also, the target network node determines a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least the first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device, which first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the target network node.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a target network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device and a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device to the target network node from a source network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The target network node comprises processing circuitry configured to, after completing the handover, receive at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device from the first wireless device. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least the first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device, which first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the target network node.

According to a fifth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a source network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device and a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device from the source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The source network node transmits an indication to interrupt the D2D communication to at least the second wireless device before the handover is initiated. Then, after completing the handover, the source network node determines a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device, which first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the target network node.

According to a sixth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a source network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device and a second wireless device during handover of the first wireless device from the source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network. The source network node comprising processing circuitry configured to transmit an indication to interrupt the D2D communication to at least the second wireless device before the handover is initiated. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine, after completing the handover, a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device, which first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device to the target network node.

By having wireless devices that are engaged in D2D communication providing, to a target network node, uplink timing differences between a source network node and the target network node when performing a handover from the source network node to the target network node, the network nodes involved in controlling the D2D communication may determine a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication to be used after the handover is completed. That is, based on the uplink timing differences, the network nodes may reach an agreement on the time locations that are to be used for the scheduling of the D2D communication. This scheduling scheme will thus efficiently avoid collisions when having a split network control point, i.e. two network nodes controlling the D2D communication, which is scheduling resources for the cellular and D2D links. Hence, a way of handling a D2D communication during handover of wireless device in a wireless communications network is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which are essential to the understanding of the embodiments presented herein, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts or steps.

FIG. 1depicts a wireless telecommunications network100in which embodiments herein may be implemented. In some embodiments the wireless telecommunications network100may be a wireless telecommunication network such as an LTE (e.g. LTE FDD, LTE TDD, LTE HD-FDD), WCDMA, UTRA TDD, GSM network, GERAN network, enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE) network, network comprising of any combination of RATs such as e.g. Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) base stations, multi-RAT base stations etc., any 3GPP cellular network, Wimax, or any cellular network or system.

The wireless telecommunications system100comprises a first radio network node110which is a radio base station and may therefore also be referred to as a radio base station or base station. The network node110serves a first cell115. The network node110may in this example e.g. be an eNB, eNodeB, or a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, femto Base Station (BS), pico BS or any other network unit capable to serve a wireless device or a machine type communication device in a wireless telecommunications system, e.g. a device such as a cluster head.

A first wireless device121is located within the first cell115. The wireless device121is configured to communicate within the wireless communications system100via the radio network node110over a radio link130when present in the first cell115served by the radio network node110. The first wireless device121is capable of communicating with other wireless devices, such as, a second wireless device122to be described below using wireless D2D communication, over a D2D link140(dashed arrow inFIG. 1).

In this example, a second wireless device122is also located within the first cell115. However, in other embodiments, the second wireless device122may be located in another cell, such as, e.g. second cell116served by another second radio network node111, which is adjacent to the first cell115. The second wireless device122is configured to communicate within the wireless communications system100via the first radio network node110over a radio link such as e.g. a radio link150when present in the first cell115served by the base station110. The second wireless device122is capable of communicating with other wireless devices such as the first wireless device121using wireless D2D communication over the D2D link140.

It should be noted that the first wireless device121and the second wireless device122may e.g. be wireless devices, e.g. be mobile terminals or wireless terminals, mobile phones, computers such as e.g. laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or tablet computers with wireless capability, Machine to Machine (M2M) devices or any other radio network units capable to communicate over a radio link in a communications network.

It should also be noted that a large number of wireless devices may be located in the communications network100. The first and second wireless device121,122may be seen as one D2D pair of wireless devices among many more D2D pairs of wireless devices located in the communications network100.

However, when one of the wireless devices, e.g. the first wireless device121, is moving out of the cellular coverage of the first cell115and into the cellular coverage of another cell, e.g. the second cell116, the first radio network node110may no longer be able to control the scheduling of the D2D communication if a handover is subsequently performed of the first wireless device121to the second radio network node111.

Thus, in this case, the network control point of the D2D communication between the wireless devices would need to be split between the first and the second radio network nodes110,111. Here, avoiding collisions, i.e. where the first radio network node schedules for the D2D communication and the second radio network node schedules for cellular communication, when having a split network control point scheduling resources for the cellular and D2D link becomes a problem. This problem will appear for both synchronized and unsynchronized neighboring cells. For the unsynchronized case, there is also a problem in that the cell timing is different for the two cells and unknown to the D2D pair of wireless devices, i.e. the D2D pair of wireless devices is one transmitting/receiving pair of devices whereby the D2D communication between these wireless devices should be synchronized.

This issue is addressed by embodiments described herein by having the wireless devices121,122that are engaged in a D2D communication providing uplink timing differences between the uplink timing to a source network node, i.e. the network node of their respective current cell, and the uplink timing to a target network node, i.e. the network node of the cell they are moving into, when performing a handover from the source network node to the target network node. Thus, the network nodes involved in controlling the D2D communication may determine a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication to be used after the handover is completed. That is, based on the uplink timing differences, the network nodes may reach an agreement on the time locations that are to be used for the scheduling of the D2D communication. This scheduling scheme will thus efficiently avoid collisions when having a split network control point that are scheduling resources for the cellular and D2D link. Hence, a way of handling a D2D communication during handover of wireless device in a wireless communications network is provided.

Below, three different D2D handover scenarios are described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 2-7, which illustrate the different handover situations that are handled by the embodiments presented herein for D2D communications. Thereafter, the embodiments are also further described in reference toFIGS. 8-13.

FIGS. 2A-2Bshows a first D2D handover scenario according to some embodiments. InFIG. 2A, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140. In this first D2D handover scenario, the first wireless device121then starts to move out of the cellular coverage of its current cell, i.e. the first cell115served by the first network node110, and into the cellular coverage of the second cell116served by the second network node111(as shown by the dashed, double lined arrow). The first network node110may in this scenario be referred to as the source network node, and the second network node111referred to as the target network node. This may trigger the signalling of embodiments described in detail below with reference toFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 2B, once this signalling ofFIG. 3has been completed, the first wireless121will have performed a handover from the first network node110to the second network node111. This means that the first wireless device121is now located in the second cell116and is being served by the second network node111. As a consequence of the signaling ofFIG. 3, the first wireless device121will also still be engaged in the D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140, where the second wireless device122is still located in the first cell115and being served by the first network node110.

FIG. 3shows signalling of some embodiments triggered by the first D2D handover scenario shown inFIG. 2A. The signalling may be described by three main signalling blocks: a D2D handover preparation stage301, a D2D handover execution stage302, and a D2D scheduling stage303.

As shown inFIG. 3, prior to the signalling, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over a D2D link. The first and second wireless device121,122have each also an established cellular link with the first network node110, i.e. the source network node110. In this example, the source network node110and the target network node111are not synchronized with each other.

In the D2D handover preparation stage301, a conventional wireless device measurement report by the first wireless device121may trigger the handover procedure for both the source network node110and the target network node111.

Action301a. The first wireless device121may transmit a measurement report to the source network node110. The measurement report may be based on the determined information elements, MeasConfig and ReportConfig Radio Resource Control, RRC, Information Element, IE). These IEs may have been transmitted to the first and second wireless device121,122by the source network node110beforehand.

Upon receiving the measurement report from the first wireless device121, the source network node110is notified that the first wireless device121, which is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122, intends to change serving cell, i.e. move out of the coverage area of the source network node110and into the coverage area of the target network node111.

Action301b. In response to the measurement report, the source network node110sends a handover request to the target network node111via an X2 interface. Here, the source network node110may add, in the handover request, the information that the first wireless device121is a D2D-capable wireless device and that there is an ongoing D2D communication related to the first wireless device121. This allows the target network node111to decide whether to accept the first wireless device121based on the target network node's111capabilities, e.g. whether it can handle a D2D communication or not, and current network load.

Action301c. In response to the handover request, the target network node111may send a handover request acknowledgement, ACK, to the source network node110. This handover request ACK indicates to the source network node110that the target network node111is ready to accept the handover of the first wireless device121. In some embodiments, the IE MobilityControlInfo may be piggybacked on this signaling. This would otherwise be sent to the first wireless device121later for access to the target network node111.

Next, in the D2D handover execution stage302, by command from the source network node110, the first wireless device121may switch serving network node to the target network node111. In this stage, according to some embodiments, the main task of the first wireless device121is to measure and report the uplink timing difference between the source network node110and the target network node111during the handover. The uplink timing difference is here the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node110and the uplink timing to the target network node111.

Action302a. The source network node110may here transmit a message indicating to the first and second wireless device121,122that the D2D communication should be interrupted before the handover is initiated. In response to receiving this message, the first and second wireless device121,122may interrupt or temporarily pause the D2D communication between the first and second wireless device121,122.

However, it should be noted that if the D2D communication is based on dynamic scheduling, which is performed on a short-time-scale, such as, e.g. per Transmission-Time-Interval, i.e. 1 ms, there is here no need for an independent signaling to stop the D2D communication. The source network node110may simply stop scheduling the D2D communication. On the other hand, if the D2D communication is based on Semi-Persistent Scheduling, SPS, which is performed on a large-time-scale, such as, e.g. about 100-500 ms, it may be necessary to temporarily interrupt or temporarily pause the SPS.

In some embodiments, the message may be a Semi-Persistent Scheduling Release on PDCCH message. This may be sent to and received by the first and second wireless device121,122in order to release the resources, e.g. by using a shared Radio Network Temporary Identifier, RNTI, for the D2D communication, D2D_RNTI.

Action302b. In this action, the source network node110may transmit a message to the first wireless device121indicating that the first wireless device121is to switch serving network node from the source network node110to the target network node111, i.e. switch serving cell. Related information to perform the switch may be comprised in the message, e.g. as a MobilityControlInfo IE, received by the source network node110from the target network node111. According to some embodiments, this message may also indicate the first wireless device121to perform measurements of the uplink timing to the source and target network nodes110,111, and report the uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes110,111. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration message.

Action302c. Through a contention-free or contention-based Random Access CHannel, RACH, procedure with the target network node111, the first wireless device121may acquire the uplink timing of the target network node111via a Random Access Response, RAR, message from the target network node111. The first wireless device121may then compare the uplink timing of the target network node111with the uplink timing of the source network node110, and thus determine the uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes110,111.

It should be noted that the content of this uplink timing difference can be various. For coordination of the scheduling between the source and target network node110,111, it may be enough to acquire the uplink timing difference in the order of number of subframes.

However, e.g. for inter-cell peer discovery or for interference coordination, the accuracy of the uplink timing difference may have to be at a level of more accurate granularity, e.g. at a level of symbol, sample, etc. Thus, the embodiments herein should not be construed as being limited to a specific quantification scheme of the uplink timing difference.

Action302d. In this action, the first wireless device121may send a message indicating a successful handover to the first wireless device121to the target network node111. This message may also comprise the determined uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes110,111, and thus the determined uplink timing difference may be reported to the target network node111. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

In the D2D scheduling stage303, the source and target network nodes110,111may negotiate the scheduling scheme for the D2D communication, i.e. in which subframes transmission resources should be allocated for the D2D communication, based on e.g. the time partition between current cellular and D2D communication mode and the cell timing of the source and target network nodes110,111, respectively. The resulting D2D scheduling scheme is then sent to both the first and second wireless devices121,122to re-start D2D communication again. It should also be noted that this procedure is applicable for both synchronized and unsynchronized cells.

Action303a-303b. In these actions, the source and target network nodes110,111may send inter-cell coordination messages via an X2 interface between each other. The messages may e.g be a Scheduling Coordination Request messages and Scheduling Coordination Request ACK messages. The source and target network nodes110,111needs to reach an agreement about the time locations of the subframes to be used for the D2D communication. Otherwise, the source network node110may schedule a subframe for the D2D communication while the target network node11schedules the same subframe for cellular communication, which would cause a scheduling collision.

It should also be noted that the content of the X2 signaling between the source and target network nodes110,111may be various. For example, it could be a numerical or binary value for each subframe, such as, e.g. 0 for a cellular subframe, 1 for a D2D subframe. According to another example, more information may be comprised therein, e.g. value 2 for a negotiable subframe. This may be advantageous since the source network node110may have its own preference on the subframe allocation for the D2D communication.

Furthermore, the procedure of this negotiation may be various. It may e.g be triggered by the source network node110or the target network node11, and accepted/rejected by the other. Other, negotiation procedures can also be envisioned.

Action303c-303d. When a D2D scheduling scheme has been agreed upon by the source and target network nodes110,111, source and target network nodes110,111may send the D2D scheduling scheme to the second and first wireless device121,122, respectively. This may be performed via an SPS procedure, e.g. SPS activation PDDCH messages may be used by the source and target network nodes110,111.

In response to receiving the D2D scheduling scheme, the first and second wireless device121,122may re-start the D2D communication based on the received D2D scheduling scheme. Also, subsequently, the first and second wireless device121,122may then, based on the TDD configuration of the D2D bearer, decide on further matters of the D2D communication, such as, e.g. resource location, HARQ timing and etc.

It should be noted that the term “re-started” used throughout the embodiments herein is to be interpreted as continuing the D2D communication from the point in time where it was interrupted.

FIGS. 4A-4Bshows a second D2D handover scenario according to some embodiments. InFIG. 4A, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140. The first wireless device122is here located in a different cell than the second wireless device122, i.e. in second cell116served by the second network node111. This situation may occur, for example, as a consequence of the first scenario described above.

In this second D2D handover scenario, the first wireless device121then starts to move out of the cellular coverage of its current cell, i.e. the second cell116served by the second network node111, and into the cellular coverage of the first cell115served by the first network node110(as shown by the dashed, double lined arrow). This means that the first wireless device121moves into the cell of the second wireless device122.

The second network node111may in this scenario be referred to as the source network node, and the first network node110referred to as the target network node. This may trigger the signalling of embodiments described in detail below with reference toFIG. 5.

As shown inFIG. 4B, once this signalling ofFIG. 5has been completed, the first wireless121will have performed a handover from the second network node111to the first network node110. This means that the first wireless device121is then located in the first cell115and is being served by the first network node110. As a consequence of the signalling ofFIG. 5, the first wireless device121will also have maintained the D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140. Since both the first and the second wireless device121,122are now located in the same cell, i.e. the first cell115, the first network node110will now form a single network control point of the D2D communication and may schedule the D2D communication on its own.

FIG. 5shows signalling of some embodiments triggered by the second D2D handover scenario shown inFIG. 4A. The signalling may be described by two main signalling blocks: a D2D handover preparation stage501and a D2D handover execution stage502.

As shown inFIG. 5, prior to the signalling, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over a D2D link within two different cells. The first and second wireless device121,122have each also an established cellular link with the second and first network node111,110, respectively, i.e. the source and target network node. In this example, the source network node111and the target network node110are not synchronized with each other.

In the D2D handover preparation stage501, a conventional wireless device measurement report by the first wireless device121may trigger the handover procedure for both the source network node111and the target network node110.

Action501a. The first wireless device121transmits a measurement report to the source network node111. Upon receiving the measurement report from the first wireless device121, the source network node111is notified that the first wireless device121, which is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122, intends to change serving cell, i.e. move out of the coverage area of the source network node111and into the coverage area of the target network node110.

Action501b. In response to the measurement report, the source network node111sends a handover request to the target network node110via an X2 interface. Here, the source network node111may add, in the handover request, the information that first wireless device121is a D2D-capable wireless device.

Action501c. In response to the handover request, the target network node110may send a handover request acknowledgement, ACK, to the source network node111. This handover request ACK indicates to the source network node111that the target network node110is ready to accept the handover of the first wireless device121.

Next, in the D2D handover execution stage502, by command from the source network node111, the first wireless device121may switch serving network node to the target network node110. In this second scenario, however, there is no need for the first wireless device121to measure and report any uplink timing difference since it moves into the same cell as the second wireless device122and into the control of the same network node. This means that there is no longer any uplink timing difference because of both wireless devices are being served by the same network node.

Action502a. The source network node111may transmit a message indicating to the first wireless device121that the D2D communication should be interrupted before the handover is initiated. In response to receiving this message, the first wireless device121may interrupt or temporarily pause the D2D communication between the first and second wireless device121,122.

Action502b. The target network node110may transmit a message indicating to the second wireless device122that the D2D communication should be interrupted before the handover is initiated. In response to receiving this message, the second wireless device122may interrupt or temporarily pause the D2D communication between the first and second wireless device121,122.

Action502c. In this action, the source network node111may transmit a message to the first wireless device121indicating that the first wireless device121is to switch serving network node from the source network node111to the target network node110, i.e. switch serving cell. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration message.

Action502d. In this action, the first wireless device121may perform a contention-free or contention-based Random Access CHannel, RACH, procedure with the target network node110without the need to acquire any uplink timing.

Action502e. In this action, the first wireless device121may send a message indicating a successful handover of the first wireless device121to the target network node110. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

Action502f. Now, the target network node110may determine the scheduling scheme for the D2D communication. The resulting D2D scheduling scheme is then sent to both the first and second wireless devices121,122to re-start D2D communication again. This may be performed via a SPS procedure. Then based on the TDD configuration of the D2D bearer, the first and second wireless devices121,122may decide the resource location, HARQ timing, etc. for the D2D communication.

FIGS. 6A-6Bshows a third D2D handover scenario according to some embodiments. InFIG. 6A, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140. The first wireless device121is also in this case located in a different cell than the second wireless device122, i.e. in second cell116served by the second network node110. This situation may for example occur as a consequence of the first scenario described above.

In this third D2D handover scenario, the first wireless device121then starts to move out of the cellular coverage of its current cell, i.e. the second cell116served by the second network node111, and into the cellular coverage of a third cell117served by a third network node112(as shown by the dashed, double lined arrow). The second network node111may in this scenario be referred to as the source network node, and the third network node112referred to as the target network node. This may trigger the signalling of embodiments described in detail below with reference toFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 6B, once this signalling ofFIG. 7has been completed, the first wireless121will have performed a handover from the second network node111to the third network node111.

This means that the first wireless device121is then located in the third cell117and is being served by the third network node112. As a consequence of the signalling ofFIG. 7, the first wireless device121will also have maintained the D2D communication with the second wireless device122over the D2D link140, where the second wireless device122is still located in the first cell115and being served by the first network node110.

FIG. 7shows signalling of some embodiments triggered by the third D2D handover scenario shown inFIG. 6A. The signalling may be described by three main signalling blocks: a D2D handover preparation stage601, a D2D handover execution stage602, and a D2D scheduling stage603.

As shown inFIG. 7, prior to the signalling, the first wireless device121is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122over a D2D link between two different cells, i.e. the second and first cell116,115, respectively. The first and second wireless device121,122have each also an established cellular link with the second and first network node111,110, respectively. In this example, the network nodes involved, i.e. the first, second and third network node, are not synchronized with each other.

In the D2D handover preparation stage701, a conventional wireless device measurement report by the first wireless device121may trigger the handover procedure for the source network node111, the target network node112and the first network node110.

Action701a. The first wireless device121may transmit a measurement report to the source network node111. Upon receiving the measurement report from the first wireless device121, the source network node111is notified that the first wireless device121, which is engaged in a D2D communication with the second wireless device122in cell115, intends to change serving cell, i.e. move out of the coverage area of the source network node111and into the coverage area of the target network node112.

Action701b. In response to the measurement report, the source network node111sends a handover request to the target network node112via an X2 interface. Here, the source network node111may add, in the handover request, the information that first wireless device121is a D2D-capable wireless device and that there is an ongoing D2D communication related to the first wireless device121. This allows the target network node112to decide whether to accept the first wireless device121based on the target network node's112capabilities, e.g. whether it can handle a D2D communication or not, and current network load.

Action701c. In response to the handover request, the target network node112may send a handover request acknowledgement, ACK, to the source network node111. This handover request ACK indicates to the source network node111that the target network node112is ready to accept the handover of the first wireless device121. In some embodiments, the IE MobilityControlInfo may be piggybacked on this signaling. This would otherwise be sent to the first wireless device121later for access to the target network node112.

Action701d. Further, in this action, the source network node111may also send a message to the first network node110indicating a temporary release of the D2D resources for the D2D communication, i.e. indicating to the first network node110that the D2D communication should be interrupted or temporarily paused. This is performed before the handover of the first wireless device121is initiated.

Next, in the D2D handover execution stage702, by command from the source network node111, the first wireless device121may switch serving network node to the target network node112. In this stage, according to some embodiments, the main task of the first wireless device121is to measure and report the uplink timing difference between the source network node111and the target network node112during the handover. The uplink timing difference is here the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node111and the uplink timing to the target network node112.

Action702a. In response to the message from the source network node111in Action701d, the first network node110may send a message indicating to the second wireless device122that the D2D communication should be interrupted before the handover is initiated. In response to receiving this message, the second wireless device122may interrupt or temporarily pause the D2D communication between the first and second wireless device121,122.

Action702b. The source network node111may transmit a message indicating to the first wireless device121that the D2D communication should be interrupted before the handover is initiated. In response to receiving this message, the first wireless device121may interrupt or temporarily pause the D2D communication between the first and second wireless device121,122. It should be noted that the D2D communication may be interrupted by the second wireless device122as in Action702a, by the first wireless device121as described in this Action702b, or by both the first and second wireless device121,122.

Action702c. In this action, the source network node111may transmit a message to the first wireless device121indicating that the first wireless device121is to switch serving network node from the source network node111to the target network node112, i.e. switch serving cell. Related information to perform the switch may be comprised in the message, e.g. as a MobilityControlInfo IE, received by the source network node111from the target network node112, e.g. via X2 signaling. According to some embodiments, this message may also indicate the first wireless device121to perform measurements of the uplink timing to the source and target network nodes111,112, and report the uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes111,112. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration message.

Action702d. Through a contention-free or contention-based Random Access CHannel, RACH, procedure with the target network node112, the first wireless device121may acquire the uplink timing of the target network node112via a Random Access Response, RAR, message from the target network node112. The first wireless device121may then compare the uplink timing of the target network node112with the uplink timing of the source network node111, and thus determine the uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes111,112.

It should be noted that the content of this uplink timing difference can be various. For coordination of the scheduling between the source and the target network nodes111,112, it may be enough to acquire the uplink timing difference in the order of number of subframes.

Action702e. In this action, the first wireless device121may send a message indicating a successful handover of the first wireless device121to the target network node112. This message may also comprise the determined uplink timing difference between the source and target network nodes111,112, and thus the determined uplink timing difference may be reported to the target network node112. The message may e.g. be a RRC connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

In the D2D scheduling stage703, the target network node112and the first network node110may negotiate the scheduling scheme for the D2D communication, i.e. in which subframes transmission resources should be allocated for the D2D communication. This may be based on e.g. the time partition between current cellular and D2D communication mode and the cell timing of the target and first network node112,110, respectively.

This negotiation may be performed via source network node111, which may act as a bridge between the target network node112and the first network node110. The resulting D2D scheduling scheme is then sent to both the first and second wireless devices121,122to re-start D2D communication again by the respective network nodes. It should also be noted that this procedure is applicable for both synchronized and unsynchronized cells.

Action703a-703b. In these actions, the target and first network node112,110may send inter-cell coordination messages via an X2 interface between each other. This is performed via the source network node111, which receives and sends the messages onwards to respective network node. The messages may e.g be a Scheduling Coordination Request messages and Scheduling Coordination Request ACK messages.

Here, it should be noted that here the target network node112may only be aware of the uplink timing difference between the source and the target network node111,112, but is blind to the uplink timing of the first network node110. However, the source network node111is aware of the uplink timing difference between itself and the first network node110. Hence, by conveying this information to the target network node112, the target network node may determine the uplink timing difference between the target and the first network node112,110.

The target and first network node112,110needs to reach an agreement on the time locations of the subframes to be used for the D2D communication. Otherwise, a D2D scheduling collision may occur as previously described.

It should also be noted that the content of the X2 signaling between the target and first network node112,110may be various. For example, it could be a binary value for each subframe, such as, e.g. 0 for a cellular subframe, 1 for a D2D subframe. According to another example, more information may be comprised therein, e.g. a value 2 for a negotiable subframe.

Furthermore, the procedure of this negotiation may be various. It may e.g be triggered by the target network node112or the first network node110, and accepted or rejected by the other. According to another example, there may be a pre-negotiation procedure between the source and the target network node for acquiring the uplink timing differences, or some negotiation procedures between first network node110and the source network node111may be implemented. Further negotiation procedures may also be envisioned with the same result.

Action703c-703d. When a D2D scheduling scheme has been agreed upon by the target and first network node112,110, the target and first network node112,110may send the D2D scheduling scheme to the first and second wireless device121,122, respectively. This may be performed via an SPS procedure, e.g. SPS activation PDDCH messages may be used by the target and first network node112,110.

In response to receiving the D2D scheduling scheme, the first and second wireless device121,122may re-start the D2D communication based on the received D2D scheduling scheme. Also, subsequently, the first and second wireless device121,122may then, based on the TDD configuration of the D2D bearer, decide on further matters of the D2D communication, such as, e.g. resource location, HARQ timing and etc.

Example of embodiments of a method performed by a first wireless device121for handling a D2D communication with a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121from a source network node110,111to a target network node111,112in a wireless telecommunications network100, will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted inFIG. 8.

Here, the method is discussed seen from the perspective of the first wireless device121.

The method may comprise the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order.

Action801. In this action, the first wireless device121interrupts the D2D communication. This may be performed in response to receiving an indication to interrupt the D2D communication from a source network node before the handover is initiated. For example, as described above in Action302a,502aand702b.

Action802. In this action, the first wireless device121determines a first uplink timing difference as the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to the target network node.

In some embodiments, the first wireless device121may determine the uplink timing to the target network node as part of a random access procedure being performed between the first wireless device121and the target network node during the handover. The uplink timing differences may e.g. be determined in the order of number of subframes.

Action803. Based on the first uplink timing difference, the first wireless device121reconfigures the D2D communication.

In some embodiments, this may be performed by the first wireless device121by transmitting the determined first uplink timing difference to the target network node after the handover has been completed. For example, as described above in Action302d,502eand702e.

In some embodiments, this may be accompanied by the first wireless device121also transmitting a second uplink timing difference to the target network node. This may occur when a second uplink timing difference has been determined by the first wireless device121for the D2D communication, which second uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to a third network node. For example, as described above in Action702e.

Then, in response, the first wireless device121may receive a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication from the target network node. The scheduling scheme here indicating time locations of subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication. For example, as described above in Action303d,502fand703d.

Action804. In this action, the first wireless device121restarts the D2D communication as reconfigured in Action803.

Example of embodiments of a method performed by a target network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device121and a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121to the target network node from a source network node in a wireless telecommunications network100, will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted inFIG. 9.

Here, the method is discussed seen from the perspective of the target network node. The target network node may here be the second radio network node111in the first D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 2-3, the first radio network node110in the second D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 4-5, or the third radio network node112in the third D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 6-7.

The method may comprise the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order.

Action901. In this action, the target network node, after completing the handover, receives at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121from the first wireless device121. For example, as described above in Action302d,502eand702e. In some embodiments, the target network node may also receive a second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121from the first wireless device121. For example, as described above in Action702e.

Action902. In this action, the target network node determines a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least the first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121. The first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the target network node.

In some embodiments, this may be performed by the target network node by determining, through communications with the source network node over an X2 interface, time locations of subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication. For example, as described above in Action303a-303band Action703a-703b.

In some embodiments, when the target network node has also received a second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121from the first wireless device121, this may be further performed by the target network node also based on the second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121. The second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121may here be the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the third network node. For example, as described above in Action703a-703b.

In addition, the determining may also be performed by the target network node by communicating with the third network node, when the third network node is serving the second wireless device121. For example, as described above in Action703a-703b.

Action903. In this action, the target network node may transmit the scheduling scheme of the D2D communication to the first wireless device121. For example, as described above in Action303d,502fand703d.

Example of embodiments of a method performed by a source network node for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device121and a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121from the source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network100, will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted inFIG. 10.

Here, the method is discussed seen from the perspective of the source network node. The source network node may here be the first radio network node110in the first and second D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 2-5, or the second radio network node111in the third D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 6-7.

The method may comprise the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order.

Action1001. In this action, the source network node transmits an indication to interrupt the D2D communication to at least the second wireless device121,122before the handover is initiated. For example, as described above in Action302a,502aand702b.

Action1002. In this action, the source network node determines, after completing the handover, a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device. The first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the target network node.

In some embodiments, this may be performed by the target network node by determining, through communications with the target network node over an X2 interface, time locations of the subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication. For example, as described above in Action303a-303band Action703a-703b.

Action1003. In this action, the source network node may transmit the scheduling scheme of the D2D communication to the second wireless device122. For example, as described above in Action303cand Action703c.

To perform the method actions for handling a D2D communication with a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121from a source network node to a target network node in a wireless telecommunications network100, the first wireless device121may comprises the following arrangement depicted inFIG. 11.

FIG. 11shows a schematic block diagram of embodiments of the first wireless device121.

The first wireless device121comprises a processing unit1110, which may also be referred to as processing circuitry or processor. The processing unit1110may comprise, or be configured to be connected to, an interrupting/re-starting unit1101, a determining unit1102, a re-configuring unit1103, and a transceiving unit1104.

The interrupting/re-starting unit1101may be configured to interrupt the D2D communication. In some embodiments, this may be performed in response to receiving an indication to interrupt the D2D communication from a source network node before the handover is initiated. Also, the interrupting/re-starting unit1101may also be configured to restart the D2D communication when it has been reconfigured.

The determining unit1102may be configured to determine a first uplink timing difference as the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to the target network node. In some embodiments, the transceiving unit1104may be configured to transmit the determined first uplink timing difference to the target network node after the handover has been completed. Then, in some embodiments, the transceiving unit1104may receive a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication from the target network node, which scheduling scheme indicates time locations of subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication.

In some embodiments, the determining unit1102may also be configured to a second uplink timing difference has been determined by the first wireless device121for the D2D communication. In this case, the transceiving unit1104may be further configured to transmit a second uplink timing difference to the target network node. The second uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing to the source network node and the uplink timing to a third network node.

The re-configuring unit1103is configured to reconfigure the D2D communication based on the first uplink timing difference.

The embodiments herein for handling a D2D communication in the first wireless device121may be implemented through one or more processors, such as the processing unit1110in the first wireless device121depicted inFIG. 11, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the first wireless device121. The computer program code may e.g. be provided as pure program code in the wireless device121or on a server and downloaded to the wireless device121.

The first wireless device121may further comprise a memory1120comprising one or more memory units. The memory1120may be arranged to be used to store data, such as, e.g. information regarding the one or more intervals at which the energy of the transmission bursts should be increased to the second energy level, to perform the methods herein when being executed in the first wireless device121.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the processing unit1110and the memory1120described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in a memory, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processing unit1110perform as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

To perform the method actions for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device121and a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121to the target network node from a source network node, the target network node may comprises the following arrangement depicted inFIG. 12.

FIG. 12shows a schematic block diagram of embodiments of the target network node. The target network node may here be the second radio network node111in the first D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 2-3, the first radio network node110in the second D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 4-5, or the third radio network node112in the third D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 6-7.

The target network node comprises a processing unit1210, which may also be referred to as processing circuitry. The processing unit1210in the target network node may comprise, or be configured to be connected to, a determining unit1201and a transceiving unit1202.

The transceiving unit1202may be configured to receive at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121from the first wireless device121after completing the handover. In some embodiments, the transceiving unit1202may be configured to transmit the scheduling scheme of the D2D communication to the first wireless device121. In some embodiments, the transceiving unit1202may also be configured to receive a second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121from the first wireless device121.

The determining unit1201is configured to determine a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least the first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121. The first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the target network node. In some embodiments, the determining unit1201may be configured to determine the scheduling scheme by determining, through communications with the source network node over an X2 interface, time locations of subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication.

In some embodiments, the determining unit1201may also be configured to determine the scheduling scheme further based on the second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121. The second uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121is here the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the third network node. In some embodiments, the determining unit1201may also be configured to determine the scheduling scheme by communicating with a third network node, when the third network node is serving the second wireless device122.

The embodiments herein for handling a D2D communication in a target network node may be implemented through one or more processors, such as, the processing unit1210in the target network node depicted inFIG. 12, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the target network node. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may e.g. be provided as pure program code in the target network node or on a server and downloaded to target network node.

The target network node may further comprise a memory1220comprising one or more memory units. The memory1220may be arranged to be used to store data, such as, e.g. information regarding the one or more intervals at which the energy of the transmission bursts should be increased to the second energy level, to perform the methods herein when being executed in the target network node.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the processing unit1210and the memory1220described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in a memory, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processing unit1210perform as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

To perform the method actions for handling a D2D communication between a first wireless device121and a second wireless device122during handover of the first wireless device121from a source network node to a target network node, the source network node may comprises the following arrangement depicted inFIG. 13.

FIG. 13shows a schematic block diagram of embodiments of the source network node. The source network node may here be the first radio network node110in the first and second D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 2-5, or the second radio network node111in the third D2D handover scenario shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 6-7.

The target network node comprises a processing unit1310, which may also be referred to as processing circuitry. The processing unit1310in the target network node may comprise, or be configured to be connected to, a determining unit1301and a transceiving unit1302.

The transceiving unit1202may be configured to transmit an indication to interrupt the D2D communication to at least the second wireless device before the handover is initiated. In some embodiments, the transceiving unit1202may be configured to transmit the scheduling scheme of the D2D communication to the second wireless device122.

The determining unit1201is configured to determine, after the handover is completed, a scheduling scheme for the D2D communication based on at least a first uplink timing difference of the first wireless device121. The first uplink timing difference is the difference between the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the source network node and the uplink timing of the first wireless device121to the target network node. In some embodiments, the determining unit1201may be configured to determine the scheduling scheme by determining, through communications with the target network node over an X2 interface, time locations of the subframes in which transmission resources may be allocated for the D2D communication.

The embodiments herein for handling a D2D communication in a source network node may be implemented through one or more processors, such as, the processing unit1310in the source network node depicted inFIG. 13, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the source network node. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may e.g. be provided as pure program code in the source network node or on a server and downloaded to source network node.

The source network node may further comprise a memory1320comprising one or more memory units. The memory1320may be arranged to be used to store data, such as, e.g. information regarding the one or more intervals at which the energy of the transmission bursts should be increased to the second energy level, to perform the methods herein when being executed in the source network node.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the processing unit1310and the memory1320described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in a memory, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processing unit1310perform as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

It should be noted that although the target network node and source network node are described as separate entities above for the sake of clarity, a network node may most commonly be implemented as capable of being both a target network node and a source network node depending on which of the first, second or third D2D handover scenario is current the case. Thus, in this case, the processing unit1210and the memory1220may be the same as the processing unit1310and the memory1320.

The embodiments herein are not limited to the above described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be construed as limiting.