HK1210355B - Discovery and operation of hybrid wireless wide area and wireless local area networks - Google Patents

Description

Discovery and operation of hybrid wireless WAN and wireless LAN

Background Art

As the use of mobile wireless devices such as smartphones and tablets becomes increasingly widespread, the demand on the limited amount of wireless spectrum used by these devices has also increased, leading to wireless network congestion in the licensed spectrum. In addition, the increased use of high-bandwidth applications such as streaming audio and video is increasing the demand beyond the capacity of the available spectrum. This situation is particularly severe in high-density and high-use locations such as large cities and universities. One forecast estimates that mobile Internet traffic will grow 20-fold from 2010 to 2015.

Improvements in wireless architecture, hardware design, and processor speeds have significantly increased the efficiency of wireless devices in their use of available spectrum. However, the ability to transmit a greater number of bits per second per hertz of available bandwidth may be reaching a limit with currently available battery technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the present invention, and in which:

FIG1 illustrates a block diagram for device-to-device (D2D) communication via a wireless local area network (WLAN) through proximity discovery over 3GPP, according to an example;

FIG2 illustrates a block diagram for device-to-device (D2D) communication via a direct connection through proximity discovery on a 3GPP network, according to an example;

FIG3 illustrates a block diagram for device-to-device (D2D) communication over a WLAN via proximity discovery on a non-3GPP network, according to an example;

FIG4 illustrates a block diagram for device-to-device (D2D) communication via a direct connection through proximity discovery over a non-3GPP network, according to an example;

5 shows a block diagram of an example for providing communications in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network;

FIG6 shows a flow diagram for pull mode proximity discovery via a 3GPP WWAN connection, according to an example;

FIG7 shows a flow diagram for push mode proximity discovery via a 3GPP WWAN connection, according to an example;

FIG8 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for establishing device-to-device (D2D) communication in a hybrid wireless network, according to an example;

FIG9 shows a flow chart of a method for establishing a device-to-device (D2D) communication network according to an example;

FIG10 illustrates a mobile wireless device according to an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same, but it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended thereby.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before disclosing and describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific structures, processing steps or materials disclosed herein, but can be extended to their equivalents, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

Regulation

As used herein, the word "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object being "substantially" covered may mean that the object is completely covered, or nearly completely covered. The precise degree of permissible deviation from absolute completeness may depend in some cases on the specific context. However, in general, approaching completeness will have the same overall result as achieving absolute and total completeness. When "substantially" is used in a negative sense to refer to the complete or nearly complete absence of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result, it applies equally.

As used herein, the term D2D refers to device-to-device communication. The device may be a wireless device capable of communicating in one or more radio frequency bands. The wireless device may be a mobile wireless device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other type of computing device. The wireless device may also be a simplified computing device (e.g., a sensor) configured to communicate wirelessly. Sensors configured to communicate wirelessly are generally referred to as machines. This application may use the term D2D synonymously with respect to peer-to-peer (P2P) communication and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

Exemplary embodiments

The following provides an initial overview of the technology embodiments, followed by further detailed descriptions of specific technology embodiments. This initial summary is intended to help the reader more quickly understand the technology, but is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter.

The exponential increase in the amount of wireless data being transmitted has created congestion in wireless wide area networks (WWANs) that use licensed spectrum to provide wireless communication services to wireless devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets, to name a few). This congestion is particularly pronounced in high-density and high-use locations such as urban locations and universities.

One technique for providing additional bandwidth capacity is to use low-power wireless communication standards, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, to perform device-to-device (D2D) communications in licensed or unlicensed portions of the wireless spectrum. Using WLAN standards for D2D communications between devices can significantly reduce the amount of bandwidth used at potential bottleneck points in the WWAN (World Wide Area Network) (WWAN), such as eNodeBs and core network (CN) servers. Because D2D communications can reduce or eliminate communications via eNodeBs and/or CNs, they can free up the radio access network (RAN) and CN for communications over longer distances (e.g., in WWAN intercellular communications).

The term D2D communication may also be referred to as ProSe communication, which may be defined as communication between two adjacent UEs via a communication path established between the two UEs. The communication path may be established directly between the two UEs or routed via a WWAN or WLAN network node.

A ProSe-capable UE is a UE that supports ProSe discovery and/or ProSe communication. A UE configured to perform D2D communication may be a ProSe-capable UE.

A ProSe-capable network is a network that supports ProSe discovery and/or ProSe communication.

ProSe group communication involves one-to-many ProSe communication between two or more adjacent UEs via a common communication path established between these UEs.

ProSe broadcast communication is a one-to-all ProSe communication between all neighboring authorized UEs via a common communication path established between these UEs.

Many types of wireless devices are capable of communicating via licensed spectrum (e.g., through cellular networks) and via unlicensed spectrum (e.g., via WiFi hotspots). WiFi is the generic name given to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 set of standards for communication in the unlicensed spectrum, which includes the 2.4, 3.7, and 5 GHz bands. This set of standards includes the IEEE 802.11a standard, published in 1999, for communication in the 5 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands; the IEEE 802.11b standard, also published in 1999, for communication in the 2.4 GHz band; the IEEE 802.11g standard, published in 2003, for communication in the 2.4 GHz range via orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and/or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS); and the IEEE 802.11n standard, published in 2009, for communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands using multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO).

Standards such as WiFi or Bluetooth are used to provide wireless local area networks (WLANs) that can be accessed by dual-mode devices, which are also capable of accessing cellular network standards such as the IEEE 802.16 standard (commonly known as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)) and the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Versions of the IEEE 802.16 standard include IEEE 802.16e-2005, IEEE 802.16-2009, and IEEE 802.16m-2011. Versions of the 3GPP standard include 3GPP LTE, Release 8 in the fourth quarter of 2008, 3GPP LTE-Advanced Release 10 in the first quarter of 2011, and a pre-release of Release 11 in the first quarter of 2012.

However, some types of wireless wide area network (WWAN) standards (e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 8, 9, 10, or 11) were not fully designed to provide D2D communications. Significant changes to these standards are needed at the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer to support D2D detection, distributed scheduling, and interference management.

One potential solution could be to use WLAN standards to provide D2D communication between dual-mode devices, where the dual-mode devices include a WWAN radio and a WLAN radio. For example, D2D communication can be accomplished using WLAN standards such as Bluetooth or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 or IEEE 802.15 standards. Of these standards, the IEEE 802.11 standard can be used to provide D2D communication over the maximum distance. However, depending on the desired system setup and architecture, a hybrid network including a wireless wide area network (WWAN) and a wireless local area network (WLAN) may include D2D communication via Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15 standards, which can be assisted by a WWAN. Other types of WLAN standards and other low-power wireless communication standards may also be used.

In order for a wireless device to communicate directly or indirectly with another wireless device, three operations typically occur. First, information assisting in proximity discovery can be transmitted between the wireless devices. Typically, this communication is routed via a WWAN or WLAN network. Second, proximity detection can occur between the two devices based on the received proximity discovery information. Third, a direct D2D communication link can be established between these wireless devices.

Prior to receiving the proximity discovery information, the wireless devices typically do not know each other and are therefore unable to communicate. One way to transmit the proximity discovery information is by using a separate communication channel. For example, a previously established network connection (e.g., a WWAN connection) can be used to transmit the proximity discovery information to at least two wireless devices that are within a vicinity of each other. For example, a user equipment (UE) configured to operate using the WWAN 3GPP LTE standard or a mobile station (MS) configured to operate using the WWAN IEEE 802.16 standard can transmit proximity discovery information to the UE or MS via the WWAN.

As used herein, the term "proximity" is defined as the distance at which two wireless devices can communicate via a direct D2D communication link. The actual distance depends on the type of communication used to form the D2D communication link. For example, the IEEE 802.16n standard (released in 2012) can transmit over a greater distance than the IEEE 802.15.4-2006 standard.

A UE can be manually or automatically configured to be discoverable by other networks and/or UEs. The proximity of one UE to another UE can be determined based on location awareness in a WWAN network (e.g., a 3GPP Evolved Packet System (EPS) or IEEE 802.16 configured WWAN). The ability to be discoverable by other networks and/or UEs enables a WWAN or WLAN network to notify two or more UEs when they are within proximity of each other.

The process of configuring a UE to be discoverable may be referred to as ProSe discovery, which may be defined as a process for identifying that a UE is located in the vicinity of another UE. ProSe discovery may be performed using a specific type of WWAN network (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) or other desired types of WWAN). ProSe discovery may be open or restricted. In open ProSe discovery, such discovery may be performed without requiring explicit permission from the UE. Restricted ProSe discovery may occur only when explicit permission from the UE is discovered. A network that can be used to discover a UE may be referred to as a ProSe network.

This proximity discovery information may include information required to allow at least two wireless devices (e.g., UEs) to communicate directly using device-to-device communication. For example, the proximity discovery information may include: identification information of UEs located near another UE, the IP address, gateway, and subnet mask for the neighboring UE, and the selected channel for communication. In addition, optional information may also be transmitted. For example, a peer-to-peer (P2P) group ID and a P2P interface media access control (MAC) address for each UE may also be transmitted.

The proximity discovery information may be transmitted to two UEs to provide information that can be used to enable these UEs to communicate directly via D2D communication. The proximity discovery information may be transmitted when these UEs are members of the same public land mobile network (PLMN) or when they are members of different PLMNs. For example, the user of the first UE may be a subscriber at operator A. The user of the second UE may be a subscriber at operator B. When the first UE and the second UE are within the vicinity of each other (even when they are members of different PLMNs), the proximity discovery information may be transmitted to each of these UEs. The operator of each mobile network may authorize the UE to discover other UEs that are members of other PLMNs.

In one embodiment, the operator may charge for the ability to discover UEs operating on other PLMNs. For example, if a user wants to be able to detect UEs in other PLMNs and form D2D communication links with these UEs, a monthly surcharge may be charged.

In one embodiment, one of these UEs can be selected as the group owner for D2D communication. Proximity detection information can be transmitted to each UE located in the vicinity of the other UE via a WWAN. Alternatively, the WWAN can be used to transmit the proximity detection information to the group owner UE. The group owner UE can then use the proximity detection information to establish a control channel with one or more nearby UEs and send desired proximity discovery information to the neighboring UEs.

Depending on the system architecture and design, network-assisted proximity discovery, proximity detection, and D2D communication operations can be accomplished in a number of different ways. Figures 1-4 illustrate examples of different architectures that can be used for proximity discovery, detection, and D2D communication. These examples are not intended to be limiting. As will be appreciated, additional architectures may also be used.

A brief discussion of the 3GPP architecture is provided for the context of Figures 1-4. Figure 5 provides an example of a 3GPP LTE network, as described in 3GPP Release 8, 9, 10, and 11 specifications. In a 3GPP LTE network, UEs 550A-B can communicate with an evolved packet core (EPC) 560 via a radio access network (RAN) 510. The RAN can include transport nodes such as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRAN or eUTRAN) or UTRAN modules, represented as eNodeBs 512A and 512B. The RAN can communicate with the EPC. The EPC can include a serving gateway (S-GW) 520 and a mobility management entity (MME) 530. The EPC can also include a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) 542 to couple the S-GW to the PDN (e.g., the Internet 580, an intranet, or other similar network). An external server (e.g., a server 547 operated by a mobile network operator (MNO)) can connect outside of the Evolved Packet System (EPS) via the P-GW. The S-GW can provide P2P internet network access and standard network access for UEs associated with the RAN. The S-GW and the MME can communicate directly with each other via cables, wires, optical fibers, and/or transmission hardware (e.g., routers or repeaters). In this example, eNodeBs 512A-B are connected to UEs 550A-B via LTE wireless links 515A-B, respectively. Backhaul links 514, such as X2 links, can be used to connect these eNBs. Typically, the X2 links are formed by broadband wired or optical fiber connections between the eNBs. Connections between the eNBs 512A-B, the S-GW 520, and the MME 530 can be made via S1 type connections 524A-B and 526A-B. The S1 interface is described in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 36.410 Versions 8 (2008-12-11), 9 (2009-12-10) and 10 (2011-03-23), which are publicly available.

The EPC 560 may also include a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) node 544, which can be used to determine the policy rules of the mobile network operator (MNO) in the wireless network in near real time. The PCRF node can access subscriber databases and other special functions (e.g., billing systems) as desired. Additional policies can be added to identify in near real time when the MNO can configure the network to form a D2D connection between at least two wireless devices. As used herein, an MNO is a wireless network service provider. The wireless devices can all be located in the MNO's network. Alternatively, one of the wireless devices can operate in another MNO's network.

The EPC 560 may also include an Access Network Discovery and Selection Function (ANDSF) 546. The purpose of the ANDSF is to assist the UEs 550A-B in discovering non-3GPP access networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.16) that can be used for data communications in addition to 3GPP access networks (e.g., HSPA or LTE), and to provide the UEs with rules for governing connections to these networks.

Based on the understanding of the basic architecture of the 3GPP network, various system architecture examples that can be used to provide network-assisted proximity discovery, proximity detection, and D2D communication operations are given, as shown in Figures 1-4.

In the example shown in FIG1 , UE 1 and UE 2 are both configured to communicate with a WWAN. In this example, the WWAN access is based on 3GPP LTE standards, including Releases 8, 9, 10, and 11. Network-assisted proximity and discovery information may be transmitted from the EPC to UE 1 and UE 2 via a control plane connection with the WWAN access. In this exemplary embodiment, the WWAN access may be based on 3GPP. 3GPP access may be provided by a RAN having at least one eNodeB, as previously discussed. The eNodeB may be a high-power node, such as a macro node, configured to transmit and receive signals from UEs over distances of several kilometers. Alternatively, the eNodeB may be a low-power node (LPN), such as a microcell, picocell, femtocell, or Home eNodeB. The LPN may be configured to communicate with UEs over distances of less than one kilometer.

In one embodiment, a proximity detection function (PDF) may be implemented in a 3GPP network in one or more of the following nodes: a) eNodeB; b) MME; c) ANDSF; and d) a new proximity server in a mobile network operator (MNO). In FIG1 , the PDF is shown as being located within the ANDSF, but this is not intended to be limiting. The PDF may be configured to transmit network-assisted proximity discovery information to UE1 and UE2. The PDF may also be located at other nodes that allow the PDF to communicate with UEs in a WWAN network. In one embodiment, the ANDSF may include a list of available WLAN networks in the vicinity of the UE, as well as information that can be used to assist the UE in expediting its connection to these WLAN networks.

The proximity discovery information may include information that the UE can use to detect proximity and perform D2D communication via WLAN. The D2D module at each UE may be configured to communicate with a PDF in a 3GPP network or with an MNO.

In one embodiment, the proximity discovery information may include a group owner status. The PDF may identify the group owner status and transmit it from the PDF to the selected UE via the WWAN. The group owner status specifies that the selected UE will be the master UE for D2D communication with one or more other UEs. The group owner status may be determined by the PDF. As will be appreciated, designation of a UE as a group owner may be based on the signal strength of the UE with the RAN, based on the capabilities of the UE, may be randomly selected between two or more UEs in the 3GPP network, or based on other desired metrics. The group owner UE may be configured to communicate with multiple other UEs on a D2D communication channel using ProSe group communication.

In one example, the network-assisted proximity discovery information for the group owner may further include identification values for UE1 and UE2, and a WLAN communication channel over which the D2D communication will occur. For example, the WLAN communication channel may be a channel selected for communication via the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, the IEEE 802.15 communication standard, the Bluetooth standard, or another WLAN standard for forming a D2D communication link between UE1 and UE2.

In one embodiment, the UE identification value for D2D discovery can be 3GPP-specific, or a new identification can be formed. Several examples of identification values are provided in subsequent paragraphs. These examples are not intended to be limiting. As will be understood, other types of UE identification values can also be used.

IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity. In one example, UE2 can use its IMSI to construct the SSID (Service Set Identifier) value. Because the IMSI is needed to protect its privacy, it can be encoded using a one-way secure hash function (or a new identity can be derived from the IMSI). This privacy can be protected, or it is very difficult to derive a new identity by reverse engineering the IMSI.

IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity. The IMEI format is specified by 3GPP. For example, a definition is provided in Section 6 of 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.003 V11.2.0 (2012-06).

MAC ID: In this example, the beacon may include the MAC ID of UE 2, which UE 1 will know. For privacy protection of the MAC ID, security mechanisms need to be in place, as discussed previously with reference to the IMSI.

MSISDN: Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number. This is the phone number stored on the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card of a mobile communication device. The MSISDN number can be used as the UE ID. It is possible to specify an MSISDN with a longer length than the current 10-digit limit.

TMSI/P-TMSI/M-TMSI/S-TMSI/LMSI/TLL1: The Temporary Mobile User Identity (TMSI) is the most commonly sent identifier between wireless communication devices and the network. The TMSI can be located in the packet-switched domain (/p). TMSI/M is a 32-bit binary number that is part of the Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) and is specifically used in the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). TMSI/S includes the Mobility Management Entity Code (MMEC) and the M-TMSI. In reality, it is simply a shorter version of the GUTI. LMSI is the Local Mobile Subscriber Identity, which can serve as a pointer to a database record for a specific IMSI. TLLI (Temporary Logical Link Identifier) is used in GSM and GPRS services. It provides the signaling address for communications between the UE and the SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node). The structure and format of these identifiers are specified in Part 2 of 3GPP TS 23.003. These are various local identifiers assigned to the UE by the MSC/SGSN/MME. The TLLI to be used is constructed by the UE based on the P-TMSI (local or foreign TLLI) or directly (random TLLI). These local identities can be used when the UEs belong to the same operator and appear in the same MSC/SGSN/MME area.

GUTI: The Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity (GUTI) format is specified in section 2.8 of 3GPP TS 23.003.

Access Network Identifier: In some D2D scenarios, a device may act as an access network and may broadcast an access network identifier. In one embodiment, a new access network identifier for D2D may be specified and used as the UE ID.

D2D-APN: A dedicated D2D Access Point Name (D2D-APN) may be assigned to each UE.

New Identity: For D2D discovery, a new identity may be provided to the UE. This identity may be internally mapped to an IMSI for billing purposes. In one example, the new identity may be formatted based on a Network Access Identifier (NAI), a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), or a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). For example, as will be appreciated, the NAI/URI may be modified with an IMSI, MSISDN, IMEI, MAC ID, or another desired identifier.

The network-assisted proximity discovery information for the group owner may also include: a) a P2P group basic service set identifier (BSSID); b) a peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address for UE1 and a P2P interface MAC address for UE2. The P2P group BSSID and the P2P interface MAC addresses for each UE may optionally be derived based on the UE1 ID and/or the UE2 ID. This will be discussed more fully in subsequent sections.

In another example, network-assisted proximity discovery information for a non-group owner UE (i.e., a UE not designated as a group owner by the PDF) may include: a) UE1 ID; b) UE2 ID; c) the WLAN communication channel over which the D2D communication will occur; d) the P2P interface MAC address for UE1; and e) the P2P interface MAC address for UE2. Like the group owner, the P2P interface MAC address can be derived from the UE1 ID and the UE2 ID.

Once the proximity detection information is received via the WWAN network, proximity detection may be performed based on the proximity discovery information received at each UE. For example, the group owner UE may scan for other UEs identified in the proximity discovery information. The UE may scan on a WLAN communication channel. Non-group owner UEs may listen on the WLAN communication channel. In one embodiment, the group owner UE may send a P2P group BSSID on the communication channel. The non-group owner UE may be configured to scan for the P2P group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel.

In the example shown in Figure 1, UE1 (the group owner) can send the P2P group BSSID to UE2 via WLAN. UE1 can then communicate with UE2 via WLAN on the communication channel. The WLAN can be based on standards including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, or another WLAN standard, as previously discussed.

Once the WWAN network transmits proximity discovery information to the UE and performs proximity detection on the control plane, a D2D communication link can be established between UE1 and UE2 in the data plane. In the example of Figure 1, the D2D communication link is formed via a WLAN access point, which can act as a WLAN access point (AP). The WLAN AP can be a trusted WLAN AP or an untrusted WLAN AP.

FIG2 illustrates another exemplary architecture for providing network-assisted proximity discovery, proximity detection, and D2D communication operations. In the example of FIG2 , the network-assisted proximity discovery information may be transmitted to the group owner UE (i.e., UE1) and the non-group owner UE (i.e., UE2) as previously discussed with reference to FIG1 . Alternatively, UE2 may be designated as the group owner and UE1 may be the non-group owner, as previously discussed. The proximity detection operations in FIG2 may be performed directly between UE1 and UE2 via a control plane connection.

For example, using direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, UE1 (the group owner) may scan on the WLAN communication channel previously received in the proximity discovery information, and UE2 may listen on the WLAN communication channel received in the proximity discovery information to confirm the proximity. In one embodiment, UE1 may send the P2P group BSSID directly to UE2 via the WLAN communication channel. UE2 may scan for the P2P group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel. UE1 ID and UE2 ID may then be used at UE1 and UE2, respectively, to construct the P2P interface MAC address. UE1 may then communicate directly with UE2 via a data plane connection using direct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or another WLAN D2D interface. The type of D2D interface to be used to form direct D2D communication between UE1 and UE2 may be identified based on information received during the network-assisted proximity discovery information transmission.

Figure 3 shows an additional exemplary architecture to provide network-assisted proximity discovery, proximity detection, and D2D communication operations. In the example of Figure 3, the network-assisted proximity discovery information can be transmitted to a group owner UE (i.e., UE1 or UE2) and a non-group owner UE (i.e., UE2 or UE1). In this example, the network-assisted proximity discovery information can be transmitted via a WLAN access point. Both UEs were previously configured to communicate with a WLAN access point. The WLAN access point can be configured to communicate directly with the EPC, as shown in Figure 3. In one example, the WLAN access point can be directly integrated with a WWAN access point. For example, an IEEE 802.11 access point (AP) can be integrated with an eNodeB. The integration of the AP and the eNB allows the UE to communicate with the EPC in a control plane connected to the EPC, as shown in Figure 3. The network-assisted proximity discovery information transmitted via the WLAN access point can include the same information previously discussed with reference to Figure 1.

A proximity detection operation can be performed between UE1 and UE2 via a WLAN access point, as shown in FIG3 . For example, using direct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15, or another WLAN communication scheme, UE1 (the group owner) can scan on the WLAN communication channel previously received in the proximity discovery information, and UE2 can listen on the WLAN communication channel received in the proximity discovery information to confirm the proximity. In one embodiment, UE1 can directly send the P2P group BSSID to UE2 via the WLAN communication channel. UE2 can scan for the P2P group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel. Subsequently, at UE1 and UE2, the UE1 ID and UE2 ID can be used, respectively, to construct a P2P interface MAC address. UE1 can then communicate directly with UE2 using a direct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15, or another WLAN D2D interface to form a data plane connection. The type of D2D interface used to establish D2D communication between UE1 and UE2 via a WLAN access point can be identified based on information received during network-assisted proximity discovery information transmission. In Figure 3, the D2D communication channel is established via a WLAN access point. For example, the WLAN access point can be an IEEE 802.11 AP that can be used to establish a data plane connection between UE1 and UE2 to implement D2D communication. A trusted or untrusted AP can be used to host the D2D communication.

Figure 4 shows another exemplary architecture to provide network-assisted proximity discovery, proximity detection, and D2D communication operations. In the example of Figure 4, the network-assisted proximity discovery information can be transmitted to the group owner UE (i.e., UE1 or UE2) and the non-group owner UE (i.e., UE2 or UE1) via control plane communication. In this example, the network-assisted proximity discovery information can be transmitted via a control plane communicating with a WWAN access point (e.g., eNodeB), as previously discussed in the exemplary architectures of Figures 1 and 2. The WWAN access point (e.g., eNodeB) can be configured to communicate directly with the EPC, as shown in Figure 4. The network-assisted proximity discovery information transmitted via the WWAN access point can include the same information previously discussed with reference to Figure 1. The proximity detection operation in Figure 4 can be performed directly between UE1 and UE2 in the control plane.

For example, using direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, UE1 (the group owner) may scan on the WLAN communication channel previously received in the proximity discovery information, and UE2 may listen on the WLAN communication channel received in the proximity discovery information to confirm the proximity. In one embodiment, UE1 may send the P2P group BSSID directly to UE2 via the WLAN communication channel. UE2 may scan for the P2P group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel. UE1 ID and UE2 ID may then be used at UE1 and UE2, respectively, to construct the P2P interface MAC address. UE1 may then communicate directly with UE2 via the data plane using direct Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or another WLAN D2D interface. The type of D2D interface to be used to establish D2D communication between UE1 and UE2 may be identified based on information received during the network-assisted proximity discovery information transmission.

FIG6 shows an exemplary flow chart for proximity discovery via a 3GPP WWAN connection, as shown in FIG2 . The flow chart of FIG6 represents a pull model, where UE1 can request the proximity detection function to check proximity. It should be noted that the 3GPP network can decide which of the two UEs is the group owner.

In the flowchart of Figure 6, a first UE (e.g., UE1 in this example) may request a proximity detection function (PDF) to detect proximity 602. As previously discussed, the PDF may be located in an eNodeB, MME, ANDSF, a proximity server in an MNO, or another node that allows the PDF to communicate with UEs in a WWAN network. After receiving the request, the PDF may periodically perform checks 604. The rate of this periodicity depends on the system design and operator selection. Proximity checks may be performed at a rate ranging from every few milliseconds to every few seconds. In this example, three checks for proximity are shown. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Any number of checks for proximity may be performed.

In one embodiment, a WWAN configured based on the 3GPP LTE specifications may be used to provide the information required to allow UE1 and UE2 to identify that they are in a neighboring location. This information may be transmitted via different protocols depending on where the PDF is implemented.

For example, when the PDF is located at the eNB, radio resource control (RRC) messages may be used. When the PDF is located at the MME, communication from the MME to the RAN via the S1 access point may be used, followed by RRC messages being sent from the eNB in the RAN to the respective UEs. Alternatively, when the PDF is located in the MME, the non-access stratum (NAS) layer may be used to communicate with UE1 and UE2. When the PDF is located in the ANDSF, the device management protocol specified by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) may be used for communication between the PDF and the respective UEs. When the PDF is located in a server (e.g., an over-the-top (OTT) server operable in an MNO core), a programming language based on standardized specifications, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), or another desired language, may be used.

When another UE is identified as having a location within the vicinity of the requesting UE, the PDF may then determine which of the UEs within the vicinity of each other to designate as the P2P group owner. As previously discussed, the selection of a UE as the P2P group owner may be based on the signal strength between the UE and the RAN, based on the capabilities of the UE, may be randomly selected between two or more UEs in the 3GPP network, or the selection may be based on other desired metrics, as will be appreciated.

Proximity may be indicated to each UE in steps 606 and 607. The indication of proximity may include network-assisted proximity discovery information for the group owner 606 and the non-group owner 607, as previously discussed with reference to Figures 1-4.

In step 608, the P2P group owner (UE1 in this example) may send the P2P Group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel. Information about the WLAN communication channel was received in step 607. In one embodiment, the P2P Group BSSID may be transmitted as part of a P2P Information Element (IE) to help UE2 discover it via a direct WiFi connection. In step 610, the non-group owner (UE2) may scan for the P2P Group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel. Information about the WLAN communication channel was received in step 606. Alternatively, the P2P Group BSSID may be sent by the 3GPP network or may be constructed using an identity of UE1 (UE1 ID), which is provided by the 3GPP network. The UE1 ID may be known a priori to UE2.

In step 612, UE1 can locate UE2 and establish a direct link, such as a direct WiFi link, between UE1 and UE2. As shown in steps 614 and 616, during the process of establishing the direct WiFi link, UE1 and UE2 can use the UE1 ID and UE2 ID transmitted during steps 607 and 606, respectively, to construct a P2P interface MAC address. The P2P interface MAC address can be a virtual MAC address derived from the UE ID transmitted by the 3GPP network. Alternatively, the 3GPP network can explicitly transmit the P2P interface MAC address to both UEs. Using this P2P interface MAC address, D2D communication between UE1 and UE2 can begin, as shown in block 618.

Figure 7 shows another exemplary flow chart for proximity discovery via a 3GPP WWAN connection as shown in Figure 2. The flow chart of Figure 7 represents a push model, where the PDF can identify when proximity occurs and push this information to UEs that are within proximity of each other.

In the example of FIG7 , the PDF can be configured to perform periodic proximity checks 704 to identify when UEs are within proximity of each other, as previously discussed. Once proximity is identified, the PDF can determine which UE should be designated as the P2P group owner. In this example, UE2 is designated as the P2P group owner. In step 706, network-assisted proximity discovery information for the P2P group owner is transmitted to UE2. In step 707, proximity discovery information for non-group owners is transmitted to UE1.

In step 708, the P2P group owner (UE2) may then send the P2P Group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel based on the information received in step 706. The non-group owner (UE1) may then scan for the P2P Group BSSID on the WLAN communication channel based on the information received in step 707.

In step 712, UE2 can locate UE1 and establish a direct WiFi link. In steps 714 and 716, UE1 and UE2 can construct the P2P interface MAC address using the UE1 ID and UE2 ID received in steps 707 and 706, respectively. Once the P2P interface MAC address is constructed, D2D communication can begin, as shown in step 718.

While the exemplary flow charts of Figures 6 and 7 include examples for establishing a direct WiFi D2D connection between UE1 and UE2, they are not intended to be limiting. Other WLAN specifications may also be used to form a D2D connection, including but not limited to Bluetooth and IEEE 802.15-based specifications, as previously discussed.

In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) configured to establish device-to-device (D2D) communication is disclosed. The UE includes a device-to-device (D2D) module operating on the UE, configured to communicate with a proximity detection function (PDF) module, wherein the PDF module communicates with a third generation partnership project (3GPP) wireless wide area network. The D2D module is configured to: receive an indication from the PDF module that another UE is located in proximity to the UE; receive network-assisted proximity discovery information from the PDF module, which can be used to establish D2D communication including a D2D communication channel with the other UE; receive a peer-to-peer (P2P) group owner status from the PDF module; and establish D2D communication with the other UE over the D2D communication channel using the network-assisted proximity discovery information based on the P2P group owner status.

The D2D module operating on the UE can also be configured to: when the status of the P2P group owner is received, send a peer (P2P) group (P2PGroup) basic service set identifier (BSSID) on the WLAN communication channel of the D2D communication channel; and when the status of the P2P non-group owner is received, scan for the P2PGroup BSSID on the D2D communication channel.

The D2D module may also be configured to construct a peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address for the UE and the other UE. The D2D module may also be configured to construct a P2P interface MAC using a UE identification (ID) value for the UE and a UE ID value for the other UE.

In one embodiment, the UE ID value for the UE and the UE ID for the other UE can be constructed based on at least one of the following: International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI), Media Access Control (MAC) Identity (ID), Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), Local Mobile Subscriber Identity (LMSI), Temporary Logical Link Identifier (TLLI), Access Network Identity (ASN), D2D Access Point Name (APN), and a new identity for mapping to IMSI for billing purposes.

In another embodiment, the D2D module may be further configured to establish D2D communication with the other UE using the P2P interface MAC address to allow the UE and the other UE to communicate via D2D communication. The D2D module may be configured to establish D2D communication with the other UE over a D2D communication channel to enable the UE to communicate with the other UE without utilizing an eNodeB or a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point in a WWAN.

FIG8 provides a flow chart illustrating a method 800 for establishing device-to-device (D2D) communication in a hybrid wireless network. The method includes the steps of identifying proximity of a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE using a wireless wide area network (WWAN), as shown in block 810. Network-assisted proximity discovery information may be transmitted to the first UE and the second UE, as shown in block 820. The proximity discovery information may include a D2D communication channel, wherein a D2D connection between the first UE and the second UE may be established on the D2D communication channel. A D2D communication link may be established between the first UE and the second UE using a D2D format based on a wireless local area network (WLAN) at the D2D communication channel.

The method 800 may further include identifying proximity of the first UE and the second UE using a WLAN in communication with the WWAN. Additional operations include selecting one of the first UE and the second UE as a peer-to-peer (P2P) group owner using a proximity detection function (PDF).

In one embodiment, an identity for the first UE (UE1 ID) and an identity for the second UE (UE2 ID) may be generated based on at least one of the following: an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI), a Media Access Control (MAC) Identity (ID), a Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), a Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), a Local Mobile Subscriber Identity (LMSI), a Temporary Logical Link Identifier (TLLI), an Access Network Identity (ASN), a D2D Access Point Name (APN), and a new identity for mapping to an IMSI for billing purposes.

A peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address may be constructed. The MAC address may be a virtual MAC address derived from the UE1 ID and the UE2 ID for establishing a D2D communication link between the first UE and the second UE.

The proximity between the first UE and the second UE may be detected using the network-assisted proximity discovery information received by the first UE and the second UE via a WWAN, wherein the WWAN is a WWAN based on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 8, 9, 10, or 11. In one embodiment, the proximity between the first UE and the second UE may be detected by transmitting a peer-to-peer (P2P) group basic service set identifier (BSSID) from one of the first UE and the second UE that is selected as a P2P group owner, and scanning for the P2P group BSSID by one of the first UE and the second UE that is not selected as a P2P group owner.

The method 800 may further include: sending the P2P Group BSSID on the D2D communication channel, and scanning for the P2P Group BSSID on the D2D communication channel.

The operation of transmitting network-assisted proximity discovery information may also include: sending the following information to one of the first UE and the second UE selected as the group owner: the group owner status selected by the proximity detection function; the identification (ID) value (UE ID); and the D2D communication channel center frequency and bandwidth.

The operation of transmitting network-assisted proximity discovery information to the group owner may also include transmitting the following information: a peer-to-peer group (P2P Group) basic service set identifier (BSSID); a peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address for the UE selected as the group owner; and a P2P interface MAC address for one of the first UE and the second UE that is not selected as the group owner. In one embodiment, the P2P interface MAC address for each UE is derived based on a UE identification (ID) value derived for the UE.

In another embodiment, network-assisted proximity discovery information may be sent to one of the first and second UEs that is not selected as the group owner. The information sent to the non-group owner may include: the group owner status selected by the proximity detection function; the user equipment (UE) identification (ID) value; and the D2D communication channel center frequency and bandwidth. Additional information that may be sent to the non-group owner may also include: a peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address for the UE selected as the group owner; and a P2P interface MAC address for one of the first and second UEs that is not selected as the group owner.

In another embodiment, a method 900 for establishing device-to-device (D2D) communication is disclosed, as depicted in the flow chart of FIG9 . The method includes an operation of identifying a first user equipment and a second user equipment located in a neighboring location, as shown in block 910. Additional operations include receiving, at one of the first UE and the second UE, network-assisted proximity discovery information from an evolved packet core (EPC) operating on a third generation partnership project (3GPP) wireless wide area network (WWAN), as shown in block 920. Further operations involve establishing device-to-device (D2D) communication between the first UE and the second UE using direct WiFi based on the network-assisted proximity discovery information received from the EPC, as shown in block 930.

The method 900 may also include: at one of the first UE and the second UE, receiving the network-assisted proximity discovery information from a proximity discovery function (PDF) module operating on at least one of the following: a mobility management entity (MME) and an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF) operating in the EPC.

A peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address for the first UE and the second UE may be constructed. A first UE ID value for the first UE and a second UE value for the second UE may also be constructed. Each UE ID value may be constructed based on at least one of the following: an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI), a Media Access Control (MAC) Identity (ID), a Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), a Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), a Local Mobile Subscriber Identity (LMSI), a Temporary Logical Link Identifier (TLLI), an Access Network Identity (ASN), a D2D Access Point Name (APN), and a new identity for mapping to an IMSI for billing purposes.

In one embodiment, the peer-to-peer (P2P) interface media access control (MAC) address is a virtual MAC address derived from the first UE ID and the second UE ID for establishing a D2D communication link between the first UE and the second UE.

Figure 10 provides an exemplary diagram of a mobile device (e.g., a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile communication device, a tablet computer, a handheld device, or other type of mobile wireless device). The mobile device may include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a base station (BS), an evolved node B (eNB), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. The mobile device may be configured to communicate using at least one wireless communication standard, wherein the at least one wireless communication standard includes 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Bluetooth, and WiFi. The mobile device may communicate using a separate antenna for each wireless communication standard or a shared antenna for multiple wireless communication standards. The mobile device may communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a wireless wide area network (WWAN).

In addition, Figure 10 also provides a view of a microphone and one or more speakers that can be used for audio input and output of the mobile device. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or other types of display screens such as organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen. The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive or other types of touch screen technology. The application processor and graphics processor can be coupled to the internal memory to provide processing and display capabilities. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to provide data input/output options to the user. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to expand the memory capacity of the mobile device. The keyboard can be integrated with the mobile device or wirelessly connected to the mobile device to provide additional user input. A touch screen can also be used to provide a virtual keyboard.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification are labeled as modules in order to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit including a custom VLSI circuit or gate array, an off-the-shelf semiconductor such as a logic chip, a transistor, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented using programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, and the like.

Modules may also be implemented using software executed by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for example, include one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized, for example, as objects, procedures, or functions. However, the executable files of an identified module need not be physically stored together, but may include different instructions stored in different locations that, when logically joined together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

In fact, the module of executable code can be a single instruction, or a plurality of instructions, and can even be distributed on several different code segments, be distributed between different programs and distribute across several memory devices.Similarly, herein, operational data is identified and illustrated as being positioned in the module, and can embody with any appropriate form, and organize with the data structure of any appropriate type. Operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed in different locations (it is by different storage devices), and can only be used as electronic signal at least in part, be present in a system or network. These modules can be passive or active, and they comprise the agent that can be used for performing the function of expectation.

Various technologies or some aspects or parts thereof can be in the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embedded in a non-temporary tangible medium, such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard disk, solid-state drive, solid-state memory, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into a machine such as a computer and executed by the machine, the machine becomes a device for practicing various technologies. The term non-temporary includes any type of tangible medium. When the program code is executed on a programmable computer, the computing device may include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (which includes volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage unit), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs of the various technologies described herein can be implemented or used, and application program interfaces (APIs), reusable controls, etc. can be utilized. These programs can be implemented in high-level procedural languages or object-oriented programming languages to communicate with the computer system. However, if desired, assembly language or machine language can also be used to implement these programs. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language and combined with hardware implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, for convenience, multiple entries, structural elements, constituent elements and/or materials can be given in a general list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member in the list is individually identified as an independent and unique member. Therefore, unless there is contrary information, there is no single member in the list that can be interpreted as being substantially equivalent to any other member in the same list simply based on their appearance in a common group. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the present invention can refer to their various components together with substitutes in this article. It should be understood that these embodiments, examples and substitutes should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents of each other, but should be interpreted as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

In addition, in one or more embodiments, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any appropriate manner. In the following description, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, a large number of specific details are provided, such as examples of materials, fasteners, sizes, lengths, widths, shapes, etc. However, it should be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art that the present invention may be practiced without using one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail.

Although the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the form, usage, and details of implementation without inventive effort and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limiting, except as set forth below in the claims.

Claims (23)

1. An apparatus for a first user equipment (UE) operable to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) communication in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the apparatus comprising one or more processors causing the first UE to perform the following operations: Identify network-assisted discovery information from the evolved packet core (EPC), the network-assisted discovery information indicating that the first UE is near the second UE, wherein the network-assisted discovery information includes a P2P service set identifier (SSID), a group owner status, and a communication channel for P2P discovery and communication; Establish a direct connection with a second UE located near the first UE, wherein the direct connection is based on the group owner status and the P2P SSID included in the network-assisted discovery information; and Using the direct connection between the first UE and the second UE, P2P communication is sent to the second UE on the communication channel. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors further cause the first UE to perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is the group owner, a P2P information element IE including the P2P SSID is transmitted on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that receives the P2P IE from the first UE on the communication channel. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors further cause the first UE to perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is not the group owner, a P2P information element IE including the P2P SSID is received on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that sends the P2P IE to the first UE on the communication channel. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the P2P SSID is generated using a first identifier associated with the first UE and a second identifier associated with the second UE. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first identifier is created using the first International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the first UE, and the second identifier is created using the second IMSI of the second UE. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first UE is a UE with ProSe capability and capable of using WLAN. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first UE includes an antenna, a touch-sensitive display screen, a speaker, a microphone, a graphics processor, an application processor, internal memory, or a non-volatile memory port. 8. A first user equipment (UE) operable to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) communication in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first UE comprising one or more processors configured to perform the following operations: Identify network-assisted discovery information from the evolved packet core (EPC), the network-assisted discovery information indicating that the first UE is near the second UE, wherein the network-assisted discovery information includes a P2P service set identifier (SSID), a group owner status, and a communication channel for P2P discovery and communication; Establish a direct connection with a second UE located near the first UE, wherein the direct connection is based on the group owner status and the P2P SSID included in the network-assisted discovery information; and Using the direct connection between the first UE and the second UE, P2P communication is sent to the second UE on the communication channel. 9. The first UE according to claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is the group owner, a P2P information element IE including the P2P SSID is transmitted on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that receives the P2P IE from the first UE on the communication channel. 10. The first UE according to claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is not the group owner, a P2P information element IE including the P2P SSID is received on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that sends the P2P IE to the first UE on the communication channel. 11. At least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having instructions contained thereon for performing peer-to-peer (P2P) communication at a first user equipment (UE), wherein, when the instructions are executed, the first UE performs the following operations: At least one processor of the first UE is used to identify network-assisted discovery information indicating that the first UE is near the second UE in a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the network-assisted discovery information includes a P2P service set identifier (SSID), a group owner status, and a communication channel for P2P discovery and communication. The first UE uses at least one processor to establish a direct connection with the second UE located near the first UE, wherein the direct connection is based on the group owner status and the P2P SSID included in the network-assisted discovery information; and Using the at least one processor of the first UE, on the communication channel, P2P communication with the second UE is transmitted using the direct connection between the first UE and the second UE. 12. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor of the first UE, perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is the group owner, a P2P information element IE including the P2P SSID is transmitted on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that receives the P2P IE from the first UE on the communication channel. 13. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor of the first UE, perform the following operations: When the group owner status received from the EPC indicates that the first UE is not the group owner, a P2P IE including the P2P SSID is received on the communication channel; and The direct connection is established with the second UE that sends the P2P IE to the first UE on the communication channel. 14. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein, when included in a P2P group, the first UE is associated with a P2P interface media access control MAC address. 15. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the P2P SSID is generated using a first identifier associated with the first UE and a second identifier associated with the second UE, wherein the first identifier is created using a first International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the first UE, and the second identifier is created using a second IMSI of the second UE. 16. The at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor of the first UE, perform the following operations: Network-assisted discovery information is received from the ProSe network element in the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), indicating that the first UE is located near the second UE in the WLAN. 17. An apparatus for a ProSe network unit operable to initiate peer-to-peer (P2P) communication in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the apparatus comprising one or more processors causing the ProSe network unit to perform the following operations: Detecting the proximity of a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE in the WLAN; and By sending network-assisted discovery information to each of the first UE and the second UE, P2P discovery and communication are triggered between the first UE and the second UE. The network-assisted discovery information includes the communication channel for each of the first UE and the second UE, the P2P service set identifier (SSID), and the group owner status. Specifically, the first UE or the second UE is configured to establish a direct connection with one of the first UEs or the second UE based on the group owner status and the P2P SSID included in the network-assisted discovery information, which is received at the first UE or the second UE. The first UE or the second UE is configured to use the direct connection between the first UE and the second UE to perform P2P communication with one of the first UE or the second UE on the communication channel. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one or more processors further cause the ProSe network unit to generate a P2P interface media access control MAC address for at least one of the first UE or the second UE. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, when included in a P2P group, the first UE is associated with a P2P interface media access control MAC address. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the P2P SSID is generated using a first identifier associated with the first UE and a second identifier associated with the second UE. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first identifier is created using a first International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of the first UE, and the second identifier is created using a second IMSI of the second UE. 22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first UE and the second UE receiving the network-assisted discovery information are UEs with ProSe capability and capable of using WLAN. 23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the ProSe network unit is included in the Evolved Packet Core (EPC).