Device to device communication using software defined radios on 4G cellular networks

Abstract

With the increasing number of mobile devices with multiple service requirements, the Third Generation Partnership project (3GPP), has advanced the network infrastructure and level service in terms of the speeds, bandwidth, security and delays in communication. This has caused the rapid evolution through different cellular communication generations. Currently advancement is towards 5G and 6G which is ultra reliable and low latency network, supports massive machine time communication and enhanced mobile broadband. With advancement tending to 5G, the number of devices supporting data intensive applications such as real time gaming and Machine Type Communication has increased. These applications cause data traffic over the base stations with increase in the delay and reduction in data rates. Device to Device communication allows devices in close proximity to exchange data traffic without traversing the base station. Therefore, it is a key solution to ensure a better spectral efficiency, higher data rates and low latency. However there have been no working test beds. This report explains the details of the steps taken to establish a test bed to implement D2D using Open-Source software and Software Defined Radios.