Device-to-Device (D2D) Communications

The Internet is an indispensable part of our lives these days, but there are times when the connection to our cellular network/the Internet is disrupted due to disasters, etc. Wouldn’t it be convenient if cellphones and other end terminals could connect to each other during such down times? Or, if terminals in the same area could be connected to confirm ones safety and obtain evacuation location information.

The Device-to-Device (D2D) communication technology developed by NICT enables end terminals to communicate with each other. In which, wireless end terminals configure a network autonomously.

D2D communication allows wireless end terminals within communication range to interconnect autonomously and automatically according to a pre-designed protocol; there is no need for infrastructure (reducing cost), and it facilitates installation. This in turn also reduces its susceptibility to disasters.

By making use of the D2D feature, approaching bus information, area information, and health monitoring information can be enabled by installing D2D communication terminals on route buses, mail delivery vehicles, and municipal office vehicles.

In particular, we are conducting demonstration tests and evaluations of prototype D2D systems in areas where the infrastructure is unprofitable due to a lack of users and/or in areas where the existing public network is of limited coverage.