Wireless Communication Systems and Methods

A method of controlling access to a device-to-device (D2D) communication service provided by a first D2D device in a communication network, the method comprising:

• assigning a credential of a first type to the first D2D device;
• storing an association between a validity condition and the credential of the first type, wherein the validity condition is dependent on a characteristic of the D2D communication service;
• transmitting data indicative of the credential of the first type for reception by the first D2D device, said credential being for use in verification of said D2D communication service to be provided by the first D2D device to a second, different, D2D device;
• and
• maintaining an operative state for the D2D communication service in dependence on said association.

Apparatus for use in controlling access to a device-to-device (D2D) communication service provided by a D2D device in a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

• receive a credential of a first type associated with the D2D device, said credential of the first type being suitable for use in verification of said D2D communication service provided by the D2D device;
• assign a credential of a second type to the D2D device, said credential of the second type being suitable for use by the D2D device in establishing access to the communication network;
• and
• transmit data indicative of the credential of the first type and the credential of the second type for receipt by the D2D device.

Apparatus for use in provisioning a device-to-device (D2D) communication service by a first D2D device within a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

• transmit a D2D discovery signal comprising data indicative of a first credential of a first type for reception by a second, different, D2D device;
• receive a second, different, credential of the first type;
• and thereafter
• transmit a further, different, D2D discovery signal comprising data indicative of said second credential of the first type, wherein said first and second credentials are suitable for use in verification of said D2D communication service.

Apparatus for use in controlling access to a device-to-device (D2D) communication service in a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

• receive a D2D discovery signal comprising data indicative of a credential of a first type corresponding to said D2D communication service;
• selectively transmit a first message comprising data indicative of said credential of the first type so as to verify said D2D communication service;
• and thereafter
• in response to receiving an indication that said D2D communication service is authorised for said communication network, selectively transmit a second message whereby to request access to said D2D communication service.