A method to transmit and receive a device-to-device (D2D) discovery signal method is disclosed. The D2D discovery signal method operates using currently defined discovery signals as well as novel discovery signals, such as discovery signals employing a PUCCH-based uplink signal, an SRS-based demodulation and reference signal, or a single tone-based beacon signal. Under the D2D discovery signal method, an enhanced base station (eNB) configures the D2D discovery signal to both the transmitter (TX) user equipment (UE) and the receiver (RX) UE, then activates the D2D discovery signal to the TX and RX UEs, such that D2D signal transmission can thereafter occur from either the eNB or the TX UE, and monitored by the RX UE. Once the eNB deactivates the D2D discovery signal, D2D transmissions between UEs cease. Transmissions to configure, activate, and deactivate the D2D discovery signal can be unicast, multicast, or broadcast.