5G Paging Mechanism for Coverage and Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless communication system faces challenges in uplink coverage due to the high frequency bands used, which necessitates enhancements to mitigate propagation loss and ensure efficient paging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for paging in a 5G mobile communication system that involves transmitting SystemInformationBlock1, receiving a first paging message from the central unit, determining a paging frame based on DRX, and transmitting a second paging message through the paging channel, ensuring consistent paging occasions in both IDLE and INACTIVE states to improve coverage and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high frequency bands are used for 5G communication, then data rate is improved, but uplink coverage deteriorates due to propagation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into a central unit (CU) and multiple distribution units (DUs). The CU handles higher layer protocols and control functions, while DUs handle lower layer protocols and radio frequency operations. This segmentation allows the system to utilize high frequency bands for data transmission while distributing the processing load to maintain coverage and reliability across multiple spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional paging structure with paging frames (PF) and paging occasions (PO). By adding the time dimension (multiple paging occasions within a paging frame) to the traditional paging approach, the system can efficiently page users in both IDLE and INACTIVE states without increasing frequency band usage, thus maintaining high data rates while improving coverage through diversified paging opportunities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different paging methods are used for IDLE and INACTIVE states, then state-specific optimization is improved, but paging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the paging mechanisms for IDLE and INACTIVE states into a unified framework. Both states use the same paging frame and paging occasion determination methods, and the same physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring procedures. This merging reduces paging complexity by eliminating the need for separate paging structures while still allowing state-specific optimization through configurable parameters like drx-InactivityTimer.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit is designed with universal paging functionality that can handle both IDLE and INACTIVE state paging using the same mechanisms. The DU transmits system information blocks and paging messages through a unified paging channel that serves multiple purposes: paging IDLE users, paging INACTIVE users, and providing system information. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different user states.
3Reliability
If users continuously monitor paging channels, then paging reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) with periodic paging cycles for both IDLE and INACTIVE states. Users monitor the paging channel only at specific paging occasions (PO) within paging frames (PF) determined by their DRX cycle length. This periodic monitoring ensures paging reliability by providing regular opportunities for users to check for messages while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as users can enter low-power states between paging occasions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for paging is provided. Method of distribution unit for paging includes transmitting SystemInformationBlock1, receiving a first paging message from the CU, determining a paging frame based at least in part on the paging DRX and determining index of the PO based on the first set and paging DRX or based on the first set and Paging-Occasion-Information and transmitting a second paging message through the paging channel.