5G Terminal Signaling Optimization for Small Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, the frequent transmission of small packets by IoT terminals leads to a significant signaling overhead and battery consumption, as existing methods require extensive control message exchanges and resource allocation for each packet, even if they are small.
Innovation Solution
The method involves negotiating between terminals and base stations to apply either solution A, which transmits small messages through a signaling radio bearer (SRB), or solution B, which retains the radio resource control (RRC) context even in idle mode, to reduce signaling overhead and battery consumption, by broadcasting support for these solutions and determining the appropriate approach based on system information and terminal capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional packet transmission methods are used for small data packets, then data transmission can be achieved, but signaling overhead increases significantly and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two distinct paths: small packets use the control plane (Solution A) while large packets use the user plane (Solution B). This segmentation allows optimization for packet size, reducing signaling overhead for small packets by avoiding full user plane setup while maintaining efficient transmission for larger data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection between Solution A and Solution B based on real-time conditions including packet size, terminal capabilities, and network support. The terminal and network negotiate and switch between transmission modes dynamically, adapting to changing traffic patterns and resource availability to optimize both efficiency and energy consumption.
2Productivity
If traditional packet transmission methods are used for small data packets, then data transmission can be achieved, but signaling overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts small packet transmission from the traditional user plane path and handles it separately through the control plane using Solution A. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive user plane setup signaling for small packets, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining transmission capability. Only large packets require full user plane establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane is given a dual function: traditional control signaling and small packet data transmission (Solution A). This multi-functionality allows the control plane to handle small packets without requiring separate user plane setup, significantly reducing signaling overhead for small data while the user plane remains available for large packets and other data transmission needs.
3Loss of energy
If signaling optimization is implemented to reduce overhead, then battery consumption and signaling overhead are reduced, but device complexity increases due to negotiation and selection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary negotiation between terminal and network to determine supported solutions and preferences before actual data transmission. This preliminary action establishes the transmission mode upfront, avoiding repeated complex negotiations for each packet and reducing overall signaling overhead despite the initial setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where terminals report their capabilities and preferences regarding Solution A and Solution B support. The network uses this feedback to make informed decisions about which solution to apply, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes the balance between complexity and energy savings based on actual device and network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method of a terminal for saving a battery of a terminal and reducing a signaling overhead when small data are processed is provided. The communication method includes receiving, from a base station, a first message including at least one of first information indicating whether a first signaling optimization is allowed for the terminal, or second information indicating whether a second signaling optimization is allowed for the terminal, transmitting, to the base station, a second message including at least one of third information indicating whether the first signaling optimization is supported by the terminal, or fourth information indicating whether the second signaling optimization is supported by the terminal, and receiving, from the base station, a third message including fifth information indicating a signaling optimization supported for the terminal.