Asymmetric DRX Timer Configuration for UE Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) for user equipment (UE) in LTE networks, particularly in managing asymmetric data transfer scenarios that affect battery life and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The UE sets separate timers for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) data transmission inactivity based on DRX configuration information from the base station, allowing for independent DRX cycle management for DL and UL, with the DL cycle being longer than the UL cycle, and restarting or stopping timers based on scheduling control channel indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If separate DRX timers are configured for uplink and downlink with different cycle lengths, then power consumption is optimized for asymmetric data transfer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single DRX timer into separate uplink and downlink timers (drx-UL-InactivityTimer and drx-DL-InactivityTimer), allowing independent configuration and management of DRX cycles for each direction. This segmentation enables optimized power consumption by adapting each timer to the specific traffic pattern of its direction while managing the increased complexity through structured separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetric DRX configuration where uplink and downlink DRX cycles can have different lengths (drx-UL-Config and drx-DL-Config with potentially different drx-Cycle values). This asymmetry directly addresses asymmetric data transfer patterns, allowing the UE to use longer DRX cycles in the direction with less traffic, thereby optimizing power consumption while the structured asymmetric design manages complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If DRX inactivity timers are stopped during DRX time period, then battery life is extended, but data transmission responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic DRX cycles where the UE alternates between active monitoring periods and sleep periods. During active periods, the UE monitors PDCCH for scheduling assignments; during sleep periods, the UE stops DRX timers to conserve battery. This periodic action extends battery life while maintaining responsiveness by ensuring the UE wakes up regularly to check for incoming data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors PDCCH for scheduling assignments and updates DRX timer states based on received data. When data is detected during active periods, the appropriate inactivity timer is restarted, extending the active period. This feedback loop ensures the UE remains responsive to actual traffic conditions while maximizing sleep periods for battery conservation.
Data Source
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Figure 2b
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for configuring DRX in a wireless communication system. According to an aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: setting a timer for DL to a first value and a timer for UL to a second value based on DRX configuration information received from a BS, wherein the timer for DL is used for determining DL data transmission inactivity, and the timer for UL is used for determining UL data transmission inactivity; receiving a scheduling control channel in an active time; starting or restarting the timer for DL or the timer for UL based on whether the scheduling control channel indicates a new transmission in downlink or a new transmission in uplink.