Distributed Base Station SDT Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in managing Small Data Transmission (SDT) configurations for user equipment (UE) in wireless communication networks, leading to data communication latency and network inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A distributed base station's Distributed Unit (DU) and Central Unit (CU) manage SDT configurations by generating and transmitting SDT configurations to update existing configurations, and determining whether to retain or release these configurations based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for data transmission, then reliable data communication is ensured, but transition time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station into two functional units: CU (Central Unit) and DU (Distributed Unit). The CU handles RRC connection management while the DU handles physical layer operations. This segmentation allows the UE to maintain RRC_INACTIVE state with the CU while establishing data transmission paths through the DU, avoiding full RRC_CONNECTED transition and reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The DU acts as an intermediary between the UE in RRC_INACTIVE state and the core network. It enables small data transmission by handling the data plane independently while the CU maintains control plane functions. This intermediary mechanism allows data transmission without requiring UE to transition to RRC_CONNECTED, thus reducing state transition latency while maintaining communication reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SDT configuration is maintained for all UEs, then small data transmission capability is improved, but network resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SDT configuration management where the DU and CU cooperate to activate or deactivate SDT configurations based on real-time network conditions and UE behavior patterns. The CU can update SDT configurations dynamically without requiring full RRC reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt SDT capability to actual small data transmission needs while optimizing resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of SDT configuration from a static, universally applied setting to a dynamic, selectively applied configuration. The CU monitors UE data transmission patterns and modifies SDT configuration parameters (such as configured grant resources, random access parameters) based on observed behavior, enabling SDT capability to be activated only when beneficial, thus reducing overall network resource overhead while maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If SDT configuration management is centralized in CU only, then control is simplified, but response time to network conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration management responsibilities between CU and DU. The CU maintains overall SDT configuration policies and makes high-level decisions, while the DU handles real-time configuration updates and activations. This segmentation allows simplified centralized control at CU level while enabling fast local response at DU level, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration setup at CU level, where SDT configuration templates and policies are pre-established. When network conditions change or UE behavior indicates need for SDT, the CU can quickly activate pre-configured templates without performing full configuration procedures, significantly reducing configuration update time while maintaining simplified centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing configuration information for SDT operation is performed by a DU of a distributed base station. The method includes receiving, from a CU of the distributed base station, a CU-to-DU message including a full SDT configuration for a UE, generating a delta SDT configuration to update the full SDT configuration, and transmitting to the CU a DU-to-CU message that includes the delta SDT configuration.