DRX Configuration Synchronization for Capillary Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing DRX mechanism in radio communication networks is not optimized for capillary network scenarios, leading to increased delays and reduced energy savings when used across sequential links, as the tradeoff between energy saving and delay results in a shorter maximum acceptable DRX cycle length.
Innovation Solution
A method where a Radio Access Network (RAN) node synchronizes its DRX configuration with a capillary network gateway by acquiring preferred DRX configuration information from a Core Network node and applying a matching configuration to ensure that data packets experience only a single DRX incurred delay, allowing for immediate forwarding across the second radio link without additional delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the DRX cycle length is extended to save energy, then energy savings increase, but delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DRX configurations of the first and second radio links by synchronizing their active periods and DRX cycle lengths. This allows the communication device to monitor both links simultaneously during aligned active periods, eliminating the need to choose between energy saving and delay performance. The combining of DRX parameters from both links creates a unified monitoring schedule that optimizes both energy efficiency and latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate DRX configurations are used for first and second radio links, then each link can be optimized independently, but data packets experience multiple DRX delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DRX configurations of sequential radio links by synchronizing active periods and aligning DRX cycle lengths. This merging approach ensures that data packets can be forwarded immediately between links during aligned active periods, eliminating cumulative DRX delays while preserving the ability to independently optimize each link's parameters through the configuration matching process.
3Loss of time
If the maximum DRX cycle length is limited to 2.56 seconds, then delay is controlled, but energy savings are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables effective extension of the DRX cycle beyond 2.56 seconds by synchronizing multiple sequential links with aligned active periods. While each individual link maintains its 2.56 second maximum cycle length, the coordinated operation across multiple links creates an effective longer DRX cycle, allowing the device to sleep for extended periods while still meeting delay requirements through the aligned monitoring schedule.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns radio communication. The disclosure suggests acquiring (310) information related to a DRX configuration that is preferred by a Capillary Network Gateway (CGW) for a capillary network and selecting (320) a DRX configuration, based on the acquired information, to be applied by a Radio Access Network (RAN) node to substantially match said preferred DRX configuration. The selected DRX configuration can be signaled (330) to the gateway such that the gateway can adapt, or configure, its DRX configuration accordingly. Also, the selected DRX configuration is applied (340), or otherwise utilized, by the RAN node. This way, also the RAN node applies the DRX configuration that is preferred by the gateway for the capillary network. Hereby it is made possible to achieve a sufficient synchronization of the DRX configurations utilized by the gateway and the RAN node, respectively. Consequently, this may allow for a synchronization of the DRX configurations of the capillary network and a 3GPP network (e.g. LTE).