DRX Parameter Control via MAC CE and DCI for 5G Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DRX management techniques using RRC signaling are inefficient and lead to high power consumption due to long latencies in adapting to changing data arrival patterns and QoS requirements, especially in 5G networks, resulting in unnecessary receiver activation and power usage.

Innovation Solution

Employing a DRX manager component that utilizes MAC CE and DCI signaling to dynamically control DRX parameters, such as long and short cycles, inactivity timers, and cycle durations, to quickly adapt to data traffic patterns and packet delay budgets, reducing power consumption while maintaining communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If RRC signaling is used for DRX management, then device complexity is reduced with standardized protocols, but response latency increases and power consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDRX management complexityVSAvoidResponse latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new intermediary signaling mechanism (MAC CE or DCI format 2_4) between the gNB and UE to manage DRX parameters. This intermediary carries DRX Command Indication values that can quickly adjust DRX behavior without going through the slower RRC signaling path, thus reducing response latency while maintaining protocol standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the DRX management function into two parts: slow-layer RRC signaling for configuration and fast-layer MAC CE/DCI signaling for dynamic adjustments. This segmentation allows each layer to operate at its optimal speed, with RRC handling stable configurations and MAC/DCI handling time-sensitive adaptations, thereby reducing overall response latency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If RRC signaling is used for DRX management, then protocol standardization is maintained, but power consumption increases due to long latencies

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProtocol standardizationVSAvoidPower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the DRX management system dynamic by allowing the gNB to send DRX Command Indications via MAC CE or DCI formats based on real-time traffic conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt DRX parameters quickly without waiting for RRC reconfiguration, reducing unnecessary receiver activations and lowering power consumption while maintaining protocol standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional DRX patterns are used, then power savings are achieved during idle periods, but communication performance deteriorates when data arrives during DRX off periods

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower savingsVSAvoidCommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gNB monitors data arrival patterns and packet delay budgets, then sends DRX Command Indications to adjust DRX parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that DRX patterns are continuously optimized to balance power savings with communication performance, preventing data loss during off periods while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If DRX parameters are adjusted frequently to match data patterns, then communication performance improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCommunication performanceVSAvoidSignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using compact DRX Command Indication values (3 bits in MAC CE or 2 bits in DCI) that encode only the essential DRX parameter adjustments needed. This partial signaling approach provides sufficient DRX control to maintain communication performance while minimizing signaling overhead compared to full RRC reconfiguration messages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260040393A1Enhanced management of discontinuous reception

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Management of DRX configuration for a device can be enhanced. DRX manager can determine a data traffic arrival pattern of data traffic associated with a device based on analysis of data traffic. Based on the data traffic arrival pattern and PDB associated with data traffic, DRX manager can control, via a MAC CE value or DCI value, DRX parameters to control DRX pattern associated with data traffic. If DRX manager determines that modification of duration of long DRX cycle, enabling or disabling of short DRX cycle, and/or modification of DRX inactivity timer can reduce power consumption of device while satisfying PDB, DRX manager can, via communication of the MAC CE value or DCI value to device, control DRX parameters to modify duration of long DRX cycle, enable or disable of short DRX cycle, and/or modify DRX inactivity timer.