DRX State Synchronization via Layer 1 and 2 Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for discontinuous reception (DRX) control in wireless communication systems often result in misalignment between network nodes and wireless devices due to signaling processing and transmission delays, leading to unnecessary battery consumption and potential radio link control delivery failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing communication layer 1 and layer 2 signaling to synchronize DRX states between network nodes and wireless devices, using mechanisms such as DRX configuration messages, MAC Control Elements, and Downlink Control Information to trigger activation and deactivation of DRX configurations, thereby reducing misalignment and improving synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the network node starts DRX immediately after sending the RRC reconfiguration message, then the network node can start DRX earlier, but the network node may stop scheduling the wireless device while the wireless device is still awake, resulting in unnecessary battery consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node waits to receive an acknowledgment (ACK) from the wireless device before starting DRX. The wireless device sends an ACK to confirm successful reception of the RRC reconfiguration message, and the network node uses this feedback to synchronize DRX activation, preventing premature DRX start that would cause scheduling mismatches and unnecessary device wakeups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless device prepare and send the ACK message in advance before the network node activates DRX. This ensures that the network node has confirmation of successful configuration delivery before transitioning to DRX mode, allowing synchronized activation without requiring the device to remain awake unnecessarily.
2Reliability
If the network node starts DRX after receiving the RRC reconfiguration complete message, then DRX activation is confirmed, but there is a long delay due to signaling processing and transmission, causing the wireless device to be asleep while the network node is in DRX active time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the wireless device's ACK message to trigger DRX activation at the network node. Instead of waiting for the complete RRC reconfiguration acknowledgment which takes longer, the network node uses the faster ACK feedback to synchronize DRX start, reducing the timing delay while maintaining reliable configuration delivery confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the essential ACK feedback rather than waiting for the complete RRC reconfiguration complete message. This partial confirmation is sufficient to trigger DRX activation, reducing the waiting time while ensuring the critical configuration has been received by the device.
3Reliability
If the network node starts DRX at the same time as the wireless device, then DRX alignment is achieved, but this requires precise synchronization that is difficult to achieve due to signaling processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based synchronization mechanism where the wireless device's ACK message serves as a trigger for the network node to start DRX. This feedback approach automatically aligns DRX states between network and device without requiring complex synchronization protocols, achieving reliable DRX alignment through a simple event-driven mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network node, wireless device and system are provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a network node is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry configured to: cause transmission of a Discontinuous Reception, DRX, configuration to a wireless device using communication layer 3 signaling, cause transmission of an indication to the wireless device to trigger activation at one of communication layer 1 and communication layer 2 of the DRX configuration, and optionally determine whether the wireless device has activated the DRX configuration.