Dual Control Layer DRX Cycle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current discontinuous reception (DRX) and transmission (DTX) methods in communication networks face challenges in balancing power saving and data throughput, as long DRX periods improve power saving but decrease network capability to reach devices and limit packet schedulers' flexibility, while short DRX periods enhance throughput but increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual control layer system where a regular DRX/DTX cycle is set using a first control layer and a shorter interim cycle is set using a second control layer with faster signaling, allowing flexible adjustment of DRX/DTX periods based on data reception and traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If long DRX periods are used, then power saving is improved, but network capability to reach devices and packet scheduler flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX period adjustment by introducing a shorter interim DRX period that can be activated when data traffic requires faster access. The system transitions from a static long DRX period to a dynamic configuration where the DRX period can be shortened based on network conditions, allowing the packet scheduler to maintain flexibility while generally benefiting from power saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the DRX period parameter from a fixed long value to a variable parameter that can take different values (long default period or short interim period). This parameter change allows the system to optimize between power saving and network reach capability based on traffic conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the parameter adaptive rather than static.
2Productivity
If short DRX periods are used, then data throughput is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using short DRX periods only partially - specifically when data traffic requires fast access. The system maintains long DRX periods as the default state for power saving, and only switches to short interim DRX periods when necessary. This partial application of short DRX periods resolves the contradiction by avoiding continuous power consumption increase while still providing throughput improvement when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If long DRX periods are used, then power saving is improved, but air interface resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes air interface resource allocation dynamic by introducing the ability to switch between long and short DRX periods based on traffic conditions. When data traffic arrives or network conditions require faster access, the system dynamically switches to short interim DRX periods, improving air interface resource utilization. Otherwise, it maintains long DRX periods for power saving, thus resolving the contradiction through dynamic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, terminal device, network element, system and computer program product for controlling discontinuous reception or transmission at a terminal device of a communication network are disclosed. A regular discontinuous reception or transmission cycle of a regular discontinuous reception or transmission scheme is set by using a first control layer, and in addition thereto a shorter temporary discontinuous reception or transmission cycle of an interim discontinuous reception or transmission scheme can be set by using a second control layer. This arrangement provides long discontinuous reception or transmission cycles for power consumption improvements while at the same time ensuring that the network can easily and flexibly shorten these cycles for increased data throughput, if needed.