Dynamic Discontinuous Reception Cycle Switching for Network Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face delays in reaching user equipment (UE) due to long Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, which impact power saving and network responsiveness, especially during handover procedures, as UE only receives allocations at certain times determined by DRX periods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where the UE switches to a shorter DRX cycle or stops DRX temporarily after sending a mobility measurement report, and reverts to the regular cycle upon receiving a network reply or after a predetermined time, allowing for reduced reply delays and improved power saving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If long DRX cycles are used to save battery energy, then UE power consumption is reduced, but network reply delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidnetwork reply delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX cycle length adjustable rather than fixed. The UE can dynamically switch between long DRX cycles (for power saving) and short DRX cycles (for reduced delay) based on whether it needs to send measurement reports. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power consumption and reply delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the DRX cycle parameter from a static configuration to a dynamic one that can be modified based on operational needs. When the UE needs to send measurement reports, it switches to short DRX cycles; otherwise, it uses long DRX cycles. This parameter change strategy allows the system to optimize both power consumption and reply delay under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If long DRX cycles are configured for standby, then UE can remain in active mode longer, but handover responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive mode durationVSAvoidhandover responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the DRX cycle duration dynamic, allowing the UE to extend active mode duration through long DRX cycles when handover is not needed, while maintaining the ability to switch to short DRX cycles when handover responsiveness is required. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between active mode duration and handover speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the UE to perform measurement reports in advance and switch to short DRX cycles proactively when handover might be needed, rather than waiting for the handover process to start. This preliminary action ensures responsive handover while maintaining long DRX cycles for power saving during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If DRX is used to reduce transceiver activation, then power saving improves, but network reachability frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidnetwork reachability frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the DRX cycle parameter dynamically based on network interaction needs. When the UE needs to send measurement reports or expects network replies, it switches to short DRX cycles, increasing network reachability frequency. Otherwise, it uses long DRX cycles for power saving. This resolves the contradiction between power saving and network reachability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors its own communication needs (when measurement reports need to be sent) and adjusts the DRX cycle length accordingly. This feedback-driven adaptation allows the system to optimize both power saving and network reachability frequency based on actual operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2039189B1Reply-controlled discontinuous reception
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 NOKIA CORP
  • EP2039189B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2039189B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2039189B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, receiving device, network element, system and computer program product for controlling discontinuous reception at a receiving device of a communication network, wherein a regular discontinuous reception cycle of a discontinuous reception scheme is set, and this regular discontinuous reception cycle is switched to a shorter temporary discontinuous reception cycle or is switched off, in response to an event which triggers a reply of the communication network to the receiving device (10). Thereby, delays of network replies can be shortened or controlled in case DRX cycles are implemented at the receiving device (10).