eDRX Paging Optimization for MTC Battery and Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP LTE systems face challenges in managing extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices, leading to battery drain due to frequent network communication and limitations in DRX cycle duration, especially for devices with stringent delay requirements and those moving between unsynchronized cells.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a time-based mechanism to extend the System Frame Number (SFN) and introduce absolute clock references for eDRX cycles, allowing the Mobility Management Entity (MME) to manage paging occasions and reduce the duration of paging message storage at eNBs, while enabling UEs to synchronize without requiring synchronization between cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If extended DRX cycles are implemented for MTC devices, then battery consumption is reduced, but paging reliability deteriorates due to longer intervals between paging occasions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extended DRX cycle into multiple paging occasions (POs) distributed across different radio frames. Instead of a single PO per eDRX cycle, multiple POs are configured with specific offsets, ensuring that paging messages can be delivered at multiple opportunities within the extended cycle, thereby maintaining reliability while extending the overall DRX period for battery savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic paging occasions within the extended DRX cycle, where UEs wake up at predetermined intervals to check for paging messages. This periodic structure allows the UE to remain in low-power mode for most of the eDRX cycle while still maintaining the ability to receive paging at regular, predictable intervals, balancing power consumption with paging reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycle duration is extended for MTC devices, then power-saving capability is improved, but delay requirements for devices with stringent latency constraints are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic DRX cycle configuration where the network can assign different DRX cycle lengths to different UEs based on their specific requirements. UEs with stringent delay requirements can be assigned shorter DRX cycles or additional paging occasions, while UEs with more relaxed requirements can use longer DRX cycles for maximum power savings. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power-saving and delay requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different paging occasion configurations to different UEs or different service types based on their specific needs. High-priority or delay-sensitive UEs receive more frequent paging occasions or shorter DRX cycles in specific time windows, while standard UEs use the extended DRX cycle for power savings. This localized differentiation allows each UE to operate optimally for its specific requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs move between unsynchronized cells, then mobility flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates without cell synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common reference time (such as UTC or a network-provided timing reference) as an intermediary that all cells use for synchronization, regardless of whether they are synchronized to each other. UEs use this common reference to determine paging occasion timing and maintain synchronization accuracy even when moving between unsynchronized cells. This intermediary reference allows mobility flexibility while preserving synchronization accuracy through a universal timing基准.
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology described herein relates to systems, methods, and computer readable media to implement extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) for user equipments (UEs). A Mobility Management Entity (MME) can be aware of the starting time and length of an eDRX cycle of a UE so that the MME can send a paging message for the UE to an evolved Node B (eNB) shortly ahead of a Paging Occasion (PO). In some examples, more than one PO can be included within an eDRX cycle. An eDRX timer can be used to control the duration of waking times and, if desired, to maintain legacy compatibility. Additional examples provide a way for the MME to update calculations regarding the starting time and length of eDRX cycle of the UE such that the MME will continue to be apprised of when the UE will be reachable when the UE moves between cells.