Frame Number Extension for Long DRX Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks are unable to support long discontinuous receive (DRX) cycles longer than the existing TDMA frame structure's hyperframe length, which limits power savings for wireless devices that require extended periods of inactivity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Frame Number (FN) Extension field allows wireless devices to track extended TDMA frame cycles, enabling longer DRX cycles by multiplying the time period of a single hyperframe, thereby supporting DRX cycles up to 111.4 hours and potentially longer by using a new N-bit field within System Information messages or conveying FN Extension information through phase or payload modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the existing TDMA frame structure is used, then the system maintains compatibility with current wireless communication standards, but the maximum DRX cycle is limited to the hyperframe length (208 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the TDMA frame number space by introducing an additional dimension - a new most significant bit (MSB) that expands the 10-bit FN field to effectively represent longer time periods. This dimensional extension allows the system to support DRX cycles beyond the original hyperframe limit while maintaining the basic TDMA structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the FN parameter representation by changing the interpretation of the most significant bit. When the MSB is set to 1, it indicates that the FN values should be interpreted as occurring in a subsequent hyperframe, effectively multiplying the time period spanned by the FN cycle. This parameter change enables long DRX cycles without altering the fundamental TDMA frame structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If long DRX cycles are implemented without FN extension, then power consumption is reduced, but the network cannot accurately track or page devices beyond the hyperframe boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the modified FN field with extended MSB interpretation - that acts as a bridge between the device's long DRX cycle operation and the network's paging capability. This intermediary allows the network to correctly identify and page devices even when their DRX cycles extend beyond traditional hyperframe boundaries, preventing loss of reachability information.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device (e.g., Machine Type Communications (MTC) device), a radio access network node (e.g., evolved Node B), and various methods are described herein for implementing long paging cycles (i.e., long discontinuous receive (DRX) cycles) within a wireless communication network.