gNB DTX/DRX Signaling via Layer 1 Group Common DCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RRC mechanisms for reconfiguring UE DTX/DRX cycles in cellular networks are inefficient, leading to significant overhead and slow signaling, which hampers network power reduction efforts, especially when dealing with a large number of UEs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of UE-connected discontinuous transmission/reception (C-DTX/DRX) mechanisms for next-generation base stations (gNB), utilizing layer 1 group common downlink control information for signaling, allows for semi-static and dynamic DTX/DRX designs, including pre-configured and dynamically indicated patterns, to reduce power consumption without impacting user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RRC signaling is used to reconfigure UE DTX/DRX cycles, then the configuration can be established, but the signaling becomes slow and overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RRC layer signaling mechanism with physical layer signaling (PDCCH orders and DCI formats). This substitution transitions from a higher-layer protocol approach to a lower-layer direct control approach, enabling faster reconfiguration of DTX/DRX patterns without the overhead and delay characteristics of RRC signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces group common DCI format 2_7 as an intermediary message that carries DTX/DRX pattern information. This intermediary structure allows the gNB to efficiently communicate pattern changes to multiple UEs simultaneously through the physical layer, avoiding the need for individual RRC signaling exchanges and reducing overall signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated signaling is provided for each UE, then individual configuration is achieved, but signaling overhead becomes significant when dealing with large numbers of UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration signaling for multiple UEs into a single group common DCI message (format 2_7). Instead of sending separate RRC or dedicated signaling to each UE, the gNB transmits a unified signaling structure that contains DTX/DRX pattern information applicable to multiple UEs, significantly reducing the total quantity of signaling overhead while maintaining individual adaptability through UE-specific interpretation of the common message.
3Reliability
If gNB continuously transmits control signals, then UE can continuously monitor PDCCH, but network power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic DTX/DRX patterns where the gNB alternates between active transmission periods and sleep periods. During active periods, the gNB transmits control signals and UEs monitor PDCCH; during sleep periods, both gNB and UE enter low-power states. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain reliable control channel monitoring when needed while significantly reducing network power consumption during inactive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously determine when to monitor PDCCH based on received DTX/DRX pattern indications. Instead of requiring continuous gNB-triggered monitoring commands, the UE uses the configured patterns to self-manage its monitoring behavior, allowing the gNB to enter sleep mode during periods when UE monitoring is not required, thereby reducing network power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by at least one user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication system is provided. The method including receiving, from a base station, group downlink control information, DCI, indicating a discontinuous reception, DRX, or discontinuous transmission, DTX, pattern.