Idle Mode DRX Switching for Low-Latency Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DRX technologies consume excessive power in user equipment (UE) due to continuous monitoring of the physical downlink control channel, which is inefficient for services requiring low latency.

Innovation Solution

Dynamically deactivate idle mode DRX on UE with low latency requirements by remotely updating the DRX activation bit and FGI bits using a secure lightweight machine-to-machine framework, allowing the UE to operate without manual configuration changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If idle mode DRX is enabled to save battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases for services requiring low latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX configuration changeable and adaptable. The network can dynamically switch between enabling DRX for power saving and disabling DRX for low latency services based on real-time service requirements. This allows the system to transition between different operational states (DRX enabled/disabled) to optimize for either power consumption or latency depending on the current service needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of DRX activation status from a fixed state to a dynamic one. By introducing a DRX activation bit that can be set to different values (active/inactive) based on service requirements, the system can adjust the DRX parameter to match the service characteristics. This parameter change enables the UE to switch between power-saving mode and low-latency mode as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If DRX is continuously enabled for all UEs, then power saving is maximized, but services with low latency requirements cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidservice support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the DRX configuration to individual UE service requirements rather than applying a uniform setting to all UEs. Each UE can have its DRX activation bit set according to its specific service needs - some UEs get DRX enabled for maximum power saving, while others get it disabled to support low latency services. This localized customization allows the system to simultaneously serve diverse service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by creating a single DRX activation mechanism that serves multiple purposes: it enables power saving for general services while also accommodating low latency requirements when needed. The network-side configuration capability provides a universal solution that works for both power-saving oriented services and low-latency services, making the system versatile enough to handle different service types without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual configuration changes are required for DRX deactivation, then network control is maintained, but device complexity and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to automatically respond to network-side DRX activation decisions without requiring manual user intervention. When the network sets the DRX activation bit, the UE automatically configures its DRX behavior accordingly. This automated response mechanism maintains network control while eliminating the need for complex manual configuration changes, reducing operational burden on users and simplifying the overall system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260067820A1Modifying idle mode DRX on wireless devices
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
  • US20260067820A1 patent drawing
  • US20260067820A1 patent drawing
  • US20260067820A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods may provide for deactivating the Idle mode discontinuous reception (iDRX) for services that require latency that is less than the conventional paging channel values.