Inactive-State UE Uplink Signaling for Faster Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack effective control signaling mechanisms to support data transmission to or from a user equipment (UE) in the RRC_INACTIVE state, limiting data transmission capabilities and inefficiently utilizing network resources and UE power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing control signaling mechanisms that enable a UE in an inactive state to transmit sounding reference signals (SRS) and preamble transmissions, enhancing data transmission capabilities and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a UE operates in RRC_INACTIVE state to save power and network resources, then power consumption is reduced and network resources are saved, but data transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic transmission behavior in RRC_INACTIVE state by allowing UEs to transmit SRS and preamble signals based on network configuration and current conditions, rather than being statically restricted. This dynamic capability allows the UE to maintain transmission functionality while remaining in the low-power inactive state, resolving the contradiction between power saving and transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters and state characteristics by enabling specific uplink transmissions (SRS, preamble) in the RRC_INACTIVE state. By modifying the state parameters to allow selective transmission activities, the system achieves both power efficiency and data transmission capability simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If a UE operates in RRC_INACTIVE state to save network resources, then network resources are saved, but control signaling mechanisms for data transmission are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission capabilities by introducing specific transmission types (SRS, preamble) that can be independently controlled in the RRC_INACTIVE state. This segmentation allows the network to enable only necessary transmission functions while keeping the UE in inactive state, thus saving overall network resources while providing adequate control signaling for specific transmission needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration messages and signaling mechanisms as intermediaries between the network and UE in RRC_INACTIVE state. These intermediaries carry transmission parameters and instructions, enabling controlled data transmission without requiring full connection establishment, thus maintaining resource efficiency while improving signaling capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a UE remains in RRC_INACTIVE state to maintain power savings, then power consumption remains low, but reconnection speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary transmission actions (SRS, preamble) to be performed while in RRC_INACTIVE state. By allowing these preliminary signaling activities before full connection resumption, the UE can prepare for reconnection and maintain synchronization, thereby reducing the actual reconnection time while still benefiting from the power savings of remaining in inactive state.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide control signaling mechanisms to support data transmission by a user equipment (UE) that is in the RRC_INACTIVE state and, more generally, in any inactive state. Beyond simply supporting data transmission by a user equipment that is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, aspects of the present application provide mechanisms for configuring the UE for preamble transmission or sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission and for toggling between such transmissions. Aspects of the present application relate to mechanisms for enabling Timing Advance estimation, which mechanisms are not burdened with high overhead and which allow the UE to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state.