Implicit Uplink Control Resource Release in LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing uplink control resources, particularly in LTE networks, due to high signaling overheads and power consumption associated with frequent transitions between RRC idle and connected modes, and the need for explicit resource release messages, which can lead to increased latency and reduced system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an implicit resource release mechanism based on DRX sub-state transitions, where uplink control resources are automatically released when a UE transitions from continuous reception to short or long DRX modes, using a resource index identifier and known relationships between identifiers and resource configurations, reducing the need for explicit signaling and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If explicit resource release messages are used for uplink control resources, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resource release indication from explicit RRC signaling and embeds it in MAC layer indicators (MAC CE or uplink grants). This separation allows the release mechanism to operate independently with minimal signaling overhead while maintaining accurate resource allocation control through the extracted release indication bit or field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preliminarily configures uplink control resources through RRC signaling before they are needed, allowing the resources to be pre-allocated and activated through simpler MAC layer signaling. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for repeated explicit allocation messages during actual resource usage.
2Manufacturing precision
If RRC-based resource configuration is used, then resource allocation control is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource configuration process into two parts: RRC signaling for initial configuration and MAC layer signaling for activation/release. This segmentation allows the time-consuming RRC configuration to occur once preliminarily, while rapid MAC layer signaling handles dynamic resource activation and release, significantly reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC layer signaling as an intermediary between RRC configuration and actual resource usage. This intermediary enables fast resource activation and release without requiring repeated RRC signaling, bridging the gap between configured resources and active resources efficiently.
3Reliability
If continuous reception mode is maintained, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where uplink control resources are activated during continuous reception mode for reliable communication and automatically released when transitioning to DRX mode to save power. This dynamic adjustment of resource state matches the device's operational mode, optimizing both reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards (releases) pre-configured uplink control resources when the device enters DRX mode to conserve power, and recovers (re-activates) them through simple MAC layer signaling when returning to continuous reception mode. This discard and recover mechanism enables rapid state transitions with minimal signaling overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless network, such as an LTE ("Long-Term Evolution") network, may be configured to receive an identifier from a wireless network. The identifier identifies a resource configuration in a plurality of resource configurations. The resource configuration corresponds to a plurality of resource attributes. At least one signal is transmitted to the wireless network using the plurality of resource attributes.