MAC Parameter Reconfiguration Timing in LTE Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reconfiguration of Medium Access Control (MAC) layer parameters in wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE, often leads to system errors and performance issues due to immediate application of new values during active operations, especially with timers and DRX cycles, causing unexpected disruptions and errors.
Innovation Solution
A method where the communication device starts applying reconfiguration changes at the next opportunity for MAC parameters, such as timers and DRX cycles, rather than immediately, and handles specific scenarios like 'infinity' values and short DRX mode changes to prevent errors and ensure smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MAC parameters are reconfigured immediately during active operations, then the system can quickly adapt to new configurations, but system errors and performance disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing reconfiguration data in advance and buffering it before actual application. The RRC layer receives and stores reconfiguration parameters before the MAC layer actually applies them, ensuring that changes are ready but not immediately executed during critical operations like timer expiration or DRX cycle transitions. This prevents disruptions while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffering mechanism that cushions the impact of reconfiguration changes. The reconfiguration data is held in a buffer and applied only at appropriate moments (e.g., at the next DRX cycle boundary or timer expiration), preventing sudden disruptions to active MAC operations while still enabling eventual adaptation to new configurations.
2Speed
If reconfigured values are applied immediately to running timers, then configuration changes take effect quickly, but timer errors and function disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-receiving and buffering timer reconfiguration values before they are applied. The RRC layer stores the new timer values in advance, and the MAC layer applies them only at the next appropriate timer expiration event, not immediately during current timer operation. This ensures quick preparation while preventing timer function errors.
3Productivity
If MAC parameters are reconfigured during DRX activation, then the system responds quickly to configuration changes, but DRX cycle errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by receiving and buffering DRX reconfiguration parameters during active DRX operation, but delaying actual application until the next DRX cycle boundary or activation point. This allows the system to prepare for reconfiguration efficiently while ensuring changes are applied only when the DRX state machine is in a stable, error-free state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a timing buffer that cushions DRX reconfiguration changes. The reconfiguration data is prepared in advance but applied only at the next DRX cycle boundary, preventing disruptions to the DRX on-duration timer, drx-InactivityTimer, or other DRX-related MAC functions while maintaining reconfiguration efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for reconfiguring a parameter of a medium access control layer (330) for a mobile device of a wireless communication system (10) includes, when a radio resource control dedicated signaling for reconfiguration of the parameter is received during activation of the parameter, starting to apply the reconfiguration of the parameter at next opportunity corresponding to the parameter.