Maintaining Multicast Radio Bearer in Idle State
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of multicast/broadcast services in the RRC idle or inactive states of wireless communication systems increases UE power consumption, which contradicts the design intent of reducing power consumption in these states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a user equipment (UE) to maintain a multicast/broadcast radio bearer (MRB) in an idle or inactive state by configuring the MRB in RLC acknowledged mode, storing the associated context in memory, and adhering to specific limitations, such as restricted signaling and timer usage, to conserve power while enabling reliable traffic reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast/broadcast services are delivered in RRC idle or inactive states, then service availability is improved, but UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the MRB configuration state changeable - the network can dynamically configure whether MRB is maintained in idle/inactive states through RRC signaling. This allows the system to adapt between maintaining service availability (when needed) and reducing power consumption (when not needed) based on actual service requirements and UE mobility patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of MRB configuration state - specifically whether the radio bearer is released or maintained when transitioning to idle/inactive states. By controlling this parameter through network configuration, the system can optimize between service continuity and power savings based on service type, UE behavior, and network conditions.
2Reliability
If MRB is maintained in idle or inactive state, then traffic reception reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MRB maintenance decision from the UE and places it under network control. The network determines whether MRB should be maintained based on service requirements, while the UE simply follows the configuration. This extraction reduces UE complexity by removing the need for the UE to make complex decisions about bearer management while still achieving reliable traffic reception when the network deems it necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors UE behavior, service patterns, and radio conditions to make informed decisions about MRB maintenance. The network uses RRC signaling to configure MRB behavior based on observed patterns, creating a feedback loop that optimizes reliability without requiring complex UE-side decision-making logic.
3Duration of action of moving object
If context is stored in memory during idle or inactive state, then service continuity is improved, but memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring MRB parameters and context information during connected state before transitioning to idle/inactive states. The network provides advance configuration instructions that allow the UE to efficiently manage memory resources - storing only necessary context when needed and releasing it when the configured conditions are met, thereby ensuring service continuity without permanent memory allocation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive a configuration for a multicast/broadcast radio bearer (MRB) in a radio link control (RLC) acknowledged mode; enter an idle state or an inactive state after the MRB has been configured; and maintain the MRB while the UE is in the idle state or the inactive state subject to one or more limitations associated with maintaining the MRB in the idle state or the inactive state. Numerous other aspects are provided.