MDT Configuration Retention Across RRC States for Continuous UE Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to obtain continuous measurement data of user equipment (UE) across radio resource control (RRC) states due to the release of minimization of drive tests (MDT) configurations when UE transitions between RRC connected, idle, and inactive states, hindering AI model training and inference.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and apparatus that enables a network device to send indication information to store MDT configuration information, receive and deliver it to the UE in different RRC states, and collect continuous measurement data, enhancing AI model training accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the UE enters RRC idle state from connected or inactive state, then the MDT configuration is released to save network resources, but the gNB cannot obtain continuous measurement data of the UE when it returns to connected state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the core network (5GC) as an intermediary to store and manage MDT configuration information. When UE transitions to idle state, the configuration is preserved in the core network rather than being released. When UE returns to connected state, the gNB can retrieve the configuration from the core network, thus maintaining continuity of measurement data collection while allowing idle state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary storage of MDT configuration information in the core network before the UE actually needs it again. The configuration is saved in advance during the idle state transition, so when the UE returns to connected state, the configuration is already available for immediate reuse, eliminating the need for reconfiguration.
2Loss of time
If the OAM does not send immediate MDT configuration when UE returns from idle state, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the gNB cannot deliver MDT configuration to the UE again
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the gNB to autonomously retrieve stored MDT configuration information from the core network when needed, without requiring OAM to actively monitor UE state transitions and send configurations. The gNB queries the core network for available configurations based on UE identification, reducing signaling overhead while ensuring reliable configuration delivery.
3Quantity of substance
If the UE, gNB and 5GC release immediate MDT configuration in idle state, then memory resources are freed, but the gNB cannot obtain continuous measurement data across RRC states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the storage dimension from local (gNB and UE memory) to centralized (core network storage). By transitioning the storage location to another dimension (the core network), the system frees local memory resources at the gNB and UE while maintaining configuration availability through centralized storage and retrieval mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method is applied to a first network device, and the method includes: sending first indication information to a second network device, where the first indication information indicates the second network device to store immediate MDT configuration information of at least one UE, and the immediate MDT configuration information is used by the at least one UE to perform measurement for MDT data; receiving immediate MDT configuration information of a target UE sent by the second network device; sending the immediate MDT configuration information of the target UE to the target UE; and receiving first data sent by the target UE, and obtaining target MDT measurement data of the target UE based on the first data. In the solutions provided in embodiments of this application, the first network device may obtain the target MDT measurement data of the target UE, that is, may obtain continuous measurement data of the target UE.