Mode-1 Sidelink DRX Scheduling with Timer-Based Inactive States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DRX procedures for Uu link are insufficient for sidelink communications with mode 1 scheduling, leading to inefficient power consumption and communication complexity in wireless systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing DRX configuration and procedures specifically tailored for sidelink communications, including the initiation of sidelink round trip and retransmission timers, and transitioning to an inactive mode when certain conditions are met, such as the absence of a second grant during the sidelink retransmission timer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing DRX procedures for Uu link are used for sidelink communications, then communication can be established, but power consumption is inefficient and communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating sidelink-specific DRX configurations that differ from Uu link procedures. Specifically, it introduces separate timers (sidelink round trip timer, sidelink retransmission timer) and distinct grant reception logic tailored for sidelink mode 1 scheduling, allowing optimized power management without interfering with uplink communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DRX procedure into distinct phases with specific timers for sidelink operations. It divides the monitoring behavior into different states based on timer expiration events, creating a segmented approach where each timer (round trip timer, retransmission timer, inactivity timer) controls specific monitoring windows, reducing overall complexity by breaking down the continuous DRX problem into manageable discrete events.
2Reliability
If UE monitors for grants continuously to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability improves, but battery life is reduced due to unnecessary monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through DRX cycles with configured ON durations and OFF durations. The UE periodically wakes up to monitor for sidelink grants during ON durations and enters sleep mode during OFF durations. This periodic monitoring pattern ensures that the UE checks for grants at regular intervals, maintaining communication reliability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring DRX parameters and timer values in advance through RRC signaling. The network entity pre-configures the sidelink DRX configuration including cycle lengths, ON durations, and timer values before actual sidelink communication begins. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to autonomously manage its monitoring schedule without real-time network control, ensuring reliability while conserving battery life through pre-planned sleep patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to sidelink transmissions. In an example, a first user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network entity, a first sidelink grant for a transmission between the first UE and a second UE; communicate the transmission according to the first sidelink grant to the second UE; determine initiation of a sidelink round trip timer subsequent to communicating the transmission to the second UE; and initiate an inactive mode for the first UE based on a second grant not being received from the network entity before completion of a duration of a sidelink retransmission timer that was initiated upon completion of a duration of the sidelink round trip timer, the first UE being configured out of an ON duration of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, and an inactivity timer expiring before completion of the duration of the sidelink retransmission timer.