Timeout Value Configuration for MTC Uplink Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine-type communication devices (MTC devices) in cellular radio communication systems face challenges with power consumption and uplink synchronization due to infrequent transmissions, leading to inefficient power use and increased interference, as they frequently lose uplink synchronization and struggle with accurate uplink transmission power control.

Innovation Solution

The method involves setting a timeout value for radio transmission parameters based on mobility information, allowing MTC devices to update these values less frequently, thereby reducing power consumption and improving uplink synchronization and power control efficiency by extending DRX sleep periods and using cached values for longer periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MTC devices perform frequent transmissions to maintain uplink synchronization, then uplink synchronization is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink synchronizationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the timeout value configurable and adaptable based on device mobility characteristics. The system dynamically adjusts the timeout value - using longer timeouts for stationary devices and shorter timeouts for mobile devices - allowing the uplink synchronization mechanism to adapt its behavior to match actual device conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary synchronization attempts for stationary devices while maintaining reliability for mobile ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timeout parameter from a fixed value to a configurable value that can be adjusted based on mobility information. By modifying this key parameter, the system enables stationary devices to maintain synchronization for longer periods without frequent updates, directly reducing power consumption while maintaining uplink synchronization reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If MTC devices update radio transmission parameters frequently, then uplink synchronization is maintained, but power consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink synchronizationVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the timeout value based on device mobility - using longer timeouts for stationary devices and shorter timeouts for mobile devices. This dynamic adaptation reduces unnecessary parameter updates from stationary devices, thereby reducing uplink interference while maintaining synchronization reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the timeout parameter from fixed to configurable, the system reduces the frequency of parameter updates for stationary devices. This parameter change directly reduces the number of uplink transmissions needed for synchronization, thereby reducing interference while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If MTC devices use fixed timeout values, then system complexity is reduced, but power efficiency and synchronization accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timeout parameter from fixed to configurable, allowing the system to optimize power efficiency and synchronization accuracy for different device types. The network can configure appropriate timeout values based on device mobility characteristics, achieving better power efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to self-identify their mobility characteristics and receive appropriate timeout configurations from the network. This self-service approach allows devices to operate efficiently with optimized timeout values without requiring complex centralized control, balancing power efficiency with manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If MTC devices use fixed timeout values, then system complexity is reduced, but synchronization accuracy for mobile devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts timeout values based on device mobility - using shorter timeouts for mobile devices to maintain synchronization accuracy. This dynamic adaptation ensures that mobile devices receive timely synchronization updates without requiring complex manual configuration, maintaining accuracy while keeping system complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the timeout parameter from fixed to configurable, the system can optimize synchronization accuracy for mobile devices through appropriate parameter selection. The network can configure shorter timeout values for mobile devices to ensure timely synchronization updates, achieving better accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2698012B1Methods and network nodes for setting a timeout value
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2698012B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2698012B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2698012B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method in a user equipment (110) and a user equipment (110) for setting a timeout value, indicative of a duration during which a value related to radio transmissions is to be reused by the user equipment, are provided. The user equipment obtains a timeout value, which is based on mobility information indicating mobility of the user equipment. Then, the user equipment sets the timeout value. Furthermore, a method in a radio network node (120) and a radio network node (120) for setting a timeout value, indicative of a duration during which a value related to radio transmissions is to be reused by the radio network node, are provided. The radio network node obtains a timeout value, which is based on mobility information indicating mobility of the user equipment. Then, the radio network node sets the timeout value for the user equipment.