Multicast DRX Configuration for Power-Efficient 5G Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) for user equipment (UEs) to efficiently receive multicast and broadcast services (MBS) in 5G NR systems is unclear, particularly in scenarios where UEs need to balance power consumption and data reception efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A distributed unit (DU) and a central unit (CU) collaborate to manage DRX configurations for MBS sessions by exchanging information on DRX parameters, generating DRX cycles, and transmitting them to UEs, considering factors like MRB or DRB configurations and existing DRX settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DRX is used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but data reception efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX configuration adaptive rather than static. The network can dynamically adjust DRX parameters (cycle length, on-duration, offset) based on UE-specific factors such as service type, QoS requirements, and current network conditions. This allows the system to optimize between power saving and data reception efficiency in real-time, resolving the contradiction by allowing the DRX behavior to change according to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying multiple DRX parameters simultaneously (cycle length, on-duration timer, offset values) to achieve optimal performance. Different parameter sets can be configured for different UEs or different service types, allowing fine-tuned control over the trade-off between power consumption and data reception efficiency. The network can select from multiple pre-defined or dynamically calculated parameter combinations.
2Productivity
If DRX configuration is customized for each UE, then reception efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the DRX configuration process into distinct functional components: UE capability reporting, network policy determination, parameter calculation, and configuration transmission. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture. The configuration can be segmented by service type, QoS flow, or UE category, enabling reusable configuration templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through standardized DRX configuration mechanisms that can serve multiple purposes. The same DRX configuration framework handles different service types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), different QoS requirements, and different UE capabilities using a unified approach. This reduces device complexity by providing a single versatile configuration system rather than separate mechanisms for each scenario.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DRX parameters are optimized for power saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but service quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to adjust DRX behavior based on service quality requirements. For high-reliability services like URLLC, the system can configure shorter DRX cycles, longer on-durations, or more frequent wake-up opportunities to ensure timely data reception. For power-sensitive services like mMTC, longer DRX cycles can be used. The parameters are explicitly tied to QoS flows and service types to maintain the appropriate balance between energy efficiency and service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts DRX parameters in response to changing service quality requirements. When service quality thresholds are not met, the network can adjust DRX parameters to improve reception reliability. This dynamic adjustment ensures that energy efficiency optimizations do not compromise minimum service quality levels, as the system can escalate from aggressive power-saving modes to more responsive modes when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed unit (DU) of a distributed base station operating in a radio access network (RAN) can implement a method for managing discontinuous reception (DRX) for a multicast and broadcast services (MBS) session. The method includes: (i) receiving, by processing hardware and from a CU of the distributed base station, information related to configuring DRX for the MBS session; (ii) generating, by the processing hardware and based at least on the information related to configuring DRX, a DRX configuration for a user equipment (UE) participating in the MBS session; and (iii) transmitting, by the processing hardware, the DRX configuration to the UE.