NAS Message Transmission in RRC Non-Connected States

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G conformance testing methods require user equipment (UE) to be brought back to the RRC CONNECTED state to send test control commands, necessitating additional unnecessary message exchanges and preventing downlink signaling in RRC non-connected states, such as IDLE or INACTIVE states, unless an SDT procedure is initiated.

Innovation Solution

A method to transmit NAS messages within a System Information Block (SIB) to user equipment in RRC non-connected states, allowing test control commands like Activate, Deactivate, Open, or Close UE test loops without requiring the UE to switch to the RRC CONNECTED state, by including an indication to avoid sending NAS completion messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the UE is brought back to RRC CONNECTED state to send test control commands, then the test control commands can be sent to the UE, but additional unnecessary message exchanges are required and test time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest control command transmissionVSAvoidtest time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network node prepares and broadcasts the NAS message containing the test control command in advance while the UE is in RRC non-connected state. The UE receives and processes the command directly without needing to transition to RRC CONNECTED state, eliminating the need for additional message exchanges and reducing test time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the UE remains in RRC non-connected state for device testing, then battery power is conserved, but test control commands cannot be sent to the UE

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidtest control command transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network node acts as an intermediary by broadcasting the NAS message containing the test control command through the broadcast channel while the UE is in RRC non-connected state. This allows the UE to receive test control commands without transitioning to RRC CONNECTED state, thus conserving battery power while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the UE is in RRC non-connected state, then the UE can remain in a low-power state, but downlink signaling for test control commands is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power stateVSAvoidtest control command delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast channel, originally used for system information broadcasting, is utilized to also transmit NAS messages containing test control commands to UEs in RRC non-connected state. This multi-functional use of the broadcast channel enables test control command delivery without requiring the UE to transition to RRC CONNECTED state, maintaining both power efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240381474A1Method, apparatus and computer program for transmitting NAS message

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method may include determining that a user equipment is in a radio resource control, RRC, non-connected state. The method may also include broadcasting a system information block, SIB, to a plurality of user equipment including the user equipment. The system information block SIB includes a non-access stratum, NAS, container for conveying a NAS message to the user equipment. In the method, the RRC non-connected state includes an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.