Network Node Uplink Access Procedure Selection for Small Data Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies face challenges in efficiently handling uplink access procedures for Mobile Terminated-Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) in communications systems, particularly in determining whether to use Random Access-Small Data Transmission (RA-SDT) or Configured Grant-Small Data Transmission (CG-SDT), and in managing downlink latency associated with CG-SDT.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network node determines the appropriate uplink access procedure for a User Equipment (UE) by sending a message with an indication of whether the UE should use MT-type or legacy-type procedures, allowing the UE to trigger the correct data transmission process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network node provides an indication of the determined uplink access procedure in the message to the UE, then the UE can use the correct procedure (RA-SDT or CG-SDT), but the signaling overhead and message complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure selection accuracyVSAvoidmessage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indication of the uplink access procedure is segmented as a separate information element within the message structure. This allows the network node to provide the procedure type indication (RA-SDT or CG-SDT) as a distinct component, making it easier for the UE to parse and process without increasing overall message complexity significantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network node determines and indicates the appropriate uplink access procedure type in advance, before the UE attempts data transmission. This preliminary indication prevents the UE from selecting an incorrect procedure, ensuring reliability while allowing the UE to prepare the appropriate transmission resources beforehand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the UE autonomously determines whether to use RA-SDT or CG-SDT without network indication, then the signaling overhead is reduced, but the risk of incorrect procedure usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling efficiencyVSAvoidprocedure selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UE is equipped with the capability to autonomously determine the appropriate uplink access procedure type based on its own assessment of current radio conditions, buffer status, and configured parameters. This self-service approach reduces signaling overhead as the UE makes the determination without requiring explicit network indication for each transmission opportunity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If CG-SDT is configured with long periodicity to reduce resource overhead, then resource utilization improves, but downlink latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoiddownlink latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The periodicity of CG-SDT resources is made dynamic rather than fixed. The network node can adjust the periodicity configuration based on current traffic conditions, allowing shorter periodicity when downlink data arrives promptly and longer periodicity when traffic is sparse, thus balancing resource utilization efficiency with downlink latency requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The periodicity parameter of CG-SDT is changed from a static configuration to a flexible parameter that can be adjusted by the network node. This allows the system to optimize the balance between resource overhead and downlink latency by modifying the periodicity value according to actual traffic patterns and service requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the network node controls the uplink access procedure selection, then procedure usage reliability improves, but the UE autonomy and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure usage correctnessVSAvoidUE autonomy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback mechanism is established where the UE reports its capabilities, current state, and suggested procedure preferences to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to make the final determination of the uplink access procedure type, balancing control with UE autonomy. The UE's feedback provides valuable information about local conditions without completely surrendering decision authority

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250056618A1UE, network node and methods for handling uplink access procedures in a communications system

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a network node for handling uplink access procedures in a communications system. The network node determines which type of uplink access procedure a UE should use for data transmission. The type is a MT type or a legacy type. The network node provides a message to the UE. The message comprises an indication of the determined uplink access procedure to the UE if it is determined that the UE should use the MT type.