Non-Periodic RAN Notification Update for Inactive UE Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobility management protocols for inactive mobile UEs face delays and overhead due to periodic RAN notification updates, which can lead to signal loss and mismatch in user connection status, especially when UEs experience temporary signal loss before the timer expires.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a non-periodic RAN-based notification update (NRNAU) and non-periodic registration update signals, triggered by synchronization failures and timed events, to reduce processing delays and status mismatches by resetting timers and allowing updates before periodic update deadlines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic RAN notification update is used for inactive UE, then network can track UE location, but processing delays and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE location trackingVSAvoidprocessing delays

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing periodic RAN notification area updates for inactive UEs. The network configures a periodicity parameter that determines how frequently the UE should perform location updates while in inactive state, balancing the need for location tracking with reduced processing delays compared to continuous monitoring in connected state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing flexible configuration of the periodicity parameter for RAN notification area updates. The network can dynamically adjust the update frequency based on UE mobility patterns and network conditions, optimizing the balance between location tracking accuracy and processing delay minimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If periodic RAN notification update is used for inactive UE, then UE location can be tracked, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE location trackingVSAvoidcontrol overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing RAN notification area updates only when the UE moves outside its configured RAN notification area while in inactive state, rather than requiring updates at every location change. This partial monitoring approach reduces control overhead while maintaining adequate location tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If UE enters inactive state, then power consumption is reduced compared to connected state, but synchronization maintenance becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsynchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic synchronization maintenance through periodic RAN notification area updates. While in inactive state with reduced power consumption, the UE periodically updates its location with the network, ensuring synchronization is maintained without requiring continuous communication that would increase power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3673679B1Method and apparatus for communications under inactive state

Publication Date: 2024.08.14 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses. According to an embodiment of the disclosure， a method includes： receiving a configuration for setting a user equipment (UE) in an inactive state， and performing a non-periodic notification update to a network in response to determining the synchronization with the network as failed.