Non-Uniform DRX Cycles for Traffic-Aligned UE Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and latency due to misaligned DRX ON-durations with periodic traffic patterns, particularly in extended reality applications, leading to unnecessary sleep mode transitions and retransmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-uniform DRX cycle durations within a DRX time period that align with the periodicity of downlink traffic, using configurations such as anchor cycles, leap cycles, and dynamic offset adjustments to ensure DRX ON-durations coincide with expected traffic bursts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform DRX cycle durations are used, then device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but power consumption increases and latency worsens due to misalignment with traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static uniform DRX cycles to dynamic non-uniform DRX cycles where cycle durations vary based on traffic periodicity. The gNB configures different DRX cycle lengths (e.g., 10ms, 20ms, 40ms) within a DRX time period to match traffic patterns, allowing the system to adapt its reception schedule to actual data arrival characteristics rather than using a fixed cycle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of DRX cycle duration from a uniform value to non-uniform values. By configuring multiple DRX cycles with different durations within a single DRX time period, the system optimizes power consumption by aligning longer cycles with low-traffic periods and shorter cycles with high-traffic periods, thereby matching the reception schedule to traffic periodicity.
2Device complexity
If uniform DRX cycle durations are used, then configuration is simpler, but latency increases due to misaligned ON-durations with traffic bursts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DRX cycle configuration where the gNB adjusts cycle durations based on observed traffic periodicity. By making the DRX cycles adaptive rather than static, the system can dynamically align ON-durations with traffic bursts, reducing latency without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors downlink traffic patterns and uses this information to configure appropriate non-uniform DRX cycles. The base station adjusts DRX parameters based on feedback about actual traffic periodicity, ensuring ON-durations are optimally positioned to capture traffic bursts and minimize latency.
3Device complexity
If DRX ON-durations are misaligned with traffic periodicity, then configuration is simpler, but retransmissions increase and communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the gNB analyze traffic periodicity in advance and pre-configure non-uniform DRX cycles that are aligned with expected traffic patterns. By preparing the DRX configuration beforehand based on traffic characteristics, the system ensures ON-durations are positioned optimally before traffic bursts occur, avoiding misalignment issues and reducing retransmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes DRX parameters to match traffic periodicity by configuring non-uniform cycle durations. The gNB adjusts DRX cycle lengths and ON-duration positions based on measured traffic patterns, transforming the fixed parameter structure into a flexible one that adapts to actual communication requirements and improves efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles within a DRX time period at a user equipment (LTE). DRX configurations may provide that different DRX cycles have non-uniform cycle durations within the DRX time period. Such non-uniform cycle durations may provide DRX ON-durations that are aligned with a periodicity of downlink traffic to the UE in which the downlink traffic may be unaligned with timing boundaries used for wireless communications between the UE and a base station, such as slot boundaries or symbol boundaries.