NR V2X Sidelink DRX Configuration for Broadcast-to-Unicast Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In sidelink communication, there is a challenge in determining the appropriate DRX configuration for a UE to receive broadcast messages before establishing a unicast connection, which affects power consumption and communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communication that utilize a default discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration for groupcast or broadcast, including information on sidelink DRX cycle and active time, allowing UEs to receive messages for establishing unicast connections based on this configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a UE continuously monitors broadcast messages before unicast connection establishment, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles where the UE periodically wakes up to monitor broadcast messages and then enters sleep mode. The UE monitors during active periods defined by DRX configuration parameters (drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer) and remains in low-power state during inactive periods, achieving periodic monitoring that balances reliability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies default DRX configuration parameters before unicast connection establishment to enable the UE to enter DRX mode during the connection setup phase. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to monitor broadcast messages with reduced power consumption even before a dedicated unicast connection is established, by using default values for DRX parameters that are applied in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If a UE enters DRX mode during unicast connection establishment, then power consumption is reduced, but connection establishment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts DRX configuration parameters during unicast connection establishment based on connection setup progress. The UE transitions from continuous monitoring during initial connection setup to DRX mode as connection establishment progresses. The network can dynamically modify DRX parameters (drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer) based on traffic conditions and connection state, optimizing the balance between power saving and connection establishment speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes DRX parameter values based on connection establishment stage and traffic conditions. Default DRX parameters are applied during connection setup, and these parameters can be adjusted or overridden by dedicated RRC configurations as the connection is established. The system modifies parameters like drx-SlotOffset, drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer, and drx-RetransmissionTimer to optimize both power consumption and connection establishment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If dedicated DRX configuration is provided after unicast connection establishment, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments DRX configuration into default configurations applicable to all UEs and dedicated configurations for specific UEs or services. The default DRX configuration provides baseline power saving for all UEs during connection establishment, while dedicated RRC configurations provide optimized DRX parameters for specific UEs based on their traffic patterns and service requirements. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by separating universal from customized configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal default DRX configuration that serves multiple purposes: it enables power saving during connection establishment, provides a baseline for all UEs regardless of service type, and can be overridden or refined by dedicated configurations. This multi-functional default configuration reduces the need for complex per-UE configuration management while still providing effective power saving across diverse scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4271053B1Method and devices for performing SL DRX operation on basis of default DRX configuration in NR v2x
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4271053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4271053B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP4271053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Presented in one embodiment is a method by which a first device performs wireless communication. The method may comprise the steps of: acquiring an SL DRX configuration including information related to a sidelink discontinuous reception (SL DRX) cycle and information related to an activation time; transmitting, to a second device, first sidelink control information (SCI) for scheduling a first physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) through a first physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH); transmitting, to the second device, second SCI and a first medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) through the first PSSCH; determining a first physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) resource in a first PSFCH slot on the basis of an index of a slot related to the first PSSCH and an index of a sub channel; and receiving, from the second device, first hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback for the first MAC PDU on the basis of the first PSFCH resource. For example, the first PSFCH slot can be included in an inactivation time at the time point at which the first MAC PDU is transmitted. For example, the first PSFCH slot can be included in an activation time at the time point at which the first HARQ feedback is received.