Paging-Based Aperiodic Small Data Reception for RRC-Inactive UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face inefficiencies in handling aperiodic small data transmissions to user equipment (UE) in inactive states, leading to significant signaling overhead and latency, especially when transitioning between RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring UE to receive aperiodic small data transmissions by using paging messages with additional properties indicating transmission patterns and enabling/disabling receiver components according to a schedule, allowing transmissions without full connection state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED mode to receive small data transmissions, then data transmission reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and latency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two parts: first, the gNB transmits a paging message indicating upcoming small data transmissions while the UE remains in RRC_INACTIVE state; second, the UE receives actual data transmissions during configured time windows without full connection establishment. This segmentation allows reliable data delivery while avoiding the signaling overhead of complete mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gNB performs preliminary action by sending a paging message in advance that indicates the timing and properties of upcoming small data transmissions. The UE uses this advance information to configure its receiver activation schedule, ensuring it is ready to receive data without needing to transition to connected mode, thus reducing latency while maintaining reliability.
2Loss of time
If the UE keeps the receiver active continuously to receive small data transmissions, then transmission latency is reduced, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring the UE to activate its receiver only during specific time windows when small data transmissions are expected, rather than keeping it continuously active. The gNB indicates these time windows in the paging message, allowing the UE to synchronize its receiver activation with actual data transmission opportunities, thus reducing energy consumption while minimizing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the receiver activation schedule based on the indicated time windows for small data transmissions. The UE transitions from a static continuous activation mode to a dynamic on-demand activation mode, where the receiver is activated only when data transmissions are scheduled, optimizing the balance between latency and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the UE waits for the next paging cycle to complete small data transmissions, then energy saving is maintained, but transmission time and latency increase impractically
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB performs preliminary action by indicating in the paging message that small data transmissions will occur during upcoming time windows. This advance notification allows the UE to activate its receiver in advance of the actual data transmission, eliminating the need to wait for the next paging cycle while maintaining energy efficiency. The UE knows exactly when to activate, optimizing both time and energy.
4Device complexity
If the UE remains in RRC_INACTIVE mode for small data transmissions, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the ability to transmit aperiodic data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the gNB to indicate varying time window configurations for small data transmissions within the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message can specify different timing patterns (e.g., immediate transmission, delayed transmission, periodic transmission), enabling the system to adapt to various data transmission scenarios without requiring mode transition, thus maintaining versatility while reducing signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A first communication apparatus of a radio access network transmits paging messages to one or more second communication apparatus in accordance with a paging scheme. The one or more second communication apparatus configure their receivers to be enabled accordingly, while remaining in an operating mode in which they are not fully connected to the first communication apparatus. Small data transmissions may be transmitted from the first to the one or more second communication apparatus after appropriately configuring the receivers of the one or more second communication apparatus to be enabled, while remaining in the operating mode in which they are not fully connected to the first communication apparatus. The required configuration information, in particular times for aperiodic transmissions and/or radio resources used for transmitting and/or the indication for the end of the aperiodic transmission, is transmitted by the first communication apparatus in a paging message.