PDCCH Scheduling for Subsequent Data in RRC-Inactive UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR systems incur unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead due to frequent state transitions between RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED states for small and infrequent data transmissions, particularly for UEs with applications like instant messaging, as they require network paging for feedback reception after initial data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A base station apparatus and method that allows UEs to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for dedicated scheduling during an active period in the RRC_INACTIVE state, enabling subsequent data transmission without transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED state, using configurations transmitted in RRC release messages or System Information Blocks, with timer-based monitoring and layer 1 signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for data transmission, then reliable data transmission and feedback reception are ensured, but power consumption and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state management by allowing the UE to transition between RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED states based on data transmission requirements. The network can dynamically page the UE to activate it for feedback reception without requiring permanent connection, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the feedback reception function from the full RRC_CONNECTED state by allowing selective activation. The UE can remain in RRC_INACTIVE state for power saving while the network pages the UE only when feedback transmission is required, separating the connection maintenance from the feedback exchange function.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for feedback reception, then feedback transmission is ensured, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with uplink feedback resources while in RRC_INACTIVE state. When the network needs to page the UE for feedback, the UE already has the necessary transmission resources prepared, eliminating the need for resource allocation signaling during state transition and reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic state transitions where the UE可以快速 switch between RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED states based on immediate feedback requirements. The network controls the timing of state activation through paging, optimizing the balance between feedback reliability and transition latency.
3Productivity
If the UE frequently transitions between RRC states for small data transmissions, then data exchange is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small data transmissions into a single RRC_CONNECTED state activation. The network can page the UE once and maintain the connection for multiple feedback exchanges, combining several potential state transitions into one, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary configuration of uplink resources in RRC_INACTIVE state, allowing the UE to quickly activate and transmit feedback without extensive signaling. This pre-prepared state reduces the energy cost of each data exchange cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station (BS) comprising a processor configured to perform operations is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the operations include receiving an initial data from a UE is in a RRC_INACTIVE while the UE does not transition from the RRC_INACTIVE state to a RRC_CONNECTED state. In addition, the operations include transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a UE dedicated scheduling for a transmission or reception of a subsequent data during an active period, while the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state. Furthermore, the operations include receiving or transmitting the subsequent data transmission based on the dedicated scheduling. The operations additionally include transmitting one or more configurations for the transmission or reception of the subsequent data. The one or more configurations is transmitted as part of the RRC release message. The one or more configurations is transmitted as part of a System Information Block (SIB).