Timing Adjustment Validity Management for Preconfigured Uplink Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) systems, there is a challenge in efficiently managing time alignment for uplink transmissions using preconfigured resources, especially in RRC_IDLE state, where existing methods lack effective mechanisms for validating and maintaining timing adjustments for efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a User Equipment (UE) receiving a configuration for a first timer indicating its length in a RRCConnectionRelease message to control the validity of a Timing Adjustment (TA) for transmissions using Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PUR), and considering this TA as invalid upon initiating a Random Access procedure in the RRC_IDLE state, allowing for dynamic timer management and efficient resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a timer configuration is provided in RRCConnectionRelease message to control TA validity for PUR transmissions, then the timing alignment management is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional timer management in RRC_IDLE state
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures the timer length in the RRCConnectionRelease message before the UE enters RRC_IDLE state. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to automatically manage TA validity without requiring complex real-time decisions or additional signaling during idle state operations.
2Reliability
If the UE considers TA as invalid upon initiating Random Access procedure in RRC_IDLE state, then the timing alignment reliability is improved, but the data transmission efficiency deteriorates due to potential TA expiration during access procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TA validity management where the UE adapts its TA validity status based on the RA procedure state. The timer is configured to expire during RA procedure initiation, dynamically adjusting TA validity to match the operational context - ensuring reliability when needed while allowing efficient resource utilization.
3Productivity
If the timer length is extended to maintain TA validity during RA procedures, then the data transmission efficiency is improved, but the timing alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different timer length configurations for different operational contexts. A first timer length is configured specifically for PUR transmissions in RRC_IDLE state, while a second timer length applies for other scenarios. This local differentiation ensures precise timing alignment control where needed while maintaining efficiency in appropriate contexts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed from the perspective of a User Equipment (UE). Preferably, the method includes the UE receiving a configuration of a first timer indicating a first length in an RRCConnectionRelease message, wherein the first timer is used to control validity of a first Timing Adjustment (TA) for a transmission using Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PUR) in RRC_IDLE state (2005). The method also includes the UE considering the first TA as invalid in response to initiating a Random Access (RA) procedure while the UE is in the RRC_IDLE state (2010).