Radio Terminal Extended DRX Cycle Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack a mechanism for appropriate control of extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, which are essential for reducing power consumption in machine-type communication, particularly in scenarios where radio terminals operate without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and radio terminal configuration that allow for the notification and determination of extended DRX cycles by a base station and Mobility Management Entity, enabling the radio terminal to execute extended DRX operations only if supported by the base station, thereby optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an extended DRX cycle is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but compatibility with base stations that do not support extended DRX is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The radio terminal dynamically switches between extended DRX cycle and conventional DRX cycle based on base station support capability. The system transitions from a static DRX configuration to a dynamic one where the cycle length is adjusted according to network conditions and base station capabilities, resolving the contradiction between power savings and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the DRX cycle parameter from a fixed value to a conditional value that depends on base station support. The radio terminal determines whether to use extended DRX or conventional DRX by checking base station capability, thereby adapting the DRX cycle parameter to maintain compatibility while optimizing power consumption when possible.
2Use of energy by moving object
If extended DRX operation is implemented unconditionally, then power consumption is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates when base station does not support extended DRX
Solution Approach 1:
The radio terminal performs preliminary determination of base station extended DRX support capability before initiating extended DRX operation. This advance check prevents unreliable communication by ensuring the base station can handle extended DRX cycles, thereby maintaining communication reliability while enabling power savings when supported.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the radio terminal receives information about base station extended DRX support capability and adjusts its operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that extended DRX is only used when the base station can properly support it, maintaining communication reliability while optimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method according to an embodiment comprises: notifying, by a base station, a radio terminal of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle; notifying, by a Mobility Management Entity (MME), the radio terminal of an extended DRX cycle longer than the DRX cycle; determining, by the radio terminal, whether or not the base station supports an extend DRX; using, by the radio terminal, the extended DRX cycle to execute an extended DRX operation in an idle mode, in response to determining that the base station supports the extend DRX; and using, by the radio terminal, the DRX cycle to execute a DRX operation without using the extended DRX cycle, in response to determining that the base station does not support the extend DRX.