RAN-Configured DRX Parameters for Light-Connection Power-Latency Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LTE networks face challenges in balancing power saving and latency in mobile devices due to inefficient Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mechanisms, particularly in light connection states, leading to excessive battery consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing RAN-configured DRX parameters, including UE-specific DRX values and extended DRX cycles, to optimize power saving while maintaining network connectivity, using dedicated and broadcast signaling to configure these parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If DRX is used to save power by switching off the receiver, then battery power is saved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery powerVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the DRX cycle length configurable and adaptable. The base station can dynamically adjust the DRX cycle length for different UEs based on their specific needs, allowing the system to optimize between power saving and latency requirements rather than using a fixed cycle length for all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by introducing configurable DRX cycle lengths as a new parameter. The base station can set different cycle lengths (e.g., longer cycles for power-sensitive UEs, shorter cycles for latency-sensitive UES) to resolve the contradiction between power consumption and latency performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If longer DRX cycle lengths are used to save more power, then battery life is extended, but latency performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower savingVSAvoidlatency performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent directly addresses this contradiction by making the DRX cycle length a configurable parameter. The base station can select appropriate cycle lengths from available options and assign them to different UEs based on their service requirements, enabling longer cycles for power saving when appropriate while maintaining shorter cycles for latency-sensitive services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different DRX cycle lengths to be assigned to different UEs or different service types. Instead of a uniform approach, each UE can receive a customized DRX configuration tailored to its specific power saving needs and latency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If shorter DRX cycle lengths are used to reduce latency, then latency performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by enabling flexible configuration of DRX cycle lengths. The base station can assign shorter cycle lengths to UEs that require low latency performance while assigning longer cycle lengths to UEs that prioritize power saving, thus allowing the system to optimize for latency when needed without forcing all UEs to consume more power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3520555B1Configuration of discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters in light connection
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 APPLE INC
  • EP3520555B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3520555B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3520555B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Described is an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a first circuitry and a second circuitry. The first circuitry may be operable to generate one or more parameters associated with a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) paging cycle of the UE, and store the one or more parameters in a memory. The second circuitry may be operable to generate a message for transmission to the UE such that the message comprises the one or more parameters associated with the DRX paging cycle of the UE.