RAN Node Release Timer for Mobile Terminated Data Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cellular networks, especially for Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, energy efficiency is a challenge due to high energy consumption during idle periods and significant energy usage during communication events, which can lead to premature connection release and failed mobile terminated transactions.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves notifying the Radio Access Network (RAN) of pending mobile terminated data to avoid premature connection release and using extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, allowing devices to stay connected longer for network-stored messages, thereby optimizing power consumption and ensuring successful mobile terminated communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If extended DRX cycles are used to save energy between communication events, then energy consumption is reduced, but the risk of premature connection release increases and mobile terminated transactions may fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmobile terminated transaction success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary actions by setting a release timer to a first value upon receiving indication of pending mobile terminated data, before the connection is actually released. This preliminary timer setup ensures that the connection is maintained long enough to accommodate the extended DRX cycle and deliver mobile terminated transactions, preventing premature release while the device is in energy-saving mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the release timer value based on the DRX cycle configuration. When extended DRX cycles are detected, the release timer is set to a first value that accommodates the extended cycle, whereas for normal DRX cycles it uses a second (shorter) value. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both energy saving and transaction reliability according to the actual operational mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the release timer is set to a short value to optimize connection management, then connection release efficiency is improved, but mobile terminated data may be lost due to premature release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection release efficiencyVSAvoidmobile terminated data loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The release timer is dynamically configured with different values based on the DRX cycle type. For extended DRX cycles, the timer is set to a first value that ensures mobile terminated data can be delivered, while for normal DRX cycles it uses a second value that optimizes release efficiency. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by adapting the timer value to the specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the release timer parameter based on the detected DRX cycle configuration. When extended DRX is detected, the timer parameter is adjusted to a longer first value to prevent data loss, whereas for standard DRX it uses a shorter second value for efficient connection management. This parameter adaptation allows optimal performance in different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If DRX mode is used to minimize energy consumption during idle periods, then energy efficiency is improved, but control signalling overhead increases during communication events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol signalling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3020248B1Method and apparatus in a telecommunication system

Publication Date: 2023.05.03 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

Method and Apparatus in a telecommunication system According to an aspect, there is provided a method in a network node of a radio access network, RAN, in a telecommunication system, the method comprising receiving (101) an indication from a network node in a core network that mobile terminated data is pending for a user equipment, UE, receiving (103) a connection request from the UE and setting up a radio resource control, RRC, connection to the UE, releasing (107) the RRC connection to the UE, whereby the method further comprises setting (105) a release timer value to a value sufficient to establish a mobile terminated communication by the network to the UE and the step of releasing the RRC connection to the UE is performed when the release timer has expired. Another aspect provides a method in a network node of a RAN in a telecommunication system, the method comprising keeping (123) a user equipment, UE, that is configured for long discontinuous reception, DRX, in idle mode, in radio resource control, RRC, connected mode long enough to allow a network stored mobile terminated short message service, MT SMS, to be received by the UE.