Radio Access Technology Data Transmission Timer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, when a user equipment (UE) loses radio coverage on a higher rate radio access technology (RAT) like LTE, it may take a long time to complete data transmission on a lower throughput RAT due to the hysteresis back-off timer, leading to prolonged data service disruption and excessive signaling, especially when higher and lower throughput RATs do not share the same Packet Core Infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing timers such as T1, T2, and T3 to manage data transmission and cell selection, allowing the UE to suspend data transmission on a lower rate RAT and search for a higher rate RAT, thereby reducing the wait time for re-establishing data service and minimizing RAT switching signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hysteresis back-off timer is implemented to prevent excessive RAT switching signaling, then signaling overhead is reduced, but data service disruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting a back-off timer T1 when radio coverage is lost, before the UE actually switches to a lower rate RAT. This timer prevents immediate switching and reduces subsequent excessive signaling. Additionally, a second back-off timer T2 is started when data transmission is suspended, further delaying the switch but allowing earlier resumption opportunities. These preliminary timing mechanisms proactively control the switching behavior to balance signaling reduction with service recovery time.
2Productivity
If the UE continues data transmission on a lower rate RAT without suspension, then data service continuity is maintained, but opportunity to reconnect to higher rate RAT is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the data transmission state adjustable based on timer conditions. The UE dynamically suspends data transmission on the lower rate RAT when the back-off timer T2 expires, creating an opportunity to search for and reconnect to a higher rate RAT. This dynamic suspension and resumption mechanism allows the system to adapt between maintaining continuity and seeking better performance, resolving the contradiction between uninterrupted transmission and timely reconnection opportunities.
3Speed
If the UE immediately searches for a higher rate RAT upon losing coverage, then reconnection speed is improved, but excessive signaling and unnecessary scans occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the structured use of back-off timers T1 and T2 that create scheduled opportunities for RAT searching. Instead of continuous or immediate scanning, the UE follows a periodic pattern: wait for T1 to expire, then optionally suspend and wait for T2, and only then initiate the search for higher rate RAT. This periodic timing mechanism controls the scanning frequency, preventing excessive signaling while ensuring timely reconnection attempts at appropriate intervals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and software can be used to transmit data over a radio access technology (RAT). In some aspect, a data transmission using a first radio access technology (RAT) is initiated at a mobile device. A timer is started at a first value. When the timer expires, it is determined that data remains to be transmitted. In response to determining that data remains to be transmitted: the data transmission is suspended, and a search is initiated for a second RAT for transmitting the remaining data. The second RAT provides a higher data rate than the first RAT.