RedCap eDRX Configuration for NAS Timer Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycles for reduced capability (RedCap) UEs can lead to NAS transmission and registration failures due to prolonged power-saving modes, impacting communication efficiency and battery consumption.

Innovation Solution

Define specific eDRX cycle values and timers for RedCap UEs, aligned with NAS message retransmission and periodic registration timers, and implement mechanisms for the network to recognize RedCap UEs, allowing for optimized eDRX configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If eDRX cycle is extended for power saving, then battery consumption is reduced, but NAS transmission and registration failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidNAS transmission success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the eDRX cycle length adjustable and adaptive. The network can dynamically configure different eDRX cycle values for RedCap UEs based on their specific needs and network conditions, rather than using a fixed cycle length. This allows optimization between power saving and communication reliability in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the eDRX cycle parameter specifically for RedCap UEs. By defining new eDRX cycle values that are shorter than traditional cycles, the system maintains better synchronization with NAS timers while still providing power saving benefits. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between extended power saving and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If eDRX cycle is extended for power saving, then battery life is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts eDRX cycle lengths based on UE type and network conditions. For RedCap UEs, shorter eDRX cycles are configured to maintain communication efficiency, while still providing substantial power saving compared to continuous reception. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between battery life and communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific eDRX cycle parameter values optimized for RedCap UEs. These parameters balance power consumption and communication efficiency by ensuring eDRX cycles align with NAS registration and message retransmission timers, preventing communication failures while maintaining power saving benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If standard eDRX cycles are used for RedCap UEs, then power saving is maximized, but device complexity increases due to timer alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidtimer alignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal eDRX configuration framework that handles multiple UE types (RedCap and non-RedCap) through a unified mechanism. The network device applies different eDRX cycle values based on UE capability indication, providing a multi-functional solution that simplifies implementation while achieving power saving for all UE types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12563632B2Extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) for reduced capability (redcap) user equipment

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to supporting extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) by a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE). A user equipment (UE) indicates to a network that the UE is operating as a RedCap UE and requests an eDRX configuration. In response, the network selects one or more values for the eDRX and sends such value(s) to the UE.