Relay Paging Parameter Control for eDRX Communication Terminals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The relay function in remote terminals is unreliable and leads to high power consumption due to the inefficiencies in the extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) mechanism, particularly in relay scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that adapt the relay service to the eDRX mechanism by determining and sending specific parameters to the relay terminal, such as eDRX cycle and paging time window, to improve reliability and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the remote terminal sends paging cycle information to the relay terminal using conventional DRX mechanisms, then the relay terminal can monitor and forward paging messages, but the relay function becomes unreliable and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay function reliabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameters from conventional DRX cycles to eDRX cycles, extending the paging cycle duration. This allows the terminal to remain in deep sleep for longer periods while still receiving paging messages during the PTW, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable relay functionality through proper parameter configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of paging time windows within the eDRX cycle, allowing the system to adaptively manage when the terminal wakes up to monitor paging messages. This dynamic timing approach optimizes the balance between power saving and reliable message delivery in relay scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the terminal frequently monitors paging messages to ensure reliable delivery, then paging reliability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging delivery reliabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring at extended intervals using eDRX cycles instead of continuous or frequent DRX monitoring. The terminal wakes up at predetermined eDRX cycle intervals during the PTW to check for paging messages, achieving reliable delivery while minimizing active monitoring time and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent configures the eDRX parameters and PTW in advance before the terminal enters deep sleep mode. This preliminary configuration ensures that the terminal knows exactly when to wake up and monitor for paging messages, maintaining reliable delivery without requiring frequent status checks that would increase power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4694371A1Communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4694371A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4694371A1 patent drawingFigure 2B
  • EP4694371A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. A first terminal determines first information, where the first information includes at least one parameter; and sends the first information to a second terminal. First cycle information is configured for the first terminal, the first cycle information indicates an eDRX cycle of the first terminal, the at least one parameter is used to determine second cycle information, the second cycle information is used to determine a cycle in which a network pages the first terminal, the at least one parameter is related to second information, and the second information includes at least one of the following: partial information or all information in the first cycle information, and a PTW of the first terminal. In the method, the first terminal determines, based on information related to an eDRX mechanism, the at least one parameter to be sent to the second terminal, so that a paging cycle determined by the second terminal based on the at least one parameter can adapt to the eDRX mechanism of the first terminal. This can improve reliability of a relay function, and reduce power consumption of the terminal.