Periodic RNA Update Timer Management in Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing procedures for handling the periodic Radio Access Network (RAN) based Notification Area (RNA) update timer in wireless devices are unclear, leading to unnecessary signaling or errors when transitioning between RRC states, particularly when the timer expires or when the device enters the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_IDLE states without going through RRC_INACTIVE.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms in wireless devices to stop the periodic RNA update timer under specific conditions such as receiving an RRC Setup or Release message, or when entering the RRC_IDLE state from RRC_INACTIVE, ensuring the timer is not running when transitioning to incorrect states, and restart it according to new configurations if provided.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the periodic RNA update timer continues to run during state transitions, then the timer mechanism remains simple, but unnecessary signaling and errors occur when transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_IDLE states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the periodic RNA update timer before the device transitions to RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_IDLE states. This prevents the timer from expiring in states where RNA updates are not applicable, thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling and errors. The timer is proactively managed based on predicted state transitions rather than reactively handling expiration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device monitors its RRC state and provides feedback to the timer management logic. When the device detects it has transitioned to a state where RNA updates are not applicable (RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_IDLE), it stops the timer. This feedback loop ensures the timer operates correctly across state transitions without requiring complex external control.
2Reliability
If the device stops the timer upon receiving RRC Setup or Release messages, then signaling errors are prevented, but the device must continuously monitor RRC messages increasing processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timer management function with the existing RRC state transition handling logic. Instead of implementing a separate continuous monitoring mechanism, the device combines timer control with the processing of RRC Setup and Release messages that already occur during state transitions. This integration reduces redundant processing and energy consumption while maintaining reliable timer management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the timer is restarted according to new configurations, then network control is improved, but the device must handle configuration parsing and timer coordination increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to autonomously handle timer restart operations based on received RRC configurations. When the device receives new configuration parameters for the periodic RNA update timer, it automatically parses the configuration, stops the current timer if running, and restarts it with the new parameters without requiring external coordination or complex inter-module communication. This self-contained approach improves adaptability while managing complexity within the device's existing RRC processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and wireless device for handling a periodic RNA update timer are disclosed. A method is implemented in a wireless device (WD) for stopping an update timer based on a condition including that the WD: receives an RRC Setup message triggering transition of the WD to an RRC_CONNECTED state in response to an RRC Resume request message; receives an RRC Suspend message indicating that the WD is to stay in an RRC_INACIVE state in response to an RRC Resume Request message; receives an RRC Release message triggering transition of the WD to an RRC_IDLE state in response to an RRC Resume Request message; fails to receive an RRC Resume message, RRC Suspend message or an RRC Release message after sending an RRC Resume Request message; or the WD enters the RRC_IDLE state from the RRC-INACTIVE state without transitioning through the RRC_CONNECTED state.