RRC Inactive MT Signaling Handling via CN Capability Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP systems face challenges in handling Mobile Terminating (MT) data/signalling for User Equipment (UE) in RRC inactive state with long eDRX cycles, as they are unreachable due to extended discontinuous reception, with current solutions either relying on the Core Network (CN) or Radio Access Network (RAN) handling this function without considering network capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The NG-RAN determines whether the Core Network or Radio Access Network should handle MT data/signalling based on the Core Network's capability to support handling, using indication messages like INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST and UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST to facilitate appropriate data/signalling management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Core Network handles MT data/signalling for UEs in RRC inactive state with long eDRX cycle, then the handling capability is improved, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indication mechanism where the CN sends capability indication information to the NG-RAN through N2 interface messages. This intermediary information exchange allows the CN to offload MT data/signalling handling to the RAN when capable, resolving the contradiction by enabling flexible distribution of handling responsibility based on network capabilities without increasing overall system complexity
2Speed
If the Radio Access Network handles MT data/signalling for UEs in RRC inactive state with long eDRX cycle, then the response speed is improved, but the requirement for RAN capability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic capability indication mechanism where the CN's ability to support RAN-based MT data/signalling handling is indicated to the NG-RAN through N2 interface messages. This dynamic indication allows the system to adapt the handling responsibility based on real-time network capabilities, enabling the RAN to handle MT data/signalling when capable (improving response speed) while maintaining flexibility for CN handling when RAN capability is insufficient
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports both CN-based and RAN-based handling solutions, then the adaptability is improved, but the decision complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CN provides capability indication information to the NG-RAN through N2 interface messages (such as INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST, UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST). This feedback loop enables the NG-RAN to make informed decisions about whether to handle MT data/signalling locally or rely on CN handling, based on the indicated CN capabilities. The feedback mechanism resolves the decision complexity by providing clear capability information that guides the selection between CN-based and RAN-based handling solutions
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are provided for a network function in a core network (CN) and a Radio Access network (RAN) node in the RAN, where the network function in the CN determines a capability of the CN to support handling of Mobile Terminated (MT) data/signalling for a User Equipment (UE) (e.g., buffering) when in Radio Resource Control (RRC) INACTIVE state with long extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) cycle (e.g., more than 10.24 s) and transmitting to the RAN node serving the UE an indication indicating support of the CN for MT data/signalling handling. Based on the received indication, the RAN node determines that MT data/signalling can be handled (e.g., buffered) in the CN for the UE in RRC_INACTIVE state with long eDRX cycle.