RRC Inactive Multicast Signaling for Power-Efficient UE Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP networks require user equipment (UE) to be in a connected state for multicast signaling, leading to power consumption issues, and there is a need to support multicast signaling in an inactive state to conserve power and improve resource efficiency, especially for services like public safety and network sharing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements are introduced to enable multicast reception by UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state, including PTM configuration, Uu signaling for shared processing, and resource efficiency improvements, allowing UEs to receive multicast services while in an inactive state through extended MCCH and MTCH configurations, and utilizing SDT mechanisms for DTCH transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE is required to be in connected state for multicast signaling, then multicast reception reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RRC states into connected, inactive, and idle states, and assigns different multicast reception capabilities to each. In the inactive state, UEs can receive multicast signals without maintaining a full RRC connection, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving the ability to receive multicast services. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic state management where UEs can transition between connected, inactive, and idle states based on their multicast reception needs. The network can dynamically configure which UEs should remain in connected state for reliable multicast reception and which can be placed in inactive state for power-saving operation. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying reliability requirements and power consumption constraints.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UE transitions to inactive state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but multicast reception capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inactive state universal by enabling it to support both unicast and multicast signal reception. This multi-functionality allows UEs to operate in the inactive state for power-saving while still being capable of receiving multicast services, thereby eliminating the trade-off between power consumption and multicast reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the inactive state by introducing new configuration parameters that enable multicast signal reception. These parameter changes allow the inactive state to transition from a purely power-saving mode to a hybrid mode that supports both power-saving and multicast reception, thereby improving adaptability without increasing power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network provides multicast services to all UEs, then service coverage is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of UEs based on their individual needs and states. Instead of providing uniform multicast services to all UEs, the network can selectively provide multicast services to UEs in specific states (e.g., inactive state for power-saving, connected state for high reliability). This localized approach optimizes resource consumption based on actual service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial action by allowing the network to provide multicast services only to the extent necessary, rather than to all UEs regardless of need. UEs can be configured to receive multicast services in their current state without requiring full connection establishment, thereby reducing network resource consumption while maintaining adequate service coverage for active users.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to provide multicast transmissions during an inactive state of a user equipment.