RRC Inactivity Timer for ProSe-Only UE State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack a mechanism for efficiently managing and controlling Proximity Service (ProSe) communication, specifically for User Equipment (UE) that performs only ProSe communication without infrastructure communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing UE in a wireless communication system by determining its connected state and starting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity timer if the UE is in an idle state and not performing infrastructure communication, which includes releasing radio resources and indicating termination of ProSe communication to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) when the timer expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE performs only ProSe communication without infrastructure communication, then direct device-to-device communication is enabled with reduced network load, but there is no specific mechanism for supporting and controlling such communication
Solution Approach 1:
The eNodeB acts as an intermediary that maintains RRC connection for UEs performing ProSe communication. Even though direct UE-to-UE communication occurs without passing user data through the eNodeB, the base station serves as a control mediator by monitoring RRC inactivity timers and managing connection states, providing indirect control over the direct communication pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing RRC connection management mechanism is extended to serve dual purposes: it continues to manage traditional infrastructure communication while simultaneously supporting ProSe communication. The RRC inactivity timer and connection state management are universalized to handle both communication types, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
2Loss of energy
If RRC inactivity timer is started for UE in idle state performing ProSe communication, then resource management is optimized by releasing unused resources, but communication continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The RRC connection state is made dynamic based on ProSe communication activity. The system transitions between connected and idle states using the RRC inactivity timer, allowing the UE to save power by entering idle state when not transmitting data, while automatically returning to connected state when communication is needed, thus balancing energy efficiency with communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RRC inactivity timer is started in advance when the UE enters idle state during ProSe communication. This preliminary timing mechanism proactively manages resource allocation by preparing to release resources after a predetermined interval, ensuring that resources are freed only after confirming no communication is needed, thereby preventing premature disconnection.
3Productivity
If infrastructure communication is terminated for ProSe-only UE, then network load is reduced, but mechanism for determining connected state becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the eNodeB receives messages from the UE or MME indicating termination of ProSe communication. This feedback allows the base station to accurately determine when to transition the UE to idle state and start the RRC inactivity timer, solving the state determination problem through explicit signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connected state determination is changed from relying on infrastructure communication presence to monitoring ProSe communication status. The system uses parameter changes in ProSe communication activity (discovery, communication termination messages) as the basis for state determination, replacing the traditional infrastructure-based state indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for managing a user equipment (UE), by a base station (eNodeB), in a wireless communication system supporting a proximity service (ProSe). More particularly, the method comprises the steps of: determining the connection state of a UE; and starting a radio resource control (RRC) inactivity timer when the connection state of the UE is idle, wherein the connection state is determined according to whether the UE performs infrastructure communication and whether the UE performs ProSe communication.