RRC Connection Release Without Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems are inefficient in managing sparse network resource usage and connection release, particularly due to the need for random access procedures, which consume power and resources, especially when devices are out of sync with the network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques that allow wireless devices to release radio resource control (RRC) connections without explicit acknowledgement or random access procedures, using synchronized timers and providing uplink resources even after timing alignment has expired, thereby reducing the burden on devices and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If random access procedures are performed for RRC connection release, then connection release reliability is improved, but power consumption and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the random access procedure step from the RRC connection release process. By allowing the network to unilaterally release the connection without requiring device acknowledgment or random access, the procedure is simplified while maintaining reliability through network-side confirmation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The network autonomously manages connection release by initiating the release procedure and managing resources without requiring device participation. The network can release connections based on its own criteria (inactivity timers, resource management) without waiting for device responses, making the system self-sufficient for connection management.
2Reliability
If random access procedures are performed for RRC connection release, then connection release completeness is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The random access procedure is extracted from the connection release flow, eliminating the need for uplink random access messages, contention resolution, and associated signaling. This reduces network resource consumption including random access channel usage, scheduling messages, and processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary acknowledgment mechanism where the device can optionally send a lightweight acknowledgment message through dedicated uplink resources (not random access) to confirm receipt of the release message, providing completeness verification without the overhead of full random access procedures.
3Measurement precision
If timing alignment is strictly enforced, then uplink communication quality is improved, but device mobility and sparse resource usage flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring full timing alignment re-synchronization through random access procedures, the patent allows devices to use previously acquired timing alignment information for a limited period or for sparse transmissions. This partial action approach maintains adequate uplink quality for low-activity devices without the excessive action of full re-synchronization, enabling mobility flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing alignment parameter state by allowing expired or stale timing alignment information to be reused beyond its traditional validity period. This parameter change enables devices to maintain uplink transmission capability even when timing alignment timers have expired, adapting to sparse resource usage patterns and mobility scenarios where full re-alignment is impractical.
4Reliability
If RRC connection release requires acknowledgment, then connection release reliability is improved, but procedure complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acknowledgment requirement is extracted and made optional rather than mandatory. The patent allows the network to release connections without requiring device acknowledgment, simplifying the procedure. Where acknowledgment is desired, it can be sent through simple uplink resources rather than complex random access procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs self-verification of connection release by relying on the receipt of the release message itself as implicit confirmation, or by using lightweight acknowledgment mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces the complexity burden on the device while maintaining reliability through network-side management.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to techniques for efficient sparse network resource usage and connection release procedures. According to some embodiments, a wireless device may utilize techniques for efficiently releasing a radio resource control (RRC) connection, including techniques that avoid or reduce the occurrence of random access procedures when out-of-sync with the network when the RRC connection is being released. In some embodiments, a wireless device may utilize techniques for efficiently sparsely using network uplink resources, including techniques that avoid or reduce the occurrence of random access procedures to regain timing alignment to perform uplink communication when out-of-sync with the network.