Dynamic RRC Release Timer Adjustment for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE networks, the fixed RRC release timer does not consider the data needs of mobile devices, leading to inefficient use of network resources and battery life, as devices may enter sleep mode prematurely or require re-establishment of connections due to mismatched data transmission requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic control of the RRC connection lifetime based on the anticipated data needs of mobile devices, using the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) to adjust the RRC release timer, allowing for initial setting, extension, or immediate release, ensuring that resources are consumed only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed RRC release timer is used, then network resources are allocated in advance, but the timer does not consider the actual data needs of mobile devices leading to premature sleep mode or unnecessary connection re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed timer to a dynamic timer that adjusts its value based on actual data transmission behavior. The eNB monitors data activity and modifies the RRC release timer accordingly, allowing the connection to be maintained longer when data transmission is active and released sooner when idle, thus optimizing battery life while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the eNB continuously monitors data transmission behavior from the UE and uses this information to adjust the RRC release timer. This closed-loop feedback ensures the timer reflects actual network usage patterns, preventing premature release when data is still needed and enabling timely release when idle, thereby balancing reliability and energy conservation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed RRC release timer is used, then connection establishment is simplified, but network resources are wasted when data transmission completes sooner than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static connection management to dynamic adjustment. The RRC release timer is no longer fixed but adapts in real-time based on actual data transmission duration, allowing the network to release connections precisely when data activity stops, thereby reducing wasted network resources while maintaining simple initial setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timer parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that responds to actual data transmission conditions. By dynamically adjusting the timer parameter based on monitored data activity, the system optimizes network resource allocation without complicating the basic connection establishment process.
3Device complexity
If a fixed RRC release timer is used, then implementation is straightforward, but the UE cannot control when to enter sleep mode based on actual data needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback loops where the eNB monitors actual data transmission behavior and uses this information to dynamically adjust the RRC release timer. This enables the network to adapt to actual data needs while keeping the implementation relatively straightforward by leveraging existing monitoring capabilities and standard protocol extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the timer dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt to real-time data transmission conditions. This dynamic approach provides the UE with the ability to control sleep mode timing based on actual data needs while maintaining reasonable implementation complexity through standardized network-UE interaction protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic control of the length of time that an RRC connection exists is implemented based on the known and anticipated data needs of the UE. More specifically, the lifetime of the RRC connection may be a) initially set, b) extended, or c) shortened, even to the point of substantially immediately releasing it, based on the expected data transmission needs of the UE. This dynamic control is implemented by elements of the core network which are aware of the known and anticipated data needs of the UE. The UE needs are a function of the applications running on the UE. In one LTE-based embodiment, the RRC release timer is responsive to the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), which can access information about the applications that are running at the UE. In another embodiment, the RRC release timer is responsive to the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF).