RRC Connection Resume Response for Session Deactivation in 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a 5G mobile communications network, when a terminal is in RRC inactive mode, it cannot timely delete related information of a to-be-deactivated session, leading to failed data transmission during PDU session deactivation.

Innovation Solution

The terminal establishes an RRC connection to a new base station, which uses an RRC connection resume response message to carry the identifier of the to-be-deactivated sessions, allowing the terminal to delete the corresponding session-related information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the terminal is in RRC inactive mode, then power consumption is reduced and network resources are saved, but the terminal cannot timely delete session-related information leading to data transmission failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the N2 SM info as an intermediary carrier that transports session management information between the network side (AMF/SMF) and the terminal. This intermediary mechanism allows the terminal to receive deactivation commands and properly clean up session information even in RRC inactive mode, thus maintaining data transmission reliability while preserving the energy-saving benefits of inactive mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network side (AMF/SMF) proactively send session management information including deactivation commands to the terminal before the terminal transitions to or remains in RRC inactive mode. This ensures that the terminal is pre-configured with necessary information to properly handle session deactivation and maintain reliability without needing to stay in connected mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the terminal stays in connected mode to ensure timely session information processing, then data transmission reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The N2 SM info acts as an intermediary that enables reliable session information processing without requiring the terminal to remain in connected mode. The terminal can process this information efficiently even in inactive mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability through the structured information transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic state transitions by allowing the terminal to flexibly switch between connected and inactive modes based on session requirements. The terminal can enter inactive mode to save power while still processing session information dynamically when needed, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption through adaptive state management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the network sends session resource release command to terminal in inactive mode, then session deactivation is initiated, but the terminal cannot receive and process the command properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession deactivation speedVSAvoidcommand reception and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The N2 SM info serves as an intermediary that bridges the communication gap between network and terminal in inactive mode. It encapsulates session resource release commands in a format that the terminal can properly receive and process even without active RRC connection, enabling both fast session deactivation and proper command handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The N2 SM info structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of carrying various session management commands including deactivation, modification, and release operations. This universal mechanism works across different terminal states (connected and inactive), making command reception and processing easier without requiring separate mechanisms for different modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3755112B1Session management method and system
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3755112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3755112B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP3755112B1 patent drawingFigure 3b

AI summary

A session management method and apparatus, and a communications system are provided. A network initiates a session deactivation procedure to deactivate one or more sessions of a terminal. After the terminal in an inactive mode establishes an RRC connection to a new second base station, the second base station indicates, through RRC connection reconfiguration, the terminal to delete related information of the to-be-deactivated session, or the second base station uses an RRC connection resume response message to carry an identifier of the one or more to-be-deactivated sessions, and the terminal deletes session-related information corresponding to the identifier of the one or more to-be-deactivated sessions. In this way, the terminal is enabled to process the related information of the to-be-deactivated session in a timely manner.