RRC State Control via Dynamic Configuration for 5G Mobility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The control of Radio Resource Control (RRC) states in 5G networks lacks flexibility and efficiency, particularly in transitioning between RRC_IDLE, RRC_CONNECTED, and RRC_INACTIVE states, due to limited network-side control over user equipment (UE) mobility and configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling RRC states by sending RRC messages between terminal devices and network devices, where the terminal device receives indication information to enter a target RRC state, using locally stored or network-provided configuration information for RRC_INACTIVE state settings, including I-RNTI, RAN notification area, and DRX cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the network side configures RAN paging area for UE in RRC_INACTIVE state using dedicated signaling, then the UE mobility within the area is managed, but the control flexibility and efficiency of RRC state transition is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRRC state control flexibilityVSAvoidRRC state management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the RRC state control dynamic by allowing the network to flexibly transition UE between RRC_IDLE, RRC_CONNECTED, and RRC_INACTIVE states based on real-time conditions. The network can dynamically configure or release RAN paging areas and adjust DRX cycles according to UE activity patterns, service requirements, and network load, rather than using fixed state management procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including introducing first indication information to specify target RRC states, configuring DRX cycle parameters for different states, and adjusting RAN paging area configurations. These parameter changes enable efficient state transitions while reducing signaling overhead compared to traditional approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the UE follows cell reselection principle in idle state without network notification of movement, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the network cannot efficiently manage UE mobility and location updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair interface signaling overheadVSAvoidUE mobility management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic RAN notification area update mechanisms where UE in RRC_INACTIVE state performs location updates at configured intervals or when moving outside configured areas. This periodic action balances signaling reduction with mobility management, allowing the network to track UE location efficiently without requiring continuous reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where UE reports its location and status to the network through RRC messages, and the network responds with updated configuration information. This feedback loop enables the network to maintain awareness of UE mobility patterns and adjust paging area configurations and DRX parameters accordingly, improving overall mobility management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the network triggers all cells in RAN paging area to send paging messages when downlink data arrives, then UE can resume RRC connection to receive data, but the signaling overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring RAN paging areas and DRX cycle parameters for UE before they need to receive data. When downlink data arrives, the network can efficiently page UE within the pre-configured area using the pre-established DRX timing, reducing the need for extensive paging across all cells and minimizing both signaling overhead and power consumption while maintaining reliable data delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the UE initiates RAN location area update periodically or for cross-region updates, then location accuracy is maintained, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE location accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different RAN notification area parameters and update requirements for different geographic regions and UE scenarios. Instead of uniform location update requirements, the network can specify different behavior for different areas, UE types, or service requirements, optimizing the balance between location accuracy and signaling overhead for each local context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3840522B1Methods and devices for controlling RRC state

Publication Date: 2023.06.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are a method and devices for controlling an RRC state. The method comprises: a terminal device transmits an RRC resume request message and receives in reply an RRC release message transmitted by the network device, the RRC release message carrying first configuration information used for indicating to the terminal device to enter an RRC inactive state.