Small Data Transmission Handover in RRC_INACTIVE State

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR systems, small data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state leads to unnecessary air interface resource wastage due to the UE being transitioned to RRC_CONNECTED state for small amounts of downlink data, adding additional processes and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for processing small data transmission by sending SDT configuration information between access network nodes to process downlink data and signaling while keeping the UE in RRC_INACTIVE state, avoiding the need for state transition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small downlink data transmission, then the data transmission can be completed, but air interface resources are wasted and additional processes are added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidair interface resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission process by separating small data transmission (SDT) from the full RRC connection establishment process. It introduces a dedicated SDT procedure that operates independently from the normal RRC_CONNECTED data transmission path, allowing small downlink data to be delivered without triggering full state transition. This segmentation enables the system to handle small data packets through a simplified process that maintains UE in RRC_INACTIVE state while still completing data delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a dedicated SDT procedure that acts as a mediator between the core network and the UE. This intermediary layer allows downlink small data to be transmitted without requiring the UE to transition to RRC_CONNECTED state. The SDT procedure serves as an intermediate pathway that bypasses the need for full connection establishment, thereby reducing air interface resource consumption while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small data transmission, then data delivery is ensured, but unnecessary state transition processes are added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery assuranceVSAvoidstate transition process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RRC state management by introducing a dedicated SDT procedure that operates independently from the normal RRC connection establishment process. It separates small data transmission requirements from full RRC_CONNECTED state requirements, allowing data delivery to be ensured without triggering unnecessary state transitions. This segmentation maintains reliability for small data packets while avoiding the complexity of full connection management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of following the conventional approach where data transmission requires RRC_CONNECTED state, the patent inverts the logic by allowing data transmission to occur while the UE remains in RRC_INACTIVE state through the dedicated SDT procedure. This inversion eliminates the unnecessary state transition process while still ensuring data delivery, thereby reducing process complexity without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional air interface processes are added for small data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but air interface resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidair interface resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission capabilities by introducing a dedicated SDT procedure that is specifically designed for small downlink data packets. This segmented approach allows the system to handle small data packets through a lightweight process that does not require full RRC connection establishment. By separating small data transmission from full connection processes, the system maintains adaptability for different data sizes while significantly reducing air interface resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a new procedure mode (SDT) that operates with different resource requirements compared to full RRC_CONNECTED mode. In SDT mode, the system uses reduced parameter sets and simplified signaling mechanisms that are sufficient for small data packets but unnecessary for full data transmission. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different data transmission scenarios while optimizing air interface resource usage according to the actual data size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250374364A1Method for processing small data transmission, device and readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • US20250374364A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374364A1 patent drawing
  • US20250374364A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for processing small data transmission, a device and a readable storage medium are provided, which relates to the field of communication technology to save air interface resources. The method includes: receiving, by a first access network node, downlink small data transmission (SDT) data and/or downlink non-access-stratum (NAS) signaling of a target terminal; determining, by the first access network node, that an anchor point transfer occurs on the target terminal; and sending, by the first access network node, SDT configuration information to a second access network node, where the second access network node is accessed by the target terminal, and the SDT configuration information is configured to process the downlink SDT data and/or the downlink NAS signaling of the target terminal.