Small Data Transmission Measurement Continuity in Inactive Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing measurements during Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedures in inactive modes, leading to potential failure of measurement procedures due to the initiation of SDT, as current standards require stopping and releasing measurement results upon transitioning to connected mode, complicating the SDT process.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves mechanisms for UE to determine whether to continue or stop measurements during SDT, allowing continued measurement reporting and timer management, enabling measurement results to be transmitted post-SDT completion or upon transitioning to connected mode, thus avoiding measurement procedure failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurements are stopped during SDT procedure to avoid measurement procedure failure, then reliability of SDT is improved, but measurement precision is worsened due to loss of measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement configuration is prepared and stored in advance before the SDT procedure is initiated. The UE is pre-configured with measurement parameters and criteria, allowing measurements to be quickly resumed or continued after SDT completion without requiring reconfiguration, thus preventing measurement procedure failure while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
A measurement indicator or flag is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to track the state of measurements during SDT. This indicator allows the network to understand whether measurements were performed during SDT and facilitates proper handling of measurement results after SDT completion, resolving the conflict between stopping measurements for reliability and maintaining measurement continuity for precision
2Measurement precision
If UE transitions to connected mode to perform measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to frequent mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement configuration is made dynamic and adaptable to different UE states. The network can configure measurements to be performed in inactive mode when appropriate, and the measurement parameters can be adjusted based on whether the UE is in inactive or connected mode. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for frequent mode transitions while maintaining measurement precision through state-appropriate measurement configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement mechanism is designed to be universal and functional across multiple UE states (both inactive and connected modes). The same measurement configuration framework and procedures can be applied regardless of whether the UE is in inactive or connected mode, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures for each mode and reducing the complexity associated with mode transitions
3Measurement precision
If measurements are continued during SDT procedure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to timer management
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is introduced where the network provides indicators to the UE about whether measurements should be performed during SDT and how measurement results should be handled. The network can indicate through signaling whether the UE should continue measurements during SDT and what to do with the results, providing feedback that simplifies the UE's timer management and measurement continuation decisions while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for means for performing measurements while the apparatus is in an idle or inactive mode and means for determining whether to stop performing measurements upon determining that a small data transmission procedure has been initiated while the apparatus is in the idle or inactive mode.