Semi-Persistent Resource Allocation for LTE Small Packet Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP systems are not designed to efficiently handle small packet transmission in machine-type communication (MTC), leading to high power consumption and unnecessary signaling overhead, as they require devices to enter RRC_Connected mode for all packet transmissions, regardless of packet size or frequency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to allocate semi-persistent resources for devices in RRC_Idle mode, allowing for extended random access procedures and using the same timing advance value for static or relatively static devices, which enables small packet transmission without frequent mode changes, thereby reducing power consumption and signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices enter RRC_Connected mode for all packet transmissions, then reliable data transmission is ensured, but power consumption increases and signaling overhead increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation into two distinct types: dynamic resources for RRC_Connected mode and semi-persistent resources for RRC_Idle mode. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate resource type based on device state and traffic characteristics, enabling reliable transmission while reducing power consumption for infrequent small packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation that adapts to device state. The network can dynamically assign semi-persistent resources to devices in RRC_Idle mode for small packet transmission, while maintaining the ability to switch to dynamic resources in RRC_Connected mode when needed, creating a flexible system that optimizes both reliability and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If devices enter RRC_Connected mode for all packet transmissions, then data transmission is supported, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transmission capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allocating semi-persistent resources in advance to devices in RRC_Idle mode. These pre-configured resources eliminate the need for dynamic scheduling signaling for each small packet transmission, significantly reducing signaling overhead while maintaining full packet transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If semi-persistent resources are allocated for devices in RRC_Idle mode, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice power consumptionVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing semi-persistent resource allocation specifically for the RRC_Idle state and small packet transmissions, rather than changing the entire resource management system. This localized approach reduces power consumption for idle devices while maintaining existing complex resource management for connected devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2897388B1Power efficient support of small packet transmission
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2897388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2897388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2897388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various communication systems may benefit from power efficiency. For example, certain communication systems associated with the long term evolution (LTE) of the third generation partnership project (3GPP) may benefit from methods and devices for providing power efficient support of small packet transmission. A method can include determining whether a position of a device is static. The method can also include, when the position of the device is determined to be static, allocating at least one semi-persistent resource for a time when the device is in an idle state.