Inactivity Timer Control for Sidelink RRC Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current communication technologies, user equipment releases and re-establishes RRC connections frequently when communicating on sidelinks, leading to resource waste and delays due to inactivity timers expiring during sidelink data transmissions, as they are not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method for controlling inactivity timers by detecting data transmissions on sidelink channels and starting or restarting the timer accordingly, ensuring the RRC connection is maintained during sidelink communications, and allowing the timer to expire only after data transmission is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the inactivity timer is used to manage RRC connections, then the RRC connection can be released when not in use, but the connection may be released during sidelink data transmissions causing resource waste and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different data transmission channels. The inactivity timer is modified to specifically exclude sidelink channels (PC5 interface) from its timing criteria, while maintaining standard timing behavior for uplink/downlink channels. This allows the RRC connection to be released when appropriate (improving resource efficiency) while preserving stability during sidelink transmissions (maintaining reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the inactivity timer behavior adaptive based on the type of data transmission occurring. The timer starts or restarts when data is transmitted on sidelink channels, but follows conventional expiration rules for other channels. This dynamic adjustment ensures the RRC connection remains stable during sidelink communications while still allowing release during periods of overall inactivity, resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and connection stability.
2Productivity
If the inactivity timer expires during sidelink communication, then the RRC connection is released to free up resources, but data transmission is interrupted causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a special exception for sidelink channels in the inactivity timer logic. Data transmissions on PC5 interface channels are excluded from triggering timer expiration, while other channels maintain standard behavior. This localized differentiation ensures that sidelink communications proceed without interruption (maintaining productivity) while other resource management functions remain effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively modifying the inactivity timer behavior before sidelink data transmission issues arise. The timer is configured in advance to recognize and protect ongoing sidelink transmissions, preventing the need for connection re-establishment and eliminating associated delays. This preemptive measure ensures continuous productivity during sidelink communications.
3Ease of operation
If the inactivity timer is continuously running to detect idle states, then resource release can be triggered timely, but it cannot distinguish between uplink/downlink and sidelink data transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding channel-type-specific logic to the inactivity timer without fundamentally changing its operation. The timer maintains its simple continuous running mechanism for ease of operation, but incorporates a localized exception that recognizes sidelink channels and prevents expiration during their use. This selective adaptation maintains operational simplicity while gaining the versatility needed to distinguish channel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enhancing the inactivity timer to serve multiple functions: it continues to monitor uplink/downlink channels for resource release decisions while simultaneously protecting sidelink transmissions. This multi-functional capability allows a single timer mechanism to adapt to different channel types and transmission scenarios, improving versatility without complicating the overall timer management approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An inactivity timer control method applicable to a terminal is provided. The method includes: detecting on a channel of a sidelink whether a data transmission is performed; and starting or restarting, in response to determining that the data transmission is performed on the channel of the sidelink, an inactivity timer.