Small Data Transmission via UE Inactive-State Context Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems waste signal overhead on small data transmissions due to the need for UE to establish a connection regardless of data amount, leading to inefficient and potentially delayed small data transmission (SDT) when network cannot immediately determine UE context relocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems for SDT in an inactive state or connection management connected state, characterized by packet sizes of 100 bytes, latency of 5 seconds to 30 minutes, and frequency up to monthly, involving anchor nodes and serving nodes to manage UE context relocation through signaling procedures for efficient small data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If UE establishes a connection to transmit data, then data transmission can be performed, but signal overhead is wasted when small amount of data is transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission into two distinct modes: small data transmission (SDT) for small packets and regular data transmission for larger amounts. SDT allows UE to transmit small data packets without establishing a full RRC connection, using instead a simplified procedure where UE remains in inactive state and transmits data via uplink messages that trigger context retrieval only when necessary. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by matching the transmission protocol complexity to the actual data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection state parameter from always-connected to conditionally-connected based on data size. When small data needs transmission, UE transitions from requiring RRC connected state to inactive state with SDT capability, changing the operational parameters of the transmission system. This parameter change allows efficient small data transmission without the overhead of full connection establishment.
2Loss of time
If network cannot immediately determine UE context relocation, then SDT can be performed, but transmission is delayed or abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring SDT parameters and thresholds before data transmission occurs. The network pre-establishes SDT configuration including data size thresholds, timing parameters, and context retrieval triggers. When small data arrives at UE, the decision to use SDT is already determined by pre-configured rules, eliminating the need for real-time decisions and associated delays. This preliminary configuration ensures both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a trigger-based context retrieval system. Instead of immediately retrieving UE context upon receiving small data, the system uses intermediate triggers (data size thresholds, timing conditions) to determine whether context retrieval is necessary. This intermediary layer filters out cases where full context retrieval would be unnecessary, reducing delays while maintaining reliability through conditional processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method for use in an anchor node includes receiving, from a serving node, a context request associated with a wireless terminal and an indication for a small data transmission. A first message is transmitted to a serving node and includes configuration information of the small data transmission. A second message is received from the serving node comprising downlink information of the small data transmission. The small data transmission is then performed.