Small Data Transmission Mode Selection for Low-Signaling Uplink

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to unnecessary signaling and transitions between inactive and connected states for small data transmissions, particularly in scenarios involving intermittent small data packets.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device is configured with a mode selection configuration to choose from multiple SDT modes based on predefined criteria, allowing it to select an appropriate SDT mode for data transmission, including single-shot or multi-shot options, using either random access or configured grants, to optimize power consumption and reduce signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal device transitions to connected state for small data transmission, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but power consumption and signaling overhead increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connected state into two distinct modes: traditional connected state for normal data transmission, and SDT (Small Data Transmission) mode for small packets. This segmentation allows the terminal to remain in inactive state for SDT operations, avoiding full connection establishment and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability through dedicated SDT resource allocation and signaling procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic mode selection capability where the terminal can flexibly switch between inactive state, SDT mode, and traditional connected state based on data transmission requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize power consumption by selecting the appropriate transmission mode - using SDT mode for small data packets to avoid full connection setup, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If connection establishment is performed for small data transmission, then data transmission capability is ensured, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential data transmission capability from the full connection establishment procedure. By introducing SDT mode, the system separates small data transmission operations from the complete RRC connection setup process. This extraction allows small data packets to be transmitted using simplified procedures with dedicated resources, eliminating unnecessary signaling overhead while preserving transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing full connection establishment (excessive action) for small data packets, the patent applies partial action through SDT mode which provides just enough resources and signaling for small data transmission. This partial approach includes selective activation of transmission resources, abbreviated signaling procedures, and targeted resource allocation, thereby reducing signaling overhead while ensuring adequate transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SDT modes are provided for selection, then transmission optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mode adaptabilityVSAvoidmode selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple SDT modes with distinct characteristics and适用 scenarios before actual data transmission occurs. The network and terminal are pre-provisioned with different SDT mode options (e.g., different resource allocation schemes, timing configurations, and transmission parameters). When transmission is needed, the pre-configured modes can be selected based on current conditions without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through advance preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4260638B1Transmission in small data transmission mode
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4260638B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4260638B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4260638B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to transmission in a small data transmission mode. A first device selects, based on a mode selection configuration, a small data transmission mode to be initiated from a plurality of small data transmission modes. The second device determines selection of a small data transmission mode to be initiated by a first device from a plurality of small data transmission modes. The first device performs a small data transmission procedure with the second device according to the selected small data transmission mode. Through this solution, a suitable SDT mode is selected based on the predetermined or predefined mode selection configuration.