Small Data Transmission Without RRC_CONNECTED Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing small data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state, leading to unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead due to the need for frequent state transitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 2-step RACH procedure, dedicated physical resources, and pre-configured PUSCH for small data transmission, along with mechanisms for identifying small data and acknowledging successful decoding, such as using I-RNTI MAC CE and ACK indicators, to maintain the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small data transmission, then data transmission can be performed, but power consumption and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures uplink resources (PUSCH) and transmission parameters for the UE while it is in RRC_INACTIVE state. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to transmit small data packets immediately without needing to transition to RRC_CONNECTED state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential data transmission function from the full RRC_CONNECTED state and enables it to operate independently in the RRC_INACTIVE state. By separating the data transmission capability from the complete connected state requirements, the UE can transmit small packets without incurring the full overhead and power consumption of a complete connection establishment.
2Productivity
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small data transmission, then data transmission can be performed, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary configuration of uplink resources, transmission parameters, and grant information while the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE state. This advance preparation eliminates the need for extensive signaling exchanges that would normally occur during connection establishment, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the complete RRC connection establishment process. By allowing data transmission to occur with minimal signaling in the RRC_INACTIVE state using pre-configured resources, the essential transmission capability is separated from the full connection overhead.
3Productivity
If dedicated physical resources are pre-configured for small data transmission, then transmission efficiency improves, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network applies different resource allocation strategies for different data scenarios. For small data transmissions, pre-configured dedicated resources are provided to achieve high efficiency. For larger or more complex transmissions, the network can transition the UE to RRC_CONNECTED state with dynamic resource allocation. This localized approach optimizes for small data without unnecessarily complicating the overall resource management system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, performed by a User Equipment (UE) for a small data transmission, includes receiving, from a base station (BS), a configuration indicating a dedicated physical resource; transmitting the small data transmission based on the dedicated physical resource; and receiving an acknowledge (ACK) indicator indicating a successful reception from the BS, wherein the UE is in an inactive state to transmit the small data transmission.