Small Data Transmission Signaling Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face inefficiencies in handling small data transmissions, which result in significant signalling overhead due to the need for full communication setup procedures, even for small data packets, leading to resource wastage and increased network load.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine if a data request is for a small data transmission, allowing it to be transmitted using a first transmission method with lower signalling overhead, such as through a radio resource control setup complete message or an RRC connection request message, when supported by the network entities, thereby optimizing small data transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full communication setup procedures are used for small data transmissions, then reliable data delivery is ensured, but signalling overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsignalling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data transmissions into two categories: small data transmissions and regular data transmissions. Small data transmissions are handled through a simplified procedure that bypasses full RRC connection setup, while regular transmissions use the complete setup procedure. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate complexity levels based on data size requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

For small data transmissions, the patent applies partial action by performing only the essential steps needed for data delivery without completing the full RRC connection setup procedure. The system performs just enough signaling to establish minimal connectivity, avoiding unnecessary steps that would increase overhead while still ensuring reliable delivery of small packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If full communication setup procedures are used for small data transmissions, then connection reliability is maintained, but network resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides network resource allocation into two paths: one for small data transmissions using simplified signaling, and another for regular transmissions using full setup procedures. This segmentation ensures that network resources are consumed proportionally to the actual data transmission requirements, preventing waste on small packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signaling parameters and procedure depth based on the data transmission size. For small data, it uses reduced signaling parameters and abbreviated procedures, while for regular data, it employs full parameters and complete procedures. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes network resource consumption based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simplified transmission methods are used for small data, then signalling overhead is reduced, but data transmission reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignalling overheadVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs just the right amount of action - enough to ensure reliability for small data transmissions through simplified procedures, but not so much as to create full RRC connection overhead. The partial procedure includes essential reliability mechanisms while omitting unnecessary steps, achieving the optimal balance between overhead and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality levels of signaling procedures to different data transmission scenarios. For small data, it uses a locally optimized simplified procedure with appropriate reliability mechanisms. For regular data, it uses the full-quality complete procedure. This local quality adjustment ensures each scenario receives the appropriate level of reliability without excess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2880885B1Data transmission
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2880885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2880885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2880885B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus is provided wherein a request for data is received. It is determined if the request is associated with a relatively small data transmission. The requested data is transmitted in accordance with a first transmission method when it is determined that the request is associated with a relatively small data transmission.