Small Data Transmission Threshold in 5G Inactive State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR systems face inefficiencies in small-data transmission, particularly in the RRC_INACTIVE state, leading to unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead due to the need for state transitions for infrequent and small data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data volume threshold mechanism that allows User Equipment (UE) to transmit small data using pre-allocated periodic radio resources without prior scheduling requests, while maintaining the RRC_INACTIVE state, and using a distinct threshold for periodic-resource-based transmissions, avoiding random-access-based transmissions in this state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions to connected state for small data transmission, then the data can be transmitted reliably, but power consumption increases and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-allocates periodic radio resources for small data transmission while the UE remains in inactive state. The UE can directly use these pre-configured resources without transitioning to connected state, performing the action of data transmission in advance prepared resources before actually needing to transmit.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transmission mechanism is segmented into different paths: one for small data using periodic resources in inactive state, and another for larger or more critical data using connected state transitions. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for low-power small data transmissions while maintaining reliability for other scenarios.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions to connected state for small data transmission, then the data can be transmitted reliably, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary configuration of periodic radio resources and transmission parameters while the UE is in inactive state. This preliminary action includes setting up resource allocation, modulation schemes, and other transmission parameters in advance, so no additional signaling is needed at the moment of data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential data transmission function from the full connected state protocol stack. By allowing transmission in inactive state using pre-configured resources, it separates the minimal necessary transmission capability from the complete connected state procedure, eliminating unnecessary signaling overhead.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE uses periodic radio resources for small data transmission, then power consumption is reduced, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic radio resources are designed to serve multiple purposes: they can be used by multiple UEs in inactive state for small data transmission, and the same resource structure supports both uplink and downlink communications. This universality reduces per-UE complexity while maintaining low power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as periodicity, resource offset, and allocation pattern to optimize for different traffic patterns. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on traffic characteristics, the system maintains simple resource allocation while adapting to varying power and throughput requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a single data volume threshold is used for both periodic and random-access transmissions, then the determination process is simplified, but transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the threshold determination into two distinct thresholds: one for periodic radio resource transmission and another for random-access-based transmission. This segmentation allows each threshold to be optimized for its specific transmission type, improving overall efficiency while maintaining clear decision logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which threshold to apply based on the available radio resources and transmission conditions. When periodic resources are available, the first threshold applies; when they are not, the second threshold applies. This dynamic adaptation optimizes transmission efficiency without significantly complicating the determination process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a user equipment, UE, comprising the following. A processor determines a first data volume threshold and determines to transmit small data, available for transmission, in an inactive state or in a connected state, based on a volume of the available small data and the first data volume threshold. A transmitter performs transmission of the available small data. The first data volume threshold is to be used for determining whether to perform the transmission of available small data in the inactive state using periodic radio resources that are usable for transmission of small data without a prior scheduling request from the UE, the periodic radio resources being allocated in advance by a serving base station. On the other hand, the first data volume threshold is not to be used for determining whether to perform a random-access-based transmission of available small data in the inactive state.