UE-Controlled DRX Response Using Layer 2 Uplink Grants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, lack the ability for user equipment (UE) to dynamically control discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, leading to increased latency and power consumption due to involuntary entry into DRX cycles, and lack of UE-initiated requests to prohibit entry, resulting in inefficient power management and throughput degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an L2 UL grant mechanism for UE and base station communication, allowing the UE to respond with acceptance, delayed acceptance, or rejection of DRX commands, and enabling the UE to request or prohibit DRX cycles based on data buffer, power status, and quality of service requirements, using artificial intelligence or machine learning for decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the base station commands the UE to enter DRX cycle unilaterally, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and throughput degrades due to involuntary entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE sends an acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK) in response to DRX commands from the base station. When the UE enters DRX mode, it transmits an ACK on the uplink, allowing the base station to track the UE's DRX state. This feedback loop enables the base station to adjust scheduling and timing, reducing latency while maintaining power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DRX operation dynamic by allowing the UE to request entry into or exit from DRX cycles based on its current state (data buffer status, power conditions, QoS requirements). The base station can grant or deny these requests dynamically. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, reducing involuntary DRX entry that causes latency while maintaining power efficiency when appropriate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the UE enters DRX cycle involuntarily, then power consumption is reduced, but throughput degradation occurs due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to self-manage its DRX operations by allowing it to autonomously request entry into or exit from DRX cycles based on its own conditions. The UE evaluates its data buffer status, power status, and QoS requirements, then sends appropriate requests to the base station. This self-service capability ensures that DRX operations align with the UE's actual needs, preventing throughput degradation while maintaining power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters of DRX operations by introducing UE-initiated requests and base station responses. The system transitions from fixed, base-station-only control to a flexible parameter-based approach where DRX entry and exit timing are adjusted based on UE-reported conditions such as data buffer status, power status, and QoS requirements. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between power savings and throughput maintenance.
3Device complexity
If DRX commands are transmitted without UL grant, then signaling overhead is reduced, but response capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DRX command transmission with an uplink grant by instructing the UE to send its acknowledgment (ACK or NACK) on the uplink channel. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate downlink acknowledgment channels, reducing signaling overhead while ensuring reliable response capability. The base station receives the UE's response status through the existing uplink infrastructure, maintaining reliability without adding complex signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
Receiving, from a base station in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode with the UE and prior to an expiration of a drx-InactivityTimer of a medium access control (MAC) entity of the UE, a MAC control element (CE) command for the MAC entity to enter a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, the command including an layer 2 (L2) uplink (UL) grant, wherein DRX comprises an ability for the UE to transmit a response to the command via the L2 UL grant, the response comprising one of acceptance of the command and rejection of the command. Determining the response to the command. Transmitting, to the base station using the L2 UL grant, the determined response. Operating according to the transmitted response.