UE eDRX Configuration Across RRC IDLE and INACTIVE States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP radio-access technologies face challenges in optimizing extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configurations for both IDLE and INACTIVE states in user equipment (UE), particularly for reduced capability devices, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and network management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for UE to receive and determine eDRX configurations based on radio resource control states and network node allowances, using both dedicated and broadcast signaling to manage eDRX for IDLE and INACTIVE modes, with network entities like gNB and AMF configuring eDRX cycles and allowing UEs to switch to normal DRX if eDRX is not supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) configurations are applied for both IDLE and INACTIVE states, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but device complexity and network management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eDRX configuration into separate handling for IDLE and INACTIVE states. The UE determines whether to apply eDRX or normal DRX based on its current RRC state (IDLE or INACTIVE) and receives separate allowance information for each state from the network. This segmentation simplifies the device logic by providing state-specific configuration rules rather than requiring complex unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the UE can switch between eDRX and normal DRX based on real-time conditions. The network provides separate allowance information that enables the UE to dynamically adjust its reception behavior according to the current RRC state and network permissions, optimizing power consumption without requiring fixed complex configurations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) is configured for reduced capability devices, then power efficiency is improved, but network compatibility and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing cell-specific eDRX allowance information through broadcast signaling. Each cell can independently indicate whether eDRX is permitted in IDLE or INACTIVE states, allowing the network to tailor power-saving configurations to local cell conditions and device capabilities. This ensures network compatibility by enabling UEs to adapt to cell-specific policies while maintaining power efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of eDRX configuration from a unified approach to state-specific parameters. The network broadcasts separate allowance information for IDLE and INACTIVE states, and the UE adjusts its eDRX application based on its current RRC state. This parameter differentiation improves network compatibility by allowing flexible configuration while maintaining power efficiency for reduced capability devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate eDRX allowance information is provided for IDLE and INACTIVE states, then network flexibility and power optimization are improved, but signaling overhead and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by using a single broadcast information structure to convey multiple pieces of information. The eDRX allowance information broadcast by the network simultaneously provides permission status for both IDLE and INACTIVE states, allowing the UE to derive state-specific configuration from a unified signaling mechanism. This reduces signaling overhead compared to separate dedicated signaling for each state while maintaining network flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with example embodiment of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform at least perform receiving, by a user equipment, from one or more network nodes one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations. There is based on the receiving, determining by the user equipment to apply an extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determining is based on at least one of a radio resource control state of the user equipment or extended discontinuous reception allowance information received from a network node. Also to perform