Inactivity Timer Adjustment for UE Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, unsuitable inactivity timer values set by the network lead to inefficient battery usage in user equipment, causing high power consumption and frequent transitions between connected and idle modes, which can reduce battery lifetime.
Innovation Solution
User equipment is equipped with a processing device that monitors transitions and adjusts inactivity timer values by transmitting signals to the network to request changes, allowing it to remain in connected mode longer or enter idle mode sooner based on power consumption analysis, thereby optimizing battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the inactivity timer value is set short to quickly transition to idle mode, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission delay increases and network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inactivity timer value adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the timer value based on traffic patterns and network conditions, allowing it to be short when appropriate (reducing power consumption) and long when needed (maintaining low delay). This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt the timer parameter to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the inactivity timer value based on observed traffic characteristics and network state. The network node monitors data transmission patterns and adjusts the timer parameter accordingly, changing it from a static configuration to a dynamic parameter that responds to actual usage conditions, thereby balancing power savings with transmission delay requirements.
2Loss of time
If the inactivity timer value is set long to maintain connected mode, then data transmission delay is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics to adjust the inactivity timer value based on real-time traffic patterns. When traffic is intermittent, the timer is set shorter to enable power savings. When traffic is continuous or bursty, the timer is extended to maintain connectivity and avoid delay. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining low delay and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inactivity timer parameter from a fixed value to an adaptive parameter that the network node adjusts based on observed data transmission behavior. By monitoring traffic patterns and modifying the timer value accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between connection maintenance (low delay) and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If frequent transitions between connected and idle modes are performed, then power consumption is reduced, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network node proactively adjust the inactivity timer value based on predicted or observed traffic patterns before frequent transitions occur. By pre-configuring appropriate timer values, the system avoids unnecessary mode transitions that would generate signaling overhead, while still enabling power savings when appropriate. This anticipatory adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network node monitors data transmission patterns and uses this information to adjust the inactivity timer value. The feedback loop prevents unnecessary transitions by adapting the timer to match actual traffic characteristics, thereby reducing both power consumption and signaling overhead caused by frequent mode changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user equipment (30) has an idle mode and a connected mode and is configured to perform discontinuous reception when in the connected mode. The user equipment (30) comprises a wireless interface (31) configured to receive a message from a mobile communication network (10, 14, 15) causing the user equipment (30) to make a transition from the connected mode to the idle mode after inactivity of the user equipment (30) for a time period defined by an inactivity timer value. A processing device (32) is configured to determine whether the inactivity timer value is to be adjusted in the mobile communication network (10, 14, 15), and to control the wireless interface (31) to transmit a signal to the mobile communication network (10, 14, 15) to request an adjustment of the inactivity timer value.