UE Radio Link Monitoring Relaxation for DRX Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP power-saving techniques for connected-mode user equipment (UEs) impact system performance and do not effectively leverage power-saving opportunities during radio link monitoring (RLM) operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing relaxed radio link monitoring (RLM) parameters and configurations, such as adjusting DRX cycles and using relaxation factors (Q) to reduce unnecessary RLM measurements, allowing UEs to skip certain RLM operations based on favorable radio conditions and mobility status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional RLM operations are performed continuously, then system performance and reliability are maintained, but UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements discontinuous RLM operations where the UE performs RLM measurements only during specific periodic intervals (on-duration) within DRX cycles, rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the UE to enter sleep modes between measurements, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate radio link monitoring capability through strategically timed measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts RLM measurement parameters including evaluation periods, measurement intervals, and thresholds based on UE mobility status, radio conditions, and DRX cycle configurations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to reduce measurement frequency when conditions are stable (saving power) while maintaining monitoring intensity when conditions deteriorate (preserving reliability).
2Measurement precision
If RLM measurement frequency is increased, then radio link quality detection accuracy improves, but UE processing load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key RLM parameters including evaluation periods (Tevaluate), measurement intervals, and quality thresholds (Qin, Qout) based on operational conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains measurement precision when needed while reducing measurement frequency during stable conditions, thereby lowering power consumption without sacrificing detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial RLM action where the UE performs measurements at reduced frequency during stable radio conditions and low mobility states. The measurement intensity is scaled down from full continuous monitoring to periodic sampling, which is sufficient to detect significant radio link quality changes while substantially reducing processing load and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DRX cycle length is extended, then UE power saving increases, but RLM evaluation timeliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs RLM measurements and evaluations at predetermined intervals within the DRX cycle structure, preparing radio link quality assessments in advance of potential handover or connection release decisions. This preliminary action ensures that when the extended DRX cycle concludes, the UE has current radio link quality information ready for immediate evaluation, maintaining timeliness despite the extended cycle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically configures DRX cycle lengths and RLM evaluation timing based on radio conditions, UE mobility, and network requirements. When radio conditions are stable and mobility is low, longer DRX cycles are permitted for maximum power saving. When conditions deteriorate or mobility increases, the system dynamically shortens evaluation periods to maintain timely detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for relaxing signaling characteristic evaluation measurements in wireless communication systems.