UE RRC State Transition via Application Data Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UMTS networks, User Equipment (UE) remains in higher battery-intensive states due to the network's unawareness of data exchange completion, leading to unnecessary battery drainage and resource wastage, as the UTRAN controls state transitions without knowing the status of data delivery between the UE and external servers.
Innovation Solution
The UE initiates transitions to more battery-efficient states by monitoring data exchange and sending 'done' indications to the RRC connection manager, which decides when to release signaling connections or change states based on application activity, ensuring efficient battery usage and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the UTRAN controls state transitions without knowing data delivery status, then the network can manage radio resources centrally, but the UE remains in battery-intensive states unnecessarily draining power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors application data exchange status and provides information to the RRC connection manager, which then initiates state transitions. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about state transitions based on actual data delivery status, resolving the contradiction between centralized network control and UE power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously monitors its own application data exchange status and initiates RRC state transitions based on this self-monitored information. This self-service approach allows the UE to independently determine when to transition to battery-efficient states without waiting for network instructions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining proper network resource management.
2Speed
If the UTRAN keeps the RRC connection for some time in anticipation of more data, then call setup latency is reduced, but network resources are wasted when no further data exchange is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the UE about application data exchange status to determine when to release the RRC connection. The UE monitors whether applications expect further data exchange and communicates this status to the RRC connection manager, enabling timely connection release that prevents network resource waste while maintaining low latency for actual data exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The RRC connection duration becomes dynamic rather than static, adjusting based on real-time application data exchange status. The system transitions from a fixed timeout-based approach to a dynamic approach where the connection is maintained only as long as applications actually need it, optimizing both latency and resource utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE monitors application data exchange and initiates state transitions, then battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE's existing application layer already monitors data exchange status for its own operational needs. The patent leverages this existing self-service monitoring capability and reuses it for RRC state management purposes, avoiding the need to build a separate complex monitoring system while still achieving battery life extension through intelligent state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The application data exchange monitoring mechanism serves dual purposes: it continues to fulfill the application's operational requirements while simultaneously providing the information needed for RRC state management. This multi-functionality approach extends battery life without adding significant device complexity, as the same monitoring infrastructure serves both functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for improved battery performance of user equipment in a wireless network having multiple radio resource control (RRC) states, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring, at the user equipment, application data exchange; determining when no application on the user equipment is expected to exchange data; and initiating, from the user equipment, a transition to a less battery demanding radio resource control state or mode.