UE RRC State Transition via Data Transfer Complete Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UMTS networks, User Equipment (UE) often remains in higher data rate states or modes unnecessarily due to the network's lack of awareness about application-level data exchanges, leading to increased battery consumption and wastage of network resources, as the UE cannot autonomously terminate Radio Resource Control (RRC) connections once data transactions are complete.
Innovation Solution
The UE sends a signaling release indication to the network when it finishes a data transaction, allowing the network to transition to more battery-efficient or resource-efficient states, using existing communication standards or new messages like the 'preferred RRC state request' or 'data transfer complete indication' to facilitate state transitions based on the UE's knowledge of data exchange completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the network keeps the RRC connection for some time after data exchange is complete, then the latency of call set-up and subsequent radio resource setup is reduced, but battery life is decreased and network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE sends a data transfer complete indication to the network, allowing the network to transition the UE to idle mode after data exchange is complete. This feedback loop enables the network to release radio resources timely, reducing both call set-up latency (by maintaining connection during data transfer) and battery consumption (by releasing connection after data completion).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE proactively indicate when data transfer is complete, allowing the network to prepare for and execute state transition in advance. The UE sends the indication before actually needing to release resources, enabling the network to transition to idle mode proactively rather than reactively, thus optimizing both latency and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If the network keeps the RRC connection after data exchange is complete, then radio resources are maintained for potential upcoming data, but network resources are unnecessarily occupied and not available for other users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the UE's data transfer complete indication to trigger network-driven state transition. This feedback mechanism allows the network to accurately assess when resources can be released, ensuring reliable data exchange during active periods while optimizing network resource allocation by transitioning to idle mode when no further data is expected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource management by allowing the RRC connection state to change based on real-time data transfer conditions. The network dynamically transitions between connected and idle modes according to the UE's data exchange needs, rather than maintaining a static connection state, thus optimizing network resource utilization while maintaining reliability when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UE autonomously terminates RRC connections, then battery life is extended and network resources are saved, but the network loses control over connection management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the data transfer complete indication as an intermediary mechanism that bridges UE autonomy and network control. The UE sends this indication to the network, which then decides whether to transition to idle mode. This intermediary allows the UE to provide information about data completion while maintaining network authority over the final connection management decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously determine when data transfer is complete and proactively notify the network. The UE monitors its own data exchange status and initiates the state transition process, reducing battery consumption and network resource occupation while the network retains final approval authority for connection management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprises: receiving (2112), at a user equipment (UE), a message from a network, wherein the message comprises (2114) an inhibit duration value; determining that a timer is not running, wherein the timer is associated (2130) with the inhibit duration value; and in response to the determining, transmitting a transition indication of the UE, wherein the transition indication relates to a preference for a first radio resource control (RRC) configuration, and the inhibit duration value is associated with the transition indication.