User Equipment Small Data Transmission RRC Inactive State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G NR, face inefficiencies in Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedures, leading to unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead due to the inability to support data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state for small and infrequent data packets.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method for User Equipment (UE) to perform Small Data Transmission (SDT) by transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) resume request message and starting a timer, followed by sending UE assistance information for non-SDT data indication, allowing for data transmission in the RRC_INACTIVE state using RACH-based or CG-based procedures, and managing timers to optimize subsequent data transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission into two distinct paths: SDT (Small Data Transmission) for small packets in RRC_INACTIVE state, and traditional RRC_CONNECTED transmission for larger or non-SDT data. This segmentation allows the UE to remain in low-power RRC_INACTIVE state for small data transmissions, avoiding the energy consumption of full connection establishment while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE indicate non-SDT data arrival in advance during the SDT procedure (while still in RRC_INACTIVE state) using UE assistance information. This allows the network to prepare appropriate handling of subsequent data transmissions without requiring immediate state transition, optimizing power consumption by delaying or avoiding unnecessary RRC_CONNECTED transitions.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state for small data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission procedure into SDT-specific signaling path and traditional RRC signaling path. By routing small data transmissions through the SDT path in RRC_INACTIVE state, the patent eliminates the need for full RRC connection establishment signaling, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs preliminary indication of non-SDT data arrival during the SDT procedure using compact UE assistance information messaging. This preliminary action enables the network to handle subsequent data transmissions appropriately without requiring the UE to establish a full RRC connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead associated with connection establishment and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE frequently transitions between RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED states, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the UE to flexibly indicate non-SDT data arrival during SDT procedure and allowing the network to dynamically decide whether to transition the UE to RRC_CONNECTED state or handle the data differently. This dynamic approach provides transmission flexibility while avoiding unnecessary state transitions, thereby reducing power consumption compared to frequent mandatory transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs preliminary indication of non-SDT data characteristics during the SDT procedure, enabling the network to make informed decisions about subsequent data handling. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain flexibility in data transmission handling while avoiding unnecessary RRC state transitions, thereby reducing power consumption associated with frequent state changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a user equipment (UE) for performing a Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedure are provided. The method includes transmitting, to a Base Station (BS), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) resume request message when initiating the SDT procedure; starting a timer upon transmitting the RRC resume request message; and transmitting, to the BS, UE assistance information to provide a non-SDT data indication when the timer is running.