Direct UMTS State Transition from CELL PCH to DCH
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing UMTS Radio Access Network (UTRAN) experiences significant time delays during the initialization of data transfers due to the need to transition user equipment (UE) from CELL_PCH/URA_PCH to CELL_DCH states, particularly for small data objects, which impacts user performance and wastes network resources when unnecessary transitions occur.
Innovation Solution
Introducing delay-reducing information in data transfer initiating messages allows for direct transitions from CELL_PCH/URA_PCH to CELL_DCH states, reducing the need for intermediate CELL_FACH state messaging and optimizing the Cell Update and Paging messages to include traffic volume thresholds and radio bearer configurations, thereby minimizing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the UE transitions from CELL_PCH/URA_PCH to CELL_DCH state for data transmission, then the data rate and user performance are improved, but the time delay and signaling overhead increase due to multiple state transition steps
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures the UE with radio bearer parameters and physical channel configurations while the UE is in CELL_PCH or URA_PCH state. This preliminary configuration is stored in the UE so that when data transmission is initiated, the UE can directly activate the pre-configured resources and transition directly to CELL_DCH state without going through CELL_FACH, eliminating multiple signaling steps and reducing state transition delay.
2Reliability
If the UE transitions through CELL_FACH state before reaching CELL_DCH, then the network can assess traffic volume and make informed decisions, but the signaling overhead and transition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic volume assessment function from the intermediate CELL_FACH state and performs it directly in the CELL_PCH/URA_PCH state. The network evaluates the traffic volume of uplink data before initiating the state transition, and based on this assessment, decides whether to configure resources for direct transition to CELL_DCH. This removes the unnecessary CELL_FACH intermediate step and reduces signaling complexity while maintaining reliable traffic assessment.
3Productivity
If the UE is moved to CELL_DCH state for small data objects, then fast transmission is achieved, but network resources are wasted due to unnecessary state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic parameter changes in the state transition decision process. The network evaluates the traffic volume parameter and compares it against thresholds to determine the appropriate state transition path. For small data objects below certain thresholds, the network can choose to keep the UE in CELL_PCH/URA_PCH state or use optimized direct transition procedures, thereby adapting resource allocation to actual traffic needs and avoiding unnecessary state transitions that would waste network resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for reducing the time delay associated with the initialization of a data transfer in a UMTS Radio Access Network. The Radio Network Controller, RNC, (102) connectable to a UMTS network and to a plurality of User Equipments, UEs, (108) wherein the UEs are capable of being in the states, URA PCH, CELL PCH, CELL FACH or CELL DCH, comprises means for handling a data transfer initiating message, means for introducing a delay reducing information in the data transfer initiating and means for transferring the UE from the URA PCH or the CELL PCH state directly to the CELL DCH state by means of the delay reducing information in the data transfer initiating message.