Unified DRX Timer Management for 5G Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing random access and discontinuous reception processes, particularly in 5G and beyond systems, which are essential for supporting diverse services and increasing device connectivity with enhanced performance and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus for performing random access and discontinuous reception in a wireless communication system involve configuring unicast and multicast discontinuous reception (DRX) timers based on received downlink signals, allowing user equipment (UE) to stop specific timers when certain conditions are met, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If unicast DRX and multicast DRX are configured separately, then power saving is optimized, but complexity in managing multiple timers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines unicast DRX and multicast DRX timer management into a unified approach where a single multicast DRX timer is used for both unicast and multicast operations. When the UE receives a unicast PDCCH, it stops the multicast DRX timer instead of maintaining separate timers for each mode, thereby reducing timer management complexity while preserving power saving benefits.
2Productivity
If separate unicast and multicast DRX timers are used, then reception efficiency is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DRX timer mechanism where the multicast DRX timer serves dual purposes for both unicast and multicast reception management. This multi-functional timer approach maintains reception efficiency by properly managing retransmission timing while simplifying resource allocation complexity through a single timer instead of separate dedicated timers.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DRX retransmission timers are stopped based on unicast PDCCH reception, then power saving is enhanced, but reliability of retransmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE monitors whether a unicast PDCCH is actually received before stopping the multicast DRX timer. This feedback-based approach ensures that the timer is stopped only when appropriate (when unicast reception is confirmed), thereby maintaining retransmission reliability while still achieving power saving benefits through timely timer termination.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a base station (BS), a unicast related downlink signal, in case that a unicast discontinuous reception (DRX) and a multicast DRX are configured, stopping a unicast DRX retransmission timer based on the received unicast related downlink signal, and stopping a multicast DRX retransmission timer based on the received unicast related downlink signal.