Uplink Ciphering Activation Time Determination in UMTS User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing UMTS standards do not provide a clear method for determining uplink ciphering activation time, leading to potential delays and disruptions in data flow, especially for real-time services, as they lack specific guidance on choosing a suitable activation time to minimize delay during ciphering configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining uplink ciphering activation time by measuring response times and data rates on the communications channel, allowing the user equipment to calculate the activation time based on historical or estimated data rates to minimize delays and ensure compliance with standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a fixed or arbitrary activation time is chosen, then the ciphering configuration change can be implemented, but it causes delay in the change to the new ciphering configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the activation time selection adaptive rather than fixed. The UE dynamically adjusts the activation time based on measured data rates and response times, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that responds to actual network conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling timely ciphering changes (reducing delay) while maintaining standard compliance through measured and calculated timing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual response time and data rate of the communications channel, then using this measured information to determine the optimal activation time. The UE sends test messages, measures the response time and data rate, and feeds this information back into the activation time calculation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to minimize delay while ensuring standard compliance.
2Loss of time
If the activation time is set too early, then delay is minimized, but data flow may be disrupted especially for real-time services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of activation time from a fixed value to a calculated value based on measured data rates and response times. By adjusting this parameter dynamically according to actual channel conditions, the system can optimize the balance between minimizing delay and maintaining service quality. The calculated activation time accounts for current data rates to prevent disruption of real-time services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the communications channel characteristics (response time and data rate) before determining the activation time. This preliminary action provides the necessary information to calculate an optimal activation time that minimizes delay while protecting real-time service quality, rather than guessing or using fixed timing.
3Loss of time
If the activation time is determined without measuring data rate, then the process is simpler, but the delay minimization objective cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the UE autonomously measure its own communications channel characteristics and calculate the optimal activation time without external assistance. The UE performs the measurements and calculations itself using its own resources, eliminating the need for complex network-side coordination or additional infrastructure. This self-service approach achieves delay minimization while keeping the implementation practical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified measurement approach where the UE sends test messages and measures response times and data rates, creating a model or copy of the actual communications channel behavior. This copied information is then used to determine the activation time without requiring complex real-time analysis of the actual data flow, reducing device complexity while achieving the optimization goal.
Data Source
AI summary
The details of an apparatus and method for determining uplink ciphering activation time in universal mobile telecommunications system user equipment are disclosed herein. The ciphering activation time is determined for radio bearers other than RB2 by measuring the data rate on each target radio bearer during the time that it takes for a polling or RRC message sent from the user equipment UE to be acknowledged by the network UTRAN. For RB2, the uplink ciphering activation time is determined by taking into account the size of the RRC response message and the data already queued on RB2 for transmission.