Up-Link Only RRC_INACTIVE State for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face high power consumption when user equipment (UE) monitors paging messages from network devices, particularly in scenarios where only uplink transmission is required, such as in Internet of Things devices.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a new RRC state, Up-Link only RRC_INACTIVE, where the UE does not need to monitor paging messages, allowing downlink data to follow uplink transmission and reducing power consumption by caching and sending downlink data after uplink transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE monitors paging messages from network device, then downlink data can be received, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the paging message monitoring function from the traditional RRC_INACTIVE state, creating a new Up-Link only RRC_INACTIVE state where UE does not monitor paging messages. This separates the downlink data reception mechanism from continuous paging monitoring, allowing UE to save power while still receiving downlink data through uplink-triggered delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic state transitions where UE can switch between traditional RRC_INACTIVE (with paging monitoring) and Up-Link only RRC_INACTIVE (without paging monitoring) based on traffic patterns. The network device dynamically determines whether to deliver downlink data via paging or through uplink-triggered mechanisms, adapting to varying communication needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UE does not monitor paging messages, then power consumption is reduced, but downlink data reception capability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions where the network device caches downlink data before UE needs it, and prepares delivery mechanisms in advance. When UE performs uplink transmission, the network device is already positioned to deliver cached downlink data immediately, eliminating the need for continuous paging monitoring while ensuring data reception reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces uplink transmission as an intermediary trigger mechanism. Instead of directly monitoring paging messages for downlink data, UE performs uplink transmission which acts as a mediator to signal the network device to deliver cached downlink data. This intermediary mechanism maintains reliability while reducing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If new RRC state is introduced, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing RRC_INACTIVE state multi-functional by creating two operational modes: traditional mode with paging monitoring and Up-Link only mode without paging monitoring. The same RRC state handles both scenarios, reducing the need for entirely new state machines while still providing power-saving benefits. The network device universally applies the same downlink data delivery mechanisms across both modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a radio resource control (RRC) state, performed by a user equipment and: setting, by the user equipment, a radio resource control state as Up-Link only RRC_INACTIVE according to configuration by a network device.