Uplink Resource Configuration for RRC Inactive Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in supporting wireless devices in RRC inactive or idle states when communicating with base stations that are split into central and distributed units, particularly in 4G and 5G networks, due to complexities in managing resource configurations and signaling protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that facilitate communication between wireless devices and split base station units by configuring uplink resources efficiently, utilizing RRC states and network functions like AMF and UPF to manage mobility and connectivity, and employing protocols such as NR and LTE for seamless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices in RRC inactive or idle states communicate with split base station units, then communication coverage and mobility are improved, but resource configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into central units (CU) and distributed units (DU), allowing the CU to handle complex resource configuration and mobility management while DUs handle radio access. This segmentation enables wireless devices in inactive/idle states to communicate with DUs without requiring full base station functionality, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The network introduces intermediate states (RRC inactive) and reference points (paging early indication) between connected and idle states. These intermediaries allow the network to efficiently manage resource configuration for devices that are not fully active but need to maintain connectivity, reducing signaling overhead compared to traditional idle state transitions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional RRC idle state procedures are used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs paging early indication before actual paging transmission, allowing wireless devices in inactive state to be notified in advance. This preliminary action enables devices to prepare for upcoming communication without transitioning to full connected state immediately, reducing communication latency while maintaining low power consumption characteristics of inactive state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages resource configuration based on device state transitions between connected, inactive, and idle states. Resources are allocated adaptively - full resources when connected, reduced resources when inactive, and minimal resources when idle - optimizing the balance between power consumption and communication latency based on actual network conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for a base station distributed unit (DU) of a split-architecture base station of a wireless communication system is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, the method includes receiving - by a base station DU from a base station central unit (CU) - a configuration request message requesting configuration parameters of at least one periodic resource, wherein the configuration request message comprises an indication of a bearer for packet transmission of a wireless device in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state. The method further includes sending - by the base station DU to the base station CU - configuration parameters of the at least one periodic resource, and receiving - by the base station DU from the wireless device in the RRC inactive state - one or more transport blocks of the bearer via the at least one periodic resource. Moreover, a corresponding method for a base station CU as well as related apparatuses, devices and systems are described.