Uplink Resource Switching During DTRX Off-Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network energy saving techniques in 5G RAN, such as Discontinuous Transmission and Reception (DTRX), lead to increased uplink latency for UEs, especially for delay-sensitive services, due to long off-periods that hinder immediate access to the network.

Innovation Solution

Coordination of DTRX configurations between network nodes to align off-periods and provide backup resources for UEs, allowing access through secondary or secondary cell resources during primary resource off-periods, and configuring UEs with alternative access methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If DTRX is used for network energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but uplink latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoiduplink latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network resources are segmented into multiple sets (first set and second set of UL resources), each with different DTRX configurations. This allows the network to divide resources such that some are available for energy saving while others provide low-latency access, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and uplink latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by stationary object

If cell deactivation is used for energy saving, then RAN energy consumption is reduced, but cell reactivation delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRAN energy consumptionVSAvoidcell reactivation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network pre-configures multiple sets of UL resources with different DTRX patterns before needing them. When energy saving is required, the network can switch to using the pre-configured second set of resources that have different DTRX arrangements, avoiding the need for cell reactivation and eliminating reactivation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If longer DTRX off-periods are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but network availability for immediate access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different local qualities (DTRX configurations) are applied to different sets of network resources. The first set of UL resources uses one DTRX configuration optimized for energy efficiency, while the second set uses a different configuration optimized for availability. This allows the network to provide immediate access when needed while maintaining overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260113749A1Uplink latency reduction

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by UE for reducing latency. The method includes receiving first configuration information for at least a first uplink (UL) resource, the first UL resource used to access a wireless network and associated with a network node operating in discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX). The method also includes receiving second configuration information for at least a second UL resource, the second UL resource also used to access the wireless network. The method further includes accessing the wireless network using the second UL resource when the first UL resource is in an off period of the DTRX.