Upper-Layer UE Fast Dormancy for Timely RRC Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, lack efficient mechanisms for UE fast dormancy management, leading to unnecessary power consumption and network resource utilization when there is no data activity, as the network-controlled dormancy procedure often relies on fixed inactivity timers without UE input.
Innovation Solution
A UE monitoring module at an upper layer monitors PDU sessions for inactivity and provides UE assistance information to the network to initiate a fast dormancy procedure, allowing the network to release the RRC connection proactively based on UE input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the network uses fixed inactivity timers for dormancy control, then the network can maintain connection stability, but power consumption increases and network resources are wasted when there is no data activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors its own data activity and provides feedback to the network about its dormancy status. The network then adjusts the inactivity timer based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both power consumption and connection stability dynamically rather than using fixed timers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, network-controlled inactivity timer into a dynamic system where timer values are adjusted based on UE activity patterns and network conditions. The dormancy behavior becomes adaptive rather than fixed, allowing the system to respond to changing traffic conditions and optimize power usage accordingly
2Loss of time
If the network releases RRC connection based on fixed timers, then network resource utilization is simplified, but timing precision deteriorates causing delayed connection release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing the UE to proactively indicate its dormancy intent to the network before the fixed timer expires. The UE can send indications that it has no data to send or receive, triggering early connection release without waiting for the network's fixed timer to elapse, thus reducing the time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously monitor its own data activity and determine when it should enter dormancy. The UE independently makes dormancy decisions based on its traffic patterns and communicates these to the network, reducing reliance on complex network-side timer management
3Loss of energy
If the UE provides assistance information for fast dormancy, then power consumption is reduced through timely connection release, but device complexity increases due to upper layer monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the dormancy monitoring function into existing upper layer protocols and data plane operations. The same data plane that carries user traffic also provides the monitoring functionality, and existing protocol entities are extended to handle dormancy indications, avoiding the need for separate dedicated monitoring structures
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes monitoring, at an upper layer of the UE, PDU activity for one or more PDU sessions that are associated with one or more DNNs. The method includes determining that each of the one or more PDU sessions has a period of inactivity based on at least one of an expiration of an activity check timer, accumulated inactivity cycles, or a dormancy indication associated with each of the one or more PDU sessions. The method includes indicating, to a lower layer of the UE, to provide UE assistance information to a base station for a RRC connection release between the UE and the base station.