Wireless Device Extended DRX Synchronization Group Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine-type communications (MTC) face challenges with extended discontinuous reception (DRX) periods, leading to increased network traffic and power consumption, as well as interference and congestion due to the long inactivity periods of wireless devices, which can result in delayed receipt of paging messages when devices switch between base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where wireless devices send a synchronization group identifier and timing reference to a control apparatus to negotiate an extended DRX period, allowing coordinated wake-up times and reducing interference and congestion by using a common timing reference and extended DRX period across devices and base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If extended DRX time period is used to reduce network traffic and power consumption, then power consumption and network traffic are reduced, but devices experience delayed receipt of paging messages when switching between base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extended DRX period into multiple sub-periods or phases, allowing devices to transition between different reception states. During the extended DRX period, devices can be paged at intermediate points rather than waiting for the full period to expire, enabling timely delivery of paging messages even while maintaining long average sleep periods for power savings.
2Quantity of substance
If extended DRX time period is used to reduce network traffic, then network traffic is reduced, but interference and congestion occur due to long inactivity periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic paging opportunities within the extended DRX framework, where devices wake up at predetermined intervals during the extended period to check for paging messages. This periodic action distributes network traffic more evenly over time, preventing congestion bursts while maintaining reduced overall traffic compared to continuous reception.
3Ease of operation
If devices wake up independently without coordination, then device operation is simple, but interference and congestion increase due to simultaneous wake-up times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller or base station as an intermediary that coordinates wake-up times for devices in the extended DRX mode. The intermediary assigns staggered wake-up schedules to different devices, ensuring they do not all wake up simultaneously, thereby reducing interference and congestion while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a wireless device sends a synchronization group identifier to a network control apparatus identifying a synchronization group of wireless devices. If the wireless device is notified that no other devices of the synchronization group are connected to the control apparatus, the wireless device transmits a timing reference to and agrees an extended discontinuous reception time period with the control apparatus. Otherwise, the wireless device receives a timing reference and an extended discontinuous reception time period from the control apparatus. The wireless device periodically enters an idle state and powers up for reception in accordance with at least the timing reference and the extended discontinuous reception time period. In another aspect, plural base stations each use a common timing reference and a common extended discontinuous reception time period in controlling the operation of extended discontinuous reception by a synchronization group of wireless devices.