Wireless Terminal DRX Parameter Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE cellular radio systems, wireless terminals lack the ability to suggest or recommend radio parameters, leading to inferior performance and high battery consumption due to the lack of UE-provisioned parameter configurations being supported by the network.

Innovation Solution

A method where a wireless terminal is allowed to choose a preferred parameter configuration from a set offered by the network, with the network providing multiple parameter configurations for the terminal to select, enabling the UE to optimize settings such as DRX configurations based on its needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network provides multiple parameter configurations for the terminal to choose from, then the terminal can optimize performance and battery life, but the network complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parameter configurations are segmented into multiple discrete options (e.g., different DRX configurations with varying parameters like drx-OnDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimer). Each configuration represents a segmented subset of parameters that the terminal can independently select based on its specific needs, allowing optimization without requiring the network to manage all possible parameter combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and providing multiple parameter sets to the terminal in advance. Instead of dynamically adjusting parameters based on real-time feedback, the network prepares multiple ready-to-use configurations that the terminal can immediately select, reducing the need for complex real-time network control while enabling optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal is allowed to suggest explicit parameter values, then battery consumption can be reduced through optimized DRX configuration, but the existing RRC protocol does not support this capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution introduces dynamic capability to the previously static RRC protocol. The terminal is now empowered to dynamically suggest parameter configurations based on its current state (battery level, traffic patterns, application requirements), while the network dynamically selects the appropriate configuration from the provided options. This dynamic interaction enables battery optimization without requiring fundamental protocol redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal performs self-service by autonomously evaluating its own requirements and suggesting appropriate parameter configurations. Instead of the network continuously monitoring and controlling all parameters, the terminal serves itself by selecting from pre-configured options, reducing network overhead and enabling the terminal to optimize its own power consumption based on local knowledge of its operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of parameter combinations are requested by the UE, then more optimization options are available, but most combinations are not supported or properly tested by the network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter configuration optionsVSAvoidconfiguration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing all possible parameter combinations globally, the solution applies local quality by offering tailored parameter subsets specific to each terminal's requirements and the network's supported configurations. Each terminal receives a customized set of relevant configuration options rather than a universal set of all possible combinations, ensuring that only tested and supported configurations are presented for selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The network provides a partial set of parameter configurations - not all possible combinations, but sufficient optimized subsets for common scenarios. This partial action approach avoids the complexity and reliability issues of supporting all possible combinations while still providing enough options for the terminal to find suitable configurations for its specific needs. The network provides exactly what is needed rather than everything that might be needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2698033B1Terminal-based selection of radio parameters among a parameter subset offered by the network
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2698033B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2698033B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1D
  • EP2698033B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of operating a telecommunications system (20) comprises a radio access network node (34) offering plural parameter configurations to a wireless terminal (30) over a radio interface (40) and the wireless terminal (30) choosing a preferred parameter configuration from among the plural parameter configurations offered by the radio access network node. In an example embodiment and mode, the method further comprises the radio access network node (34) offering the plural parameter configurations as a list of discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information elements, each discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration information element comprising one parameter value for each of the one or more corresponding discontinuous reception parameters defined for the configuration information element.