U.S. patent application number 14/348990 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for system and a method of configuring radio access network parameters for a user equipment connected to a wireless network system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sudhir Kumar Baghel, Venkateswara Rao Manepalli.
Application Number | 20140247765 14/348990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54289426 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140247765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baghel; Sudhir Kumar ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF CONFIGURING RADIO ACCESS NETWORK PARAMETERS
FOR A USER EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO A WIRELESS NETWORK SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of configuring a set
of Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters including Discontinuous
Reception (DRX) configurations for user equipment in a wireless
networking system. The method includes determining traffic
characteristics associated with user equipment based on the number
and types of applications running in it. The method further
includes steps of modifying and updating the DRX configurations and
the RAN parameters for different situations of wireless
transmission and reception. The updated DRX configurations and the
RAN parameters for communication with the user equipment results in
an efficient power consumption management.
Inventors: |
Baghel; Sudhir Kumar;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Manepalli; Venkateswara Rao;
(Bangalore, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
54289426 |
Appl. No.: |
14/348990 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 4, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2012/008045 |
371 Date: |
April 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/311 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 52/285 20130101;
H04W 24/02 20130101; H04W 52/0203 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801;
H04W 8/02 20130101; H04W 52/22 20130101; H04W 76/28 20180201; H04W
52/0216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/311 |
International
Class: |
H04W 52/02 20060101
H04W052/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 4, 2011 |
IN |
3442/CHE/2011 |
Claims
1. A method of configuring parameters of a Radio Access Network
(RAN) in a wireless network system, comprising: receiving a
plurality of Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configurations from a
network entity of the wireless network system, wherein the
plurality of DRX configurations is one of the parameters of the
RAN; determining traffic characteristics of applications running in
the user equipment; selecting one of the plurality of DRX
configurations based on the traffic characteristics associated with
the user equipment; and transmitting information on the selected
DRX configuration to the network entity so that the network entity
applies the selected DRX configuration for the user equipment.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining
whether any of the plurality of DRX configurations is suitable for
the traffic characteristics corresponding to the applications; and
sending a request to the network entity for providing different set
of DRX configurations when none of the plurality of DRX
configurations are suitable.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining
change in traffic characteristics of the applications in the user
equipment; sending a notification to the network entity on change
in the traffic characteristics of the applications running in the
user equipment; and receiving a modified DRX configurations based
on the notification, wherein the modified DRX configurations are
received from the network entity.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining
a set of parameters associated with the user equipment; and
transmitting the set of parameters associated with the user
equipment to the network entity.
5. A method of applying a DRX configuration for a user equipment in
a wireless network system, comprising: providing a plurality of DRX
configurations to the user equipment; receiving a DRX configuration
from the user equipment, wherein the received DRX configuration is
selected by the user equipment from the plurality of DRX
configurations based on traffic characteristics of applications
running in the user equipment; and applying the received DRX
configuration for communication with the user equipment.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: detecting transition
of the user equipment from the connected mode to idle mode; and
storing the applied DRX configuration associated with the user
equipment in a memory of the network entity.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the DRX configuration
comprises inactivity timer, on ? duration timer, long/short DRX
cycle, and a short cycle timer.
8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: receiving a
report mobility status of the user equipment in the wireless
network system; determining mobility status of the user equipment
in the wireless network system; determining appropriate connected
to idle transition timer value based on the determined mobility
status of the user equipment; determining whether to modify the DRX
configuration based on the mobility status of the user equipment;
if so, modifying the DRX configuration and other radio access
parameters based on the mobility status; and if not, applying the
current DRX configuration and other radio access parameters for
communication with the user equipment.
9. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: receiving a
notification from the user equipment on change in the traffic
characteristics with respect to the change in the number or types
of applications running in the user equipment; modifying the DRX
configuration based on the notification; and applying the modified
DRX configuration for communication with the user equipment.
10. An apparatus for configuring Radio Access Network (RAN)
parameters for communication in a wireless network systems,
comprising: a processor capable of assisting in configuring RAN
parameters; and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the
memory comprises a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration
module capable for configuring one of the RAN parameters, DRX
configuration for communication with a user equipment, wherein the
DRX configuration module is configured for: receiving a plurality
of DRX configurations from a network entity of the wireless network
system; determining traffic characteristics of applications running
in the user equipment; selecting one of the plurality of DRX
configurations based on the traffic characteristics associated with
the user equipment; and transmitting information on the selected
DRX configuration to the network entity so that the network entity
applies the selected DRX configuration for the user equipment.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the DRX
configuration module is further configured for: determining whether
any of the plurality of DRX configurations is suitable for the
traffic characteristics corresponding to the applications; and
sending a request to the network entity for providing different set
of DRX configurations when none of the plurality of DRX
configurations are suitable.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the DRX
configuration module is further configured for: determining change
in traffic characteristics of the applications in the user
equipment; sending a notification to the network entity on change
in the traffic characteristics of the applications running in the
user equipment; and receiving a modified DRX configurations based
on the notification, wherein the modified DRX configurations are
received from the network entity.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the DRX
configuration module is further configured for: determining a set
of RAN parameters associated with the user equipment; and
transmitting the set of RAN parameters associated with the user
equipment to the network entity.
14. An apparatus for configuring Radio Access Network (RAN)
parameters for communication with a user equipment in a wireless
network systems, comprising: a processor capable of assisting in
configuring RAN parameters; and a memory coupled to the processor,
wherein the memory comprises a RAN parameters configuring module,
the RAN parameters comprises a Discontinuous Reception (DRX)
configuration, the RAN parameters configuring module is configured
for: providing a plurality of DRX configurations to the user
equipment; receiving a DRX configuration from the user equipment,
wherein the received DRX configuration is selected by the user
equipment from the plurality of DRX configurations based on traffic
characteristics of applications running in the user equipment; and
applying the received DRX configuration for communication with the
user equipment.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the RAN
parameters configuring module is further configured for: detecting
transition of the user equipment from the connected mode to idle
mode; and storing the applied DRX configuration associated with the
user equipment in a memory of the network entity.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the DRX
configuration comprises inactivity timer, on ? duration timer,
long/short DRX cycle, and a short cycle timer.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the RAN
parameters configuring module is further configured for:
determining mobility status of the user equipment in the wireless
network system; determining appropriate connected to idle
transition timer value based on the determined mobility status of
the user equipment; and determining whether to modify the DRX
configuration based on the mobility status of the user equipment;
if so, modifying the DRX configuration and other radio access
parameters based on the mobility status; and if not, applying the
current DRX configuration and other radio access parameters for
communication with the user equipment.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the RAN
parameters configuring module is further configured for: receiving
a notification from the user equipment on change in the traffic
characteristics with respect to the change in the number or types
of applications running in the user equipment; modifying the DRX
configuration based on the notification; and applying the modified
DRX configuration for communication with the user equipment.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to mobile communication
technology. More specifically, relates to management of radio
network access parameters of user equipment connected to a wireless
network such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) type of network,
thereby contributing to reduced power consumption.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent days, user equipment such as a smart phone is used
for multiple purposes to assist a user. This multipurpose usage has
led to invention of number of applications that are available and
compatible to run in the smart phone. Each of the applications that
are running in the smart phone either simultaneously or discretely
contribute heavily to the consumption of battery power of the smart
phone.
[0003] Generally, in a Long Term Evolution (LTE), a broadband based
network, the smart phone present in it is configured to enter
either an idle mode or a connected mode as and when required. And a
set of radio access network parameters are configured in the smart
phone during either of the modes and during transition between the
two.
[0004] The smart phone enters the connected mode by receiving a
Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection setup message to a network
system and enters the idle mode by receiving a RRC connection
release message to the network system. When the smart phone is in
the connected mode, an active data transfer link (uplink or
downlink) is established and the applications remain active in the
smart phone. When the smart phone is in the idle mode, the
applications can still be running pertaining to the nature or type
of the applications running in the smart phone, wherein the
applications contribute directly to data transfer. Further, it is
likely that the smart phone may enter a Discontinuous Reception
(DRX) mode when it is in connected mode.
[0005] The power consumption by the user equipment may be
determined partly by the DRX configuration, other Radio Access
Network (RAN) parameters, and number of transitions between the
idle and the connected mode by the user equipment. Each of the
applications running in the smart phone contributes to the
configuration of the DRX configuration, the transitions, and data
traffic characteristics observed between the smart phone and the
network system.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] The network system may be enabled to configure the DRX
configuration for the smart phone independently to better configure
the data traffic characteristics. However, the network system may
not be fully aware of the smart phone and its related information
while configuring the DRX configuration. Hence, a better
configuration of the DRX configuration results in reduced power
consumption of the smart phone making it to last longer in a
particular charge-discharge cycle.
Solution to Problem
[0007] A method of configuring parameters of a Radio Access Network
(RAN) in a wireless network system, comprising: receiving a
plurality of Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configurations from a
network entity of the wireless network system, wherein the
plurality of DRX configurations is one of the parameters of the
RAN; determining traffic characteristics of applications running in
the user equipment; selecting one of the plurality of DRX
configurations based on the traffic characteristics associated with
the user equipment; and transmitting information on the selected
DRX configuration to the network entity so that the network entity
applies the selected DRX configuration for the user equipment.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0008] In an embodiment, as a part of the process of traffic
monitoring or the DPI, involves cost in performing the same, it may
not be advantageous to perform traffic monitoring/DPI very
frequently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a network system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates schematic view of an exemplary DRX
configuration for communication with the user equipment in a
wireless networking system.
[0011] FIG. 3a illustrates a flow diagram on a process of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3b illustrates a flow diagram on a process of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3c illustrates a flow diagram on a process of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3d illustrates a flow diagram on a process of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3e illustrates a flow diagram on a process of the UE
indicating to network at change in the traffic characteristics and
the UE desiring to change the configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a Long Term Evolution
(LTE), in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram for a process of
configuring the RAN parameter, the DRX configuration, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a process 600
of updating the DRX configuration by monitoring channels of an LTE
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating user equipment
capable of managing the RAN parameter, the DRX configuration, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an evolved node (eNB)
capable of managing the RAN parameter, the DRX configuration, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of
managing parameters of a Radio Access Network (RAN) in a wireless
network system is provided. The method includes the steps of
receiving a plurality of Discontinuous Reception (DRX)
configurations from a network entity of the wireless network
system, determining traffic characteristics of applications running
in the user equipment, selecting one of the plurality of DRX
configurations based on the traffic characteristics associated with
the user equipment, and transmitting information on the selected
DRX configuration to the network entity so that the network entity
applies the selected DRX configuration for the user equipment.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of
configuring parameters of a Radio Access Network (RAN) in the
wireless network system is provided. The method includes the steps
of providing a plurality of DRX configurations to the user
equipment by a network entity of the wireless network system,
receiving a DRX configuration from the plurality of DRX
configurations from the user equipment, wherein the received DRX
configuration is selected by the user equipment based on traffic
characteristics, and applying the received DRX configuration for
communication with the user equipment.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a network system 100,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The network system 100 includes User Equipment (UE) 102
connected to more than one network entities 104 through a wireless
network 106. The UE 102 communicates with the network entities 104
with a set of parameters called Random Access Network (RAN)
parameters that configure the network settings enabling the UE 102
to communicate. For example, if the UE 102 is a smart phone or an
advanced mobile communication device, most of the power consumption
of the UE 102 is determined by the RAN parameters.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates schematic view of an exemplary DRX
configuration 200 for communication with the user equipment in a
wireless networking system.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention the DRX pattern
determined with the help of the UE 102 may at least include one or
more of the parameters such as drxInactivityTimer, onDurationTimer,
longDRX-Cycle, shortDRX-Cycle, and drxShortCycleTimer.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, delays in a data connection can be
mapped to the activity transions in the system 100 in ways such as
short Inter Packet Arrival Duration (IPAD) can be mapped to
drx-InactivityTimer 204 of the UE 102 for communication with one of
the network entities. A medium IPAD can be mapped to DRX cycle
periods (long/short) 206 of the UE 102 for communication with one
of the network entities. A long IPAD can be mapped to Connected to
Idle transition time of the UE 102 for communication with one of
the network entities. The minimum possible continuous data activity
after data activity starting events can be mapped to
OnDurationTimer 202 of the UE 102 for communication with one of the
network entities.
[0028] In another embodiment, when the UE 102 is providing the
assistance to the eNB 104 (one of the network entities), for each
of the parameters of the DRX configuration the UE 102 may utilize
certain information. For example, in case of presence of keep-alive
applications running in the UE 102, heart beat interval or pulse of
the applications can be mapped to the DRX cycle duration, one of
the parameters of the DRX configuration. For another example,
minimum possible packet size and the corresponding radio time that
UE 12 and the eNB 104 takes at every pulse interval can be mapped
to the OnDurationTimer, one of the parameters of the DRX
configuration. A processing time an application needs to process
the commands/requests of user and respond with data or further
commands/requests can be mapped to drx-Inactivity timer of the UE
102, wherein the drx-Inactivity timer is one of the parameters of
the DRX configurations.
[0029] Further it may be preferable when there are more than one
application being executed in the UE 102, in parallel mode, the DRX
parameter selection may be performed by the UE 102 in combination
with the eNB 104 be in such a way that it suits operating
conditions of all the applications. In such conditions, for
example, values corresponding to application with highest quality
of service may be used to map EPS (Evolved Packet System) bearers.
For another example, values corresponding to application with mean
or median quality of service can be used to map EPS bearers. For
yet another example, the UE 102 can collect the data of all the
applications or the applications with high quality of
service/priority running over a timer period and can process to get
the IPAD of the data packets and categorize the IPAD in 2 zones
short, medium and long, and map them to the DRX configurations.
Further the UE 102 may make a CDF (Cumulative Distibutive Function)
and PDF (Probability Density Function) with the IPAD, and can map
the values accordingly. Examples for such mapping of values are
short IPAD to alpha probability, medium IPAD to beta probability,
and long IPAD to gamma probability. Further, in such examples,
values of alpha, beta, and gamma can be derived by the UE 102 or
can be provided by one of the network entities. Further, the eNB
104 may as it is use the values suggested by the UE 104 or does
some additional processing. Based on the availability of DPI inputs
and quality of service inputs which are now known to the UE 102 as
an ARP (Admission and Retention Priority) of the EPS bearer, the
eNB 104 can further optimize. In the eNB 104, DPI can provide all
the above said information of IPAD statistics. For example, DPI can
also provide details of protocols that are running in a particular
mobile device, which the eNB 102 may prioritize for those services
using such protocols.
[0030] In an embodiment, as a part of the process of traffic
monitoring or the DPI, involves cost in performing the same, it may
not be advantageous to perform traffic monitoring/DPI very
frequently. Hence, it may be advantageous to preserve the values of
the RAN parameters at the end of fine tuning or the end of the
current connection and retrieve them at the initiation of the next
connection. The retrieved parameters can be immediately be used in
the new connection as they will be already optimized and if
required can be fine-tuned again later in the connection. This
saving of the parameters can be either done in the eNB 104 or the
MME 106 or any of the network entities.
[0031] FIG. 3a illustrates a flow diagram on a process 300a of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] The process 300a denotes the effect of change in traffic
characteristics of the UE 102 in determining the RAN parameters
including the DRX configuration. The connection is established at
304. The network entity 106 transmits a plurality of DRX
configurations to the UE 102 at 306. The UE 102 determines the
traffic characteristics based on the number or types of the
applications that are currently being executed in the UE 102 at
308. Based on the traffic characteristics, the UE 102 selects one
among the plurality of DRX configurations at 310. The UE 102
transmits information on the selected DRX configuration to the
network entity 106, denoted as 312. The network entity 104 applies
the selected DRX configuration in the UE 102 for communication; the
step is denoted as 314. The UE 102 determines if there is a change
in traffic characteristics, and the steps of the process 300a from
310 to 316 are repeated.
[0033] FIG. 3b illustrates a flow diagram on a process 300b of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] The process 300b begins with establishing connection in the
network at 304. The network entity 106 transmits a plurality of DRX
configurations to the UE 102 at 306. The UE 102 determines the
traffic characteristics based on the number or types of the
applications that are currently being executed in the UE 102 at
308. At 320, the UE 102 determines whether there is any of the
plurality of DRX configurations transmitted at step 308 matches the
traffic characteristics of the UE 102. When there is not matching
DRX configuration available in the plurality of DRX configurations,
the UE 102 requests to provide a different set of configurations,
the step is denoted by 322. The network entity 104 determines a
different set of plurality of DRX configurations; the step is
denoted by 324. A response is sent to the UE 102 by the network
entity 104, at step 326. When the UE 102 selects one among the
different set of plurality of DRX configurations at step 328, a
transmission is sent consequently with selected DRX configuration,
denoted as 330. The selected DRX configuration is applied at step
332 by the network entity 104 on the UE 102. Thereafter,
application of DRX configuration is indicated at the UE 102,
denoted as 334. Thereafter, it is determined whether there is any
change in the traffic configurations of the UE 102, if there is
any, steps 328 to 334 is repeated.
[0035] FIG. 3c illustrates a flow diagram on a process 300c of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] The process 300c illustrates one of the modes of configuring
the DRX pattern including other RAN parameters. The set of
parameters or RAN parameters include Channel Quality Indicator
(CQI), Scheduling Request (SR), Pre-coding Matrix Indicator (PMI),
Rank Indication (RI), and Sounding Reference Signal (SRS),
connected to idle transition time. The connection is established at
304. The network entity 106 transmits a plurality of DRX
configurations to the UE 102 at 306. The UE 102 determines the
traffic characteristics based on the number or types of the
applications that are currently being executed in the UE 102 at
308. The UE 102 selects a DRX configuration among the plurality of
DRX configurations. When the UE 102 selects one among the different
set of plurality of DRX configurations at step 328, a transmission
is sent consequently with selected DRX configuration, denoted as
330. The selected DRX configuration is applied at step 332 by the
network entity 104 on the UE 102. Thereafter, application of DRX
configuration is indicated at the UE 102, denoted as 334. The
transition of the UE 102 from the connected mode to the idle mode
is denoted by the UE 102, at step 336. Similar to DRX configuration
other RAN parameters can also be shared and negotiated between the
UE 102 and the network entity 104 for configuration. The applied
DRX configuration and/or RAN parameters is stored, in the step 338.
Thereafter, transition from the idle mode to the connected mode is
denoted by the UE 102.The stored DRX configuration and/or RAN
parameters of step 338, is applied at the UE 102 at step 342. In an
embodiment, the DRX configuration include DRX Inactivity Timer,
on-duration timer, long DRX-Cycle, short DRX-Cycle, and DRX Short
Cycle Timer.
[0037] FIG. 3d illustrates a flow diagram on a process of
configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters,
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] The process 300d denotes the effect of change in mobility
status of the UE 102 in determining the RAN parameters including
the DRX configuration. The connection is established at 304. The
network entity 106 transmits a plurality of DRX configurations to
the UE 102 at 306. The UE 102 determines the traffic
characteristics based on the number or types of the applications
that are currently being executed in the UE 102 at 308. Based on
the traffic characteristics, the UE 102 selects one among the
plurality of DRX configurations and/or other RAN parameters at 310.
The UE 102 transmits information on the selected DRX configuration
and/or other RAN parameters to the network entity 106, denoted as
312. The network entity 104 applies the selected DRX configuration
and/or other RAN parameters in the UE 102 for communication; the
step is denoted as 314. Thereafter, an indication of application of
DRX configuration and/or other RAN parameters is displayed at step
334. When the UE 102 indicates a change in the mobility status, it
is transmitted at step 344. In an embodiment, the mobility status
can be sent to the network entity 104 as a report. The network
entity, at step 346 determines a need to modify the DRX
configurations and/or other RAN parameters, at step 346. The DRX
configuration and/or other RAN parameters is modified and applied
at the UE 102 in the step 348. An indication of applied modified
DRX configuration and/or other RAN parameters is provided at step
320. In another embodiment the mobility status of the UE 102 can be
indicated to the network entity 104 in any of the messages or
procedures during connection establishment or state
transitions.
[0039] FIG. 3e illustrates a flow diagram on a process 300e of the
UE 102 indicating to network at change in the traffic
characteristics and UE desiring to change the configuration, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In another embodiment, the UE 102 sends an indication that
either during connection setup or during ongoing connection if
application composition in the UE 102 changes. For example, the UE
102 can be a mobile communication device with set of applications
running on it, the change in application composition may refer to
change in number or types or applications being executed in the
mobile communication device. Hence, the traffic characteristics
changes in the UE 102 as a result of change in application
composition. The change in application composition is informed to
the network entity 104 such as eNB, at step 350. The change is
intimated to the network entity to make the connection for extended
period and make the connected to idle transition faster to save the
power used in the UE 102.
[0041] Further, in an embodiment, It is possible that by performing
a Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) at the network entities such as eNB,
it can also be found that the change in traffic characteristics and
indicate it to UE that it has long lived connection or not and
configure itself for corresponding parameters. The network entity
104 changes the DRX configuration and other RAN parameters at step
352. Thereafter, the process 300e continues with verification by
the UE 102 to detect the change in the application composition,
denoted at step 354. If there is any change in the application
composition, the UE 102 sends an indication to the network entity
104. The network entity 104, thereafter, changes the DRX
configurations and other RAN parameters for the UE 102. Hence, the
process 300e is continued as cycle and in exemplary applications, a
predetermined period for this verification of change in the
application composition can also be made. For example, from time to
time, the UE 102 can change the predetermined periods for
verification based on preferences by user as wells as the network
entity 104.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a network system 400
such as long term evolution (LTE), according to one embodiment.
Particularly, the system 400 includes Mobile Tele-Communication
(MTC) devices 102A-N (MTC device can also be referred to as user
equipment), an evolved Node B (eNodeB) 104, a mobility management
entity (MME) 408, a Serving Gateway 410 (SGW), a Packet Data
Network (PDN) gateway or Packet Gateway (PGW) 412, an operator IP
network 414, and a Home Subscriber Gateway (HSS) 416. The above
entities are connected to each other via standardized interfaces
(also referred to as network interfaces). Further, a Wireless
network is established between the MTC device 102A and e-nodeB 104.
The wireless network may be any type of wireless network, including
networks that comply with the Mobile WiMAX (based on IEEE 802.16e
or IEEE 802.16m), 3GPP LTE, 3GPP2 AIE, IEEE 802.20 or other
wireless network standards. In a network operating environment, the
plurality of MTCs (102A-N) are also able to communicate directly
with each other using the wireless network 104 based on the Mobile
WiMAX (based on IEEE 802.16e or IEEE 802.16m), 3GPP LTE, 3GPP2 AIE,
IEEE 802.20, WiFi or other wireless network standards.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the eNB 104 and the MME 408 are
connected via a S1-MME interface 422. Also, the eNB 104 and the
serving gateway 410 are connected via a S1-U interface 418.
Further, the serving gateway 410 is connected to the MME 408 and
the PDN gateway 412 via a S11 interface 424 and a S5/S8 interface
420, respectively. For the purpose of illustration, only one eNodeB
104 is illustrated in the system 400. However, one skilled in the
art can realize that there can be more than one eNodeBs in the
system 400. Also, each of these eNodeBs is configured for support
MTC devices and/or Legacy devices.
[0044] In an embodiment, in the system 400, eNB 104 is configured
to perform functions such as Radio Resource Management (RRM),
header compression, encryption, selection of MME, packet routing to
SGW, etc. The MME 408 involves in mobility, security, PGW and SGW
selection, etc. SGW 410 hosts functions such as mobility anchoring,
packet inspection, packet routing, buffering. PGW 412 handles
functions such as packet filtering, inspection, and packet marking.
These characteristic components though may be viewed as a part of
LTE networking system; they can be mimicked or replaced with other
components performing similar functions. However, the LTE
networking system is one of the characteristic improvements
witnessed in high speed data transmission and reception, and, by
and large, may be perceived as a network system on its own,
comprising number of network entities.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram emphasizing on a process
500 of configuring one of the Radio Access Network (RAN)
parameters, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] The process 500 begins by establishing connection between
the user equipment 102 and other network entities eNB 104, MME 108,
SGW 110, and PGW 112. The establishment of connection is denoted at
502, with a flow line. Typically, after establishing connection, in
order to configure the DRX configuration, multiple phases of data
transfer (transmission and reception) occurs, and each phase of
transmission that are dedicated to configure the DRX configuration
is comprised of two sub-phases including Coarse Configuration or
Tuning, labelled as CT in the FIG. 5 and Fine Tuning, labelled as
FT in the FIG. 5.
[0047] The user equipment (UE) 102 transfers one or more inputs at
the CT sub-phase of a first phase, denoted by 504 in the figure to
re-configure Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters including the
DRX configuration associated with the user equipment 102. The
inputs are transferred to one of the network entities, i.e. one of
the eNB 104, the MME 108, the SGW 110, and the PGW 112. On
receiving the inputs from the user equipment 102, a Deep Packet
Inspection (DPI) is performed at the end of the network entities.
In an embodiment, the DPI can be performed by the eNB 104 to
determine data or pack characteristics associated with the user
equipment 102 with the network entities. For performing DPI, the
eNB 104 may use history of data transfer of the user equipment 102
with the network entities. At 516, results of the DPI are analysed
and changes are incorporated in the RAN parameters including the
DRX pattern as a result of reconfiguration. The DRX configuration
may be directly or indirectly responsible for data transmission or
reception pattern in the user equipment 102 during selective
portions of idle mode and connected mode. The reconfigured DRX
configuration and other RAN parameters are received at 518 at the
UE 102.
[0048] Initiation of new application or change in applications
running in the UE 102 is detected and determined, denoted with a
flow line as 520. In light of the change in applications or
addition of the new application in the UE 102, a new set of inputs
may be sent by the UE 102 to the network entity (one or more
combination of eNB 104, MME 108, SGW 110, and PGW 112). The step is
denoted with a flow line as 522. The network entity performs the
DPI, denoted with a flow line as 524. A reconfigured DRX pattern
and certain RAN parameters with the DPI results incorporated are
sent at 526 and then received at the UE 102, denoted with a flow
line as 528. The connection of the UE 102 is released thereafter
with the RAN, Random Access Network. The current DRX configuration
and the RAN parameters may be stored, 530, at one of the network
entities (eNB 104, MME 108, SGW 110, and PGW 112). In an exemplary
embodiment, the stored DRX configurations and RAN parameters in the
one of the network entities will have a life time and can be
invalidated after a life time.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, with the increase in DRX active
times or increase in the need to keep the UE 102 in connected mode
for a long time, Up-Link Physical Uplink Control Channel (UL PUCCH)
resources may become scarce or unutilized. Hence, the UL PUCCH
resources need to be tuned along with the mobility status (e.g.
number of hand-overs performed, the UE 102 last visited cells, the
Doppler frequency, the velocity of the UE 102 that is being
reported or measured) and traffic status (traffic characteristics
unique to the UE 102 based on applications). For example, when the
UE 102 is in low mobility state some of the RAN parameters such as
Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Pre-coding Matrix Indicator (PMI),
Rank Indication (RI), and Sound Reference Signal (SRS) do not
differ much and when reported on minor changes, it may be perceived
as disadvantaged utilization of resources. Reporting of these
parameters may be stopped or the frequency of the reporting can be
reduced. In other words, the UE 102 can directly report the
mobility state such as low, high, medium etc. for which thresholds
may be set in the network. Further, reporting of the RAN parameters
related to mobility status may be performed by the UE 102 by L2 or
L3 signalling.
[0050] Further, when a new application is detected, the UE 102
starts sending data at step 532. The connection of the UE 102 with
the RAN is re-established at 534. The stored DRX pattern and the
other RAN parameters, as mentioned at 530, is retrieved at 536 and
applied for communication with the UE 102. The retrieval and
application of the stored DRX pattern and the other RAN parameters
is performed by at least one of the network entities (eNB 104, MME
108, SGW 110, and PGW 112). To verify whether the retrieved DRX
pattern the other RAN parameters are the suitable ones, one of the
network entities perform the DPI with respect to the UE 102. The
step is denoted at 538. In addition to the DPI inputs, the
retrieved DRX pattern the other RAN parameters are reconfigured 540
(flow line) and applied 542 (flow line) at the UE 120.
[0051] In an embodiment, the steps described above may be performed
as a cycle or as a continuous improvement process with the UE 102,
in combination with the network entities to achieve an optimum DRX
pattern and RAN parameters.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a process 600
of updating the DRX configuration by monitoring channels of an LTE
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] Further, in an embodiment, the UE 102 in connected mode,
602, the UE 102 may have to follow the DRX configuration though
there is no active data, denoted by 606. At 608, In DRX ON duration
of the DRX configuration, the UE 102 continuously monitors and
decodes Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). When there is no
data in Down Link (DL), 610, and the UE 102 has entered DRX ON as
part of DRX cycle, the system 100 may need to communicate about DL
data status to the UE 102, denoted by 612. Thereafter, the UE 102
stops monitoring the DL status. At 616, the communication between
the UE 102 and the system 100 may encompass, the system 100 sending
data indicating at the start of DRX ON period in the DRX
configuration that there is no data and the UE 102 can stop
decoding PDCCH. In another mode, 618, of communication may be the
UE 102, by default may not start PDCCH decoding at the start of DRX
on period in DRX configuration, for which the system 100 need to
send a Down Link-Status Report (DL-SR) to start PDCCH decoding. In
yet another mode, 620 of communication may be that the UE 102 may
decode PDCCH for few sub frames from the start of DRX ON and halt
PDCCH decoding if no PDCCH is decoded in those sub frames.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the User Equipment
(UE) 102 capable of managing the RAN parameter, the DRX
configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] The UE 102 includes a processor 702, memory 704, a read only
memory (ROM) 706, a transceiver 708, a bus 710, a transmitter 712,
and a receiver 814.
[0056] The processor 702, as used herein, means any type of
computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set
computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing
microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an
explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a
graphics processor, a digital signal processor, or any other type
of processing circuit. The processor 702 may also include embedded
controllers, such as generic or programmable logic devices or
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, single-chip
computers, smart cards, and the like.
[0057] The memory 704 may be volatile memory and non-volatile
memory. The memory 704 includes a DRX configuration module 716 for
managing the RAN parameters, and the DRX configurations. The DRX
configuration module 716 may include a predefined set of
instructions for different configuration requirements of
Discontinuous Reception mode of the UE 102. In an embodiment the
DRX configuration module 716 includes a selection module 716
configured to select one DRX configuration from a plurality of DRX
configuration sent from the network entity 104, and a traffic
characteristics determination module to determine traffic
characteristics of the UE 102 continuously for any change in the
application composition occurring. A variety of computer-readable
storage media may be stored in and accessed from the memory
elements. Memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s)
for storing data and machine-readable instructions, such as read
only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only
memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard
drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards, Memory
Sticks.TM., and the like.
[0058] Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented
in conjunction with modules, including functions, procedures, data
structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or
defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts.
Machine-readable instructions stored on any of the above-mentioned
storage media may be executable by the processor 702. For example,
a computer program may include machine-readable instructions
capable of configuring the set of RAN parameters and the plurality
of DRX configurations. In one embodiment, the computer program may
be included on a storage medium and loaded from the storage medium
to a hard drive in the non-volatile memory. The transceiver 708 is
configured for transmitting the DRX configurations and the set of
parameters or RAN parameters to the serving gateway 410 over a
single S1-U bearer via the S1-U interface 418.
[0059] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the evolved node
(eNB) 104 capable of managing the RAN parameter, the DRX
configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention
[0060] In an embodiment, the evolved node B 104 or the network
entity 104 includes a processor 802, memory 804, a read only memory
(ROM) 806, a transceiver 808, and a bus 810, a transmitter 812, and
a receiver 814.
[0061] The memory 804 may be volatile memory and non-volatile
memory. The memory 804 includes a RAN parameters configuring module
816 for managing the RAN parameters, including the DRX
configurations. The RAN parameters configuring module 816 may
include a predefined set of instructions for different
configuration requirements of RAN parameters for variety of modes
including Discontinuous Reception mode of the UE 102. T
[0062] The present embodiments have been described with reference
to specific example embodiments; it will be evident that various
modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without
departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various
embodiments. Furthermore, the various devices, modules, selectors,
estimators, and the like described herein may be enabled and
operated using hardware circuitry, for example, complementary metal
oxide semiconductor based logic circuitry, firmware, software
and/or any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software
embodied in a machine readable medium. For example, the various
electrical structure and methods may be embodied using transistors,
logic gates, and electrical circuits, such as application specific
integrated circuit.
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