MO US 20210337602A1

IN
( 19) United States
( 12 ) LIU
Patent Application Publication ( 10 ) Pub. No .: US 2021/0337602 A1
et al . (43 ) Pub. Date : Oct. 28 , 2021
( 54 ) CONFIGURATIONS FOR SMALL DATA Publication Classification
TRANSMISSION (51 ) Int. Ci .
( 71 ) Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated , San H04W 74/08 ( 2006.01 )
Diego , CA ( US ) H04W 74/00 ( 2006.01 )
H04W 28/26 ( 2006.01 )
H04W 76/30 (2006.01 )
( 72 ) Inventors : Huichun LIU , Beijing ( CN) ; Ozcan ( 52 ) U.S. CI .
OZTURK , San Diego , CA (US ); Gavin CPC H04W 74/0841 (2013.01 ) ; H04W 76/30
Bernard HORN , La Jolla, CA (US ); ( 2018.02 ) ; H04W 28/26 (2013.01 ) ; H04W
Peng CHENG , Beijing (CN) ; Miguel 74/008 ( 2013.01 )
GRIOT , La Jolla , CA (US )
( 57 ) ABSTRACT
( 21 ) Appl . No.: 17 /276,794
Systems , apparatuses, and methods for configurations for
( 22 ) PCT Filed : Sep. 6 , 2019 small data transmission by which a user equipment trans
mits , to a base station, user data within a random access
( 86) PCT No .: PCT/CN2019/ 104646 message in a? radio resource control inactive state . The user
equipment may receive , via broadcast system information
$ 371 (c ) ( 1 ) , and / or unicast messages from the base station , a configura
( 2 ) Date: Mar. 16 , 2021 tion on support capability or parameters for small data
transmission . Based on the received configuration, the user
( 30 ) Foreign Application Priority Data equipment may transmit user data to the base station . The
user equipment may transmit aa random access preamble on
Oct. 30 , 2018 ( CN) PCT/CN2018 / 112704 a resource separately reserved for small data transmission .

600

610
Receive from aa base station a configuration on user data
transmission within aa random access message by a UE in
an RRC inactive state

620
Transmit user data to the base station based on the
received configuration
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28, 2021 Sheet 1 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

100

140

Internet / IMS

130 134

136

i
132 132
1906

122

120
122 122

110

110
1 120
110
110 }
| 150 110 I
22 }
152 !

FIG . 1
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 2 of 10
9 US 2021/0337602 A1

101
120 110

210

RandomAccess Preamble

220

Random Access Response

230

-Layer 3 Message

232

User Data

FIG . 2
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 3 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

IMGAMA 110
120 310

SystemInformation
1
I
320 1

110
SDT- CONFIG

FIG . 3
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 4 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

0001 ???
110

.
410
120
RRC Release

420

RNA /PLMN - SDT CONFIG

FIG . 4
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 5 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

0001 ???
110

.
510
120
RRC Release

520

DRB -SDT CONFIG

FIG . 5
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 6 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

600

610
Receive from aa base station a configuration on user data
transmission within a random access message by a UE in
an RRC inactive state

620
Transmit user data to the base station based on the
received configuration

FIG . 6
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 7 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

700

710

Determine a resource for a random access preamble

720
Transmit the random access preamble to a base station
on the determined resource, wherein user data is to be
transmitted within aa random access message after the
random access preamble by a UE in an RRC inactive
state

FIG . 7
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 8 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

800

SDT Logic
832
Configuration
Manager
834

User Data
Manager
Receiver 836 Transmitter

Random Access
810 820
Controller

830

FIG . 8
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 9 of 10 US 2021/0337602 A1

900

910
Transmit to a UE a configuration on user data
transmission within a random access message by the UE
in an RRC inactive state

920

Receive user data from the UE based on the configuration

FIG . 9
Patent Application Publication Oct. 28 , 2021 Sheet 10 of 10
9 US 2021/0337602 A1

1000

Base Station SDT Logic

Configuration Unit

Receiver Transmitter

1010 1020

7
1030

FIG . 10
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
1

CONFIGURATIONS FOR SMALL DATA interconnect with other PLMNs and public switched tele
TRANSMISSION phone networks ( PSTN) for telephone communications or
[ 0001 ] This application claims the benefit of and priority with internet service providers for data and internet access .
to International Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. A network may provide a UE one or more Equivalent
PCT/CN2018 / 112704 , filed Oct. 30 , 2018 and International PLMNS ( E -PLMNs) that the UE should treat as equivalent,
Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/CN2019 / e.g. , for the purposes of PLMN selection , cell selection /
104646 , filed Sep. 6 , 2019 , which are both hereby assigned reselection , and handover.
to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by [ 0007] A radio access network based notification area
reference herein as if fully set forth below and for all (RNA ) may refer to a network area , containing one or more
applicable purposes. The above identified application /docu cells , within which aa UE in a radio resource control inactive
ment is expressly incorporated by reference in entirety state generally need not send a location update to the
herein as part of the disclosure of this application . network as the UE moves from one cell to another. Many
RNAs may be established for a PLMN ; one or more RNAs
BACKGROUND may belong to a tracking area .
[ 0002 ] This disclosure relates generally to wireless com SUMMARY
munication , and more specifically, to techniques for con [ 0008 ] Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided
figurations for small data transmission (SDT). for configurations for small data transmission . In small data
[ 0003 ] Wireless communication systems are widely transmission, a UE may transmit, to a base station , user data
deployed to provide various types of communication content within a random access message in a radio resource control
such as voice , video , packet data , messaging, broadcast , and (RRC ) inactive state . The user equipment may receive, via
so on . These systems may be capable of supporting com broadcast system information and /or unicast messages from
munication with multiple users by sharing the available the base station , a configuration on support capability or
system resources (e.g. , time , frequency, and power) . parameters for small data transmission . The configuration
Examples of such multiple - access systems include code may be provided on various levels of granularity, for
division multiple access (CDMA ) systems, time division example , per UE , per radio access network notification area ,
multiple access ( TDMA) systems, frequency division mul per data radio bearer, etc. Based on the received configura
tiple access (FDMA ) systems , and orthogonal frequency tion , the UE may transmit user data to the base station . A UE
division multiple access (OFDMA) systems , ( e.g. , a Long may transmit a random access preamble on a resource
Term Evolution (LTE ) system , or a New Radio (NR) sys separately reserved for small data transmission , and the
tem) . A wireless multiple - access communication system transmitted random access preamble may indicate aa size of
may include a number of base stations or access network the random access message carrying user data.
nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for
multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise [ 0009] From an aspect , a method of wireless communica
known as user equipment (UE ) . tion is provided . The method may be performed by a UE or
[ 0004 ] UEs may be Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices that component ( s) thereof. A configuration may be received from
can wirelessly connect to a server, a network, or the Internet. a base station , regarding user data transmission within a
In some cases , IoT devices may provide for automated or random access message by the UE in an RRC inactive state .
machine - type communication that allows the devices to User data may be transmitted to the base station based on the
communicate with one another or a base station without received configuration .
human intervention . For example , an IoT device may inte [ 0010 ] From another aspect , a UE is provided . The UE
grate sensors or meters to measure or capture information may include a receiver configured to receive from a base
and relay that information to a central server or application station a configuration on user data transmission within a
program that can make use of the information or present the random access message by the UE in an RRC inactive state .
information to humans interacting with the program or The UE may also include a transmitter configured to trans
application. In some cases , IoT devices may operate within mit user data to the base station based on the received
a limited or narrow frequency band as opposed to a broad configuration.
system bandwidth within which the IoT radio access tech [ 0011 ] From another aspect , an apparatus of wireless com
nology is deployed. Many IoT UEs may operate in low munication is provided . The apparatus may include means
power mode and may be implemented as low cost devices . for receiving from a base station a configuration on user data
[ 0005 ] Compared to other types of UEs , some IoT devices
. transmission within a random access message by a UE in an
may infrequently transmit a small amount of user data in RRC inactive state . The apparatus may also include means
short bursts . For example, a sensor device monitoring some for transmitting user data to the base station based on the
environmental variable ( e.g. , temperature ) may report a few received configuration .
packets of measurement data once every hour. The nature of [ 0012 ] From another aspect , a non -transitory computer
small , infrequent data transmission may call for new solu readable medium , having instructions stored thereon , is
tions to improve efficiency of wireless communication net provided. The instructions may include codes executable for
works serving IoT applications. a UE to perform receiving from aa base station a configura
[ 0006 ] A public land mobile network (PLMN ) refers to a tion on user data transmission within a random access
network established and operated for providing land mobile message by the UE in an RRC inactive state . The instruc
telecommunications services to the public. A PLMN may be tions mayalso include codes for transmitting user data to the
identified by the Mobile Country Code ( MCC ) and the base station based on the received configuration .
Mobile Network Code (MNC ) . Each operator providing [ 0013 ] From various aspects , the configuration may be
mobile services may have its own PLMN . PLMNs may specific to a data radio bearer (DRB ) of the UE . For
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
2

example, the configuration may selectively enable the user [ 0029 ] FIG . 9 illustrates a method of wireless communi
data transmission for the DRB but not for a different DRB cation that supports configurations for small data transmis
of the UE . sion in accordance with the present disclosure .
[ 0014 ] From various aspects , the configuration may be [ 0030 ] FIG . 10 illustrates an apparatus that supports con
received in various ways . For example, an RRC release figurations for small data transmission in accordance with
message may be received that contains the configuration . In the present disclosure .
response to the RRC release message , the UE may be DETAILED DESCRIPTION
suspended in the RRC inactive state .
[ 0015 ] From various aspects , a resource for a random [ 0031 ] Small data transmission may present an attractive
access preamble may be determined from one or more solution in some IoT applications, wherein aa small amount
resources reserved for the user data transmission within a of user data is transmitted by a UE in an RRC inactive state .
random access message . The random access preamble may SDT may speed up user plane data transmission of small
then be transmitted to a base station on the determined amount of user data ( e.g. , in a random access message as
resource , wherein user data are to be transmitted within the descried in detail below ) . The UE may stay in RRC inactive
random access message after the random access preamble by state without transitioning into RRC active state , thereby
the UE in an RRC inactive state . lowering power consumption and reducing signaling over
[ 0016 ] From various aspects , the transmitted random head . However, unlike the baseline method of data trans
access preamble may be selected from one of multiple mission during RRC connected state ( or “ regular data trans
groups of one or more random access preambles, wherein mission ” ), SDT may not be ubiquitously supported by
each of the multiple groups may be associated with a wireless communication networks and operators. To better
different maximum transport block size of the random utilize SDT, an SDT -capable UE may need to know whether
access message . or not a network supports SDT and / or what kind of SDT
[ 0017] From yet another aspect , a method of wireless methods ( or generally SDT parameters) the network sup
communication by a base station is provided . The base ports. The networks may also adapt SDT support to deploy
station may transmit to a user equipment a configuration on ment scenarios or service differentiations.
user data transmission within aa random access message by [ 0032 ] As elaborated herein , a network may provide SDT
the UE in an RRC inactive state . The base station may configuration by broadcast and / or unicast. For example, the
receive user data from the UE based on the configuration. configuration may be included in system information broad
[ 0018 ] From another aspect , a base station is provided. casted to all UEs in a cell . The configuration may also be
The base station include a transmitter configured to a user included in an unicast message (e.g. , RRC release message )
equipment a configuration on user data transmission within to a particular UE , indicating network SDT supported
a random access message by the UE in an RRC inactive behavior on a per - UE basis . Additionally, SDT may be
state . The base station may also include a receiver config
ured to receive user data from the UE based on the con
selectively configured with respect to a data radio bearer
figuration.
(DRB ) .
[ 0033 ] Furthermore, separate random access channel
[ 0019 ] Various features and advantages of this disclosure resource may be used for SDT access method , which may
are described in further details below . Other features will be improve the usage of frequency resource, reduce the retrans
apparent from the description , drawings, and /or the claims . mission of random access message ( carrying user data ),
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
and / or reduce user plane transmission latency .
[ 0034 ] Aspects of the disclosure introduced above are
[ 0020 ] Illustrative and non - limiting drawings are provided described below in the context of a wireless communication
to aid in the description of various aspects and implemen system . Illustrative and non -limiting examples of designs
tations . Unless specified otherwise , like reference symbols and techniques supporting configurations for small data
indicate like elements . transmission are then described . Aspects of the disclosure
[ 0021 ] FIG . 1 illustrates aa wireless communication system are illustrated by and described with reference to various
in accordance with the present disclosure . apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts.
[ 0022 ] FIG . 2 illustrates transmission of user data within [ 0035 ] FIG . 1 illustrates, as an example, a wireless com
a random access message by a UE in an RRC inactive state . munication system 100 in accordance with the present
[ 0023 ] FIG . 3 illustrates a broadcast configuration for disclosure . The wireless communication system 100 gener
small data transmission . ally include user devices (e.g. , UEs 110 ) and network
[ 0024 ] FIG . 4 illustrates a unicast configuration for small devices (e.g. , base stations 120 and entities of a core network
data transmission .
130 ) . Examples of the wireless communication system 100
may include various wireless network technologies, such as
[ 0025 ] FIG . 5 illustrates a unicast configuration for small LTE or NR , as developed and standardized by the Third
data transmission . Generation Partnership Project ( 3GPP ) .
[ 0026 ] FIG . 6 illustrates a method of wireless communi [ 0036 ] A user equipment generally refers to a device ( e.g. ,
cation that supports configurations for small data transmis of an end -user) that utilizes wireless communication service
sion in accordance with the present disclosure . provided by a wireless communication network . As illus
[ 0027] FIG . 7 illustrates a method of wireless communi trated , a UE 110 may take a variety of forms, such as a
cation that supports configurations for small data transmis cellphone, a computation device, a machine-type-commu
sion in accordance with the present disclosure . nication (MTC) or Internet -of - Things (IoT) device, or a
[ 0028 ] FIG . 8 illustrates an apparatus of wireless commu vehicular device , and so on . UEs 110 may be dispersed
nication that supports configurations for small data trans throughout the wireless communication system 100 , and
mission in accordance with the present disclosure . each UE 110 may be stationary or mobile . As used herein ,
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
3

a " user equipment" may also be referred to as a subscriber to as nodes, servers , gateways , functions, or other suitable
station , an access terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a terminologies. Examples of the core network 130 may
user device , or generally a wireless communication device include an evolved packet core (EPC ) in a LTE network , a
or some other suitable terminology in the context. 5G Core ( 5GC ) in a 56 or NR network , or generally, other
[ 0037] A base station generally refers to a network device packet based network architecture . The core network 130
that communicates wirelessly (e.g. , via over- the-air radio may separate user plane function from control plane func
channel) with user devices . Base stations 120 may commu tion , for example, as in 5GC . A base station 120 in aa radio
nicate with one another and /or with the core network 130 , access network may communicate with an element 132 to
e.g. , through backhaul links or other network nodes. Base access services of the core network 130. The element 132
stations 120 often serve as entry points for a user equipment may incorporate a mobility management entity (MME )
to access communication services provided by a wireless and / or a serving gateway ( SGW) , as in EPC , to implement
communication network . Base stations 120 ( and in some control plane and / or user plane protocols. In other examples ,
examples, with other entities) may constitute aa radio access the element 132 may separate control plane and user plane
network (RAN ), which connects UEs 110 to the core net function into two entities such as a core access and mobility
work 130 via certain radio access technology (RAT ), such as management function (AMF ) and a user plane function
LTE or NR . As used herein , a “ base station " may also be (UPF ) in 5GC . The element 132 may manage non - access
referred to as a base transceiver station, aa radio base station , stratum (e.g. , control plane) functions such as mobility,
an access point, or some other suitable terminology in the authentication, and bearer management for UEs 110 served
context. by the base station 120. The element 132 may also route user
[ 0038 ] In general, a base station 120 may communicate data to another element 134 connected to a packet data
with a UE 110 using communication resources in time , network ( PDN) 140. The element 134 , such as a PDN
frequency, and / or space . Communication may occur in two gateway ( PGW) of EPC or a UPF of 5GC , may transport IP
directions : “ downlink ” ( or “ forward link " ) from the base packets between the PDN 140 and a UE 110 accessing the
station 120 to the UE 110 ; or in reverse , “ uplink” (or PDN 140 via aa base station 120 and the core network 130 .
" reverse link ”) from the UE 110 to the base station 120 . The element 134 may also provide IP address allocation as
Downlink and uplink transmissions may take place on same well as other functions. The core network 130 may also
or different frequency bands and during same or different include other nodes or entities. For example, subscriber
time instances . In terms of time resources , time intervals of information or user profile may be stored in a server 136 ,
transmission may be organized according to a “ frame ” such as a home subscriber server (HSS ) , which may be
structure . A frame may further be divided into a number of queried, e.g. , for user authentication, registration, or billing ,
subframes or slots , each further containing a number of etc.
symbols, and so on . In terms of frequency resources, a ( 0041 ] In general, a packet data network may be any
variety of frequency bands ( e.g. , ranging from ultra -high packet ( e.g. , IP ) based network . AUE 110 may communicate
frequency to extremely high frequency) may be used . The with the PDN 140 for aa variety of applications or services .
frequency bands may be “ licensed ” (e.g. , to an operator Examples of the PDN 140 may include an operator's service
exclusively) , or “ unlicensed” (or “ shared ”) (e.g. , shared by network, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS ) , or generally
general users subject to interference and coexistence regu the Internet. The IMS may provide voice , video , or other
lation ). On a frequency band, a “ carrier ” may generally refer multimedia applications ( such as voice over IP call ) across
to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources supporting various types of communication networks.
uplink and / or downlink communication, such as transmis [ 0042 ] The wireless communication system 100 may be a
sion of physical signals or channels . In some examples a packet -based network that operate according to a layered
carrier may be made up of multiple sub - carriers (e.g. , protocol stack . In the user plane, communication on a bearer
waveform signals of multiple different frequencies ). In at Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP ) layer may be
terms of spatial resources, base stations 120 and /or UEs 110 IP - based . A Radio Link Control (RLC ) layer may in some
may communicate on one or more ( physical or virtual) cases perform packet segmentation and reassembly to com
antenna ports, for example, based on various single - user or municate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control
multi-user, Multiple -Input and Multiple Output ( MIMO ) (MAC ) layer may perform priority handling and multiplex
techniques, such as spatial diversity, multiplexing, or beam ing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC
forming, and so on . Multiple antennas may be co - located or layer may also use hybrid automatic repeat request ( HARD )
distributed in diverse geographic locations . to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link
[ 0039 ] A base station 120 may operate one or more " cells” efficiency. In the control plane, a Radio Resource Control
122. The term “ cell” generally refers to a logical entity used (RRC ) protocol layer may provide establishment, configu
for communication with a base station ( e.g. , over one or ration , and maintenance of an RRC connection between a
more carriers ), and in some context, may also refer to a UE 110 and a base station 120 or core network 130 sup
portion of a geographic coverage area ( e.g. , a sector) over porting radio bearers for user plane data. At a Physical
which the logical entity operates. An identifier ( e.g. , a cell (PHY) layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical
identity ) may be associated with aa cell to distinguish the cell channels, which are transmitted over a physical wave
from another cell . A UE 110 may register and communicate propagation medium ( e.g. , over the air or space) .
with one or more cells 122 ( e.g. , serving cells ) while [ 0043 ] Besides communicating with a wireless wide area
monitoring other cells 122 (e.g. , neighbor cells ). network (WWAN ), a UE110 may communicate with a
[ 0040 ] The core network 130 may include a network of wireless local area network ( WLAN ), such as a Wireless
elements providing user authentication, voice /multimedia Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network . A WLAN 150 may include a
communications, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and / or wireless access point ( AP ), such as a wireless “ hotspot” or
other application services. These elements may be referred " router” coupled to the Internet. A user device served by a
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
4

wireless access point may also be referred to as an access include or encapsulate user data 232 with or without other
terminal (AT ). An AP 152 may wirelessly communicate with payload ( e.g. , RRC signaling ). The user data 232 generally
a UE 110 and may relay packetized communication data refer to user plane , application data and are distinguished
( e.g. , IP packets) between the UE 110 and the Internet (or from control plane data ( e.g. , RRC signaling or non - access
another AT ). A WWAN (e.g. , the core network 130 ) may stratum data ) . The RRC protocol stack in the base station
support inter -networking ( including aggregation ) with a 120 may pass the user data 232 to a user plane protocol stack
WLAN , and a UE 110 may communicate with both a base
2 for further processing of the user data 232 , using the access
station 120 and an AP 152 . stratum context maintained in the RRC inactive state , for
[ 0044 ] For illustrative purposes , the following examples example, forwarding it to the core network .
and figures may be described with reference to the user or [ 0048 ] Since user data may be transmitted in a random
network devices of FIG . 1 ; however, other types of user or access message ( e.g. , Message 3 ) normally before a UE
network devices may be used in same or other examples transits to RRC connected state , the technique illustrated in
without limiting the scope of the present disclosure . FIG . 2 may be also referred to as “ early data transmission ”
[ 0045 ] FIG . 2 illustrates, as an example, transmission of (EDT ).
user data within a random access message by a UE in an [ 0049 ] Absent device level pre -configuration, a UE
RRC inactive state . Generally speaking, a UE is either in capable of small data transmission , e.g. , as described with
RRC connected state or in RRC inactive state when an RRC reference to FIG . 2 , may need to know whether a base
connection has been established , or otherwise , if no RRC station , a RAN -based notification area , and / or a public land
connection, in an RRC idle state . Transmission of user data mobile network supports small data transmission and / or
generally takes place during a RRC connected state in which which method (i.e. , design, scheme , or embodiment) of
radio and network communication resource configurations small data transmission is supported along with relevant
( e.g. , access stratum context) has been established for an SDT parameters (collectively referred to as “ SDT configu
RRC connection . In contrast, a UE in RRC idle state may rations " ). An SDT configuration may be implemented in
camp on a cell , monitor paging , but may not transmit user various forms. For example, an SDT configuration field may
data due to , e.g. , a lack of a valid access stratum context. The take a Boolean value ( e.g. , “ true ” or “ false ” ) indicating
RRC inactive state can be viewed as an intermediate state whether or not small data transmission is supported. If
between RRC connected state and RRC idle state : Like RRC multiple SDT methods are supported by the network , the
connected state , the RRC inactive state may maintain aa valid SDT configuration field may take an enumerated value ( e.g. ,
access stratum context, but in many other respects , the RRC “ method1, method2, etc.” ) indicating which method is sup
3
inactive state may behave similarly to RRC idle state , e.g. , ported. A network may provide SDT configurations in
with respect to cell camping, page mmonitoring , etc. variety of ways as described in details below.
[ 0046 ] In some IoT applications, an IoT device may be put [ 0050 ] FIG . 3 illustrates, as an example, a broadcast
in a discontinuous reception (DRX ) cycle in RRC inactive configuration for small data transmission . A base station 120
state , waking up occasionally to transmit a small amount of may include an SDT configuration 320 in system informa
user data ( such as sensor data collected by the IoT device). tion 310 broadcasted to all UEs (e.g. , a UE 110 ) in aa cell . In
For relatively infrequent user data ( for example, those less some systems, the system information 310 may contain a
than a thousand bytes or often as few as several hundred System Information Block 1 ( SIB1 ) , which may, e.g. , in NR ,
bytes or even smaller ), transitioning a UE into RRC con carry a cell access information element such as “ CellAc
nected state for purposes of sending the user data may cessRelatedInfo .” Among various fields included in the
become inefficient because signaling overhead associated CellAccessRelatedInfo may be a PLMN identity list ( e.g. ,
with RRC state transition may be relatively large compared “ plmn- identityList ” field ) and an RNA code ( e.g. , “ ranac ”
to the amount and / or frequency of user data. Since a UE in field ). An SDT configuration field ( e.g. , “ SDT-SNB ” stand
RRC inactive state may retain an established RRC connec ing for SDT -supported network behavior) may be included
tion with the network ( e.g. , having a valid access stratum in the CellAccessRelatedInfo . In some examples of network
context ), the UE may utilize a random access procedure in implementation , same SDT configurations ( or supported
RRC inactive state to transmit user data without first tran network behavior) may be used across RAN nodes ( e.g. ,
sitioning to RRC connected state . Such mode of user data base stations) within aa RAN -based notification area .
transmission may be colloquially referred to as “ small data [ 0051 ] FIG . 4 illustrates , as an example, a unicast con
transmission . " figuration for small data transmission , by which a base
[ 0047] AUE 110 may initiate random access by sending to station 120 may configure SDT on an individual UE basis .
a base station 120 a random access preamble 210 (or The base station 120 may send an RRC release message 410
“ Message 1 ” ). The random access preamble 210 may be (e.g. , “ RRCRelease ” in NR) to a UE 110 , suspending an
selected from one or more sequences, corresponding to an RRC connection and transitioning the UE 110 to RRC
index identifying the selected sequence. In LTE or NR , the 9 inactive state . The RRC release message 410 may contain an
random access preamble 210 may be transmitted over a RNA / PLMN - SDT configuration 420 signaling to the UE
Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH ). The base 110 its SDT configurations on various levels of granularities:
station 120 , if detecting the random access preamble 210 , for example, whether the RNA /PLMN - SDT configuration
may reply with aa random access response 220 (or “ Message 420 applies to all cells in an RNA , a PLMN , or all the
2 " ), which may include an uplink grant assigning commu equivalent PLMNs. In some examples, the RNA /PLMN
nication resources for a layer 3 message 230 sent from the SDT configuration 420 may be part of suspension configu
UE 110 to the base station 120. The layer 3 message 230 (or ration (e.g. , a “ suspendConfig ” field included in RRCRe
>

“ Message 3 ” ) may contain RRC signaling , such as RRC lease ) relating to RRC connection suspension . In a NR
connection request message or RRC connection re-estab network , the RRC release message 410 (or its suspension
lishment request message . The layer 3 message 230 may configuration ) may include an information element “ RAN
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
5

Notification AreaInfo ” containing a " cellList ” that lists cell DRB ) , a network may allow a UE to transmit user data on
identities of one or more RNAs of one or more PLMNs . An some specific data radio bearers in RRC inactive state e.g.,
" all- PLMN " level SDT configuration may be placed along when these DRBs are setup for small user traffic, whereas
with the cellist in the RAN -NotificatonAreaInfo , indicating data transmission over other bearers may occur only after
SDT configuration for all the equivalent PLMNs associated the UE has exited RRC inactive state and entered RRC
with the cellList . ( For example, RAN -Notification AreaInfo connected state .
:: CHOICE { cellList , ranAreaConfigList, SDF - SNB , . . . } . ) [ 0055 ] In general, the broadcast and various unicast net
Alternatively or additionally, a " per-PLMN” level SDT work configurations described above with reference to
configuration may be placed within the cellList in the FIGS . 3-5 are not mutually exclusive with each other and
RAN -Notification AreaInfo, indicating SDT configuration can be combined in various respects. For example, a net
for a particular PLMN associated with the cellList . (For work may provide SDT configuration in broadcast system
example , an SDT configuration field , e.g. , "SDT-SNB ,” may information to provide a cell -level default SDT configura
be placed inside a per -PLMN cell list ( e.g. , “ PLMN -RAN tion , and depending on a particular UE , may selectively
AreaCell ” ) , contained within the cellList , as PLMN -RAN control various aspects of SDT (e.g. , RNA / PLMN level
AreaCell :: = SEQUENCE { plmn - identity, ran - AreaCells ,
I
and / or DRB level ) as applied to the particular UE via one or
SDT -SNB , ... } . ) . Furthermore, a “ per-RNA ” level SDT more unicast RRC messages .
configuration may be placed within an RNA cell list ( e.g. , [ 0056 ] FIG . 6 illustrates, as an example, a method 600 of
“ ran - AreaCells ”) of a PLMN, indicating SDT configuration wireless communication that supports configurations for
for a particular RNA of the particular PLMN . small data transmission in accordance with the present
[ 0052 ] Through the use of unicast configuration, different disclosure . The method 600 may encompass various aspects
UEs in the same cell can have different SDT configurations. of the techniques described with reference to FIGS . 2-5 . A
A UE may receive both the broadcast and the unicast UE ( or one or more of its components ) may implement the
configurations, but the unicast configuration may overwrite method 600 using hardware , firmware, or software, or a
broadcast configuration . For example, even if a SIB1 broad combination thereof.
cast indicates SDT is supported, a base station may selec [ 0057] At 610 , a UE may receive from a base station a
tively turn off SDT for aa particular UE using an appropriate configuration on user data transmission within a random
unicast SDT configuration , e.g. , in a RRC release message access message by the UE in a radio resource control
410 sent to the UE . Furthermore , a unicast configuration of inactive state. The user data transmission encompasses vari
a finer granularity may overwrite a coarser one . For ous aspects of the small data transmission or earlier data
example, an RNA level configuration may control the actual transmission described with reference to FIG . 2. For
SDT configuration , despite a conflicting PLMN level con example , the amount of user data ( from user applications)
figuration. may be small (e.g. , a few hundreds or thousands of bytes or
[ 0053 ] FIG . 5 illustrates, as another example of unicast even smaller), which may correspond to infrequent bursts of
configuration, data radio bearer configuration for small data sensor data transmission by some IoT UEs . The UE may
transmission . A base station 120 may send an RRC release encapsulate the user data in aa random access message ( e.g. ,
message 510 ( e.g. , “ RRCRelease ” in NR) to a UE 110 , the layer 3 message 230 of FIG . 2 ) and transmit the user data
suspending an RRC connection and transitioning the UE 110 to the base station while remaining in RRC inactive state
to RRC inactive state . When suspended in RRC inactive rather than transitioning into RRC connected state, thus
state , the UE 110 may have multiple data radio bearers saving signaling overhead in some IoT applications.
( DRBs ) , some of which may be set up with different quality [ 0058 ] The configuration may generally specify the sup
of service requirements. For example , some DRBs may port capability ( including permission ) of the user data trans
support small traffic volume with infrequent burst, while mission in RRC inactive state ( such as SDT) . For example,
others may not . If uplink data would trigger transmission in the configuration may indicate whether the base station (or
a DRB associated with large traffic volume , it may be more generally a network ) supports user data transmission within
efficient for the UE 110 to transit to RRC connected state for the random access message by the UE in the RRC inactive
data transmission . On the other hand, if uplink data would state . Furthermore, if the user data transmission is sup
trigger transmission in a DRB associated with small traffic ported , the configuration may indicate which method ( or
volume and infrequent burst , it may be more efficient for the parameters) of the user data transmission is supported.
UE 110 to stay in RRC inactive state for data transmission , [ 0059 ] The network may provide the configuration in
e.g. , via small data transmission . various ways, such as , e.g. , via broadcast, unicast, or a
[ 0054 ] For per - DRB configuration, the RRC release mes combination thereof, as described with reference to FIG .
sage 510 may contain a DRB - SDT configuration 520 3-5 . A base station may broadcast the configuration in
addressed to one or more data radio bearers. Multiple system information of a cell ; a UE may receive a system
DRB - SDT configurations 520 can be used to signal SDT information block containing the configuration . The broad
configurations for multiple or multiple groups of DRBs. For cast configuration generally applies to all UEs in the cell . On
each DRB - SDT configuration 520 , the RRC release message the other hand , a base station may individually configure a
510 may explicitly include an associated DRB identity UE using a dedicated , unicast message to the UE , e.g. ,
information to identify corresponding DRB or DRBs to through RRC release messages described with reference to
which the DRB - SDT configuration 520 would apply. In FIGS . 4 and 5. As the configuration specifies UE / network
some cases , the DRB identity information may not be behavior pertaining to user data transmission in RRC inac
explicitly present in the RRC release message 510 , when no tive state , a base station may provide the configuration in a
ambiguity should arise regarding which DRB or DRBs the message relating to RRC inactive state . For example, the
DRB - SDT configuration 520 would apply to . By configur RRC release messages 410 or 510 suspending the UE to
ing SDT on a per - DRB basis (e.g. , SDT permission on a RRC inactive state (described in FIGS . 4 and 5 ) may carry
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
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the configuration in the respective message , but other types message (e.g. , the layer 3 message 230 ) does not contain
of messages may be used . The configuration may apply to a user data . In some examples, a base station (or a network )
radio access network notification area (RNA ) of a public may signal ( e.g. , in system information ) a single level of
land mobile network (PLMN ). The configuration may apply maximum transport block size for aa random access message ,
at a higher granularity level, e.g. , to all RNAs of a particular and a particular preamble group ( e.g. , the “ Group B ” in LTE
PLMN or all the equivalent PLMNs. The placement of the or NR) may be designated for purposes of user data trans
configuration field ( e.g. , “ SDT-SNB ” ) in relation to other mission within a random access message . Although when
fields in an RRC message may indicate which granularity receiving a random access preamble from the particular
level the corresponding configuration would apply, as preamble group , a base station can be informed that a
described with reference to FIG . 4. In addition, the configu subsequent random access message may carry user data , the
ration may apply to a data radio bearer, e.g. , as described base station may not know the actual size of the random
with reference to FIG . 5. The data radio bearer configuration access message ( as compared to the single maximum trans
may be used in conjunction with other configuration meth port block size) . To accommodate worst case scenarios, the
ods ; for example, the per -DRB configuration may specify base station may respond with an uplink link grant ( e.g ., part
which DRB among multiple DRBs to be used for small data of the random access response 220 ) allocating a maximum
transmission, when UE is already permitted, via a RNA / amount of resources ( e.g. , number of resource blocks )
PLMN configuration, to transmit user data within a random corresponding to the maximum transport block size , even
access message in RRC inactive state . though the actual size of the random access message may be
[ 0060 ] At 620 , a UE may transmit user data to the base much smaller, leading to waste of uplink resources . Alter
station based on the received configuration. If the configu natively, the base station may estimate the amount of
ration ( together with potentially other configurations) indi resources (e.g. , through some past history or statistics of the
cates the user data transmission as in 610 ( e.g. , small data usage pattern ), but may cause multiple retransmissions of
transmission ) is not supported (e.g. , “ SDT-SNB ” field is set the random access message if the estimated amount of
to " false " ), the UE may transit from RRC inactive state to resources turns out to be insufficient.
RRC connected state , and may transmit user data , e.g. , using [ 0065 ] On the other hand, the resource may be a separate
regular data plane protocols (e.g. , over an uplink shared data resource for the specific type of random access involving
logical channel for user traffic ) rather than using a control user data transmission (e.g. , SDT described in FIG . 2 ) , while
plane message ( such as a random access message) to encap other types of random access use other (or common )
sulate user data . resources . In some examples, a base station may signal the
[ 0061 ] If the configuration indicates the user data trans separate resources ( e.g. , SDT-only resources) using system
mission is supported, the UE may transmit user data within information broadcast. A UE may receive system informa
a random access message while remaining in RRC inactive tion from the base station, wherein the system information
state , e.g. , as described with reference to FIG . 2. For indicates one or more resources (e.g. , one or more BWPs in
example, the UE may encapsulate the user data in the layer NR) separately reserved for purposes of user data transmis
3 message 230 to be transmitted during random access to the sion within the random access message (e.g. , SDT) . By
base station . using the SDT -only resources, a UE can inform the base
[ 0062 ] FIG . 7 illustrates, as an example , a method 700 of station of an impending small data transmission during the
wireless communication that supports network configura random access procedure .
tions for small data transmission in accordance with the [ 0066 ] Additionally, a number of random access preamble
present disclosure. The method 700 may encompass various sequences, used on the separate (e.g. , SDT -only ) resources ,
aspects of the random access procedure and user data may be partitioned into multiple groups . A UE may select a
transmission described with reference to FIG . 2. In addition, random access preamble from one of multiple groups of one
the method 700 may be combined with the method 600 or more random access preambles, wherein each of the
described with reference to FIG . 6. For example, after a UE multiple groups may be associated with a different maxi
obtains an SDT configuration as in the method 600 , the UE mum transport block size of aa random access message . For
may transmit a random access preamble according to the example, 64 preamble sequences may be divided into 4
method 700. A UE ( or one or more of its components ) may groups: group 11 corresponding to L/ 4 ; group 2 correspond
implement the method 700 using hardware , firmware , or ing to L / 2 ; group 3 corresponding to 3L/ 4 ; group 4 corre
software , or a combination thereof. sponding to L , wherein L denotes the largest transport block
[ 0063 ] At 710 , a UE may determine a resource for a size of a random access message (e.g. , the layer 3 message
random access preamble. At 720 , a UE may transmit the
2 230 ) across all the groups. In general, multiple different
random access preamble to a base station on the determined levels of maximum transport block sizes need not be set
resource , wherein user data is to be transmitted within a uniformly as in the preceding example. Each group may
random access message after the random access preamble by have one or more preamble sequences, and the total number
the UE in a radio resource control inactive state . The of preamble sequences may be distributed non - uniformly
resource may generally refer to any type of communication among the multiple groups ( e.g. , one group may have more
resources , such as , in terms of time/ frequency locations or sequences than another group ). A UE may randomly select
sequence indices for random access preambles . For a random access preamble from a group to transmit to a base
example , in a NR network , random access preamble may be station , initiating random access procedure .
transmitted in one of Bandwidth Parts (BWP ) within the [ 0067 ] Partitioning preamble sequences into multiple
overall system bandwidth and using a sequence from one of groups provides a finer level of granularity in signaling
preamble groups. actual sizes of random access messages . A UE may choose
[ 0064 ] The resource may be a common resource used for a group whose maximum transport block size could be more
other types of initial access wherein the random access presentative of the actual size of the random access message
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
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than another group could . In some numerical examples, the mission . In some implementations, the transmitter 820 may
actual size may be quantized to the nearest upper bound be configured to perform the method 700 at 720 described
among the multiple levels of maximum sizes . By selecting with reference to FIG . 7 .
a preamble sequence from a particular group , a UE can [ 0074 ] The receiver 810 and transmitter 820 (or a trans
implicitly indicate to a base station a particular range in ceiver incorporating both ) may be coupled to the SDT logic
actual size of a random access message ( or a buffer size ) . In 830 and may provide means for communication between the
response , the base station may allocate a corresponding apparatus 800 and a base station .
amount of uplink resources ( e.g. , a suitable number of [ 0075 ] The SDT logic 830 may be a baseband modem or
resource blocks ) for transmission of the random access an application processor or may illustrate aspects of a
message . The implicit signaling in actual message size may baseband or application processor. The SDT logic 830 or at
bring various benefits such as avoiding waste of uplink least some of its various sub - components may be imple
resources , reducing probability of retransmissions of the mented in hardware , software executed by a processor,
random access message , and / or reducing user plane trans firmware, or any combination thereof. Software may com
mission latency. prise codes or instructions stored in a memory or like
[ 0068 ] FIG . 8 illustrates, as an example, an apparatus 800 medium that is connected or in communication with the
that supports configurations for small data transmission in processor described above . The codes or instructions may
accordance with the present disclosure . The apparatus 800 cause the processor, the apparatus 800 , a UE 110 , or one or
may include a receiver 810 , a transmitter 820 , and an SDT
2 more components thereof to perform various functions
logic 830 , and may perform various aspects of the methods described herein .
600 and / or 700 described with reference to FIGS . 6 and 7 . [ 0076 ] The SDT logic 830 may control, coordinate , or
The apparatus 800 may be embodied by, or reside within , a execute various functions supporting configurations for
UE 110 with reference to FIG . 1 . small data transmission . The SDT logic 830 may further
[ 0069 ] The receiver 810 may be configured to receive include a configuration manager 832 , a user data manager
signals or channels carrying information such as packets, 834 , and a random access controller 836 .
user data , or control information associated with various [ 0077] The configuration manager 832 may extract, ana
information channels . Information may be passed on to lyze , and / or maintain SDT related information ( or param
other components of the apparatus. The receiver 810 may eters ) . For example, the configuration manager 832 may
utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas. parse an SDT -configuration field contained in system infor
[ 0070 ] The receiver 810 may provide means for receiving mation or an RRC release message . The configuration
from aa base station a configuration on user data transmission manager 832 may determine whether SDT is supported (or
( e.g. , SDT ) within a random access message by a UE in an which method is supported ), on which level of granularity
RRC inactive state . For example, the receiver 810 may (e.g. , RNA or PLMN or DRB ) the SDT configuration would
receive a system information broadcast ( e.g. , the system apply, for example, as described with reference to FIGS . 3-5 .
information 310 ) and / or a unicast message (e.g. , the RRC Furthermore, the configuration manager 832 may resolve
release message 410 or 510 ) , which carries the configura potentially overlapping or conflicting SDT configurations;
tion . In some implementations, the receiver 810 may be for instance , a unicast configuration may overwrite a broad
configured to perform the method 600 at 610 described with cast configuration .
reference to FIG . 6. Additionally, the receiver 810 may be [ 0078 ] The user data manager 834 may manage various
configured to receive random access response from a base aspects of user data transmission . For regular uplink data,
station , e.g. , as described with reference to FIG . 2 . when SDT is not supported or enabled , the user data
[ 0071 ] The transmitter 820 may be configured to transmit manager 834 may invoke user plane protocols for data
signals or channels generated by other components of the transmission by a UE in RRC connected state . For SDT, the
apparatus. In some examples, the transmitter 820 may be user data manager 834 may coordinate with the configura
collocated with a receiver 810 in a transceiver module . The tion manager 832 and the random access controller 836 to
transmitter 820 may utilize a single antenna or a set of transmit user data using a random access message while the
multiple antennas. UE stays in RRC inactive state . In some examples, the user
data manager 834 may cause RRC state transition, for
[ 0072 ] The transmitter 820 may provide means for trans example, from RRC inactive to RRC connected .
mitting user data to a base station based on the configuration [ 0079 ] The random access controller 836 may provide
received by the receiver 810. The transmitter 820 may means for determining a resource for a random access
transmit user data using SDT, as generally described with preamble and may , for example, be configured to perform
reference to FIG . 2 , if the configuration indicates that SDT the method 700 at 710 described with reference to FIG . 7 .
is supported; or if otherwise, using regular data plane The random access controller 836 may generally control and
protocols rather than within a control plane RRC message . manage various UE operations regarding random access : for
In some implementations, the transmitter 820 may be con example, transmitting to a base station a random access
figured to perform the method 600 at 620 described with preamble, receiving a random access response from the base
reference to FIG . 6 . station , transmitting a random access message to the base
[ 0073 ] The transmitter 820 may also provide means for station , as described with reference to FIG . 2. The random
transmitting a random preamble to a base station on a access message may include user data within its payload if
determined resource. For example, the transmitter 820 may SDT is supported and enabled .
transmit a random access preamble ( e.g. , over a physical [ 0080 ] The random access preamble may be transmitted
random access channel) and a random access message ( e.g. , on a separate resource ( e.g. , SDT-only ) or a common
over a physical uplink shared channel). The random access resource shared with other (non - SDT) types of random
message may encapsulate user data as in small data trans access procedure . The random access controller 836 may
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
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receive system information ( e.g. , via the receiver 810 ) , [ 0086 ] The receiver 1010 may be configured to receive
wherein the system information indicates one or more signals or channels carrying information such as packets ,
resources separately reserved for purposes of user data user data , or control information associated with various
transmission ( e.g. , SDT ) within the random access message . information channels. Information may be passed on to
[ 0081 ] The random access controller 836 may also provide other components of the apparatus. The receiver 1010 may
means for selecting the to - be - transmitted random access utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.
preamble from one of multiple groups of one or more [ 0087] The receiver 1010 may provide means for receiv
random access preambles. As described with reference to ing user data from a UE based on a configuration on user
FIG . 7 , each group of the multiple groups may be associated data transmission (e.g. , SDT ) within a random access mes
with a different maximum transport block size of a random sage by the UE in an RRC inactive state . For example , the
access message ( which may contain user data during SDT) . receiver 1010 may receive random access preambles and /or
The selected group ( from which aa random access preamble data transmissions from a UE . In some implementations, the
may be randomly selected and transmitted to the base receiver 1010 may be configured to perform the method 900
station) can inform the base station of information regarding at 920 described with reference to FIG . 9 .
actual size of an ensuring random access message . Corre [ 0088 ] The transmitter 1020 may be configured to transmit
spondingly, the base station may adjust uplink resource signals or channels generated by other components of the
allocation to better fit the actual message size . apparatus . In some examples, the transmitter 1020 may be
[ 0082 ] FIG . 9 illustrates, as an example, a method 900 of collocated with a receiver 1010 in aa transceiver module . The
wireless communication that supports configurations for transmitter 1020 may utilize a single antenna or a set of
small data transmission in accordance with the present multiple antennas .
disclosure . The method 900 may encompass various aspects [ 0089 ] The transmitter 1020 may provide means for trans
of the techniques described with reference to FIGS . 2-5 . The mitting to a UE a configuration on user data transmission
method 900 can be regarded as a base station counterpart to (e.g. , SDT ) within aa random access message by the UE in an
the UE - side method 600 as described with reference to FIG . RRC inactive state . In some implementations, the transmit
6. A base station ( or one or more of its components ) may ter 1020 may be configured to perform the method 900 at
implement the method 900 using hardware , firmware, or 910 described with reference to FIG . 9 .
software, or a combination thereof. [ 0090 ] The receiver 1010 and transmitter 1020 (or a
[ 0083 ] At 910 , a base station may transmit to a UE a transceiver incorporating both ) may be coupled to the base
configuration on user data transmission within a random station SDT logic 1030 and may provide means for com
access message by the UE in an RRC inactive state . The munication between the apparatus 1000 and one or more
configuration may indicate whether the base station supports UEs .
small data transmission , optionally with additional configu [ 0091 ] The base station SDT logic 1030 may be a base
ration parameters (e.g. , on which methods or parameters of band modem or an application processor or may illustrate
SDT are configured ). The configuration can be transmitted aspects of a baseband or application processor. The base
to a UE via broadcast, unicast, or a combination of the two, station SDT logic 1030 or at least some of its various
and / or at various level of granularity, e.g. , as generally sub - components may be implemented in hardware, software
described with reference to FIGS . 3-5 . In particular, as executed by a processor, firmware , or any combination
described with reference to FIG . 5 , the configuration may be thereof. Software may comprise codes or instructions stored
specified on a per -DRB basis . For example, the per -DRB in a memory or like medium that is connected or in com
configuration may configure small data transmission for a munication with the processor described above . The codes
particular data radio bearer. or instructions may cause the processor, the apparatus 1000 ,
[ 0084 ] At 920 , the base station may receive user data from a base station 120 , or one or more components thereof to
the UE based on the configuration. For example, as gener perform various functions described herein .
ally described with reference to FIG . 2 , if the base station [ 0092 ] The base station SDT logic 1030 may control,
has enabled the small data transmission , the base station coordinate, or execute various functions supporting configu
may , according to the configuration , receive user data within rations for small data transmission . The base station SDT
a random access message from a UE in RRC inactive state . logic 1030 may further include a configuration unit 1032 .
In some cases , the user data may be received on some (but [ 0093 ] The configuration unit 1032 may manage and con
maybe not all ) data radio bearers according to per -DRB figure SDT related information ( or parameters ). For
configurations. Otherwise if the small date transmission is example, the configuration unit 1032 may generate an SDT
not enabled or supported, the base station may receive user configuration field and include it in system information or an
data via means other than the random access message , such RRC release message . The configuration unit may support
as over an uplink shared data logical channel for regular user multiple means of SDT configurations, for example, broad
traffic . The UE may transit from RRC inactive state to RRC cast and /or unicast configuration , and / or on per RNA ,
active state in order to transmit the regular user traffic PLMN , and / or DRB basis , as generally described above .
containing the user data . [ 0094 ] The description set forth herein , in connection with
[ 0085 ] FIG . 10 illustrates, as an example, an apparatus the appended drawings, describes example configurations
1000 that supports configurations for small data transmis and does not represent all the examples that may be imple
sion in accordance with the present disclosure. The appara mented or that are within the scope of the claims . The term
tus 1000 may include a receiver 1010 , a transmitter 1020 , “ exemplary ” used herein means “ serving as an example,
and a base station SDT logic 1030 , and may perform various instance, or illustration , ” and not “ preferred ” or “ advanta
>

aspects of the method 900 described with reference to FIG . geous over other examples .” The detailed description
9. The apparatus 1000 may be embodied by, or reside within , includes specific details for the purpose of providing an
a base station 120 with reference to FIG . 1 . understanding of the described techniques. These tech
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
9

niques, however, may be practiced without these specific sor. Also , any connection is properly termed a computer
details. In some instances , well -known structures and readable medium . For example, if the software is transmitted
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid from a website , server, or other remote source using a
obscuring the concepts of the described examples. coaxial cable, fiber optic cable , twisted pair, digital sub
[ 0095 ] As used herein , the phrase " based on ” shall not be scriber line (DSL) , or wireless technologies such as infrared,
construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For radio , and microwave, then the coaxial cable , fiber optic
example , an exemplary step that is described as “ based on cable , twisted pair, digital subscriber line , or wireless tech
condition A ” may be based on both a condition A and a nologies such as infrared, radio , and microwave are included
condition B without departing from the scope of the present in the definition of medium . Disk and disc , as used herein ,
disclosure . In other words, as used herein , the phrase " based include CD , laser disc , optical disc , digital versatile disc
on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase (DVD ) , floppy disk and Blu - ray disc where disks usually
“ based at least in part on .” reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data
[ 0096 ] Also , as used herein , including in the claims , “ or ” optically with lasers . Combinations of the above are also
as used in a list of items ( for example, a list of items prefaced included within the scope of computer - readable media.
by a phrase such as “ at least one of ” or “ one or more of ” ) [ 0100 ] The previous description of the disclosure is pro
indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at vided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use
least one of A , B , or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or the disclosure . Various modifications to the disclosure will
BC or ABC ( i.e. , A and B and C ) . be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
[ 0097] The various illustrative blocks and modules principles defined herein may be applied to other variations
described in connection with the disclosure herein may be without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure .
implemented or performed with a general -purpose proces Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the
sor, a digital signal processor (DSP ) , an application -specific examples and designs described herein , but is to be accorded
integrated circuit ( ASIC ), a field -programmable gate array the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel
( FPGA ) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or features disclosed herein .
transistor logic , discrete hardware components, or any com What is claimed is :
bination thereof designed to perform the functions described 1. A method of wireless communication by a user equip
herein . A general -purpose processor may be a microproces ment (UE ) , comprising:
sor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any con receiving from a base station a configuration on user data
ventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state transmission within a random access message by the
machine . A processor may also be implemented as a com UE in a radio resource control (RRC ) inactive state ;
bination of computing devices (e.g. , a combination of a and
digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple transmitting user data to the base station based on the
microprocessors , one or more microprocessors in conjunc received configuration .
tion with a DSP core , or any other such configuration ). 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the configuration is
[ 0098 ] The functions described herein may be imple specific to a data radio bearer ( DRB ) of the UE .
mented in hardware, software executed by a processor, 3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the configuration
firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in selectively enables the user data transmission for the DRB
software executed by a processor, the functions may be but not for a different DRB of the UE .
stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or 4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said receiving the
code on a computer -readable medium . Other exa les and configuration comprises:
implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and receiving an RRC release message containing the con
appended claims . For example, due to the nature of software, figuration, wherein the UE is to be suspended in the
functions described above can be implemented using soft RRC inactive state in response to the RRC release
ware executed by a processor, hardware , firmware, hardwir message .
ing , or combinations of any of these . Features implementing 5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
functions may also be physically located at various posi determining a resource for a random access preamble
tions , including being distributed such that portions of from one or more resources reserved for the user data
functions are implemented at different physical locations . transmission within the random access message ; and
[ 0099 ] Computer - readable media includes both non - tran transmitting the random access preamble to the base
sitory computer storage media and communication media station on the determined resource , wherein user data
including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer are to be transmitted within the random access message
program from one place to another. A non - transitory storage after the random access preamble by the UE in the RRC
medium may be any available medium that can be accessed inactive state .
by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way 6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
of example, and not limitation , non -transitory computer selecting the random access preamble from one of mul
readable media can include random access memory (RAM ), tiple groups of one or more random access preambles,
read -only memory ( ROM) , electrically erasable program wherein each of the multiple groups is associated with
mable read only memory (EEPROM) , compact disk ( CD ) a different maximum transport block size of the random
ROM or other optical disk storage , magnetic disk storage or access message .
other magnetic storage devices , or any other non - transitory 7. A user equipment (UE ) , comprising:
medium that can be used to carry or store desired program a receiver configured to receive from a base station a
code means in the form of instructions or data structures and configuration on user data transmission within ran
that can be accessed by a general -purpose or special -purpose dom access message by the UE in a radio resource
computer, or a general-purpose or special -purpose proces control ( RRC ) inactive state ; and
US 2021/0337602 A1 Oct. 28 , 2021
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a transmitter configured to transmit user data to the base 19. A non - transitory computer - readable medium having
station based on the received configuration. instructions stored thereon , the instructions comprising
8. The UE of claim 7 , wherein the configuration is specific
2 codes executable for a user equipment (UE ) to perform :
to a data radio bearer (DRB ) of the UE . receiving from aa base station a configuration on user data
9. The UE of claim 8 , wherein the configuration selec transmission within a random access message by the
tively enables the user data transmission for the DRB but not UE in a radio resource control (RRC ) inactive state ;
for a different DRB of the UE . and
10. The UE of claim 7 , wherein the receiver configured to transmitting user data to the base station based on the
receive the configuration comprises the receiver configured received configuration.
to : 20. The non - transitory computer- readable medium of
receive an RRC release message containing the configu claim 19 , wherein the configuration is specific to a data radio
ration, wherein the UE is to be suspended in the RRC bearer (DRB ) of the UE .
inactive state in response to the RRC release message . 21. The non - transitory computer - readable medium of
11. The UE of claim 7 , wherein the transmitter is further claim 20 , wherein the configuration selectively enables the
configured to : user data transmission for the DRB but not for a different
determine a resource for a random access preamble from DRB of the UE .
one or more resources reserved for the user data trans 22. The non - transitory computer -readable medium of
mission within the random access message ; and claim 19 , wherein the codes for receiving the configuration
transmit the random access preamble to the base station comprise :
on the determined resource , wherein user data are to be codes for receiving an RRC release message containing
transmitted within the random access message after the the configuration, wherein the UE is to be suspended in
random access preamble by the UE in the RRC inactive the RRC inactive state in response to the RRC release
state . message .
12. The UE of claim 11 , wherein the transmitter is further 23. A method of wireless communication by a base
configured to : station , comprising:
select the random access preamble from one of multiple transmitting to a user equipment ( UE ) a configuration on
groups of one or more random access preambles, user data transmission within a random access message
wherein each of the multiple groups is associated with by the UE in an RRC inactive state; and
a different maximum transport block size of the random receiving user data from the UE based on the configura
access message . tion .
munication , comprising:
13. An apparatus of wireless commi 24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the configuration is
means for receiving from aa base station a configuration on specific to a data radio bearer ( DRB ) of the UE .
user data transmission within a random access message 25. The method of claim 23 , wherein said transmitting to
by a user equipment (UE) in a radio resource control the UE the configuration comprises:
(RRC ) inactive state ; and transmitting to the UE an RRC release message contain
means for transmitting user data to the base station based ing the configuration , wherein the UE is to be sus
on the received configuration. pended in the RRC inactive state in response to the
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the configuration RRC release message.
is specific to a data radio bearer (DRB ) of the UE . 26. A base station , comprising:
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the configuration a transmitter configured to transmit to a user equipment
selectively enables the user data transmission for the DRB (UE ) a configuration on user data transmission within
but not for a different DRB of the UE . a random access message by the UE in an RRC inactive
16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the means for state; and
receiving the configuration comprises: a receiver configured to receive user data from the UE
means for receiving an RRC release message containing based on the configuration .
the configuration , wherein the UE is to be suspended in 27. The base station of claim 26 , wherein the configura
the RRC inactive state in response to the RRC release tion is specific to a data radio bearer ( DRB ) of the UE .
message . 28. The base station of claim 26 , wherein the transmitter
17. The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising: configured to transmit to the UE the configuration comprises
means for determining a resource for a random access the transmitter configured to :
preamble from one or more resources reserved for the transmit to the UE an RRC release message containing the
user data transmission within the random access mes configuration, wherein the UE is to be suspended in the
sage; and RRC inactive state in response to the RRC release
means for transmitting the random access preamble to the message .
base station on the determined resource, wherein user 29. An apparatus of wireless communication , comprising:
data are to be transmitted within the random access means for transmitting to a user equipment (UE ) a con
message after the random access preamble by the UE in figuration on user data transmission within a random
the RRC inactive state .
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising: access message by the UE in an RRC inactive state ; and
means for selecting the random access preamble from one means for receiving user data from the UE based on the
configuration .
of multiple groups of one or more random access 30. The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the configuration
preambles, wherein each of the multiple groups is is specific to a data radio bearer (DRB ) of the UE .
associated with a different maximum transport block
size of the random access message. * * *