Performing Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) in a Wireless Network

Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable medium to perform operations including receiving, in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a paging message from a base station of a wireless network, the paging messaging including a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication; determining whether one or more conditions for exchanging data with the base station using MT-SDT are satisfied; and transmitting, in the RRC_INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message to initiate the MT-SDT, based on a determination that the one or more conditions are satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication networks provide integrated communication platforms and telecommunication services to wireless user devices. Example telecommunication services include telephony, data (e.g., voice, audio, and/or video data), messaging, internet-access, and/or other services. The wireless communication networks have wireless access nodes that exchange wireless signals with the wireless user devices using wireless network protocols, such as protocols described in various telecommunication standards promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE) in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) paging message from a base station of a wireless network; determining, by the UE, whether one or more conditions for transferring data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT have been configured; and performing at least one of: (i) upon determining that the one or more conditions have not been configured, transmitting, by the UE, an uplink (UL) response message to the base station indicating an initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, (ii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that the one or more configured conditions have been satisfied, transmitting, by the UE, the UL response message to the base station indicating the initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, or (iii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that at least one of the one or more configured conditions has not been satisfied, receiving, by the UE, data from the base station in an RRC_CONNECTED state.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station.

In some implementations, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for exchange data between the base station and the UE.

In some implementations, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station.

In some implementations, the third condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can be configured based on an RRC Release message transmitted from the base station to the UE.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can be configured based on the MT-SDT paging message.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by a user equipment (UE).

In some implementations, the method can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

In another aspect, a method includes receiving, by a base station of a wireless network, data for transmission to a user equipment (UE), where the UE is in an RRC_INACTIVE state; transmitting, by the base station to the UE, a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) paging message; and performing at least one of: upon receiving an uplink (UL) response message indicating an initiation of MT-SDT by the UE, transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT, or upon determining that the UE entered an RRC_CONNECTED State, transmitting the data to the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

In some implementations, the method can further include transmitting, by the base station to the UE configuration information representing one or more conditions for transferring the data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the configuration information can be transmitted from the base station to the UE via an RRC Release message.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the configuration information can be transmitted from the base station to the UE via the MT-SDT paging message.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station.

In some implementations, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station and the UE.

In some implementations, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, one or more conditions can include a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station.

In some implementations, the third condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the base station can transmit the MT-SDT paging message responsive to: determining a resource block (RB) associated with the data for transmission to the UE, and determining that the RB is configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by a base station.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

In another aspect, an apparatus includes one or more one or more processors and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations described herein.

In some implementations, the apparatus can be a UE.

In some implementations, the apparatus can be a base station.

In some implementations, the apparatus can be a baseband processor.

In another aspect, a method includes: receiving, in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a paging message from a base station of a wireless network, the paging messaging including a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication; determining whether one or more conditions for exchanging data with the base station using MT-SDT are satisfied; and transmitting, in the RRC_INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message to initiate the MT-SDT, based on a determination that the one or more conditions are satisfied.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received from the base station.

In some implementations, the first condition can be satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message to the base station.

In some implementations, the second condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method can include: determining that the first condition is not satisfied, and responsive to determining that the first conditions is not satisfied, initiating an RRC Resume procedure.

In some implementations, the UL response message can be transmitted using one or more resources selected based on a configuration received from the base station.

In some implementations, the configuration received from the base station can be a RRC specific configuration.

In some implementations, the configuration received from the base station can be a System Information Block (SIB) broadcast configuration.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by a user equipment (UE).

In another aspect, a method includes: transmitting, to the UE in an RRC-INACTIVE state, a paging message including a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication; and receiving, from the UE in the RRC-INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message initiating the MT-SDT, based on one or more conditions for exchanging data with the UE using the MT-SDT being satisfied.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE.

In some implementations, the first condition can be satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource by the EU for transmitting the UL response message.

In some implementations, the second condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected by the UE, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method can include: receiving data for transmission to the UE, and transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by a base station.

In some implementations, the method can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

In another aspect, a method includes any of the any of the operations described herein.

In another aspect, one or more baseband processors can be configured to perform any of the operations(s) described herein.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer storage medium is encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations(s) described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure sets forth various techniques for facilitating Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) in a wireless network, such as a cellular network.

In an example implementation, a base station of a wireless network transmits a paging message (e.g., a MT-SDT paging message) to a user equipment (UE) indicating that data can be transmitted from the base station to the UE according to MT-SDT. Upon receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether to receive the data from the base station according to MT-SDT, or to instead receive the data from the base station according to a legacy process. In some implementations, the UE can make this determination based on one or more conditions specified by the wireless network (e.g., one or more conditions indicated in configuration information transmitted to the UE from the base station) and/or based on other considerations.

FIG.1illustrates a wireless network100, according to some implementations. The wireless network100includes a UE102and a base station104connected via one or more channels106A,106B across an air interface108. The UE102and base station104communicate using a system that supports controls for managing the access of the UE102to a network via the base station104.

In some implementations, the wireless network100may be a Non-Standalone (NSA) network that incorporates Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication standards as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specifications. For example, the wireless network100may be an E-UTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access)-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) network, or a NR-EUTRA Dual Connectivity (NE-DC) network. However, the wireless network100may also be a Standalone (SA) network that incorporates only 5G NR. Furthermore, other types of communication standards are possible, including future 3GPP systems (e.g., Sixth Generation (6G)) systems, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 technology (e.g., IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11-2007; IEEE 802.11n; IEEE 802.11-2012; IEEE 802.11ac; or other present or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies), IEEE 802.16 protocols (e.g., WMAN, WiMAX, etc.), or the like. While aspects may be described herein using terminology commonly associated with 5G NR, aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to other systems, such as 3G, 4G, and/or systems subsequent to 5G (e.g., 6G).

In the wireless network100, the UE102and any other UE in the system may be, for example, laptop computers, smartphones, tablet computers, machine-type devices such as smart meters or specialized devices for healthcare, intelligent transportation systems, or any other wireless devices with or without a user interface. In network100, the base station104provides the UE102network connectivity to a broader network (not shown). This UE102connectivity is provided via the air interface108in a base station service area provided by the base station104. In some implementations, such a broader network may be a wide area network operated by a cellular network provider, or may be the Internet. Each base station service area associated with the base station104is supported by antennas integrated with the base station104. The service areas are divided into a number of sectors associated with certain antennas. Such sectors may be physically associated with fixed antennas or may be assigned to a physical area with tunable antennas or antenna settings adjustable in a beamforming process used to direct a signal to a particular sector.

The UE102includes control circuitry110coupled with transmit circuitry112and receive circuitry114. The transmit circuitry112and receive circuitry114may each be coupled with one or more antennas. The control circuitry110may include various combinations of application-specific circuitry and baseband circuitry. The transmit circuitry112and receive circuitry114may be adapted to transmit and receive data, respectively, and may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry or front-end module (FEM) circuitry.

In various implementations, aspects of the transmit circuitry112, receive circuitry114, and control circuitry110may be integrated in various ways to implement the operations described herein. The control circuitry110may be adapted or configured to perform various operations such as those described elsewhere in this disclosure related to a UE.

The transmit circuitry112can perform various operations described in this specification. Additionally, the transmit circuitry112may transmit a plurality of multiplexed uplink physical channels. The plurality of uplink physical channels may be multiplexed according to time division multiplexing (TDM) or frequency division multiplexing (FDM) along with carrier aggregation. The transmit circuitry112may be configured to receive block data from the control circuitry110for transmission across the air interface108.

The receive circuitry114can perform various operations described in this specification. Additionally, the receive circuitry114may receive a plurality of multiplexed downlink physical channels from the air interface108and relay the physical channels to the control circuitry110. The plurality of downlink physical channels may be multiplexed according to TDM or FDM along with carrier aggregation. The transmit circuitry112and the receive circuitry114may transmit and receive both control data and content data (e.g., messages, images, video, etc.) structured within data blocks that are carried by the physical channels.

FIG.1also illustrates the base station104. In implementations, the base station104may be an NG radio access network (RAN) or a 5G RAN, an E-UTRAN, a non-terrestrial cell, or a legacy RAN, such as a UTRAN or GERAN. As used herein, the term “NG RAN” or the like may refer to the base station104that operates in an NR or 5G wireless network100, and the term “E-UTRAN” or the like may refer to a base station104that operates in an LTE or 4G wireless network100. The UE102utilizes connections (or channels)106A,106B, each of which includes a physical communications interface or layer.

The base station104circuitry may include control circuitry116coupled with transmit circuitry118and receive circuitry120. The transmit circuitry118and receive circuitry120may each be coupled with one or more antennas that may be used to enable communications via the air interface108. The transmit circuitry118and receive circuitry120may be adapted to transmit and receive data, respectively, to any UE connected to the base station104. The transmit circuitry118may transmit downlink physical channels includes of a plurality of downlink subframes. The receive circuitry120may receive a plurality of uplink physical channels from various UEs, including the UE102.

InFIG.1, the one or more channels106A,106B are illustrated as an air interface to enable communicative coupling, and can be consistent with cellular communications protocols, such as a GSM protocol, a CDMA network protocol, a UMTS protocol, a 3GPP LTE protocol, an Advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) protocol, a LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U), a 5G protocol, a NR protocol, an NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) protocol, and/or any of the other communications protocols discussed herein. In implementations, the UE102may directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface. The ProSe interface may alternatively be referred to as a sidelink (SL) interface and may include one or more logical channels, including but not limited to a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), and a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

In some implementations, the UE102and the base station104can exchange data with one another according to a legacy data transmission procedure, whereby the UE102is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) “connected” state (e.g., “RRC_CONNECTED” state) when transmitting data to and/or receiving data from the base station104. For example, the UE102can initially be in an RRC “idle” or “inactive” state (e.g., “RRC_IDLE” state or “RRC_INACTIVE” state). Upon determining that data is to be transferred from the base station104to the UE102according to a legacy data transmission procedure, the UE102can transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state and receive the data from the UE102while in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Similarly, upon determining that data is to be transferred from the UE102to the base station104according to a legacy data transmission procedure, the UE102can likewise transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state and transmit the data to the base station104while in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Upon completion of the data exchange, the UE102can remain in the RRC_CONNECTED state, or transition back to the RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state (e.g., upon being released back into the RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state by the base station104).

In some implementations, the UE102and the base station104can exchange data with one another according to a Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedure, whereby the UE102is in the RRC_INACTIVE state when transmitting data to and/or receiving data from the base station104. For example, the UE102can initially be in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Upon determining that data is to be transferred from the base station104to the UE102according to a SDT procedure, the UE102can remain in the RRC_INACTIVE and receive the data from the UE102(e.g., without transitioning into the RRC_CONNECTED state). Similarly, upon determining that data is to be transferred from the UE102to the base station104according to a SDT procedure, the UE102can likewise remain in the RRC_INACTIVE and transmit the data to the base station104(e.g., without transitioning into the RRC_CONNECTED state).

In some implementations, a SDT session that begins with the transmission of data from the UE102to the base station104(e.g., uplink data transmission) may be referred to as Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT). For example, upon receiving data for transmission to the base station104, the UE102can trigger MO-SDT, and transmit the data to the base station104in an RRC_INACTIVE state. Subsequently, the UE102and the base station104can exchange further additional and/or uplink data using SDT.

In some implementations, a SDT session that begins with the transmission of data from the base station104to the UE102to the base station104using (e.g., downlink data transmission) may be referred to as Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT). For example, upon receiving data for transmission to the UE102, the base station104can trigger MO-SDT, and transmit the data to the UE102while the UE102is in an RRC_INACTIVE state. Subsequently, the UE102and the base station104can exchange downlink and/or uplink data using SDT.

Data transmission using SDT can be beneficial, for example, in enabling data to be exchanged between the UE102and the base station104in a more efficient manner (e.g., compared to data transmission without the use of SDT, such as in an RRC_CONNECTED state). For example, certain resources (e.g., network resources, computation resources, memory resources, etc.) may be expended by the UE102and/or the base station104in transitioning and/or maintaining the UE102in a RRC_CONNECTED state. This resource overhead can be eliminated or otherwise reduced by transmitting exchanging data using SDT instead (e.g., by avoiding or otherwise reducing the frequency by which the UE102operates in an RRC_CONNECTED state).

In some implementations, resources can be include resources in the network physical layer (e.g., “PHY”) in the time domain/frequency domain, the code domain, or a combination thereof.

FIG.2shows an example process200for initiating and performing SDT (e.g., MT-SDT) between the UE102and the base station104.

According to the process200, the base station104receives downlink data intended for transmission to the UE102(202). As an example, the downlink data can be received from a Core Network (CN) of a wireless network. In some implementations, the downlink data can be data provided to the CN by another device or system of the wireless network (e.g., another UE, base station, or any other system or device of the wireless network) for delivery to the UE102.

Upon receiving the downlink data, the base station104identifies the corresponding UE102(e.g., the intended recipient of the downlink data), and transmits a paging message to the UE102(204). The paging message indicates that data is available for transmission from the base station104to the UE102, and that the data can transmitted via MT-SDT. In some implementations, the paging message may be referred to as a MT-SDT paging message. In some implementations, the UE102can receive the paging message204while in a RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_IDLE state.

Upon receiving the paging message, the UE102determines whether to initiate (or “trigger”) MT-SDT (206). In some implementations, the UE can make this determination based on one or more conditions specified by the wireless network (e.g., one or more conditions indicated in configuration information transmitted to the UE102from the base station104) and/or based on other considerations. Example processes for determining whether to trigger MT-SDT are described in further detail below.

If the UE102determines that MT-SDT should be triggered, the UE102transmits an uplink response message to the base station104, as shown inFIG.2(208). As an example, the uplink response message can indicate that the UE102is available to receive data using MT-SDT (e.g., while the UE102is an RRC_INACTIVE state). In some implementations, the uplink response message can indicate one or more network resources that are available for receiving the data using MT-SDT. Further, the UE102performs a MT-SDT procedure in preparation for receiving data from the base station104. As a part of the MT-SDT procedure, the UE102can transition to (or remain in) a RRC_INACTIVE state.

Upon receiving the uplink resource message, the base station104transmits the downlink data to the UE102using MT-SDT (210). During the transmission of the downlink data, the UE102can remain in an RRC_INACTIVE state (e.g., rather than transitioning into a RRC_CONNECTED state).

Alternatively, if the UE102determines that MT-SDT should not be triggered, the UE102initiates the reception of data using a legacy process (not shown inFIG.2). As an example, the UE102can transition to a RRC_CONNECTED state (e.g., by performing a RRC Resume procedure), and receive the downlink data from the base station104while in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Further, upon completion of the data exchange, the UE102can remain in the RRC_CONNECTED state, or transition back to a RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state (e.g., upon being released into the RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state by the base station104).

FIG.3shows an example process300for determining whether to trigger MT-SDT by the UE102(e.g., in connection with206ofFIG.2).

According to the process300, the UE102receives a paging message (e.g., a MT-SDT paging message) from the base station104(block302). This process can be similar to that described with reference to block204ofFIG.2.

Upon receiving the paging message, the UE102determines whether any conditions have been configured regarding the receipt of data using MT-SDT, and if so, whether those condition(s) have been satisfied (block304). In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE102from the base station104. In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a radio bearer and/or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station104and the UE102. In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a selection of a resource for transmitting an uplink response message from the UE102to the base station104. Example conditions are described in further detail below.

In some implementations, at least some of the condition(s) can be specified in configuration information transmitted to the UE102from the base station104. For example, at least some of the condition(s) can be signaled by the base station104to the UE102via RRC signal (e.g., via an RRCRelease message transmitted from the base station104to the UE102). As another example, at least some of the condition(s) can be signaled by the base station104to the UE102in a paging message (e.g., the MT-SDT paging message) transmitted from the base station104to the UE102.

Upon determining that all of the condition(s) are satisfied, the UE102initiates a MT-SDT procedure for receiving data from the base station102(block306). For example, as described with reference toFIG.2, the UE102can transmit an uplink response message to the base station102to indicate that the UE102is available to receive data using MT-SDT. Further, the UE102can remain (or transition to) a RRC_INACTIVE state to receive the data using MT-SDT.

Alternatively, upon determining that at least one of the condition(s) is not satisfied, the UE102initiates a legacy procedure for receiving data from the base station102(block308). For example, as described with reference toFIG.2, the UE102can transition to a RRC_CONNECTED state (e.g., by performing a RRC Resume procedure), and receive the downlink data from the base station while in in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

As described above, the UE102can determine whether to trigger MT-SDT based on one or more conditions. Example conditions and operation are described in further detail below.

Example Radio Quality Condition

In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE102from the base station104.

As an example, a condition can specify that the UE102can initiate MT-SDT when the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of wireless signals received from the base station104is greater than a threshold value (e.g., RSRP>RSRPthreshold). As another example, a condition can specify that the UE102can initiate MT-SDT when the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of wireless signals received from the base station104is greater than or equal to a threshold value (e.g., RSRP≥RSRPthreshold).

In some implementations, if a condition regarding radio quality is not configured (e.g., none of the configuration specify a radio quality condition for initiating MT-SDT), the UE102can assume that such a condition is satisfied, and initiate MT-SDT so long as the remaining conditions (if any) are satisfied. Further, the UE102can select a resource for transmitting an uplink response message to the base station104and/or receiving data via MT-SDT using a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure. For instance, the UE102can select a legacy Random Access (RA) resource for transmitting the uplink response message to the base station104and/or receiving data via MT-SDT.

Example Radio Quality Condition

In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a radio bearer and/or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station104and the UE102.

As an example, in some implementations, the base station104can trigger MT-SDT paging to the UE102only when downlink data arrives for a MT-SDT resource block (MT-SDT-RB). The base station104can signal the MT-SDT-RB to the UE102using various techniques. For example, the base station104can configure the MT-SDT-RB to the UE102via an RRCRelease with SuspendConfig message. As another example, the base station104can inform the UE102of the MT-SDT-RB via the MT-SDT paging message. As another example, the base station104can both (i) configure the MT-SDT-RB to the UE102via an RRCRelease with SuspendConfig message and (ii) inform the UE102of the MT-SDT-RB via the MT-SDT paging message.

In implementations in which the base station104configures the MT-SDT-RB to the UE102via an RRCRelease with SuspendConfig message only, the UE102can initiate MT-SDT upon receiving the MT-SDT paging message (assuming that all of the other conditions are satisfied). When the UE102initiates the MT-SDT procedure, the UE102can reestablish and resume the indicated MT-SDT-RB(s) for MT-SDT data reception.

In implementations in which the base station104informs the UE102of the MT-SDT-RB via the MT-SDT paging message only, the UE102can initiate MT-SDT upon receiving the MT-SDT paging message (assuming that all of the other conditions are satisfied). When the UE102initiates the MT-SDT procedure, the UE102can reestablish and resume the indicated MT-SDT-RB(s) for MT-SDT data reception.

In implementations, in which the base station both (i) configures the MT-SDT-RB to the UE102via an RRCRelease with SuspendConfig message and (ii) informs the UE102of the MT-SDT-RB via the MT-SDT paging message, upon receiving the MT-SDT paging message, the UE102initially checks whether the indicated RB is configured for MT-SDT-RB. If the indicated RB is not the configured MT-SDT-RB or MT-SDT paging message does not include the RB information, UE initiates the legacy RRC Resume procedure. Otherwise, UE102initiates the MT-SDT procedure, and resumes the MT-SDT RB for MT-SDT data reception. When resuming the MT-SDT RB for MT-SDT data reception, the UE102can either (i) resumes the indicated RB, or (ii) resume all the configured MT-SDT RBs.

In at least some implementations, if UE102receives data indicating an RB that is not in the set of configured MT-SDT-RBs, the UE102can assume that a failure occurred in MT-SDT process, and transition to an RRC_IDLE state.

Example Radio Quality Condition

In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to a selection of a resource for transmitting an uplink response message from the UE102to the base station104.

In general, a UE102can select from among different resources for transmitting the uplink response message to the base station104. Example resources include a legacy RACH resource, a SDT-specific RACH resource (SDT-RA), and/or a SDT specific Configured Grant (CG) resource (SDT-CG).

In some implementations, a condition can specify a procedure for selecting between different RA types based on radio quality. As an example, a condition can specify that if the radio quality is greater than a threshold value (e.g., RSRP>RSRPthreshold) and/or greater than or equal to a threshold value (e.g., RSRP>RSRPthreshold, the UE102is to select a SDT-specific RA resource. As another example, a condition can specify that if the radio quality is less than a threshold value (e.g., RSRP<RSRPthreshold), the UE102is to select a legacy RA resource. As another example, a condition can specify that if the radio quality is less than a threshold value (e.g., RSRP<RSRPthreshold), the UE102is to assume that no available RACH resources can be used for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, a radio quality condition can be configured per resource type. For example, the UE102can be configured to select a particular resource type when a radio quality for that resource type is satisfied. If the conditions for more than one resource type are satisfied, the UE102can select the resource type by implementation or according to the predefined/configured rule. For example, the UE102can select the resource type according to a particular priority (e.g., SDT-RA resources having the highest priority, followed by SDT-RA resources, followed by legacy RA sources). As another example, the UE102can assume that no available RACH resources can be used for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, a resource can be selected based on conditions pertaining to radio bearer. For example, the base station104can configure, to the UE102, an association between (i) one or more MT-SDT-RBs and (ii) particular resource(s) and/or resource type(s). If UE102can acquire the MT-SDT-RB information from MT-SDT paging, the UE102can select the indicated resources and/or resource types accordingly.

Additional Example Conditions

In some implementations, at least one of the condition(s) can pertain to configuring MT-SDT and MO-SDT concurrently.

In some implementations, the same conditions can be shared for both MT-SDT and MO-SDT.

As an example, at least one condition can specify a radio quality threshold for SDT (e.g., both MT-SDT and MO-SDT), such as a threshold regarding RSRP (e.g., as described above).

As another example, at least one condition can specify that only certain radio bearers are permitted for SDT transmission (e.g., both MT-SDT and MO-SDT).

As another example, at least one condition can specify SDT-RA and/or CG-SDT resource selection for SDT transmission (e.g., both MT-SDT and MO-SDT).

In some implementations, certain conditions may be applicable to MO-SDT only. For example, at least one condition can specify a SDT data amount threshold, e.g., the amount of data to be transferred should be below a particular threshold amount to trigger MO-SDT.

In some implementations, certain conditions may be applicable to MT-SDT only. For example, at least one condition can specify that a legacy RA resource is selected for UL response transmission.

Although example conditions are described individually herein, in practice, any condition can be implemented either individually or in combination with one or more other conditions. Further, other conditions also can be implemented, either in addition to or instead of those described herein.

FIG.4Aillustrates a flowchart of an example method400. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method400in the context of the other figures in this description. For example, method400can be performed, at least in part, by the UE102and/or UE500shown inFIGS.1and5, respectively. It will be understood that method400can be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment, software, hardware, or a combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, various steps of method400can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, or in any order.

According to the method400, a UE receives, in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a MT-SDT paging message from a base station of a wireless network (block402).

Further, the UE determines whether one or more conditions for transferring data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT have been configured (block404).

Further, the UE performing at least one of: (i) upon determining that the one or more conditions have not been configured, transmitting, by the UE, an uplink (UL) response message to the base station indicating an initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, (ii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that the one or more configured conditions have been satisfied, transmitting, by the UE, the UL response message to the base station indicating the initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, or (iii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that at least one of the one or more configured conditions has not been satisfied, receiving, by the UE, data from the base station in an RRC_CONNECTED state (block406).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station. In some implementations, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station and the UE. In some implementations, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station. In some implementations, the third condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can be configured based on an RRC Release message transmitted from the base station to the UE.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can be configured based on the MT-SDT paging message.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method400can be performed by a user equipment (UE).

In some implementations, the method400can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

FIG.4Billustrates a flowchart of an example method420. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method420in the context of the other figures in this description. For example, method420can be performed, at least in part, by the base station104and/or the access node600shown inFIGS.1and6, respectively. It will be understood that method420can be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment, software, hardware, or a combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, various steps of method420can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, or in any order.

According to the method420, a base station receives data for transmission to a user equipment (UE), where the UE is in an RRC_INACTIVE state (block422).

Further, the base station transmits, to the UE, a MT-SDT paging message (block424).

Further, the base station performs at least one of: (i) upon receiving an uplink (UL) response message indicating an initiation of MT-SDT by the UE, transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT, or (ii) upon determining that the UE entered an RRC_CONNECTED State, transmitting the data to the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state (block426)

In some implementations, the method can also include transmitting, by the base station to the UE configuration information representing one or more conditions for transferring the data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the configuration information can be transmitted from the base station to the UE via an RRC Release message.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the configuration information can be transmitted from the base station to the UE via the MT-SDT paging message.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station. In some implementations, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station and the UE. In some implementations, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station. In some implementations, the third condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the base station can transmit the MT-SDT paging message responsive to: determining a resource block (RB) associated with the data for transmission to the UE, and determining that the RB is configured for MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method420can be performed by a base station.

In some implementations, the method420can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

FIG.4Cillustrates a flowchart of an example method440. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method440in the context of the other figures in this description. For example, method440can be performed, at least in part, by the UE102and/or UE500shown inFIGS.1and5, respectively. It will be understood that method440can be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment, software, hardware, or a combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, various steps of method440can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, or in any order.

According to the method440, a device receives, in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a paging message from a base station of a wireless network, the paging messaging including a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication (block442).

The device determines whether one or more conditions for exchanging data with the base station using MT-SDT are satisfied (block444).

The device transmits, in the RRC_INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message to initiate the MT-SDT, based on a determination that the one or more conditions are satisfied (block446).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received from the base station.

In some implementations, the first condition can be satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message to the base station.

In some implementations, the second condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method can include determining that the first condition is not satisfied, and responsive to determining that the first conditions is not satisfied, initiating an RRC Resume procedure.

In some implementations, the UL response message can be transmitted using one or more resources selected based on a configuration received from the base station.

In some implementations, the configuration received from the base station can be a RRC specific configuration.

In some implementations, the configuration received from the base station can be a System Information Block (SIB) broadcast configuration.

FIG.4Dillustrates a flowchart of an example method460. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method460in the context of the other figures in this description. For example, method460can be performed, at least in part, by the base station104and/or the access node600shown inFIGS.1and6, respectively. It will be understood that method460can be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment, software, hardware, or a combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, various steps of method460can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, or in any order.

According to the method460, a device transmits, to the UE in an RRC-INACTIVE state, a paging message including a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication (block462).

Further, the device receives, from the UE in the RRC-INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message initiating the MT-SDT, where the UL response message based on one or more conditions for exchanging data with the UE using the MT-SDT being satisfied (block464).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE.

In some implementations, the first condition can be satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

In some implementations, the first condition can be configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

In some implementations, the one or more conditions can include a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource by the EU for transmitting the UL response message.

In some implementations, the second condition can include selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the legacy RACH resource can be selected by the UE, and the legacy RACH resource can be different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

In some implementations, the method can include receiving data for transmission to the UE, and transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT.

In some implementations, the method460can be performed by a base station.

In some implementations, the method460can be performed by at least one baseband processor.

Example Systems and Devices:

FIG.5illustrates a UE500, according to some implementations. The UE500may be similar to and substantially interchangeable with UE102ofFIG.1.

The UE500may include processors502, RF interface circuitry504, memory/storage506, user interface508, sensors510, driver circuitry512, power management integrated circuit (PMIC)514, antenna structure516, and battery518. The components of the UE500may be implemented as integrated circuits (ICs), portions thereof, discrete electronic devices, or other modules, logic, hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The block diagram ofFIG.5is intended to show a high-level view of some of the components of the UE500. However, some of the components shown may be omitted, additional components may be present, and different arrangement of the components shown may occur in other implementations.

The components of the UE500may be coupled with various other components over one or more interconnects520, which may represent any type of interface, input/output, bus (local, system, or expansion), transmission line, trace, optical connection, etc. that allows various circuit components (on common or different chips or chipsets) to interact with one another.

The processors502may include processor circuitry such as, for example, baseband processor circuitry (BB)522A, central processor unit circuitry (CPU)522B, and graphics processor unit circuitry (GPU)522C. The processors502may include any type of circuitry or processor circuitry that executes or otherwise operates computer-executable instructions, such as program code, software modules, or functional processes from memory/storage506to cause the UE500to perform operations as described herein.

In some implementations, the baseband processor circuitry522A may access a communication protocol stack524in the memory/storage506to communicate over a 3GPP compatible network. In general, the baseband processor circuitry522A may access the communication protocol stack to: perform user plane functions at a physical (PHY) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and PDU layer; and perform control plane functions at a PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, RRC layer, and a non-access stratum layer. In some implementations, the PHY layer operations may additionally/alternatively be performed by the components of the RF interface circuitry504. The baseband processor circuitry522A may generate or process baseband signals or waveforms that carry information in 3GPP-compatible networks. In some implementations, the waveforms for NR may be based cyclic prefix orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) “CP-OFDM” in the uplink or downlink, and discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM “DFT-S-OFDM” in the uplink.

The memory/storage506may include one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media that includes instructions (for example, communication protocol stack524) that may be executed by one or more of the processors502to cause the UE500to perform various operations described herein. The memory/storage506include any type of volatile or non-volatile memory that may be distributed throughout the UE500. In some implementations, some of the memory/storage506may be located on the processors502themselves (for example, L1 and L2 cache), while other memory/storage506is external to the processors502but accessible thereto via a memory interface. The memory/storage506may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory such as, but not limited to, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, solid-state memory, or any other type of memory device technology.

The RF interface circuitry504may include transceiver circuitry and radio frequency front module (RFEM) that allows the UE500to communicate with other devices over a radio access network. The RF interface circuitry504may include various elements arranged in transmit or receive paths. These elements may include, for example, switches, mixers, amplifiers, filters, synthesizer circuitry, control circuitry, etc.

The sensors510may include devices, modules, or subsystems whose purpose is to detect events or changes in its environment and send the information (sensor data) about the detected events to some other device, module, subsystem, etc. Examples of such sensors include, inter alia, inertia measurement units including accelerometers, gyroscopes, or magnetometers; microelectromechanical systems or nanoelectromechanical systems including 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscopes, or magnetometers; level sensors; temperature sensors (for example, thermistors); pressure sensors; image capture devices (for example, cameras or lensless apertures); light detection and ranging sensors; proximity sensors (for example, infrared radiation detector and the like); depth sensors; ambient light sensors; ultrasonic transceivers; microphones or other like audio capture devices; etc.

The driver circuitry512may include software and hardware elements that operate to control particular devices that are embedded in the UE500, attached to the UE500, or otherwise communicatively coupled with the UE500. The driver circuitry512may include individual drivers allowing other components to interact with or control various input/output (I/O) devices that may be present within, or connected to, the UE500. For example, driver circuitry512may include a display driver to control and allow access to a display device, a touchscreen driver to control and allow access to a touchscreen interface, sensor drivers to obtain sensor readings of sensor circuitry510and control and allow access to sensor circuitry510, drivers to obtain actuator positions of electro-mechanic components or control and allow access to the electro-mechanic components, a camera driver to control and allow access to an embedded image capture device, audio drivers to control and allow access to one or more audio devices.

The PMIC514may manage power provided to various components of the UE500. In particular, with respect to the processors502, the PMIC514may control power-source selection, voltage scaling, battery charging, or DC-to-DC conversion.

In some implementations, the PMIC514may control, or otherwise be part of, various power saving mechanisms of the UE500. A battery518may power the UE500, although in some examples the UE500may be mounted deployed in a fixed location, and may have a power supply coupled to an electrical grid. The battery518may be a lithium ion battery, a metal-air battery, such as a zinc-air battery, an aluminum-air battery, a lithium-air battery, and the like. In some implementations, such as in vehicle-based applications, the battery518may be a typical lead-acid automotive battery.

FIG.6illustrates an access node600(e.g., a base station or gNB), according to some implementations. The access node600may be similar to and substantially interchangeable with base station104. The access node600may include processors602, RF interface circuitry604, core network (CN) interface circuitry606, memory/storage circuitry608, and antenna structure610.

The components of the access node600may be coupled with various other components over one or more interconnects612. The processors602, RF interface circuitry604, memory/storage circuitry608(including communication protocol stack614), antenna structure610, and interconnects612may be similar to like-named elements shown and described with respect toFIG.5. For example, the processors602may include processor circuitry such as, for example, baseband processor circuitry (BB)616A, central processor unit circuitry (CPU)616B, and graphics processor unit circuitry (GPU)616C.

The CN interface circuitry606may provide connectivity to a core network, for example, a 5th Generation Core network (5GC) using a 5GC-compatible network interface protocol such as carrier Ethernet protocols, or some other suitable protocol. Network connectivity may be provided to/from the access node600via a fiber optic or wireless backhaul. The CN interface circuitry606may include one or more dedicated processors or FPGAs to communicate using one or more of the aforementioned protocols. In some implementations, the CN interface circuitry606may include multiple controllers to provide connectivity to other networks using the same or different protocols.

As used herein, the terms “access node,” “access point,” or the like may describe equipment that provides the radio baseband functions for data and/or voice connectivity between a network and one or more users. These access nodes can be referred to as BS, gNBs, RAN nodes, eNBs, NodeBs, RSUs, TRxPs or TRPs, and so forth, and can include ground stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations providing coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). As used herein, the term “NG RAN node” or the like may refer to an access node600that operates in an NR or 5G system (for example, a gNB), and the term “E-UTRAN node” or the like may refer to an access node600that operates in an LTE or 4G system (e.g., an eNB). According to various implementations, the access node600may be implemented as one or more of a dedicated physical device such as a macrocell base station, and/or a low power (LP) base station for providing femtocells, picocells or other like cells having smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to macrocells.

In some implementations, all or parts of the access node600may be implemented as one or more software entities running on server computers as part of a virtual network, which may be referred to as a CRAN and/or a virtual baseband unit pool (vBBUP). In V2X scenarios, the access node600may be or act as a “Road Side Unit.” The term “Road Side Unit” or “RSU” may refer to any transportation infrastructure entity used for V2X communications. An RSU may be implemented in or by a suitable RAN node or a stationary (or relatively stationary) UE, where an RSU implemented in or by a UE may be referred to as a “UE-type RSU,” an RSU implemented in or by an eNB may be referred to as an “eNB-type RSU,” an RSU implemented in or by a gNB may be referred to as a “gNB-type RSU,” and the like.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

Example A1 includes a method comprising: receiving, by a user equipment (UE) in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) paging message from a base station of a wireless network; determining, by the UE, whether one or more conditions for transferring data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT have been configured; and performing at least one of: (i) upon determining that the one or more conditions have not been configured, transmitting, by the UE, an uplink (UL) response message to the base station indicating an initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, (ii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that the one or more configured conditions have been satisfied, transmitting, by the UE, the UL response message to the base station indicating the initiation of MT-SDT, and receiving, by the UE, data from the base station using MT-SDT, or (iii) upon determining that the one or more conditions have been configured and that at least one of the one or more configured conditions has not been satisfied, receiving, by the UE, data from the base station in an RRC_CONNECTED state.

Example A2 includes the method of Example A1. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station.

Example A3 includes the method of Example A2. Further, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

Example A4 includes the method of Example 3. Further, the first condition is configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

Example A5 includes the method of Example A1. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station and the UE.

Example A6 includes the method of Example A5. Further, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

Example A7 includes the method of Example A1. Further, the one or more conditions comprise a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station.

Example A8 includes the method of Example A7. Further, the third condition comprises selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

Example A9 includes method of Example A8. Further, the legacy RACH resource is selected, and the legacy RACH resource is different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

Example A10 includes the method of Example A1. Further, the one or more conditions are configured based on an RRC Release message transmitted from the base station to the UE.

Example A11 includes the method of Example A1. Further, the one or more conditions are configured based on the MT-SDT paging message.

Example A12 includes the method of any of Examples A1-A11. Further, the method is performed by a UE.

Example A13 includes the method of any of Examples A1-A11. Further, the method is performed by a baseband processor.

Example B1 includes an apparatus comprising one or processors and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples A1-A13.

Example B2 includes the apparatus of Example B1. Further, the apparatus is a baseband processor.

Example B3 includes the apparatus of Example B2. Further, the apparatus is a baseband processor.

Example C1 includes a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples A1-A13.

Example D1 includes an apparatus comprising one or more baseband processors configured to perform the method of any of Example A1-A13.

Example E1 includes a method comprising: receiving, by a base station of a wireless network, data for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE is in an RRC_INACTIVE state; transmitting, by the base station to the UE, a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) paging message; and performing at least one of: (i) upon receiving an uplink (UL) response message indicating an initiation of MT-SDT by the UE, transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT, or (ii) upon determining that the UE entered an RRC_CONNECTED State, transmitting the data to the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

Example E2 includes the method of Example E1. Further, the method includes transmitting, by the base station to the UE configuration information representing one or more conditions for transferring the data from the base station to the UE using MT-SDT.

Example E3 includes the method of Example E2. Further, at least a portion of the configuration information is transmitted from the base station to the UE via an RRC Release message.

Example E4 includes the method of Example E2. Further, at least a portion of the configuration information is transmitted from the base station to the UE via the MT-SDT paging message.

Example E5 includes the method of Example E2. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE from the base station.

Example E6 includes the method of Example E5. Further, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

Example E7, includes the method of Example E6. Further, the first condition is configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

Example E8 includes the method of Example E2. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a second condition pertaining to at least one of a radio bearer or a radio service for transmitting data between the base station and the UE.

Example E9 includes the method of Example E8. Further, the second condition is satisfied upon the UE determining that one or more resource blocks (RBs) indicated by the base station are configured for MT-SDT.

Example E10 includes the method of Example E2. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a third condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message from the UE to the base station.

Example E11 includes the method of Example E10. Further, the third condition comprises selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

Example E12 includes the method of Example E1. Further, the legacy RACH resource is selected, and the legacy RACH resource is different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

Example E13 includes the method of Example E1. Further, the base station transmits the MT-SDT paging message responsive to: determining a resource block (RB) associated with the data for transmission to the UE, and determining that the RB is configured for MT-SDT.

Example E14 includes the method of any of Examples E1-E13. Further, the method is performed by a base station.

Example E15 includes the method of any of Examples E1-E13. Further, the method is performed by a baseband processor.

Example F1 includes an apparatus comprising one or processors and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples E1-E11.

Example F2 includes the apparatus of Example F1. Further, the apparatus is a baseband processor.

Example F3 includes the apparatus of Example F1. Further, the apparatus is a base station.

Example G1 includes a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples E1-E15.

Example H1 includes an apparatus comprising one or more baseband processors configured to perform the methods of any of claims Examples E1-E15.

Example H1 includes a method comprising: receiving, in an RRC_INACTIVE state, a paging message from a base station of a wireless network, the paging messaging comprising a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication; determining whether one or more conditions for exchanging data with the base station using MT-SDT are satisfied; and transmitting, in the RRC_INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message to initiate the MT-SDT, based on a determination that the one or more conditions are satisfied.

Example H2 includes the method of Example H1. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received from the base station.

Example H3 includes the method of Example H2. Further, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

Example H4 includes the method of Example H2. Further, the first condition is configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

Example H5 includes the method of Example H2. Further, the one or more conditions comprise a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource for transmitting the UL response message to the base station.

Example H6 includes the method of Example H5. Further, the second condition comprises selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

Example H7 includes the method of Example H6. Further, the legacy RACH resource is selected, and wherein the legacy RACH resource is different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

Example H8 includes the method of Example H2. Further, the method comprises: determining that the first condition is not satisfied, and responsive to determining that the first conditions is not satisfied, initiating an RRC Resume procedure.

Example H9 includes the method of Example H1. Further, the UL response message is transmitted using one or more resources selected based on a configuration received from the base station.

Example H10 includes the method of Example E9. Further, the configuration received from the base station is a RRC specific configuration.

Example H11 includes the method of Example E9. Further, the configuration received from the base station is a System Information Block (SIB) broadcast configuration.

Example I1 includes an apparatus comprising one or processors and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples H1-H11.

Example I2 includes the apparatus of Example I1. Further, the apparatus is a baseband processor.

Example I3 includes the apparatus of Example I1. Further, the apparatus is a UE.

Example J1 includes a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples H1-H11.

Example K1 includes method comprising: transmitting, to the UE in an RRC-INACTIVE state, a paging message comprising a Mobile Terminated Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) indication; and receiving, from the UE in the RRC-INACTIVE state, an uplink (UL) response message initiating the MT-SDT, based on one or more conditions for exchanging data with the UE using the MT-SDT being satisfied.

Example K2 includes the method of Example K1. Further, the one or more conditions comprises a first condition pertaining to a radio quality of wireless signals received by the UE.

Example K3 includes the method of Example K2. Further, the first condition is satisfied when a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the wireless signals is greater than a threshold value.

Example K4 includes the method of Example K2. Further, the first condition is configured for both MT-SDT and Mobile Originated Small Data Transmission (MO-SDT).

Example K5 includes the method of Example K2. Further, the one or more conditions comprise a second condition pertaining to a selection of a resource by the EU for transmitting the UL response message.

Example K6 includes the method of Example K5. Further, the second condition comprises selecting the resource from among: a legacy Random Access Channel (RACH) resource, a RACH resource specific to Small Data Transmission (SDT), and a Configured Grant (CG) resource specific to SDT.

Example K7 includes the method of Example K6. Further, the legacy RACH resource is selected by the UE, and wherein the legacy RACH resource is different from one or more RACH resources specific to SDT.

Example K8 includes the method of Example K1. Further, the method comprises: receiving data for transmission to the UE, and transmitting the data to the UE using MT-SDT.

Example K9 includes the method of any of Examples K1-K8. Further, the method is performed by a base station.

Example K10 includes the method of any of Examples K1-K8. Further, the method is performed by a baseband processor.

Example L1 includes an apparatus comprising one or processors and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples K1-K10.

Example L2 includes the apparatus of Example L1. Further, the apparatus is a baseband processor.

Example L3 includes the apparatus of Example L1. Further, the apparatus is a base station.

Example M1 includes a non-transitory computer storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of Examples K1-K10.