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RRC Inactive State in 5G-NR
RRC Inactive State in 5G-NR
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➢ RRC_CONNECTED: Similar in concept to its LTE counterpart, this
state is achieved once the UE successfully establishes an RRC
connection with the network. In this state, the UE is actively
engaged in communication, data transfer, or voice calls.
• Transfer of both application data and signaling between
the UE and network is done in connected mode.
• Application data transferred by using DRB and signaling
can be transferred using SRB.
• CRNTI is provided by Base station to address UE during
RACH.
• AMF maintains NG signaling connection with Base Station.
• UPF maintains GTP-U tunnels with Base Station.
• UE monitors Control Channels for Resource Allocations.
• The UE reports Channel State information (CSI). It includes
CQI, RI, PMI, LI, CRI (CSI-RS Resource Indicator) and SSBRI
(SS/PBCH Block Resource Indicator).
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data transmissions from smartphones exacerbates this, causing
frequent Idle-Connected-Idle transitions. To mitigate these
challenges, 5G NR introduces the RRC_INACTIVE state. This
state helps alleviate network signalling load and reduces latency
when transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state.
• In the 5G NR landscape, the introduction of the
RRC_INACTIVE state tackles the challenges posed by
frequent idle-to-connected transitions. By maintaining a
suspended yet more responsive connection, the UE can
significantly reduce signalling overhead and latency.
• RRC context and CORE network connection is kept in both
the UE and the gNB.
• Transition to connected state for data transfer is fast.
• RRC inactive make the device in sleep like an idle state but
the mobility is handled through cell reselection without
involvement of network.
• Its acts like mix combo of IDLE and Connected state.
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Note: UE in RRC IDLE cannot move to RRC INACTIVE
Operational Considerations:
➢ Within 5G NR, a UE occupies the RRC_CONNECTED state upon
successfully establishing an RRC connection with the network.
➢ In instances where an RRC connection is suspended while
connected to a 5G Core (5GC) network, the UE shifts to the
RRC_INACTIVE state. This state helps balance the need for
responsiveness with power-saving measures.
➢ If no RRC connection has been established, the UE reverts to
the RRC_IDLE state, marking a state of dormancy until
communication is required.
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➢ It's crucial to recognize that in the Non-Standalone (NSA) mode
of operation, where NR cells coexist with LTE infrastructure,
only the RRC_CONNECTED state is applicable.
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"suspendConfig" holds crucial significance in configuring the
RRC_INACTIVE state for a UE. It encompasses several key
attributes that collectively shape the behaviour of this state:
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effective mobility management while in the RRC_INACTIVE
state.
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➢ Network Response: When a request to resume the RRC
connection is received, the network has several options:
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Reference- 38.304 Figure 5.2.2-1: RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE Cell Selection and Reselection
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UE state machine and state transitions between NR/5GC, E-
UTRA/EPC and EUTRA/5GC
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An alternative depiction of this signalling procedure has been
presented by Rahim Navael, and I'm privileged to share this
illustration in this context:
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This visual aid further enriches the understanding of the complex
signalling procedures, enhancing the clarity and depth of
comprehension for this critical aspect of 5G NR operation.
Kudos to Rahim Navael for contributing to the visualization of this
intricate procedure.
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signalling from the Access and Mobility Management Function
(AMF), initiates paging messages across all cells within the RNA.
Furthermore, neighbouring 5G BS(s) interconnected through the Xn
interface might also receive these paging messages, enhancing the
efficacy of communication.
Enabling RRC_INACTIVE State:
Both the 5G device and the last serving gNB node retain the Inactive
AS Context of the device. This context encompasses critical elements
such as radio protocol information and security parameters.
Additionally, the last serving 5G BS shoulders the responsibility of
upholding the UE's associated Next-Generation (NG) connections,
specifically NG-C and NG-U, with the serving AMF and UPF. This
sustained connectivity ensures seamless communication.
Role of AMF and Core Network Assistance Information:
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The AMF plays a central role in this framework by supplying Core
Network Assistance Information to the 5G BS node.
This information empowers the 5G BS to make informed decisions
regarding the transition of a device to the RRC_INACTIVE state.
Furthermore, it facilitates UE configuration and paging while the
device resides in the RRC_INACTIVE state.
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