Apparatus and method for small data transmission in 3gpp-lte systems

Abstract

In Machine Type Communication (MTC) with a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network, there is often a need to transmit and receive small data payloads. New information elements (IEs) have been defined to ease the transmission and receipt of small data payloads. Methods and systems can use the new IEs to more efficiently transmit and receive data. The new IEs include a Small Data ACK IE and a Small Data Container IE. Other new messages include an RRC Release Indicator and an RRC Connection Release.

We claim: 
     
         1 . User equipment (UE) comprising:
 a processor; and   a transceiver; wherein the processor is arranged to:
 receive a request to send a small data payload to the UE from the transceiver; 
 instruct the transceiver to send a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Request message to an evolved Node B (eNB); 
 receive an RRC Connection Setup message from the eNB from the transceiver; 
 instruct the transceiver to send an RRC Connection Setup Complete message to the eNB; and 
 receive an RRC Connection Release message from the eNB the transceiver; wherein: 
 the RRC Connection Setup message comprises the small data payload; and 
 the RRC Connection Setup Complete message comprises a Small Data Acknowledgment (ACK) message arranged to indicate the receipt of the small data payload.