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 RAC Release indicator and an RRC Connection Release.

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive, from a network, a first access control message and a second access control message. The first access control message corresponds to a first access control service, and the second access control message corresponds to a second access control service. The first and second access control messages include access control information for controlling access to the network for at least one application on the UE. The UE is also configured to determine a combined access level for the at least one application based on the first and second access control messages and to limit access to wireless communications for the at least one application based on the combined access level.

Abstract: Generally, this disclosure provides apparatus and methods for improved signaling of User Equipment (UE) assistance information in a wireless network. The UE device may include a processing circuit configured to generate an assistance information message including a power preference indicator (PPI) and mobility state information (MSI), the PPI and the MSI associated with the UE; a signal generation module configured to generate a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer Control Element (CE) signal, the MAC CE signal including the assistance information message; and a transmitter circuit configured to transmit the MAC CE signal to an evolved Node B (eNB) of a wireless network associated with the UE, the MAC CE signal transmitted on an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH). The assistance information message may also be generated as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message and transmitted on an uplink dedicated control channel (UL-DCCH).

Abstract: Embodiments of an eNodeB and method for small data transfer in a Wireless Network are generally described herein. A method performed by circuitry of a User Equipment (UE) can include determining, by the UE, whether the UE is configured to be used for Machine Type Communication (MTC). The method can include determining whether the UE has small data (SD) to transfer. The method can include configuring the UE to use a small data signaling radio bearer (SDSRB) to send the SD, in response to determining that the UE is configured to be used for MTC and the UE has SD to transfer. An evolved Node B can determine whether the UE is configured to be used for MTC, determine whether there is SD to transfer to the UE, wherein SD comprises data that has delay tolerance, and configure the UE to use a signaling bearer to send the SD.

Abstract: Embodiments of an eNodeB and method for Machine Type Communication in a Wireless Network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a method performed by circuitry of an evolved Node B (eNodeB) can include receiving, by the eNodeB, a notification that a User Equipment (UE) is configured to be used for Machine Type Communication (MTC). The method can include determining whether the UE is in a Radio Resource Control Connected (RRC_Connected) state and determining whether the UE can enter a power saving mode. The method can include configuring the UE to change to an RRC Deep Idle mode, in response to determining that the UE is in the RRC_Connected state and the UE can enter the power saving mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of a User Equipment (UE) and method for selecting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity timer for a service operating in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to operate in a 3GPP network in accordance with a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity timer that controls RRC state transitions of the UE, and further in accordance with a Machine Type Communication (MTC) mode of operation. The UE may receive, from an Evolved Node-B (eNB), one or more messages that may include an RRC inactivity timer keep connected support value that indicates support of a keep connected mode. In some embodiments, when the UE operates in keep connected mode, the UE operates in an RRC connected state and is restricted from operating in other RRC states.

Abstract: Embodiments of wireless communication devices and method for congestion control in a wireless network are generally described herein. Some of these embodiments describe a method, performed by an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), that includes operations of determining that a congestion condition exists on the network. An example method can also include transmitting a suspension notification to a user equipment (UE), the UE being in an RRC_CONNECTED state with the eNodeB, to notify the UE that a radio bearer (RB) operating in the network will be suspended. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a user equipment or mobile station may provide assistance to the eNB or base station so that eNB or base station can more effectively provide settings to the user equipment. Because the user equipment may have more in depth knowledge about the conditions that exist at the user equipment, efficiencies may be achieved by providing information to the eNB from which the eNB can better set various settings on the user equipment, including those related to power saving and latency.

Abstract: Generally, this disclosure provides apparatus and methods for improved signaling of User Equipment (UE) assistance information in a wireless network. The UE device may include a processing circuit configured to generate an assistance information message including a power preference indicator (PPI) and mobility state information (MSI), the PPI and the MSI associated with the UE; a signal generation module configured to generate a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer Control Element (CE) signal, the MAC CE signal including the assistance information message; and a transmitter circuit configured to transmit the MAC CE signal to an evolved Node B (eNB) of a wireless network associated with the UE, the MAC CE signal transmitted on an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH). The assistance information message may also be generated as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message and transmitted on an uplink dedicated control channel (UL-DCCH).

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 RAC Release indicator and an RRC Connection Release.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for communicating enhanced user equipment (UE) assistance information between nodes in wireless communication systems. The UE achieves power savings and latency requirements more effectively by communicating its preferences, constraints and/or requirements to an evolved Node B (eNodeB) in the form of UE assistance information. The UE assistance information may include, for example, an indication of a preferred set of discontinuous reception (DRX) settings, current data traffic conditions, expected data traffic conditions, power or performance preferences, and/or an indication of the UE's mobility between cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and base stations (eNodeB) and method for reducing power consumption in UE in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, characteristics of UE including mobility, communication data load, and communication type are used by base stations, MME or other controlling entities to configure power saving features of the UE. Power saving features can include a new Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer state where circuitry is powered off for extended periods of time, extended Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycles, reduced workloads in existing RRC, EPC Connection Management (ECM) and/or EPS Mobility Management (EMM) states or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Technology for enabling small data transmissions in a user equipment (UE) configured for machine type communication (MTC) is disclosed. One method comprises receiving, by the UE from an evolved node (eNB), a system information block (SIB). The SIB can include system information relating to small data transmissions for MTC. The system information included in the SIB is read by the UE. The small data transmission is performed, from the UE to the eNB, based on the system information included in the SIB.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a new discontinuous reception (DRX) parameter change may be received in user equipment while the user equipment is using an existing DRX parameter. The user equipment continues to use the existing parameter and determines when a new discontinuous reception cycle is starting. The change to the next discontinuous reception parameter is implemented in the new discontinuous reception cycle. In some embodiments by having an agreed upon time to implement the change to the new parameter, signaling between an enhanced node B and user equipment may be reduced. Signaling overhead is a serious impediment to achieving high efficiency in wireless communications.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a user equipment or mobile station may provide assistance to the eNB or base station so that eNB or base station can more effectively provide settings to the user equipment. Because the user equipment may have more in depth knowledge about the conditions that exist at the user equipment, efficiencies may be achieved by providing information to the eNB from which the eNB can better set various settings on the user equipment, including those related to power saving and latency.