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: 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: 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.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a user equipment can initiate connected-to-idle mode transitions. A three way handshake is undertaken before allowing network disconnection. The transition can be made with a reasonable amount of signaling overhead.