Method for redefining a time alignment timer of a wireless communication network, corresponding user equipment and network node

A user equipment, UE, for operation in a wireless communication network, the user equipment comprising:

• a transceiver configured to provide radio communications with a network node of the wireless communication network;
• a memory configured to store computer executable instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer executable instructions to perform operations comprising:
• determining that a Radio Resource Control, RRC connection from the UE to a network node is operating in Connected Discontinuous Reception, CDRX, mode;
• transmitting, to the network node, in response to the determining that the RRC connection is operating in CDRX mode, an initial message comprising a Protocol Feature Type, PFT;
• and
• receiving, from the network node, in response to the initial message, a handshake message comprising the PFT, and one or more values for redefining a time alignment timer.

A method by a network node serving a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network, the method comprising:

• determining that a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connection from the network node to a UE is operating in Connected Discontinuous Reception, CDRX, mode;
• transmitting, to the UE, in response to the determining that the RRC connection is operating in CDRX mode, an announcement message indicating a Network Type and Software Version Number, N-TSVN and indicating support for a Protocol Feature Type, PFT;
• receiving, from the UE, in response to the announcement message, an initial message indicating support for a Protocol Feature Type, PFT;
• and
• transmitting, to the UE, in response to the initial message, a handshake message comprising the PFT, and one or more values for redefining a Time Alignment Timer.

A network node serving a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network, the network node comprising:

• a transceiver configured to provide radio communications with the UE of the wireless communication network;
• a memory configured to store computer executable instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to execute the computer executable instructions to perform operations comprising:
• determining that a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connection from the network node to a UE is operating in Connected Discontinuous Reception, CDRX, mode;
• transmitting, to the UE, in response to the determining that the RRC connection is operating in CDRX mode, an announcement message indicating a Network Type and Software Version Number, N-TSVN and indicating support of a Protocol Feature Type, PFT;
• receiving, from the UE, in response to the announcement message, an initial message comprising a Protocol Feature Type, PFT;
• and
• transmitting, to the UE, in response to the initial message, a handshake message comprising the PFT, and one or more values for redefining a Time Alignment Timer.