LTE – UE Idle mode behavior

 A UE that is powered on but does not have RRC connection is considered to be in idle
mode.
 Idle mode management can increase access success rate, QOS and ensure UE’s camp on cells
with good rx signal level and qualities.
 In IDLE mode UE can perform ,

1) PLMN selection
2) Cell search and selection
3) Cell reselection
4) TA update
5) Periodic paging monitoring

 RRC Status transition:

 LTE is capable with “always online” functions, after UE initial attach, the default RRC
status is active.
 There is a timer, “UE inactive timer” in nodeb to control active to idle transition. When a
UE has neither received nor sent data for a duration exceeding UEINACTIVETIMER
(default: 10s) , the enodeb releases the radio resources for the UE.

1) PLMN selection:

 PLMN identity consists of MCC and MNC.

 When a UE is powered ON or recovers from lack of coverage , after the cell search , the UE
first selects the last registered PLMN and attempts to register on that PLMN. If the
registration on that PLMN is successful, the UE shows selected PLMN on display, and can
the obtain services from operator. If the last registered PLMN is unavailable or PLMN
registration fails , another PLMN can be automatically or manually selected according to
PLMN priorities stored in USIM.
 2) Cell search and selection :
In order to access a cell the device must find and synchronize to the cell. It is then able to decode the
System Information messages and perform PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) and Cell Selection. Once
this has been completed, the device is in a position to access the cell and establish a RRC connection, i.e.
a SRB (Signaling Radio Bearer).

Initially the UE is unaware of the downlink configuration of the cell, unless it has stored information
from when it was previously attached. Assuming no information, the synchronization process must be
quick and concise. Figure illustrates the location of the PSS and SSS.
Cell search procedure is as follows,