Packet-oriented features like HSDPA and E-DCH in WCDMA/UMTS systems will promote the subscribers' desire for continuous connectivity, where the user stays connected over a long time span with only occasional active periods of data transmission, and avoiding frequent connection termination and re-establishment with its inherent overhead and delay. This is the perceived mode a subscriber is used to in fixed broadband networks (e.g. DSL) and a precondition to attract users from fixed broadband networks. To support a high number of HSDPA users in the code limited downlink the feature F-DPCH was introduced in REL-6. In the uplink, the limiting factor for supporting a similarly high number of E-DCH users is the noise rise. For such a high number of users in the cell it can be assumed that many users are not transmitting any user data for some time (e.g. for reading during web browsing or in between packets for periodic packet transmission such as VoIP).The corresponding overhead in the noise rise caused by maintained control channels will significantly limit the number of users that can be efficiently supported. As completely releasing dedicated channels during periods of traffic inactivity would cause considerable delays for reestablishing data transmission and a corresponding bad user perception, this WI is intended to reduce the impact of control channels on uplink noise rise while maintaining the connections and allowing a much faster reactivation for temporarily inactive users.

The present document summarizes the work done under the WI "Continuous Connectivity for Packet Data Users" defined in [1] by listing technical concepts addressing the objectives of the work item (see below), analysing these technical concepts and selecting the best solution (which might be a combination of technical concepts). "The objective of this work item is to reduce the uplink noise rise from physical control channels of packet data users, e.g. for users which have temporarily no data transmission. This is intended to significantly increase the number of packet data users (i.e. HS-DSCH/E-DCH users without UL DPDCH) in the UMTS FDD system that can stay in CELL_DCH state over a long time period, without degrading cell throughput, and that can restart transmission after a period of inactivity with a much shorter delay (<50ms) than would be necessary for reestablishment of a new connection The objective covers also schemes which could allow improving the achievable UL capacity for VoIP users with its inherent periodic transmission through reducing the overhead of the control channels. Mobility and downlink transmission should not be impacted for these users." The present document provides the base for the following preparation of change requests to the corresponding RAN specifications.