INITIAL ACCESS FOR PRACH TRANSMISSION

Description

1 / 81 “INITIAL ACCESS FOR PRACH TRANSMISSION” CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application US No. 63 / 457,029 filed on April 4, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[002] NR, or New Radio, is a 5G mobile communication standard developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to provide high-speed and reliable wireless communication services. NR includes a variety of features and techniques to improve communication quality, increase network capacity, and reduce latency. Beam selection is one of the key features of NR that helps improve wireless communication performance. Beam selection involves selecting the ideal beam direction or beamforming for the transmission and reception of wireless signals. With the use of beamforming, NR can focus transmission energy in a specific direction, which can improve signal quality, reduce interference, and increase network range and capacity. SUMMARY

[003] A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) may receive an indication of a set of one or more transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and an indication of a set of one or more skipped SSBs in an SSB burst. Each of the one or more skipped SSBs may not be transmitted by a base station in the SSB burst. The WTRU may determine whether to send an indication that the WTRU wishes to use a first skipped SSB from the one or more skipped SSBs. The WTRU may transmit a random access preamble using one or more random access features. One or more of the random access preambles or one or more random access features may be indicative of the first skipped SSB. The WTRU may receive at least one Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 12 / 108 2 / 81 downlink transmission using a beam associated with the first bypassed SSB.

[004] The WTRU may also receive configuration information associated with one or more transmitted SSBs. The configuration information may include a list of candidate beams. The list of candidate beams may include the beam associated with the first skipped SSB.

[005] In one embodiment, configuration information may include beam indices, an azimuth angle, an elevation angle, or a boresight angle. The random access preamble may be transmitted using a beam associated with a first transmitted SSB from the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, and the random access preamble of one or more random access resources associated with the first transmitted SSB may be indicative of the first skipped SSB.

[006] In one example, one or more random access resources may include a first random access resource and a second random access resource. The first random access resource may be associated with a first transmitted SSB and the second random access resource may be associated with the first skipped SSB.

[007] The WTRU can be additionally configured to receive a setting indicating whether SSB hopping is enabled.

[008] WTRU can also be configured to use an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model to predict a list of preferred predicted SSBs from a set of one or more skipped SSBs. The one or more random access features can be based on one or more transmitted SSBs, one or more skipped SSBs, or a combination of one or more transmitted SSBs and one or more skipped SSBs.

[009] In one example, the first skipped SSB of one or more skipped SSBs can be used for or after an initial access procedure. A Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 13 / 108 3 / 81 indication sent in a random access message three using one or more random access features may be indicative of the first SSB being skipped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] Figure 1A is a system diagram that illustrates an example of a communication system in which one or more disclosed modalities can be implemented.

[011] Figure 1B is a system diagram that illustrates an example of a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A according to one mode.

[012] Figure 1C is a system diagram that illustrates an example of a radio access network (RAN) and an example of a core network (CN) that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A according to a modality.

[013] Figure 1D is a system diagram that illustrates an additional example of RAN and an additional example of CN that can be used within the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A according to a modality.

[014] Figure 2 is a diagram that illustrates an example of transmission hopping of a subset of SSBs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[015] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a 100 communication system in which one or more disclosed modalities can be implemented. The 100 communication system can be a multiple access system that provides content, such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcasting, etc., to multiple wireless users. The 100 communication system can allow multiple wireless users to access such content by sharing system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, 100 communication systems can employ one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 14 / 108 4 / 81 (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), single word DFT-spread zero-tail OFDM (ZT UW DTS-s OFDM), single word OFDM (UW-OFDM), feature block filtered OFDM, filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), and similar.

[016] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a RAN 104 / 113, a CN 106 / 115, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110 and other networks 112, although it should be considered that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, any of which may be referred to as a “station” and / or “STA”, may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a subscription-based unit, a pager, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop computer,A netbook-type computer, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, an access point or Mi-Fi device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wristwatch or other wearable device, a virtual reality headset (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and its applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and its applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and similar devices. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a WTRU. Furthermore, any description herein, Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 15 / 108 5 / 81 A document that is described with reference to a UE may also be applicable to a WTRU (or vice versa). For example, a WTRU may be configured to perform any of the processes or procedures described in this document as being performed by a UE (or vice versa).

[017] Communication systems 100 may also include a base station 114a and / or a base station 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as CN 106 / 115, the Internet 110 and / or other networks 112. By way of example, base stations 114a, 114b may be a transceiver base station (BTS), a B Node, an eNode-B, a home B Node, a home eNode-B, a gNB, an NR NodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router and the like. Although base stations 114a and 114b are each shown as a single element, it is understood that base stations 114a and 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[018] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), relay nodes, etc. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be called a cell (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage for a wireless service to a specific geographic area that may be relatively fixed or that may change over time. The cell may also be divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. In this way, in one embodiment, the base station Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 16 / 108 6 / 81 The 114a can include three transceivers, one for each sector of the cell. In one embodiment, the 114a base station can employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and can use multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming can be used to transmit and / or receive signals in desired spatial directions.

[019] Base stations 114a, 114b can communicate with one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d via an air interface 116, which can be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 116 can be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[020] More specifically, as noted above, communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, and the like. For example, base station 114a in RAN 104 / 113 and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may establish the air interface 115 / 116 / 117 by using Wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed ​​Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High-Speed ​​UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

[021] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology, such as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 with the use of long-term evolution (LTE) and / or advanced LTE (LTE-A) and / or advanced LTE Pro (LTE-A Pro).

[022] In one mode, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 17 / 108 7 / 81 102c can implement a radio technology, such as NR radio access, which can establish the 116 air interface through the use of New Radio (NR).

[023] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technology. For example, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for example, using dual connectivity (DC) principles. In this way, the air interface used by WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions sent to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., an eNB and a gNB).

[024] In other embodiments, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM Evolution Enhanced Data Rates (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), and similar.

[025] Base station 114b in Figure 1A can be a wireless router, home Node B, home eNode-B, or access point, for example, and can utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a business location, a residence, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (e.g., for use by drones), a road, and the like. In one embodiment, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a radio technology, such as IEEE 802.11, to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In another embodiment, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement a radio technology, such as IEEE 802.15, to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another mode, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c and 102d can use a RAT based on Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 18 / 108 8 / 81 cellular (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell. As shown in Figure 1A, base station 114b can have a direct connection to the Internet 110. In this way, base station 114b may not be required to access the Internet 110 via CN 106 / 115.

[026] RAN 104 / 113 may be in communication with CN 106 / 115, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, application and / or voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have varying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, such as throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, and the like. CN 106 / 115 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, prepaid calls, internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions such as user authentication.Although not shown in Figure 1A, it will be understood that RAN 104 / 113 and / or CN 106 / 115 may be in direct or indirect communication with other RANs employing the same RAT as RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to RAN 104 / 113, which may be using NR radio technology, CN 106 / 115 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employing GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[027] CN 106 / 115 can also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access PSTN 108, the Internet 110 and / or other networks 112. PSTN 108 may include circuit-switched telephone networks that provide conventional telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 19 / 108 9 / 81 User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and the Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. Networks 112 may include wired and / or wireless communication networks acquired and / or operated by other service providers. For example, networks 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs that may employ the same RAT as RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT.

[028] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communications system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (for example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communication with different wireless networks via different wireless links). For example, WTRU 102c shown in Figure 1A may be configured to communicate with base station 114a, which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

[029] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an example of a WTRU 102. As shown in Figure 1B, the WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keyboard 126, a screen / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power supply 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136 and / or other peripherals 138, among others. It will be understood that the WTRU 102 may include any subcombination of the preceding elements, as long as they remain consistent with an embodiment.

[030] Processor 118 may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (PSD), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and the like. Processor 118 may perform Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 20 / 108 10 / 81 signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing and / or any other functionality that allows the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 can be coupled to the transceiver 120, which can be coupled to the transmit / receive elements 122. Although Figure 1B shows the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 as separate components, it will be understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 can be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[031] The transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit signals, or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via the air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be a transmitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive IR, UV, or visible light signals, for example. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive RF or light signals. It will be understood that the transmit / receive element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[032] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is shown in Figure 1B as a single element, the WTRU 102 can include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 can employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 can include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) to transmit and receive wireless signals through the air interface 116.

[033] Transceiver 120 can be configured to modulate the signals that will be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and to demodulate the signals that are received by the transmit / receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 can have multimodal capabilities. Thus, the Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 21 / 108 The 11 / 81 transceiver 120 can include multiple transceivers to allow the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11, for example.

[034] The WTRU 102 processor 118 can be coupled to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126 and / or the screen / touchpad 128 (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit). The processor 118 can also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124 and / or to the screen / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 can access access information and store data in any suitable type of memory, such as non-removable memory 130 and / or removable memory 132. Non-removable memory 130 can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk or any other type of memory storage device. Removable memory 132 can include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory card, a secure digital memory (SD) card and the like.In other configurations, processor 118 can access information and store data in memory that is not physically located in WTRU 102, such as in a server or a home computer (not shown).

[035] Processor 118 can receive power from power supply 134 and can be configured to distribute and / or control power to the other components in WTRU 102. Power supply 134 can be any device suitable for powering WTRU 102. For example, power supply 134 can include one or more dry batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, and the like.

[036] Processor 118 can also be coupled to the GPS 136 chipset, which can be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) relating to the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or instead of the information from the GPS 136 chipset, the WTRU 102 can receive information from Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 22 / 108 12 / 81 location via the air interface 116 of a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) and / or determine its location based on the time signals are received from two or more nearby base stations. It should be recognized that WTRU 102 can capture location information by means of any suitable location determination method, and still remain compatible with a mode.

[037] The processor 118 may also be coupled with other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photographs and / or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, hands-free headsets, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an internet browser, a virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) device, an activity tracker and the like.Peripherals 138 may include one or more sensors, the sensors may be one or more of the following: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a time sensor; a geolocation sensor; an altimeter, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a magnetometer, a barometer, a gesture sensor, a biometric sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

[038] A WTRU 102 may include a full duplex radio for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for UL (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full duplex radio may include an interference management unit 139 and substantially reduce or eliminate self-interference through hardware (e.g., a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 23 / 108 13 / 81 shutter) or signal processing by means of a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or by means of processor 118). In one embodiment, the WRTU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which the transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes for the UL (e.g., for transmission) or the downlink (e.g., for reception).

[039] Figure 1C is a system diagram illustrating RAN 104 and CN 106 according to one mode. As noted above, RAN 104 can employ E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. RAN 104 can also be in communication with CN 106.

[040] RAN 104 may include eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, although it will be understood that RAN 104 may include any number of eNode-Bs while remaining compatible with a mode. Each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may include one or more transceivers for communication with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. In a mode, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, eNode-B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals and / or receive wireless signals from WTRU 102a.

[041] Each of the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover transfer decisions, user scheduling in the UL and / or DL, and similar tasks. As shown in Figure 1C, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c can communicate with each other via an X2 interface.

[042] The CN 106 shown in Figure 1C may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a server gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (or PGW) 166. Although each of Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 108 If 14 / 81 previous elements are represented as part of CN 106, it will be understood that any of these elements may be acquired and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[043] MME 162 can be connected to each of the eNode-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in RAN 104 via an S1 interface and can serve as a control node. For example, MME 162 can be responsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, for activating / deactivating the carrier, for selecting a specific server gateway during an initial connection of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and similar. MME 162 can provide a control plane function for switching between RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[044] The SGW 164 can be connected to each of the eNode Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in RAN 104 via the S1 interface. The SGW 164 can generally route and forward user data packets to / from WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The SGW 164 can perform other functions such as anchoring user planes during handovers between eNodeBs, initiating radio fetching when DL data is available for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing contexts of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and similar.

[045] SGW 164 can be connected to PGW 166, which can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[046] CN 106 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 106 can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as PSTN 108, to facilitate communication between WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional fixed communication devices. For example, CN 106 can include, or communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between CN 106 Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 25 / 108 15 / 81 and PSTN 108. In addition, CN 106 can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other 112 networks, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[047] Although the WTRU is described in Figures 1A to 1D as a wireless terminal, it is contemplated that, in certain representative embodiments, this terminal may use (e.g., temporarily or permanently) wired communication interfaces with the communication network.

[048] In representative modalities, the other 112 network can be a WLAN.

[049] A WLAN in Basic Services Set (BSS) mode may have one Access Point (AP) for the BSS and one or more Stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP may have access to, or an interface with, a Distribution System (DS) or other type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic into and / or out of the BSS. Traffic to STAs originating outside the BSS may arrive through the AP and may be delivered to the STAs. Traffic originating from STAs to destinations outside the BSS may be sent to the AP to be delivered to the respective destinations. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be sent through the AP, for example, where the originating STA may send traffic to the AP and the AP may deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within a BSS may be considered and / or referred to as point-to-point traffic. Point-to-point traffic can be sent between (e.g., directly between) the source and destination STAs with a Direct Link System (DLS) configuration.In certain representative configurations, DLS may use either 802.11e DLS or 802.11z tunneled DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an independent BSS mode (IBSS) may not have an AP, and the STAs (e.g., all STAs) within or using IBSS may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS communication mode may sometimes be referred to in this document as an “ad hoc” communication mode.

[050] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure mode of operation or a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 26 / 108 16 / 81 In a similar mode of operation, the AP can transmit an announcement on a fixed channel, such as a primary channel. The primary channel can be a fixed width (e.g., 20 MHz bandwidth) or a dynamically defined width through signaling. The primary channel can be the BSS's operating channel and can be used by STAs to establish a connection with the AP. In certain representative embodiments, Carrier-Scan Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA / CA) can be implemented, for example, in 802.11 systems. For CSMA / CA, STAs (e.g., each STA), including the AP, can detect the primary channel. If the primary channel is picked up / detected and / or determined to be occupied by a given STA, that specific STA can back off. An STA can transmit at any given time on a given BSS.

[051] High-capacity processing (HT) STAs can use a 40 MHz wide channel for communication, for example, by combining the primary 20 MHz channel with an adjacent or non-adjacent 20 MHz channel to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[052] Very high processing capacity (VHT) STAs can support 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz and / or 160 MHz wide channels. 40 MHz and / or 80 MHz channels can be formed by combining contiguous 20 MHz channels. A 160 MHz channel can be formed by combining 8 contiguous 20 MHz channels or by combining two non-contiguous 80 MHz channels, which can be called an 80+80 configuration. For the 80+80 configuration, the data, after channel encoding, can be passed through a segment analyzer that can split the data into two streams. Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) processing and time-domain processing can be performed, for example, on each stream separately. Streams can be mapped to the two 80 MHz channels, and data can be transmitted via a transmit STA. At the receiver of the receive STA, the operation described above for the 80+80 configuration can be reversed, and the combined data can be... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 27 / 108 17 / 81 sent to Media Access Control (MAC).

[053] Sub-1 GHz operating modes are supported by 802.11af and 802.11ah. The operating channel and carrier bandwidths are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah compared to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports bandwidths of 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz in the TV white space spectrum (TVWS), and 802.11ah supports bandwidths of 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, and 16 MHz using the non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, the 802.11ah protocol can support meter-type control / machine-type communications, such as MTC devices in a macro coverage area. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, for example, limited capabilities including support for certain bandwidths and / or limited bandwidths. MTC devices may include a battery with a battery life above a certain limit (for example, to maintain a very long battery life).

[054] WLAN systems, which can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths, such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah, include one channel that can be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel can have a bandwidth equal to the highest common operational bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel can be defined and / or limited by an STA, among all operational STAs in a BSS, that supports the lowest bandwidth operating mode. In the 802.11ah example, the primary channel may have a 1 MHz bandwidth for STAs (e.g., MTC-type devices) that support (e.g., only support) a 1 MHz mode, even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier Sense and / or Network Allocation Vector (NAV) settings may depend on the primary channel status.If the primary channel is busy, for example, due to a STA (which only supports a 1 MHz operating mode), transmitting to the AP will affect everyone. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 28 / 108 18 / 81 available frequency bands can be considered occupied even if the majority of frequency bands remain idle and may be available.

[055] In the United States, the available frequency bands that can be used by 802.11ah are from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. In Korea, the available frequency bands are from 917.5 MHz to 923.5 MHz. In Japan, the available frequency bands are from 916.5 MHz to 927.5 MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is from 6 MHz to 26 MHz depending on the country code.

[056] Figure 1D is a system diagram illustrating RAN 113 and CN 115 according to one mode. As noted above, RAN 113 can employ NR radio technology to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. RAN 113 can also be in communication with CN 115.

[057] RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, although it will be recognized that RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs, as long as it remains consistent with a modality. gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers for communication with WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c via air interface 116. In a modality, gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, gNBs 180a, 180b may use beamforming to transmit signals and / or receive signals from gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, the gNB 180a, for example, can use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals and / or receive wireless signals from WTRU 102a. In one embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c can implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, the gNB 180a can transmit multiple component carriers to WTRU 102a (not shown).A subset of these component carriers may be in unlicensed spectrum, while the remaining component carriers may be in licensed spectrum. In one embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may implement coordinated multipoint (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU 102a may receive transmissions. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 29 / 108 19 / 81 coordinates of gNB 180a and gNB 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[058] WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with scalable numerology. For example, OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing can vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the wireless transmission spectrum. WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframe or transmission time intervals (TTIs) of varying or scalable durations (e.g., containing varying numbers of OFDM symbols and / or varying extended absolute time durations).

[059] gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c can be configured to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c in a standalone and / or non-standalone configuration. In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c without also accessing other RANs (e.g., eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c). In the standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can use one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c as a mobility docking point. In a standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate / connect to gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c while also communicating / connecting to other RANs such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c.For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement DC principles to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in a substantially simultaneous manner. In the non-autonomous configuration, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c can serve as a mobility anchor for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can provide additional coverage and / or processing capacity for maintaining WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 30 / 108 20 / 81

[060] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling in the UL and / or DL, network split support, dual connectivity, interoperability between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data towards User Plane Function (UPF) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information to Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 182a, 182b, and similar. As shown in Figure 1D, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c can communicate with each other through an Xn interface.

[061] The CN 115 shown in Figure 1D may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one session management function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possibly a data network (DN) 185a, 185b. Although each of the foregoing elements is represented as part of the CN 115, it will be understood that any of these elements may be acquired and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[062] The AMF 182a, 182b can be connected to one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in RAN 113 via an N2 interface and can serve as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b can be responsible for authenticating users from WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, network splitting support (e.g., handling different PDU sessions with different requirements), selecting a particular SMF 183a, 183b, register area management, NAS signaling termination, mobility management, and the like. Network splitting can be used by AMF 182a, 182b to customize CN support for WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c based on the types of services being used by WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.For example, different network slices can be established for different use cases such as services that rely on ultra-reliable low-latency access (URLLC), services that rely on mass mobile broadband access (eMBB), services for machine-to-machine communication (MTC) access, and similar services. AMF. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 31 / 108 21 / 81 162 can provide a control plane function for switching between RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies like WiFi.

[063] SMF 183a, 183b can be connected to AMF 182a, 182b on CN 115 via an N11 interface. SMF 183a, 183b can also be connected to UPF 184a, 184b on CN 115 via an N4 interface. SMF 183a, 183b can select and control UPF 184a, 184b and configure traffic routing through UPF 184a, 184b. SMF 183a, 183b can perform other functions such as managing and allocating WTRU IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy and QoS enforcement, providing downlink data notifications, and similar functions. A PDU session type can be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, and similar.

[064] UPF 184a, 184b can be connected to one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in RAN 113 via an N3 interface, which can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communication between WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. UPF 184, 184b can perform other functions such as routing and forwarding packets, applying user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, providing mobility anchoring, and the like.

[065] CN 115 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 115 can include, or communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between CN 115 and PSTN 108. Additionally, CN 115 can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other 112 networks, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can be connected to a Local Data Network (DN) 185a, 185b via UPF 184a, 184b via interface N3 to Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 32 / 108 22 / 81 UPF 184a, 184b and an N6 interface between UPF 184a, 184b and DN 185a, 185b.

[066] In view of Figures 1A to 1D and the corresponding description of Figures 1A to 1D, one or more, or all, of the functions described in this document in relation to one or more of: WTRU 102a-d, base station 114a-b, eNode B 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB 180a-c, AMF 182a-ab, UPF 184a-b, SMF 183a-b, DN 185a-b and / or any other devices described in this document may be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown). The emulation devices may be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more, or all, of the functions described in this document. For example, emulation devices can be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[067] Emulation devices can be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a laboratory environment and / or in an operator network environment. For example, one or more emulation devices can perform one or more, or all, of the functions while being wholly or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network, to test other devices within the communication network. One or more emulation devices can perform one or more, or all, of the functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The emulation device can be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or can perform tests using over-the-air wireless communication.

[068] One or more emulation devices can perform one or more, including all, functions while not being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, emulation devices can be used in a test scenario in a test lab and / or on an undeployed wired and / or wireless communication network (e.g., test), to implement the testing of a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 33 / 108 23 / 81 or more components. One or more emulation devices may be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via an RF circuit array (e.g., which may include one or more antennas) may be used by the emulation devices to transmit and / or receive data.

[069] Beam management can be implemented as one of the target use cases for AI / ML for air interface. This technology can improve performance and / or complexity in conventional beam management aspects, including beam prediction in the time and / or space domain for overhead and latency reduction, improved beam selection accuracy, and so on.

[070] In legacy NR, gNB could select a set of SS / PBCH (SSB) blocks to be transmitted in SSB bursts, where the list of SSBs transmitted in an SSB burst could be indicated via ssbPositionsInBurst in SIB1. Transmitting SSB beams (e.g., up to 64) can cause a relatively large payload and / or overhead on gNB performance. If the number of transmitted SSBs could be reduced, this could impact system performance and latency. Therefore, gNB could skip transmitting some SSBs and transmit a subset of SSBs, and WTRUs could predict (e.g., using AIML systems) the best beam based on the transmitted SSBs. An example of such a scenario is shown in Figure 2, where gNB transmits a subset of beams (shown as solid line beams) and ignores the transmission of a subset of beams (shown as dashed line beams).This results in different WTRU behavior in predicting SSB beams and subsequent initial access procedures. WTRU may need to determine the inputs, conditions, measurements, etc. for inference, validation, and so on. Therefore, modalities related to SSB hopping and enhancement in AI / ML NR beam management are described in this document. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 34 / 108 24 / 81

[071] A WTRU can efficiently perform initial access in systems with skipped SSBs. The modalities for initial access in AIML scenarios with skipped SSBs are described in this document. In one example, a WTRU can be configured with a set of transmitted SSB beams and a set of predicted SSB beams. The WTRU can select a predicted beam for which it performs initial access (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP). A WTRU can initiate initial access by sending the PRACH preamble on the PRACH resources, where PRACH resources can be selected based on one or more of: an associated detected SSB beam, predicted SSB beams, and / or a combination of multiple detected and / or predicted SSB beams.To perform initial access in AIML systems with ignored SSBs, a procedure can be performed to predict SSB beams in systems with ignored SSBs (for example, as further described in this document, using set A and set B in systems with ignored SSBs). PRACH preamble transmission can be performed in AIML scenarios with ignored SSBs.

[072] In one embodiment, a WTRU can initiate an initial access by sending the PRACH preamble on PRACH resources, where PRACH resources can be selected based on an associated detected SSB beam or actually transmitted SSBs. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on resources that match an associated detected SSB beam. The WTRU can indicate the preferred predicted beam for gNB based on the PRACH preamble selection or Msg3 transmission, or in a transmission performed after the RA procedure. In RAR, for example, gNB can indicate whether the predicted beam is accepted (by sending the same RAPID (Preamble ID) or another ID to indicate that WTRU selects another beam (detected beam or predicted beam). For example, this might apply in a situation where gNB did not send an SSB due to gNB implementation (e.g., gNB disables these beams for power consumption optimization). For example, gNB might not want to Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 35 / 108 25 / 81 will receive nothing on those beams either. gNB may not use that beam unless a WTRU requests it.

[073] A WTRU can initiate initial access by sending the PRACH preamble on PRACH resources, where PRACH resources can be selected based on predicted SSB beams or skipped SSBs. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on resources that match one of the predicted SSB beams (e.g., the one with the highest RSRP). The WTRU can be configured or determined to use one or more random access parameters (e.g., for PRACH transmission and RAR reception (e.g., number of PRACH preamble retransmissions, power increase value, and so on)).

[074] A WTRU can initiate an initial access by sending the PRACH preamble on PRACH resources, where PRACH resources can be selected based on a combination of multiple detected and / or predicted SSB beams or a combination of actually transmitted SSBs and ignored SSBs. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on multiple resources that correspond to the detection and / or prediction of more than one SSB beam (e.g., based on received settings for the detected SSB, e.g., in the direction of the detected SSB). For example, the first resource might indicate that the detected SSB and a first predicted SSB beam are both preferred beams, the second resource might indicate that the detected SSB and a second predicted SSB beam are preferred beams, and so on.If gNB receives a PRACH on resources that correspond to an SSB beam that was not actually transmitted, gNB can expect that the SSB may have been selected based on prediction.

[075] The WTRU can monitor the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI to detect RAR within the RAR window period that corresponds to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams. If the WTRU receives an RAR, the WTRU can proceed with the initial access (e.g., transmission of Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 36 / 108 26 / 81 Msg3, etc.).

[076] The modes described in this document for WTRU behavior in the event of PRACH transmission failure are described. For example, a WTRU may receive or be configured with a set of transmitted SSB beams or actually transmitted SSBs and a set of predicted SSB beams. Predicted SSBs may not be transmitted by a base station. The WTRU may select a predicted beam or SSB (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP) for which it may perform initial access (e.g., PRACH preamble transmission). The WTRU may use PRACH preamble transmission or random access preamble using a beam associated with the predicted beam or predicted SSB. In one example, the WTRU may monitor the scrambled PDCCH with RA-RNTI that schedules a RAR to detect RAR within the RAR window period that corresponds to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams.If the WTRU receives a RAR, the WTRU can proceed with the initial access (e.g., transmitting Msg3, etc.). If the WTRU does not receive a RAR within a configured time window or based on a counter, the WTRU can employ one or more of the following methods. In one method, the WTRU can switch the SSB beam to another SSB beam from the list of predicted SSB beams and so on up to k beams (e.g., selected in descending order of RSRP) or select another predicted SSB and transmit a random access preamble using a beam associated with the other predicted SSB. The set of predicted SSBs can be sorted in descending order of received reference signal strength (RSRP), and a predicted SSB is selected from the sorted list.In one method, the WTRU can transmit PRACH (for example, only) for the detected beam or select an actually transmitted SSB and transmit a random access preamble using a beam associated with the actually transmitted SSB. In another method, the WTRU can await the inherited SSB burst with each transmitted SSB beam or receive the subsequent SSB burst. For example, gNB can have SSB bursts with each SSB beam. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 37 / 108 27 / 81 intended (ssb-SetA) transmitted perhaps with a longer period. For example, after M SSB bursts with skipped SSB beams, gNB might transmit an SSB burst with each intended transmitted beam. The subsequent SSB burst might include actually transmitted SSBs and actual transmissions of the predicted SSBs. Then, based on the subsequent SSB burst, the WTRU might wait for the maximum duration of M SSB bursts (e.g., M is configured in MIB or SIB1) and then consequently detect or select the best SSB beam or a new SSB for initial access. In one method, the WTRU might reject this cell and attempt to detect or select another SSB block in a different synchronization raster and / or another cell for initial access.

[077] The modalities described in this document are for a correction and confirmation procedure for the predicted beam based on the received RAR. For example, a WTRU can determine that a predicted SSB beam is the best beam (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP) based on detected and / or received SSB beams and an AIML model. The WTRU can initiate the initial access procedure by sending the PRACH preamble to the predicted SSB beam (e.g., on time and frequency features associated with the predicted SSB beam). The WTRU can monitor the RAR reception in the RAR window.

[078] In one example, after receiving the RAR (e.g., RAR PDCCH and / or RAR PDSCH on a QCL-ed beam with the predicted SSB beam), the WTRU can measure the RSRP (e.g., based on the reference signal in the RAR message, e.g., DMRS). The WTRU can compare the RSRP measured based on the received RAR with the predicted RSRP for the predicted SSB. For example, the WTRU can be configured or receive (e.g., via MIB, SIB1, and / or RAR) one or more parameters related to offsets and / or thresholds to compare the RSRP measured based on the RAR (e.g., PDCCH DMRS or PDSCH DMRS) with the predicted RSRP for SSB. The motivation here, for example, might be that the RSRP measured from SSB and DMRS are different. Furthermore, the transmission power for Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 38 / 108 28 / 81 SSB and DMRS can have a large difference. Therefore, gNB can provide the offset / limit (e.g., 10dB) to compare the values.

[079] In one example, the WTRU can verify whether the prediction was accurate based on comparison and one or more of the offsets or thresholds (e.g., determining whether the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is less than a threshold (e.g., 10 dB)). For example, if the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is less than a (pre-)configured threshold, the WTRU can determine that the predicted beam is accurate enough and therefore can continue using the predicted beam for transmission of additional signals (e.g., Msg3). For example, if the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is greater than a (pre-)configured threshold, the WTRU can determine that the predicted beam is not accurate enough. The WTRU can reject the predicted beam and proceed with the selection of another beam or follow the procedures considered for PRACH transmission failure.

[080] In one example (e.g., alternatively), if the WTRU has sent the PRACH based on the combination of multiple (e.g., two) detected and / or predicted SSB beams (as further discussed in this document), the WTRU may receive multiple (e.g., two) RAR messages for the corresponding beams. For example, the WTRU may measure the RSRP for each of the received RAR messages and determine the best beam (e.g., with the highest RSRP). The WTRU may transmit additional signals (e.g., Msg 3) based on the selected best beam.

[081] For the modalities proposed in this document, there are aspects, described below, that are common to all modalities. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be defined as the behavior exhibited by machines. Such behavior can, for example, mimic cognitive functions of sense, reasoning, adaptation, and action. Machine learning (ML) can refer to the type of algorithms that solve a problem based on learning through experience ('data'), without being explicitly programmed ('set configuration'). Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 39 / 108 29 / 81 of rules'). Machine learning can be considered a subset of AI. Different machine learning paradigms can be conceived based on the nature of the data or feedback available to the learning algorithm. For example, the supervised learning approach might involve learning a function that maps input to output based on a labeled training example, where each training example might be a pair consisting of the corresponding input and output. For example, the unsupervised learning approach might involve detecting patterns in data without pre-existing labels. For example, a reinforcement learning approach might involve performing the sequence of actions in an environment to maximize cumulative reward. In some solutions, it is possible to apply machine learning algorithms using a combination or interpolation of the approaches mentioned above.For example, the semi-supervised learning approach might use a combination of a small amount of labeled data with a large amount of unlabeled data during training. In this sense, semi-supervised learning falls between unsupervised learning (without labeled training data) and supervised learning (with labeled training data). Deep learning (DL) can refer to the class of machine learning algorithms that employ artificial neural networks (specifically DNNs) that were loosely inspired by biological systems. Deep neural networks (DNNs) are a special class of machine learning models inspired by the human brain, where the input is linearly transformed and passes through a non-linear activation function multiple times. DNNs typically consist of multiple layers, where each layer consists of linear transformation and a given non-linear activation function.Digital neural networks (DNNs) can be trained using training data via a backpropagation algorithm. Recently, DNNs have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in a variety of domains, for example, speech. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 40 / 108 30 / 81 vision and / or natural language, etc., and for various supervised, unsupervised, and semi-supervised machine learning configurations. The term AIML-based methods / processing can refer to achieving behaviors and / or compliance with requirements through data-driven learning without explicitly configuring the sequence of action steps. Such methods can enable complex learning behaviors that may be difficult to specify and / or implement when using legacy methods.

[082] A WTRU can transmit or receive a physical channel or reference signal according to at least one spatial domain filter. The term “beam” can be used to refer to a spatial domain filter. The WTRU can transmit a channel or physical signal using the same spatial domain filter as the spatial domain filter used to receive an RS (such as CSI-RS) or an SS block. The WTRU transmission can be referred to as the “target,” and the received RS or SS block can be referred to as a “reference” or “source.” In such a case, it can be said that the WTRU transmits the target channel or physical signal according to a spatial relationship with a reference to such RS or SS block. The WTRU can transmit a first channel or physical signal according to the same spatial domain filter as the spatial domain filter used to transmit a second channel or physical signal. The first and second transmissions can be referred to as the “target” and “reference” (or “source”), respectively.In such a case, it can be said that the WTRU transmits the first channel or physical signal (target) according to a spatial relationship with a reference to the second channel or physical signal (reference). A spatial relationship can be implicit, configured by RRC, or signaled by MAC CE or DCI. For example, a WTRU can implicitly transmit PUSCH and DM-RS from PUSCH according to the same spatial domain filter as an SRS indicated by an SRI indicated in DCI or configured by RRC. In another example, a spatial relationship can be configured by RRC for an SRS feature indicator (SRI) or signaled by MAC CE for a PUCCH. Such a spatial relationship can also be referred to as... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 41 / 108 31 / 81 a “beam indication”. A WTRU can receive a first channel or downlink signal (target) according to the same spatial domain filter or spatial reception parameter as a second channel or downlink signal (reference). For example, such an association can exist between a physical channel, such as PDCCH or PDSCH, and its respective DM-RS. At least when the first and second signals are reference signals, such an association can exist when the WTRU is configured with a type of quasi-colocation assumption (QCL) D between corresponding antenna ports. Such an association can be configured as a TCI state (transmit configuration indicator). A WTRU can be indicated as an association between a CSI-RS or SS block and a DM-RS by indexing to a set of TCI states configured by RRC and / or signaled by MAC CE. Such an indication can also be referred to as a “beam indication”.

[083] In this document, a TRP (e.g., transmission and reception point) may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: TP (transmission point), RP (reception point), RRH (remote radio head), DA (distributed antenna), BS (base station), a sector (of a BS), and / or a cell (e.g., a geographic cellular area served by a BS). In this document, multiTRP may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: MTRP, M-TRP, and multiple TRPs.

[084] A WTRU may report a subset of channel state information (CSI) components, wherein the CSI components may correspond to at least one CSI-RS feature indicator (CRI), one SSB feature indicator (SSBRI), an indication of a panel used for reception on the WTRU (such as a panel identity or group identity), measurements such as L1-RSRP, L1-SINR taken from SSB or CSI-RS (e.g. cri-RSRP, cri-SINR, ssbIndex-RSRP, ssb-Index-SINR), and other channel state information such as at least a classification indicator (RI), channel quality indicator (CQI), pre-coding matrix indicator (PMI), layer index (LI) and / or similar. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 42 / 108 32 / 81

[085] A WTRU can receive a physical synchronization signal / broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block. The SS / PBCH (SSB) block can include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The WTRU can monitor, receive, or attempt to decode an SSB during initial access, initial synchronization, radio link monitoring (RLM), cell search, cell switching, and so on.

[086] WTRU can measure and report channel state information (CSI), wherein the CSI for each connection mode may include or be configured with one or more of the following: CSI Reporting Configuration, including one or more of: CSI Reporting Configuration, CSI-RS Feature Set and / or NZP CSI-RS Features. The CSI Reporting Configuration may include one or more of the following: CSI Reporting Quantity, e.g., Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Classification Indicator (RI), Pre-encoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), CSI-RS Feature Indicator (CRI), Layer Indicator (LI), etc.; CSI Reporting Type, e.g., aperiodic, semi-persistent, periodic; CSI Reporting Codebook Configuration, e.g., Type I, Type II, Type III port selection, etc.; and / or CSI Reporting Frequency.The CSI-RS Resource Set may include one or more of the following: CSI Resource Settings; NZP-CSI-RS Resource for channel measurement; NZP-CSI-RS Resource for interference measurement; and / or CSI-IM Resource for interference measurement. NZP CSI-RS Resources may include one or more of the following: NZP CSI-RS Resource ID, Periodicity and Offset; QCL information and TCI status; and / or Resource mapping (e.g., number of ports, density, CDM type, etc.).

[087] In one example, a WTRU may indicate, determine, or be configured with one or more reference signals. The WTRU may monitor, receive, and measure one or more parameters based on the respective reference signals. For example, one or more of the following may apply. The following parameters are non-limiting examples of parameters that may be included in measurements of Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 43 / 108 33 / 81 reference signal(s). One or more of these parameters may be included. Other parameters may be included.

[088] Received reference signal power SS (SS-RSRP) can be measured based on synchronization signals (e.g., demodulation reference signal (DMRS) in PBCH or SSS). This can be defined as the linear average with respect to the power contribution of the resource elements carrying the respective synchronization signal. In RSRP measurement, power scaling for the reference signals may be necessary. If SS-RSRP is used for L1-RSRP, the measurement can be performed based on CSI reference signals in addition to the synchronization signals. CSI-RSRP can be measured based on the linear average with respect to the contribution of the resource elements (RE) carrying the respective CSI-RS. CSI-RSRP measurement can be configured within measurement resources for occasions when CSI-RS is configured. The signal-to-noise and interference ratio SS (SS-SINR) can be measured based on synchronization signals (e.g., DMRS in PBCH or SSS).This can be defined as the linear average of the power contribution of the resource elements carrying the respective synchronization signal divided by the linear average of the noise and interference power contribution. If SS-SINR is used for L1-SINR, noise and interference power measurement can be performed based on the resources configured by higher layers. CSI-SINR can be measured based on the linear average of the contribution of the resource elements (RE) carrying the respective CSI-RS divided by the linear average of the noise and interference power contribution. If CSI-SINR is used for L1-SINR, noise and interference power measurement can be performed based on the resources configured by higher layers. Otherwise, noise and interference power can be measured based on the resources carrying the respective CSIRS.

[089] The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) can be measured Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 44 / 108 34 / 81 based on the average total power contribution in configured OFDM symbols and bandwidth. Power contribution can be received from different resources (e.g., co-channel server and non-server cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, and so on). The Cross-Layer Interference Received Signal Strength (CLI-RSSI) indicator can be measured based on the average total power contribution in configured OFDM symbols from the configured time and frequency resources. Power contribution can be received from different resources (e.g., cross-layer interference, co-channel server and non-server cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, and so on). The RSRP of probe reference signals (SRSRSRP) can be measured based on the linear average with respect to the power contribution of the resource elements (RE) carrying the respective SRS.The quality of the received reference signal from a secondary synchronization signal (SS-RSRQ) can be measured based on measurements of the received reference signal power (SSRSRP) and the received signal strength (RSSI). In one example, SS-RSRQ can be calculated as the ratio of N x SS-RSRP / NR carrier RSSI, where N can be determined based on the number of feature blocks that are in the corresponding NR carrier RSSI measurement bandwidth. In this way, the measurements to be used in the numerator and denominator can be from the same set of feature blocks. The quality of the received reference signal from a CSI (CSI-RSRQ) can be measured based on measurements of the received reference signal power (CSI-RSRP) and the received signal strength (RSSI).In one example, SS-RSRQ can be calculated as the ratio between NxCSI-RSRP / CSIRSSI, where N can be determined based on the number of feature blocks that are within the corresponding CSI-RSSI measurement bandwidth. In this way, the measurements to be used in the numerator and denominator can be from the same set of feature blocks.

[090] In one example, a CSI reporting configuration (e.g., CSI Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 45 / 108 35 / 81 ReportConfigs) can be associated with a single BWP (e.g., indicated by BWP-Id), in which one or more of the following parameters are configured: CSI-RS features and / or CSI-RS feature sets for channel and interference measurement; CSI-RS report configuration type including periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic; CSI-RS transmission periodicity for periodic and semi-persistent CSI reports; CSI-RS transmission partition offset for periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic CSI reports; CSI-RS transmission partition roll-off list for semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI reports; time constraints for channel and interference measurements; frequency band reporting configuration (broadband / sub-band CQI, PMI, and so on); limits and calculation modes for reporting quantities (CQI, RSRP, SINR, LI, RI, etc.).); codebook configuration; group-based beam report; CQI table; sub-band size; non-PMI port indication; port index; and so on.

[091] In one example, a CSI-RS Resource Set (e.g., NZPCSI-RS-ResourceSet) may include one or more of the following CSI-RS resources (e.g., NZP-CSI-RS-Resource and CSI-ResourceConfig), wherein the WTRU may be configured with one or more of the following on a CSI-RS resource: CSI-RS periodicity and partition offset for periodic and semi-persistent CSI-RS resources; CSI-RS resource mapping to define the number of CSI-RS ports, density, CDM type, OFDM symbol, and subcarrier occupancy; the portion of bandwidth to which the configured CSI-RS is allocated; and / or the reference to the TCI state, including the source RS(s) QCL and the corresponding QCL type(s).

[092] In one example, one or more of the following configurations can be used for an RS feature set. For example, a WTRU can be configured with one or more RS feature sets. The RS feature set configuration can include one or more of the following: RS feature set ID; one or more RS resources for the RS feature set; repetition (e.g., Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 46 / 108 36 / 81 on or off); aperiodic firing offset (e.g., one of partitions 0 to 6); and / or TRS information (e.g., true or not).

[093] One or more of the following configurations can be used for an RS resource. For example, a WTRU can be configured with one or more RS resources. The RS resource configuration can include one or more of the following: RS resource ID; resource mapping (e.g., REs in a PRB); power control offset (e.g., a value of -8, ..., 15); power control offset with SS (e.g., -3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB); scrambling ID; periodicity and offset; and / or QCL information (e.g., based on a TCI state).

[094] Next, a property of a grant or assignment may consist of at least one of the following: a frequency allocation; a time allocation aspect, such as a duration; a priority; a modulation and encoding scheme; a transport block size; a number of spatial layers; a number of transport blocks; a TCI, CRI, or SRI state; a number of repetitions; whether the repetition scheme is Type A or Type B; whether the grant is a configured type 1, type 2, or dynamic grant; whether the assignment is a dynamic assignment or a semi-persistent scheduling assignment (configured); a configured grant index or a semi-persistent assignment index; a periodicity of a configured grant or assignment; a channel access priority class (CAPC); and / or any parameter provided in a DCI, by MAC, or by RRC for the scheduling of the grant or assignment.

[095] Next, a DCI reference may consist of at least one of the following: an explicit reference by a DCI field or by RNTI used to mask or scramble the DCI CRC; and / or a reference by a property, such as DCI format, DCI size, Coreset or search space, aggregation level, first received DCI feature element (e.g., index of the first Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 47 / 108 37 / 81 Control Channel Element), where the mapping between the property and the value can be signaled by RRC or MAC. Receiving or monitoring for a DCI with or using an RNTI may mean that the DCI's CRC is masked or scrambled with the RNTI.

[096] In this document, a signal may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: polling reference signal (SRS); channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); demodulation reference signal (DM-RS); phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); and / or synchronization signal block (SSB).

[097] In this document, a channel may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH); physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH); physical random access channel (PRACH); and / or similar.

[098] In this document, a signal, channel, and message (for example, such as DL or UL signal, channel, and message) may be used interchangeably. In this document, RS may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: RS resource, RS resource set, RS port, and RS port group. In this document, RS may be used interchangeably with one or more of the following: SSB, CSI-RS, SRS, and DM-RS, TRS, PRS, and PTRS.

[099] In this document, time instance, partition, symbol, and subframe can be used interchangeably. In this document, the terms SSB, SS / PBCH block, PSS, SSS, PBCH, and MIB can be used interchangeably. In this document, SSB, SSB beam, and SSB index can be used interchangeably. In this document, the proposed solutions for beam feature prediction can be used for beam features belonging to one or multiple cells, as well as one or multiple TRPs.

[0100] In this document, the CSI report can be used in a way Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 48 / 108 38 / 81 interchangeable with CSI measurement, beam report and beam measurement. In this document, a set of RS features can be used interchangeably with a group of beams.

[0101] The modes described in this document may share initial common mode components, such as SS / PBCH block, MIB, and SIB; measurement and estimation set configuration; and Set B requirements. In a mode, the WTRU may receive a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The PBCH may be part of an SS / PBCH block (SSB). The PBCH may carry system information. The PBCH may include or carry a master information block (MIB). The term MIB may be used to represent the content, information, payload, and / or bits carried by the PBCH. PBCH and MIB may be used interchangeably in this document. For example, after detecting and / or receiving an SS / PBCH block, the WTRU may use the information in the MIB about the timing and / or frequency resources to find one or more system information blocks (SIB). The term SIB may be used to represent the content, information, payload, and / or bits.In one example, one or more cell (re)selection parameters can be broadcast in SIBs (e.g., SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, and so on), which the WTRU can detect and / or receive from the server cells and / or the newly detected cells.

[0102] In one embodiment, a WTRU can be configured with one or more sets of reference signal (RS) features and / or beams (or beam pairs). Each RS feature or beam or beam pair can be associated with a beam transmission of specific beam parameters (e.g., beam direction and beam width). The WTRU can be configured with the associated beams and / or RS features and beam parameters. In one example, a WTRU can be configured with a first set of RS features or beams or beam pairs that can cover the entire RS feature space or beam space or beam pair space. The WTRU can determine or select a set A and a set B, from Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 49 / 108 39 / 81 such that the union of set A and set B covers the entire RS feature space or beam space or beam pair space. In one example, set A and set B may be mutually exclusive. In one example, a set B includes RS features on which WTRU can perform measurements to obtain 1) direct measurement values ​​for a first set of beams or beam pairs (e.g., one-to-one mapping between an RS feature and a beam or beam pair) and 2) estimated measurement values ​​for a second set of beams or beam pairs (e.g., many-to-one mapping between RS features and a beam or beam pair and possibly using the AI / ML estimation model).

[0103] In one embodiment, a WTRU can be configured with one or more sets of RS features associated with each beam. For example, a WTRU can be configured with a first beam associated with two sets of RSs: a first set including a single RS feature and a second set including multiple RS features. A WTRU can determine beam-associated measurements either by direct measurements of the RS features in the first set or by estimation obtained from measurements of the RS features in the second set. A WTRU can determine a set of RS feature measurements (e.g., a set B) such that for each beam for which it needs to obtain measurements (directly or by estimation), set B contains at least one of the two sets of RS features associated with the beam.In this document, a Set B can be used interchangeably with a set of one or more: sets of RS features, beams, beam pairs, beam RS features, RS features and / or a beam pattern. In this document, a Set A can be used interchangeably with a set of one or more: sets of RS features, beams, beam pairs, beam RS features, RS features and / or a beam pattern.

[0104] Initial access can be performed on AIML systems with ignored SSBs. In one embodiment, sets of SSBs, designated Set A and Set B, can be determined on systems with ignored SSBs. A WTRU Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 50 / 108 40 / 81 can be (pre-)configured with the maximum number of SSBs (e.g., within an SSB burst) in a cell. The maximum number of SSBs can be explicitly configured for WTRU (e.g., via MIB, SIB, etc.). Alternatively, the maximum number of SSBs can be implicitly indicated to WTRU, for example based on the frequency band used. In one example, if WTRU is operating in a first frequency band (e.g., FR1), WTRU can determine the maximum number of SSBs within an SSB burst as a first value (e.g., maximum of eight SSBs); if WTRU is operating in a second frequency band (e.g., FR2), WTRU can determine the maximum number of SSBs within an SSB burst as a second value (e.g., maximum of 64 SSBs), and so on.

[0105] A WTRU can detect one or more SSBs within an SSB burst (e.g., during initial access, cell (re)selection, etc.). In one example, considering the maximum number of SSBs within an SSB burst, a subset of SSBs may actually be planned, configured, required, expected, and / or designed to be used in an SSB burst (e.g., in a cell). The set of planned SSBs may be a set of SSBs that may be the entire SSB resource space or beam space. In one example, the number of planned SSBs may be less than or equal to the maximum number of SSBs, which is determined in the network based on the coverage space of the SSBs, beam correlation, and so on. The WTRU may be endowed with and / or configured with the number of planned SSBs and / or the corresponding SSB beam indices, wherein the WTRU may consider the set of planned SSBs as Set A.

[0106] A WTRU can receive, be equipped with, or be configured with information about actual transmitted SSBs within an SSB burst. The information may include the number of actual transmitted SSB beams, the SSB index corresponding to the actual transmitted SSB beams, and so on. The WTRU can consider the set of actual transmitted SSBs as Set B, where the Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 51 / 108 41 / 81 Set B can be a subset of the configured Set A. In one example, (for example, alternatively) the WTRU can determine, be endowed with, or configured with a set of skipped SSBs that are a subset of Set A that are not actually being transmitted in the corresponding SSB burst. In one example, the union of Set B and the skipped beam set can be equal to Set A.

[0107] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a 200 system with skipped SSBs. As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the solid line beams indicate Set B, i.e., the actual transmitted beams; the dashed line beams indicate the skipped beams, and Set A is the union of Set B and the skipped beams. The terms “transmitted SSBs” and “actually transmitted SSBs” can be used interchangeably. The terms “non-transmitted SSBs” and “skipped SSBs” can also be used interchangeably.

[0108] Procedures can be performed to predict SSB beams in systems with skipped SSBs. In one example solution, a WTRU can perform one or more of the following. A WTRU can detect one or more SSBs (e.g., during initial access) or receive an indication of a set of one or more SSBs actually transmitted in an SSB burst. A WTRU can select a first SSB with the highest received power (e.g., RSRP). The WTRU can determine time and frequency synchronization based on the first SSB. The WTRU can decode PSS, SSS, PBCH, PBCH-DMRS, SSB index, MIB, and SIB1 for the first SSB. The WTRU can receive configuration on or indicating whether SSB hopping is enabled on gNB (e.g., via MIB or SIB1), or receive an indication of a set of one or more skipped SSBs in an SSB burst.The WTRU can receive the list of each SSB that is configured by gNB (e.g., Set A) (e.g., via ssb-SetA in SIB1). The WTRU can receive the list of SSBs that are being transmitted (e.g., Set B) (e.g., via ssb-SetB and / or ssb-PositionsInBurst in SIB1). The WTRU can... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 52 / 108 42 / 81 receive configuration information associated with each transmitted SSB (ssb-SetB) including a list of candidate beams (e.g., ssb-candidate) that the WTRU can use as inference input, including information about the association of one or more transmitted SSBs with one or more non-transmitted SSBs. The list of candidate beams may include beams associated with non-transmitted SSBs. The set of candidate beams may be indicated by SSB beam in Set B. The configuration information may include beam indices, azimuth angle, elevation angle, boresight angle, and so on. In one example, for each transmitted SSB beam from ssb-SetB, the WTRU may receive a list of candidate SSB beams (e.g., ssb-candidate), where the candidate beams are a subset of Set A.A WTRU can determine which SSB beams are associated (e.g., neighbors, adjacent, or correlated) with the beam detected from ssb-SetB, based on the list of candidate SSB beams (ssbcandidate). The WTRU can use the AIML model to predict a set / list of N (best) predicted SSB beams from the list of SSB beams that were not transmitted. The number of beams that can be predicted may depend on the AIML model. The WTRU can use the list of N predicted beams together with the received list of candidate SSB beams (e.g., ssb-candidate) to select k best SSB beams. The k best SSB beams in the list can be ordered (e.g., based on descending order of RSRP, RSRQ, etc.) to the predicted SSB beams according to the AIML model. The set of predicted SSBs can be sorted in descending order of received reference signal strength (RSRP), and a predicted SSB is selected from the sorted list.The WTRU can initiate initial access (e.g., by sending the PRACH preamble) to the PRACH resources. The WTRU can receive one or more information settings about one or more specific SSB parameters (e.g., beam-specific) (e.g., paging seek space, etc.) for the predicted SSB as part of the initial access procedure (e.g., via RAR, Msg4, and / or MsgB). The gNB can... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 53 / 108 43 / 81 knowing that WTRU predicted the predicted SSB based on the received PRACH, as the corresponding SSB was not transmitted in the first place.

[0109] A WTRU can support an initial access procedure based on predicted qualities (e.g., predicted RSRPs) and measured qualities (e.g., measured RSRP). The WTRU can detect one or more SSBs (e.g., during initial access) and select an initial number of SSBs with the highest quality (e.g., received power (RSRP), RSRQ, SINR, hypothetical BLER, etc.). The initial number of SSBs can be determined based on one or more of the following: quality threshold, predefined maximum number, and / or UE capacity.

[0110] The initial number of SSBs can be determined based on the quality threshold. For example, WTRU can determine one or more SSBs that have a higher quality than a threshold. The threshold can be predetermined or configured (e.g., by gNB). The initial number of SSBs can be determined based on the predefined maximum number. For example, a maximum number of determined SSBs (e.g., M1) can be predetermined or configured. For example, if the number of SSBs that have a higher quality than the threshold is M2, which is greater than M1, then WTRU can determine the best M1 SSBs from M2 SSBs. The initial number of SSBs can be determined based on EU capacity. For example, a maximum number of determined SSBs (e.g., M3) can be limited based on WTRU capacity. For example, if the number of SSBs with a higher quality than the threshold is M2, which is greater than M3, then WTRU can determine the best M3 SSBs from M2 SSBs.

[0111] The WTRU can determine the time and frequency synchronization based on the first SSB number. Based on the determined time and frequency synchronization, the WTRU can decode one or more signals related to initial access (e.g., PSS, SSS, PBCH, PBCH-DMRS, SSB index, MIB, and SIB1) for the first SSB number. Based on the one or more decoded signals related to initial access, the WTRU can receive a configuration. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 54 / 108 44 / 81 indicating whether SSB hopping is enabled in gNB (e.g., via MIB or SIB1).

[0112] gNB can indicate one or more of the following based on one or more of the following MIB, SIB, RRC, MAC CE, and DCI: whether SSB hopping is enabled or not; AI / ML model type; number of SSBs in Set A for initial access (e.g., number of planned SSBs, including skipped and transmitted SSBs); list of SSBs in Set A for initial access (e.g., list of planned SSBs, via ssb-SetA); list of Set B for initial access (e.g., list of transmitted or skipped SSBs for initial access, via ssb-SetB); assistance information for transmitted or skipped SSBs; number of transmitted or skipped SSBs; pattern of transmitted SSBs; beam angle-related information; and / or associated SSBs.

[0113] In one example, gNB may indicate one or more of the following based on whether SSB hopping is enabled or not. For example, a flag indication (e.g., 1 bit) (e.g., 0 may indicate that SSB hopping is not supported and 1 may indicate that SSB hopping is supported) may be supported. Based on the indication, the WTRU may determine an operating mode for initial access. For example, the WTRU may determine an initial access procedure without SSB hopping if the WTRU receives an indication of non-support for SSB hopping. In one example, the WTRU may determine an initial access procedure with SSB hopping if the WTRU receives an indication of SSB hopping support. The WTRU may determine sending an indication that the WTRU wishes to use some skipped SSB for or after an initial access procedure. In one example, the indication may be implicitly given (e.g., based on the number of SSBs for initial access).For example, if a specified (or determined) number of SSBs for initial access is less than (or equal to) a threshold (e.g., 32), the WTRU may determine a first mode of operation (e.g., no SSB hopping). If the number... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 55 / 108 If the indicated (or determined) number of SSBs for initial access is greater than the limit, the WTRU may determine a second mode of operation (e.g., SSB hopping). In another example, the indication may be implicitly indicated (e.g., based on the number of SSBs skipped). For example, if an indicated (or determined) number of SSBs skipped is X (e.g., 0), the WTRU may determine a first mode of operation (e.g., no SSB hopping). Otherwise, the WTRU may determine a second mode of operation (e.g., SSB hopping). The number of SSBs skipped can be determined as: Number of SSBs skipped = Number of SSBs for initial access - number of SSBs transmitted.

[0114] In one example, gNB may indicate one or more of the following based on the AI / ML model type. WTRU may receive an indication of an AI / ML model type for initial access. For example, WTRU may receive a flag indication with a first value (e.g., value zero) that may indicate a first AI / ML model type and a flag indication with a second value (e.g., value one) that may indicate a second AI / ML model type.In another example, a flag indication with a first value (e.g., value zero) might indicate that no AI / ML model should be used for initial access, a flag indication with a second value (e.g., value one) might indicate a first type of AI / ML model, a flag indication with a third value (e.g., value two) might indicate a second type of AI / ML model, a flag indication with a fourth value (e.g., value three) might indicate a third type of AI / ML model, and so on.

[0115] In one example, gNB may indicate one or more of the following based on the number of SSBs in Set A for initial access (e.g., number of planned SSBs, including skipped and transmitted SSBs). WTRU may receive an indication of the number of SSBs in Set A for initial access. For example, WTRU may receive an indication (e.g., two bits, where 0 indicates 16 SSBs, 1 indicates 32 SSBs, 2 indicates 64 SSBs, and 3 indicates 128 SSBs). In Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 56 / 108 46 / 81 For example, WTRU can blindly detect the number of SSBs for initial access based on the transmitted SSBs. For example, if the number of transmitted SSBs is equal to the number of SSBs in Set A, or if the number of transmitted SSBs is a ratio (e.g., half, one-third, one-quarter, etc.) of the number of SSBs in Set A.

[0116] In one example, gNB might indicate one or more of the following based on the list of SSBs in Set A for initial access (e.g., list of planned SSBs, e.g., via ssb-SetA). The WTRU might receive an indication of which SSBs are in Set A used for initial access. For example, the WTRU might receive a bitmap of SSBs. If a bit associated with an SSB in the bitmap indicates a first value (e.g., value zero), then the corresponding SSB might not be used for initial access. If the bit indicates a second value (e.g., value one), then the corresponding SSB might be used for initial access. A payload size of the indication might be based on the frequency range of a cell for operation. For example, if the frequency range is less than (or equal to) X1, the payload size might be F0 bits (e.g., 4).If the frequency range is greater than X1 and less than (or equal to) X2, the payload size can be F1 bits (e.g., 8 bits). If the frequency range is higher than X2, the payload size can be F2 bits (e.g., 64 bits). X1, X2, F0, F1, and F2 can be predefined or semi-statistically configured. The indication can be based on an existing field (e.g., in SIB and / or MIB). For example, the ssb-PositionsInBurst field can be used for the indication. For example, if the WTRU receives an indication of an operating mode and determines a first mode (e.g., no SSB hopping), the WTRU can use ssbPositionsInBurst to indicate SSBs in Set A for initial access.

[0117] In one example, gNB may indicate one or more of the following based on the Set B list for initial access (e.g., list of transmitted or ignored SSBs for initial access, e.g., via ssb-SetB). A Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 57 / 108 47 / 81 WTRU can receive an indication of which SSBs are ignored or transmitted. For example, WTRU can receive a bitmap that corresponds to the transmitted or ignored SSBs. If a bit associated with an SSB in the bitmap indicates a first value (e.g., zero), then the corresponding SSB may not be transmitted. If the bit indicates a second value (e.g., one), then the corresponding SSB may be transmitted. The payload size of the indication can be based on the frequency range of a cell for operation. For example, if the frequency range is less than (or equal to) X1, the payload size can be F0 bits (e.g., 4). If the frequency range is greater than X1 and less than (or equal to) X2, the payload size can be F1 bits (e.g., 8 bits). If the frequency range is higher than X2, the payload size can be F2 bits (e.g., 64 bits).X1, X2, F0, F1, and F2 can be predefined or semi-statistically configured. The indication can be based on an existing field (e.g., in SIB and / or MIB). For example, the ssb-PositionsInBurst field can be used for the indication. For example, if the WTRU receives an indication of one operating mode and determines a second mode (e.g., SSB hopping), the WTRU can use ssb-PositionsInBurst for the indication of Set B, i.e., the transmitted or skipped SSBs.

[0118] In one example, the gNB may indicate one or more of the following based on service information for transmitted or ignored SSBs. The WTRU may determine the association between one or more beam IDs and SSBs. The association may be based on beam information configured by a gNB and / or reported by the WTRU. The association may be based on one or more of the following: explicit indication; beam direction order; and / or panel order and / or TRP (CORESET group ID).

[0119] For example, the association between one or more beam IDs and SSBs can be based on explicit indication. The WTRU can receive an explicit indication (e.g., based on a beam information configuration) of beam ID for Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 58 / 108 48 / 81 each SSB. For example, the WTRU can be configured with one or more beam IDs, and each beam ID can comprise one or more beam information (e.g., beam direction, beam width, panel and / or TRP ID, etc.).

[0120] For example, the association between one or more beam IDs and SSBs can be based on the beam direction order. A beam ID can be associated with an SSB based on an SSB direction. For example, a first beam ID can be associated with an SSB with a beam direction with a lower and / or higher angle (e.g., 5 degrees) and a second beam ID can be associated with an SSB with a beam direction with a second lower and / or higher angle, etc.

[0121] For example, the association between one or more beam IDs and SSBs can be based on the order of a panel and / or TRP (CORESET group ID). A beam ID can be associated with an order of a panel and / or TRP comprising an SSB. For example, a first beam ID can be associated with an SSB with a first panel and / or TRP, and a second beam ID can be associated with an SSB with a second panel and / or TRP, etc.

[0122] The WTRU can receive an indication of the number of SSBs transmitted or ignored. For example, the WTRU can receive an indication (e.g., a 2-bit indication, for example, 0 indicates 8 SSBs, 1 indicates 16 SSBs, 2 indicates 32 SSBs, and 3 indicates 64 SSBs). A payload size of the indication can be determined based on the number of SSBs transmitted or ignored for initial access. For example, the payload size can be N1 bits (e.g., 1 bit) if the total number of SSBs transmitted or ignored is less than (or equal to) Y. The payload size can be N2 bits (e.g., 2 bits) if the total number of SSBs transmitted or ignored is greater than Y. In one example, the WTRU can blindly detect the number of SSBs ignored for initial access based on the number of SSBs transmitted.

[0123] In one example, WTRU can implicitly indicate the number of SSBs transmitted or ignored based on a pattern of transmitted SSBs. By Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 59 / 108 49 / 81 For example, if the pattern is a first pattern, then the WTRU can determine a first number of SSBs transmitted or ignored. If the pattern is a second pattern, then the WTRU can determine a second number of SSBs transmitted or ignored.

[0124] In one example, the WTRU can implicitly indicate a number of transmitted or skipped SSBs based on a supported AI / ML model for initial access and / or beam prediction. For example, if the AI / ML model is a first AI / ML model, then the WTRU can determine a first number of transmitted or skipped SSBs. If the AI / ML model is a second AI / ML model, then the WTRU can determine a second number of transmitted or skipped SSBs.

[0125] The WTRU can receive an indication about a pattern of transmitted SSBs. For example, the WTRU can receive an indication (e.g., 2-bit indication, e.g., 0 indicates pattern #1, 1 indicates pattern #2, 2 indicates pattern #3, and 3 indicates pattern #4). The patterns for the indication can be predetermined or semi-statically configured. A payload size for the indication can be determined based on the total number of planned (Set A), transmitted (Set B), and / or skipped SSBs. For example, the payload size can be N3 bits (e.g., 1 bit) if the total number of transmitted and / or skipped SSBs is less than (or equal to) Z. The payload size can be N4 bits (e.g., 2 bits) if the total number of planned, transmitted, and / or skipped SSBs is greater than Y.

[0126] The WTRU may receive one or more of the following pieces of information associated with transmitted and / or ignored SSBs. The WTRU may receive a coverage indication for each of the SSBs for initial access (e.g., angular coverage, such as 120 degrees). The WTRU may receive a coverage indication for transmitted SSBs (e.g., angular coverage, such as 120 degrees). The WTRU may receive a coverage indication for ignored SSBs (e.g., Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 60 / 108 50 / 81 angular coverage, such as 60 degrees). The WTRU can receive an indication of a position, center, and / or direction of transmitted SSBs (e.g., 0 degrees). The WTRU can receive an indication of a position, center, and / or direction of ignored SSBs (e.g., 0 degrees).

[0127] The WTRU can receive an indication of a granularity of transmitted SSBs (e.g., 3 degrees). For example, the WTRU can receive a configuration for each of the horizontal and / or vertical domains. For example, the WTRU can indicate a configuration (e.g., through the WTRU capability) for each of the horizontal and / or vertical domains. For example, the WTRU can receive a granularity of ignored SSBs (e.g., 12 degrees). For example, the WTRU can receive a configuration for each of the horizontal and / or vertical domains. For example, the WTRU can indicate a configuration (e.g., through the WTRU capability) for each of the horizontal and / or vertical domains.

[0128] For some information, an indication may be by direction (e.g., horizontal angle (or azimuth angle), vertical angle (or elevation angle), boresight angle, etc.). For some information, an indication may be by WTRU and may be applied to each applicable direction.

[0129] The WTRU may receive configuration information for at least one of the detected SSB beams (e.g., via SIB). In one example, the information might include a list of ignored candidate SSB beams (ssbcandidate) that are associated with the corresponding detected SSB beams. In one example, the association might include beams that are neighbors, adjacent, and / or correlated with a beam detected from the transmitted beam list (ssbSetB). The configuration information about the ignored candidate beams might include beam indices, azimuth angle, elevation angle, boresight angle, and so on. In one example, the WTRU might use the configured list of ignored candidate beams to sub-select and / or determine the candidates. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 61 / 108 51 / 81 potentials for predicting the best SSB beams.

[0130] WTRU can determine which SSB beams are associated (e.g., neighbors, adjacent, or correlated) with the detected beam (e.g., from ssb-SetB), based on the configured list of candidate SSB beams (e.g., via ssb-candidate in SIB). For example, a skipped SSB can be associated with transmitted SSBs that have neighboring beam IDs (e.g., a skipped SSB with beam ID X can be associated with SSBs with beam ID X+dl and / or X-d2) or neighboring orders in the list (e.g., the Xth SSB can be associated with the X+dl-th SSB and the X-d2-th SSB).

[0131] A WTRU can determine k best (e.g., predicted) SSB beams (e.g., based on the highest quality of RSRP, RSRQ, hypothetical BLER, and so on) based on the information mentioned above. For example, the WTRU can use the list of predicted beams together with the received list of candidate SSB beams (e.g., ssb-candidate) to select k best SSB beams. The k best SSB beams in the list can be ordered (e.g., based on descending order of RSRP, RSRQ, etc.) to the predicted SSB beams according to the AIML model. The set of predicted SSBs can be sorted in descending order of received reference signal strength (RSRP), and a predicted SSB is selected from the sorted list.

[0132] Based on the k best SSB beams determined, the WTRU can initiate initial access (e.g., by sending the PRACH preamble) to the PRACH resources (e.g., starting with the SSB beam that is ranked as the first best beam in the list of k best SSB beams). If the WTRU uses the PRACH preamble of PRACH resources that match the predicted SSB, the WTRU can receive, be provided with, and / or configured with one or more information settings on one or more SSB-specific parameters (e.g., beam-specific). The WTRU can receive the settings as part of the initial access procedure (e.g., via RAR, Msg4, and / or MsgB). As an example, Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 62 / 108 52 / 81 The specific SSB beam parameter may be information about the paging search space for the predicted SSB, where the WTRU can receive and index a list or table indicating corresponding time and frequency resources. In one example, the gNB determines the sending of settings to the WTRU, as the gNB can determine that the WTRU predicted the predicted SSB based on the received PRACH, since the corresponding SSB was not transmitted in the first place.

[0133] In one embodiment, the PRACH preamble can be transmitted in AIML scenarios with the SSBs ignored. In a solution example, a WTRU can perform one or more of the following. A WTRU can be configured with a set of transmitted SSB beams and a set of predicted SSB beams. The WTRU can select a predicted beam for which it performs initial access (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP).

[0134] WTRU can initiate initial access by sending or transmitting the PRACH or random access preamble or by using PRACH / random access features, where PRACH features can be selected based on one or more of the following: A detected SSB beam associated with predicted SSB beams; and / or a combination of multiple detected and / or predicted SSB beams.

[0135] In one example, PRACH resources can be selected based on an associated detected SSB beam. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the random access preamble or PRACH preamble on resources that match an associated detected SSB beam or actually transmitted SSB. The WTRU can indicate the preferred predicted beam to the gNB based on the PRACH preamble selection or Msg3 transmission, or in a transmission performed after the RA procedure. An indication sent in a random access message three can be indicative of an ignored SSB. For example, the gNB can indicate whether the predicted beam is accepted (e.g., by sending the same RAPID (Preamble ID) or another ID to indicate that the WTRU select another beam (e.g., detected beam or predicted beam)). Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 63 / 108 53 / 81

[0136] For example, this can be beneficial if gNB did not send an SSB due to gNB implementation (e.g., gNB turns off these beams for power consumption optimization). gNB may not want to receive anything on these beams either. gNB may not use this beam unless a WTRU requests it.

[0137] In one example, PRACH resources can be selected based on predicted SSB beams. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on resources that correspond to one of the predicted SSB beams (e.g., the one with the highest RSRP). The random access preamble or random access resources can be indicative of a skipped SSB. The WTRU can be configured or determined to use one or more random access parameters (e.g., for PRACH transmission and RAR reception (e.g., number of PRACH preamble retransmissions, power increase value, and so on)).

[0138] In one example, PRACH features can be selected based on a combination of multiple detected and / or predicted SSB beams. For example, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on multiple features (e.g., based on settings received for the detected SSB, (e.g., in the direction of the detected SSB)) that correspond to the detection and / or prediction of more than one SSB beam (e.g., the first feature might indicate that the detected SSB and a first predicted SSB beam are both preferred beams; the second feature might indicate that the detected SSB and a second predicted SSB beam are preferred beams, and so on). As an example, if it receives a PRACH on features that correspond to an SSB beam that was not actually transmitted, gNB can expect that the SSB was selected based on the prediction.

[0139] WTRU can monitor the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI to detect RAR within the RAR window period that corresponds to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams. In one example, if the WTRU Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 64 / 108 54 / 81 receives a RAR or downlink transmission, the WTRU can continue with the initial access (e.g., transmission of Msg3, etc.). The WTRU can receive the downlink transmission using a beam associated with the skipped SSB.

[0140] In this document, initial access and random access (RA) may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more procedures associated with establishing connectivity between the WTRU and the network. The random access procedure may be triggered by several events, for example: initial access from RRC IDLE; RRC connection re-establishment procedure; arrival of DL or UL data during RRC_CONNECTED when the UL synchronization state is “not synchronized”; arrival of UL data during RRC_CONNECTED when no PUCCH resources for scheduling request (SR) are available; SR failure; request by RRC after synchronous reconfiguration (e.g., auto-change); RRC connection resumption procedure from RRC_INACTIVE; establishing time alignment for a secondary TAG; beam failure recovery; and / or consistent LBT UL failure in SpCell.

[0141] The WTRU can be configured to perform one or more types of initial access, for example: CBRA with 4-step RA; CBRA with 2-step RA; CFRA with 4-step RA; and / or CFRA with 2-step RA.

[0142] In one embodiment, random access resources may be used. The WTRU may receive, identify, or configure time-domain resource allocations for consecutive random access (RO) occasions based on the top-layer parameter prach-ConfigurationIndex, or by msgA-PRACHConfigurationIndex, if configured. These parameters may denote the PRACH configuration index that corresponds to tables that include random access parameters.

[0143] In one example, one or more of the following parameters may be derived from the table. For example, the preamble format may refer to one of the Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pages 65 / 108 55 / 81 possible formats, namely: A1, A2, A3, B1, A1 / B1, A2 / B2, A3 / B3, B4, C0, C2. The preamble format can identify the corresponding Cyclic Prefix (CP) duration, sequence part duration, and guard time duration (if applicable). The frame number and partition number can indicate the frames that can be used for PRACH transmission and the PRACH partition within the corresponding frame. The initial symbol can determine the symbol level index that corresponds to the initial position of the first RO transmission within the PRACH partition. A number of PRACH partitions within a 60 kHz partition can define the number of PRACH partitions within the reference PRACH partition, for example, for higher SCS, such as 120 kHz, 480 kHz, 960 kHz, considering the 60 kHz PRACH partition as the reference partition.The number of PRACH instances in the time domain within a PRACH partition (NtRA, partition) can define the number of consecutive ROs that are situated within a PRACH partition in the time domain. The PRACH duration can correspond to the preamble format implying the sequence part number within an RO.

[0144] The WTRU can receive frequency-domain resource allocations for ROs based on one or more of the following upper-layer parameters: msg1-FrequencyStart or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart; and / or msg1FDM or msgA-RO-FDM. If configured, msg1-FrequencyStart or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart can indicate the offset of the lowest PRACH transmission occasion in the frequency domain relative to PRB 0. If configured, msg1-FDM or msgA-ROFDM can indicate the number of PRACH transmission occasions that are FDMed on an RO in the time domain. For example, the WTRU can receive, identify, or configure the number of ROs in the frequency domain (M) for each PRACH occasion in the time domain based on the top parameter msg1-FDM, msg1-FDM-16, or msgA-RO-FDM, if configured, msg1-FDM={one, two, four, eight}. For example, the WTRU can number the PRACH frequency features nRA={0,1,...,M-1}, starting from the lowest frequency, in ascending order. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 66 / 108 56 / 81 on the initial uplink BWP during initial access or on the active uplink BWP otherwise.

[0145] WTRU can receive the association and mapping between SS / PBCH block indices and PRACH transmission occasions based on the upper-layer parameter ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB = {1 / 8,1 / 4,1 / 2,1,2,4,8,16}. The parameter can indicate the number of SS / PBCH block indices associated with a PRACH transmission occasion in addition to the number of preambles per SS / PBCH block index per PRACH occasion. WTRU can perform PRACH transmission on the respective random access resources and according to the spatial relationship with an associated SS / PBCH block.

[0146] In examples of modalities, contention-based PRACH preambles and / or contention-free PRACH preambles can be used. In one example, the same set of preambles, as described above, can be configured for each SSB, so that multiple WTRUs can access the same preamble, making the initial access procedure similar to a contention-based scenario. In one example, these preambles can refer to legacy preambles that transmit information on the SSB beam (SSB detected, ignored, and / or predicted) selected by the WTRU. In one example, these preambles can transmit additional information, implicitly or explicitly, as described above. In the case where a preamble is selected in more than one WTRU, the WTRU can receive from the network (e.g., in the RAR message or Msg4 or MsgB) an indication that the preamble is taken or to select another preamble.The WTRU can interpret the non-receipt of the preamble ID in a network response (e.g., in Msg4 or MsgB) within a pre-configured time window as an indication that the preamble is taken by another WTRU. The WTRU can then select another preamble in a similar manner for initial contention-based access. If contention resolution is unsuccessful after (re)transmission(s) of Msg 3, the WTRU can return to transmission. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 67 / 108 57 / 81 of Msg 1. In the event of no contention, the WTRU may receive confirmation from the network (in RAR, Msg 4 or MsgB) that the preamble is accepted, for example, by receiving the same Random Access Preamble ID (RAPID). The WTRU may then send Msg3 using the scheduled UL grant in the response.

[0147] In one example, the preamble may be a dedicated preamble designated by the network in a contention-free manner. For example, one or more preambles may be 'reserved' by the network for a WTRU or group of WTRUs. Contention-free preambles may correspond to the same set of features or a different set (e.g., RACH Occasions in the time domain, PRACH Occasions in the frequency domain, SSBs corresponding to one or multiple beams in the spatial domain) relative to contention-based preambles. These preambles may correspond to any transmitted, skipped, or predicted SSB.

[0148] The MsgA of a 2-step initial access procedure may include a contention-free preamble in PRACH and a payload in PUSCH. After MsgA transmission, the WTRU may monitor a network response within a preconfigured window. In this case as well, the PRACH preamble used by the WTRU may correspond to the transmitted / associated or predicted SSB. The dedicated preamble and the PUSCH resource are configured for MsgA transmission and upon receiving the network response, the WTRU terminates the initial access procedure.

[0149] In the modes, PRACH resources can be selected for a predicted beam. The WTRU can detect a first SSB beam (e.g., during initial access). The WTRU can predict and / or determine one or more predicted SSBs (e.g., based on AIML systems) from a list of skipped SSB beams that are not transmitted or preferred predicted SSBs. The WTRU can select a better predicted SSB and initiate the initial access procedure accordingly (e.g., PRACH preamble transmission). Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 68 / 108 58 / 81

[0150] In one example, (for example, alternatively) the WTRU can be configured (for example, by the network) with information about the association between two or more SSB beams, for example, the WTRU can receive a mapping table from the network indicating the association between two or more transmitted and / or skipped SSB beams based on spatial correlation (e.g., adjacent or neighboring beams) or beam parameters (e.g., two beams at a particular elevation angle or with RSRP above a threshold can be associated).

[0151] In one example, the association between one or more transmitted and / or ignored SSBs can be configured by the network and indicated to the WTRU in terms of beam indices. In one example, the association can be applied in one or more cases, for example, the WTRU can be configured to apply the association if one or more conditions are met (e.g., if at the cell edge, use association, otherwise use detected beam (e.g., inherited)).

[0152] A WTRU can determine the PRACH capabilities for transmitting a selected, configured, and / or determined PRACH preamble. One or more of the following may apply: PRACH capabilities for a detected SSB based on the detected SSB beam; PRACH capabilities for a predicted SSB based on the associated detected SSB beam; PRACH capabilities for a predicted SSB based on the predicted SSB beam; and / or PRACH capabilities based on a combination of multiple detected and / or predicted SSB beams.

[0153] The WTRU can select PRACH resources based on detected SSB beams for initial access (for example, when the WTRU performs initial access for the first time when joining a new cell or when the WTRU performs initial access after a long period of inactivity). During the session, the WTRU can receive (for example, from gNB) settings to use associated detected SSB beams and / or predicted SSB beams, so that for future instances of initial access, the WTRU can select PRACH resources based on associated detected SSB beams or predicted SSB beams. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 69 / 108 59 / 81

[0154] In one embodiment, the WTRU may determine or be configured to perform PRACH preamble transmission based on PRACH features that match the associated detected SSB beam. The WTRU may indicate the preferred predicted SSB beam (e.g., for gNB) based on the WTRU selection of the PRACH preamble. In one example, if the WTRU has predicted the best predicted beam as a first skipped beam (e.g., associated and / or candidate), the WTRU may select and transmit the PRACH preamble from a first set of preambles; if the WTRU has predicted the best predicted beam as a second skipped beam (e.g., associated and / or candidate), the WTRU may select and transmit the PRACH preamble from a second set of preambles; and so on.In one example, (for example, alternatively) the WTRU can indicate the preferred predicted SSB beam (for example, for gNB) as part of the initial access signaling (for example, transmission of Msg3 and / or MsgB). The WTRU can (for example, otherwise) indicate the preferred predicted SSB beam (for example, for gNB) after switching to Connected-Mode and after connecting to gNB.

[0155] Transmitting the PRACH preamble on resources that match the detected SSB can be useful if the network has not sent an SSB due to gNB implementation. For example, gNB might turn off some beams for power consumption improvements. gNB might not want to receive any preambles that match those beams or any data transmissions through those beams. Beams might not be activated unless or until a WTRU specifically requests it (e.g., by selecting and transmitting a preamble that matches the preferred predicted beam). The network might not activate the beam despite the WTRU's request. For example, gNB might decide not to activate the WTRU's preferred predicted beam because it might be an already activated SSB (e.g., neighbor and / or adjacent) that gNB determines is sufficient to meet the WTRU's data transmission requirements. In such a case, Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 70 / 108 In the 60 / 81 case, the gNB can send an indication to the WTRU to select the corresponding SSB beam.

[0156] In this document, the preamble and the PRACH preamble can be used interchangeably. In one embodiment, the WTRU can be configured to transmit one or more preambles for one or more SSB associations. For example, the WTRU can indicate the selected (e.g., index) SSB, predicted, ignored, and / or detected SSB based on the selection of a PRACH preamble. For example, a first preamble can be used to indicate a first selected SSB (e.g., from the list of ignored SSBs and / or from the list of transmitted SSBs, from the list of predicted SSBs, and so on); a second preamble can be used to indicate a second selected SSB, and so on.

[0157] The preamble can be a long sequence preamble or a short sequence preamble. The preamble can be an inherited preamble or a new preamble. In a new preamble, additional bits can be added to convey additional information, for example. The preamble format selected by the WTRU may depend on the scenarios and / or additional information that the WTRU may wish to indicate (e.g., for the network). For example, in the case of cell deployments, some preamble formats may be used for large cells, others for small cells, macrocells, etc.). For example, in the case of frequency bands, some preamble formats may be used in FR1 deployments and other preamble formats in FR2 deployments.In the case of subcarrier spacing, for example, a first preamble format can be used for a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 or 30 kHz), a second preamble format for a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 or 120 kHz), and so on. In the case of specific information for AI / ML beam management, for example, WTRU can use a first preamble for a first detected SSB, one. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 71 / 108 61 / 81 second SSB for a predicted SSB based on an associated ignored first SSB, a third preamble for a predicted SSB based on an associated ignored second SSB, and so on.

[0158] The WTRU can use the selected preamble to indicate (e.g., to the network) the selected and / or preferred SSB selected by the WTRU. In one example, the WTRU can implicitly indicate additional information based on the PRACH preamble selection. For example, the WTRU can determine or be configured to use a first set of preambles for a first mode of operation, a second set of preambles for a second mode of operation, and so on. For example, the WTRU can select a first preamble for a first SSB to indicate that the AI / ML model in the WTRU is using a first type, size, etc. of B-set beams for beam prediction; the WTRU can select a second SSB for a first SSB to indicate that the AI / ML model in the WTRU is using a second type, size, etc. of B-set beams for beam prediction, and so on.In one example, WTRU might select a first preamble for a first SSB to indicate that a first type of AI / ML model (e.g., Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)) is used by WTRU; WTRU might select a second SSB for a first SSB to indicate that a second type of AI / ML model (e.g., Deep Neural Network (DNN)) is used at WTRU, and so on. In further examples, additional bits might be added to the preamble to convey and / or indicate additional information. In more examples, additional information might be encoded with the preamble (e.g., through scrambling).

[0159] In one example, a WTRU with AI / ML capability can predict the best beam for a future time instance, for example, the beam with the highest predicted RSRP, based on parameters such as historical beam ID and its corresponding RSRP, beam angles, associated beams, etc. The WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on resources that Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 72 / 108 62 / 81 correspond to one of the predicted (e.g., best) SSB beams (e.g., the one with the highest predicted RSRP based on the AI / ML model output).

[0160] In one example, the WTRU can receive configuration information on how to generate preambles that correspond to predicted beams in SIBs (e.g., an existing SIB or an AI / ML-specific SIB). In another example, the WTRU can be configured with a space (e.g., ID space) by the network, where the WTRU can be able to generate preambles that correspond to the predicted SSB beam. If the gNB receives a PRACH on resources that correspond to an SSB beam that was not actually transmitted, the gNB can expect that the SSB can be selected, predicted, and / or determined based on the prediction.

[0161] In one example, a WTRU might be able to use the same preamble associated with a beam at present at a future time instant. For example, if a WTRU performs initial access using a detected / transmitted beam (e.g., beam X) at time T1 to transition to the connected state, the WTRU might then enter the idle state at time T2. At time T3, the WTRU might determine to perform initial access at a later time T4 based on a predicted beam. If the WTRU remained stationary, the AI / ML model might determine that the same beam X is the most suitable beam for the WTRU to use for initial access. As a result, the WTRU might use the same preamble used previously to perform initial access.

[0162] In one embodiment, a WTRU that transmits the PRACH preamble on PRACH resources based on a predicted SSB beam can be configured or determine the use of one or more different random access parameters, compared to transmitting the (legacy) PRACH preamble on resources based on a detected SSB. In one example, the WTRU can be explicitly configured with the random access parameter values. In another example, the WTRU can receive differential values ​​and / or offsets to be applied to the parameters configured for transmitting the (legacy) PRACH preamble on Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 73 / 108 63 / 81 resources based on a detected SSB. As an example, the number of PRACH preamble retransmissions, the power increase value, the random access response time window, and so on, may be different for PRACH preamble transmission in PRACH resources based on a predicted SSB beam compared to PRACH preamble transmission (legacy) in resources based on a detected SSB.

[0163] In one example, when the WTRU is configured to use a predicted SSB to perform initial access, the RACH resources, settings, and / or parameters associated with one or more predicted SSB beams can be configured to remain valid for a longer duration. These RACH resources and / or settings can include any preambles, sequences, partitions, timing and / or frequency resources associated with the RACH. RACH resources can also include RACH occasions that the WTRU can use when transmitting RACH preambles. Parameters associated with RACH resources can include start / stop time, transmission duration, periodicity, Tx power, Tx spatial direction, etc. RACH resources can be selected by the WTRU from a set that may be common to multiple UEs or dedicated to the WTRU, for example.Common or dedicated RACH resources can be accessed via broadcast channels / beams (e.g., SIB, SSB), via initial access messages (e.g., in Msg 2 or Msg B), or (pre-)configured in WTRU, for example.

[0164] In one embodiment, the WTRU can be configured to transmit the PRACH preamble on multiple features that correspond to the detection and / or prediction of more than one SSB beam. In one example, the WTRU can use the PRACH (combination) features to indicate that the WTRU prefers a predicted SSB over a detected SSB (e.g., with the highest measured and / or predicted RSRP). The WTRU can use the corresponding spatial filter and / or beam direction and / or QCL-ed with the detected SSB for the PRACH transmission. For example, the WTRU can use a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 74 / 108 64 / 81 first set of PRACH features (combination) to indicate that the detected SSB and a first predicted (and / or ignored) SSB beam are the preferred beams; WTRU may use a second set of PRACH features (combination) to indicate that the detected SSB and a second predicted (and / or ignored) SSB beam are the preferred beams, and so on.

[0165] The network can determine the best SSB beam to use to grant WTRU initial access, for example, based on load, beam quality (e.g., RSRP), etc. The network can indicate the beam that is selected using the preamble ID (RAPID) that corresponds to that beam (e.g., in the RAR message). After the transmission of the PRACH preamble on the PRACH resources (combination), WTRU can monitor the downlink control channels (e.g., CORESET, PDCCH, etc.) that correspond to each corresponding preferred SSB (e.g., the detected SSB and the first predicted SSB, the detected SSB and the second predicted SSB, and so on). In one example, WTRU can detect one or more RAR messages (e.g., RAR PDCCH), where WTRU can determine the corresponding SSB based on the RAPID received in the RAR message.Any one or more of the solutions, as described above, for initial access based on detected beams or predicted beams may also apply in this case.

[0166] After the transmission of the PRACH preamble on a detected, skipped, and / or predicted beam, the WTRU can monitor the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI to detect RARs within the RAR window period that correspond to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams. If the WTRU receives an RAR (in Msg 2 / Msg B), the WTRU can also receive a UL grant contained in the RAR, which can be used to transmit the RRC configuration request (e.g., Msg 3). The network can estimate the timing (e.g., propagation delay) based on the received preamble (e.g., in Msg 1 / Msg A) and can send the TA value to the WTRU in the RAR message. In response to Msg Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 75 / 108 65 / 81 3. The WTRU can receive the complete RRC configuration message (e.g., Msg 4), which, if successful, can transfer the WTRU to the connected state. In one mode, if the PRACH preamble transmission based on the predicted SSB beam fails (e.g., RAR is not received within the RAR window period), the WTRU can determine the fallback procedure.

[0167] A WTRU can exhibit certain behavior in the event of a PRACH transmission failure. In one embodiment, a WTRU can perform one or more of the following. A WTRU can be configured with a set of transmitted SSB beams and a set of predicted SSB beams. The WTRU can select a predicted beam (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP) for which it performs the initial access (e.g., PRACH preamble transmission). The WTRU can monitor the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI to detect RARs within the RAR window period that corresponds to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams. If the WTRU receives an RAR, the WTRU can proceed with the initial access (e.g., Msg3 transmission, etc.). If the WTRU does not receive an RAR within a configured time window or based on a counter, the WTRU can perform one or more of the following example methods.In one example method, the WTRU can switch the SSB beam to another SSB beam from the list of predicted SSB beams, and so on up to k beams (e.g., selected in descending order of RSRP). The set of predicted SSBs can be sorted in descending order of received reference signal strength (RSRP), and a predicted SSB is selected from the sorted list. In one example method, the WTRU can transmit PRACH for the detected beam. In another example method, the WTRU can wait for the inherited SSB burst with each transmitted SSB beam. For example, the gNB can have SSB bursts with each intended SSB beam (ssb-SetA) transmitted, perhaps with a longer period. For example, after M SSB bursts with skipped SSB beams, the gNB can transmit an SSB burst with each intended transmitted beam. The WTRU can wait for the duration. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 76 / 108 66 / 81 maximum of M SSB bursts (e.g., M is configured in MIB or SIB1) and then can consequently detect the best SSB beam. In one example method, WTRU can reject this cell and try to detect another SSB block in a different timing raster or another cell.

[0168] A WTRU can be configured with a set of transmitted SSB beams and a set of predicted SSB beams. In one or more embodiment examples in this document, the transmitted SSB beams may be associated with Set B or a configuration thereof. In one embodiment example, the WTRU may be configured to predict the RSRP of a first beam (e.g., a predicted beam) based on the measured RSRP of a second beam (e.g., a transmitted beam). The terms predicted beam and skipped beam may be used interchangeably. The terms transmitted beam, Set B beam, measured beam may be used interchangeably. The term beam may refer to the SSB beam, CSI-RS beam, or both.

[0169] In one example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured with parameters for random access procedure that correspond to the skipped beams where one or more of the parameters can be specifically configured for preamble transmissions associated with the predicted beams. For example, the WTRU can be configured with the maximum number of random access preamble transmissions associated with each predicted beam and / or collectively for each predicted beam. Possibly different values ​​for the maximum number of retransmissions can be configured for predicted beams and detected beams. Possibly different values ​​for ra-ResponseWindow can be configured for predicted beams and detected beams.

[0170] In one embodiment, an RA preamble transmission can be performed that is associated with the skipped SSBs. The WTRU can be configured to predict one or more parameters (e.g., RSRP) of one or more SSB beams (e.g., predicted SSB beams) based on one or more parameters (e.g., Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 77 / 108 67 / 81 example, RSRP) of one or more of the measured SSB beams (e.g., transmitted SSB beams). The WTRU can be configured to select a better beam for preamble transmission, where the best beam can be a predicted beam or a detected beam. In a first solution, if the difference between one or more predicted parameters and one or more measured parameters (e.g., RSRP) is higher than a (pre-)configured threshold, the WTRU can select the detected beam for PRACH preamble transmission. Otherwise, the WTRU can select the predicted beam for PRACH preamble transmission. The WTRU can determine that the parameters apply the random access procedure based on the beam type, where the beam type can refer to the transmitted SSB beam, the predicted SSB beam, and so on.

[0171] In one example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured with a first ra-ResponseWindow value (e.g., random access response time window) and a second ra-ResponseWindow value. The WTRU can apply the first ra-ResponseWindow value if the preamble transmission is associated with the detected SSB beam. The WTRU can apply the second ra-ResponseWindow value if the preamble transmission is associated with the predicted SSB beam. The WTRU can be configured with a set of retransmission count, power ramp parameters based on the beam type selected for the random access procedure. After the preamble transmission, the WTRU can monitor the PDCCH scrambled with RA-RNTI to detect RAR within the ra-ResponseWindow that corresponds to the transmitted PRACH and / or associated detected and / or predicted SSB beams. If WTRU receives a RAR, WTRU can continue with the initial access (e.g., transmission of Msg3, etc.).

[0172] A WTRU can exhibit certain behavior in the event of a preamble transmission failure in predicted beams. In one embodiment, a WTRU can be configured to handle a preamble transmission failure based on the beam type associated with the preamble transmission. In the present Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 78 / 108 68 / 81 document, the beam type can refer to the beam transmission state (e.g., transmitted and / or measured beam, not transmitted, e.g., predicted beam, etc.). For example, after the transmission of the preamble associated with the predicted beam, if the WTRU does not receive a Random Access Response (RAR) before the raResponseWindow expires, the WTRU can consider the RAR reception unsuccessful (e.g., a RAR failure associated with the predicted beam). In one example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured to maintain the specific preamble transmission counter for preamble transmission associated with predicted beams or predicted SSB. In another example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured to increment the counter associated with predicted beams after unsuccessful RAR reception.

[0173] The WTRU can exhibit certain behavior based on the specific maximum transmission of the predicted beam. After the RAR failure associated with the predicted beam, the WTRU can be configured to perform preamble retransmission on that predicted beam. The WTRU can be configured to perform retransmission on the same predicted beam for a maximum number of retransmissions. In one example, the maximum number of retransmissions can be specifically configured for each predicted beam. In one example, the maximum number of retransmissions can be configured to be greater than or equal to 1. After reaching the maximum number of retransmissions on a specific predicted beam, the WTRU can be configured to switch to the next best predicted beam. For example, the next best predicted beam can be determined based on the descending order of RSRP.The set of predicted SSBs can be sorted in descending order of received reference signal strength (RSRP), and a predicted SSB is selected from the sorted list. In one example mode, after reaching the maximum number of retransmissions on a specific predicted beam, the WTRU can be configured to switch to the next best detected beam. In another example mode, after reaching the maximum number of retransmissions on a... Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 79 / 108 69 / 81 specific predicted beam, the WTRU can be configured to switch to the next best beam regardless of whether the beam is a predicted or measured beam.

[0174] A WTRU can exhibit certain behaviors based on the maximum cumulative retransmissions across all predicted beams. In one example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured with a first maximum number of retransmissions and a second maximum number of retransmissions, where the first maximum number of retransmissions can be associated with each predicted beam and the second maximum number of retransmissions can be associated with cumulative retransmission attempts across each predicted beam. The first maximum number of retransmissions can be less than or equal to the second maximum number of retransmissions. In one example of a modality, after reaching the second maximum number of retransmissions, the WTRU can be configured to switch to the next best detected beam. In one example of a modality, the WTRU can be configured to switch to a maximum number of predicted beams during the random access procedure.In this document, the maximum number of predicted beams can be pre-configured. After switching to the maximum number of predicted beams, the WTRU can be configured to switch to the next detected beam. In one example, the WTRU can be configured with the maximum number of retransmissions across multiple predicted beams (e.g., each one).

[0175] In one embodiment, the WTRU can determine the specific retransmission of the predicted beam based on the confidence level. The WTRU can be configured with (pre-)configured rules to determine the maximum number of retransmissions for each predicted beam. For example, given the maximum number of retransmissions along each predicted beam, the WTRU can determine the maximum retransmission attempt for each predicted beam based on the prediction confidence. For example, the WTRU can retransmit N1 times on a first predicted beam with a confidence level of C1 and can retransmit N2 times on a second beam with a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 80 / 108 70 / 81 confidence level C2, where N1 > N2 if C1 > C2.

[0176] The WTRU can wait for an inherited SSB burst with all transmitted SSB beams. In one example of a modality, if the RAR failure associated with the predicted beam (or beams) exceeds a pre-configured number of times, the WTRU can be configured to perform the random access procedure based on the inherited SSB burst with each transmitted SSB beam. In this document, the RAR failure can be triggered based on one or more of the following conditions: when maximum retransmissions associated with the predicted beam are exceeded, when maximum cumulative retransmissions associated with each predicted beam are exceeded, when retransmissions on the maximum number of predicted beams are exceeded, etc. The WTRU can be configured to suspend the ongoing random access procedure and wait for the inherited SSB burst transmission. For example, the WTRU can be configured with legacy SSB beams via the ssb-PositionsInBurst setting (e.g., in SIB1).The WTRU can be configured with a longer periodicity for legacy SSB beams and a shorter periodicity for SSB bursts with Set B beams. For example, after M SSB bursts with skipped SSB beams, the WTRU can be configured to receive the SSB burst with legacy SSB beams. The WTRU can be configured with the value of M based on MIB or SIB1. For example, after the RAR failure associated with predicted beams, the WTRU can be configured to perform the random access procedure based on the reception of legacy SSB beams.

[0177] The WTRU can reject the cell and trigger initial access in a different cell. In one example of a modality, after the RAR failure associated with the predicted beam (or beams) exceeds a pre-configured number of times, the WTRU can be configured to perform one or more of the following actions. For example, the WTRU can interrupt the ongoing random access procedure. The WTRU can indicate a random access problem to higher layers. Based on the determination that the RAR was not received correctly during the window of Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 81 / 108 71 / 81 random access response and a number of retransmissions to the first predicted SSB or the second predicted SSB exceeds the maximum number of retransmissions, the WTRU can be additionally configured to indicate a random access problem to a higher layer. The WTRU can prevent initial access in that cell for a pre-configured period of time (e.g., until a (pre)configured timer elapses). The WTRU can trigger initial access in a different cell. (e.g., the WTRU can attempt SSB block detection in a cell on the same frequency (intra-frequency) or different frequency (inter-frequency), different synchronization raster, etc.).

[0178] In modes, correction and confirmation procedures can be performed for the predicted beam based on the received RAR. In this mode, the terms “skipped SSBs” and “not actually transmitted beams” are used interchangeably. In an example of a mode, the WTRU can perform one or more of the following. The WTRU can determine or select a predicted SSB beam as the best beam (e.g., based on the predicted RSRP) based on detected and / or received SSB beams and an AIML model. Detected SSB beams are actually transmitted SSBs, and predicted SSB beams are SSBs that are not currently being transmitted by a base station. The WTRU has received indication of both actually transmitted SSBs and predicted SSBs.The WTRU can initiate the initial access procedure by sending the PRACH preamble to the predicted SSB beam (e.g., using time and frequency resources associated with the predicted SSB beam) or transmit a random access preamble using random access resources. The random access preamble or random access resources are associated with the predicted SSB. The WTRU can monitor RAR reception in the RAR window.

[0179] After receiving the RAR (e.g., RAR PDCCH and / or RAR PDSCH on a QCL-ed beam with the predicted SSB beam), the WTRU can measure the RSRP (e.g., based on the reference signal in the RAR message, e.g., DMRS). Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 82 / 108 72 / 81 The RAR can be received via a beam associated with the predicted SSB. The measured RSRP can be associated with the received RAR. The WTRU can compare the measured RSRP based on the received RAR with the predicted RSRP for the predicted SSB, or determine a difference between the predicted RSRP for the predicted SSB and the measured RSRP for the predicted SSB. The predicted SSB is based on a predicted RSRP of predicted SSBs. The WTRU can be configured with or receive (e.g., via MIB, SIB1, and / or RAR) one or more parameters related to offsets and / or thresholds to compare the measured RSRP based on the RAR (e.g., PDCCH DMRS or PDSCH DMRS) with the predicted RSRP for the SSB. For example, the measured RSRP of SSB and DMRS may be different. Additionally, the transmission power for SSB and DMRS may have a difference (e.g., large). Therefore, gNB can provide the offset / limit (e.g., 10dB) to compare the values.WTRU can verify whether the prediction was accurate or not based on comparison and one or more of the offsets or thresholds (e.g., determining whether the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is less than a threshold or not (e.g., 10dB)). If the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is less than or below a (pre-)configured threshold, WTRU can determine that the predicted beam is accurate enough and can continue using the predicted beam for transmission of additional signals (e.g., Msg3) by sending an indication of a request to continue using the beam associated with the predicted SSB for subsequent communication. If the difference between the predicted RSRP and the measured RSRP is greater than or above a (pre-)configured threshold, WTRU can determine that the predicted beam is not accurate enough.The WTRU can reject the predicted beam and can proceed with selecting another beam or follow the procedures considered for PRACH transmission failure, select a new predicted SSB, and perform a new initial access procedure associated with a beam that matches the new predicted SSB. In one example (e.g., alternatively), if the WTRU sent the PRACH based on the combination of multiple (e.g., two) detected and / or predicted SSB beams, a. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 83 / 108 73 / 81 WTRU can receive multiple (e.g., two) RAR messages for the corresponding beams. WTRU can measure the RSRP for each of the received RAR messages and can determine the best beam (e.g., with the highest RSRP). WTRU can transmit the additional signals (e.g., Msg 3) based on the selected best beam.

[0180] The WTRU can detect one or more SS / PBCH (SSB) blocks from one or more cells (e.g., during initial access, cell search, and / or cell (re)selection), where the cells may be candidate cells used for initial access and / or cell (re)selection. The WTRU can determine, indicate, and / or select at least one of the detected SSBs from at least one of the detected and / or candidate cells as the best SSB (e.g., with the highest measured and / or calculated received power (e.g., RSRP), the lowest measured and / or calculated interference, and so on). In one example, the WTRU can detect, decode, and receive one or more information parameters regarding whether the skipped SSBs are enabled in the detected cell (e.g., via MIB or SIB1).In one example, WTRU might receive one or more information parameters relating to the Set A list for planned SSBs (e.g., ssb-SetA), the list of transmitted SSBs (e.g., ssb-SetA), and / or the list of skipped or untransmitted SSBs.

[0181] In one example, the WTRU can be configured to determine a first type of SSB beams (e.g., transmitted SSB beams), a second type of SSB beams (e.g., predicted SSB beams), and so on. The WTRU can detect one or more transmitted SSB beams and measure the beam quality (e.g., RSRP). The WTRU can use the measured beam quality for the detected transmitted SSB beams to predict the beam quality (e.g., predicted RSRP) of predicted SSB beams (e.g., using an AI / ML model). The WTRU can use SSB beams of different types (transmitted, predicted, etc.) to perform initial access, cell (re)selection, and so on. For example, WTRU Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 84 / 108 74 / 81 can select one or more SSB beams based on beam quality (e.g., beams with the highest RSRPs) for initial access. WTRU can use the measured beam quality (e.g., RSRP) of the received SSB beams and / or predicted beam quality (e.g., predicted RSRPs) of the predicted SSB beams.

[0182] In one example, the WTRU may determine the sending of a PRACH preamble to the detected cell, wherein the WTRU may determine the time and frequency resources to transmit the PRACH in association with the predicted SSB beam. After the PRACH preamble transmission, the WTRU may monitor and attempt to detect the Random Access Response (RAR) message (e.g., DCI with CRC scrambled with RA-RNTI) within the period of an RAR window or threshold. In one example, if the WTRU determines the use of the 4-step Random Access (RA) procedure, the WTRU may transmit a configured, selected, and / or determined PRACH preamble to the cell. After the PRACH preamble transmission, the WTRU may monitor a DL message (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) (e.g., indicating a RAR message) that may provide a UL grant. WTRU can send a UL message or indication (e.g., in a push notification) based on the UL grant.In one example, if the WTRU determines the use of RA in 2 steps, the WTRU can transmit a MsgA that may include a configured, selected, and / or determined PRACH preamble, and a PUSCH that carries a message to the cell. After sending MsgA, the WTRU can monitor a DL message (e.g., PDCCH) (e.g., indicating a MsgB) that may include (e.g., at least) a RAR and may include contention resolution information.

[0183] A WTRU (e.g., an UE with AIML capability) can select a cell (e.g., as the appropriate cell) to camp (e.g., during initial access and / or cell (re)selection procedure). In one example, the WTRU can select the cell based on one or more measured parameters (e.g., measured, assessed, and / or predicted RSRP, RSRQ), the Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pages 85 / 108 75 / 81 cell classification configurations, measured and / or evaluated interference, and so on. The WTRU can select a predicted SSB (e.g., SSB beam) as the best SSB in the cell. The WTRU can transmit a PRACH preamble to the selected cell, which is associated with the selected predicted SSB. The WTRU can indicate its determined or selected active operating mode (e.g., AIML operation) by sending PRACH, for example (e.g., by sending PRACH in AIML RO time and frequency resources and / or by using the selected PRACH preamble from a first set indicating that the WTRU supports AIML, for example, as described in this document).

[0184] Beamquality parameters can be measured based on the received RAR message(s). In one example, a WTRU (e.g., transmitting the PRACH preamble based on a predicted SSB) can measure one or more beamquality parameters (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, LOS probability, etc.) based on one or more reference signals received in a RAR message (e.g., RAR is received via a QCL-ed beam with the predicted SSB beam selected) (e.g., via RAR PDCCH DMRS, RAR PDSCH DMRS, and so on). In one example, the WTRU can determine or be configured to compare the measured parameters with the corresponding predicted parameters. The WTRU may need to (re)evaluate the measured parameters in order to scale the parameters so that the WTRU is able to compare the measured parameters with those predicted.A WTRU can receive, determine, be equipped with, or be (pre-)configured (e.g., via MIB, SIB, etc.) with one or more scheduling rules and / or parameters (e.g., offset values, scheduling values, thresholds, and so on).

[0185] (Re)evaluation and / or scaling of the measured parameters may be useful, for example, the RSRP measured from SSB and DMRS may be on different scales, for example, due to different frequency BWPs and / or bands. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pages 86 / 108 76 / 81 for RS in SSB and DMRS, different transmission powers for SSB and DMRS, and so on. The WTRU can determine or be configured to use one or more scaling rules (e.g., adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing one or more scaling values) to have the capability to compare the values. One or more of the following may apply: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ; SINR; LOS probability; and similar. For example, when RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ applies, the WTRU can receive one or more scaling rules and scaling parameters to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and so on with the corresponding measured parameters (e.g., including received signal power, received signal strength, and so on).For example, when SINR applies, the WTRU may receive one or more scaling rules and scaling parameters to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and so on with the measured SINR parameters (e.g., including received signal power, received interference power, received signal strength, received interference strength, and so on). For example, when LOS probability applies, the WTRU may receive one or more scaling rules to be applied (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, divide) to the measured LOS probability for the received RS along with the RAR PDCCH and / or PDSCH signals.

[0186] There may be additional parameters, which may include offset between the beam quality (e.g., RSRP) estimated using RSs associated with the RAR and the SSB beams. For example, after receiving RAR (e.g., RAR PDCCH and / or RAR PDSCH in a QCL-ed beam with the selected prediction SSB beam), WTRU can estimate the RSRP of the selected prediction SSB beam by measuring the beam RSRP of one or more RSs in the RAR message (e.g., DMRS of RAR PDCCH and / or RSR PDSCH) and adding an offset configured or indicated by gNB.

[0187] The accuracy of predictions can be verified based on Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 87 / 108 77 / 81 RAR message(s). In one embodiment, the WTRU can determine and / or verify whether the prediction was accurate or not based on a comparison of the measured RAR parameters with the predicted parameters for the predicted SSB along with one or more offset values ​​and / or thresholds. The WTRU can receive, determine, be equipped with, and / or be (pre-)configured (e.g., via MIB, SIB, etc.) with one or more threshold values ​​in order to compare the measured parameters with the corresponding predicted parameters. In one example, the WTRU can determine that the difference between one or more of the predicted parameters compared with the corresponding (re)evaluated and / or scaled parameters based on the measured RAR message parameters (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) is less than the corresponding thresholds. The WTRU can determine that the accuracy level for the predicted SSB is acceptable and can determine to proceed with the initial access procedures (e.g., transmission of Msg3).

[0188] In one example (e.g., otherwise), the WTRU may determine that the difference between one or more of the predicted parameters compared with the corresponding (re)evaluated and / or scaled parameters based on the measured parameters of the RAR message (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) is greater than the corresponding limits. The WTRU may determine that the accuracy level for the predicted SSB is not acceptable. One or more of the following may apply: the WTRU, having determined that a first predicted SSB beam may not meet the required accuracy, may select the use of a second predicted SSB beam for the initial access procedure; the WTRU may follow procedures considered as failed PRACH transmission; and / or the WTRU may continue the initial access procedure (e.g., via Msg3 transmission) and / or connect to the cell based on beams that have the same spatial relationships as the predicted beam (e.g., QCL-ed with the predicted beam).

[0189] In one example, the WTRU, which has determined that a predicted first SSB beam may not meet the required accuracy, may select the use of a Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pages 88 / 108 78 / 81 second predicted SSB beam for the initial access procedure. The WTRU can interrupt and / or reject ongoing initial access based on the first predicted beam. The WTRU can initiate a new initial access procedure based on the second predicted beam. The WTRU can select the second predicted beam based on a list of k best predicted SSB beams (e.g., ordered based on highest RSRP, RSRQ, hypothetical BLER quality, and so on). Based on the determined second best predicted SSB beam, the WTRU can initiate initial access (e.g., sending the PRACH preamble) on the PRACH resources that match the second best predicted SSB. In one example, the WTRU can follow procedures considered as failed PRACH transmission.For example, WTRU can follow the PRACH preamble transmission procedures based on the detected beam, wait for the inherited SSB burst with each transmitted SSB beam, reject the current cell, and attempt to detect another SSB block in a different synchronization raster or another cell and / or similar.

[0190] In one example, the WTRU can perform conditional connection. For example, the WTRU can continue the initial access procedure (e.g., via Msg3 transmission) and / or connect to the cell based on beams that have the same spatial relationships as the predicted beam (e.g., QCL-ed with the predicted beam). The WTRU can connect to a cell based on beams that have the same spatial relationships as the first predicted SSB to perform the new initial access procedure. The WTRU can indicate (e.g., to gNB) that the predicted beam (e.g., the one being used) is not the preferred beam (e.g., via a flag indication). The WTRU can indicate the preferred beam (e.g., predicted) via an indication (e.g., beam index). The WTRU can indicate the first predicted SSB via a beam index to perform the new initial access procedure.WTRU can send the indications as part of the initial access signaling (e.g., Msg3), or as part of the indication signaling after connecting to the cell and switching from the procedure. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 89 / 108 79 / 81 Initial access to connected mode (e.g., via UCI, MAC-CE, and so on). After switching to connected mode, the WTRU can send a request to switch to the preferred beam or the first predicted SSB; or the WTRU can receive an indication (e.g., from gNB) to switch to another beam.

[0191] The accuracy of a prediction can be compared based on at least two RAR messages. In one embodiment, a WTRU can receive more than one RAR message, where the WTRU can compare one or more measured parameters for the received RAR messages to consequently determine the accuracy of the predicted beams and / or to determine, select, and / or indicate the best beam. In one example, the WTRU that indicated more than one preferred SSB beam (e.g., including detected and / or predicted SSB beams, e.g., through a PRACH feature set (combination), as described in this document (see Section 4.4 or Solution No. 1)), can receive more than one RAR message within the RAR reception window.In one example, the WTRU might receive a first RAR signal (e.g., RAR PDCCH and / or RAR PDSCH) that corresponds to a first detected SSB; the WTRU might receive a second RAR signal (e.g., RAR PDCCH and / or RAR PDSCH) that corresponds to a first predicted SSB, and so on. In another example, the WTRU might determine the corresponding SSB based on the received Random Access Preamble ID (RAPID) detected from the received RAR message.

[0192] A WTRU can measure a first set of one or more beam quality parameters (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, LOS probability, etc.) based on one or more reference signals received in the first RAR signaling (e.g., RAR received via a QCL-ed beam with the first SSB detected) (e.g., via RAR PDCCH DMRS, RAR PDSCH DMRS, and so on); the WTRU can measure a second set of one or more Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 90 / 108 80 / 81 beam quality parameters (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, LOS probability, etc.) based on one or more reference signals received in the second RAR signaling (e.g., RAR received via a QCL-ed beam with the first predicted SSB) (e.g., via RAR PDCCH DMRS, RAR PDSCH DMRS, and so on), and so forth.

[0193] In one embodiment, WTRU can compare measured sets of one or more parameters (e.g., the first set, the second set, and so on). WTRU can determine the best beam based on the beam with the most favorable beam quality parameters (e.g., with RSRP, RSRQ, LOS probability greater than the corresponding limits and / or theoretical BLER less than the corresponding limit, and so on). WTRU can use the selected best beam for additional initial access procedures (e.g., Msg3 transmission). In one embodiment (e.g., alternatively), WTRU can compare measured sets of one or more parameters (e.g., the first set, the second set, and so on) with the predicted parameters for the predicted beam (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, LOS probability, and so on) or for one or more predicted SSBs.In order to be able to compare, the WTRU can receive, determine, be endowed with, or be (pre-)configured (e.g., via MIB, SIB, etc.) with one or more parameters or configuration parameters, offset values, scheduling rules, and / or scheduling values ​​to (re)evaluate and / or schedule sets of one or more parameters.

[0194] In one example, the WTRU can determine if the prediction accuracy is acceptable, for example, if the difference between the measured parameters and the predicted parameters is within an acceptable range (e.g., lower than a corresponding threshold). If the accuracy is acceptable, the WTRU can proceed with the initial access procedure (e.g., transmission of Msg3) and / or the WTRU can connect to the detected cell. In one example (e.g., otherwise), Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 91 / 108 81 / 81 The WTRU may determine that the difference between one or more of the predicted parameters compared with the corresponding measured, (re)evaluated and / or scaled parameters is greater than the corresponding limits. The WTRU may determine that the accuracy level for the predicted SSB is not within the acceptable range. The WTRU may perform one or more procedures, as described in this document, including the selection of a second predicted SSB beam, following the procedures considered for failed PRACH transmission, conditional connection and / or similar. Petition 870250090440, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 92 / 108

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: receive an indication of a set of one or more transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) comprised in an SSB burst and an indication of a set of one or more skipped SSBs comprised in the SSB burst, wherein each of the one or more skipped SSBs is not transmitted by a base station in the SSB burst; determine the sending of an indication that the WTRU wishes to use a first skipped SSB from the set of one or more skipped SSBs; transmit an indication of the first skipped SSB; and receive at least one downlink transmission using a beam associated with the first skipped SSB.

2. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the processor and memory are configured to: receive configuration information associated with the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, wherein the configuration information comprises a list of candidate beams, wherein the list of candidate beams comprises the beam associated with the first skipped SSB.

3. WTRU, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the configuration information comprises beam indices, an azimuth angle, an elevation angle, or a boresight angle.

4. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first SSB skipped comprises a random access preamble, the random access preamble is transmitted using a beam associated with a first transmitted SSB from the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, and the random access preamble or one or more random access resources used to transmit the random access preamble are indicative of the first SSB skipped.

5. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first skipped SSB comprises one or more random access features, the one or more random access features comprising a first random access feature and a second random access feature, the first random access feature is associated with a first transmitted SSB from the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, and the second random access feature is associated with the first skipped SSB.

6. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the processor and memory are configured to receive a setting indicating whether SSB hopping is enabled.

7. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the processor and memory are configured to use an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model to predict a list of preferred predicted SSBs from the set of one or more ignored SSBs.

8. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first skipped SSB comprises one or more random access features that are based on the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, the set of one or more skipped SSBs, or a combination of the set of one or more transmitted SSBs and the set of one or more skipped SSBs.

9. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first skipped SSB from a set of one or more skipped SSBs is used for or after an initial access procedure.

10. WTRU, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the indication of the first ignored SSB comprises an indication sent in Petition 870250090440, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, page 105 / 108 3 / 5 a random access message three using one or more random access resources that are indicative of the first ignored SSB.

11. A method implemented by a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) is characterized by comprising: receiving an indication of a set of one or more transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) comprised in an SSB burst and an indication of a set of one or more skipped SSBs comprised in the SSB burst, wherein each of the one or more skipped SSBs is not transmitted by a base station in the SSB burst; determining the sending of an indication that the WTRU wishes to use a first skipped SSB from the set of one or more skipped SSBs; transmitting an indication of the first skipped SSB; and receiving at least one downlink transmission using a beam associated with the first skipped SSB.

12. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: receiving configuration information associated with a set of one or more transmitted SSBs, wherein the configuration information comprises a list of candidate beams, wherein the list of candidate beams comprises the beam associated with the first skipped SSB.

13. Method according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the configuration information comprises beam indices, an azimuth angle, an elevation angle or a boresight angle.

14. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first skipped SSB comprises a random access preamble, wherein the random access preamble is transmitted using a beam associated with a first SSB transmitted from the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, and the random access preamble or one or more random access resources used to transmit the random access preamble are indicative of the first skipped SSB.

15. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first skipped SSB comprises one or more random access features, the one or more random access features comprising a first random access feature and a second random access feature, the first random access feature is associated with a first transmitted SSB from the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, and the second random access feature is associated with the first skipped SSB.

16. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: receiving a setting as to whether SSB hopping is enabled.

17. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: using an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model to predict a list of preferred predicted SSBs from a set of one or more ignored SSBs.

18. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the indication of the first skipped SSB comprises one or more random access features that are based on the set of one or more transmitted SSBs, the set of one or more skipped SSBs, or a combination of the set of one or more transmitted SSBs and the set of one or more skipped SSBs.

19. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the first skipped SSB from a set of one or more skipped SSBs is used for or after an initial access procedure.

20. Method according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the indication of the first SSB ignored comprises an indication sent in a random access message three using one or more random access features that are indicative of the first SSB ignored.

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