Method and user equipment for processing random access in a wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a quasi-fifth generation (5G) or 5G communication system that is provided to support higher data rates than fourth generation (4G) systems such as long term evolution (LTE). A method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: determining, by a user equipment (UE), that the UE is in one of an idle mode or an inactive mode; obtaining, by the UE, a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) message from a cell; determining, by the UE based on the content of the obtained SIB1 message, whether the UE supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard; and performing, by the UE, one of the following: camping on the cell in response to determining that the UE supports at least one of the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, or the bandwidth portion standard, or barring the cell in response to determining that the UE does not support the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, or the bandwidth portion standard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly to a method and a user equipment (UE) for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] To meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic since the deployment of fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, efforts have been underway to develop improved fifth-generation (5G) or pre-5G communication systems. Consequently, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as "beyond 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems."

[0003] 5G communication systems are expected to be implemented in higher frequency (millimeter wave) bands, such as the 60 GHz band, to achieve higher data rates. To reduce radio wave propagation losses and increase transmission distances, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-scale MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies are being discussed in 5G communication systems.

[0004] In addition, in the 5G communication system, system network improvements are being developed based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense network, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile network, collaborative communication, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), and receiving-end interference cancellation.

[0005] In 5G systems, hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) have been developed as advanced coding modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies.

[0006] Several broadband wireless technologies have been developed to meet the growing number of broadband users and provide more and better applications and services. The second generation (2G) wireless communication system has been developed to provide voice services while ensuring user mobility. The third generation (3G) wireless communication system supports not only voice services but also data services. In addition, the 4G wireless communication system has been developed to provide high-speed data services. However, the current fourth generation (4G) wireless communication system suffers from insufficient resources and cannot meet the growing demand for high-speed data services. Therefore, the fifth generation (5G) wireless communication system is being developed to meet the growing demand for high-speed data services, support ultra-reliability and low-latency applications.

[0007] Fifth-generation wireless communication systems will be deployed not only in lower frequency bands, such as the 500 MHz to 10 GHz band, but also in higher frequency (millimeter wave) bands, such as the 10 GHz to 100 GHz band, to achieve higher data rates. To reduce radio wave propagation losses and increase transmission distances, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-scale MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies are being considered in the design of fifth-generation wireless communication systems.

[0008] Furthermore, fifth-generation wireless communication systems are expected to address diverse use cases with vastly different requirements for data rates, latency, reliability, and mobility. However, the air interface design of fifth-generation wireless communication systems is expected to be flexible enough to serve end-consumers with user equipment (UE) capabilities that vary widely depending on the use case, as well as to meet the needs of various market segments. Example use cases expected to be addressed by 5G wireless communication systems include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (m-MTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLL). eMBB requirements, such as tens of Gbps data rates, low latency, and high mobility, address the market segment representing traditional wireless broadband users who desire ubiquitous internet connectivity. m-MTC requirements, such as very high connection density, infrequent data transmission, very long battery life, and low mobility, address the market segment representing the Internet of Things (IoT) / Internet of Everything (IoE), which envisions connecting billions of devices. URLL requirements, such as very low latency, very high reliability, and variable mobility, address the market segment representing industrial automation applications and vehicle-to-vehicle / vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, which are expected to be one of the driving forces behind autonomous vehicles.

[0009] In fourth-generation wireless communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), an enhanced Node B (eNB) or base station communicates with UEs in either frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD) mode. In FDD mode, there is a single channel / carrier for transmissions from the eNB to the UE, called the downlink (DL) carrier, and a separate, paired channel / carrier for receiving transmissions from multiple UEs at the eNB, called the uplink (UL) carrier. In TDD mode, there is a single channel / carrier for transmissions from the eNB to the UE and for receiving transmissions from multiple UEs on the same carrier. TDD carriers are bidirectional, allowing transmissions from the eNB and from the UE to be time-multiplexed. In the idle state, if the carrier meets the cell selection criteria, the UE camps on the carrier and performs idle state operation. If the UE supports both FDD and TDD modes, in the IDLE state, the UE camps on a cell served by a DL carrier operating in FDD mode, or camps on a TDD bidirectional carrier by monitoring DL timeslots.

[0010] Figure 1 The initial access of LTE is shown, wherein according to related art, a UE in an idle state after performing a cell search and acquiring DL synchronization needs to acquire cell-specific parameters, ie, cell access parameters of the detected cell.

[0011] These cell access parameters are broadcast periodically and are generally referred to as system information (SI). After acquiring SI related to cell access and idle state mobility, the UE can camp on a cell that meets the cell selection criteria. The UE performs a random access procedure on an UL carrier in FDD mode or an UL timeslot of a TDD carrier served by the camped cell to transition to a connected state in which radio resources are provided to the UE for data transmission.

[0012] The random access procedure, commonly referred to as RACH, involves the transmission of a known signal sequence, called a preamble, on a time-frequency resource within the UL carrier in FDD mode or the UL timeslot of a TDD bidirectional carrier in TDD mode. The time-frequency resource on which the UE transmits the preamble is called a PRACH resource. The eNB detects the preamble transmitted on the PRACH resource and responds with a random access response (RAR). The random access procedure in LTE is either four-step contention-based random access (CBRA) or two-step non-contention-based random access (CFRA), which are well-known techniques. In both CBRA and CFRA, the first step involves the transmission of a preamble, differing in that in CBRA, the preamble is randomly selected from a set of preambles, while in CFRA, the preamble is pre-assigned to the UE. When carrier aggregation (CA) is configured, the random access procedure is common to both FDD and TDD modes, regardless of cell size and the number of serving cells. In CA, two or more component carriers (CCs) are aggregated in the DL and / or UL. A UE can simultaneously receive or transmit on one or more CCs, depending on its capabilities. CA supports contiguous CCs within one band and non-contiguous CCs in two different bands. When CA is deployed, the frame timing and system frame number (SFN) are aligned across the CCs that can be aggregated. The random access procedure is performed for the following events: a) Initial access from idle, such as Figure 1 b) RRC connection re-establishment procedure; c) handover event; d) DL data arrival during connected state requiring RACH, e) UL data arrival during connected state requiring RACH; and f) for positioning purposes during connected state.

[0013] The fifth-generation wireless communication system, i.e., the NR system, is provided with an UL / DL carrier pair (FDD mode) or a bidirectional carrier (TDD mode). UEs can be configured with an additional UL carrier called the Supplementary Uplink (SUL). The SUL differs from the CA uplink in that a UE can be scheduled to transmit on the SUL or the Normal Uplink (NUL) of an FDD carrier pair or a TDD bidirectional carrier, but not on both simultaneously. The random access procedure in the NR system is similar to the RACH in LTE. In addition to the events applicable to the LTE system, there are other events in the NR system, such as a) SR failure, b) RRC request during synchronization reconfiguration, c) transition from the inactive state, d) establishing time alignment at SCell addition, e) requesting additional SI, and f) beam failure recovery triggering RACH. In the NR system, the carrier on which the UE performs RACH can be the paired UL carrier (i.e., NUL) in FDD mode or another UL carrier (if configured). This additional UL carrier that is not paired with the DL carrier is called the Supplementary Uplink (SUL) carrier. Similarly, in TDD mode, the UE may perform RACH on the UL timeslot of a bidirectional carrier or another supplementary UL carrier (SUL) if configured. In the present disclosure, the term normal UL (UL) may be used interchangeably with the term UL, i.e., the UL carrier paired with the DL carrier in FDD mode or the bidirectional carrier in TDD mode. The UE radio capabilities determine the frequency bands and communication modes it supports, i.e., FDD and / or TDD mode. For a RACH triggering event, such a transition from an idle / inactive state to a connected state, where a UE residing on a cell performs random access, if configured, it is not straightforward whether the UE performs RACH on NUL or SUL. Furthermore, if the SIB1 broadcasted from the cell includes SUL parameters, the criteria for considering whether the cell is SUL configured is not straightforward.

[0014] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Solution to the problem

[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure is to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a user equipment (UE) for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system.

[0017] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0018] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless cellular system is provided. The method includes determining, by a UE, that the UE is in one of an idle mode or an inactive mode. In addition, the method includes obtaining, by the UE, a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) message from a cell. Further, the method includes determining, by the UE, based on the content of the obtained SIB1 message, whether the UE supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard. The content may be, for example, but not limited to, downlink configuration common parameters and uplink configuration common parameters. Examples of downlink configuration common parameters include downlink carrier frequency, initial downlink bandwidth portion (BWP), broadcast channel modification period, paging-related configuration, etc. Examples of uplink configuration common parameters include uplink carrier frequency, initial uplink BWP, etc. Further, the method includes, in response to determining the content of the obtained SIB1 message, executing, by the UE, one of camping on the cell or barring the cell. In addition, the method includes determining, by the UE, whether the camped cell is configured with a supplementary uplink (SUL) based on parameters associated with the supplementary uplink (SUL) included in the obtained SIB1 message. The parameters may be, for example, common supplementary uplink configuration parameters. The method further includes determining, by the UE, a carrier selection criterion, wherein if the camped cell is configured with the SUL based on the carrier selection criterion, the UE initiates the random access procedure on one of a normal uplink (NUL) or the SUL.

[0019] In an embodiment, the frequency band standard indicates that the UE supports at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for one of uplink (UL), downlink (DL), or SUL.

[0020] In an embodiment, the spectrum emission standard indicates that the UE supports at least one additional spectrum emission in a list of frequency bands for one of the UL or the SUL.

[0021] In an embodiment, the bandwidth portion standard indicates that the UE supports at least one of the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, or the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the SUL indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field.

[0022] In an embodiment, the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard and the bandwidth portion standard are determined based on the content of a SIB1 message obtained by the UE from the cell.

[0023] In an embodiment, camping on said cell is determined in response to satisfying said frequency band criteria, said spectrum emission criteria and said bandwidth portion criteria.

[0024] In an embodiment, in response to identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message, a configuration of the SUL on the camped cell is determined.

[0025] In an embodiment, the random access procedure is performed on the camped cell by triggering a move to connected mode and determining by the UE whether the camped cell is configured with the SUL and the carrier selection criteria.

[0026] In an embodiment, the camped cell is configured with the SUL, and if the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, and the UE supports the location of the SUL and the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the bandwidth field based on identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0027] In an embodiment, if the cell is configured with SUL, the carrier selection criterion indicates that when the reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced by the DL path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, the UE selects the SUL for performing the random access procedure, otherwise the UE selects the NUL.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a UE for processing a random access procedure in a wireless cellular system is provided. The UE includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is configured to determine whether the UE is in one of an idle mode or an inactive mode. The processor is configured to obtain a SIB1 message from a cell and, based on the SIB1 message, determine whether the UE supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth fraction standard. In response to determining that the UE supports at least one of the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, or the bandwidth fraction standard, the processor is configured to camp on the cell. In response to determining that the UE does not support the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth fraction standard, the processor is configured to bar the cell. Furthermore, the processor is configured to determine whether the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message. In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with a SUL and that the carrier selection criteria are met, the processor is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the SUL. In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with the SUL and does not meet the carrier selection criteria, the processor is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the NUL.

[0029] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 Initial access in Long Term Evolution (LTE) is shown, where according to related art, a UE in idle state needs to acquire cell-specific parameters after performing cell search and acquiring DL synchronization;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless cellular system for processing a random access procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 Various hardware components of a processor included in a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0034] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless cellular system using a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5is a flow chart illustrating a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless cellular system using a carrier selection criterion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is an example flow chart illustrating various operations for determining camping on a cell if the cell is configured with a SUL after acquiring a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is an example flow chart illustrating various operations for determining a camped cell after acquiring SIB1 regardless of whether the cell is configured with a supplemental uplink (SUL) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 is an example flow chart illustrating various operations for determining random access (RACH) on a SUL or normal uplink (NUL) after camping on a cell according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in understanding, but these are to be regarded as exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0040] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0041] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0042] As is conventional in the art, embodiments can be described and illustrated according to blocks that perform one or more functions described. These blocks may be referred to herein as managers, units, modules, hardware components, etc., which are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits, such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hard-wired circuits, etc., and may be optionally driven by firmware and software. For example, the circuit may be included in one or more semiconductor chips, or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards. The circuit constituting the block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuits) or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform certain functions of the block and the processor to perform other functional blocks. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, each block of the embodiment may be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks. Similarly, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the block of the embodiment may be physically combined into more complex blocks.

[0043] Embodiments herein implement a method for handling a random access procedure in a wireless cellular system. The method includes determining, by a UE, that the UE is in one of an idle mode and an inactive mode. Furthermore, the method includes obtaining, by the UE, a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) message from a cell. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the UE, based on the contents of the obtained SIB1 message, whether the UE supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth fraction standard. Furthermore, the method includes performing, by the UE, one of: camping on the cell in response to determining that the UE supports at least one of the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth fraction standard; and barring the cell in response to determining that the UE does not support both the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth fraction standard. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the UE, whether the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message. The method also includes determining, by the UE, a carrier selection criterion, wherein if the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on the carrier selection criterion, the UE initiates a random access procedure on one of the following: a normal uplink (NUL) or a supplemental uplink (SUL).

[0044] Various embodiments of the proposed method are adopted in the TS 38.331 v 15.5.1 standard and the TS 38.321 v 15.5.0 standard.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to the Figures 2 to 11 , wherein like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the Figures, there is shown a preferred embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system (300) for processing a random access procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 The wireless communication system (300) includes a UE (100) and a base station (200). The UE (100) may be, for example, but not limited to, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an airplane, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a smart watch, a game console, etc. The UE (100) may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station, a user station, a mobile unit, a user unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a mobile user station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a mobile phone, a user agent, a mobile client, etc. The base station (200) may also be referred to as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), an eNB, a gNB, etc.

[0048] In an embodiment, a UE (100) includes a processor (110), a communicator (120), and a memory (130). The processor (110) is coupled to the memory (130) and the communicator (120). The processor (110) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (130) and perform various processes. The communicator (120) is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks and / or base stations (200).

[0049] The memory (130) stores instructions to be executed by the processor (110). The memory (130) may include a non-volatile storage element. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a flash memory, or a form of electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM). In addition, in some examples, the memory (130) may be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may mean that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or propagating signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted as meaning that the memory (130) is non-removable. In some examples, the memory (130) may be configured to store a larger amount of information than the memory. In some examples, the non-transitory storage medium may store data that may change over time (e.g., in random access memory (RAM) or a cache).

[0050] In an embodiment, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the UE (100) is in one of an idle mode and an inactive mode. Based on the detection, the processor (110) is configured to obtain a SIB type 1 (SIB1) message from the cell. Based on the content of the obtained SIB1 message, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the UE (100) supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard. The content may be, for example, but not limited to, downlink configuration common parameters and uplink configuration common parameters. Examples of downlink configuration common parameters include downlink carrier frequency, initial downlink BWP, modification period of broadcast channel, paging-related configuration, etc. Examples of uplink configuration common parameters include uplink carrier frequency, initial uplink BWP, etc.

[0051] In an embodiment, the frequency band standard indicates that the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for one of uplink (UL), downlink (DL), and SUL. In an embodiment, the bandwidth part standard indicates that the UE (100) supports at least one of the following: a bandwidth of an initial UL bandwidth part (BWP) for UL indicated in a UL location and bandwidth field, a bandwidth of an initial DL bandwidth DL indicated in a DL location and bandwidth field, and a bandwidth of an initial UL BWP for SUL indicated in a SUL location and bandwidth field. In an embodiment, the spectrum emission standard indicates that the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum emission in a frequency band list for one of UL and SUL.

[0052] In an embodiment, the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard and the bandwidth portion standard are determined by determining the content of the SIB1 message obtained by the UE (100) from the cell.

[0053] In an embodiment, in response to determining that the UE (100) supports at least one of a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard, the processor (110) is configured to camp on the cell. In another embodiment, in response to determining that the UE (100) does not support both the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth portion standard, the processor (110) is configured to bar the cell.

[0054] In an embodiment, the camped cell is determined in response to satisfying a frequency band criterion, a spectrum emission criterion, and a bandwidth portion criterion.In an embodiment, the configuration of the SUL on the camped cell is determined by identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the retrieved SIB1 message.

[0055] Furthermore, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on a parameter associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message. The parameter may be, for example, a supplementary uplink configuration common parameter. Furthermore, the processor (110) is configured to determine a carrier selection criterion. Furthermore, if the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on the carrier selection criterion, the processor (110) initiates a random access procedure on one of the following: a normal uplink (NUL) or a supplementary uplink (SUL).

[0056] To perform a random access procedure, the processor (110) is configured to camp on a cell and detect a trigger to move to connected mode. In addition, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the camped cell is configured with SUL and whether the UE (100) supports the carrier selection criteria.

[0057] In an embodiment, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message. In addition, the processor (110) is configured to determine whether the UE (100) supports the carrier selection criteria. In addition, the processor (110) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on one of the SUL and the NUL in response to determining that the UE supports the carrier selection criteria and the camped cell is configured with a SUL. In this case, in response to determining that the camped cell is not configured with a SUL, the processor (110) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the NUL.

[0058] In an embodiment, the camped cell is configured with a SUL, if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB for the SUL, and the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL based on identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0059] In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with a SUL and satisfies a carrier selection criterion, the processor (110) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the SUL. In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with a SUL and does not satisfy the carrier selection criterion, the processor (110) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the NUL.

[0060] In an embodiment, if a cell is configured with a SUL, the carrier selection criteria instructs the UE (100) to select the SUL for performing a random access procedure when the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL (i.e., a threshold associated with the SUL).

[0061] although Figure 2 Various hardware components of the wireless communication system (300) are shown, but it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the wireless communication system (300) may include fewer or more components. In addition, the labels or names of the components are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. One or more components can be combined to perform the same or substantially similar functions to process the random access procedure.

[0062] Figure 3 Various hardware components of a processor (110) included in a UE (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 The processor (110) includes a frequency band standard determination engine (110a), a spectrum emission standard determination engine (110b), a bandwidth portion standard determination engine (110c), a carrier selection standard determination engine (110d) and a random access procedure processing engine (110e).

[0064] In an embodiment, a random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to determine whether the UE (100) is in one of an idle mode and an inactive mode. Based on the detection, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to obtain a SIB1 message from the cell. Based on the SIB1 message, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to determine whether the UE (100) supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard using a frequency band standard determination engine (110a), a spectrum emission standard determination engine (110b), and a bandwidth portion standard determination engine (110c).

[0065] In an embodiment, in response to determining that the UE (100) supports at least one of a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to camp on the cell. In another embodiment, in response to determining that the UE (100) does not support both the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth portion standard, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to bar the cell.

[0066] Furthermore, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to determine whether the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message. Furthermore, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to determine a carrier selection criterion using the carrier selection criterion determination engine (110d). Furthermore, if the camped cell is configured with a SUL based on the determined carrier selection criterion, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on one of the NUL or the SUL.

[0067] In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with a SUL and satisfies the carrier selection criteria, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the SUL. In response to determining that the camped cell is configured with a SUL and does not satisfy the carrier selection criteria, the random access procedure processing engine (110e) is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the NUL.

[0068] although Figure 3 Various hardware components of the processor (110) are shown, but it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the processor (110) may include fewer or greater numbers of components. Furthermore, the labels or names of the components are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. One or more components may be combined to perform the same or substantially similar functions to process a random access procedure in the wireless communication system (300).

[0069] According to various embodiments, a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system includes: determining, by a user equipment (UE), that the UE is in one of an idle mode or an inactive mode; obtaining, by the UE, a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) message from a cell; determining, by the UE (100), whether the UE supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard based on the content of the obtained SIB1 message; and performing one of the following operations by the UE: camping on the cell in response to determining that the UE supports at least one of the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, or the bandwidth portion standard, or barring the cell in response to determining that the UE does not support the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, or the bandwidth portion standard.

[0070] In some embodiments, wherein the frequency band standard indicates that the UE supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for one of:

[0071] Uplink (UL), downlink (DL) or supplementary uplink (SUL).

[0072] In some embodiments, the spectrum transmission standard indicates that the UE supports at least one spectrum transmission in a list of frequency bands for one of: uplink (UL) or supplemental uplink (SUL).

[0073] In some embodiments, the bandwidth part criteria indicates that the UE supports at least one of: the bandwidth of the initial uplink (UL) bandwidth part (BWP) of the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field; the bandwidth of the initial downlink (DL) BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field; or the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP for the supplementary uplink (SUL) indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field.

[0074] In some embodiments, the frequency band standard, spectrum emission standard, and bandwidth portion standard are determined based on the content of the SIB1 message obtained by the UE from the cell.

[0075] In some embodiments, camping on a cell is determined in response to satisfying a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard.

[0076] In some embodiments, the configuration of a supplemental uplink (SUL) on the camped cell is determined by identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining, by the UE, whether the camped cell is configured with a supplementary uplink (SUL) based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message; determining, by the UE, whether the UE supports the carrier selection criteria; and in response to determining that the UE supports the carrier selection criteria and the camped cell is configured with the SUL, initiating a random access procedure on one of the SUL or the normal uplink (NUL).

[0078] In some embodiments, the method further comprises initiating a random access procedure on the NUL in response to determining that the camped cell is not configured with the SUL.

[0079] In some embodiments, a random access procedure is performed on a camped cell by: the UE detecting a trigger to move to connected mode; and the UE determining whether the camped cell is configured with SUL and whether the UE supports carrier selection criteria.

[0080] In some embodiments, if a cell is configured with a SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicate that the UE selects the SUL for performing a random access procedure when a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced by a downlink (DL) path loss is less than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0081] In some embodiments, if the cell is configured with SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicates that the UE selects NUL for performing a random access procedure when the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the downlink (DL) path loss reference is greater than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0082] In some embodiments, the camped cell is configured with a SUL, and if the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE supports at least one spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, or the UE supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink (UL) bandwidth part (BWP) indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL based on identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0083] In some embodiments, if a cell is configured with a SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicate that the UE selects the SUL for performing a random access procedure when a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced by a downlink (DL) path loss is less than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0084] In some embodiments, if the cell is configured with SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicates that the UE selects NUL for performing a random access procedure when the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the downlink (DL) path loss reference is greater than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0085] According to various embodiments, a user equipment (UE) for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system includes: a memory; and a processor, operably coupled to the memory and configured to: determine whether the UE is in one of an idle mode or an inactive mode; obtain a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) message from a cell; determine whether the UE supports frequency band standards, spectrum emission standards, and bandwidth portion standards based on the content of the obtained SIB1 message; and perform one of the following: camp on the cell in response to determining that the UE supports at least one of the frequency band standards, spectrum emission standards, or bandwidth portion standards, or prohibit the cell in response to determining that the UE does not support all frequency band standards, spectrum emission standards, or bandwidth portion standards.

[0086] In some embodiments, the frequency band standard indicates that the UE supports at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for one of uplink (UL), downlink (DL), or supplemental uplink (SUL).

[0087] In some embodiments, the spectrum transmission standard indicates that the UE supports at least one spectrum transmission in a list of frequency bands for one of an uplink (UL) or a supplemental uplink (SUL).

[0088] In some embodiments, the bandwidth part criteria indicates that the UE supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink (UL) bandwidth part (BWP) for the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, the bandwidth of the initial downlink (DL) BWP for the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, or the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP for the supplementary uplink (SUL) indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field.

[0089] In some embodiments, the frequency band standard, spectrum emission standard, and bandwidth portion standard are determined based on the content of the SIB1 message obtained by the UE from the cell.

[0090] In some embodiments, camping on a cell is determined in response to satisfying a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard.

[0091] In some embodiments, the configuration of a supplemental uplink (SUL) on the camped cell is determined by identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0092] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to: determine whether the camped cell is configured with a supplementary uplink (SUL) based on parameters associated with the SUL included in the obtained SIB1 message; determine whether the UE supports the carrier selection criteria; and in response to determining that the UE supports the carrier selection criteria and the camped cell is configured with the SUL, initiate a random access procedure on one of the SUL and a normal uplink (NUL).

[0093] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to initiate a random access procedure on the NUL in response to determining that the camped cell is not configured with the SUL.

[0094] In some embodiments, a random access procedure is performed on the camped cell by: detecting a trigger to move to connected mode; determining whether the camped cell is configured with SUL and whether the UE supports carrier selection criteria.

[0095] In some embodiments, if a cell is configured with a SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicate that the UE selects the SUL for performing a random access procedure when a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced by a downlink (DL) path loss is less than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0096] In some embodiments, if the cell is configured with SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicates that the UE selects NUL for performing a random access procedure when the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the downlink (DL) path loss reference is greater than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0097] In some embodiments, the camped cell is configured with a SUL, and if the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE supports at least one spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, or the UE supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink (UL) bandwidth part (BWP) indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL based on identifying parameters associated with the SUL included in the acquired SIB1 message.

[0098] In some embodiments, if a cell is configured with a SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicate that the UE selects the SUL for performing a random access procedure when a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced by a downlink (DL) path loss is less than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0099] In some embodiments, if the cell is configured with SUL, the carrier selection criteria indicates that the UE selects NUL for performing a random access procedure when the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the downlink (DL) path loss reference is greater than a threshold associated with the SUL.

[0100] Figure 4 The present invention is a flowchart (400) illustrating a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system (300) using a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Operations 402-410 are performed by the processor (110).

[0101] At operation 402, the method includes determining that the UE (100) is in one of an idle mode and an inactive mode. At operation 404, the method includes obtaining a SIB1 message from the cell. At operation 406, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) supports a frequency band standard, a spectrum emission standard, and a bandwidth portion standard based on the content of the SIB1 message. If the UE (100) supports at least one of the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth portion standard, then at operation 408, the method includes camping on the cell. If the UE (100) does not support both the frequency band standard, the spectrum emission standard, and the bandwidth portion standard, then at operation 410, the method includes barring the cell.

[0102] Figure 5 1 is a flow chart (500) illustrating a method for processing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system (300) using a carrier selection standard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Operations 502-510 are performed by the processor (110).

[0103] At operation 502, the method includes camping the UE (100) on a cell. At operation 504, the method includes detecting a trigger to move to connected mode. At operation 506, the method includes determining carrier selection criteria if the cell is SUL configured. If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL (i.e., a threshold associated with SUL), then at operation 508, the method includes selecting a SUL carrier for a random access procedure. If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is greater than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 510, the method includes selecting a NUL carrier for the random access procedure.

[0104] Figure 6A and 6B is an example flow chart (600) illustrating various operations for determining camping on a cell after acquiring SIB1 if the cell is configured with SUL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In an example, at operation 602, the method includes detecting that the UE (100) is in an idle mode or an inactive mode. At operation 604, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from a cell. At operation 606, the method includes checking whether a SUL parameter exists in the SIB1 acquired from the cell. If the SUL parameter exists in the SIB1 acquired from the cell, then at operation 616, the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for SUL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in a frequency band list for DL.

[0106] If the SUL parameter does not exist in the SIB1 acquired from the cell, then at operation 608, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL.

[0107] If the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL, at operation 614, the method includes barring the cell.

[0108] If the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL, then at operation 610, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL position and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth DL of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the position and bandwidth field.

[0109] If the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP for UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, at operation 614, the method includes barring the cell.

[0110] If the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL location field, or the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, then at operation 612, the method location and bandwidth includes camping on the cell.

[0111] If the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for SUL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL, then at operation 614, the method includes barring the cell.

[0112] If the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for SUL, or the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL, or the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL, then at operation 618, the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the SUL indicated in the SUL position and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL position and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL position and bandwidth field.

[0113] If the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the SUL indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, then at operation 614, the method includes barring the cell.

[0114] If the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the SUL indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, then at operation 620, the method includes considering the cell as being configured with the SUL.

[0115] The proposed method can be used to camp on a cell and perform RACH based on the following procedures:

[0116] If SUL is configured in a cell, the UE (100) bars the cell if the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list of the UL, or does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list of the DL. The frequency band lists of the UL, DL, and SUL are received in SIB1.

[0117] If SUL is not configured in the cell, the UE (100) bars the cell if the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL or does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL. The frequency band lists for UL and DL are received in SIB1.

[0118] If SUL is configured in the cell, the cell is barred if the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the supplementary uplink indicated in the Supplementary Uplink Location and Bandwidth field, or if the initial UL BWP of the uplink indicated in the Uplink Location and Bandwidth field is not supported, or if the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the downlink indicated in the Downlink Location and Bandwidth field is not supported.

[0119] If SUL is not configured in the cell, the UE (100) bars the cell if the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the uplink indicated in the uplink location and bandwidth field is not supported, or if the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the downlink indicated in the downlink location and bandwidth field is not supported.

[0120] If the cell is configured with SUL, the flowchart for determining the cell to be camped on after obtaining SIB1 is as follows: Figure 6A and Figure 6B shown.

[0121] Cell residency / prohibition aspects:

[0122] 1>UE (100) obtains SIB1 from the cell.

[0123] 2> if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for downlink, and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for uplink, and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink (if supplementary uplink is configured in the cell), and they are not downlink-only frequency bands, and

[0124] 2> if the cell is an FDD cell and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum emission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the frequency band list (frequencyBandList) of the frequency information UL-SIB for uplink corresponding to the UL frequency band selected by the UE (100), and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum emission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the frequency band list (frequencyBandList) of the frequency information UL-SIB for supplementary uplink (if supplementary uplink is configured in the cell) corresponding to the SUL frequency band selected by the UE (100). NR-NS-PmaxList is an information element for configuring a list of additional Pmax and additional spectrum emissions; and

[0125] 2> if the cell is a TDD cell and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information DL-SIB corresponding to the DL frequency band selected by the UE (100), and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB for supplementary uplink (if configured) corresponding to the SUL frequency band selected by the UE (100); and

[0126] 2> if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP and the initial downlink BWP for the uplink indicated in the location and bandwidth fields for uplink and downlink, respectively; and

[0127] 2> If the UE (100) supports the location of the supplementary uplink and the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP of the supplementary uplink indicated in the bandwidth field (if the supplementary uplink is configured in the cell):

[0128] 3> The cell is not barred. The UE (100) applies the parameters received in SIB1.

[0129] 2> Otherwise:

[0130] 3> Considering the cell to be banned; and

[0131] 3> If intra-frame frequency reselection in the MIB is set to not allowed:

[0132] 4> Consider not allowing the cell to be reselected to other cells on the same frequency as the prohibited cell.

[0133] 3> Otherwise:

[0134] 4> Consider allowing the cell to reselect to other cells on the same frequency as the prohibited cell.

[0135] In another embodiment, the method may be used to camp on a cell and perform RACH.

[0136] If the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for UL or does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the frequency band list for DL, the UE (100) bars the cell. The frequency band lists for UL and DL are received in SIB1.

[0137] If the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial ULBWP for uplink indicated in the uplink location and bandwidth field, or if the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for downlink indicated in the downlink location and bandwidth field, the cell is barred.

[0138] Figure 7 A flow chart (700) for determining camping on a cell after acquiring SIB1 is shown in FIG. Operations 702-712 are performed by the processor (110).

[0139] Figure 7 is an example flow chart illustrating various operations for determining to camp on a cell after acquiring SIB1 regardless of whether the cell is configured with SUL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] At operation 702, the method includes detecting whether the UE (100) is in idle mode or inactive mode. At operation 704, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from the cell. At operation 706, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the UL band list, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the DL band list. If the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the UL band list, or the UE (100) does not support at least one frequency band indicated in the DL band list, then at operation 712, the method includes disabling the cell. If the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the UL band list, or the UE (100) supports at least one frequency band indicated in the DL band list, then at operation 708, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field; or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field.

[0141] If the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP of the UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) does not support the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP of the DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, at operation 712, the method includes barring the cell.

[0142] If the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP for UL indicated in the UL location and bandwidth field, or the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for DL indicated in the DL location and bandwidth field, at operation 710, the method includes camping on the cell.

[0143] In the example, the following are the cell camping / barring aspects

[0144] 1>UE (100) obtains SIB1 from the cell.

[0145] 2> if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for downlink and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for uplink and they are not frequency bands used only for downlink, and

[0146] 2> if the cell is an FDD cell and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the band list of the uplink frequency information UL-SIB corresponding to the UL band selected by the UE (100); and

[0147] 2> if the cell is a TDD cell and the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the band list of the frequency information DL-SIB corresponding to the DL band selected by the UE (100); and

[0148] 2> if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP for uplink and the bandwidth of the initial downlink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth fields for uplink and downlink respectively; and

[0149] 3> The cell is not barred. The UE (100) applies the parameters received in SIB1.

[0150] 2> Otherwise:

[0151] 3> Considering the cell to be banned; and

[0152] 3> If intra-frame frequency reselection in the MIB is set to not allowed:

[0153] 4> Consider not allowing the cell to be reselected to other cells on the same frequency as the prohibited cell.

[0154] 3> Otherwise:

[0155] 4> Consider that reselection of the cell to other cells on the same frequency as the prohibited cell is allowed.

[0156] SUL / UL selection for random access:

[0157] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 is an example flow chart illustrating various operations for determining random access (RACH) on SUL or NUL after camping on a cell according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0158] Figure 8 A flow chart (800) is shown for determining random access (RACH) on SUL or NUL after camping on a cell.

[0159] In the example, at operation 802, the method includes detecting that the UE (100) is in an idle state or an inactive state. At operation 804, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from a cell and camping on the cell. At operation 806, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state. If the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state, then at operation 808, the method determines that the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1 and that the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL. If the UE (100) does not trigger moving to a connected state, the method stops at operation 804.

[0160] If the SUL parameter is present in the acquired SIB1, the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 812, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell and selecting the SUL carrier for the RACH. If the SUL parameter is present in the acquired SIB1, the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is greater than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 810, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell but selecting the NUL carrier for the RACH.

[0161] In Example 1: Random Access in TS 38.321

[0162] 1> If the serving cell of the random access procedure is configured with a supplementary uplink; and

[0163] 1> If the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink ;and

[0164] 1> If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL:

[0165] 2> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0166] 2> Set PCMAX to P of SUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0167] 1> Otherwise:

[0168] 2> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0169] 2> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0170] According to another embodiment, Figure 9 A flow chart (900) is shown for determining random access (RACH) on SUL or NUL after camping on a cell.

[0171] In an example, at operation 902, the method includes detecting that the UE (100) is in an idle state or an inactive state. At operation 904, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from a cell and camping on the cell. At operation 906, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state. If the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state, then at operation 908, the UE (100) determines that SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE (100) supports additional spectrum transmission in NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL, and the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL. If the UE (100) does not trigger moving to a connected state, the method stops at operation 904.

[0172] If the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE (100) supports additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL, and the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 912, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell and selecting the SUL carrier for the RACH.

[0173] If the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, the UE (100) supports additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NSPmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB of the SUL, the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL, and the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 910, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell but selecting the NUL carrier for the RACH.

[0174] In an embodiment: Random Access in TS 38.321:

[0175] 1> If the serving cell of the random access procedure is configured with a supplementary uplink; and

[0176] 1> if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink; and

[0177] 1> if the UE (100) supports at least one additional spectrum transmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB for the supplementary uplink, and

[0178] 1> if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field for the supplemental uplink; and

[0179] 1> If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL:

[0180] 2> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0181] 2> Set PCMAX to P of SUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0182] 1> Otherwise:

[0183] 2> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0184] 2> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0185] According to another embodiment, Figure 10 A flow chart (1000) is shown for determining RACH on SUL or NUL after camping on a cell.

[0186] In an example, at operation 1002, the method includes detecting whether the UE (100) is in an idle state or an inactive state. At operation 1004, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from a cell and camping on the cell. At operation 1006, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state. If the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state, then at operation 1008, the method includes determining whether SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list of the SUL, and if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-Threshold SSB-SUL.

[0187] If the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for SUL, and if the UE (100) supports the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field for SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 1012, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell and selecting a SUL carrier for the RACH.

[0188] If the SUL parameters are present in the retrieved SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for SUL, and if the UE (100) supports the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field for SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is greater than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 1010, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell, but selecting a NUL carrier for the RACH.

[0189] In an embodiment: Random Access in TS 38.321:

[0190] 1> If the serving cell of the random access procedure is configured with a supplementary uplink; and

[0191] 1> if the UE (100) supports one or more of the frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink; and

[0192] 1> if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field for the supplemental uplink; and

[0193] 1> If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL:

[0194] 2> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0195] 2> Set PCMAX to P of SUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0196] 1> Otherwise:

[0197] 2> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0198] 2> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0199] According to another embodiment, Figure 11A flow chart (1100) is shown for determining random access (RACH) on SUL or NUL after camping on a cell.

[0200] In an example, at operation 1102, the method includes detecting whether the UE (100) is in an idle state or an inactive state. At operation 1104, the method includes acquiring SIB1 from a cell and camping on the cell. At operation 1106, the method includes determining whether the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state. If the UE (100) triggers moving to a connected state, then at operation 1108, the method includes determining whether the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field of the SUL, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL. If the UE (100) does not trigger moving to a connected state, then the method stops at operation 1104.

[0201] If the SUL parameters are present in the acquired SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 1112, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell and selecting a SUL carrier for the RACH.

[0202] If the SUL parameters are present in the retrieved SIB1, and if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the SUL location and bandwidth field, and if the RSRP of the DL path loss reference is greater than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL, then at operation 1110, the method includes considering configuring the SUL for the camped cell, but selecting a NUL carrier for the RACH.

[0203] In an embodiment: Random Access in TS 38.321

[0204] 1> If the serving cell of the random access procedure is configured with a supplementary uplink; and

[0205] 1> if the UE (100) supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in the location and bandwidth field for the supplemental uplink; and

[0206] 1> If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL:

[0207] 2> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0208] 2> Set PCMAX to P of SUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0209] 1> Otherwise:

[0210] 2> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0211] 2> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0212] This method can be used to camp on a cell and perform RACH:

[0213] Such as 6A and Figure 6B As shown, if SUL is configured, if SUL or UL band and DL band are supported, the UE (100) camps on the cell.

[0214] like Figure 7 As shown, if SUL is not configured, the UE (100) camps on the cell if the UL band and the DL band are supported.

[0215] SUL / UL selection for random access:

[0216] 1> If the serving cell of the random access procedure is configured with a supplementary uplink; and

[0217] 1> if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink; and

[0218] 1> If the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for uplink:

[0219] 2> If the RSRP referenced by the downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL:

[0220] 3> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0221] 3> Set PCMAX to PCMAX, f, c of the SUL carrier.

[0222] 2> Otherwise:

[0223] 3> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0224] 3> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0225] 1> Otherwise, if the UE (100) supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for supplementary uplink:

[0226] 2> Select the SUL carrier for performing the random access procedure;

[0227] 2> Set PCMAX to P of SUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0228] 1> Otherwise if the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequency band list for uplink

[0229] 2> Select NUL carrier to perform random access process;

[0230] 2> Set PCMAX to P of NUL carrier CMAX,f,c .

[0231] p-Max / Additional Pmax selection

[0232] If SUL is not configured in the cell :

[0233] 1> apply the first listed additional spectrum emission that it supports among the values included in NR-NS-PmaxList corresponding to the frequency band selected by the UE for FDD within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB or for TDD within the frequency band list of the frequency information DL-SIB;

[0234] 1> If the additional Pmax exists in the same entry of the selected additional spectrum emission in NR-NS-PmaxList:

[0235] 2> Apply additional Pmax;

[0236] 2> Otherwise:

[0237] 2> Apply p-Max;

[0238] If SUL is configured:

[0239] When UL is used for uplink transmission:

[0240] 1. apply the first listed additional spectrum emission that it supports among the values included in NR-NS-PmaxList corresponding to the frequency band selected by the UE for FDD within the frequency band list of the frequency information UL-SIB or for TDD within the frequency band list of the frequency information DL-SIB;

[0241] 1> If the additional Pmax exists in the same entry of the selected additional spectrum emission in NR-NS-PmaxList:

[0242] 2> Apply additional Pmax;

[0243] 2> Otherwise:

[0244] 2> Apply p-Max;

[0245] When SUL is used for uplink transmission:

[0246] 1> apply the first listed additional spectrum emission that it supports among the values included in the NR NS Pmax list corresponding to the frequency band selected by the UE for supplementary uplink within the frequency band list;

[0247] 1> If the additional Pmax exists in the same entry of the selected additional spectrum emission in NR-NS-PmaxList:

[0248] 2> Apply additional Pmax;

[0249] 2> Otherwise:

[0250] 2> Apply p-Max;

[0251] The embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by at least one software program running on at least one non-transitory hardware device and performing network management functions to control elements.

[0252] The various actions, motions, blocks, steps, etc. in the flowcharts (400-1100) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some actions, motions, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0253] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receive a system information block SIB1 from a cell provided by a base station; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is configured in the SIB1 for the cell, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of a supplementary uplink (SUL), and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of an uplink (UL), and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of a downlink (DL), and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the SUL, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the UL, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the DL, and the terminal supports an initial UL bandwidth portion of the SUL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the SUL, and the terminal supports the initial UL bandwidth portion of the UL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the UL, and the terminal supports the initial DL bandwidth portion of the DL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the DL, then determining that the SUL is configured for the cell and camped on the cell; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is configured for the cell in the SIB1, and the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the SUL Band List field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the UL Band List field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the DL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the SUL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL Band List field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the SUL included in the SUL Position and Bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL Position and Bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL Position and Bandwidth field, then determining that the cell is barred; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is not configured for the cell in the SIB1, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the UL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the DL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL position and bandwidth field, and the terminal supports the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL position and bandwidth field, then camp on the cell; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is not configured for the cell in the SIB1, the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the UL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the DL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL position and bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL position and bandwidth field, then determining that the cell is barred; and If the cell is barred and the intraFreqReselection parameter in the master information block (MIB) of the cell is set to not allowed, determining that a cell reselection process to other cells having the same frequency as the cell is not allowed; as well as If the cell is barred and the intraFreqReselection parameter in the master information block (MIB) of the cell is set to be allowed, it is determined that a cell reselection process to other cells having the same frequency as the cell is allowed.

2. A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising: at least one transceiver; as well as at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Receive a system information block SIB1 from a cell provided by a base station; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is configured in the SIB1 for the cell, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of a supplementary uplink (SUL), and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of an uplink (UL), and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the Band List field of a downlink (DL), and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the SUL, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the UL, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the Band List field of the DL, and the terminal supports an initial UL bandwidth portion of the SUL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the SUL, and the terminal supports the initial UL bandwidth portion of the UL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the UL, and the terminal supports the initial DL bandwidth portion of the DL included in the Position and Bandwidth field of the DL, then determining that the SUL is configured for the cell and camped on the cell; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is configured for the cell in the SIB1, and the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the SUL Band List field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the UL Band List field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the DL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the SUL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL Band List field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL Band List field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the SUL included in the SUL Position and Bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL Position and Bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL Position and Bandwidth field, then determining that the cell is barred; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is not configured for the cell in the SIB1, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the UL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports one or more frequency bands included in the DL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL frequency band list field, and the terminal supports the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL position and bandwidth field, and the terminal supports the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL position and bandwidth field, then camp on the cell; if a supplementaryUplink parameter is not configured for the cell in the SIB1, the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the UL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support one or more frequency bands included in the DL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the UL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support at least one additional spectrum transmission included in the DL frequency band list field, or the terminal does not support the initial UL bandwidth part of the UL included in the UL position and bandwidth field, or the terminal does not support the initial DL bandwidth part of the DL included in the DL position and bandwidth field, then determining that the cell is barred; and If the cell is barred and the intraFreqReselection parameter in the master information block (MIB) of the cell is set to not allowed, determining that a cell reselection process to other cells having the same frequency as the cell is not allowed; as well as If the cell is barred and the intraFreqReselection parameter in the master information block (MIB) of the cell is set to be allowed, it is determined that a cell reselection process to other cells having the same frequency as the cell is allowed.

Images