Random access in wireless communication systems

Abstract

The wireless device (14) transmits a random access preamble (16) and the wireless device (14) transmits the random access preamble (16) and receives a random access response (18) from a network node (12), the random access response (18) being a response to the reception of the received random access preamble by the network node (12). In some embodiments, the wireless device (14) also receives information from the network node (12) about a system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble. The information may, for example, be indicated by an information field (18A). For example, in some embodiments, the random access response (18) includes an information field (18A) indicating such information. Regardless, the wireless device (14) may also be configured to verify whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14) based on the information and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to random access in such systems. Background Art

[0002] Random access in a wireless communication system involves a wireless device (e.g., user equipment UE) transmitting a corresponding random access preamble to a network node (e.g., base station) on a random access channel. The network node correspondingly receives the random access preamble and transmits a random access response (RAR) as a corresponding response to those preambles. Once the network node receives the random access preamble, it must transmit a random access response as a response to the preamble within a time window called the random access response window.

[0003] Each random access response may implicitly identify the random access preamble to which the random access response is a response using an identifier associated with a random access channel opportunity (e.g., time and frequency resources) in which the network node receives a particular random access preamble. The identifier may, for example, take the form of a random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI). In any case, the identifier may be able to be associated with different possible random access channel opportunities within the random access response window. Thus, if the random access response window is the length of a system frame (e.g., 10 ms), the identifier may be calculated based on the time slot and / or symbol at which the random access channel opportunity begins.

[0004] Some contexts complicate the use of such identifiers for random access. For example, some wireless communication systems (e.g., New Radio Unlicensed NR-U) require a Listen Before Talk (LBT) procedure or a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) before a network node can transmit a random access response. This delay in the random access response may in turn require a longer random access response window. However, the extension of the random access response window complicates the calculation of the identifier. For example, extending the window to be longer than a system frame may require calculating the identifier based on the system frame where the random access channel opportunity starts. But this threatens to undesirably increase the value space of the identifier, and correspondingly imposes a greater computational burden and consumes more radio resources for random access. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some embodiments herein advantageously accommodate random access response windows that are longer than the length of a system frame without increasing the value space of an identifier (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with a random access channel opportunity. According to one or more embodiments, for example, an identifier may be determined based on an input parameter (e.g., s_id or t_id) that is not only a function of the first symbol (or first time slot) of a random access channel opportunity but also a function of the system frame at which the opportunity starts. Some of these embodiments may utilize the value of the input parameter (which would otherwise not have been used relative to the symbol or time slot of the opportunity) to effectively overload the input parameter so that the input parameter is also a function of the system frame of the opportunity. Other embodiments herein effectively reconfigure the input parameter (e.g., s_id, t_id, or ul_carrier) and determine the identifier based on the input parameter when all or some of the values ​​of the input parameter are not used in other cases, so that the input parameter can be (at least partially) defined on the system frame at which the opportunity starts. Still other embodiments herein utilize an information field (e.g., an R bit field) in the random access response itself to indicate information about the system frame in which the random access response is received. Regardless of the specific approach, these and other embodiments herein may advantageously avoid increasing the value space of identifiers so as to correspondingly avoid imposing a greater computational burden and consuming more radio resources for random access.

[0006] Embodiments herein include, for example, a method performed by a wireless device. The method includes transmitting a random access preamble. The method also includes receiving a random access response from a network node, the random access response being a response to a received random access preamble received by the network node. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving information from the network node about a system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble. The information may, for example, be indicated by an information field. For example, in some embodiments, the random access response includes an information field indicating such information. Regardless, the method may also include verifying whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based on the information and the system frame in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble.

[0007] In embodiments where the information field indicates the information about the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, the information field may be a reserved R bit field. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the information field indicates a value of y=SFNy mod N, where SFNy is the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, and where N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In one embodiment, for example, N is 2, such that when the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble is even, y=0, and when the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble is odd, y=1. Then, in some embodiments, the verification comprises: determining a value of x=SFNx mod N, where SFNx is the index of the system frame in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble; and determining, based on whether x=y, whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device.

[0008] In some embodiments where an information field indicates information about a system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, the information field indicates a number Dy of system frames between the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble and the system frame in which the network node transmitted the random access response. In one such embodiment, the verifying comprises: determining a number Dx of system frames between the system frame in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble and the system frame in which the wireless device received the random access response; and determining whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based on whether Dx as indicated by the information field is equal to Dy.

[0009] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0010] In some embodiments in which an information field indicates information about a system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, the verification comprises: determining from the information field the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble; and verifying whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based at least in part on: based on the determination, whether the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble is the same as the system frame in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble.

[0011] In some embodiments, the verification is further based on whether a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response is scrambled with a random access radio network temporary identifier RA-RNTI associated with a random access channel opportunity in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, based on the verifying, processing or discarding the random access response, respectively, depending on whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting a connection request to a radio network node from which the random access response is received based on: according to the verification, the random access response is addressed to the wireless device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the random access preamble is transmitted, and / or the random access response is received, in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0015] Embodiments herein also include a method performed by a network node. The method includes receiving a random access preamble. The method further includes transmitting a random access response, the random access response being a response to receiving the received random access preamble by the network node. The method also includes transmitting an information field of information about a system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble. The information may, for example, be indicated by an information field. For example, in some embodiments, the random access response includes an information field indicating such information.

[0016] In an embodiment where the information field indicates the information about the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, the information field may be a reserved R bit field. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the information field indicates a value of y=SFNy mod N, where SFNy is the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, and where N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In one embodiment, for example, N is 2, such that when the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble is even, y=0, and when the index of the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble is odd, y=1.

[0017] In some embodiments in which the information field indicates information about the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble, the information field indicates the number Dy of system frames between the system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble and the system frame in which the network node transmitted the random access response.

[0018] In some embodiments, the random access preamble is transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum, and / or the random access response is received. In this case, the method may further include performing a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure or a clear channel assessment (CCA) before transmitting the random access response.

[0019] Embodiments herein also include a wireless device. The wireless device is configured to transmit a random access preamble. The wireless device is also configured to receive a random access response from a network node, the random access response being a response to a random access preamble received by the network node. In some embodiments, the wireless device is also configured to receive information from the network node about a system frame in which the network node received the received random access preamble. The information may, for example, be indicated by an information field. For example, in some embodiments, the random access response includes an information field indicating such information. In any case, the wireless device may be configured to verify whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based on the information and the system frame in which the wireless device transmitted the transmitted random access preamble.

[0020] Embodiments herein also include a network node. The network node is configured to receive a random access preamble. The network node is further configured to transmit a random access response, the random access response being a response to the random access preamble received by the network node. The network node is further configured to transmit information about a system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble. The information may be indicated, for example, by an information field. For example, in some embodiments, the random access response includes an information field indicating such information.

[0021] The embodiments herein also include a corresponding computer program and a carrier, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, on which the computer program is stored accordingly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system according to other embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system according to still other embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4A is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 4B is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 5A is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a wireless device according to other embodiments.

[0028] Figure 5B is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to other embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 6A is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a wireless device according to still other embodiments.

[0030] Figure 6B is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to still other embodiments.

[0031] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a call flow diagram of a contention-based random access procedure according to some embodiments.

[0034] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a radio frame in which a random access response may be transmitted according to some embodiments.

[0035] Fig.11 is a block diagram illustrating random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) generation according to some embodiments.

[0036] Fig.12 is a block diagram illustrating random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) generation according to other embodiments.

[0037] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a random access response message in a New Radio (NR) system according to some embodiments.

[0038] Fig.14 is a block diagram of a wireless communication network according to some embodiments.

[0039] Fig.15 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0040] Fig.16 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

[0041] Fig.17 is a block diagram of a communication network with host computers according to some embodiments.

[0042] Fig.18 is a block diagram of a host computer according to some embodiments.

[0043] Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0045] Fig.21 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 A wireless communication system 10 according to some embodiments is shown. The system 10 may, for example, be a New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) system and / or operate on an unlicensed spectrum. The system 10 comprises a network node 12 (e.g., a radio network node such as a base station) and a wireless device 14 (e.g., a user equipment UE). The wireless device 14 is configured to transmit a random access preamble 16 to the network node 12, for example on a random access channel. The device 15 may do so in order to randomly access the system 10, which may, for example, be required to establish a connection with the system 10 in order to acquire uplink synchronization and / or for other reasons. The network node 12 is configured to correspondingly receive the random access preamble 16 and transmit a random access response 18 as a response to the preamble 16. The random access response 18 as used herein covers any transmission transmitted by the network node 12 in response to receiving the preamble 16. The random access response 18 may, for example, include at least one random access response (RAR), such as Fig.13 In some embodiments, such as where the response 18 is transmitted over an unlicensed spectrum, the network node 12 may be required to perform a listen before talk (LBT) procedure or a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to transmitting the response 18.

[0048] The network node 12 may be configured to transmit a response 18 within a certain amount of time since receiving the random access preamble 16. This amount of time is referred to as a random access response window 20. In some embodiments, the random access response window 20 has a duration that spans multiple system frames (also referred to as radio frames). For example, as shown, the random access response window has a duration that spans two system frames 22-1 and 22-2, starting from the time the random access preamble 16 is received. Each system frame 22-1 and 22-2 is again shown to include a plurality of time slots (or simply time slots) 23. Although not shown, each time slot may include a plurality of symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbols).

[0049] The random access response 18 may implicitly identify the random access preamble 16 as a preamble to which the random access response 18 is a response using an identifier (ID) 24. The network node 12 may, for example, effectively determine (e.g., calculate) and use the identifier 24 to address the random access response 18 to the wireless device 14. And the wireless device 14 may correspondingly determine (e.g., calculate) the identifier 24 and use it to verify whether the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14. In some embodiments, for example, where the identifier 24 is a random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI), the network node 12 determines the identifier 24 based on its reception of the random access preamble 16, and uses the identifier 24 to scramble a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the random access response 18. The wireless device 14 also determines the identifier 24 based on its transmission of the random access preamble 16, and verifies whether the CRC of the random access response 18 is scrambled with the identifier 24.

[0050] In any case, the identifier 24 is associated with a random access channel opportunity 26 in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the random access preamble 16 and the network node 12 received the random access preamble 16. The random access channel opportunity 26 may, for example, be or correspond to a time and / or frequency resource on which the random access preamble 16 was transmitted and received. For example, Figure 1 The random access channel opportunity 26 in the time domain is shown to start in the first slot 23X of the first system frame 22-1 within the random access response window 20. The identifier 24 may be able to be associated with different possible random access channel opportunities within the random access response window 20. Because the random access response window 20 spans multiple system frames 22-1, 22-2, the identifier 24 may be determined (e.g., calculated) based on the system frame 22-1 in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts. In this way, the identifier 24 distinguishes between random access channel opportunities starting in the same slot and symbol but in different system frames.

[0051] However, in order to avoid increasing the value space of the identifier 24, the identifier 24 may be determined in a specific manner by the network node 12 and the wireless device 14. In this regard, Figure 1 It is shown that the identifier 24 is a function 28 of the value of an input parameter 30 (e.g., s_id or t_id), in addition to being a function 28 of the value(s) of one or more other input parameters 34. The input parameter 30 is in turn a function 32 of the first time slot 23X (or first symbol 25X) of the random access channel opportunity 26. Note that the input parameter 30 is also a function 32 of the system frame 22-1 in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments where the identifier 24 is a RA-RNTI, the identifier 24 may be calculated as:

[0053] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0054] wherein the input parameter 30 is t_id, and wherein s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity 26, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity 26 in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble 16. Thus, in this case, t_id as the input parameter 30 is a function of: (i) the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26; and (ii) the system frame 22-1 in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts.

[0055] As another example of an embodiment where the identifier 24 is a RA-RNTI, the identifier 24 may be calculated as:

[0056] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0057] wherein s_id is an input parameter 30, and wherein t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity 26 in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble 16. Thus, in this case, s_id as an input parameter 30 is a function of: (i) the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity 26; and (ii) the system frame 22-1 in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts.

[0058] Note here that some embodiments utilize values ​​of input parameter 30 that would otherwise be unused relative to the first symbol or first slot of opportunity 26 in order to effectively overload input parameter 30 such that input parameter 30 is also a function of system frame 22-1 at which opportunity starts 26. See, e.g., the description of embodiments 1-4 relative to unused values ​​of s_id and t_id in some cases.

[0059] Some embodiments utilize otherwise unused values ​​of input parameter 30 by dividing the possible values ​​of input parameter 30 into different subsets corresponding to different possible system frames in which a random access channel opportunity may begin. For example, a subset 0-39 of possible values ​​of input parameter 30 may correspond to system frame 22-1, while another subset 40-79 of possible values ​​may correspond to system frame 22-2. The values ​​in each subset may each index or otherwise indicate a different possible symbol (or time slot) of a random access channel opportunity. Thus, determining the value of input parameter 30 may involve determining the system frame 22-1 (e.g., the time slot) in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins based on the possible values ​​of input parameter 30. Figure 1 The method may further include selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter 30 from a plurality of different subsets of possible values ​​of the input parameter 30. The method may further include determining the value of the input parameter 30 from the possible values ​​within the selected subset based on the first symbol or the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26.

[0060] In some embodiments, different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of SFN mod N, where SFN is the index of the system frame 22-1 at which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins, and where N is the maximum duration of the random access response window 20 in terms of the number of system frames. In this case, selecting a subset may include calculating y=SFN mod N and selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on y. Embodiment 1 for t_id discussed below in the context of NR-U ( Fig.11 ) and Embodiment 3 for s_id illustrate examples of these embodiments, where N is 2. Here, when the index of the system frame where the random access channel opportunity starts is an even number, y=0, and when the index of the system frame where the random access channel opportunity starts is an odd number, y=1.

[0061] In other embodiments, the selection of the subset is also based on the system frame in which the random access response is transmitted or received. In this case, for example, such selection may require determining the number of system frames D between the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins and the system frame in which the random access response is received. The selection may then involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​based on the determined number D, wherein different subsets are associated with different possible values ​​of D, respectively, given the duration of the random access response window. Embodiment 2 for t_id discussed below in the context of NR-U ( Fig.12 ) and Embodiment 4 for s_id illustrate examples of these embodiments.

[0062] Some embodiments of the present invention are conditionally or selectively applied by the network node 12 and / or the wireless device 14, for example, some embodiments can be configured on a dynamic, semi-static, or static basis. In one or more embodiments, for example, whether all or at least some values ​​of the input parameter 30 will be unused in other cases depends on the configuration of the system 10 and / or the network node 12, for example, in terms of subcarrier spacing, random access channel configuration, etc. In some embodiments, the network node 12 transmits (e.g., broadcasts) configuration information (e.g., system information) indicating the configuration. The network node 12 and / or the wireless device 14 can conditionally or selectively (alone or in an alternating manner) apply certain embodiments of the present invention depending on the configuration information. For example, if the configuration information causes all or at least some values ​​of the input parameter 30 to be unused in other cases, the network node 12 and the wireless device 14 can selectively apply one or more of the above embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, different configuration information can be used as different preconditions for different embodiments of the above embodiments, so that the network node 12 and the wireless device 14 can apply any of the above embodiments under the given configuration information. It is permissible, enabled, and / or preferred. In fact, in some embodiments, the above embodiments may be preferentially applied in order of priority, for example, if possible, then embodiment 1 is applied, and then if embodiment 1 cannot be applied, then embodiment 3 is applied, and so on.

[0063] However, it is not considered that different embodiments may be used in alternatives. Figure 2Some embodiments herein that rely on configuration information are generally illustrated. As shown, the network node 12 transmits configuration information 40 (e.g., system information). The configuration information 40 may, for example, indicate subcarrier spacing (e.g., msg1-SubcarrierSpacing information element in RACH config-common). Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information 40 may indicate a random access configuration (e.g., msg1-FDM in RACH-ConfigGeneric). Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information 40 may indicate the number of uplink carriers (e.g., SUL in initialUplinkBWP).

[0064] The network node 12 and the wireless device 14 may be configured to select a function from different possible functions for determining the value of the input parameter 30 based on the configuration information 40. For example, as shown, different functions 32 and 36 are defined for determining the value of the input parameter 30. One function 36 includes determining the value based only on the first time slot 23X or the first symbol 25X of the random access channel opportunity 26. However, another function 32 may define the value of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame 22-1 at which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins. For example, Figure 1 As described in Figure 2 As shown in , the function 32 may be a function of both the first time slot (or first symbol) of the random access channel opportunity 26 and the system frame 22 - 1 at which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins.

[0065] In other embodiments (not shown), function 36 may be a function of the uplink carrier (on which the random access preamble 16 is transmitted), while function 32 is a function of the system frame 22-1 at which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts. This may be the case, for example, where input parameter 30 is ul_carrier as described below in embodiment 5. Such an embodiment may utilize all values ​​of input parameter 30 that are not used in other cases, for example, if there is only 1 possible uplink carrier such that its signaling is not needed.

[0066] However, in general, different functions may be defined for different values ​​of the input parameter 30, depending on configuration information transmitted by the network node 12. The network node 12 and the wireless device 14 may be configured to select between functions based on the configuration information 40 (e.g., subcarrier spacing, random access channel configuration, number of uplink carriers, etc.), and then determine the value of the input parameter 30 based on the selected function.

[0067] Figure 3Still other embodiments are illustrated in which the random access response 18 itself includes an information field 18A indicating information about the system frame 22-1 in which the network node 12 received the received random access preamble 16. In this case, the above-mentioned identifier may not be a function of the system frame 22-1.

[0068] In view of the above modifications and changes, Figure 4A Describe according to e.g. Figure 1 5. The method as shown may include transmitting a random access preamble 16 in a random access channel opportunity 26 (e.g., a PRACH opportunity) (block 500). The method may also include receiving a random access response 18 (block 502). In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), the random access preamble 16 is transmitted and / or the random access response 18 is received in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0069] The method may also include determining a value of an input parameter 30 (e.g., t_id or s_id) (block 504). For example, the value of the input parameter 30 may be determined as a function of: (i) the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins; and (ii) the first symbol or first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26.

[0070] In some embodiments, for example, determining the value of the input parameter 30 may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​for the input parameter 30 from a plurality of different subsets of possible values ​​for the input parameter 30 based on a system frame starting with the random access channel opportunity 26. In this case, the determination may also entail determining the value of the input parameter 30 from the possible values ​​within the selected subset based on a first symbol or a first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26.

[0071] In one such embodiment, different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of SFN mod N. Here, SFN is the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins, and N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In this case, the selecting may include calculating y=SFN mod N and selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on y. In one embodiment, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is odd.

[0072] In another embodiment, the selecting is further based on the system frame in which the random access response is received. In one such embodiment, the selecting may include determining a number of system frames D between a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins and a system frame in which the random access response is received; and the selecting may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​based on the determined number D, wherein different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of D given a duration of the random access response window. For example, in some embodiments, determining the number D includes determining a duration between when the random access channel opportunity begins and when the random access response is received, and dividing the determined duration by the duration of the system frame.

[0073] In any case, in some embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to whether the random access preamble was transmitted in the same system frame as the system frame in which the random access response was received.

[0074] Regardless, the method may also include determining (e.g., calculating) an identifier 24 (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with a random access channel opportunity 26 in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the random access preamble 16 based on the determined value (block 506). In some embodiments, the method also includes verifying that the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14 based on the determined identifier 24 (block 508). Such verification may include, for example, verifying that a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response 18 is scrambled with the determined identifier 24.

[0075] Although not shown, in some embodiments the method may further include, based on the verification, processing or discarding the random access response 18, respectively, depending on whether the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include, based on the verification, transmitting a connection request to the radio network node (from which the random access response 18 was received) based on the random access response 18 being addressed to the wireless device 14.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include receiving configuration information (e.g., including system information). In this case, determining the value of the input parameter according to the system frame starting with the random access channel opportunity may be performed based on the received configuration information. In one embodiment, for example, the wireless device is configured to determine the value of the input parameter according to different possible functions depending on the received configuration information.

[0077] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter may support indexing a maximum number of time slots in a system frame, wherein the configuration information indicates a value of the configurable parameter, and wherein the number of time slots in the system frame depends on the value of the configurable parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may indicate a subcarrier spacing. In this case, determining the value of the parameter according to the system frame starting with a random access channel opportunity may be performed based on the subcarrier spacing being lower than the maximum supported subcarrier spacing.

[0078] In other embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter supports indexing the maximum number of symbols in a time slot. In this case, the configuration information may indicate the value of the configurable parameter. And, in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0079] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a random access channel configuration index. In this case, determining the value of the parameter according to the system frame where the random access channel opportunity starts is performed based on the random access channel configuration index, wherein the random access channel configuration index indicates a random access channel configuration that restricts in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start.

[0080] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to an index of the first time slot of a random access channel opportunity in a system frame. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier RA-RNTI, and the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0082] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0083] wherein the input parameter is t_id, and wherein s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0084] In other embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to the index of the first symbol of the random access channel opportunity. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier RA-RNTI, and the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0085] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0086] wherein the input parameter is s_id, and wherein t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0087] Figure 4B Describe according to e.g. Figure 1 5. The method as shown may include receiving a random access preamble 16 in a random access channel opportunity 26 (e.g., a PRACH opportunity) (block 550). In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), the random access preamble 16 is received in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0088] The method may also include determining a value of an input parameter 30 (e.g., t_id or s_id) (block 552). For example, the value of the input parameter 30 may be determined as a function of: (i) the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins; and (ii) the first symbol or first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26. In some embodiments, for example, determining the value of the input parameter 30 may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter 30 from a plurality of different subsets of possible values ​​of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins. In this case, the determination may also entail determining the value of the input parameter 30 from the possible values ​​within the selected subset based on the first symbol or first time slot of the random access channel opportunity 26.

[0089] In one such embodiment, different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of SFN mod N. Here, SFN is the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins, and N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In this case, the selecting may include calculating y=SFN mod N and selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on y. In one embodiment, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is odd.

[0090] In another embodiment, the selecting is further based on the system frame in which the random access response is to be transmitted. In one such embodiment, the selecting may include determining a number of system frames D between a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins and a system frame in which the random access response is to be transmitted; and the selecting may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​based on the determined number D, wherein different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of D given a duration of the random access response window. For example, in some embodiments, determining the number D includes determining a duration between when the random access channel opportunity begins and when the random access response is transmitted, and dividing the determined duration by the duration of the system frame.

[0091] In any case, in some embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to whether the random access preamble is received in the same system frame as the system frame in which the random access response is transmitted.

[0092] Regardless, the method may also include determining (e.g., calculating) an identifier 24 (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with a random access channel opportunity 26 in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the random access preamble 16 based on the determined value (block 554). In some embodiments, the method also includes transmitting a random access response 18 using the determined identifier 24 in response to the received random access preamble 16 (block 556). Such transmission may, for example, include scrambling a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response 18 using the determined identifier 24 and transmitting the random access response 18 with the scrambled CRC of the random access response 18.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further comprise transmitting configuration information (e.g. comprising system information). In this case, determining the value of the input parameter according to the system frame starting with the random access channel opportunity may be performed based on the transmitted configuration information. In one embodiment, for example, the network node is configured to determine the value of the input parameter according to different possible functions depending on the transmitted configuration information.

[0094] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter may support indexing a maximum number of time slots in a system frame, wherein the configuration information indicates a value of the configurable parameter, and wherein the number of time slots in the system frame depends on the value of the configurable parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may indicate a subcarrier spacing. In this case, determining the value of the parameter according to the system frame starting with a random access channel opportunity may be performed based on the subcarrier spacing being lower than the maximum supported subcarrier spacing.

[0095] In other embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter supports indexing the maximum number of symbols in a time slot. In this case, the configuration information may indicate the value of the configurable parameter. And, in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0096] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a random access channel configuration index. In this case, determining the value of the parameter according to the system frame where the random access channel opportunity starts is performed based on the random access channel configuration index, wherein the random access channel configuration index indicates a random access channel configuration that restricts in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start.

[0097] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to an index of the first time slot of a random access channel opportunity in a system frame. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier RA-RNTI, and the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0099] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0100] wherein the input parameter is t_id, and wherein s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0101] In other embodiments, the value of the input parameter may be determined according to the index of the first symbol of the random access channel opportunity. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier RA-RNTI, and the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0102] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0103] wherein the input parameter is s_id, and wherein t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0104] In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), the random access response 18 is transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum. In these and other embodiments, the method may also include performing a listen-before-talk LBT procedure or a clear channel assessment CCA before transmitting the random access response 18.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method further includes performing a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure or a clear channel assessment (CCA) before transmitting the random access response.

[0106] Figure 5A Describe according to e.g. Figure 2 6. The method as shown may include receiving configuration information (e.g., system information) (block 600). The method may also include transmitting a random access preamble 16 in a random access channel opportunity 26 (e.g., a PRACH opportunity) (block 602). The method may also include receiving a random access response 18 (block 604). In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), the random access preamble 16 is transmitted and / or the random access response 18 is received in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0107] The method may also include selecting a function from among different possible functions for determining a value of an input parameter 30 (eg, t_id, s_id, or ul_carrier) based on the received configuration information (block 606 ).

[0108] The method may also include determining a value of the input parameter 30 using the selected function (block 608). The method may also include determining (e.g., calculating) an identifier 24 (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with a random access channel opportunity 26 in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the random access preamble 16 based on the determined value (block 610). In some embodiments, the method also includes verifying whether the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14 based on the determined identifier 24 (block 612). Such verification may, for example, include verifying whether a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response 18 is scrambled with the determined identifier 24.

[0109] Although not shown, in some embodiments the method may further include, based on the verification, processing or discarding the random access response 18, respectively, depending on whether the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include, based on the verification, transmitting a connection request to the radio network node 12 (from which the random access response 18 was received) based on the random access response 18 being addressed to the wireless device 14.

[0110] In some embodiments, the different possible functions include at least one function that defines a value of the input parameter 30 based on a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 begins. In one such embodiment, the at least one function further defines a value of the input parameter based on a first symbol or a first time slot of the random access channel opportunity. In this case, the selecting may include selecting at least one function that defines a value of the input parameter based on a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins, and determining the value of the input parameter includes: selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter from a plurality of different subsets of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins; and determining the value of the input parameter from possible values ​​within the selected subset based on the first symbol or the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity.

[0111] In some embodiments, different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of SFN mod N, where SFN is the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins, and where N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In this case, the selecting may include calculating y=SFN mod N and selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on y. In one such embodiment, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins is odd.

[0112] In other embodiments, the selecting is further based on the system frame in which the random access response is received. In one such embodiment, the selecting includes: determining a number D of system frames between a system frame in which the random access channel opportunity begins and a system frame in which the random access response is received; and the selecting may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​based on the determined number D, wherein different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of D given a duration of the random access response window. For example, determining the number D may include determining a duration between when the random access channel opportunity begins and when the random access response is received, and dividing the determined duration by the duration of the system frame.

[0113] In some embodiments, at least one function defines a value of an input parameter as a function of whether the random access preamble was transmitted in the same system frame as the system frame in which the random access response was received.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one function defines the value of the input parameter according to an index of a first time slot of a random access channel opportunity in a system frame. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein according to the at least one function, the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0115] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0116] wherein the input parameter is t_id, and wherein s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0117] In other embodiments, at least one function defines a value of an input parameter as a function of an index of a first symbol of a random access channel opportunity. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0118] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0119] wherein the input parameter is s_id, and wherein t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0120] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter may support indexing a maximum number of time slots in a system frame, wherein the configuration information indicates a value of the configurable parameter, and wherein the number of time slots in the system frame depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0121] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates whether a supplementary uplink SUL carrier is configured. In this case, the selecting may include selecting at least one function that defines a value of an input parameter based on a system frame in which a random access channel opportunity starts based on the configuration information indicating that the SUL carrier is not configured.

[0122] In some embodiments, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0123] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0124] Wherein, the input parameter is ul_carrier_id, where s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, where t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, and f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0125] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0126] In other embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter supports indexing the maximum number of symbols in a time slot. In this case, the configuration information may indicate the value of the configurable parameter. And, in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0127] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a subcarrier spacing. In this case, the selection may include selecting at least one function that defines the value of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts, based on the subcarrier spacing indicated by the configuration information being lower than the maximum supported subcarrier spacing (e.g., lower than 120 kHz). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a random access channel configuration index. In this case, the selection may include selecting at least one function that defines the value of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts, based on a random access channel configuration index indicating a random access channel configuration that restricts in which symbols the random access channel opportunity 26 is allowed to start.

[0128] Figure 5B Describe according to e.g. Figure 2 6. The method as shown may include transmitting configuration information (e.g., system information) (block 650). The method may also include receiving a random access preamble 16 in a random access channel opportunity 26 (e.g., a PRACH opportunity) (block 652).

[0129] The method may also include selecting a function from different possible functions for determining a value of an input parameter 30 (e.g., t_id, s_id, or ul_carrier) based on the transmitted configuration information (block 654). In some embodiments, the different possible functions include at least one function that defines a value of the input parameter 30 based on a system frame in which a random access channel opportunity 26 begins.

[0130] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a subcarrier spacing. In this case, the selection may include selecting at least one function that defines the value of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts, based on the subcarrier spacing indicated by the configuration information being lower than the maximum supported subcarrier spacing (e.g., lower than 120 kHz). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the configuration information indicates a random access channel configuration index. In this case, the selection may include selecting at least one function that defines the value of the input parameter 30 based on the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity 26 starts, based on a random access channel configuration index indicating a random access channel configuration that restricts in which symbols the random access channel opportunity 26 is allowed to start.

[0131] Regardless, the method may also include determining a value for the input parameter 30 using the selected function (block 656). The method may also include determining (e.g., calculating) an identifier 24 (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with the random access channel opportunity 26 based on the determined value (block 658). In some embodiments, the method also includes transmitting a random access response 18 using the determined identifier 24 in response to the received random access preamble 16 (block 660). In one embodiment, the transmitting includes scrambling a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response using the determined identifier and transmitting the random access response with the scrambled CRC of the random access response.

[0132] In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), a random access preamble 16 is received in an unlicensed spectrum and / or a random access response 18 is transmitted. In these and other embodiments, the method may further include performing a listen-before-talk LBT procedure or a clear channel assessment CCA before transmitting the random access response 18.

[0133] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter may support indexing a maximum number of time slots in a system frame, wherein the configuration information indicates a value of the configurable parameter, and wherein the number of time slots in the system frame depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0134] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​of the input parameter supports indexing the maximum number of symbols in a time slot. In this case, the configuration information may indicate the value of the configurable parameter. And, in which symbol the random access channel opportunity is allowed to start depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0135] In some embodiments, the at least one function further defines a value of the input parameter based on a first symbol or a first time slot of the random access channel opportunity. In one such embodiment, the selecting includes selecting at least one function that defines a value of the input parameter based on a system frame starting with the random access channel opportunity, and wherein determining the value of the input parameter includes: selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter from a plurality of different subsets of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on the system frame starting with the random access channel opportunity; and determining the value of the input parameter from the possible values ​​within the selected subset based on the first symbol or the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity.

[0136] In one embodiment, different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of SFN mod N, wherein SFN is an index of a system frame in which a random access channel opportunity starts, and wherein N is a maximum duration of a random access response window in terms of a number of system frames, and wherein the selecting comprises calculating y=SFN mod N and selecting a subset of possible values ​​of the input parameter based on y. For example, in one embodiment, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity starts is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity starts is odd.

[0137] In another embodiment, the selecting is further based on the system frame in which the random access response is to be transmitted. In this case, the selecting may include: determining a number D of system frames between the system frame in which the random access channel opportunity starts and the system frame in which the random access response is to be transmitted; and the selecting may involve selecting a subset of possible values ​​based on the determined number D, wherein different subsets are respectively associated with different possible values ​​of D given the duration of the random access response window. In one embodiment, for example, determining the number D includes determining a duration between when the random access channel opportunity starts and when the random access response is to be transmitted, and dividing the determined duration by the duration of the system frame.

[0138] In some embodiments, at least one function defines a value of an input parameter as a function of whether the random access preamble is received in the same system frame as a system frame in which the random access response is to be transmitted.

[0139] In some embodiments, the at least one function defines a value of an input parameter as a function of an index of a first time slot of a random access channel opportunity in a system frame. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein the RA-RNTI is determined as a function of:

[0140] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0141] wherein the input parameter is t_id, and wherein s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0142] In other embodiments, at least one function defines a value of an input parameter as a function of an index of a first symbol of a random access channel opportunity. In one such embodiment, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0143] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0144] wherein the input parameter is s_id, and wherein t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain, and ul_carrier_id is the uplink carrier used to transmit the random access preamble.

[0145] In some embodiments, the range of possible values ​​for the input parameter supports indexing different carriers on which the random access preamble may be transmitted, wherein the configuration information indicates a value of the configurable parameter, and wherein the one or more carriers on which the random access preamble may be transmitted depends on the value of the configurable parameter.

[0146] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates whether a supplemental uplink (SUL) carrier is configured, and wherein the selecting comprises selecting at least one function defining a value of an input parameter based on a system frame in which a random access channel opportunity starts based on the configuration information indicating that the SUL carrier is not configured.

[0147] In some embodiments, the identifier is a random access radio network temporary identifier, RA-RNTI, wherein the RA-RNTI is determined as:

[0148] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0149] Wherein, the input parameter is ul_carrier_id, where s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the random access channel opportunity, where t_id is the index of the first time slot of the random access channel opportunity in the system frame, and f_id is the index of the random access channel opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0150] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0151] Fig. 6A Describe according to e.g. Figure 3 . The method may include, for example, transmitting a random access preamble 16 in a random access channel opportunity 26 (e.g., a PRACH opportunity) (block 700). The method may also include receiving a random access response 18 from a network node 12, the random access response 18 being a response to the network node 12 receiving the received random access preamble 16 and including an information field indicating information about a system frame in which the network node 12 received the received random access preamble 16 (block 702). The information field may be, for example, a reserved (R) bit field, a timing advance command field, an uplink grant field, or a temporary C-RNTI field. In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), the random access preamble 16 is transmitted and / or the random access response 18 is received in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0152] Regardless, the method may also include verifying that the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14 based on the information field and the system frame in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the transmitted random access preamble 16 (block 704). For example, in some embodiments, the verification entails determining, based on the information field, the system frame in which the network node 12 received the received random access preamble 16. The verification may also involve verifying that the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14 based, at least in part, on whether the system frame in which the network node 12 received the received random access preamble 16 is the same as the system frame in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the transmitted random access preamble 16, based on the determination. In any case, such verification may also be based on whether a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response 18 is scrambled with an identifier 24 (e.g., RA-RNTI) associated with the random access channel opportunity 26 in which the wireless device 14 transmitted the random access preamble 16.

[0153] Although not shown, in some embodiments the method may further include, based on the verification, processing or discarding the random access response 18, respectively, depending on whether the random access response 18 is addressed to the wireless device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include, based on the verification, transmitting a connection request to the radio network node 12 (from which the random access response 18 was received) based on the random access response 18 being addressed to the wireless device 14.

[0154] In some embodiments, the information field indicates a value of y=SFNy mod N, wherein SFNy is an index of a system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble, and wherein N is a maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of a number of system frames. In one embodiment, for example, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble is odd. Alternatively or additionally, the verification comprises: determining a value of x=SFNx mod N, wherein SFNx is an index of a system frame in which the wireless device transmits the transmitted random access preamble; and determining whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based on whether x=y.

[0155] In other embodiments, the information field indicates a number Dy of system frames between a system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble and a system frame in which the network node transmits a random access response. In one such embodiment, Dy is equal to a response delay d_y divided by a duration of the system frame, and d_y is equal to a delay between when the network node receives the received random access preamble and when the network node transmits the random access response. Alternatively or additionally, the verification includes: determining a number Dx of system frames between a system frame in which the wireless device transmits the transmitted random access preamble and a system frame in which the wireless device receives the random access response; and determining whether the random access response is addressed to the wireless device based on whether Dx as indicated by the information field is equal to Dy. In one such embodiment, the method further includes determining Dx to be equal to a response delay d_x divided by a duration of the system frame, wherein d_x is equal to a delay between when the wireless device transmits the transmitted random access preamble and when the wireless device receives the random access response.

[0156] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

[0157] Figure 6B Describe according to e.g. Figure 3 The method may include receiving a random access preamble 16, for example, in a random access channel opportunity 26 (eg, a PRACH opportunity) (block 750).

[0158] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a random access response 18, the random access response 18 being a response to the network node 12 receiving the received random access preamble 16 and including an information field indicating information about a system frame in which the network node 12 received the received random access preamble 16 (block 752). The information field may be, for example, a reserved (R) bit field, a timing advance command field, an uplink grant field, or a temporary C-RNTI field.

[0159] In some embodiments (e.g., applicable to NR-U), a random access preamble 16 is received in an unlicensed spectrum and / or a random access response 18 is transmitted. In these and other embodiments, the method may further include performing a listen-before-talk LBT procedure or a clear channel assessment CCA before transmitting the random access response 18.

[0160] In some embodiments, the information field indicates a value of y=SFNy mod N, where SFNy is the index of the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble, and where N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames. In one such embodiment, N is 2, such that y=0 when the index of the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble is even, and y=1 when the index of the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble is odd.

[0161] In other embodiments, the information field indicates the number of system frames Dy between the system frame in which the network node receives the received random access preamble and the system frame in which the network node transmits the random access response. In one such embodiment, Dy is equal to the response delay d_y divided by the duration of the system frame, where d_y is equal to the delay between when the network node receives the received random access preamble and when the network node transmits the random access response.

[0162] In some embodiments, the random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of the system frame.

[0163] In some embodiments, the transmitting comprises: scrambling a cyclic redundancy check CRC of the random access response using an identifier associated with a random access channel opportunity in which the random access preamble was received; and transmitting the random access response with the scrambled CRC of the random access response.

[0164] In some embodiments, the identifier is a Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier, RA-RNTI.

[0165] The embodiments herein also include corresponding devices. The embodiments herein include, for example, a wireless device, which is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the wireless device.

[0166] Embodiments also include a wireless device, the wireless device comprising a processing circuit and a power supply circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the wireless device. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0167] Embodiments also include a wireless device, the wireless device including a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device. In some embodiments, the wireless device also includes a communication circuit.

[0168] Embodiments also include a wireless device comprising a processing circuit and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the wireless device is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the wireless device.

[0169] Embodiments also include user equipment (UE). The UE includes an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also includes a radio front-end circuit that is connected to the antenna and the processing circuit and is configured to adjust the signal transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the wireless device. In some embodiments, the UE also includes an input interface that is connected to the processing circuit and is configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit. The UE may include an output interface that is connected to the processing circuit and is configured to output information that has been processed by the processing circuit from the UE. The UE may also include a battery that is connected to the processing circuit and configured to power the UE.

[0170] Embodiments herein also include a radio network node configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the radio network node.

[0171] Embodiments also include a radio network node comprising a processing circuit and a power supply circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the radio network node.

[0172] Embodiments further include a radio network node comprising a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the radio network node. In some embodiments, the radio network node further includes a communication circuit.

[0173] The embodiment further comprises a radio network node comprising a processing circuit and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the radio network node is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the radio network node.

[0174] More specifically, the above-mentioned device can perform the method and any other processing of the present invention by implementing any functional component, module, unit or circuit. In one embodiment, for example, the device includes a corresponding circuit or circuit system configured to perform the steps shown in the method figure. In this regard, the circuit or circuit system may include a circuit dedicated to performing a certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in combination with a memory. For example, the circuit may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute a program code stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory, a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the techniques described in this article. In an embodiment using a memory, the memory stores program code, which executes the techniques described in this article when executed by one or more processors.

[0175] Figure 7 For example, a wireless device 700 (e.g., wireless device 14) as implemented according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. As shown, the wireless device 700 includes a processing circuit 710 and a communication circuit 720. The communication circuit 720 (e.g., a radio circuit) is configured to transmit information to one or more other nodes and / or receive information from one or more other nodes, for example, via any communication technology. Such communication may occur via one or more antennas internal or external to the wireless device 700. The processing circuit 710 is configured to perform, for example, the above-mentioned instructions in the memory 730 by executing instructions stored in the memory 730. Figure 4A , Figure 5A , and / or Fig. 6A In this regard, the processing circuit 710 may implement certain functional components, units, or modules.

[0176] Figure 8A network node 800 (e.g., network node 12) as implemented according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. As shown, the network node 800 includes a processing circuit 810 and a communication circuit 820. The communication circuit 820 is configured to transmit information to one or more other nodes and / or receive information from one or more other nodes, for example, via any communication technology. The processing circuit 810 is configured to perform, for example, the above-described Figure 4B , Figure 5B , and / or Figure 6B In this regard, the processing circuit 810 may implement certain functional components, units, or modules.

[0177] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the embodiments herein also include corresponding computer programs.

[0178] The computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform any one of the above-mentioned corresponding processes. In this regard, the computer program may include one or more code modules corresponding to the above-mentioned components or units.

[0179] The embodiment also includes a carrier embodying such a computer program. The carrier may include one of the following items: an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0180] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable (storage or recording) medium and including instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform as described above.

[0181] The embodiment also includes a computer program product, which includes a program code portion for performing the steps of any one of the embodiments herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. The computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0182] Additional embodiments will now be described.For illustrative purposes, at least some of these embodiments may be described as applicable in certain contexts and / or wireless network types, but the embodiments are similarly applicable in other contexts and / or wireless network types not expressly described.

[0183] The evolved 5G standard NR (New Radio) is designed to operate over a wide frequency range from below 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Allowing unlicensed networks, i.e. networks operating in shared spectrum (or unlicensed spectrum), to use available spectrum efficiently is an attractive way to increase system capacity. Although the unlicensed spectrum does not match the quality of the licensed system, solutions that allow its efficient use as a complement to licensed deployments have the potential to bring great value to 3GPP operators and ultimately to the 3GPP industry as a whole. This type of solution will enable operators and suppliers to balance existing or planned investments in LTE / NR hardware in radio and core networks. In 3gpp SI, NR-U is an example of unlicensed network operation.

[0184] Listen before talk (LBT) is designed for coexistence with unlicensed spectrum of other radio access technologies (RATs). In this mechanism, the radio applies a clear channel assessment (CCA) check before any transmission. The transmitter involves energy detection (ED) within a time period compared to a certain threshold (ED threshold) in order to determine whether the channel is idle. In the case where the channel is determined to be occupied, the transmitter performs a random backoff within the contention window before the next CCA attempt. In order to protect the acknowledgment (ACK) transmission, the transmitter must postpone for a certain period after each busy CCA slot before resuming the backoff. Once the transmitter has seized access to the channel, the transmitter is only allowed to perform transmissions up to a maximum duration (i.e., maximum channel occupancy time (MCOT)). For quality of service (QoS) differentiation, channel access priorities based on service type have been defined. For example, there are four LBT priority categories defined to differentiate contention window size (CWS) and MCOT between services.

[0185] The NR random access procedure has two forms, allowing access to be contention-based (implying an inherent risk of collision) or contention-free. In contention-based random access, the preamble is randomly selected by the user equipment (UE), which may result in more than one UE transmitting the same preamble at the same time, resulting in the need for a subsequent contention resolution procedure.

[0186] like Fig. 9 As shown in , the contention-based process consists of four steps: (i) preamble transmission; (ii) random access response; (iii) transmission of message 3 (MSG3); and (iv) contention resolution message.

[0187] Preamble transmission: The UE selects one of the 64-Z Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) contention-based sequences (where Z is the number of allocations for contention-free preambles allocated by the eNodeB). The set of contention-based signatures is further subdivided into two subgroups so that the selection of the preamble can carry one-bit information about the amount of transmission resources required to transmit Message 3. Broadcast system information indicates which signatures are in each of the two subgroups (each subgroup corresponds to one value of the one-bit information), as well as the meaning of each subgroup. The UE selects a sequence from the subgroup that corresponds to the size of the transmission resources required for the appropriate RACH use case (some use cases only require a few bits to be transmitted in MSG3, so choosing a small message size avoids allocating unnecessary uplink resources). The time and frequency resources (PRACH occasions) used to transmit the preamble are used to calculate the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier 24 (RA-RNTI), which is required to identify the Random Access Response (RAR) transmission.

[0188] Random Access Response (RAR): RAR conveys the identity (RAPID) of the detected preamble, the timing alignment (TA) command used to synchronize subsequent uplink transmissions from the UE, the initial uplink resource grant for the transmission of step 3 messages, and the assignment of a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) (which may or may not be permanent as a result of the next step - contention resolution). RAR is also scrambled with RA-RNTI and indicates the PRACH opportunity when the preamble is transmitted. The UE expects to receive RAR within a time window (RAR window), the start and end of which are configured by the eNodeB and broadcast as part of the cell-specific system information. In NR, the maximum length of the RAR window is 10ms. If the UE does not receive the RAR within the configured time window, the UE selects another sequence to transmit again.

[0189] Message 3 transmission: This message is the first scheduled uplink transmission on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and utilizes hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). It is addressed to the temporary C-RNTI allocated in the RAR. In the event that a preamble collision has occurred in step 1, the colliding UEs will receive the same temporary C-RNTI through the RAR and will also conflict in the same uplink time-frequency resources when transmitting their L2 / L3 messages. This may cause such interference: the colliding UE cannot be decoded, and the UE restarts the random access process after reaching the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions. However, if one UE is successfully decoded, the contention remains unresolved for other UEs. The following downlink message (in step 4) allows the contention to be quickly resolved.

[0190] Contention resolution: The contention resolution message uses HARQ. It is addressed to the C-RNTI (if indicated in the MSG.3 message) or to the temporary C-RNTI, and in the latter case, the UE identity contained in the MSG.3 is sent back. In the case of successful decoding of MSG.3 after a collision, HARQ feedback is transmitted only by the UE that detected its own UE identity (or C-RNTI); other UEs understand that there is a collision, do not transmit HARQ feedback, and can quickly exit the current random access procedure and start another random access procedure.

[0191] According to 3GPP specification 38.321-f30, the RA-RNTI associated with the PRACH in which the random access preamble 16 is transmitted is calculated as:

[0192] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14×t_id+14×80×f_id+14×80×8×ul_carrier_id

[0193] Where s_id is the index of the first OFDM symbol of the designated PRACH (0≤s_id<14), t_id is the index of the first time slot of the designated PRACH in the system frame (0≤t_id<80), f_id is the index of the designated PRACH in the frequency domain (0≤f_id<8), and ul_carrier_id is the UL carrier used for Msg1 transmission (0 for NUL carrier and 1 for SUL carrier). Note that although the above language from 38.321-f30 refers to PRACH, the language may alternatively be modified to refer to PRACH opportunities, e.g., such that the RA-RNTI is associated with the PRACH opportunity in which the random access preamble is transmitted. This may be similarly extended to other references to PRACH versus PRACH opportunities in this document.

[0194] The range of values ​​of t_id is defined to handle subcarrier spacing (SCS) up to 120 kHz (80 slots per radio frame in this case).It should be noted that the maximum allowed length of the RAR window is 10 ms.

[0195] In NR-U, the UE (and gNB) face the problem of LBT failure for both UL and DL transmissions. In the presence of LBT failure, the UL or DL ​​transmission is delayed because the UE or gNB needs to make a new transmission attempt. This has led to the following observation: If the RAR transmission is delayed due to DL LBT, the UE may not receive the RAR in case of RAR window expiration. Therefore, it may be necessary to allow RAR windows longer than 10ms.

[0196] There is currently a certain challenge (or challenges). Extending the RA-RNTI to be valid for longer than 10ms would require some indication on which radio frame the associated PRACH preamble is transmitted. This is because it is unclear whether the indicated timeslot belongs to the current radio frame or to the previous radio frame. This is not the case in Fig.10 It is shown in Fig.10 An example is shown when RARs for preamble transmissions in the first slots in different radio frames may be transmitted simultaneously. Fig.10 In the example, if UE1 and UE2 use the same random access preamble to transmit PRACH in RACH occasions (RO) X and RO Y, the RAR cannot be distinguished because the RA-RNTI is the same for RO X and RO Y.

[0197] This means that the current NR RA-RNTI calculation is ambiguous and cannot be used to distinguish different preamble transmissions in the same slot number in different radio frames if the RAR window is extended beyond 10ms (which is the window length in NR grants).

[0198] In NR unlicensed (NR-U) spectrum, if the existing RAR window is extended (beyond 10ms) to overcome LBT failure, the formula for the existing RA-RNTI has to be updated accordingly.

[0199] One way to extend the RA-RNTI definition is to introduce a new variable indicating which radio frame the timeslot belongs to. An example is given in R2-1816312, according to:

[0200] RA-RNTI=1+s_id+14*t_id+14*80*f_id+14*80*8*ul_carrier_id+14*80*8*2*frame_id

[0201] in,

[0202] •frame_id=SFN mod frame_id_max

[0203] •frame_id_max = maximum RAR monitoring duration in radio frames

[0204] • SFN Id is the SFN of the radio frame where the PRACH opportunity starts;

[0205] The problem with this approach is that it expands the RA-RNTI value space from xx to yy. This means there will be increased computational burden and complexity on both the UE and gNB and increased risk of missed detection. Therefore, the goal is to find a way on how to update the RA-RNTI calculation to fit the potentially longer RAR window length, while keeping the RA-RNTI value space as low as possible.

[0206] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and embodiments thereof may provide solutions to these or other challenges. Some embodiments describe methods of indicating the SFN in the RA-RNTI to allow for a longer RAR window. This may be achieved, for example, by encoding unused value space in the t_id or s_id or ul_carrier_id in the RA-RNTI to indicate the SFN. Other embodiments indicate this in the RAR.

[0207] Some embodiments are based on the assumption that in NR-U, due to limitations of the deployed band, there may be certain high SCS values ​​(such as 60kHz or 120kHz) that are not applicable to NR-U, which gives unused bits in the t_id space. Similarly for the s_id space, there may be unused bits for most PRACH configurations in NR-U. There may also be unused s_id space due to the fact that NR-U may not support all PRACH preamble formats. Assuming that small cells are deployed for NR-U, some formats designed for relatively large cells may be excluded for NR-U.

[0208] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. Some embodiments may resolve RAR ambiguity due to longer RAR windows without having ambiguous RA-RNTIs or increasing the RA-RNTI space. This reduces the computational burden in the UE and gNB and reduces the probability of missed detection.

[0209] Various embodiments of RA-RNTI generation that allow longer RAR windows for NR-U are described below. The following embodiments are described in the context of NR-U. However, similar embodiments are also applicable to other situations where extended RA-RNTI is required.

[0210] In the first embodiment (Embodiment 1), in the case where a specific PRACH Msg1 SCS value is not used in the cell (eg, due to the requirements of the frequency domain channel interleaving structure), the unused tid space may be reused to indicate the SFN index. In one example, only the value 15, or 30, or 60kHz is configured for PRACH. In this case, the t_id number after 39 (ie, the value in the range between 40 and 79) is also used to indicate the SFN. In this case, [0,39] is used to indicate the time slot in the even SFN. Then, if the RA-RNTI involves the time slot k in the even SFN, t_id=k is used. If the RA-RNTI involves the time slot k in the odd SFN, t_id=k+40 is used. This allows support for RAR window lengths of 20ms for SCS up to 60kHz. This gives the t_id space of [0,39] for even SFN, and the t_id space of [40,79] for odd SFN.

[0211] Fig.11 An example of this embodiment 1 is shown in , where different t_ids are used for the same time slot number depending on whether the SFN is even or odd. In this example, SCS=15kHz (1ms time slot length) and RAR window length of 20ms are shown. In the example, k is an even number.

[0212] In another example, it is a value of 15 or 30 kHz configured for PRACH. In this case, a range of tid values ​​between 20 and 79 will be able to be reused to indicate the SFN index. In this case, this allows the RAR window length to be extended up to 40 ms.

[0213] In the second embodiment (Embodiment 2), for the first embodiment, alternatively or additionally, when the SCS values 15, 30 and 60 kHz are configured for the PRACH in the cell, the t_id number after 39 can be used to indicate the SFN. In this case, [0,39] is used to indicate a time slot less than or equal to 10ms before RAR is transmitted. Then, if the RA-RNTI involves the time slot k in the SFN, t_id=k is used. If the RA-RNTI involves the time slot k in the SFN, where the time slot is greater than 10ms before the RAR is transmitted, t_id=k+40 is used. This allows support for RAR window lengths of 20ms for SCS up to 60kHz. This gives a t_id space of [0,39] for RARs involving time slots in the same SFN as the transmission RAR, and a t_id space of [40,79] for RARs involving time slots in the SFN before the transmission RAR.

[0214] Fig.12This embodiment 2 is illustrated, where SCS=15kHz (1ms slot length) and 20ms RAR window length are also shown. Here, different t_ids are used for the same slot number depending on the timing between the preamble transmission and the RAR transmission. If the RAR is transmitted within 10ms or less after the preamble transmission, the preamble transmitted by UE1 is indicated by RA-RNTI using t_id=1. If the RAR is transmitted within more than 10ms after the preamble transmission, it is indicated by RA-RNTI using t_id=1+40. A similar methodology is also applicable to cases where SCS values 15, 30kHz are configured for PRACH in a cell.

[0215] In the third embodiment (Embodiment 3), the unused s_id digital space is used to indicate the SFN. The s_id number used can be obtained from a PRACH configuration (prach-ConfigGeneric in RACH-ConfigGeneric) combined with the random access configuration in TS 38.211. For example, in Table 6.3.3.2-3: For random access configurations of unpaired spectrums in frequency range 1 (FR1) and 38.211, if the PRACH configuration index 0 has been signaled, the starting symbol is 0. This means that other starting symbols are not used and can be used to encode SFN. For example, similar to Embodiment 1, s_id=0 is used to indicate a time slot in an even SFN. Then, if the RA-RNTI involves a time slot in an even SFN, s_id=0 is used. If RA-RNTI involves time slots in odd SFN, s_id=k(k>0) is used. Parameter k can be configured or hardcoded according to the PRACH configuration index. This allows support for RAR window lengths of 20ms for SCS up to 60kHz. In another example, assuming that small cells are deployed for NR-U, some formats designed for relatively large cells may be excluded for NR-U. This may give unused s_id value space.

[0216] In the fourth embodiment (Embodiment 4), the unused s_id number is also used to indicate the SFN that transmits the preamble. Similar to Embodiment 3, in the case where the PRACH has been signaled to configure index 0 and the start symbol is 0, s_id=0 is used to indicate the time slot in the SFN which is less than or equal to 10ms before the RAR is transmitted. Therefore, if the RA-RNTI involves RO less than or equal to 10ms before transmitting the RAR, s_id=0. If RA-RNTI involves RO greater than 10ms before RAR transmission, s_id=k is used. Also in this case, the parameter k can be configured or hardcoded by the PRACH configuration index. This allows support for RAR window lengths of 20ms for SCS up to 60kHz. In the case where the RAR window is expanded to more than 20ms, several k values of s_id may exist, which may be reused to indicate different radio frames with the RAR window.

[0217] In the fifth embodiment (Embodiment 5), in the case where no supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier is configured in the cell, the parameter ul_carrier_id in the existing RA-RNTI formula can be reused to indicate the SFN index, which allows the RAR window length to be extended up to 20ms. For example, a value 0 indicates an even radio frame in the RAR window, and a value 1 indicates an odd radio frame in the RAR window. In the second example, a value 1 indicates the first radio frame (first 10ms of the RAR window), and a value 0 indicates the second radio frame (first 10ms of the RAR window).

[0218] In the sixth embodiment (Embodiment 6), the RA-RNTI of the NR is reused and instead signaling an indication of the SFN in the RAR message. In one example, this means that the R bits in the RAR message are used to signal that the RAR involve a preamble (eg R=1) transmitted in an even SFN (eg R=0) or an odd SFN (eg R=1). Similar to Examples 2 and 4, the R bit may also indicate the relative position of the preamble transmission relative to the RAR transmission. Fig.13 A RAR message (from 38.321 f30) is depicted in .

[0219] In another example, different unused fields in the RAR may be used to carry an SFN index within the RAR window, such as an absolute or relative SFN index. For example, in some cases, the timing advance command field may not be used (such as RA is not triggered for obtaining / updating of UL synchronization, and the existing TA value at the UE is still valid). Alternatively or additionally, other fields such as UL grants or temporary C-RNTIs may not be used in some cases.

[0220] Note that some embodiments herein may be enabled or depend on configuration information (eg, system information) sent from the network to the wireless device. For example, subcarrier intervals may be defined in system information (msg1-SubcarrierSpacing information element in RACH config-common). Depending on which value is configured, the UE can infer how many tids (time slots) exist per radio frame. The number always starts at 0, so the tid above a certain number is not used.

[0221] Similarly, the number of sids is in msg1-FDM in RACH-ConfigGeneric. The number of UL carriers (1 or 2) is indicated by SUL in initialUplinkBWP.

[0222] Similarly, although some embodiments have been described with reference to the start of a random access channel opportunity 26 (eg, a PRACH opportunity), in some cases the embodiments may equivalently be described with reference to the start of a random access preamble transmission.

[0223] Furthermore, when the UE moves from the cell to the cell, different cells may have different configurations (eg, different subcarrier intervals). If the SCS of a cell makes the full range of tid values not used, the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 can be used. However, if the SCS of different cells makes the full range of tid values be used, the UE may for example be configured to first check the SCS of the cell and see if embodiment 1 or 2 is used, and if it is not available, then check whether embodiment 3 or 4 can be used. In other words, since the embodiments have different prerequisites, the embodiments may be sorted by the UE and / or the network in order of priority, such that they may be used as alternatives as needed.

[0224] Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the subject matter described herein is not limited to wireless networks such as Fig.14 The embodiments disclosed herein are described with reference to the example wireless network illustrated in FIG. Fig.14The wireless network depicts only network 1406, network nodes 1460 and 1460b, and WDs 1410, 1410b and 1410c. In fact, the wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between wireless devices and another communication device such as a landline, service provider, or any other network node or terminal device. In the components illustrated, network node 1460 and wireless device (WD) 1410 are depicted by additional details. A wireless network may provide communications and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access to wireless devices and / or use of services provided by or via wireless networks.

[0225] A wireless network may include any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio network or other similar type of system and / or interface connected with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wireless network may be configured to operate in accordance with a particular standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of wireless networks may implement communication standards such as Global Mobile Communications Systems (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS), Long-term Evolution (LTE), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G standards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards such as IEEE 802.11 standards; and / or any other suitable wireless communications standards such as Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave and / or ZigBee standards.

[0226] The network 1406 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks that enable communication between devices.

[0227] Network node 1460 and WD 1410 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network nodes and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connectivity in a wireless network. In various embodiments, the wireless network may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in communication of data and / or signals, whether via wired or wireless connections.

[0228] As used herein, a network node refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with wireless devices and / or other network nodes or devices in the wireless network to implement and / or provide wireless access to and / or perform other functions (eg, management) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (eg, radio access points), base stations (BSs) (eg, radio base stations, Node B, Evolution Node B (eNB), and NR NodeB (gNB)). Base stations may be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, in other words, their transmission power levels) and may then be also referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. The base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls relays. The network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), which is sometimes referred to as a remote radio head end (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated into an antenna integrated radio device with or without the antenna. Part of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as a node in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0229] Still further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) devices (such as MSR BS), network controllers (such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), core network nodes (eg, MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SON nodes, location nodes (eg, E-SMLCs), and / or MDTs. As another example, the network node may be a virtual network node, as described in more detail below. More generally, however, a network node may represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable of, configured, arranged, and / or operable to implement and / or provide access to the wireless network or to provide some service to the wireless device that has been accessed to the wireless network.

[0230] exist Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , the network node 1460 includes a processing circuit 1470, a device readable medium 1480, an interface 1490, an auxiliary device 1484, a power supply 1486, a power supply circuit 1487, and an antenna 1462. Fig.14The network node 1460 illustrated in the example wireless network of can represent a device including the illustrated combination of hardware components, but other embodiments can include network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that the network node includes any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. In addition, although the components of the network node 1460 are depicted as a single box nested within multiple boxes or located within a larger box, in reality, the network node can include multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (for example, the device readable medium 1480 can include multiple separate hard drives and multiple RAM modules).

[0231] Similarly, the network node 1460 may be composed of multiple physically separated components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), each of which may have its own corresponding components. In certain scenarios where the network node 1460 includes multiple individual components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the individual components may be shared between several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered a single individual network node in some instances. In some embodiments, the network node 1460 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such an embodiment, some components may be repeated (e.g., separate device-readable media 1480 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 1462 may be shared by RATs). The network node 1460 may also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) integrated into the network node 1460. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within network node 1460 .

[0232] The processing circuit 1470 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by the network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 1470 may include processing information obtained by the processing circuit 1470 by, for example, converting the obtained information to other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making determinations as a result of the processing.

[0233] The processing circuit 1470 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide network node 1460 functionality alone or in conjunction with other network node 1460 components (such as device readable medium 1480). For example, the processing circuit 1470 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 1480 or in a memory within the processing circuit 1470. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1470 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

[0234] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 1470 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1472 and baseband processing circuitry 1474. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1472 and baseband processing circuitry 1474 may be on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units (such as a radio unit and a digital unit). In alternative embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1472 and baseband processing circuitry 1474 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0235] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be performed by a processing circuit 1470 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 1480 or a memory within the processing circuit 1470. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 1470 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium (such as in a hard-wired manner). In any of those embodiments, the processing circuit 1470 may be configured to perform the described functionality, whether or not executing instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to only the processing circuit 1470 or other components of the network node 1460, but are enjoyed by the network node 1460 as a whole and / or by end users and wireless networks in general.

[0236] Device readable medium 1480 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory, including without limitation: permanent storage, solid state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drive, compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and / or computer executable memory device that stores information, data and / or instructions that can be used by processing circuit 1470. Device readable medium 1480 may store any suitable instructions, data or information, including computer programs, software, applications (including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc.) and / or other instructions that can be executed by processing circuit 1470 and utilized by network node 1460. Device readable medium 1480 may be used to store any calculations performed by processing circuit 1470 and / or any data received via interface 1490. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1470 and the device readable medium 1480 may be considered to be integrated.

[0237] Interface 1490 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network node 1460, network 1406 and / or WD 1410. As shown, interface 1490 includes (one or more) ports / (one or more) terminals 1494 for sending data to network 1406 and receiving data from network 1406 via wired connection, for example. Interface 1490 also includes radio front-end circuit 1492, which can be coupled to antenna 1462 or is part of antenna 1462 in some embodiments. Radio front-end circuit 1492 includes filter 1498 and amplifier 1496. Radio front-end circuit 1492 can be connected to antenna 1462 and processing circuit 1470. Radio front-end circuit can be configured to adjust the signal transmitted between antenna 1462 and processing circuit 1470. Radio front-end circuit 1492 can receive digital data to be sent to other network nodes or WD via wireless connection. The radio front end circuit 1492 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1498 and / or amplifiers 1496. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 1462. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 1462 may collect the radio signal, which is then converted into digital data by the radio front end circuit 1492. The digital data may be passed to processing circuit 1470. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0238] In some alternative embodiments, the network node 1460 may not include a separate radio front end circuit 1492, but rather the processing circuit 1470 may include the radio front end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 1462 without a separate radio front end circuit 1492. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuit 1472 may be considered part of the interface 1490. In still other embodiments, the interface 1490 may include one or more ports or terminals 1494, the radio front end circuit 1492, and the RF transceiver circuit 1472 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the interface 1490 may communicate with a baseband processing circuit 1474 that is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0239] Antenna 1462 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 1462 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 1490 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 1462 may include one or more omnidirectional, sector or flat panel antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals from a device within a specific area, and flat panel antennas may be line of sight antennas for transmitting / receiving radio signals on a relatively straight line. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In some embodiments, antenna 1462 may be separated from network node 1460 and may be connected to network node 1460 via an interface or port.

[0240] Antenna 1462, interface 1490 and / or processing circuit 1470 can be configured to perform any receiving operation and / or certain obtaining operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be received from a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 1462, interface 1490 and / or processing circuit 1470 can be configured to perform any transmitting operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0241] The power circuit 1487 may include or be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to supply power to the components of the network node 1460 for performing the functionality described herein. The power circuit 1487 may receive power from the power supply 1486. ​​The power supply 1486 and / or the power circuit 1487 may be configured to provide power to the various components of the network node 1460 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each respective component). The power supply 1486 may be included in the power circuit 1487 and / or the network node 1460 or outside the power circuit 1487 and / or the network node 1460. For example, the network node 1460 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., an electrical socket) via an input circuit or interface such as a cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to the power circuit 1487. As another example, the power supply 1486 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack connected to the power circuit 1487 or integrated in the power circuit 1487. If the external power supply fails, the battery may provide backup power. Other types of power supplies, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0242] Alternative embodiments of network node 1460 may include Fig.14 1460, which may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1460 may include a user interface device to allow information to be entered into the network node 1460 and to allow information to be output from the network node 1460. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on the network node 1460.

[0243] As used herein, a wireless device (WD) refers to a device capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise indicated, the term WD may be used interchangeably with a user equipment (UE) in this article. Wireless communication may involve the use of electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through the air to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. In some embodiments, a WD may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a WD may be designed to transmit information to a network according to a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network. Examples of WD include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablet computers, laptops, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), vehicle mounted wireless terminal devices, etc.

[0244] WD can support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and in this case can be referred to as a D2D communication device. As another specific example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, WD can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another WD and / or network node. WD in this case can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which can be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, WD can be a UE that implements the 3GPP narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (such as power meters), industrial machinery, or home or personal devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, WD can represent a vehicle or other device that can monitor and / or report its operating state or other functions associated with its operation. As described above, a WD may represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. In addition, as described above, a WD may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0245] As shown, wireless device 1410 includes antenna 1411, interface 1414, processing circuit 1420, device readable medium 1430, user interface device 1432, auxiliary device 1434, power supply 1436 and power supply circuit 1437. WD 1410 may include multiple sets of one or more of the illustrated components for different wireless technologies supported by WD 1410 (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, NB-IoT or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to name a few). These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets as other components within WD 1410.

[0246] Antenna 1411 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 1414. In some alternative embodiments, antenna 1411 may be separated from WD 1410 and may be connected to WD 1410 via an interface or port. Antenna 1411, interface 1414 and / or processing circuit 1420 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operation described herein as being performed by WD. Any information, data and / or signal may be received from a network node and / or another WD. In some embodiments, radio front end circuit and / or antenna 1411 may be considered as an interface.

[0247] As shown, the interface 1414 includes a radio front-end circuit 1412 and an antenna 1411. The radio front-end circuit 1412 includes one or more filters 1418 and an amplifier 1416. The radio front-end circuit 1414 is connected to the antenna 1411 and the processing circuit 1420 and is configured to adjust the signal transmitted between the antenna 1411 and the processing circuit 1420. The radio front-end circuit 1412 may be coupled to the antenna 1411 or may be part of the antenna 1411. In some embodiments, the WD 1410 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 1412; instead, the processing circuit 1420 may include a radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 1411. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1422 may be considered part of the interface 1414. The radio front-end circuit 1412 may receive digital data to be sent to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuit 1412 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1418 and / or amplifiers 1416. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 1411. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 1411 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by radio front end circuit 1412. The digital data may be passed to processing circuit 1420. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0248] The processing circuit 1420 may include a combination of one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic that is operable to provide WD 1410 functionality alone or in conjunction with other WD 1410 components (such as device readable medium 1430). Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuit 1420 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 1430 or in a memory within the processing circuit 1420 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0249] As shown, the processing circuit 1420 includes one or more of the RF transceiver circuit 1422, the baseband processing circuit 1424, and the application processing circuit 1426. In other embodiments, the processing circuit may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1420 of the WD 1410 may include a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 1422, the baseband processing circuit 1424, and the application processing circuit 1426 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In alternative embodiments, part or all of the baseband processing circuit 1424 and the application processing circuit 1426 may be combined into one chip or chipset, and the RF transceiver circuit 1422 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In some further alternative embodiments, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1422 and the baseband processing circuit 1424 may be on the same chip or chipset, and the application processing circuit 1426 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In yet other alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1422, baseband processing circuit 1424, and application processing circuit 1426 may be combined in the same chip or chipset. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 1422 may be part of the interface 1414. The RF transceiver circuit 1422 may condition RF signals for the processing circuit 1420.

[0250] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by the WD may be provided by a processing circuit 1420 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 1430, which may be a computer-readable storage medium in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 1420 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium (such as in a hard-wired manner). In any of those specific embodiments, the processing circuit 1420 may be configured to perform the described functionality regardless of whether instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to only the processing circuit 1420 or other components of the WD 1410, but are generally enjoyed by the WD 1410 as a whole and / or by end users and wireless networks.

[0251] Processing circuit 1420 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described herein as being performed by WD. Such operations as performed by processing circuit 1420 may include processing information obtained by processing circuit 1420 by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored by WD 1410, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making determinations as a result of the processing.

[0252] Device-readable medium 1430 may be operable to store computer programs, software, applications (including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc.), and / or other instructions that can be executed by processing circuit 1420. Device-readable medium 1430 may include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by processing circuit 1420. In some embodiments, processing circuit 1420 and device-readable medium 1430 may be considered integrated.

[0253] The user interface device 1432 may provide a component that allows a human user to interact with the WD 1410. Such an interaction may have many forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 1432 may be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the WD 1410. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 1432 installed in the WD 1410. For example, if the WD 1410 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if the WD 1410 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alarm (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface device 1432 may include an input interface, a device and a circuit, and an output interface, a device and a circuit. The user interface device 1432 is configured to allow information to be input into the WD 1410, and is connected to the processing circuit 1420 to allow the processing circuit 1420 to process the input information. User interface device 1432 may include, for example, a microphone, proximity or other sensors, keys / buttons, a touch display, one or more photographing devices, USB ports or other input circuits. User interface device 1432 is also configured to allow information to be output from WD 1410, and allows processing circuit 1420 to output information from WD 1410. User interface device 1432 may include, for example, a loud speaker, display, vibration circuit, USB port, headphone jack or other output circuits. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices and circuits of user interface device 1432, WD 1410 may communicate with end users and / or wireless networks, and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0254] Auxiliary device 1434 is operable to provide more specific functionality that may not generally be performed by a WD. This may include specialized sensors for taking measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communications (such as wired communications), etc. The contents and types of components of auxiliary device 1434 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0255] The power supply 1436 may take the form of a battery or battery pack in some embodiments. Other types of power supplies may also be used, such as an external power supply (e.g., an electrical socket), a photovoltaic device, or a power battery. The WD 1410 may further include a power supply circuit 1437 for delivering power from the power supply 1436 to various parts of the WD 1410, which require power from the power supply 1436 to perform any functionality described or indicated herein. The power supply circuit 1437 may include a power management circuit in some embodiments. The power supply circuit 1437 may be additionally or alternatively operable to receive power from an external power supply; in this case, the WD 1410 may be connected to an external power supply (such as an electrical socket) via an input circuit or interface (such as a power cable). The power supply circuit 1437 may also be operable to deliver power from an external power supply to the power supply 1436 in some embodiments. This may be used, for example, for charging the power supply 1436. The power circuit 1437 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power source 1436 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the WD 1410 to which the power is supplied.

[0256] Fig.15 An embodiment of a UE in accordance with various aspects described herein is illustrated. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. Alternatively, the UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to or operation by a human user but may not be, or may not initially be, associated with a particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, the UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to or operation by an end user, but may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 1500 may be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As described in Fig.15 UE 1500 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a WD configured to communicate in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, the terms WD and UE may be used interchangeably. Thus, although Fig.15 It is a UE, but the components discussed in this article are also applicable to WD, and vice versa.

[0257] exist Fig.15In the embodiment, UE 1500 includes a processing circuit 1501, which is operatively coupled to an input / output interface 1505, a radio frequency (RF) interface 1509, a network connection interface 1511, a memory 1515 (including a random access memory (RAM) 1517, a read-only memory (ROM) 1519, and a storage medium 1521, etc.), a communication subsystem 1531, a power supply 1533, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1521 includes an operating system 1523, an application 1525, and data 1527. In other embodiments, the storage medium 1521 may include other similar types of information. Some UEs may utilize Fig.15 All components shown in the UE may be used, or only a subset of the components may be used. The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. In addition, some UEs may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0258] exist Fig.15 , processing circuit 1501 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. Processing circuit 1501 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine that operates to execute machine instructions stored in a memory as a machine-readable computer program, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with suitable firmware; one or more stored programs, general-purpose processors (such as microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs)) together with suitable software; or any combination of the above. For example, processing circuit 1501 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0259] In the depicted embodiment, the input / output interface 1505 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 1500 may be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 1505. The output device may use the same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the UE 1500 and output from the UE 1500. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 1500 may be configured to use an input device via the input / output interface 1505 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 1500. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from the user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and a light sensor.

[0260] exist Fig.15 In the embodiment of the present invention, the RF interface 1509 can be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as transmitters, receivers, and antennas. The network connection interface 1511 can be configured to provide a communication interface to the network 1543a. The network 1543a can include a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1543a can include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 1511 can be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface for communicating with one or more other devices through a communication network according to one or more communication protocols (such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc.). The network connection interface 1511 can implement receiver and transmitter functionality suitable for communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0261] RAM 1517 can be configured to be connected to processing circuit 1501 via bus 1502 by interface to provide storage or cache of data or computer instructions during execution of software programs such as operating systems, applications and device drivers. ROM 1519 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuit 1501. For example, ROM 1519 can be configured to store unchanged low-level system code or data for basic system functions (such as basic input and output (I / O), startup or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard), which is stored in non-volatile memory. Storage medium 1521 can be configured to include memory, such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridge disk or flash drive. In one example, storage medium 1521 can be configured to include operating system 1523, application 1525 (such as a web browser application, widget or gadget engine or another application) and data file 1527. The storage medium 1521 may store any of a variety of operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 1500 .

[0262] The storage medium 1521 may be configured to include many physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high-density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical drive, an internal hard drive, a Blu-ray optical drive, a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical drive, an external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), an external micro DIMM SDRAM, a smart card memory (such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM)) module, other memory or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1521 may allow the UE 1500 to access computer executable instructions, applications, etc. stored on a temporary or non-temporary memory medium to unload data or upload data. An article (such as an article utilizing a communication system) may be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 1521, which may include a device-readable medium.

[0263] exist Fig.15In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 1501 can be configured to communicate with the network 1543b using the communication subsystem 1531. The network 1543a and the network 1543b can be the same one or more networks or different one or more networks. The communication subsystem 1531 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 1543b. For example, the communication subsystem 1531 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 1543b according to one or more communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.16, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, etc.) and one or more remote transceivers of another device (such as another WD, UE or base station of a radio access network (RAN)) capable of wireless communication. Each transceiver can include a transmitter 1533 and / or a receiver 1535 to respectively implement the transmitter or receiver functionality (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.) suitable for the RAN link. In addition, the transmitter 1533 and the receiver 1535 of each transceiver can share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively can be implemented separately.

[0264] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 1531 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication (such as Bluetooth, near field communication), location-based communication (such as using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine the location), another similar communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 1531 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 1543b may include a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1543b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near field network. The power supply 1513 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to the components of the UE 1500.

[0265] The features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 1500, or may be divided across multiple components of UE 1500. In addition, the features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 1531 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. In addition, the processing circuit 1501 may be configured to communicate with any of such components via a bus 1502. In another example, any of such components may be represented by a program instruction stored in a memory, which performs the corresponding function described herein when executed by the processing circuit 1501. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be divided between the processing circuit 1501 and the communication subsystem 1531. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0266] Fig.16 16 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualized environment 1600 in which the functionality implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or apparatus, which may include a virtualized hardware platform, storage, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization may be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or to a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or a component thereof, and involves an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0267] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 1600 hosted by one or more of the hardware nodes 1630. Furthermore, in embodiments where the virtual nodes are not radio access nodes or do not require radio connectivity (e.g., core network nodes), then the network nodes may be fully virtualized.

[0268] Functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 1620 (which may alternatively be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) that operate to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 1620 run in a virtualized environment 1600 that provides hardware 1630 including processing circuitry 1660 and memory 1690. Memory 1690 contains instructions 1695 executable by processing circuitry 1660, whereby applications 1620 operate to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functionality disclosed herein.

[0269] The virtualized environment 1600 includes a general or special purpose network hardware device 1630, which includes a set of one or more processors or processing circuits 1660, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, specialized application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuit, including digital or analog hardware components or special purpose processors. Each hardware device may include a memory 1690-1, which may be a non-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 1695 or software executed by the processing circuit 1660. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 1670 (also known as network interface cards), which include a physical network interface 1680. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, permanent machine-readable storage medium 1690-2 in which software 1695 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuit 1660 are stored. The software 1695 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 1650 (also referred to as hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 1640, and software that enables it to perform the functions, features, and / or benefits described with respect to some of the embodiments described herein.

[0270] The virtual machines 1640 include virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1650 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual devices 1620 may be implemented on one or more of the virtual machines 1640 and may be implemented in different ways.

[0271] During operation, processing circuitry 1660 executes software 1695 to instantiate a hypervisor or virtualization layer 1650, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer 1650 may present to virtual machines 1640 a virtual operating platform that appears to be networked hardware.

[0272] As in Fig.16As shown in FIG. 1 , hardware 1630 may be an independent network node with common or specific components. Hardware 1630 may include antenna 16225 and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1630 may be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premises equipment (CPE)) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 16100, which, among other things, oversees life cycle management of application 1620.

[0273] Virtualization of hardware is referred to in some contexts as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices (which can be located in data centers and customer premises equipment).

[0274] In the context of NFV, a virtual machine 1640 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executed on a physical, non-virtual machine. Each of the virtual machines 1640 and the portion of the hardware 1630 on which it executes (whether it is hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and / or hardware shared by that virtual machine with other virtual machines 1640) forms a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0275] Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 1640 on top of the hardware networking infrastructure 1630 and corresponds to Fig.16 Applications in 1620.

[0276] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 16200, each including one or more transmitters 16220 and one or more receivers 16210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 16225. The radio units 16200 may communicate directly with the hardware nodes 1630 via one or more suitable network interfaces and may be used in conjunction with virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or base station.

[0277] In some embodiments, some signaling may be implemented with the aid of a control system 16230 , which may alternatively be used for communication between the hardware node 1630 and the radio unit 16200 .

[0278] Fig.17 The diagram illustrates a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments. Specifically, reference is made to Fig.17According to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network 1710, such as a 3GPP type cellular network, which includes an access network 1711 (such as a radio access network) and a core network 1714. The access network 1711 includes a plurality of base stations 1712a, 1712b, 1712c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 1713a, 1713b, 1713c. Each base station 1712a, 1712b, 1712c is connectable to the core network 1714 via a wired or wireless connection 1715. A first UE 1791 located in the coverage area 1713c is configured to be wirelessly connected to or paged by the corresponding base station 1712c. A second UE 1792 in the coverage area 1713a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 1712a. Although multiple UEs 1791 , 1792 are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to scenarios where a single UE is in the coverage area or where a single UE is connected to the corresponding base station 1712 .

[0279] The telecommunications network 1710 itself is connected to a host computer 1730, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 1730 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 1721 and 1722 between the telecommunications network 1710 and the host computer 1730 may extend directly from the core network 1714 to the host computer 1730 or may be via an optional intermediate network 1720. The intermediate network 1720 may be one of a public, private, or managed network or a combination of more than one of a public, private, or managed network; the intermediate network 1720 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 1720 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0280] Fig.17The communication system as a whole implements connectivity between connected UEs 1791, 1792 and a host computer 1730. The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1750. The host computer 1730 and the connected UEs 1791, 1792 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 1750 using the access network 1711, the core network 1714, any intermediate networks 1720, and possibly additional infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 1750 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 1750 passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 1712 may not or need not be informed of the past routing of incoming downlink communications having data originating from the host computer 1730 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 1791. Similarly, the base station 1712 does not need to know the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 1791 toward the host computer 1730.

[0281] According to the embodiment, reference will now be made to Fig.18 Example implementations of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs are described. Fig.18 The host computer according to some embodiments is illustrated to communicate with the user equipment via a base station through a partially wireless connection. In the communication system 1800, the host computer 1810 includes hardware 1815, which includes a communication interface 1816, which is configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection of an interface with different communication devices of the communication system 1800. The host computer 1810 further includes a processing circuit 1818, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 1818 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 1810 further includes software 1811, which is stored in the host computer 1810 or can be accessed by the host computer 1810 and can be executed by the processing circuit 1818. The software 1811 includes a host application 1812. The host application 1812 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE 1830, connected via an OTT connection 1850 terminating at the UE 1830 and the host computer 1810. In providing services to the remote user, the host application 1812 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 1850.

[0282] The communication system 1800 also includes a base station 1820, which is provided in the telecommunication system and includes hardware 1825 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 1810 and the UE 1830. The hardware 1825 may include a communication interface 1826 for setting up and maintaining wired or wireless connections with different communication devices of the communication system 1800, and for setting up and maintaining connections with the coverage area (in the coverage area) served by the base station 1820. Fig.18 18). The communication interface 1826 may be configured to facilitate a connection 1860 to the host computer 1810. The connection 1860 may be direct or it may pass through a core network of the telecommunications system (in Fig.18 1820) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 1825 of the base station 1820 also includes processing circuitry 1828, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 1820 further has software 1821 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0283] The communication system 1800 also includes the UE 1830 already mentioned. Its hardware 1835 may include a radio interface 1837 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 1870 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 1830 is currently located. The hardware 1835 of the UE 1830 also includes a processing circuit 1838, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 1830 further includes software 1831, which is stored in the UE 1830 or can be accessed by the UE 1830 and can be executed by the processing circuit 1838. The software 1831 includes a client application 1832. The client application 1832 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 1830 with the support of the host computer 1810. In the host computer 1810, the executed host application 1812 can communicate with the executed client application 1832 via the OTT connection 1850 terminated at the UE 1830 and the host computer 1810. When providing services to users, the client application 1832 can receive request data from the host application 1812 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1850 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 1832 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0284] Notice Fig.18The host computer 1810, base station 1820 and UE 1830 shown in the figure can be respectively Fig.17 The host computer 1730, one of the base stations 1712a, 1712b, 1712c, and one of the UEs 1791, 1792 may be similar or identical. That is, the internal workings of these entities may be similar to those in Fig.18 As shown in , and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.17 The surrounding network topology.

[0285] exist Fig.18 In , an OTT connection 1850 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate the communication between the host computer 1810 and the UE 1830 via the base station 1820, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the precise routing of the messages via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the route, which can be configured to hide the route from the UE 1830 or from the service provider operating the host computer 1810, or from both. While the OTT connection 1850 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions whereby it dynamically changes the route (e.g., based on a reconfiguration of the network or load balancing considerations).

[0286] The wireless connection 1870 between the UE 1830 and the base station 1820 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of an OTT service provided to the UE 1830 using the OTT connection 1850, in which the wireless connection 1870 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can resolve random access response ambiguity without increasing the value space of the random access channel opportunity identifier (e.g., RA-RNTI), and thereby provide benefits such as reduced computational burden at the wireless device and the network, extended battery life at the wireless device, reduced missed detection probability for random access, and better responsiveness.

[0287] A measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors that are improved by one or more embodiments. There may further be an optional network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1850 between the host computer 1810 and the UE 1830 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1850 may be implemented in the software 1811 and hardware 1815 of the host computer 1810 or in the software 1831 and hardware 1835 or both of the UE 1830. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 1850 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by supplying the values ​​of the monitoring quantities exemplified above or supplying the values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 1811, 1831 can calculate or estimate the monitoring quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1850 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc.; the reconfiguration need not affect the base station 1820, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 1820. Such processes and functionality may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve dedicated UE signaling that facilitates measurements of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. by the host computer 1810. The measurements may be achieved because the software 1811 and 1831 facilitates the use of the OTT connection 1850 to transmit messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, as it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0288] Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be a reference Fig.17 and 18 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.19 Reference is made to the accompanying drawings of . In step 1910, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 1911 of step 1910 (which may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 1919, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In step 1930 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 1940 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0289] Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be a reference Fig.17 and18 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig. 20 In step 2110 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 2120, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be delivered via a base station. In step 2130 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0290] Fig.21 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be a reference Fig.17 and 18 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig.21 . In step 2110 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 2120, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 2121 of step 2120 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 2111 of step 2110 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides user data as a reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, the UE initiates transmission of the user data to the host computer in sub-step 2130 (which may be optional). In step 2140 of the method, the host computer receives user data transmitted from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure.

[0291] Fig. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which may be a reference Fig.17 and 18 To simplify this disclosure, only the Fig. 22 In step 2210 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 2220 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received data to the host computer. In step 2230 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0292] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include a plurality of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuits (which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers) and other digital hardware (which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), dedicated digital logic, etc.). The processing circuit may be configured to execute program codes stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more of the technologies described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the corresponding functional unit to perform the corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0293] In view of the above, then, embodiments herein generally include a communication system, the communication system including a host computer. The host computer may include processing circuitry configured to provide user data. The host computer may also include a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The cellular network may include a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of the base station being configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the base station.

[0294] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the base station.

[0295] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0296] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data. In this case, the UE comprises a processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0297] Embodiments herein also include a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method includes providing user data at the host computer. The method may also include initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The base station performs any steps of any embodiment described above for the base station.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting the user data at the base station.

[0299] In some embodiments, the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application. In this case, the method further comprises executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0300] The embodiments herein also include a user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station. The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, which is configured to perform any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0301] Embodiments herein also include a communication system including a host computer. The host computer includes a processing circuit configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit. The components of the UE are configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the UE.

[0302] In some embodiments, the cellular network further comprises a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0303] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide the user data.The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0304] Embodiments also include a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method includes providing user data at the host computer and initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The UE performs any steps of any embodiment described above for the UE.

[0305] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, at the UE, the user data from the base station.

[0306] Embodiments herein also include a communication system including a host computer. The host computer includes a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station. The UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the UE is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the UE.

[0307] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the UE.

[0308] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the base station. In this case, the base station comprises a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward the user data carried by the transmission from the UE to the base station to the host computer.

[0309] In some embodiments, the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide the user data.

[0310] In some embodiments, the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide request data, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide the user data in response to the request data.

[0311] The embodiments herein also include a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the base station at the host computer. The UE performs any steps of any embodiment described above for the UE.

[0312] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing, at the UE, the user data to the base station.

[0313] In some embodiments, the method further comprises executing a client application at the UE, thereby providing the user data to be transmitted.The method may further comprise executing a host application associated with the client application at the host computer.

[0314] In some embodiments, the method further comprises executing a client application at the UE, and receiving input data of the client application at the UE. The input data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application. The user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0315] Embodiments also include a communication system including a host computer. The host computer includes a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station. The base station includes a radio interface and a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the base station.

[0316] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the base station.

[0317] In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises the UE. The UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0318] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, and the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide the user data to be received by the host computer.

[0319] Embodiments also include a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving, at the host computer, from the base station user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from the UE. The UE performs any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the UE.

[0320] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, at the base station, the user data from the UE.

[0321] In some embodiments, the method further comprises initiating, at the base station, transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

[0322] Generally, all terms used herein will be interpreted according to their common meanings in the relevant technical field, unless different meanings are explicitly given and / or implied from the context (where different meanings are used). Unless otherwise clearly stated, all references to a (a / an) / the element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. will be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. Unless a step is clearly described as after or before another step and / or in the case where it is implied that a step must be after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the precise order disclosed. In any appropriate case, any feature of any one of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any one of the embodiments may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. From the description, other purposes, features and advantages of the attached embodiments will be clear.

[0323] The term unit may have the conventional meaning in the field of electronic equipment, electrical devices and / or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logical solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, output and / or display functions, etc., such as those described in this document.

[0324] Some embodiments contemplated herein are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, these embodiments are provided as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device (14), the method comprising: transmitting (600) a random access preamble (16); receiving (602) a random access response (18) from a network node (12), the random access response (18) being a response to a received random access preamble received by the network node (12) and comprising an information field (18A) indicating information about a system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble; and Based on the information field (18A) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16), it is verified (604) whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The information field (18A) is a reserved R bit field.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The information field (18A) indicates a value of y=SFNy mod N, wherein SFNy is the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble, and wherein N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein: N is 2, such that when the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble is an even number, y=0, and when the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble is an odd number, y=1.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein: The verification includes: determining a value of x=SFNx mod N, where SFNx is the index of the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16); and Based on whether x=y, it is determined whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The information field (18A) indicates the number Dy of system frames between the system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble and the system frame in which the network node (12) transmitted the random access response (18).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: The verification includes: determining a number Dx of system frames between the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) received the random access response (18); and Whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14) is determined based on whether Dx is equal to Dy as indicated by the information field (18A).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The random access response window has a duration greater than the duration of a system frame.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The verification includes: determining from the information field (18A) the system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble; and Verifying whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14) is based at least in part on whether the system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble is the same as the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16) according to the determination.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The verification is also based on whether a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the random access response (18) is scrambled with a random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) associated with a random access channel opportunity in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16).

11. The method according to any of claims 1-2, further comprising, based on the verification, processing or discarding the random access response (18), respectively, depending on whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

12. The method of any of claims 1-2, further comprising transmitting a connection request to a radio network node from which the random access response (18) is received based on: according to the verification, the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The random access preamble (16) is transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum, and / or the random access response (18) is received.

14. A method performed by a network node (12), the method comprising: receiving (650) a random access preamble (16); as well as transmitting (652) a random access response (18) in response to receipt of a received random access preamble (16) by the network node (12) and comprising an information field (18A) indicating information about a system frame in which the received random access preamble (16) was received by the network node (12); Therein, the information field (18A) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16) are used to verify (604) whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The information field (18A) is a reserved R bit field.

16. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein: The information field (18A) indicates a value of y=SFNymod N, wherein SFNy is the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble (16), and wherein N is the maximum duration of the random access response window in terms of the number of system frames.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: N is 2, such that when the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble (16) is an even number, y=0, and when the index of the system frame in which the network node (12) receives the received random access preamble (16) is an odd number, y=1.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein: The information field (18A) indicates the number Dy of system frames between the system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble (16) and the system frame in which the network node (12) transmitted the random access response (18).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein: The random access preamble (16) is received in an unlicensed spectrum, and / or the random access response (18) is transmitted, and wherein the method further comprises performing a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure or a clear channel assessment (CCA) before transmitting the random access response (18).

20. A wireless device (14) configured to: Transmitting a random access preamble (16); receiving a random access response (18) from a network node (12), the random access response (18) being a response to a received random access preamble received by the network node (12) and comprising an information field (18A) indicating information about a system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble; and Based on the information field (18A) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16), it is verified whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

21. The wireless device of claim 20, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-13.

22. A network node (12), configured to: receiving a random access preamble (16); and transmitting a random access response (18) in response to receipt of the received random access preamble (16) by the network node (12) and comprising an information field (18A) indicating information about a system frame in which the received random access preamble (16) was received by the network node (12); in, The information field (18A) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16) are used to verify (604) whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14).

23. The network node of claim 22, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 15-19.

24. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a wireless device (14), cause the wireless device (14) to perform the method of any one of claims 1-13.

25. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node (12), cause the network node (12) to perform the method of any one of claims 14-19.

26. A wireless device (14, 700), comprising: Communication circuit (720); as well as The processing circuit (710) is configured to: Transmitting a random access preamble (16); receiving a random access response (18) from a network node (12), the random access response (18) being a response to a received random access preamble received by the network node (12) and comprising an information field (18A) indicating information about a system frame in which the network node (12) received the received random access preamble; and Based on the information field (18A) and the system frame in which the wireless device (14, 700) transmitted the transmitted random access preamble (16), it is verified whether the random access response (18) is addressed to the wireless device (14, 700).

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