Method and apparatus for random access procedure

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for a random access procedure. A method at a terminal device includes receiving, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode includes at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving. The method further includes transmitting, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload. The payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to methods and apparatuses for random access procedure. BACKGROUND

[0002] This section presents a number of aspects that can be helpful in better understanding the present disclosure. Thus, the statements in this section are to be read in that light, and are not to be understood as an admission as to what is or is not prior art.

[0003] In a wireless communication system such as NR (New Radio), a user equipment (UE) needs a random access procedure such as a four-step random access procedure to gain access to the communication system. Before initiating the random access procedure, the UE needs to go through an initial synchronization procedure. For example, the UE needs to detect synchronization signals (SSs), such as primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), etc. The UE then decodes the broadcasted system information. The next step is referred to as the random access procedure.

[0004] In a four-step random access procedure as shown in Figure 1 In a four-step random access procedure as shown in

[0005] For a four-step random access procedure as in Figure 2The two-step random access procedure illustrated allows a base station, such as a gNB, to configure (e.g., via system information signaling) PRACH preamble resources and contention-based data resources that can be associated with one or more PRACH preambles. In step 202, the UE can transmit message A (msgA), which includes the PRACH preamble and data transmission, in the associated data resources, which can identify the UE at least by its UE identifier (ID). In step 204, if the base station, such as the gNB, correctly decodes MsgA, it transmits message B (msgB), which includes one or more of the following: UE identifier allocation, timing advance information, or contention resolution message, etc. Therefore, in principle, the two-step random access procedure can reduce the round-trip time required for the base station, such as the gNB, to transmit RAR and for the UE to transmit Msg3, thereby reducing the latency of the random access (RA) procedure.

[0006] exist Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An example of step 202. Essentially, the message sent in Msg3 for the four-step random access procedure can be sent immediately in the relevant resources after the PRACH preamble for the two-step random access procedure, without waiting for the RAR from the base station (e.g., gNB). For N PRACH preambles, there are N time-frequency resources with pre-configured correspondences. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is provided in a simplified form to introduce a chosen concept, which will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Some wireless communication systems, such as NR, may need to comply with certain regulations. For example, some regulations may contain two requirements: Occupied Channel Bandwidth (OCB) and Maximum Power Spectral Density (PSD). The Occupied Channel Bandwidth requirement can be expressed as the bandwidth containing 99% of the signal power and should be between 80% and 100% of the declared nominal channel bandwidth. Maximum PSD requirements may exist in many different regions. For example, a maximum PSD requirement can be described in terms of a 1 MHz resolution bandwidth. For example, for 5150-5350 MHz, the maximum PSD requirement might be 10 dBm / MHz. The impact of the maximum PSD requirement on physical layer design is that, without proper design, signals with small transmission bandwidth may be limited in transmission power. This negatively impacts the coverage of the base station. In other words, the maximum PSD requirement is a constraint that necessitates changes to uplink transmission in unlicensed and / or licensed spectrum.

[0009] To use full output power, a block interleaved frequency division multiple access (BI-FDMA) method, also known as block interleaved transmission, can be used. For uplink transmission of small data blocks / PRACH / PUCCH (physical uplink control channel), an interleaved physical resource block (PRB) can be allocated to the UE so that there is a transmitted signal in every MHz.

[0010] Figure 4 An example of interleaving is shown. For example, when the bandwidth is 20 MHz and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 30 kilohertz (KHz), the total number of PRBs available for scheduling is 51 after considering the guard band, where each PRB consists of 12 subcarriers. These PRBs can be divided into N = 5 interleaves, each consisting of M = 10 (or 11) equally spaced PRBs. This design can provide a good trade-off between meeting regulatory requirements on occupied bandwidth and transmit power spectral density, overhead required for resource allocation signaling, and degradation of signal single-carrier property (i.e., increased peak-to-average power ratio).

[0011] A PUSCH resource unit can be a PUSCH occasion (PO) for Msg A payload transmission plus a DMRS (demodulation reference signal) port / DMRS sequence. For mapping between a PRACH preamble in each RACH (random access channel) occasion (RO) and an associated PUSCH resource unit, at least one-to-one, multi-(N)-to-one, and multi-(N)-to-one are expected to be supported. For one-to-one mapping, a large number of PUSCH resources need to be reserved for PUSCH in Msg A. In the other hand, depending on the value of N, multi-(N)-to-one mapping can lead to a high collision probability of PUSCH.

[0012] For the two-step RA procedure, there are some issues. For example, the associated message transmission immediately following the PRACH transmission requires pre-allocated PUSCH resources. If one PUSCH resource is allocated for each PRACH preamble and 64 PRACH preambles are configured for the two-step RA procedure, 64 PUSCH resources are required to be reserved. However, the number of interleaves of resources in a subband (e.g., a 20 MHz channel) is very limited. That is, it cannot be guaranteed that there is one reserved interleave for each PRACH preamble in the subband. The lack of reserved interleaves needs to be addressed.

[0013] In addition, to support interleaved transmission of MsgA payload in the two-step RA procedure, signaling for frequency domain resource allocation can need to include some necessary resource allocation (RA) fields that do not exist and need to be defined.

[0014] As another issue, it can not always be necessary to enable interlaced transmission for some UEs, as in some cases non-interlaced transmission can be sufficient. Therefore, some signaling enhancements are also needed.

[0015] To overcome or alleviate at least one of the above problems or other problems or to provide useful solutions, some embodiments of the present disclosure propose an improved random access procedure.

[0016] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method at a terminal device is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation pattern. The PUSCH resource allocation pattern comprises at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or non-interlacing. The method further comprises transmitting, to the network node, a first message comprising a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation pattern.

[0017] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can comprise at least one of: an indication of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace, the at least one scheduled physical resource block being configured for the payload of the first message. The at least one allocated interlace can comprise at least one allocated full interlace and / or at least one allocated partial interlace.

[0018] In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can be configured for the payload of the first message.

[0019] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can be received by the terminal device in system information or dedicated signaling.

[0020] In one embodiment, the dedicated signaling can comprise at least one of: dedicated radio resource control signaling, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0021] In one embodiment, the plurality of physical resource blocks of an interlace can be unevenly or evenly divided between two or more partial interlaces.

[0022] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles, the associated one or more PUSCH occasions can be configured with one or more (e.g. different) PUSCH resource allocation patterns.

[0023] In one embodiment, each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles can be configured with different PUSCH resource allocation modes.

[0024] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles in a sub-band or channel, at least one associated PUSCH occasion can be located in a different sub-band or channel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the payload of the first message can comprise an identifier of the terminal device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mapping between random access channel preambles and associated PUSCHs can comprise one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, and one-to-many mapping.

[0027] In one embodiment, in a two-step random access procedure, the first message is message A (msgA) and the second message is message B (msgB).

[0028] In one embodiment, the method can further comprise selecting the PUSCH resource allocation mode based on at least one of: a size of the payload, a downlink radio quality, a channel occupancy, listen-before-talk (LBT) statistics, a capability of the terminal device regarding whether the terminal device supports interlaced transmission, or a power class of the terminal device.

[0029] In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the size of the payload; and / or the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the downlink radio quality; and / or when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, partial interlacing or full interlacing is selected, when the channel occupancy is not below the first threshold, non-interlacing is selected; and / or when LBT failure statistics is below a second threshold, partial interlacing or full interlacing is selected, when the LBT failure statistics is not below the second threshold, non-interlacing is selected; and / or when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device supports full or partial interlaced transmission, full interlacing or partial interlacing is selected, when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device does not support full interlaced and partial interlaced transmission, non-interlacing is selected; and / or when the power class of the terminal device is below a third threshold, partial interlacing or full interlacing is selected, when the power class of the terminal device is not below the third threshold, non-interlacing is selected.

[0030] In one embodiment, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be used for retransmission of the payload of the first message.

[0031] In one embodiment, full interlacing can span all frequency regions of an interlace, and partial interlacing can span a part of frequency regions of an interlace.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method can further include receiving, from the network node, a second message as a response to the first message.

[0033] In a second aspect of the disclosure, a method at a network node is provided. The method includes determining a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode includes at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The method further includes transmitting, to a terminal device, information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method can further include receiving, from the terminal device, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is received on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode. The method can further include transmitting, to the terminal device, a second message as a response to the first message.

[0035] In a third aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus at a terminal device is provided. The apparatus includes a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the apparatus is operable to receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode includes at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The apparatus is further operable to transmit, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0036] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus at a network node is provided. The network node includes a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the apparatus is operable to determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode includes at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The apparatus is further operable to transmit, to a terminal device, information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0037] In a fifth aspect of the disclosure, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module can be configured to receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The transmitting module can be configured to transmit, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload on a PUSCH. The payload can be transmitted based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0038] In a sixth aspect of the disclosure, a network node is provided. The network node includes a determining module and a transmitting module. The determining module can be configured to determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The transmitting module can be configured to transmit information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to a terminal device.

[0039] In a seventh aspect of the disclosure, a method at a terminal device is provided. The method includes receiving information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode from a network node. The PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interlacing or no interlacing. The method further includes transmitting a first message including a random access preamble and a payload to the network node, wherein the payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0040] In one embodiment, the interlacing can include full interlacing and / or partial interlacing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of: an indication of the PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlacing; at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlacing, the at least one scheduled physical resource block configured for the payload of the first message.

[0042] In an eighth aspect of the disclosure, a method at a network node is provided. The method includes determining a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interlacing or no interlacing. The method further includes transmitting information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to a terminal device.

[0043] In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus at a terminal device is provided. The apparatus includes a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the apparatus is operable to receive information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode from a network node. The PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interlacing or no interlacing. The apparatus is further operable to transmit a first message including a random access preamble and a payload to the network node, wherein the payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0044] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus at a network node is provided. The network node includes a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, whereby the apparatus is operable to determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving. The apparatus is further operable to transmit information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to a terminal device.

[0045] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module can be configured to receive information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode from a network node. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can indicate at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving. The transmitting module can be configured to transmit, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload on a PUSCH. The payload can be transmitted based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode.

[0046] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a network node is provided. The network node includes a determining module and a transmitting module. The determining module can be configured to determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can indicate at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving. The transmitting module can be configured to transmit information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to a terminal device.

[0047] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product including instructions, which when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any of the first, second, seventh and eighth aspects described above.

[0048] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any of the first, second, seventh and eighth aspects described above.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a terminal device is provided. The method includes providing, at the host computer, user data. The method also includes initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying the user data to the terminal device via a cellular network including the base station. The base station can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the second and eighth aspects.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a host computer comprising processing circuitry configured to provide user data and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a terminal device. The cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry. The base station's processing circuitry can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the second and eighth aspects.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a terminal device. The method comprises at the host computer, providing user data. The method further comprises, at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying the user data to the terminal device via a cellular network comprising the base station. The terminal device can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the first and seventh aspects.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a host computer comprising processing circuitry configured to provide user data and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a terminal device. The terminal device comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry. The terminal device's processing circuitry can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the first and seventh aspects.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a terminal device. The method comprises at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted from the terminal device to the base station. The terminal device can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the first and seventh aspects.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a terminal device to a base station. The terminal device comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry. The terminal device's processing circuitry can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the first and seventh aspects.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a terminal device. The method comprises at the host computer, receiving user data originating from a transmission the base station has received from the terminal device. The base station can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the second and eighth aspects.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a communication system including a host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a terminal device to a base station. The base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the base station can be configured to perform any of the methods according to the second and eighth aspects.

[0057] Embodiments herein provide a number of advantages, the following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of advantages. Some embodiments herein can improve the RA capacity of two-step RA in NR unlicensed and / or licensed networks. Some embodiments of the disclosure can address the shortage of PUSCH resources for MsgA payload transmission in two-step RA in case of interleaved radio resource allocation applied for PUSCH. Some embodiments of the disclosure can be applicable for licensed and unlicensed spectrum operation, where PUSCH transmission is based on interleaved radio resource management. Embodiments herein are not limited to the above-mentioned features and advantages. Further features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals or letters are used to denote like elements or features, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a four-step random access procedure is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a two-step random access procedure is shown;

[0061] Figure 3 An example of step 202 of Figure 2

[0062] Figure 4 An example of interleaving according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0063] Figure 5a A flowchart illustrating a method according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0064] Figure 5b A flowchart illustrating a method according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 6a An example of unevenly dividing one PRB of an interlace between two partial interlaces is shown;

[0066] Figure 6b ​A method flow diagram is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0067] Figure 6c A method flow diagram is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0068] Figure 7 Multiple MsgA occasions in the frequency domain are shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

[0069] Figure 8 Multiple MsgA occasions in the frequency domain are shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0070] Figure 9 An example of an interleaved resource pool across channels is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

[0071] Figure 10a A method flow diagram is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0072] Figure 10b A method flow diagram is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0073] Figure 11 A method flow diagram is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0074] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a device suitable for practicing some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a network node in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer, according to some embodiments;

[0078] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a host computer communicating via a base station with a user equipment, according to some embodiments;

[0079] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0080] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0081] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0082] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. It is to be understood that the embodiments discussed are only by way of example and are not intended to limit, in any way, the scope of the disclosure. Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout for like elements and like scenarios that are discussed more than once. The reference to features, benefits, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and benefits must be achieved in any particular embodiment. Rather, the language is meant only to highlight the features, benefits, and advantages associated with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more benefits, features, and advantages can be achieved. In other embodiments, one or more of the benefits, features, and advantages can not be achieved. The disclosure should not be construed as requiring that all the benefits, features, and advantages be achieved in any particular embodiment.

[0084] As used herein, the term “network” refers to a network that complies with any suitable wireless communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other wireless networks. A CDMA network can implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes WCDMA and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA network can implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network can implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, Ad hoc networks, Wireless Sensor Networks, and so on. In the following description, the terms “network” and “system” can be used interchangeably. Also, communication between two devices in a network can be performed according to any suitable communication protocol, including, but not limited to, communication protocols defined by a standards body such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, the communication protocols can include first generation (1G), 2G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, 5G communication protocols, and / or any other protocol that is currently known or developed in the future.

[0085] The term “network entity” or “network node” as used herein refers to a network device (physical or virtual) in a communication network. For example, a network node can be an access network device in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services from the network. For example, a network node can include, but is not limited to, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, an access point (AP), a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), etc. A BS can be, for example, a NodeB (or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (e.g., femto, pico), etc.

[0086] Yet another example of a network node includes a multi-standard radio (MSR) radio, such as a MSR BS, a network controller, such as a radio network controller (RNC) or base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a positioning node, etc. More generally, however, a network node can represent any suitable device (or group of devices) capable, configured, arranged, and / or operable to enable access by terminal devices to a wireless communication network and / or to provide services to terminal devices that have accessed the wireless communication network.

[0087] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that can access a communication network and receive services therefrom. As examples and not by way of limitation, in a wireless communication network a terminal device can refer to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), terminal device, or other suitable device. A terminal device can be, for example, a subscriber station (SS), a portable user station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). A terminal device can include, but is not limited to, a portable computer, an image capture device such as a digital camera, a gaming terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, a wearable device, a car-mounted wireless device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), or the like. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" can be used interchangeably. As one example, a UE can represent a terminal device configured for communication in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by 3GPP, such as the LTE standard or the NR standard by 3GPP. As used herein, a "user equipment" or "UE" can not necessarily have a "user" in the sense of a human user that owns and / or operates the relevant device. In some embodiments, the terminal device can be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction.

[0088] As yet another example, in an Internet of Things (IOT) scenario, a terminal device can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and reports the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another terminal device and / or a network device. In this case, the UE can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which in a 3GPP context can be referred to as a machine-type communication (MTC) device. As one particular example, a terminal device can be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (e.g., electricity meters), industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions), personal wearable devices (e.g., watches), etc. In other scenarios, a UE can represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions related to its operation.

[0089] References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiment”, etc. indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of those in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0090] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0091] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements and / or components etc. but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0092] As used herein, downlink, DL, transmission refers to transmission from a network device to a terminal device, and uplink, UL, transmission refers to transmission in the opposite direction.

[0093] Note that the terms used herein are only for the convenience of description and to distinguish between nodes, devices or networks etc. Other terms with similar / same meaning can also be used as technology evolves.

[0094] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0095] Note that although embodiments are mainly described in the context of two-step random access procedure and NR, they are not limited thereto but can be applied to any suitable random access procedure and network.

[0096] Figure 5aA flowchart of a method 500' in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure is shown, which can be performed by an apparatus implemented in or at a terminal device or any other entity having similar functionality, or by an apparatus communicatively coupled to a terminal device or any other entity having similar functionality. As such, the terminal device can provide means or modules for completing the various portions of the method 500', as well as means or modules for completing other processes in conjunction with other components.

[0097] At block 502', the terminal device can receive information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation pattern from a network node. The PUSCH resource allocation pattern can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. As mentioned above, the terminal device can need to go through an initial synchronization procedure before initiating a random access procedure. For example, the terminal device can detect synchronization signals (SSs) such as primary synchronization signals (PSS) and secondary synchronization signals (SSS). The UE can then decode broadcasted system information, e.g., PBCH (physical broadcast channel), RMSI (remaining minimum system information), OSI (other system information), etc. In these broadcasted system information, the terminal device can receive the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern from the network node. In other embodiments, e.g., when the terminal device has attached or registered to the network, the terminal device can receive the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern from the network node in dedicated signaling.

[0098] In one embodiment, full interlacing can span the entire frequency region of an interlace. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, interlace 1 and interlace 0 can be full interlaces. Partial interlacing can span a portion of the frequency region of an interlace, e.g., partial interlaces 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2 as shown in FIG. 5B. The number of frequency resources of different partial interlaces can be the same or different. Figure 4 Figure 6a In one embodiment, full interlacing can span the entire frequency region of an interlace. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, interlace 1 and interlace 0 can be full interlaces. Partial interlacing can span a portion of the frequency region of an interlace, e.g., partial interlaces 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2 as shown in FIG. 5B. The number of frequency resources of different partial interlaces can be the same or different.

[0099] At block 504', the terminal device can transmit a first message including a random access preamble and a payload to the network node. The payload can be transmitted on the PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation pattern. For example, the terminal device can transmit the first message to the network node, the first message including a RACH preamble on a RACH occasion and a payload on a PUSCH resource unit (PRU).

[0100] In one embodiment, the payload can be transmitted based on the PUSCH resource allocation pattern. For example, when the PUSCH resource allocation pattern indicates full interlacing, the terminal device can transmit the payload through full interlacing. When the PUSCH resource allocation pattern indicates partial interlacing, the terminal device can transmit the payload through partial interlacing. When the PUSCH resource allocation pattern indicates no interlacing, the terminal device can transmit the payload through no interlacing.​

[0101] In one embodiment, the first message can be referred to herein as msgA, which can be similar to the corresponding msgA described in documents of 3GPP RAN1 (Radio Access Network Working Group 1). In one embodiment, the first message can be a layer 1 message. The payload on PUSCH can include any suitable information. For example, the payload on PUSCH can include higher layer data on PUSCH, such as an RRC connection request possibly with some small payload. In one embodiment, the payload of the first message can include an identifier (ID) of the terminal device. In one embodiment, the channel structure of the first message can include a PRACH preamble and a PUSCH carrying the payload. In one embodiment, the first message can also include the equivalent content of msg3 of a four-step random access procedure.

[0102] The random access preamble can be any suitable preamble for a random access procedure. For example, the random access preamble can be a RACH preamble that can reuse the 3GPP Release 15 NR PRACH preamble design. In one embodiment, there can be a mapping between RACH preamble resources and PUSCH resource units. In one embodiment, there can be any suitable supported modulation coding scheme (MCS) and time-frequency resource size of PUSCH in msgA. In one embodiment, there can be any suitable power control of the PUSCH of msgA. In one embodiment, UCI (uplink control information) can be included in the payload of msgA.

[0103] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of: an indication of the PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace, the at least one scheduled physical resource block being configured for the payload of the first message. The at least one allocated interlace can include at least one allocated full interlace and / or at least one allocated partial interlace. The indication can be any suitable indication, such as a bit, a bit of a bitmap, etc.

[0104] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can be received by the terminal device in system information or dedicated signaling. For example, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can be carried in system information, dedicated RRC signaling, medium access control control element (MAC CE) or downlink control information (DCI). The information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can be added to the mapping table or rule between RO or preamble and PO or PRU for the payload of the first message. In the resource management for MsgA payload, it can use full interlacing, partial interlacing and / or non-interlacing. For example, for the mapping between a preamble and associated PUSCH resource units in each RACH occasion (RO), the PRU or PO associated with each RO or preamble can span the full resources of an interlace, or the partial resources of an interlace (i.e., partial interlacing) or use non-interlaced transmission.

[0105] In one embodiment, the number of PRBs of one interlace can be unevenly or evenly divided among two or more partial interlaces. The number of PRBs of each partial interlace can be the same or different.

[0106] As a first example, the number of PRBs of an interlace can be evenly divided among different interlace portions (i.e., partial interlaces). For example, assuming that a subband contains a 20 MHz bandwidth and SCS = 15 KHz is configured for MsgA PUSCH transmission, then there are 10 PRBs per interlace, which can be evenly divided among two groups (i.e., partial interlaces). In this way, each group contains 5 PRBs. Each MsgA payload can use one group. Therefore, two MsgA PUSCHs can share one interlace. There can be up to 20 MsgA PUSCH resource groups in total in one subband. With this option, the maximum transmission power of MsgA PUSCH transmission is proportionally reduced. However, for UEs that are not at the cell edge, this should not be a problem. It is noted that the subband size, SCS size, number of PRBs in an interlace, number of PRBs in a partial interlace are for illustrative purposes only and they can take any other suitable values in other embodiments or other communication systems.

[0107] As a second example, the number of PRBs of an interlace can be unevenly divided among different interlaced parts (i.e., partial interlaces). For example, the number of PRBs of at least one partial interlace can be different from the number of PRBs of other partial interlaces. The selection of partial interlaces can take into account the size of the MsgA payload. For example, for a larger size of MsgA payload, the terminal device can select a partial interlace with more PRBs, while for a smaller size of MsgA payload, the terminal device can select a partial interlace with fewer PRBs. The selection of partial interlaces can also take into account the downlink radio quality that can be measured. For example, in the case of good radio quality (e.g., DL SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block) / CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) greater than a pre-configured threshold), a partial interlace with fewer PRBs can be selected for MsgA PUSCH transmission. Otherwise, a partial interlace with more PRBs can be selected for MsgA PUSCH transmission.

[0108] Figure 6a An example is shown in which one interlace of PRBs is unevenly divided among two partial interlaces. As shown, interlace 1 containing 10 PRBs is divided into partial interlace 1-1 containing 4 PRBs and partial interlace 1-2 containing 6 PRBs. It is noted that the number of PRBs in the partial interlaces is for illustration purposes only, and they can take any other suitable values in other embodiments or other communication systems. Figure 6a

[0109] In one embodiment, a PUSCH resource allocation mode can be configured for the payload of the first message. For example, for a MsgA payload, a PUSCH resource allocation mode can be configured, the PUSCH resource allocation mode including no interlace, full interlace, and partial interlace. In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can be received by the terminal device in system information or dedicated signaling. For example, a network device such as a gNB can use at least one of system information or dedicated signaling to inform the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to UEs in a cell.

[0110] ​As a first example, the system information can be any suitable system broadcast information. When using system information, an indication about the PUSCH resource allocation mode for MsgA payload can be added to the system information. For example, an indication about the PUSCH resource allocation mode for MsgA payload can be added to the information element (IE) RACH-ConfigCommon as described in 3GPP TS 38.331 V15.5.1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The indication for two-step RA MsgA payload can be different from the indication configured for four-step RA Msg3.

[0111] As a second example, the dedicated signaling can be any suitable dedicated signaling, such as at least one of: dedicated radio resource control signaling, medium access control, MAC, control element, CE, or downlink control information, DCI, etc.

[0112] As a third example, for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles, the associated one or more PUSCH occasions can be configured with one or more (e.g., different) PUSCH resource allocation modes. For example, for each RACH occasion and associated RACH preamble, the associated one or more PUSCH occasions can be configured with one or more (e.g., different) PUSCH resource allocation modes, such as no-interleaving, full-interleaving, or partial-interleaving, etc. When the terminal device has selected the RO and / or preamble, the UE can further select the PO associated with the suitable PUSCH resource allocation mode (e.g., no-interleaving, full-interleaving, or partial-interleaving, etc.).

[0113] As a fourth example, for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be configured. For example, for each RO and associated preamble, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be configured. In this example, the ROs (in the frequency domain or in the time domain) and / or preambles can be partitioned in different sets, and each set can be associated with a different PUSCH resource allocation mode for MsgA payload and / or for Msg3 in four-step RA.

[0114] Reference Figure 5a At block 506’ (optional), the terminal device can receive a second message as a response to the first message. The second message, such as msgB, can include any suitable information, such as the equivalent of msg2 and msg4 of a four-step random access procedure. The second message can be a layer 1 message. In one embodiment, in response to a successfully decoded msgA, msgB can include a TA (Timing Advance) command, a contention resolution ID, etc.

[0115] In one embodiment, in a two-step random access procedure, the first message can be a message A (msgA) and the second message can be a message B (msgB).

[0116] Figure 5b A flowchart illustrating a method 500 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown, which can be performed by an apparatus implemented in or at a terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality, or by an apparatus communicatively coupled to a terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality. For the parts already described in the above embodiments, they will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0117] At block 502, the terminal device can receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can indicate at least one of interlaced or non-interlaced.

[0118] In one embodiment, the interlaced can comprise full interlaced and / or partial interlaced.

[0119] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can comprise at least one of: an indication of the PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace, the at least one scheduled physical resource block being configured for a payload of the first message.

[0120] Blocks 504 and 506 are the same as blocks 504' and 506' of Figure 5a .

[0121] Figure 6b A flowchart illustrating a method 600' according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown, which can be performed by an apparatus implemented in or at a terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality, or by an apparatus communicatively coupled to a terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality. In this way, the terminal device can provide means or modules for completing the various portions of the method 600', as well as means for completing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the parts already described in the above embodiments, they will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0122] At block 602', the terminal device can receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can comprise at least one of full interlaced, partial interlaced or non-interlaced. Block 602' is similar to block 502' of Figure 5a .

[0123] At block 604', the terminal device can select a PUSCH resource allocation mode based on at least one of a size of the payload, a downlink radio quality, a channel occupancy, listen-before-talk (LBT) statistics, a capability of the terminal device regarding whether the terminal device supports interlaced transmission, or a power class of the terminal device.

[0124] In one embodiment, there can be a correspondence between the PUSCH resource allocation mode and a size range of the payload; and / or there can be a correspondence between the PUSCH resource allocation mode and a downlink radio quality. In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the payload size; and / or the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the downlink radio quality; and / or when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, partial interlace or full interlace is selected, when the channel occupancy is not below the first threshold, no interlace is selected; and / or when LBT failure statistics is below a second threshold, partial interlace or full interlace is selected, when LBT failure statistics is not below the second threshold, no interlace is selected; and / or when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device supports full interlace or partial interlace transmission, full interlace or partial interlace is selected, when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device does not support full interlace and partial interlace transmission, no interlace is selected; and / or when the power class of the terminal device is below a third threshold, partial interlace or full interlace is selected, when the power class of the terminal device is not below the third threshold, no interlace is selected.

[0125] For example, when a two-step RA event is triggered, the terminal device can select a suitable PUSCH resource allocation mode for the MsgA payload by considering at least one of the following conditions:

[0126] 1) a measured downlink radio quality, or other DL or UL coverage measurement indication;

[0127] 2) a MsgA payload size;

[0128] 3) a measured channel occupancy;

[0129] 4) LBT statistics, e.g. LBT failure statistics;

[0130] 5) a capability of the terminal device regarding whether full interlace transmission or partial interlace transmission is supported;

[0131] 6) a power class of the terminal device;

[0132] In a first example, in case of good radio quality (e.g., DL SSB / CSI-RS RSRP is greater than a pre-configured threshold), a partial-interleaved or non-interleaved mode can be selected for MsgA PUSCH transmission. Otherwise, a full-interleaved based transmission mode can be selected for MsgA PUSCH transmission. Therefore, two or more thresholds for determining the PUSCH resource allocation mode can be defined. For example, one threshold can be used for determining the non-interleaved mode, one threshold can be used for determining the partial-interleaved mode, and one threshold can be used for determining the full-interleaved mode. Figure 7 Multiple MsgA occasions in frequency domain are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, one msgA occasion with partial-interleaving for PUSCH is in one channel, and another msgA occasion with full-interleaving is in another channel. Figure 7 Multiple MsgA occasions in frequency domain are shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, one msgA occasion with partial-interleaving for PUSCH is in two slots, and another msgA occasion with full-interleaving is in another two slots of the same channel. Figure 8 Multiple MsgA occasions in frequency domain are shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, one msgA occasion with partial-interleaving for PUSCH is in two slots, and another msgA occasion with full-interleaving is in another two slots of the same channel. Figure 8 Multiple MsgA occasions in frequency domain are shown according to another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, one msgA occasion with partial-interleaving for PUSCH is in two slots, and another msgA occasion with full-interleaving is in another two slots of the same channel.

[0133] In a second example, if there is a small size of MsgA payload, an interleaved transmission mode (i.e., full or partial) can be selected for the MsgA payload, and if there is a large size of MsgA payload, a non-interleaved transmission mode can be selected for the MsgA payload. Different transmission modes, e.g., full-interleaved transmission mode, partial-interleaved transmission mode, and non-interleaved transmission mode, can be configured for different sizes of MsgA payload.

[0134] In a third example, if the measured channel occupancy is low or LBT statistics indicate that LBT failure happens rarely, the terminal device can consider using interleaved transmission (e.g., full-interleaved transmission mode and partial-interleaved transmission mode) for the MsgA payload, otherwise, the terminal device can consider using non-interleaved transmission for the MsgA payload.

[0135] In a fourth example, the terminal device capability on PUSCH resource allocation mode can be used to determine the PUSCH resource allocation mode. The terminal device capability can indicate whether the terminal device supports interleaved based transmission for the MsgA payload. For example, when the terminal device supports interleaved based transmission for the MsgA payload, the terminal device can select interleaved based transmission, e.g., full-interleaved transmission mode and partial-interleaved transmission mode. When the terminal device only supports non-interleaved based transmission for the MsgA payload, the terminal device can select non-interleaved based transmission.

[0136] In a fifth example, for terminal devices configured with low power classes, it can be preferable to support interlaced transmission for the MsgA payload, while for terminal devices configured with higher power classes, it can be sufficient to use non-interlaced transmission for the MsgA payload.

[0137] Reference Figure 6b At block 606', the terminal device can transmit, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload on a PUSCH, where the payload is transmitted based on a PUSCH resource allocation pattern. Block 606' is similar to block 504' of FIG. 5. Figure 5a

[0138] At block 608', the terminal device can receive, from the network node, a second message as a response to the first message. Block 608' is similar to block 506' of FIG. 5. Figure 5a

[0139] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles in a subband or channel, at least one associated PUSCH occasion can be located in a different subband or channel. Figure 9 An example of interlaced resource pools across channels is shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, for each RO and associated one or more preambles in a subband / channel, some associated one or more POs for MsgA PUSCH can be located in different subbands / channels, such that a large MsgA PUSCH resource pool can be achieved. For those interlaces that are not arranged in the same subband / channel as PRACH preamble transmission, the terminal device can perform LBT to determine which PO and associated interlace is available for MsgA PUSCH transmission. For the same RA procedure, the UE can use different PUSCH interlaces to perform retransmission of the MsgA payload.

[0140] In one embodiment, the mapping between random access channel preambles and associated PUSCHs includes one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, and one-to-many mapping. The one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, and one-to-many mapping can be similar to those described in the 3GPP RAN1 document.

[0141] ​​In one embodiment, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be used for retransmission of the first message's payload. For example, for the same RA procedure, the terminal device can change the PUSCH resource allocation mode between different MsgA retransmission attempts. For example, the UE can use non-interleaved transmission for the initial transmission of the MsgA payload. When the terminal device does not receive a second message, such as a RAR message, from a network node such as a gNB after a configured time period (e.g., the RAR window expires), the terminal device can choose to use interleaved transmission for the MsgA payload retransmission.

[0142] Figure 6c A flowchart of a method 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by means implemented in or at a terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality, or by means communicatively coupled to the terminal device or any other entity with similar functionality. For the sake of brevity, the parts already described in the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0143] In box 602, the terminal device can receive information about the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resource allocation mode from the network node. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can indicate at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving.

[0144] Boxes 604, 606, and 608 with Figure 6b The frames 604', 606', and 608' are the same.

[0145] Figure 10a A flowchart of method 1000' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by means implemented in or at a network device or any other entity with similar functionality, or by means communicatively coupled to a network device or any other entity with similar functionality. Thus, the network device can provide components or modules for completing various parts of method 1000', as well as components for combining with other components to complete other processes. For the sake of brevity, the parts already described in the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0146] At block 1002', the network device can determine a PUSCH resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The network device can determine at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing for each PUSCH. For example, the network device can determine that one PUSCH can support full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. The network device can determine that another PUSCH can support full interlacing or partial interlacing, and so on. The network device can determine the PUSCH resource allocation mode according to various factors, such as a number of terminal devices within a cell, a desired number of terminal devices to attach or register to the network through the network node, a number of available resources for the PUSCH, and so on.

[0147] At block 1004', the network device can transmit information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to the terminal device.

[0148] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can include at least one of an indication of the PUSCH resource allocation mode, an indication of at least one allocated interlace and / or at least one allocated partial interlace, and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace and / or the at least one allocated partial interlace, the at least one scheduled physical resource block being configured to be used for a payload of the first message.

[0149] In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation mode can be configured to be used for the payload of the first message.

[0150] In one embodiment, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode can be transmitted to the terminal device in system information or dedicated signaling.

[0151] In one embodiment, the dedicated signaling can include at least one of dedicated radio resource control signaling, medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0152] In one embodiment, the multiple physical resource blocks of the interlace can be unevenly or evenly divided among the two or more partial interlaces.

[0153] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion (RO) and associated one or more random access preambles, the associated one or more PUSCH occasions can be configured with one or more PUSCH resource allocation modes.

[0154] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion (RO) and associated one or more random access preambles, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be configured.

[0155] In one embodiment, for each random access channel occasion, RO, in a sub-band or channel and associated one or more random access preambles, at least one associated PUSCH occasion can be located in a different sub-band or channel.

[0156] Figure 10b A flowchart of a method 1000 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is shown, which can be performed by an apparatus implemented in or at a network device or any other entity having similar functionality, or by an apparatus communicatively coupled to a network device or any other entity having similar functionality. For the parts already described in the above embodiments, they are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0157] At block 1002, the network device can determine a PUSCH resource allocation mode. The PUSCH resource allocation mode can indicate at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving.

[0158] Block 1004 is the same as block 1004' of Figure 10a

[0159] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown, which can be performed by an apparatus implemented in or at a network device or any other entity having similar functionality, or by an apparatus communicatively coupled to a network device or any other entity having similar functionality. As such, the network device can provide means or modules for completing the various portions of the method 1100, as well as means for completing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the parts already described in the above embodiments, they are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0160] At block 1102, the network device can receive, from a terminal device, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload on a PUSCH. The payload can be received based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode. For example, the terminal device can transmit the first message at a first time, and the network device can receive the first message at a second time. Figure 5a Block 504' of Figure 5b Block 504 of

[0161] At block 1104, the network device can transmit, to the terminal device, a second message as a response to the first message. The second message, such as msgB, can include any suitable information, such as equivalent content of msg2 and msg4 of a four-step random access procedure. The second message can be a layer 1 message. In one embodiment, for a response to a successfully decoded msgA, the msgB can include a TA (Timing Advance) command, a contention resolution ID, etc.

[0162] In one embodiment, the payload of the first message can include an identifier of the terminal device. ​

[0163] In one embodiment, the mapping between the random access channel preamble and the associated PUSCH can comprise one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping and one-to-many mapping.

[0164] In one embodiment, in the two-step random access procedure, the first message can be msgA and the second message can be msgB.

[0165] In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation mode can be selected by the terminal device based on at least one of: a size of the payload, a downlink radio quality, a channel occupancy, a listen-before-talk statistics, a capability of the terminal device regarding whether the terminal device supports interlaced transmission, or a power class of the terminal device.

[0166] In one embodiment, there can be a correspondence between the PUSCH resource allocation mode and a size range of the payload; and / or there can be a correspondence between the PUSCH resource allocation mode and the downlink radio quality. In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the size of the payload; and / or the PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the downlink radio quality; and / or when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, and / or when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, partial interlace or full interlace can be selected, when the channel occupancy is not below the first threshold, non-interlace can be selected; and / or when the LBT failure statistics is below a second threshold, partial interlace or full interlace can be selected, when the LBT failure statistics is not below the second threshold, non-interlace can be selected; and / or when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device supports full interlace or partial interlace transmission, full interlace or partial interlace can be selected, when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device does not support full interlace and partial interlace transmission, non-interlace can be selected; and / or when the power class of the terminal device is below a third threshold, partial interlace or full interlace can be selected, when the power class of the terminal device is not below the third threshold, non-interlace can be selected.

[0167] In one embodiment, different PUSCH resource allocation modes can be used for retransmission of the payload of the first message.

[0168] In one embodiment, full interlace can span all frequency regions of an interlace and partial interlace can span a part of frequency regions of an interlace.

[0169] Embodiments herein provide a number of advantages, the following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of advantages. Some embodiments herein can improve the RA capacity of two-step RA in NR unlicensed and / or licensed networks. Some embodiments of the disclosure can address the shortage of PUSCH resources for MsgA payload transmission in two-step RA in case of interleaved radio resource allocation applied for PUSCH. Some embodiments of the disclosure can be applicable for licensed and unlicensed spectrum operation, where PUSCH transmission is based on interleaved radio resource management. Embodiments herein are not limited to the above-mentioned features and advantages. Further features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description.

[0170] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus suitable for practicing some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, any of the terminal devices and network nodes described above can be implemented by the apparatus 1200.

[0171] The apparatus 1200 comprises at least one processor 1221, e.g. a DP (Digital Processor), and at least one MEM (Memory) 1222 coupled to the processor 1221. The apparatus 1220 can further comprise a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX) 1223 coupled to the processor 1221. The MEM 1222 stores a PROG (Program) 1224. The PROG 1224 can include instructions that, when executed on the associated processor 1221, enable the apparatus 1220 to operate in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination of at least one processor 1221 and at least one MEM 1222 can form a processing means 1225 suitable to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0172] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by one or more of a computer program, software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof executable by a processor 1221.

[0173] The MEM 1222 can have any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-limiting examples semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[0174] The processor 1221 can have any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples.

[0175] In embodiments where the apparatus is implemented as or at a terminal device, the memory 1222 contains instructions executable by the processor 1221 whereby the terminal device operates in accordance with any of the methods described above as related to the terminal device.

[0176] In embodiments where the apparatus is implemented as or at a network node, the memory 1222 contains instructions executable by the processor 1221 whereby the network node operates in accordance with any of the methods described above as related to the network node.

[0177] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a terminal device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the terminal device 1300 includes a receiving module 1302 and a transmitting module 1304. The receiving module 1302 can be configured to receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation pattern. In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. In another embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can indicate at least one of interlacing or no interlacing. The transmitting module 1304 can be configured to transmit, to the network node, a first message including a random access preamble and a payload on a PUSCH. The payload can be transmitted based on the PUSCH resource allocation pattern.

[0178] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a network node according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the network node 1400 includes a determining module 1402 and a transmitting module 1404. The determining module 1402 can be configured to determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation pattern. In one embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can include at least one of full interlacing, partial interlacing, or no interlacing. In another embodiment, the PUSCH resource allocation pattern can indicate at least one of interlacing or no interlacing. The transmitting module 1404 can be used to transmit, to a terminal device, information of the PUSCH resource allocation pattern.

[0179] The term unit or module has the conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical and / or electronic devices and can include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions that are arranged to perform the respective tasks, processes, calculations, outputs and / or displays and / or the like as described herein.

[0180] Through functional units, any network node or terminal device can function without a fixed processor or memory; any computing and storage resources can be drawn from any of the network nodes or terminal devices. The introduction of virtualization and network computing technologies can improve the efficiency of network resource utilization and network flexibility.

[0181] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and including instructions is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods associated with network nodes and terminal devices as described above.

[0182] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods associated with the network node and terminal device as described above.

[0183] Reference Figure 15 According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunications network 3210, such as a 3GPP cellular network, which includes an access network 3211, such as a radio access network, and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 includes multiple base stations 3212a, 3212b, and 3212c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points, each base station defining a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, or 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, or 3212c can be connected to the core network 3214 via a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first UE 3291 located in coverage area 3213c is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292 located in coverage area 3213a can wirelessly connect to the corresponding base station 3212a. Although multiple UEs 3291 and 3292 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is in the coverage area or a single UE is connected to the corresponding base station 3212.

[0184] The telecommunication network 3210 is itself connected to a host computer 3230, which can be embodied in hardware and / or software and can be embodied as a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 3230 can be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or can be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The connections 3221 and 3222 between the telecommunication network 3210 and the host computer 3230 can span a public network such as the Internet, a private network, or a combination of both. The intermediate network 3220 can be one or more of the following: a local wired or wireless area network; a metropolitan network; a wide-area network, such as the Internet; or a global network, such as the Internet.

[0185] Figure 15 The communication system as a whole enables connectivity between the connected UEs 3291, 3292 and the host computer 3230. The connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. The host computer 3230 and the connected UEs 3291, 3292 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling over the OTT connection 3250 using the access network 3211, the core network 3214, any intermediate network 3220 and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as an intermediate medium. The OTT connection 3250 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 3250 passes are unaware of its passage or content. For example, the base station 3212 can not or need not be aware that it transfers data or signaling between the host computer 3230 and the UE 3291, for example that it serves as a relay node in wired or wireless communication of data or signaling between the host computer 3230 and the UE 3291. Similarly, the UE 3291 may

[0186] According to embodiments, reference will now be made to Figure 16Example implementations of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs are described in more detail below. In the communication system 3300, host computer 3310 comprises hardware 3315 including communication interface 3316 configured to set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 3300. Host computer 3310 further comprises processing circuitry 3318, which can have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 3318 can comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Host computer 3310 further comprises software 3311, which is stored in or accessible by host computer 3310 and executable by processing circuitry 3318. Software 3311 includes host application 3312. Host application 3312 can be an application that provides services to users on remote units, such as UE 3330 connecting via OTT connection 3350 terminating at UE 3330 and host computer 3310. In providing services to users, host application 3312 can provide user data that is transmitted using OTT connection 3350.

[0187] Communication system 3300 further includes base station 3320 provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware 3325 enabling it to communicate with host computer 3310 and with UE 3330. Hardware 3325 can include communication interface 3326 for Figure 16 establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system 3300 as well as radio interface 3327 for Figure 16 establishing and maintaining at least wireless connection 3370 with UE 3330 located in a coverage area (not shown in Figure 13) served by base station 3320. Communication interface 3326 can be configured to facilitate connection 3360 to host computer 3310. Connection 3360 can be direct or it can pass through a core network (not shown in Figure 13) of the telecommunication system and / or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, hardware 3325 of base station 3320 further includes processing circuitry 3328, which can comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station 3320 further has software 3321 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0188] The communication system 3300 further includes the UE 3330 already referred to. Its hardware 3335 can include a radio interface 3337 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving a coverage area in which the UE 3330 is currently located. The hardware 3335 of the UE 3330 further includes processing circuitry 3338 which can comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The UE 3330 further comprises software 3331, which is stored in or accessible to the UE 3330 and executable by the processing circuitry 3338. The software 3331 includes a client application 3332. The client application 3332 can be a

[0189] Note that Figure 16 The host computer 3310, base station 3320 and UE 3330 illustrated in Figure 15 The host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of the UEs 3291, 3292 of Figure 16 The host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of the UEs 3291, 3292 of Figure 15 The host computer 3230, one of the base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of the UEs 3291, 3292 of

[0190] In the example depicted, the OTT connection 3350 has been drawn as a dashed line to indicate that it is an abstract (logical) connection rather than a concrete (physical) connection. Also, it should be noted that the OTT connection 3350 can be Figure 16 In the example depicted, the OTT connection 3350 has been drawn as a dashed line to indicate that it is an abstract (logical) connection rather than a concrete (physical) connection. Also, it should be noted that the OTT connection 3350 can be

[0191] The wireless connection 3370 between the UE 3330 and the base station 3320 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to the UE 3330 using the OTT connection 3350, in which the wireless connection 3370 forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments can improve the latency, and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time.

[0192] A measurement procedure can be provided for the purpose of monitoring the data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve. There can further be an optional network functionality to reconfigure the OTT connection 3350 between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330, in response to variations in the measurement results. The measurement procedure and / or the network functionality to reconfigure the OTT connection 3350 can be implemented in the software 3311 and the hardware 3315 of the host computer 3310 or in the software 3331 and the hardware 3335 of the UE 3330, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) can be deployed in or in association with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 3350 passes; the sensors can participate in the measurement procedure by providing the values of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or providing values of other physical quantities from which the software 3311, 3331 can compute or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguring of the OTT connection 3350 can include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguring need not affect the base station 3320, and it can be unknown or invisible to the base station 3320. Procedures and functionalities of this nature are known, specified or customary in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurement can involve proprietary UE signaling facilitating the host computer's 3310 measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency, and the like. The measurements can be implemented in the software 3311, 3331 by using OTT connection 3350 to transmit messages between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330, while the software 3311, 3331 monitors propagation times, errors, and so on.

[0193] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a UE, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system can include one or more of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. The host computer can be in communication with the UE via the base station. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The host computer can be in communication with the UE via the base station. Figure 17The accompanying drawings are shown. In step 3410, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 3411 of step 3410 (which may be optional), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. In step 3430 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the host-initiated transmission to the UE. In step 3440 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0194] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 15 and Figure 16 Those described. For the sake of brevity in this disclosure, only references will be included in this section. Figure 18 The accompanying drawings are shown. In step 3510 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may be via a base station. In step 3530 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0195] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 15 and Figure 16 Those described. For the sake of brevity in this disclosure, this section includes only references. Figure 19 The accompanying drawings are shown. In step 3610 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 3620, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 3621 of step 3620 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 3611 of step 3610 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response 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 user data is provided, the UE initiates the transmission of user data to the host computer in sub-step 3630 (which may be optional). In step 3640 of the method, the host computer receives user data sent from the UE, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0196] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 15 and 16 Those described. For the sake of brevity in this disclosure, this section includes only references. Figure 20 The accompanying drawings are shown. In step 3710 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 3720 (which may be optional), the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host. In step 3730 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0197] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and including instructions is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods described above.

[0198] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform any of the methods described above.

[0199] Furthermore, this disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the aforementioned computer program, which may be one of electronic signals, optical signals, radio signals, or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an optical disc or electronic storage device, such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0200] The techniques described herein can be implemented in various ways, such that the means for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described in the embodiments includes not only prior art components, but also components for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described together with the embodiments, and it may include separate components for each individual function or components that can be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, implementation can be accomplished by modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein.

[0201] The exemplary embodiments herein have been described above with the aid of flowcharts and block diagrams illustrating the architecture of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams, can be implemented by various means, including computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded into and executed by a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0202] Furthermore, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such order nor requiring all illustrated operations be performed to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific embodiments have been described above, these should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the subject matter described herein. Certain features of the disclosed embodiments can also be implemented in combination with one another. Conversely, various features of the disclosed embodiments can also be implemented separately from one another.

[0203] While the specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or of what can be claimed, but as describing specific embodiments that can be implemented in particular implementations. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination with one another. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately from that single embodiment or in any suitable combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0204] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, with the advance of technology, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The foregoing embodiments are given by way of illustration and not limitation, and it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (500) at a terminal device, comprising: receiving (502), from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode, wherein the PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interlaced or non-interlaced; and transmitting (504), to the network node, a first message comprising a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is transmitted on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode is received by the terminal device in system information, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode comprises: an indication of a PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the interlace comprises full interlacing and / or partial interlacing.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the at least one scheduled physical resource block is configured for the payload of the first message.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the PUSCH resource allocation mode is configured for the payload of the first message.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, a plurality of physical resource blocks of an interlace is unequally or equally divided among two or more partial interlaces.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles, one or more PUSCH occasions are configured with one or more PUSCH resource allocation modes.

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, different PUSCH resource allocation modes are configured for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, for each random access channel occasion, RO, and associated one or more random access preambles in a subband or channel, at least one associated PUSCH occasion is located in a different subband or channel.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the payload of the first message comprises an identifier of the terminal device.

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, a mapping between a random access channel preamble and an associated PUSCH comprises: one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping, and one-to-many mapping.

11. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: selecting (604) the PUSCH resource allocation mode based on at least one of: a size of a payload, a downlink radio quality, a channel occupancy, a listen-before-talk, LBT, statistic, a capability of the terminal device regarding whether the terminal device supports interlaced transmission, or a power class of the terminal device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, selecting the PUSCH resource allocation mode further comprises: selecting the PUSCH resource allocation mode based on the size of the payload; and / or selecting the PUSCH resource allocation mode based on the downlink radio quality; and / or selecting the partial interlacing or the full interlacing when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, and selecting the non-interlacing when the channel occupancy is not below the first threshold; and / or selecting the partial interlacing or the full interlacing when LBT failure statistic is below a second threshold, and selecting the non-interlacing when the LBT failure statistic is not below the second threshold; and / or selecting the full interlace or the partial interlace when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device supports full interlace transmission or partial interlace transmission, and selecting the non-interlace when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device does not support full interlace transmission and partial interlace transmission; and / or selecting the partial interlace or the full interlace when the power class of the terminal device is lower than a third threshold, and selecting the non-interlace when the power class of the terminal device is not lower than the third threshold.

13. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Different PUSCH resource allocation modes are used for retransmission of the payload of the first message.

14. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The full interlace spans all frequency regions of an interlace, and the partial interlace spans a part of frequency regions of an interlace.

15. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving (506), from the network node, a second message as a response to the first message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, In a two-step random access procedure, the first message is a message A, msgA, and the second message is a message B, msgB.

17. A method (1000) at a network node, comprising: determining (1002) a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode, wherein the PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of an interlace or a non-interlace; and transmitting (1004), to a terminal device, information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode is transmitted to the terminal device in system information, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode comprises the following: an indication of a PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The interlace comprises a full interlace and / or a partial interlace.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising: receiving (1102), from the terminal device, a first message comprising a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is received on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode; and transmitting (1104), to the terminal device, a second message as a response to the first message.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, In a two-step random access procedure, the first message is a message A, msgA, and the second message is a message B, msgB.

21. The method of claim 19, the at least one scheduled physical resource block is configured for the payload of the first message.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein, The PUSCH resource allocation mode is configured for the payload of the first message.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein, The payload of the first message comprises an identifier of the terminal device.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein, Different PUSCH resource allocation modes are used for retransmission of the payload of the first message.

25. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The plurality of physical resource blocks of an interlace are unequally or equally divided among two or more partial interlaces.

26. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, For each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles, the associated one or more PUSCH occasions are configured with one or more PUSCH resource allocation modes.

27. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, For each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles, different PUSCH resource allocation modes are configured.

28. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, For each random access channel occasion RO and associated one or more random access preambles, at least one associated PUSCH occasion is located in a different sub-band or channel.

29. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The mapping between random access channel preambles and associated PUSCH comprises one-to-one mapping, many-to-one mapping and one-to-many mapping.

30. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected (604) by the terminal device based on at least one of: a size of a payload, a downlink radio quality, a channel occupancy, a listen-before-talk, LBT, statistic, a capability of the terminal device regarding whether the terminal device supports interleaved transmission, or a power class of the terminal device.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein The PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the size of the payload; and / or The PUSCH resource allocation mode is selected based on the downlink radio quality; and / or The partial interleaving or the full interleaving is selected when the channel occupancy is below a first threshold, and the non-interleaving is selected when the channel occupancy is not below the first threshold; and / or selecting the partial interlace or full interlace when LBT failure statistics are below a second threshold, and selecting the no interlace when the LBT failure statistics are not below the second threshold; The full interleaving is selected when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device supports full interleaved transmission or partial interleaved transmission, and the non-interleaving is selected when the capability of the terminal device indicates that the terminal device does not support full interleaved transmission and partial interleaved transmission; and / or The partial interleaving or the full interleaving is selected when the power class of the terminal device is below a third threshold, and the non-interleaving is selected when the power class of the terminal device is not below the third threshold. The full interleaving spans all frequency regions of an interlace, and the partial interleaving spans a part of frequency regions of an interlace.

33. An apparatus (1200) at a terminal device, comprising:

32. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, a processor (1221); and a memory (1222) coupled to the processor (1221), the memory (1222) storing instructions executable by the processor (1221) whereby the apparatus (1200) is operative to: receive, from a network node, information of a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode, wherein the PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interleaving or non-interleaving; and send, to the network node, a first message comprising a random access preamble and a payload, wherein the payload is sent on a PUSCH based on the PUSCH resource allocation mode, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode is received by the terminal device in system information, the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode comprising: ​ ​ an indication of a PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein, The apparatus is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 2-16.

35. An apparatus (1200) at a network node, comprising: a processor (1221); and a memory (1222) coupled to the processor (1221), the memory (1222) containing instructions executable by the processor (1221), whereby the apparatus (1200) is operable to: determine a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, resource allocation mode, wherein the PUSCH resource allocation mode indicates at least one of interlaced or non-interlaced; and send information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode to a terminal device, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode is sent to the terminal device in system information, wherein the information of the PUSCH resource allocation mode comprises: an indication of a PUSCH resource allocation mode; an indication of at least one allocated interlace; and at least one indication of at least one scheduled physical resource block in the at least one allocated interlace.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein, The apparatus is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 18-32.

37. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-32.

38. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-32.

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