Message repetition configuration for random access procedure

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some systems, a user equipment (UE) may attempt to connect to a base station using a random access procedure. During the random access procedure, the base station may transmit control information associated with a random access response (RAR) during a RAR window. The UE may attempt to receive a single instance of the control information, and in some cases, may not be able to receive and decode the single instance of the control information. The base station may configure one or more RAR windows (or segments thereof) to support transmission of repeated instances of the control information and / or RARs. The UE may identify the number of instances of repeated control information and combine the instances. The UE may successfully decode the combined instances of the control information and identify the location for receiving the RAR.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 248,505, filed on January 27, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 967,476, filed on January 29, 2020, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to message repetition configuration for random access procedures. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems that may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform extended orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, which may support communication of multiple communication devices simultaneously, respectively, and these communication devices may be referred to as user equipment (UE) in addition. Summary of the invention

[0005] The following content summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the technology discussed. This content is not a comprehensive overview of all expected features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify important or critical elements of all aspects of the present disclosure, nor to describe the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. The sole purpose of this content is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in an overview form as a preface to a more detailed description presented later.

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for supporting message repetition for random access procedures. In general, the described technology provides a more robust random access procedure between a user equipment (UE) and a base station. In some cases, these techniques are utilized when the communication link between the UE and the base station is in a low connectivity condition (e.g., associated with a low link budget threshold or a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)). In other cases, these techniques are utilized during normal communication processes (including under normal and strong connectivity conditions). In some wireless communication systems, a UE may attempt to connect to a base station using a random access procedure and may send a random access request to the base station. The base station may respond to the random access request by sending control information associated with a random access response (RAR) to the UE during a RAR window. The base station may send an indication of a RAR window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicate that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information.

[0007] The base station may determine whether a current segment of the RAR window supports a single instance of the control information or supports repeated instances of the control information based on the RAR window configuration. Based on the determination, the base station may send either a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information during the current segment. Thus, during one or more segments of the RAR window, the base station may send the control information without repetition, and during one or more other segments of the RAR window, the base station may send the control information with repetition according to the configuration of the RAR window.

[0008] When the base station sends a single instance of control information, the UE may receive a single transmission of the control information, decode the control information, and perform a parity check. The UE may identify a location for receiving the RAR based on the decoded single instance of the control information. When the base station sends repeated instances of the control information, the UE may receive multiple repeated transmissions of the control information, including all repeated transmissions in some cases. The UE may combine the multiple received transmissions (e.g., via soft combining) before decoding and perform a parity check. The UE may identify a location for receiving the RAR based on a decoded combination of the multiple received transmissions of the control information.

[0009] The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more segments of the RAR window support a single instance of a RAR message and indicate that one or more segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of a RAR message. The base station may determine whether the current segment of the RAR window supports a single instance of a RAR message or supports repeated instances of a RAR message based on the RAR window configuration. Based on the determination, the base station may send either a single instance of a RAR message or a repeated instance of a RAR message during the current segment. Therefore, during one or more segments of the RAR window, the base station may send a RAR message without repetition, and during one or more other segments of the RAR window, the base station may send a RAR message with repetition according to the configuration of the RAR window.

[0010] When the base station sends a single instance of the RAR message, the UE may receive a single transmission of the RAR message and decode it. The UE may send message 3 (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) connection request) to the base station based on the decoded RAR message, and the random access procedure may proceed. When the base station sends repeated instances of the RAR message, the UE may receive one or more of the repeated transmissions of the RAR message, including all repeated transmissions in some cases. The UE may decode a single received RAR message and / or combine multiple received transmissions (e.g., via soft combining) before decoding. Whether based on a single instance of the RAR message or based on multiple instances of the RAR message, the UE may send message 3 (e.g., an RRC connection request) to the base station based on the decoded RAR message.

[0011] A method for wireless communication at a user equipment is described. The method may include: receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information based on the determination.

[0012] A method for wireless communication at a base station is described. The method may include: sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and sending a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0013] An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment is described. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information; determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments of the RAR window or within the one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration; and monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information based on the determination.

[0014] An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; determine whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and send a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0015] An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment is described. The apparatus may include: a component for receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; a component for determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments of the RAR window or within the one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration; and a component for monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information based on the determination.

[0016] An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station is described. The apparatus may include: a component for sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; a component for determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and a component for sending a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0017] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a user equipment is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; determining whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments of the RAR window or within the one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration; and monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information based on the determination.

[0018] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; determine whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and send a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0019] After reviewing the following description of specific exemplary examples of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features and examples of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although features of the present invention may be discussed with respect to certain examples and drawings below, various embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more examples may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used according to various other examples of the present invention discussed herein. In a similar manner, although exemplary examples may be discussed below as device, system or method examples, it should be understood that such exemplary examples may be implemented using various devices, systems and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1

[0013] An example of a system for wireless communications supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 3 An example of a process flow supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4D An example of a window configuration supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 5 An example of a repetition schedule supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A block diagram of an apparatus supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 8 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Fig. 9 A diagram of a system including a device supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A block diagram of an apparatus supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Fig.12 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig.13 A diagram of a system including a device supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figures 14 to 17 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A first device such as a user equipment (UE) may attempt to connect to a second device such as a base station using a random access process. The communication link between the first device and the second device may be associated with a link budget (e.g., a link budget threshold or a link margin) that may be based on multiple transmission parameters and environmental factors. Since the demand for communication resources increases due to the increase in the number of wireless devices communicating through the available spectrum, it is desirable to increase the throughput efficiently and reliably. In some cases, an additional frequency range may be used by a communication device, which may enable the device to achieve a higher throughput. A higher frequency range (e.g., a frequency range such as that used in FR2, including a millimeter wave (mmW) frequency range) may be implemented for wireless communication, wherein sending at these higher frequencies involves sending at shorter wavelengths. Such shorter wavelengths may be susceptible to the influence of larger path losses, which may have an adverse effect on the link budget threshold (e.g., link margin) of the communication link. This may lead to an increase in communication failures.

[0033] The UE may attempt to connect to the base station using a random access procedure. The UE may send a random access request (e.g., message 1 or msg 1) to the base station. For example, the UE may send a physical random access channel (PRACH) preamble to the base station, which indicates the resource requirements for the UE to initiate the random access procedure. The base station may confirm the random access request by sending message 2 (or msg 2) to the UE. Message 2 may include control information and a random access response (RAR). The UE may expect to receive message 2 during a time window (e.g., a RAR window). The base station may send control information via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to indicate the location (e.g., frequency and time) at which the UE may receive the RAR via a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In some cases, based on a link budget threshold associated with a communication link between the UE and the base station, the UE and the base station may be in a low connectivity condition. For example, the UE and the base station may communicate using a higher frequency range (e.g., a mmW frequency range, such as FR2) so that transmissions through the communication link may experience greater path loss. In addition, the base station may use a relatively wide beamwidth to send control information via the PDCCH based on multiple synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) associated with the PDCCH transmission. In addition, the UE and the base station may be in a low connectivity condition due to various other reasons such as environmental factors (e.g., separation distance, signal obstacles, etc.). Such conditions may lead to an increase in communication failures on the communication link. For example, the UE may not be able to successfully receive control information sent by the base station (e.g., decode the control information sent by the base station), and likewise, may not be able to receive the RAR from the base station. In such examples, the random access procedure may fail, and the UE and the base station may not establish a communication link.

[0034] In some examples of the present disclosure, the UE and the base station may support a reconfigured RAR window that may increase the likelihood that the UE successfully receives control information. For example, the base station may configure the RAR window to increase the chance that the UE can successfully receive and decode the control information. The base station may configure the RAR window to support the communication of repeated instances of the control information. For example, the base station may configure the RAR window so that the first segment of the RAR window can support the communication of a single instance of the control information and the second segment of the RAR window can support the communication of repeated instances of the control information. During the second segment of the RAR window, the UE may identify and combine (e.g., using soft combining) multiple instances of the control information to increase the likelihood that the UE may be able to successfully decode the control information and identify the location of the RAR. The RAR window may be continuous or non-continuous. In this regard, the first segment (supporting a single instance of the control information) may be directly adjacent to the second segment (supporting repeated instances of the control information) (e.g., in a continuous RAR window) or spaced apart from the second segment (e.g., in a non-continuous RAR window). In addition, the first segment (supporting a single instance of the control information) may appear before the second segment (supporting repeated instances of the control information), and vice versa.

[0035] In addition, some RAR windows may be configured to support only the communication of a single instance of the control information, while other RAR windows may be configured to support the communication of repeated instances of the control portion. Whether a particular RAR window supports only a single instance or only repeated instances may be predefined (e.g., based on timing, style, etc.) or dynamically configured (e.g., based on communication link, network load, signal strength, etc.). In some cases, all RAR windows may be configured to support the communication of repeated instances of the control portion, but the base station may dynamically determine whether to utilize the repeated instances. For example, the base station may determine to repeat the control information of a segment of the RAR window based on the communication link, network load, signal strength, and / or other factors.

[0036] The base station may signal the RAR window configuration via system information such as a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). Additionally or alternatively, the base station may signal the RAR window configuration via a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). For example, a MIB with RAR window configuration information may be sent via a PBCH. As another example, a SIB with RAR window configuration information may be sent in a remaining minimum system information (RMSI) via a PDSCH. The signaling may include information indicating that the RAR window is configured into segments, wherein a first group of segments supports a single instance of control information transmission and a second group of segments supports repeated control information transmission. Based on the signaling, the UE may identify the RAR window configuration (e.g., as explicitly indicated by the system information or explicitly indicated from a lookup table (LUT) or other mapping). For example, a mapping between the values ​​of one or more bits or fields of the system information may indicate parameters of the RAR window, including whether the RAR window supports a single instance or repeated instances of control information, segments of the RAR window, the length of the segments in time, the number of repetitions associated with the segments (e.g., 0 indicates a segment supporting a single instance of control information, or 1, 2, 3, ..., n indicates a segment supporting repetition of control information), etc. In some cases, the mapping is based on a fixed table. In some cases, multiple mappings (e.g., multiple LUTs) are available for selection, and the mapping to be used may be indicated in the system information (e.g., via the value of a bit or field in the MIB or SIB). Based on the RAR window configuration, the UE may identify one or more reception opportunities for control information in the RAR window.

[0037] Based on the RAR window configuration, the UE may identify repetition parameters for the RAR window and / or a segment of the RAR window. For example, for a RAR window that supports multiple repetitions of the RAR of control information and / or message 2, the UE may identify the number of repetitions, repetition levels, indexes, locations, and / or any other information about the transmission of control information (including any repetitions) and / or RAR (including any repetitions) in the segment of the RAR window. The repetition parameters may enable the UE to determine which transmissions are instances of control information (and / or RARs), so that the UE may know which transmissions to combine. In some examples, the UE may combine multiple received transmissions of control information (and / or RARs) according to signaling and may decode the combined control information signal. In some cases, combining multiple received transmissions of control information may increase the likelihood that the UE will successfully decode the control information, and similarly, may increase the chance that the UE will successfully receive the associated RAR of message 2. Additionally, in some examples, the UE may combine multiple received transmissions of the RAR based on signaling and may decode the combined RAR signal, thereby increasing the likelihood that the UE will send message 3 (eg, RRC connection request) to the base station and the random access process will proceed.

[0038] Certain aspects of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more advantages. The described techniques may support a more robust random access process based on increasing the likelihood that a device can successfully receive control information associated with a RAR during a RAR window (including during low connectivity conditions). In addition, a device implementing the techniques of the present disclosure may achieve power savings by reducing the number of repetitions of a random access process required before successfully connecting to a serving base station. A device may identify a RAR window configuration for receiving control information including a location that may support repeated transmission of control information, and may employ soft combining techniques to increase the likelihood that the device decodes the control information and identifies a location where a RAR (e.g., PDSCH) is received. In addition, a base station may dynamically configure one or more RAR windows to utilize repeated transmissions of control information (and / or RAR) to increase the likelihood of a successful random access process. Thus, the supported techniques may include improved network operation and efficiency, as well as other benefits.

[0039] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of process flows, window configurations, and repetition scheduling. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams related to message repetition for a random access procedure.

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting a RAR window configuration (including message repetition for a random access procedure) according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0041] The base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100 and may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. The base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which the UEs 115 and the base stations 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area in which the base stations 105 and the UEs 115 may support communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0042] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of devices such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices), such as Figure 1 As shown in .

[0043] Base stations 105 may communicate with core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, base stations 105 may interface with core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). Base stations 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130) via backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces) or directly and indirectly with each other. In some examples, backhaul links 120 may be or include one or more wireless links.

[0044] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by a person of ordinary skill in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a giga NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, or other suitable terminology.

[0045] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, among other examples, which may be implemented in various objects such as electrical appliances or vehicles, meters, and among other examples.

[0046] The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which may sometimes act as relays, as well as base stations 105 and network devices including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, among other examples, such as Figure 1 As shown in .

[0047] UE 115 and base station 105 can communicate with each other wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 through one or more carriers. The term "carrier" can refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 can include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., bandwidth part (BWP)) operated according to one or more physical layer channels of a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel can carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating the operation of the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 can support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. UE 115 can be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to the carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation can be used with frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0048] The signal waveform transmitted through the carrier wave may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may be composed of a symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the code rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements received by the UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of the UE 115 can be. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate or data integrity used to communicate with the UE 115.

[0049] The time interval of the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, which may be referred to as T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds sampling period, where Δf max It can represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and Nf The maximum supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each of which has a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0050] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided into subframes (e.g., in the time domain), and each subframe may be further divided into multiple time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include multiple symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of a cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slots may be further divided into multiple mini-time slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0051] A subframe, a time slot, a mini-time slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0052] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel may be defined by a plurality of symbol periods and may extend across a subset of a system bandwidth or a system bandwidth of a carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 may monitor or search a control region to obtain control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel instances in one or more repetition levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The repetition level of a control channel instance may refer to a plurality of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information of a control information format having a given payload size. A search space set may include a common search space set configured for sending control information to a plurality of UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for sending control information to a particular UE 115.

[0053] In some examples, base stations 105 may be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0054] The wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency or critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication can include dedicated communication or group communication and can be supported by one or more mission-critical services such as mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functions can include service priorities, and mission-critical services can be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency can be used interchangeably herein.

[0055] In some examples, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UE 115 utilizing D2D communication may be located within a geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 105. Other UE 115 in such a group may be located outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105, or may otherwise be unable to receive transmissions from the base station 105. In some examples, a group of UE 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, wherein each UE 115 transmits to all other UEs 115 in the group. In some examples, the base station 105 facilitates scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UE 115 without involving the base station 105.

[0056] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing or interconnecting packets to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UE 115 served by a base station 105 associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be transmitted via the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to a network operator IP service 150. The operator IP service 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), or a packet-switched streaming media service.

[0057] Some network devices, such as base stations 105, may include subcomponents, such as access network entities 140, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with UE 115 through one or more other access network transport entities 145, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs). Each access network transport entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and ANCs) or merged into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0058] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from about one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but these waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for macro cells to provide service to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission of smaller frequencies and longer waves using the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0059] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) zone (also known as a centimeter band) using a frequency band from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, or in an extremely high frequency (EHF) zone (also known as a millimeter band) of a spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between a UE 115 and a base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the corresponding devices may be smaller and closer than UHF antennas. In some examples, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even more atmospheric attenuation and shorter range limitations than SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions using one or more different frequency zones, and the designated use of bands across these frequency zones may vary by country or regulatory agency.

[0060] The wireless communication system 100 can utilize both licensed radio frequency spectrum bands and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can adopt licensed assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. When operating in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, devices such as base stations 105 and UEs 115 can use carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations in unlicensed bands can be based on a carrier aggregation configuration combined with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, as well as other examples.

[0061] The base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with the base station 105 may be located in different geographic locations. The base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports, which the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0062] Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that can be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105, a UE 115) to shape an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) or steer the antenna beam along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating at a specific orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals transmitted via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a specific orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device or relative to some other orientation).

[0063] UE 115 and base station 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the possibility of successfully receiving data. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technology for increasing the possibility of correctly receiving data through communication link 125. HARQ can include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput at the media access control (MAC) layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, the device can support simultaneous slot HARQ feedback, wherein the device can provide HARQ feedback for data received in the previous symbol in the slot in a specific time slot. In other cases, the device can provide HARQ feedback in subsequent time slots or according to some other time interval.

[0064] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These systems can be multiple access systems that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network)) can include an access point (AP) that can communicate with one or more wireless or mobile devices. The AP can be coupled to a network such as the Internet and can enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the access point). A wireless device can communicate bidirectionally with a network device. For example, in a WLAN, a device can communicate with an associated AP via a downlink (e.g., a communication link from an AP to a device) and an uplink (e.g., a communication link from a device to an AP). A wireless personal area network (PAN), which can include a Bluetooth connection, can provide a short-range wireless connection between two or more paired wireless devices. For example, a wireless device such as a cellular phone can utilize wireless PAN communication to exchange information such as audio signals with a wireless headset.

[0065] In some examples of the present disclosure, the base station 105 may configure a RAR window (e.g., a time window) as part of a random access procedure during which the UE 115 may expect to receive message 2 (e.g., a random access response). The base station 105 may transmit the RAR window configuration (including an indication of the RAR window configuration) to the UE 115 via system information or other signaling. Within the RAR window, the base station 105 may send control information associated with the RAR to the UE 115. In some cases, the control information may include the location of the RAR (e.g., time and frequency resources). The UE 115 may use the control information to determine how to receive the RAR from the base station 105. In some embodiments, the RAR window configuration may indicate whether the RAR window supports a single transmission of control information or supports repeated transmission of control information. In the case where the RAR window supports repeated transmission, the RAR window configuration may indicate that different segments of the RAR window are configured for different types of control information transmission. In some examples, different types of control information transmission may be associated with different transmission patterns (e.g., repetition levels). For example, the base station 105 may send control information associated with RARs having different repetition levels based on which segment of the RAR window within which the random access procedure operates.

[0066] In some cases, for a RAR window supporting repeated transmission, one or more segments of the RAR window support a single transmission of control information (and / or RAR), and one or more segments of the RAR window support repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR). In this regard, in some cases, one or more segments supporting repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR) may have different repetition levels (e.g., number of repetitions, repetition intervals, etc.). For example, a first segment (or a group of segments) may have a repetition number i (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.), while a second segment (or a group of segments) may have a different number of repetitions j (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.). As another example, a first segment (or a group of segments) may have repeated transmissions every k time slots (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and a second segment (or a group of segments) may have repeated transmissions every l time slots (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), where l is different from k. As another example, a first segment (or a group of segments) may have repeated transmissions every m ms (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 15ms, 20ms, etc.), and a second segment (or a group of segments) may have repeated transmissions every n ms (e.g., 5ms, 10ms, 15ms, 20ms, etc.), where n is different from m.

[0067] The RAR window may be continuous or non-continuous. For example, two segments of the RAR window may be adjacent to each other without any time gap. Additionally or alternatively, there may be some time gap between two segments of the RAR window. Thus, a RAR window with multiple segments may be characterized by no time gap between each of the multiple segments, a time gap between each of the multiple segments, or a combination of no time gap between some segments and a time gap between some other segments. The time gap may be defined in a standard specification or may be configured as part of the RAR window configuration.

[0068] In some embodiments, the base station 105 may identify, based on the RAR window configuration, that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window supporting a single transmission of the control information (or operates within one or more segments of the RAR window supporting a single transmission of the control information, the RAR window also including one or more other segments supporting repeated transmission of the control information). Thus, the base station 105 may determine a single instance of sending the control information based on the random access procedure operating within the RAR window supporting a single transmission (or one or more segments of the RAR window).

[0069] Likewise, the UE 115 may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window that supports a single transmission of the control information (or operates within one or more segments of the RAR window that supports a single transmission of the control information, the RAR window also including one or more other segments that support repeated transmission of the control information). Thus, the UE 115 may provide a reception opportunity for the single instance of the control information based on the random access procedure operating within the RAR window (or one or more segments of the RAR window) that supports a single transmission. However, in some cases, the UE 115 and the base station 105 may be in a low connectivity condition (e.g., based on an insufficient link budget threshold) or other circumstances may exist such that the UE 115 may fail to successfully receive the single instance of the control information (e.g., fail to decode the single instance of the control information).

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 and the base station 105 may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window that supports repeated transmission of control information (or operates within one or more segments of the RAR window that support repeated transmission of control information of the RAR window, the RAR window also including one or more other segments that support single transmission of control information). In some examples, the base station 105 may configure the RAR window so that specific segments of the RAR window support repeated transmission of instances of control information. Thus, the base station 105 may repeatedly transmit instances of control information in those segments of the RAR window. In an example, the base station 105 may transmit a first instance of the control information in a first time slot of the segment, and may transmit a second instance of the control information in a second time slot of the segment that is temporally subsequent to the first time slot (e.g., the first time slot and the second time slot may be two consecutive time slots, or the second time slot may be separated from the first time slot by one or more other time slots).

[0071] Likewise, the UE 115 may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window that supports repeated transmission of control information (or operates within one or more segments of the RAR window that support repeated transmission of control information of the RAR window, the RAR window also including one or more other segments that support single transmission of control information). The UE 115 may monitor multiple time slots within the segment of the RAR window for repeated instances of control information. In some examples, the UE 115 may use the RAR window configuration information received from the base station 105 to identify the number of repetitions of the control information, the repetition level of the control information, the index of the control information, the location of the control information, or any other information that may enable the UE 115 to identify which instances of the control information (e.g., candidates) may belong to the same control information repetition pattern (e.g., the control information instances may include similar or identical copies of the control information). Based on the RAR window configuration information including any repetition configuration information, the UE 115 may identify multiple instances of the control information and may combine (e.g., using soft combining) control information instances that may be repeated with each other. In some examples, the UE 115 may decode the combination of control information instances to determine the location of the RAR.

[0072] Figure 2 An example wireless communication system 200 is illustrated that supports message repetition for a random access procedure in at least some RAR windows according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. In some cases, the wireless communication system 200 may include a UE 115-a and a base station 105-a, which may be a reference Figure 1An example of a UE 115 and a base station 105 is described. The UE 115-a and the base station 105-a can communicate via a communication link 205. In some cases, the wireless communication system 200 (e.g., a 5G or NR system supporting high-frequency communications such as FR2) can support enhancements to the random access procedure at both ends of the communication link 205 (e.g., for both the UE 115 and the base station 105).

[0073] In some cases, UE 115-a may not be connected to a serving base station (e.g., such as base station 105-a) and may initiate a random access procedure in an attempt to connect to base station 105-a. UE 115-a may receive system information (e.g., via SIB, such as SIB1 or SIB2 and / or MIB) from base station 105-a via a broadcast message (e.g., via PBCH) and / or via RMSI (e.g., via PDSCH). UE 115-a may identify configuration information associated with the random access procedure based on the system information. For example, base station 105 may broadcast information about resource sets and / or power levels that may be used by a connected UE (e.g., UE 115-a) during the random access procedure. In addition, in accordance with the present disclosure, base station 105 may send information about a RAR window configuration via system information, and the connected UE 115-a may utilize the RAR window configuration to monitor aspects of a random access response message (e.g., message 2, including control information and / or RAR).

[0074] The RAR window configuration may indicate which RAR windows support single control information (and / or RAR) transmission and which RAR windows support repeated control information (and / or RAR) transmission. Whether a specific RAR window supports a single instance or a repeated instance may be predefined (e.g., based on timing, pattern, etc.) or dynamically configured by the base station (e.g., based on communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, etc.). For RAR windows that support repeated transmission, the RAR window configuration may further indicate that different segments of the RAR window have different operating parameters. For example, the first segment (or a group of segments) may support a single instance of control information (and / or RAR), and the second segment (or a group of segments) may support repetition of control information (and / or RAR). Based on the RAR window configuration, UE 115-a may identify one or more reception opportunities for control information in the RAR window. In some cases, the base station 105-a may indicate parameters of the RAR window configuration (e.g., RAR window length, RAR window type (e.g., single instance or repetition), segment type (e.g., single instance or repetition), number of repetitions, etc.) via one or more bits, fields, or indicators in the system information. In some cases, the UE 115-a utilizes a LUT or other mapping to map the values ​​of one or more bits, fields, or indicators in the system information to corresponding parameters of the RAR window configuration.

[0075] UE 115-a may send a random access request to initiate a random access procedure to base station 105-a, which random access request may include a PRACH preamble and a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), such as a random access RNTI (RA-RNTI). Using the random access request, UE 115-a may indicate information about its resource requirements to base station 105-a. Base station 105-a may receive the random access request from UE 115-a and may respond by sending message 2 including control information and a RAR. In some cases, UE 115-a may expect to receive a RAR within a RAR window indicated by system information broadcast by base station 105-a. During the RAR window, base station 105-a may send control information conveyed by a control channel (e.g., via PDCCH), which control information may indicate to UE 115-a the location (e.g., time and frequency resources) of the RAR conveyed by a data channel (e.g., via PDSCH).

[0076] In some cases, base station 105-a may send a single instance of control information during multiple time slots included in a RAR window or a segment of the RAR window. UE 115-a may attempt to independently receive and decode each instance of the control information. For example, if UE 115-a is unable to receive and decode a first instance of the control information, UE 115-a may discard the unsuccessfully received and / or decoded control information and may attempt to receive and decode a second instance of the control information without storing any information associated with the first instance. This process may be repeated for each monitoring opportunity of the RAR window or a segment of the RAR window until UE 115-a successfully receives and decodes the control information transmission or until the RAR window or segment ends.

[0077] After successfully receiving the control information, UE 115-a can decode the control information and perform a parity check (e.g., a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)) on the control information. Based on the parity check, UE 115-a can determine that the control information is associated with a random access response from base station 105-a. If the decoding and parity check are successful and the random access response is decoded, UE 115-a can send message 3 (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) connection request) to base station 105-a, and the random access process can proceed (e.g., the random access process can proceed to the next step).

[0078] In some cases, the communication link 205 between the UE 115-a and the base station 105-a can be associated with a link budget threshold (e.g., link margin) based on the link characteristics of the communication link 205. For example, path loss, received signal strength, and other characteristics can affect the link budget threshold of the communication link 205. Since wireless communication systems such as the wireless communication system 200 are intended to increase throughput more efficiently and reliably, additional frequency ranges can be used by communication devices (e.g., UE 115-a and base station 105-a), which can enable the device to achieve higher throughput. Higher frequency ranges (e.g., such as the frequency ranges used in FR2, including millimeter wave (mmW) frequency ranges) can be implemented for wireless communication, where downlink transmission at these higher frequencies involves transmission at shorter wavelengths. In some wireless communication systems, the names FR1 and FR2 can refer to frequency ranges that can be used to communicate using a wireless communication system. For example, FR1 can refer to a frequency range between about 450 MHz and about 7,125 MHz, and FR2 can refer to a frequency range between about 24,250 MHz and about 52,600 MHz. Shorter wavelengths may be susceptible to greater path loss, which may adversely affect a link budget threshold (e.g., link margin) of the communication link 205. In addition, the base station 105-a may employ a relatively wide transmit beam for transmission to the UE 115-a. For example, the beam width of the transmit beam of the base station 105-a may be based on the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) associated with the transmission of the base station 105-a (e.g., proportional to the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) associated with the transmission of the base station 105-a). Based on receiving a signal via a beam having a relatively wide beam width, the UE 115-a may experience a lower received signal strength, which may also adversely affect the link budget threshold. In some cases, the link budget threshold may be lower than the threshold, which may result in an increase in communication failures on the communication link 205.

[0079] In some examples, base station 105-a may identify that the link budget is below a threshold and, therefore, determine that base station 105-a is operating under low connectivity conditions with UE 115-a. In such examples, control information associated with a RAR from base station 105-a may have a lower likelihood of being successfully received by UE 115-a (e.g., based on low connectivity and poor link conditions). If the control information cannot be successfully decoded, UE 115-a may not be able to determine the location of the RAR and, therefore, may not be able to send an RRC connection request, which may cause the random access procedure to terminate without establishing a connection. UE 115-a may have to restart the random access procedure by retransmitting the random access request.

[0080] In some examples of the present disclosure, a random access procedure between a UE 115-a and a base station 105-a may experience a more successful random access procedure during low connectivity conditions by combining (e.g., using soft combining) repeated instances of control information transmissions. As described herein, a configurable RAR window may be defined to enable a UE 115-a to combine multiple instances of control information associated with a RAR during one or more segments of the RAR window and to decode and perform parity checks on the combined instances of the control information.

[0081] In some embodiments, the base station 105-a may configure the RAR window configuration to support combining multiple repetitions of control information associated with the RAR in the RAR window and / or one or more segments of the RAR window. In some examples, the base station 105-a may configure some RAR windows to support single transmissions and configure other RAR windows (or one or more segments of the RAR window) to support repeated transmissions. In some cases, the base station 105-a may divide the initial (e.g., default) RAR window length into two or more segments, each of which may be associated with a specific type of control information transmission pattern (e.g., different repetition levels). Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105-a may append one or more additional RAR window length segments to the initial RAR window length, and may configure the initial and / or additional segments to support one or more control information transmission patterns. The segment of the initial RAR window length may be a time interval within the initial RAR window length (e.g., the initial time window of the RAR). Similarly, the additional segment of the initial RAR window length may be an additional time interval appended to the initial time window of the RAR, thereby effectively extending the time window of the RAR.

[0082] The base station 105-a may send the RAR window configuration to the UE 115-a via the window configuration 210. In some examples, the base station 105-a may send the window configuration 210 as part of a system information broadcast transmission that may be received by the UE 115-a (e.g., may be sent via the PBCH, broadcast control channel (BCCH) or broadcast channel (BCH), PDSCH, or a combination thereof along with the SIB and / or master information block (MIB)). Thus, the UE 115-a may attempt to connect to the base station 105-a using a random access procedure and may be aware of using the RAR window configuration indicated by the window configuration 210. The window configuration 210 may be an example of an indicator included in the system information. For example, the UE 115-a may receive the window configuration 210 and identify the RAR window configuration based on identifying the indicator included in the window configuration 210. In some embodiments, the indicator may include an explicit configuration of the RAR window, while in other embodiments, the indicator may correspond to an entry (e.g., an index) in a lookup table (LUT) or other mapping that the UE 115-a may use to identify the RAR window configuration. For example, the window configuration 210 may include an index value, and the UE 115-a may identify information about the RAR window configuration based on the index value (e.g., based on referencing the index value in a set of pre-configured RAR window configurations known to the UE 115-a). In some cases, multiple mappings (e.g., multiple LUTs) are available for selection, and the mapping to be used may be indicated in the system information (e.g., via the value of a bit or field in a MIB or SIB), in addition to the associated index value to be utilized with the selected mapping.

[0083] In some examples, UE 115-a may monitor the number of time slots of control information transmissions associated with a RAR based on the RAR window configuration received via window configuration 210. For example, UE 115-a may identify a repetition level of control information, a number of repetitions of control information, an interval between instances of control information, an index of control information, a location of control information, or any other information that may enable UE 115-a to identify which instances of control information transmissions may be paired or grouped together (e.g., may be associated with the same RAR) based on window configuration 210. Based on identifying this information from window configuration 210, UE 115-a may identify multiple control information instances that may be stored and combined with other control information instances. UE 115-a may effectively increase the received signal strength of the control information transmission by combining repetitions of the transmissions together, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful decoding.

[0084] Figure 3An example of a process flow 300 for supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the process flow 300 may implement aspects of the communication systems 100 and 200. The process flow 300 may include a UE 115-b and a base station 105-b, which may be a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Examples of corresponding devices described. UE 115-b and base station 105-b may implement one or more techniques for implementing soft combining of control information transmissions associated with RARs during a random access procedure between UE 115-b and base station 105-b. The following alternative examples may be implemented in which some of the steps are performed in a different order than described or not performed at all. In some cases, the steps may include additional features not mentioned below, or other steps may be added.

[0085] At 305, the base station 105-b may identify that the base station 105-b is operating under low connectivity conditions. For example, the base station 105-b may identify a communication link between the UE 115-b and the base station 105-b (e.g., referring to Figure 2 A link budget threshold for a communication link 205 described herein is less than a threshold, which can be associated with an increase in communication failures between UE 115-b and base station 105-b. In some examples, the link budget can be below the threshold based on a frequency range (e.g., and the resulting path loss) of transmissions between UE 115-b and base station 105-b (e.g., UE 115-b and base station 105-b can employ a relatively high frequency range, such as the mmW frequency range used in FR2) and / or based on a beamwidth of a transmitting device (e.g., base station 105-b can employ a relatively wide beamwidth, potentially resulting in a lower received signal strength at UE 115-b).

[0086] In addition, the base station 105-b can identify that the base station 105-b is operating under low connectivity conditions based on multiple previous communication failures caused by various additional factors that can affect the link budget threshold (e.g., link blocking of the object, separation distance, and other environmental factors). In the case where the base station 105-b identifies that the low connectivity condition is applicable, the base station 105-b can determine or predict that the random access process between the UE 115-b and the base station 105-b may not be successful. For example, based on the identification that the low connectivity condition is applicable to the current operation, the base station 105-b can determine or predict that a single instance of control information transmission during the RAR window can be received by a UE 115-b with insufficient signal quality (e.g., low SNR, low received signal strength, etc.) so that the UE 115-b may not be able to successfully receive and decode the individual instances of the control information. Therefore, the base station 105-b can determine that the UE 115-b will be unlikely to identify the location of the RAR, and therefore unlikely to advance the random access process. In some cases, step 305 is omitted.

[0087] At 310, the base station 105-b may identify a configuration of a RAR window for transmitting a RAR as part of a random access procedure. In some cases, the base station 105-b identifies the RAR window configuration based on predefined criteria (e.g., timing, pattern, etc.). In some cases, the base station 105-b dynamically identifies the RAR window configuration (e.g., based on communication links, network load, signal strength, interference, etc.). For example, the RAR window configuration may be identified based on determining that the base station 105-b is operating under low connectivity conditions. For example, the base station 105-b may identify a RAR window configuration so that the UE 115-b may experience a greater likelihood of successfully receiving control information associated with the RAR, and may therefore be more likely to receive the RAR and advance the random access procedure. In some cases, the UE 115-b may more successfully receive a transmission (e.g., an instance of control information) and decode the transmission (e.g., an instance of control information) based on the use of a combining technique (e.g., soft combining) that combines two or more transmissions together before decoding. In some cases, the base station 105-b semi-statically identifies the RAR window configuration so that the current RAR window configuration is maintained until a triggering event occurs, at which time the RAR window configuration is updated. The triggering event can be predefined (e.g., a timer, a counter, etc.) or dynamically determined (e.g., based on a communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, etc.).

[0088] In some examples, the base station 105-b can identify a RAR window configuration that includes a RAR window (or one or more segments of a RAR window) to send multiple instances of control information (and / or RAR) and cause the UE 115-b to decode the multiple instances of the control information using a combining technique. In some examples, a segment of the RAR window that supports multiple instances or repetitions of control information (and / or RAR) is followed by a segment that supports only a single instance of the control information. In some examples, the RAR window can be divided so that an initial (e.g., default) RAR window length is divided into alternating segments that support a single instance or multiple instances of control information (and / or RAR) (e.g., a segment that supports a single instance, followed by a segment that supports multiple instances, followed by a segment that supports a single instance, and so on). In some embodiments, the base station 105-b can identify the RAR window configuration based on a preconfigured set of RAR window configurations (e.g., based on a LUT and / or multiple mappings at the UE 115-b), or the base station 105-b can determine the RAR window configuration.

[0089] In some examples, the base station 105-b may identify a RAR window configuration that divides the initial RAR window length into two or more different segment types. For example, the base station 105-a may configure a first segment (or group of segments) of the RAR window length to support a single instance of sending control information (and / or RAR). In addition, the base station 105-b may configure a second segment (or group of segments) of the RAR window length to support repeated instances of sending control information (and / or RAR) in multiple time slots (e.g., multiple consecutive (or non-consecutive) time slots according to a repetition level). In addition, the base station 105-b may configure one or more additional segments (or groups of segments) of the RAR window length to support repeated instances of sending control information (and / or RAR), but with one or more different repetition parameters (e.g., repetition level, number of repetitions, repetition interval) relative to other segments or groups of segments.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105-b may identify a RAR window configuration that appends one or more additional segments to the initial RAR window length. In a manner similar to the above partitioning example, the base station 105-b may configure one or more segments of the initial RAR window length and / or additional segments to support sending a single instance of control information or multiple instances of control information. In some examples, the initial RAR window and any additional segments may be divided into alternating segments supporting a single instance or multiple instances of control information (e.g., a segment supporting a single instance, followed by a segment supporting multiple instances, followed by a segment supporting a single instance, and so on) for the cumulative length of the RAR window. The base station 105-b may configure a RAR window with any number of segments and / or additional segments within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] Once base station 105-b identifies and / or selects a RAR window configuration, base station 105-b may send the window configuration at 315 to notify UE 115-b of the RAR window configuration so that both UE 115-b and base station 105-b may operate coherently (e.g., so that UE 115-b knows when and how it may combine instances of control information transmission).

[0092] The base station 105-b may send a window configuration at 315, which may convey a RAR window configuration that may be used during the random access process. In some examples, the base station 105-b may send the window configuration via system information. For example, the base station 105-b may signal the window configuration via one or more bits in the system information bit field. In some cases, the base station 105-b may signal the window configuration via one or more additional bits in the length bit field, which may define the RAR window length. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105-b may signal the RAR window configuration via the PBCH and / or PDSCH. For example, a MIB with RAR window configuration information may be sent via the PBCH. As another example, a SIB with RAR window configuration information may be transmitted in the remaining minimum system information (RMSI) via the PDSCH. The signaling may include information indicating that the RAR window is configured into segments, wherein the first segment (or group of segments) supports a single instance of control information, and the second segment (or group of segments) supports repetition of control information. Likewise, the base station 105 - b may also indicate to the UE 115 - b via the window configuration at 315 the number of control information repetitions in each segment of the RAR window that supports repeated transmission via system information.

[0093] In some embodiments, the base station 105-b may explicitly signal the RAR window configuration in the window configuration at 315. In other embodiments, the base station 105-b may send an indication of the RAR window configuration, which the UE 115-b may use to identify the RAR window configuration (e.g., based on a LUT). For example, the base station 105-b may send an indicator or index value via the window configuration at 315, which the UE 115-b may use as an input in a LUT (e.g., a fixed table) and / or as an input in one of a plurality of mapping operations. Thus, the UE 115-b may receive a window configuration (e.g., system information including a window configuration) including an indicator or index value. In some cases, the indicator may include an index value. Additionally, in some cases, the base station 105-b may send an indicator or index value of the LUT via the window configuration at 315, which the UE 115-b may use to determine which of a plurality of available LUTs or mapping operations should be used to identify the RAR window configuration to be used. The LUT indicator or index value may be included as part of the window configuration 315 or as part of a separate communication.

[0094] At 320, the UE 115-b may identify a RAR window configuration for transmitting (e.g., receiving) control information (and / or RAR) as part of a random access procedure based on receiving system information including an indicator or index value. In some examples, the UE 115-b may use the indicator or index value as an input in a LUT and / or mapping function, and using the LUT and / or mapping function, information about the RAR window configuration may be retrieved. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115-b may use the indicator to identify the configuration of the RAR window in other ways. For example, the indicator may indicate one or more window lengths. For example, the indicator may indicate a RAR window length, a RAR window type (e.g., a single instance or a repetition), a segment type (e.g., a single instance or a repetition), a number of repetitions, an initial (e.g., a default) RAR window length, a plurality of additional window lengths (e.g., additional window segments), a plurality of segment lengths that divide a larger window length, a plurality of segment lengths of one or more segment types (e.g., supporting a single transmission or supporting repeated transmissions), and / or a combination thereof.

[0095] Based on the window configuration received at 315 from the base station 105-b via the system information, the UE 115-a can identify the total RAR window length, the RAR window type, the number of segments in the RAR window, the type of segments in the RAR window, the segment length in the RAR window, and / or other parameters of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration indicated in the system information. In addition, the UE 115-a can identify information about the repetition level associated with one or more segments of the RAR window. For example, the UE 115-a can identify that the first segment (or group of segments) of the RAR window can be associated with a single instance of the control information and can not support repetition. In some examples, the UE 115-a can identify that the second segment (or group of segments) of the RAR window is associated with a repetition level, wherein the repetition level may include a numerical number of time slots for repeating the transmission of the control information. In some cases, the repetition level may include a numerical number of consecutive time slots for repeating the transmission of the control information. In some embodiments, the UE 115-a can identify a plurality of time slots that can include control information repetition and a position in each of the plurality of time slots in which the control information repetition can be received. In some cases, the number of time slots may be consecutive.

[0096] At 325, UE 115-b may initiate a random access procedure, and at 330, UE 115-b may send a random access request to base station 105-b. For example, UE 115-b may be an unserved UE 115-b or may be handed over from another base station 105-b and may attempt to connect to base station 105-b using a random access procedure. UE 115-b may use a contention-based random access procedure or a contention-free random access procedure. In some cases, UE 115-b may send a random access request to base station 105-b as part of a random access preamble. The random access request may include a preamble identification (ID) and a RA-RNTI. In some examples, UE 115-b may use a random access request to initiate a random access procedure and provide an indication of resource requirements of UE 115-b to base station 105-b. After transmitting the random access request, UE 115-b may expect to receive a RAR during an upcoming RAR window (e.g., according to the RAR window configuration identified at 325).

[0097] At 335-a, during a RAR window for transmitting a RAR, the UE 115-b may identify that a random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports a single instance or transmission of control information associated with the RAR. Similarly, at 335-b, the base station 105-b may identify that a random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports a single instance or transmission of control information associated with the RAR. At 340, based on identifying that a random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports a single instance or transmission of control information associated with the RAR, the base station 105-b may send a single instance of control information associated with the RAR. In some cases, the control information may include a location (e.g., time and frequency resources) for receiving the RAR.

[0098] The UE 115-b may attempt to receive and decode a single instance of the control information and may perform a parity check (e.g., a CRC parity check) on the control information. In some cases, the UE 115-b may successfully receive and decode the control information (e.g., the link budget may be above a threshold) and identify a location for receiving the RAR. At 345, the base station 105-b may send the RAR, and the UE 115-b may receive the RAR based on successfully receiving and decoding the control information at 340. In such a case, the UE 115-b may jump to box 380, decode the random access response and may send a connection request 385 to the base station 105-b. Based in part on sending the connection request, the UE 115-b may terminate monitoring the time slots in the RAR window at 390-a, and the base station 105-b may advance the random access process at 390-b. In this way, a UE 115-b operating under high connectivity conditions (e.g., characterized by a communication link having a link budget greater than a threshold) can avoid monitoring more time slots than may be required for the UE 115-b to establish a connection with the base station 105-b.

[0099] However, in some examples (e.g., when the link budget threshold is below a threshold), UE 115-b may not be able to successfully decode a single instance of the control information at 340. In such examples and other cases, base station 105-b may send multiple instances of control information associated with the RAR in multiple time slots associated with a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports a single transmission. UE 115-b may attempt to independently receive each instance of the control information and decode each instance of the control information. For example, UE 115-b may not successfully attempt to receive and decode a first instance of the control information in a first time slot, and may discard information related to the first instance of the control information based on the failure to successfully receive and decode the control information. In some cases, UE 115-b may repeat the process of discarding instances of control information that were not successfully received and decoded until the RAR window (or segment of the RAR window) expires. For example, the base station may identify that a timer associated with the RAR window (or segment of the RAR window) has expired and identify that the base station 105-b has not received a connection request indicating that the UE 115-b successfully received the RAR (e.g., a connection request that the UE 115-b may send at 385 after successfully receiving the RAR). Accordingly, the base station 105-b may determine that the UE 115-b was unable to receive any of the single instances of control information during the RAR window (or segment of the RAR window).

[0100] Additionally or alternatively, at 350-a, during a RAR window for transmitting a RAR, the UE 115-b may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports repeated instances or transmissions of control information associated with the RAR. Similarly, at 350-b, the base station 105-b may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that supports repeated instances or transmissions of control information associated with the RAR. Thus, the UE 115-b and the base station 105-b may identify that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) that is configured for repeatedly sending control information associated with the RAR. In some cases, steps 350-A and 350-B precede 335-A and 335-B. That is, in some cases, in response to UE 115-b initiating a random access procedure at 325, UE 115-b and base station 105-b may determine that the random access procedure operates within a RAR window (or segment of a RAR window) that supports repeated instances or transmissions of control information associated with the RAR.

[0101] At 355, the UE 115-b may monitor a number of time slots for instances (e.g., candidates) of control information during the RAR window (or segment of the RAR window) based on identifying that the random access procedure is operating within a portion of the RAR window configured for repeatedly sending control information. In some examples, the number of time slots may be consecutive to one another such that the base station 105-b may send an instance of the control information in each time slot within a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some cases, the number of time slots (e.g., a numerical number such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) may be based on a repetition level associated with a second portion of the RAR window. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115-b may monitor the location of the control information instances in non-contiguous time slots based on the RAR window configuration. Reference Figure 5 Describes additional information about the transmission repetition schedule.

[0102] At 360, the base station 105-b may send repeated instances of control information associated with the RAR in multiple time slots of the RAR window (or a segment of the RAR window). For example, the base station 105-b may repeatedly send the same copy of the control information associated with the RAR. In some cases, the number of time slots may be consecutive. In some examples, based on the RAR window configuration, the base station 105-b may send each repeated instance of the control information at the same position in each of the multiple consecutive time slots (e.g., at the beginning of each time slot). Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105-b may link the repeated instances of the control information via a repetition level. For example, the base station 105-b may send each of the repeated instances of the control information in the same position within the time slot and / or each instance may be characterized by the same repetition level, so that each instance of the control information may have the same number of control channel elements (CCEs) included in the control information. Additionally or alternatively, each of the repeated instances of the control information may be associated with an index that links the repeated instances together. In some examples, the repeated instances of the control information may all be characterized by the same index. However, in additional examples, the indexing of repeated instances of the control information may follow a pattern included in the RAR window configuration.

[0103] In addition, at 360, UE 115-b may attempt to receive (and decode) repeatedly transmitted instances of control information from base station 105-b. In some cases, base station 105-b may send repeated instances of control information, and UE 115-b may monitor for repeated control information instances (e.g., instances of control information linked according to an RAR window configuration). In some examples, UE 115-b may identify multiple control information instances while monitoring the number of time slots, and store the multiple control information instances while monitoring additional instances. The instance of control information received by UE 115-b and used for combining may be a similar or identical copy of the control information sent by base station 105-b. The copy of the control information instance received by UE 115-b may have slight differences due to interference that occurs during communication of the signal carrying the copy of the instance of the control information.

[0104] At 365, UE 115-b may combine (e.g., using soft combining) multiple control information instances identified based on the number of time slots of the monitored RAR window (or segment of the RAR window). As described herein, UE 115-b may identify that multiple control information instances may be combined based on information included in the RAR window configuration (e.g., based on the RAR window type, based on the segment type, based on the number of repetitions, the position in each time slot, the repetition level, the index, and / or a combination thereof associated with each of the control information instances). Based on combining the multiple control information instances, UE 115-a may effectively increase the received signal strength or received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the control information transmission from base station 105-b. For example, UE 115-a may receive multiple partial, incomplete, or partially erroneous control information instances, and after combining, a complete or nearly complete control information signal may be constructed.

[0105] At 370, UE 115-b may attempt to decode the combined control information instance. In some examples, UE 115-b may successfully decode the combined control information instance based on constructing a complete or nearly complete control information signal using multiple control information instances sent by base station 105-b. In addition, UE 115-b may perform a parity check on the control information generated by combining the control information instances. In some cases, decoding the control information occurs after performing the parity check. UE 115-b may detect any errors in the control information generated by combining the multiple instances, and based on successfully performing the parity check, UE 115-b may identify the location (e.g., time and frequency resources) of the RAR corresponding to the random access request sent by UE 115-b at 330.

[0106] At 375, the base station 105-b may send the RAR, and the UE 115-b may successfully receive and decode the RAR based on the resource allocation indicated by the control information at 380. In some cases, the UE 115-b may decode the RAR and identify an uplink resource allocation (e.g., an uplink grant) for sending a message 3 (e.g., an RRC connection request) that the UE 115-b may send using a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). At 385, the UE 115-b may send a connection request (e.g., an RRC connection request). Thus, the base station 105-b may receive the connection request and may advance a random access procedure based on receiving the connection request at 390-b. Correspondingly, at 390-a, the UE 115-b may terminate monitoring a time slot in a RAR window (or a segment of a RAR window) based on receiving the RAR and sending the connection request (e.g., advancing the random access procedure).

[0107] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4D Examples of window configurations supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated. In some examples, RAR window configurations 405-a, 405-b, 405-c, and 405-d support segmenting one or more RAR windows to include at least one segment supporting repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR) so as to enable UE 115 to employ soft combining techniques to increase the likelihood that UE 115 can successfully receive control information (e.g., PDCCH transmission) and / or RAR (e.g., PDSCH transmission) during the random access procedure, and thereby increase the likelihood that UE 115 will successfully connect to a base station.

[0108] In some examples, the base station 105 can broadcast (e.g., via PBCH, BCCH, BCH, etc.) system information (e.g., SIB and / or MIB) to multiple UEs 115. The system information can indicate various information, including the RAR window configuration. Based on receiving the system information, the multiple UEs 115 can identify the RAR window configuration 405. In some examples, each UE 115 in the multiple UEs 115 can perform a random access procedure to connect to the base station 105 according to the indicated RAR window configuration 405.

[0109] exist Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4DIn the example of FIG. 4 , each window configuration 405 can be characterized by a first segment type 415, a second segment type 420, and / or a third segment type 425. In some examples, each segment type 415, 420, 425 can support a different type of control information (and / or RAR) transmission. For example, the first segment type 415 can support a single instance of a control information (and / or RAR) transmission. In some cases, the first segment type 415 can be associated with Figure 3 The invention is related to aspects of the invention in which a single instance of control information associated with a RAR is sent (eg, steps 335-A, 335-B, 340, 345).

[0110] The second segment type 420 can support repeated instances of control information (and / or RAR) transmission. For example, the second segment type 420 can be associated with a first number of slots in the RAR window, and the base station 105 can send an identical copy (sometimes referred to as an instance) of the control information in each of a second number of slots (e.g., consecutive slots) according to the repetition level associated with the second segment type 420, where the second number of slots can be equal to or less than the first number of slots. In some cases, the second segment type 420 can be associated with a first number of slots in the RAR window. Figure 3 In connection with aspects of the present invention, repeated instances of control information associated with the RAR are sent (eg, steps 350-A, 350-B, 355, 360).

[0111] Additionally, the third segment type 425 may support repeated instances of control information (and / or RAR) transmissions. For example, the third segment type 425 may be associated with a third number of time slots of the RAR window, and the base station 105 may send an identical copy (sometimes referred to as an instance) of the control information in each of a fourth number of time slots (e.g., consecutive time slots) according to a repetition level associated with the third segment type 425, where the fourth number of time slots may be equal to or less than the third number of time slots. The repetition level of the third segment type 425 may be different from the repetition level of the second segment type 420 (e.g., a greater or lesser number of repetitions, a greater or lesser repetition interval / density, etc.). In some cases, the third segment type 425 may be associated with a third number of time slots of the RAR window, and the base station 105 may transmit an identical copy (sometimes referred to as an instance) of the control information in each of a fourth number of time slots (e.g., consecutive time slots) according to a repetition level associated with the third segment type 425. Figure 3 In connection with aspects of the present invention, repeated instances of control information associated with the RAR are sent (eg, steps 350-A, 350-B, 355, 360).

[0112] Although Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4DAn example of may include one or more of the three identical segment types 415, 420, 425, but it should be understood that any number of segment types may be defined and used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the window configuration may include one segment type, two segment types, three segment types, four segment types, five segment types, six segment types, seven segment types, eight segment types, etc. In some cases, each of the segment types may define a different repetition level for control information associated with a random access response of a random access procedure.

[0113] In addition, although Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4D Examples of RAR windows of the present disclosure include one, two, three, or four segments, but it should be understood that the RAR window can be segmented into any number of segments (of one or more segment types) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a RAR window configured according to the RAR window of the present disclosure may include one segment, two segments, three segments, four segments, five segments, six segments, seven segments, eight segments, etc. In some cases, each segment is associated with a repetition level (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) indicating the number of transmission repetitions of the control information (and / or RAR) of the segment.

[0114] In some cases, the base station 105 may send the control information at progressively greater repetition levels. Thus, a first set of UEs 115 in the plurality of UEs 115 may be associated with good link conditions (e.g., may be in a higher connectivity state) and may successfully receive and decode a single instance of control information transmission. Thus, the first set of UEs 115 may successfully connect to the base station 105 during a first segment type 415 of the RAR window that includes a single transmission of control information. In some examples, a second set of UEs 115 may be associated with relatively poor link conditions (e.g., may be in a lower connectivity state) and may be unable to successfully receive and decode a single instance of control information transmission during the first segment type 415.

[0115] In such an example, the first set of UEs 115 may terminate its monitoring opportunity and the base station 105 may advance the random access procedure for the first set of UEs 115. On the other hand, the second set of UEs 115 may recognize that its random access procedure operates within the second segment type 420 (e.g., the second set of UEs 115 may still attempt to receive and decode control information). During the second segment type 420, the second set of UEs 115 may combine multiple control information instances according to the window configuration 405 and the repetition level of the second segment type 420 (e.g., this may increase the likelihood of successfully receiving and decoding control information during the RAR window). In some cases, a third set of UEs 115 (e.g., a subset of the second set that may be in a lower connectivity state) may still be unable to receive and decode control information during the second segment type 420. Thus, the third set of UEs 115 can identify that their random access procedures are operating within a third segment type 425, which in some cases can be associated with a greater repetition level than the second segment type 420, thereby further increasing the likelihood of successfully receiving and decoding the control information.

[0116] The process may continue with an instance where the UE monitors control information during each segment type based on a repetition level associated with the segment type. In this regard, in some cases, the RAR window may alternate between segments that provide a single transmission of control information (and / or RAR) (e.g., the first segment type 415) and segment types that provide repeated transmissions of control information (and / or RAR) (e.g., the second segment type or the third segment type 420 and / or 425). This alternating approach may facilitate a UE in a lower connectivity state to successfully connect earlier in the RAR window compared to an approach that increases the repetition level of a segment later in the RAR window or at the end of the RAR window. However, in some cases of the present disclosure, a segment of the RAR window increases the repetition level later in the RAR window or at the end of the RAR window.

[0117] Figure 4A Window configuration 405-a may be an example of a RAR window configuration supporting the techniques of the present disclosure. Window configuration 405-a may be associated with a RAR window style. For example, in the illustrated example, window configuration 405-a includes a RAR window 410. RAR window 410 has a window length 410-a. In some cases, window length 410-a may be associated with an initial (e.g., default) window length of the RAR window indicated by system information from base station 105. For RAR window 410, segment length 415-a of segment 415 is equal to window length 410-a. That is, RAR window 410 includes one segment (segment 415) that supports a single instance of control information transmission for the associated RAR.

[0118] exist Figure 4A In the illustrated example, window configuration 405-a also includes a RAR window 412. RAR window 412 has a window length 412-a. In some cases, window length 412-a may be associated with an initial (e.g., default) window length of the RAR window indicated by system information from base station 105. In some cases, window length 412-a is equal to window length 410-a. In other cases, window length 412-a is longer (or shorter) than window length 410-a. RAR window 412 includes a first segment 415 and a second segment 420. First segment 415 has a segment length 415-a, and second segment 420 has a segment length 420-a. Segment lengths 415-a and 420-a are collectively equal to window length 412-a. That is, the RAR window 412 includes two segments (segments 415 and 420), one of which (segment 415) supports a single instance of control information transmission for the associated RAR, and the other segment (segment 420) supports repeated transmission of control information for the associated RAR. Thus, the RAR window 412 illustrates the division of the RAR window into two or more segments, at least one of which may be configured for repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR) as indicated by the system information.

[0119] In some cases, RAR window 412 may be spaced apart in time from RAR window 410. For example, RAR window 412 may be spaced apart from RAR window according to a RAR window pattern, which may be based on time (e.g., 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 50ms, 80ms, or any other suitable time or timer-based interval), RAR window type pattern (e.g., every other, every third, every fourth, every fifth, etc. RAR windows may be configured to support repeated transmission (or single transmission) of control information), and / or a combination thereof. In some cases, the RAR window configuration may indicate a series of RAR windows (e.g., RAR window 410) that each support a single instance of control information transmission, interspersed with RAR windows (e.g., RAR window 412) that support repeated instances of control information transmission. In this regard, each RAR window may occur at a fixed time interval (e.g., 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 50 ms, 80 ms, or any other suitable time), and interspersed RAR windows supporting repeated instances of control information transmission (and / or RAR transmission) may occur after a particular number of RAR windows (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) and / or after a particular amount of time or time interval (e.g., 20 ms, 40 ms, 50 ms, 80 ms, or any other suitable time). In this manner, the RAR window pattern may indicate which RAR windows support a single transmission of control information (and / or RAR) (e.g., RAR window 410) and which RAR windows support repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR) (e.g., RAR window 412).

[0120] In some cases, the base station 105 can dynamically configure one or more RAR windows to support repeated transmission of control information. In some examples, the BS 105 can also dynamically configure the repetition level of the associated segment of the RAR window. In some examples, the base station 105 can dynamically configure one or more RAR windows based on communication links, network loads, signal strength, interference or other factors. The base station 105 can transmit system information to indicate the dynamically configured RAR window configuration.

[0121] Figure 4BWindow configuration 405-b may be another example of a RAR window configuration supporting the techniques of the present disclosure. As shown, window configuration 405-b may be associated with an alternating segment type. For example, window configuration 405-b includes a repeating pattern of a segment (e.g., first segment 415) providing a single transmission of control information (and / or RAR) and a segment (e.g., second segment 420) providing repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR). Although the illustrated example includes two alternating sequences within a RAR window, it should be understood that any number of alternating sequence sets may be used. Additionally, although the illustrated example alternates between two segment types, it should be understood that any repeating pattern, weighted pattern, and / or random pattern of two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, etc. different segment types may be utilized.

[0122] exist Figure 4B In the illustrated example of , the RAR window of the window configuration 405-b has a window length 435. In some cases, the window length 435 may be associated with an initial (e.g., default) window length of the RAR window indicated by system information from the base station 105. Each occurrence of the first segment 415 of the RAR window has a segment length 415-a, and each occurrence of the second segment 420 has a segment length 420-a. The repetition pattern of segments 415 and 420 is collectively equal to the window length 435. That is, the illustrated RAR window includes four segments (two instances of each of segments 415 and 420), wherein two segments (each instance of segment 415) support a single instance of transmission of control information of the associated RAR, and two segments (each instance of segment 420) support repeated transmission of control information of the associated RAR. Thus, the RAR window of the window configuration 405-b illustrates another example of dividing the RAR window into two or more segments, wherein at least one segment may be configured for repeated transmission of control information (and / or RAR) as indicated by the system information.

[0123] Figure 4CWindow configuration 405-c may be another example of a RAR window configuration that supports the techniques of the present disclosure. Window configuration 405-c includes a RAR window having a window length 440. In some cases, window length 440 may be associated with an initial (e.g., default) window length of the RAR window indicated by system information from base station 105. The RAR window includes a first segment 415 having a segment length 415-c, a second segment 420 having a segment length 420-c, and a third segment 425 having a segment length 425-c. Segments 415, 420, and 425 are continuous. Segment lengths 415-c, 420-c, and 425-c are collectively equal to window length 440. That is, the RAR window 412 includes three segments (segments 415, 420, and 425), wherein the first segment 415 supports a single instance of transmission of control information for the associated RAR, the second segment 420 supports repeated transmission of control information for the associated RAR at a first repetition level, and the third segment 425 supports repeated transmission of control information for the associated RAR at a second repetition level that is different from the first repetition level. In some cases, the second repetition level of the third segment 425 is greater than the first repetition level of the second segment 420. In other cases, the second repetition level of the third segment 425 is less than the first repetition level of the second segment 420. Thus, the window configuration 405-c illustrates dividing the RAR window into three or more segments, wherein at least two segments may be configured for repeated transmission of control information (and / or RARs) as indicated by the system information.

[0124] Figure 4DWindow configuration 405-d may be another example of a RAR window configuration supporting the technology of the present disclosure. Window configuration 405-d is similar to window configuration 405-c in some respects, but segments 415, 420, and 425 are discontinuous in window configuration 405-d. That is, there are spaces or gaps between segments 415, 420, and 425 in window configuration 405-d. In some cases, segments 415, 420, and 425 collectively define a single RAR window. In some cases, each of segments 415, 420, and 425 itself defines a separate RAR window. As shown, window configuration 405-d includes three segments (segments 415, 420, and 425), wherein the first segment 415 supports a single instance of control information transmission of an associated RAR, the second segment 420 supports repeated transmission of control information of an associated RAR at a first repetition level, and the third segment 425 supports repeated transmission of control information of an associated RAR at a second repetition level different from the first repetition level. In some cases, the second repetition level of the third segment 425 is greater than the first repetition level of the second segment 420. In other cases, the second repetition level of the third segment 425 is less than the first repetition level of the second segment 420. Thus, the window configuration 405-d illustrates dividing the RAR window into three or more non-contiguous segments (or separate RAR windows defined by each of the segments), at least two of which may be configured for repeatedly sending control information as indicated by the system information.

[0125] It should be understood that Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4D The various features of the RAR window configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 can be used in combination with each other. For example, Figure 4B , Figure 4C as well as Figure 4D Segment type styles (including continuous segments (such as Figure 4B and Figure 4C ) and / or discontinuous segments (e.g. Figure 4D ))Use and Figure 4A RAR window type styles and / or dynamic configuration of consistent RAR window types.

[0126] Figure 5 An example of a repetition schedule 500 that supports message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the repetition schedule 500 can illustrate how the base station 105 can send multiple instances of control information (and / or RARs) in multiple consecutive (or non-consecutive) time slots. Based on using the repetition schedule 500, the UE 115 can be more likely to connect to the base station 105 using a random access procedure during low connectivity conditions.

[0127] The repetition schedule 500 may include multiple time slots, such as time slot 505-a, time slot 505-b, time slot 505-c, and time slot 505-d. A control resource set (core set) 520 may be within each time slot, and an instance of control information 515 may be included within each core set 520. In some examples, each instance of control information 515 may be located in the same location in each of the multiple time slots 505. For example, the base station 105 may send all instances of control information 515 associated with the same RAR, so that the UE 115 can receive the control information at monitoring opportunities 510-a, 510-b, 510-c, and 510-d (e.g., at the same location in each consecutive time slot). Similarly, the base station 105 may send a repetition instance of a RAR associated with the repetition control information through a channel (e.g., PDSCH) of each of the time slots 505-a, 505-b, 505-c, and 505-d. In other cases, the base station 105 may send a single instance of the RAR associated with the repetition control information.

[0128] Additionally or alternatively, each instance of the control information 515 may be associated with the same repetition level, and the UE 115 may identify the repetition level of each instance of the control information 515 to identify which instances of the control information 515 may be linked (e.g., combined). For example, each instance of the control information 515 may include the same number of CCEs. Additionally or alternatively, each instance of the control information 515 may be associated with an index that the UE 115 may use to link (e.g., combine) multiple instances of the control information 515. In some cases, one or more instances of the control information 515 may be located in different locations in each of the multiple time slots 505 (such as time slot 505-a, time slot 505-b, time slot 505-c, and time slot 505-d).

[0129] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a communication manager 615, and a transmitter 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0130] The receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to message repetitions for random access procedures, etc.). The information may be delivered to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be a reference Fig. 9Examples of aspects of the transceiver 915 are described. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0131] The communication manager 615 may receive an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more RAR windows support a single instance of control information and that one or more RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information. The communication manager 615 may determine whether the random access process is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 615 may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 615 may monitor one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information based on the determination. The communication manager 615 may monitor a single instance of control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information. The communication manager 615 may monitor for repeated instances of the control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the control information. The communication manager 615 may be configured to perform Fig.14 and Fig.15 One or more of the steps described or aspects of these steps. The communications manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the communications manager 910 described herein.

[0132] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents may be implemented using hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented using code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0133] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be physically located in a variety of locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components according to various aspects of the present disclosure, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0134] Transmitter 620 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 605. In some examples, transmitter 620 can be co-located with receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 620 can be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 915 are described. The transmitter 620 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0135] In some examples, the communication manager 615 can be implemented as an integrated circuit or chipset for a mobile device modem, and the receiver 610 and transmitter 620 can be implemented as analog components (e.g., amplifiers, filters, antennas) coupled to the mobile device modem to enable wireless transmission and reception over one or more bands.

[0136] The communication manager 615 as described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One embodiment may allow the UE 115 to connect to the base station 105 while operating in low connectivity conditions with minimal signaling and low overhead, thereby improving processing efficiency. Additionally, another embodiment may allow the UE 115 to increase the likelihood of successfully decoding the control information associated with the RAR, thereby reducing the chance that the UE 115 may need to repeat the entire random access process. This may save processing time, reduce latency, and improve power savings and improve battery life. Likewise, another embodiment may allow the UE 115 to increase the likelihood of successfully decoding the RAR, thereby reducing the chance that the UE 115 may need to repeat the entire random access process. Again, this may save processing time, reduce latency, and improve power savings and improve battery life.

[0137] Based on the technology for efficiently transmitting the RAR window configuration that enables the UE 115 to perform soft combining during the RAR window of the random access procedure, the processor of the UE 115 (e.g., controlling the receiver 610, the transmitter 620, or the like) Fig. 9 The described transceiver 915) can improve system efficiency and reduce unnecessary processing at the device.

[0138] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a device 705 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of aspects of the device 605 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a communication manager 715, and a transmitter 730. The device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0139] The receiver 710 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to message repetitions for random access procedures, etc.). The information may be delivered to other components of the device 705. The receiver 710 may be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 915 are described. The receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0140] The communication manager 715 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 615 as described herein. The communication manager 715 may include a repetition manager 720 and a decoding manager 725. The communication manager 715 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 910 as described herein.

[0141] The repetition manager 720 may determine whether the random access process is operated within one or more first segments of the RAR window supporting a single instance of control information or within one or more second segments of the RAR window supporting repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The repetition manager 720 may determine whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information. In this regard, the repetition manager 720 may be configured to identify the number of repetitions, the repetition level, the index, the location, and / or any other information about the transmission of control information (including any repetitions) and / or RAR (including any repetitions) in the segment of the RAR window. The repetition parameters identified by the repetition manager 720 may enable the UE to determine which transmissions are instances of control information (and / or RARs), so that the UE may know which transmissions to combine. In some cases, the repetition manager 720 is further configured to monitor one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of control information or a repeated instance of control information based on what type of RAR window or segment (in which the random access process operates) (e.g., a single instance or a repeated instance).

[0142] The decoding manager 725 may decode control information and / or random access responses received as part of the random access procedure based on the combined instance.

[0143] Transmitter 730 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 705. In some examples, transmitter 730 can be co-located with receiver 710 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 730 can be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 915 are described. The transmitter 730 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0144] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of a communication manager 805 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure. The communication manager 805 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 615, the communication manager 715, or the communication manager 910 described herein. The communication manager 805 may include a repetition manager 810, a decoding manager 815, a window manager 820, a system information manager 825, a response manager 830, a parity manager 835, and a random access procedure manager 840. Each of these modules may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0145] The repetition manager 810 may determine whether the random access process is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window supporting a single instance of the control information or within one or more second segments of the RAR window supporting repeated instances of the control information based on the RAR window configuration. In this regard, the repetition manager may be configured to identify a repetition number, a repetition level, an index, a location, and / or any other information about the transmission of the control information (including any repetitions) and / or the RAR (including any repetitions) in the segment of the RAR window. The repetition parameters identified by the repetition manager 720 may enable the UE to determine which transmissions are instances of the control information (and / or RAR) so that the UE may know which transmissions to combine. In some cases, the repetition manager 720 is further configured to monitor one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or a repeated instance of the control information based on what type of RAR window or segment the random access process is to operate in (e.g., a single instance or a repeated instance).

[0146] The decoding manager 815 may decode control information and / or random access responses received as part of the random access procedure based on the combined instance.

[0147] The window manager 820 may receive and / or process an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first RAR windows support a single instance of control information and indicate that one or more second RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The window manager 820 may determine whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. In some cases, the window manager 820 may monitor one or more time slots of the current RAR window for a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information based on determining whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information. In some cases, the window manager 820 and the repetition manager 810 operate together to determine repetition parameters for a RAR window or a segment of a RAR window.

[0148] The system information manager 825 may receive system information including an indication of a RAR window configuration. In some cases, the system information manager 825 is configured to determine the RAR window configuration based on the indication. In some examples, the system information manager 825 may identify an index value of the configuration included in the system information. In some examples, the system information manager 825 may retrieve information about the RAR window configuration based on the identification index value (e.g., using a LUT or other mapping). In some examples, the system information manager 825 may identify information about a repetition level associated with one or more RAR windows and / or segments of one or more RAR windows based on the indication included in the system information.

[0149] In some examples, one or more of the functionality of the duplicate manager 810 , the window manager 820 , and / or the system information manager 825 is combined in one of the duplicate manager 810 , the window manager 820 , and / or the system information manager 825 .

[0150] The response manager 830 may identify a location of the random access response in the data channel based on one or more instances of the control information (including combining multiple instances of the control information in some cases). Decoding the random access response may be based on identifying a location of the random access response in the data channel based on the control information. In some cases, the random access response includes message 2 of the random access procedure.

[0151] The parity manager 835 may perform parity checking on the control information generated by combining the instances. In some examples, receiving and / or decoding the random access response is based on performing parity checking.

[0152] The random access procedure manager 840 may initiate a random access procedure. In some examples, the random access procedure manager 840 may send a random access request to the base station, wherein the monitoring time slot set is based on sending the random access request. In some examples, the random access procedure manager 840 may send a radio resource control connection request to the base station based on decoding the random access response.

[0153] Fig. 9 A diagram of a system 900 including a device 905 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of or include components of a device 605, a device 705, or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 905 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 910, a transceiver 915, an antenna 920, a memory 925, and a processor 935. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses, such as a bus 940.

[0154] The communication manager 910 may receive an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information. The communication manager 910 may also determine whether a random access procedure is to operate within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 910 may also monitor one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information based on the determination. The communication manager 910 may be configured to perform a random access procedure with respect to the control information. Fig.14 and Fig.15 One or more of the steps described or aspects of these steps.

[0155] The transceiver 915 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 915 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 915 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from the antenna.

[0156] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 920. However, in some cases, a device may have more than one antenna 920 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc. antennas) that may be capable of simultaneously sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

[0157] The memory 925 may include random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM). The memory 925 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 930 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 925 may contain, among other things, a basic input / output system (BIOS) that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0158] The code 930 may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code 930 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 930 may not be directly executed by the processor 935, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0159] The processor 935 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 935 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 935. The processor 935 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 925) to cause the device 905 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support message repetition for a random access process).

[0160] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of a device 1005 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1005 may be an example of aspects of a base station 105 as described herein. The device 1005 may include a receiver 1010, a communication manager 1015, and a transmitter 1020. The device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0161] The receiver 1010 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to message repetitions for random access procedures, etc.). The information may be delivered to other components of the device 1005. The receiver 1010 may be a reference Fig.13 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1320 are described. The receiver 1010 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0162] The communication manager 1015 may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more RAR windows support a single instance of control information and that one or more RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information. The communication manager 1015 may determine whether the random access process is operated within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 1015 may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 1015 may send a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information in one or more time slots of the current RAR window. The communication manager 1015 may send a single instance of control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information. The communication manager 1015 may send repeated instances of the control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the control information. In some cases, the communication manager 1015 may select a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations. In some examples, the communication manager 1015 may select a RAR window configuration based on a communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, and / or a combination thereof. The communication manager 1015 may be configured to perform a communication with respect to Fig.16 and Fig.17 One or more of the steps described or aspects of these steps. The communications manager 1015 can be an example of aspects of the communications manager 1310 described herein.

[0163] The communication manager 1015 or its subcomponents may be implemented using hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented using code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1015 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, DSP, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0164] The communication manager 1015 or its subcomponents can be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 1015 or its subcomponents can be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communication manager 1015 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components according to various aspects of the present disclosure, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0165] Transmitter 1020 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 1005. In some examples, transmitter 1020 can be co-located with receiver 1010 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1020 can be a reference Fig.13 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1320 are described. The transmitter 1020 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0166] Fig.11 A block diagram 1100 of a device 1105 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1105 may be an example of aspects of the device 1005 or base station 105 as described herein. The device 1105 may include a receiver 1110, a communication manager 1115, and a transmitter 1125. The device 1105 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0167] The receiver 1110 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to message repetitions for random access procedures, etc.). The information may be delivered to other components of the device 1105. The receiver 1110 may be a reference Fig.13 Examples of aspects of transceiver 1320 are described. Receiver 1110 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0168] The communication manager 1115 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1015 as described herein. The communication manager 1115 may include a repeat manager 1120 and / or a window manager 1122. The communication manager 1115 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1310 as described herein.

[0169] The repetition manager 1120 may determine whether the random access procedure is to be operated within one or more first segments of the RAR window supporting a single instance of control information or within one or more second segments of the RAR window supporting repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The repetition manager 1120 may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The repetition manager 1120 may be configured to identify one or more repetition parameters (e.g., number of repetitions, repetition interval, etc.) of one or more segments of the RAR window.

[0170] The window manager 1122 may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first RAR windows support a single instance of control information, and indicate that one or more second RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The window manager 1122 may determine whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. In some cases, the window manager 1122 may send a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information in one or more time slots of the current RAR window based on determining whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information. In some cases, the window manager 1122 may select a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations. In some cases, the window manager 1122 may select a RAR window configuration based on a communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, and / or a combination thereof. In some cases, the window manager 1122 and the repetition manager 1120 operate together to determine repetition parameters for a RAR window or a segment of a RAR window.

[0171] Transmitter 1125 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 1105. In some examples, transmitter 1125 can be co-located with receiver 1110 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1125 can be a reference Fig.13 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 1320 are described. The transmitter 1125 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0172] Fig.12A block diagram 1200 of a communication manager 1205 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1205 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1015, the communication manager 1115, or the communication manager 1310 described herein. The communication manager 1205 may include a repetition manager 1210, a window manager 1215, a system information manager 1220, a random access procedure manager 1225, and a connectivity manager 1230. Each of these modules may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0173] The repetition manager 1210 may determine whether the random access procedure is to be operated within one or more first segments of the RAR window supporting a single instance of control information or within one or more second segments of the RAR window supporting repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The repetition manager 1210 may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The repetition manager 1210 may be configured to identify one or more repetition parameters (e.g., number of repetitions, repetition interval, etc.) of one or more segments of the RAR window.

[0174] The window manager 1215 may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first RAR windows support a single instance of control information, and indicate that one or more second RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The window manager 1215 may determine whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. In some cases, the window manager 1215 may send a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information in one or more time slots of the current RAR window based on determining whether the current RAR window (or a segment of the current RAR window) supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information. In some cases, the window manager 1215 may select a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations. In some cases, the window manager 1215 may select a RAR window configuration based on a communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, and / or a combination thereof. In some cases, the window manager 1215 and the repetition manager 1210 operate together to determine repetition parameters for a RAR window or a segment of a RAR window.

[0175] The system information manager 1220 may send system information including an indicator of a RAR window configuration. In some examples, an index value identifies the RAR window configuration. The indicator of the RAR window configuration included in the system information may include an index value.

[0176] The random access procedure manager 1225 may receive a radio resource control (RRC) connection request from the UE in response to a single instance or repeated instances of sending control information (and / or RAR). The random access procedure manager 1225 may advance the random access procedure after receiving the RRC connection request. In some examples, the random access procedure manager 1225 may receive a random access request from the user equipment, wherein sending the control information, the single instance, and / or the repeated instance is based on receiving the random access request.

[0177] The connectivity manager 1230 may identify that the base station is operating under a connectivity condition that satisfies a signal quality threshold. The connectivity manager 1230 may be configured to communicate the connectivity condition to the window manager 1215. The window manager 1215 may utilize the connectivity condition to select a RAR window configuration.

[0178] Fig.13 A diagram of a system 1300 including a device 1305 supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of or include components of a device 1005, a device 1105, or a base station 105 as described herein. The device 1305 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1310, a network communication manager 1315, a transceiver 1320, an antenna 1325, a memory 1330, a processor 1340, and an inter-station communication manager 1345. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses, such as a bus 1350.

[0179] The communication manager 1310 may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more RAR windows support a single instance of control information and that one or more RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of control information. The communication manager 1310 may determine whether the random access process is operated within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 1015 may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. The communication manager 1310 may send a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information in one or more time slots of the current RAR window. The communication manager 1310 may send a single instance of control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information. The communication manager 1310 may send repeated instances of the control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window based on determining that the current RAR window or a segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the control information. In some cases, the communication manager 1310 may select a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations. In some cases, the communication manager 1310 may select a RAR window configuration based on a communication link, network load, signal strength, interference, and / or a combination thereof. The communication manager 1310 may be configured to perform a communication with respect to Fig.16 and Fig.17 One or more of the steps described or aspects of these steps.

[0180] The network communications manager 1315 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager 1315 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices such as one or more UEs 115.

[0181] The transceiver 1320 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 1320 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1320 may also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from the antenna.

[0182] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1325. However, in some cases, a device may have more than one antenna 1325 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc. antennas) that may be capable of simultaneously sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

[0183] Memory 1330 may include RAM and / or ROM. Memory 1330 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1335 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1330 may also contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0184] The code 1335 may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code 1335 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 1335 may not be directly executed by the processor 1340, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0185] Processor 1340 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 1340 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 1340. Processor 1340 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1330) to cause device 1305 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support message repetition for a random access process).

[0186] The inter-site communication manager 1345 may manage communications with other base stations 105. The inter-site communication manager 1345 may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications of UEs 115 in cooperation with other base stations 105. For example, the inter-site communication manager 1345 may coordinate scheduling of transmissions to UEs 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmissions. In some examples, the inter-site communication manager 1345 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between base stations 105.

[0187] Fig.14A flow chart illustrating a method 1400 for supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 6 to 9 The communication manager described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set that controls the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0188] At 1405, the UE may receive an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicate that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information. The RAR window configuration may indicate that the RAR window includes an alternating pattern of one or more first segments and one or more second segments. The RAR window configuration may indicate that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length. The second length may be different from the first length. The RAR window configuration may indicate that the RAR window is continuous or non-continuous.

[0189] Receiving an indication of a RAR window configuration at 1405 may include receiving system information from a base station. Receiving system information from a base station may include receiving at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). Receiving system information from a base station may include receiving system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The operations of 1405 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0190] At 1410, the UE may determine whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration. Determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments may include determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments. The scheduled RAR communication may include at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message. The operation of 1410 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1410 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0191] At 1415, the UE may monitor one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination at 1410. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be as described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0192] The method 1400 may also include identifying the RAR window configuration based on the received indication of the RAR window configuration. Identifying the RAR window configuration may include mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration. Mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to the parameters of the RAR window configuration may include using a lookup table. Mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to the parameters of the RAR window configuration may include selecting a first lookup table from a plurality of available lookup tables.

[0193] In some cases, determining whether the random access process operates within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments includes determining that the random access process operates within one or more second segments, and monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window includes monitoring multiple time slots of the RAR window for repeated instances of control information. In some examples, method 1400 includes identifying a repetition level associated with one or more second segments. Monitoring multiple time slots of the RAR window for repeated instances of control information can be based on the identified repetition level. In some examples, method 1400 includes receiving two or more of the repeated instances of control information from a base station based on monitoring; combining the received repeated instances of control information to form combined control information; and decoding the combined control information. Combining the received repeated instances of control information to form combined control information may include performing soft combining. Method 1400 may include monitoring a RAR message in a data channel based on the decoded combined control information.

[0194] In some cases, determining whether the random access procedure operates within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window includes determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments, and method 1400 may further include monitoring the data channel for repeated instances of the RAR message based on the determination.

[0195] Fig.15 A flow chart illustrating a method 1500 for supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 6 to 9The communication manager described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set that controls the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0196] At 1505, the UE may receive an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first RAR windows support a single instance of control information, and indicate that one or more second RAR windows support repeated instances of control information. Receiving the indication of the RAR window configuration at 1505 may include receiving system information from a base station. Receiving the system information from the base station may include receiving at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). Receiving the system information from the base station may include receiving the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The operation of 1505 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1505 may be as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0197] At 1510, the UE may determine whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information based on the RAR window configuration. In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information includes determining whether the current RAR window is part of one or more first RAR windows or part of one or more second RAR windows. In some examples, determining whether the current RAR window is part of one or more first RAR windows or part of one or more second RAR windows is based on a predefined pattern. In some cases, the predefined pattern is an alternating pattern of one or more first RAR windows and one or more second RAR windows. In some cases, determining whether the current RAR window is part of one or more first RAR windows or part of one or more second RAR windows is based on system information of the current RAR window received from the base station. In some cases, method 1500 includes receiving system information of the current RAR window from the base station via at least one of a system information block (SIB), a master information block (MIB), a remaining minimum system information (RMSI), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0198] In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information includes determining whether the segment of the current RAR window is one or more first segments of the current RAR window supporting a single instance of control information or one or more second segments of the current RAR window supporting repeated instances of control information. In some examples, determining whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information further includes determining whether RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments of the current RAR window or is scheduled within the one or more second segments of the current RAR window. The scheduled RAR communication may include at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0199] The operations of 1510 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0200] At 1515, the UE may monitor one or more time slots of the current RAR window for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination at 1510. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be as described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0201] In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the control information or supports repeated instances of the control information includes determining that the segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the control information, and monitoring one or more time slots of the current RAR window includes monitoring multiple time slots of the current RAR window for repeated instances of the control information. In some cases, monitoring multiple time slots of the current RAR window for repeated instances of the control information is based on a repetition level. In some examples, method 1500 may include receiving two or more of the repeated instances of the control information from a base station based on the monitoring; combining the received repeated instances of the control information to form combined control information; and decoding the combined control information. In some cases, method 1500 may include monitoring a RAR message in a data channel based on the decoded combined control information.

[0202] In some cases, the RAR window configuration further indicates that the one or more third RAR windows support a single instance of the RAR message and indicates that the one or more fourth RAR windows support repeated instances of the RAR message, and the method 1500 further includes determining whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message based on the RAR window configuration; and monitoring the data channel for the single instance of the RAR message or the repeated instances of the RAR message based on the determination of whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message. In some cases, the one or more third RAR windows overlap at least partially with the one or more first RAR windows. In some cases, the one or more fourth RAR windows overlap at least partially with the one or more second RAR windows. In some examples, determining whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message includes determining that the segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the RAR message, and monitoring the data channel includes monitoring the repeated instances of the RAR message in the data channel.

[0203] Fig.16 A flow chart illustrating a method 1600 for supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 10 to 13 The communication manager described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the base station may execute a set of instructions that control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0204] At 1605, the base station may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicate that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information. The RAR window configuration may indicate an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments. The RAR window configuration may indicate that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length. The second length may be different from the first length. The RAR window configuration may indicate that the RAR window is continuous or non-continuous.

[0205] Sending an indication of the RAR window configuration may include sending system information. Sending the system information may include sending at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). Sending the system information may include sending the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Sending the system information may include sending an indicator associated with the RAR window configuration. The operation of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1605 may be as described in reference Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0206] At 1610, the base station may determine whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments based on the RAR window configuration. In some cases, determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments includes determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments. In some examples, the scheduled RAR communication includes at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message. The operation of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1610 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0207] At 1615, the base station may send a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination at 1610. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be as described with reference to Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0208] The method 1600 may include the base station selecting a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations. The selection of the RAR window configuration from the plurality of available RAR window configurations may be based at least in part on connectivity conditions between the base station and one or more user equipments (UEs).

[0209] In some cases, determining whether a random access procedure operates within one or more first segments of a RAR window or within one or more second segments includes determining that the random access procedure operates within one or more second segments, and sending a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information includes sending repeated instances of control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window. In some examples, sending repeated instances of control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window is based on a repetition level associated with one or more second segments configured according to the RAR window. In some cases, method 1600 includes sending a RAR message in a data channel based at least in part on the repeated instances of control information. Method 1600 may include a base station receiving a radio resource control (RRC) connection request from a user equipment (UE) based at least in part on the repeated instances of control information sent in multiple time slots of the RAR window.

[0210] In some cases, determining whether the random access procedure operates within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window includes determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments, and method 1600 may further include sending repeated instances of the RAR message in the data channel based on the determination.

[0211] Fig.17 A flow chart illustrating a method 1700 for supporting message repetition for a random access procedure according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described herein. Figures 10 to 13 The communication manager described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the base station may execute a set of instructions that control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the base station may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0212] At 1705, the base station may send an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration. The RAR window configuration may indicate that one or more first RAR windows support a single instance of the control information and indicate that one or more second RAR windows support repeated instances of the control information.

[0213] Sending an indication of the RAR window configuration may include sending system information. Sending the system information may include sending at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). Sending the system information may include sending the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Sending the system information may include sending an indicator associated with the RAR window configuration. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be as described in reference Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0214] At 1710, the base station may determine, based on the RAR window configuration, whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information. In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information includes determining whether the current RAR window is part of one or more first RAR windows or part of one or more second RAR windows. In some cases, determining whether the current RAR window is part of one or more first RAR windows or part of one or more second RAR windows is based on a predefined pattern. In some cases, the predefined pattern is an alternating pattern of one or more first RAR windows and one or more second RAR windows.

[0215] In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information includes determining whether the segment of the current RAR window is one or more first segments of the current RAR window supporting a single instance of control information or one or more second segments of the current RAR window supporting repeated instances of control information. In some examples, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of control information or supports repeated instances of control information may further include determining whether RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments of the current RAR window or within the one or more second segments of the current RAR window. The scheduled RAR communication may include at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0216] In some cases, determining whether a segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the control information or supports repeated instances of the control information includes determining that the segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the control information, and sending the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information includes sending the repeated instances of the control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window. In some examples, sending the repeated instances of the control information in the multiple time slots of the RAR window can be based on a repetition level. In some cases, method 1700 includes sending a RAR message in a data channel based at least in part on the repeated instances of the control information.

[0217] The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed as described in reference to Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0218] At 1715, the base station may send a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information in one or more time slots of the current RAR window based on the determination at 1710. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be as described with reference to Figures 10 to 13 Describes the communication manager performed.

[0219] In some cases, method 1700 includes determining that the current RAR window will support repeated instances of control information and sending an indication that the current RAR window supports repeated instances of control information. In some examples, determining that the current RAR window will support repeated instances of control information is based at least in part on connectivity conditions between a base station and one or more user equipments (UEs). Sending an indication that the current RAR window supports repeated instances of control information may include sending system information of the current RAR window via at least one of a system information block (SIB), a master information block (MIB), a remaining minimum system information (RMSI), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0220] In some cases, the RAR window configuration further indicates that the one or more third RAR windows support a single instance of the RAR message and indicates that the one or more fourth RAR windows support repeated instances of the RAR message, and the method 1700 further includes determining whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message based on the RAR window configuration; and sending the single instance of the RAR message or the repeated instance of the RAR message through the data channel based on the determination of whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message. In some cases, the one or more third RAR windows overlap at least partially with the one or more first RAR windows. In some cases, the one or more fourth RAR windows overlap at least partially with the one or more second RAR windows. In some examples, determining whether the segment of the current RAR window supports a single instance of the RAR message or supports repeated instances of the RAR message includes determining that the segment of the current RAR window supports repeated instances of the RAR message, and sending the single instance of the RAR message or the repeated instance of the RAR message includes sending the repeated instance of the RAR message through the data channel.

[0221] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Additionally, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0222] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for purposes of example and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may be applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0223] Other aspects of the present disclosure include the following:

[0224] 1. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising:

[0225] receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0226] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0227] One or more time slots of the RAR window are monitored for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

[0228] 2. A method according to clause 1, wherein receiving an indication of the RAR window configuration includes receiving system information from a base station.

[0229] 3. The method of clause 2, wherein receiving system information from the base station comprises receiving at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB).

[0230] 4. A method according to any one of clauses 2 to 3, wherein receiving the system information from the base station comprises receiving the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0231] 5. The method according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising:

[0232] A RAR window configuration is identified based on the received indication of the RAR window configuration.

[0233] 6. The method of clause 5, wherein identifying the RAR window configuration comprises mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration.

[0234] 7. The method of clause 6, wherein mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration comprises using a lookup table.

[0235] 8. The method of clause 6, wherein mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration comprises selecting a first lookup table from a plurality of available lookup tables.

[0236] 9. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window comprises an alternating pattern of one or more first segments and one or more second segments.

[0237] 10. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

[0238] 11. A method according to clause 10, wherein the second length is different from the first length.

[0239] 12. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 8 or 10 to 11, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window is contiguous.

[0240] 13. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window is non-contiguous.

[0241] 14. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein determining whether the random access process operates within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments includes determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments.

[0242] 15. The method of clause 14, wherein the scheduled RAR communication comprises at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0243] 16. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein:

[0244] Determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window includes determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and

[0245] Monitoring the one or more time slots of the RAR window includes monitoring a plurality of time slots of the RAR window for repeated instances of the control information.

[0246] 17. The method of clause 16, further comprising:

[0247] A repetition level associated with the one or more second segments is identified, wherein monitoring a plurality of time slots of the RAR window for repeated instances of the control information is based on the identified repetition level.

[0248] 18. A method according to any one of clauses 16 to 17, further comprising:

[0249] receiving two or more of the repeated instances of control information from the base station based on the monitoring;

[0250] combining received repeated instances of the control information to form combined control information; and

[0251] The combined control information is decoded.

[0252] 19. A method according to clause 18, wherein combining received repeated instances of the control information to form combined control information comprises performing soft combining.

[0253] 20. The method of clause 18, further comprising:

[0254] The data channel is monitored for RAR messages based on the decoded combined control information.

[0255] 21. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 15, wherein determining whether the random access procedure operates within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and

[0256] It further includes:

[0257] The data channel is monitored for repeated instances of the RAR message based on the determination.

[0258] 22. A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising:

[0259] sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0260] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0261] A single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information are sent in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0262] 23. A method according to clause 22, wherein sending an indication of the RAR window configuration includes sending system information.

[0263] 24. The method of clause 23, wherein sending the system information comprises sending at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB).

[0264] 25. A method according to any of clauses 22 to 23, wherein sending the system information comprises sending the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0265] 26. A method according to any of clauses 23 to 25, wherein sending the system information comprises sending an indicator associated with the RAR window configuration.

[0266] 27. A method according to any one of clauses 22 to 26, further comprising:

[0267] Select RAR window configuration from various available RAR window configurations.

[0268] 28. The method of clause 27, wherein selecting the RAR window configuration from the plurality of available RAR window configurations is based at least in part on connectivity conditions between the base station and one or more user equipments (UEs).

[0269] 29. A method according to any one of clauses 22 to 28, wherein the RAR window configuration further indicates an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments.

[0270] 30. A method according to any of clauses 22 to 28, wherein the RAR window configuration further indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

[0271] 31. A method according to clause 30, wherein the second length is different from the first length.

[0272] 32. A method according to any of clauses 22 to 31, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window is contiguous.

[0273] 33. A method according to any of clauses 22 to 31, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window is contiguous.

[0274] 34. A method according to any one of items 22 to 33, wherein determining whether the random access process operates within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments includes determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within one or more first segments of the RAR window or within one or more second segments.

[0275] 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the scheduled RAR communication comprises at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0276] 36. A method according to any one of clauses 22 to 35, wherein:

[0277] Determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window includes determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and

[0278] Sending the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information includes sending the repeated instances of the control information in a plurality of time slots of the RAR window.

[0279] 37. A method according to clause 36, wherein the repeated instances of sending the control information in multiple time slots of the RAR window are based on a repetition level associated with one or more second segments configured according to the RAR window.

[0280] 38. A method according to any one of clauses 36 to 37, further comprising:

[0281] The RAR message is sent in the data channel based at least in part on repeated instances of the control information.

[0282] 39. A method according to any one of clauses 36 to 38, further comprising:

[0283] A radio resource control (RRC) connection request is received from a user equipment (UE) based at least in part on repeated instances of control information sent in a plurality of time slots of a RAR window.

[0284] 40. A method according to any of clauses 22 to 35, wherein determining whether the random access procedure operates within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and

[0285] It further includes:

[0286] Repeated instances of the RAR message are sent in the data channel based on the determination.

[0287] 41. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising:

[0288] processor,

[0289] a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and

[0290] Instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to perform the following operations:

[0291] receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0292] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0293] One or more time slots of the RAR window are monitored for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

[0294] 42. The apparatus of clause 41, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0295] An indication of the RAR window configuration is received by receiving system information from a base station.

[0296] 43. The apparatus of clause 42, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0297] The system information is received from the base station by receiving at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB).

[0298] 44. An apparatus according to any of clauses 41 to 42, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0299] The system information is received from the base station by receiving the system information through at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0300] 45. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 44, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0301] A RAR window configuration is identified based on the received indication of the RAR window configuration.

[0302] 46. ​​An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 45, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0303] The RAR window configuration is identified based on mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration.

[0304] 47. The apparatus of clause 46, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0305] One or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration are mapped to parameters of the RAR window configuration using a lookup table.

[0306] 48. The apparatus of clause 46, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0307] One or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration are mapped to parameters of the RAR window configuration by selecting a first lookup table from a plurality of available lookup tables.

[0308] 49. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 48, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0309] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window includes an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments.

[0310] 50. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 49, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0311] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

[0312] 51. The apparatus of clause 50, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0313] The second length is determined to be different from the first length.

[0314] 52. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 48 or 50 to 51, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0315] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR windows are contiguous.

[0316] 53. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 51, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0317] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR windows are non-contiguous.

[0318] 54. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 53, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0319] Whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window is determined by determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window.

[0320] 55. The apparatus of clause 54, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0321] Determining that the scheduled RAR communication includes at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0322] 56. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 55, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0323] A plurality of time slots of the RAR window are monitored for repeated instances of the control information in response to determining that the random access procedure is operating within the one or more second segments.

[0324] 57. The apparatus of clause 56, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0325] A repetition level associated with the one or more second segments is identified, causing the apparatus to monitor a plurality of time slots of the RAR window for repeated instances of the control information based on the identified repetition level.

[0326] 58. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 56 to 57, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0327] receiving two or more of repeated instances of control information from a base station based on monitoring a plurality of time slots of the RAR window;

[0328] combining received repeated instances of the control information to form combined control information; and

[0329] The combined control information is decoded.

[0330] 59. The apparatus of clause 58, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0331] Received repeated instances of the control information are combined by performing soft combining to form combined control information.

[0332] 60. The apparatus of clause 58, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0333] The data channel is monitored for RAR messages based on the decoded combined control information.

[0334] 61. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 41 to 55, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0335] The data channel is monitored for repeated instances of the RAR message in response to determining that the random access procedure is operating within the one or more second segments.

[0336] 62. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising:

[0337] processor,

[0338] a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and

[0339] Instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to perform the following operations:

[0340] sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0341] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0342] A single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information are sent in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0343] 63. The apparatus of clause 62, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0344] Sends indication of RAR window configuration by sending system message.

[0345] 64. The apparatus of clause 63, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0346] The system information is transmitted by transmitting at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB).

[0347] 65. An apparatus according to any of clauses 63 to 34, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0348] The system information is transmitted via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0349] 66. An apparatus according to any of clauses 63 to 65, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0350] System information is sent by sending indicators associated with RAR window configuration.

[0351] 67. An apparatus according to any of clauses 62 to 66, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0352] Select RAR window configuration from various available RAR window configurations.

[0353] 68. The apparatus of clause 67, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0354] Selecting a RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations is based at least in part on connectivity conditions between a base station and one or more user equipments (UEs).

[0355] 69. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 62 to 68, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0356] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments.

[0357] 70. An apparatus according to any of clauses 62 to 69, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0358] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

[0359] 71. The apparatus of clause 70, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0360] The second length is determined to be different from the first length.

[0361] 72. An apparatus according to any of clauses 62 to 71, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0362] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR windows are contiguous.

[0363] 73. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 62 to 71, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0364] Determining the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR windows are contiguous.

[0365] 74. An apparatus according to any of clauses 62 to 73, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0366] Whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window is determined by determining whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window.

[0367] 75. The apparatus of clause 74, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0368] Determining that the scheduled RAR communication includes at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

[0369] 76. An apparatus according to any of clauses 62 to 75, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0370] Repeated instances of the control information are sent in a plurality of time slots of the RAR window in response to determining that the random access procedure is operating within the one or more second segments.

[0371] 77. The apparatus of clause 76, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0372] Repeated instances of the control information are sent in a plurality of time slots of the RAR window based on a repetition level associated with the one or more second segments configured according to the RAR window.

[0373] 78. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 76 to 77, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0374] The RAR message is sent in the data channel based at least in part on repeated instances of the control information.

[0375] 79. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 76 to 78, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0376] A radio resource control (RRC) connection request is received from a user equipment (UE) based at least in part on repeated instances of control information sent in a plurality of time slots of a RAR window.

[0377] 80. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 62 to 75, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to:

[0378] Repeated instances of the RAR message are sent in the data channel based on determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments.

[0379] 81. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising:

[0380] means for receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0381] means for determining, based on the RAR window configuration, whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window; and

[0382] Means for monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

[0383] 82. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising:

[0384] means for sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0385] means for determining, based on the RAR window configuration, whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or within one or more second segments of the RAR window; and

[0386] Means for sending a single instance of control information or repeated instances of control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0387] 83. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a user device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to:

[0388] receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a base station, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0389] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0390] One or more time slots of the RAR window are monitored for a single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

[0391] 84. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to:

[0392] sending an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of the control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information;

[0393] determining whether the random access procedure is to operate within one or more first segments or one or more second segments of the RAR window based on the RAR window configuration; and

[0394] A single instance of the control information or repeated instances of the control information are sent in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

[0395] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0396] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0397] The functions described herein can be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented using software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium or sent via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these. Features that implement the functions can also be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0398] Computer-readable media include non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, which include any media that helps to transfer a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer. As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage device, disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to carry or store desired program code components in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer or a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. Any other non-transitory medium. Moreover, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) is used to transmit software from a website, server or other remote source, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) are all included in the definition of computer-readable media. Disk and disc as used herein include CD, laser disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0399] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C refers to A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0400] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second label that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference numbers.

[0401] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "superior to other examples." The detailed description includes specific details in order to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0402] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but conforms to the broadest scope according to the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising: receiving, from a network access node, an indication of a random access response RAR window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; Determining whether a random access procedure is to be operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as One or more time slots of the RAR window are monitored for the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving the indication of the RAR window configuration comprises receiving system information from the network access node, wherein the receiving the system information from the network access node comprises receiving at least one of a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB).

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving the indication of the RAR window configuration comprises receiving system information from the network access node, wherein the receiving the system information from the network access node comprises receiving the system information via at least one of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The RAR window configuration is identified based on the received indication of the RAR window configuration.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said identifying the RAR window configuration comprises mapping one or more bits of the received indication of the RAR window configuration to parameters of the RAR window configuration.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said mapping one or more bits of said received indication of said RAR window configuration to said parameters of said RAR window configuration comprises using a lookup table.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said mapping one or more bits of said received indication of said RAR window configuration to said parameters of said RAR window configuration comprises selecting a first lookup table from a plurality of available lookup tables. 8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that the RAR window includes an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the RAR window configuration indicates whether the RAR window is contiguous or non-contiguous.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the scheduled RAR communication comprises at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) message or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein: The determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; as well as The monitoring the one or more time slots of the RAR window includes monitoring a plurality of time slots of the RAR window for the repeated instances of the control information.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: A repetition level associated with the one or more second segments is identified, wherein the monitoring of the plurality of time slots of the RAR window for the repeated instances of the control information is based on the identified repetition level.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: receiving two or more of the repeated instances of the control information from the network access node based on the monitoring; combining received repeated instances of the control information to form combined control information; as well as The combined control information is decoded.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said combining the received repeated instances of the control information to form the combined control information comprises performing soft combining.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The data channel is monitored for RAR messages based on the decoded combined control information.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and It further includes: The data channel is monitored for repeated instances of the RAR message based on the determination.

18. A method for wireless communication at a network access node, comprising: sending an indication of a random access response RAR window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; Determining whether a random access procedure is to be operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as The single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information are sent in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Select the RAR window configuration from among multiple available RAR window configurations.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the selecting the RAR window configuration from a plurality of available RAR window configurations is based at least in part on connectivity conditions between the network access node and one or more user equipments (UEs).

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the RAR window configuration further indicates an alternating pattern of the one or more first segments and the one or more second segments.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the RAR window configuration further indicates that each of the one or more first segments has a first length and each of the one or more second segments has a second length.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein: The determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; as well as The sending the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information includes sending the repeated instances of the control information in a plurality of time slots of the RAR window.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the repeated instances of sending the control information in the plurality of time slots of the RAR window are based on a repetition level associated with the one or more second segments configured according to the RAR window.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising: A RAR message is sent in a data channel based at least in part on the repeated instances of the control information.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising: A Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request is received from a user equipment (UE) based at least in part on the repeated instances of the control information sent in the plurality of time slots of the RAR window.

27. The method of claim 18, wherein the determining whether the random access procedure operates within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window comprises determining that the random access procedure operates within the one or more second segments; and It further includes: Repeated instances of the RAR message are sent in the data channel based on the determination.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising: processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and Instructions, which are stored in the memory and can be executed by the processor to cause the device to perform the following operations: receiving, from a network access node, an indication of a random access response RAR window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; Determining whether a random access procedure is to be operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as One or more time slots of the RAR window are monitored for the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information based on the determination.

29. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network access node, comprising: processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and Instructions, which are stored in the memory and can be executed by the processor to cause the device to perform the following operations: sending an indication of a random access response RAR window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; Determining whether a random access procedure is to be operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as The single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information are sent in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determination.

30. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment, comprising: means for receiving an indication of a random access response (RAR) window configuration from a network access node, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; means for determining whether a random access procedure is operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window, based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as Means for monitoring one or more time slots of the RAR window for the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information based on the determining.

31. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network access node, comprising: means for sending an indication of a random access response RAR window configuration, the RAR window configuration indicating that one or more first segments of the RAR window support a single instance of control information and indicating that one or more second segments of the RAR window support repeated instances of the control information; means for determining whether a random access procedure is operated within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window, based on whether the scheduled RAR communication is scheduled within the one or more first segments or within the one or more second segments of the RAR window; as well as Means for transmitting the single instance of the control information or the repeated instances of the control information in one or more time slots of the RAR window based on the determining.

32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a user equipment, the code being executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-17.

33. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network access node, the code being executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 18-27.

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