Systems and methods for PRACH resource configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for transmitting an indication. In one embodiment, the system and method are configured to send, by a wireless communication node, a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) parameter configuration to a wireless communication device, where the PRACH parameter configuration indicates a mapping between a plurality of PRACH resources and a plurality of cell beams, and to receive, by the wireless communication node, a preamble from the wireless communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to systems and methods for PRACH resource configuration. Background Art

[0002] In areas where terrestrial network services are weak or non-existent, non-terrestrial network ("NTN") networks can be employed to support the connection of massive Internet of Things ("IoT") devices and / or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC). NTNs such as geostationary orbit ("GEO") satellites or low earth orbit ("LEO") satellites can provide continental local or regional services. However, special attention must be paid when using NTN networks. Typically, a single satellite is responsible for supporting communication over a very large area. Additionally, typically an IoT unit supports communication with a single satellite. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are aimed at solving problems related to one or more problems presented in the prior art, and providing additional features that will become apparent when referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art reading this disclosure that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication node includes sending, by the wireless communication node, a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) parameter configuration to a wireless communication device, where the PRACH parameter configuration indicates a mapping between a plurality of PRACH resources and a plurality of cell beams; receiving, by the wireless communication node, a preamble from the wireless communication device; identifying, by the wireless communication node, one of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponding to the received preamble; and determining, by the wireless communication node, an index of one of the plurality of cell beams selected by the wireless communication device based on the mapping. Herein, "cell beam" may be referred to as "cell sector", "cell area", or "Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam". A cell beam may include at least one of a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) block beam and / or a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) block beam, etc., which can be used to divide the cell PSS / SSS / MIB / and / or SIB1 transmission area into a plurality of sub-regions. Each sub-region has similar RF propagation delays, similar channel propagation characteristics, similar antenna characteristics, similar spatial code characteristics, etc. One sub-region corresponds to a set of Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) resources, and based on the PRACH resources selected by the UE, the eNB (e.g., the RF of the eNB) can determine the sub-region selected (e.g., resided in) by the UE.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication device includes receiving, by the wireless communication device, a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) parameter configuration from a wireless communication node, where the PRACH parameter configuration indicates a mapping between a plurality of PRACH resources and a plurality of cell beams; selecting, by the wireless communication device, an index of one of the plurality of cell beams; and sending, by the wireless communication device, a preamble to the wireless communication node using one of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponding to the index of the selected cell beam.

[0006] The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, the description, and the claims. Description of the Drawings

[0007] The following describes in detail various preferred embodiments of the present solution in conjunction with the following drawings or figures. The provided drawings are for illustrative purposes only and describe only the exemplary embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered as a limitation on the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and convenience of illustration.

[0008] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network is shown in which the techniques and other aspects disclosed herein can be implemented, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 The block diagram of an example base station and user equipment device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 The block diagram of an exemplary non - terrestrial communication network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 The block diagram of an exemplary non - terrestrial communication network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 The flowchart of an example method for a BS to identify a cell beam according to a preamble selected by a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 The block diagram of an example of a cell beam with various narrowband physical random access channel resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 The flowchart of an example method for a UE to select a cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 8 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of per - cell beam mapping using a beam cell list according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 9 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of each cell beam based on NPRACH carrier mapping according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 10 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of each cell beam based on NPRACH periodicity according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 11 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of each cell beam based on NPRACH periodicity and NPRACH beam offset according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of each cell beam based on NPRACH resource frequency division according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 13 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration of each cell beam based on NPRACH frequency division and time division according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 14A block diagram showing an example NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam based on frequency division and time division of NPRACH resources, where the number of cell beams for each RACH occasion and non-contiguous contention-based preambles for each cell beam are configured.

[0022] Figure 15 A block diagram showing an example NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam based on frequency division and time division of NPRACH resources, where the number of cell beams for each RACH occasion and contiguous contention-based preambles for each cell beam are configured.

[0023] Figure 16 A block diagram showing an example NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration being based on using frequency division and time division to implicitly map, in a PRACH period, NPRACH periodicity, NPRACH beam offset, and the number of contiguous contention-based preambles for each cell beam first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain.

[0024] Figure 17 A block diagram showing an example NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration being based on using frequency division and time division to implicitly map, in a PRACH period, NPRACH periodicity, NPRACH beam offset, and the number of contiguous contention-based preambles for each cell beam first in the frequency domain and then in the time domain.

[0025] Figure 18 A block diagram showing an example PRACH period configured by SIB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0026] The following describes various example embodiments of the present solution in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the present solution. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an example order, and the present solution is not limited to the presented specific order or hierarchy unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0027] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an example wireless communication network and / or system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as the "network 100". Such an example network 100 includes base stations 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 102") and user equipment devices 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104") that may communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 that cover a geographical area 101. In Figure 1 FIG. 1, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are contained within the respective geographical boundaries of the cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station that operates on its allocated bandwidth to provide sufficient radio coverage to its intended users.

[0029] For example, the BS 102 may operate on an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to the UE 104. The BS 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a downlink radio frame 118 and an uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, and the subframes 120 / 127 may include data symbols 122 / 128. In the present disclosure, the BS 102 and the UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that may generally practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of the present solution, such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0030] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., half-duplex signals), in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. The system 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, the system 200 may be used to transmit (e.g., send and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment 100 such as the Figure 1 wireless communication environment described above.

[0031] System 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE204"). BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 220 as needed. UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 240 as needed. BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which, as described herein, can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmitting data.

[0032] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that system 200 may also include any number of modules other than Figure 2 the modules shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logics described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functions. Whether such a function is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Persons familiar with the concepts described herein can implement such a function in a suitable manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to the antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to the antenna 212. The downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplex manner. The operations of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 to receive transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212. In some embodiments, there is a tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between the changes in the duplex direction.

[0034] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna arrangement 212 / 232 capable of supporting a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to applications to specific standards and associated protocols. Instead, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0035] According to various embodiments, for example, the BS 202 may be an evolved Node B (eNB), serving eNB, target eNB, femto cell, or pico cell. In some embodiments, the UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user equipment, such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, laptop computer, wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, content addressable memory, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with digital signal processor cores, or any other such configuration.

[0036] In addition, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in software modules executed separately by processor modules 214 and 236, or in any actual combination of the foregoing. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 can each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively.

[0037] Network communication module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that are capable of two-way communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX communication. In a typical deployment, without any limitation, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface such that base station transceiver 210 can communicate with a traditional Ethernet-based computer network. In this way, network communication module 218 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms “configured to,” “configured for,” and variations thereof refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0038] Typically, there can be one IoT cell that supports communication with satellites in the NTN network. In one example, the IoT cell can be an omni-directional cell spanning hundreds of kilometers. When a cell is responsible for supporting a large area, the network capacity may be reduced. In some cases, an NTN cell can be divided into multiple cell beams to increase the cell capacity.

[0039] Figure 3A block diagram of an exemplary non-terrestrial communication network 300 including at least one drone system-based wireless communication node in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In particular, Figure 3 A communication network 300 is shown, including a satellite or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 302, a UE 304, a gateway 306, and a data network 308. The satellite 302 can be used as a platform for a base station, such as the BSs 102 and 202 discussed above with respect to Figure 1 and 2 The UE 304 can be similar to the UEs 104 and 204 discussed above with respect to Figure 1 and 2 The UE 304 and the BS on the satellite 302 can communicate via a communication link 310, and the BS on the satellite 302 and the gateway 306 can communicate via a feeder link 312. The gateway 306 can communicate with the data network 308 via a data link 314.

[0040] Figure 4 Another exemplary non-terrestrial communication network 400 including at least one drone system-based wireless communication node in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The communication network 400 shown is similar to Figure 3 the communication network 300 shown, but includes an additional satellite or UAV platform 402. Figure 4 A scenario is shown where the communication network includes a satellite constellation that allows communication between the UE and the gateway or the data network. Additionally, the satellite field of view 404 can be divided into multiple cell beams 406-1 to 406-6.

[0041] The gateway 306 can be one of several gateways that can provide a connection between the satellites 302 / 402 and the data network 308, and the data network 308 can be a public terrestrial data network. The gateway 306 can be deployed across the target coverage area of the satellite, which can include a regional or continental coverage area. In an example where the satellite is a non-geostationary earth orbit satellite (“non-GEO satellite”), the satellite can be continuously served by one or more gateways at a time. The communication network can ensure that there is a service link 310 and that the feeder link 312 remains continuous between successive gateways, with sufficient duration for mobility anchoring and handover. In some examples, the UEs in a cell can be served by only one gateway.

[0042] A satellite can implement transparent or regenerative (with on-satellite processing) payloads. In the case where the satellite implements a transparent payload, the satellite can perform radio filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification to repeat signals. In the case where the satellite platform implements a regenerative payload, the satellite can perform radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, amplification, as well as demodulation / modulation, switching, and / or routing, encoding / modulation, etc., so as to at least partially effectively perform the functions of a base station on the satellite.

[0043] The satellite can generate a number of beams over a service area defined by its field of view 404, depending on the antenna characteristics and minimum elevation angle on the satellite. The footprints of the satellite beams and cell beams on the Earth's surface are elliptical. A number of cell beams can be included in the satellite's field of view 404. For example, there may be M cell beams in the satellite's field of view 404, where M is a positive integer. As shown in the figure, cell beams 406-1 to 406-6 can be beams separated from the NTN satellite beam. The cell beam can be referred to as a cell sector, a cell area, or a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam. In addition, the cell beam can be mapped to N satellite beams, where N is a positive integer. The beam can include at least one of a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) block beam, a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) block beam, etc. The beam can be used to divide cell meta-blocks such as PSS, SSS, Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB) into multiple sub-regions. Each sub-region can correspond to a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) resource set and have similar RF propagation delays, channel propagation characteristics, antenna characteristics, space code characteristics, etc.

[0044] In the case where the communication system includes a satellite constellation, such as Figure 4 the communication system shown, the network can include an Inter-Satellite Link (“ISL”) 412. In some such cases, the satellite can implement a regenerative payload. The ISL can operate in the RF or optical band.

[0045] Table 1 below lists various types of satellites that can be used to implement Figure 3 and 4 the satellites / UAVs 302 and 402 shown. The satellite types and corresponding information shown in Table 1 are only examples and not limitations, as other types of platforms and satellites can also be used.

[0046]

[0047]

[0048] Table 1: Satellite Types

[0049] In some embodiments, GEO satellites and UAS platforms can be used to provide continental, regional, or local services. In some embodiments, LEO and MEO satellite constellations can be used to provide services in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In certain cases, satellite constellations can even provide global coverage, including polar regions. In some such cases, appropriate orbital inclinations, ISLs, and beams can be selected.

[0050] 2. NPRACH parameter configuration for mapping NPRACH resources to cell beams

[0051] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method for a BS to identify a cell beam based on a preamble selected by a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In block 501, the BS sends physical random access channel (PRACH) parameter configuration to the UE. The PRACH configuration maps multiple PRACH resources to multiple cell beams. In block 502, the BS receives a preamble from the UE. In block 503, the BS determines an index of a selected cell beam based on the mapping that maps PRACH resources to cell beams in block 501.

[0052] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example 600 of cell beams with various NPRACH resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Different cell beams have different NPRACH resources. For example, for different cell beams in a cell, the time and / or frequency configuration of the preamble and / or the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) may be different. Thus, as shown, various cell beams 601 to 604 can be transmitted, where each cell beam 601 - 604 has a different set of NPRACH resources 601 - A to 604 - A. Each cell beam 601 - 604 can have an index that identifies the cell beam. When a cell beam is divided into multiple beams, this index can be detected by the UE. The UE can select a contention - based random access resource (CBRA) in the NPRACH resources corresponding to the selected cell beam.

[0053] The various cell beams associated with the PRACH resource set can allow the BS to know the index of the cell beam selected by the UE. The UE can use the cell beam index to select a cell beam based on the NPRACH resources (e.g., the preamble). The UE can then send the selected NPRACH preamble to the BS. The BS can schedule radio resources in the cell beam based on the received NPRACH preamble sent by the UE. In other words, the BS can know the cell beam index based on the NPRACH preamble sent by the UE.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mapping of NPRACH resources to cell beams may be explicitly indicated by the BS in the SIB. In alternative embodiments, the mapping of NPRACH resources to cell beams may be implicitly indicated based on network deployment. For example, in the case where cell beam numbers are configured, cell beams are used, and / or the number of preambles based on successive contention is provided, NPRACH resource mapping may be performed.

[0055] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example method for a UE to select a cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In block 701, the UE receives a PRACH parameter configuration. The PRACH parameter configuration maps multiple PRACH resources to multiple cell beams. In block 702, the UE may select an index of a cell beam. In block 703, the UE may use the PRACH resource corresponding to the index of the selected cell beam to transmit a preamble based on the mapping received from the BS in step 701.

[0056] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example NPRACH resource configuration 800 for mapping each cell beam using a cell beam list according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam in an NB-IoT cell may be based on a cell beam list of NPRACH resources. In some embodiments, PRACH resource mapping may be performed for eMTC.

[0057] The cell beam list of NPRACH resources is shown as 801. The NPRACH resource configuration for a cell beam may be unique such that the time and / or frequency resources of the preamble may make the NPRACH resource identifiable. Thus, a preamble using a specific time and / or frequency resource may be mapped to the NPRACH resource configuration to identify the corresponding cell beam. The cell beam list 801 of NPRACH resources maps multiple cell beams 802 to 804 as a cell beam list. Each of the cell beams 802 to 804 in the cell beam list may be mapped to an NPRACH resource configuration 802-A to 804-A. In other words, the BS will be able to extract the relevant cell beam based on the preamble received from the UE, where the preamble utilizes the NPRACH resource configurations 802-A to 804-A mapped to the cell beams 802 to 804.

[0058] In alternative embodiments, multiple NPRACH resources may be mapped to an NPRACH resource list. Each of the multiple NPRACH resources may correspond to multiple cell beams included in a cell.

[0059] Figure 9A block diagram of an exemplary NPRACH resource configuration 900 for each cell beam based on NPRACH carrier mapping according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The NPRACH resource configuration for each cell beam in an NB-IoT cell can be based on NPRACH carrier mapping. The NPRACH carrier list 901 can map multiple carriers 902 to 904 to corresponding NPRACH resource configurations 902-A to 904-A and cell beam indicators 902-B to 904-B.

[0060] The NPRACH carriers 902 to 904 can be configured for each cell beam, where each cell beam can be indicated by the cell beam indices 902-B to 904-B. The cell beam index can be indicated in the NPRACH carrier configuration, where each NPRACH carrier is configured for only one cell beam. Thus, the BS will be able to extract the relevant NPRACH carrier based on the preamble received from the UE.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cell beam index can be explicitly indicated in the NPRACH carrier configuration. In other embodiments, the cell beam index can be implicitly based on the cell beam number and the NPRACH carrier number. The following conditions show the relationship between the cell beam and the NPRACH carrier index.

[0062] i th Cell Beam = NPRACH carrier index mod N

[0063] In the above condition, N can be the number of cell beams. Thus, i th The cell beam can be determined by the NPRACH carrier index given the total number of cell beams N.

[0064] Figure 10 A block diagram of an exemplary NPRACH resource configuration 1000 for each cell beam based on NPRACH periodicity according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, PRACH resource mapping can be performed for eMTC. The NPRACH parameter configuration can implicitly map the cell beam to the NPRACH resources within the NPRACH period. The NPRACH period can indicate the time interval between adjacent NPRACH resources for different cell beams. For example, the first NPRACH period can correspond to the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1. Additionally, the second NPRACH period can correspond to the NPRACH resources of cell beam 2, and so on.

[0065] As shown in the figure, eight NPRACH resources for cell beams numbered 1002 to 1009 can be sent. In one embodiment, the NPRACH period 1001 can be the duration of the NPRACH resource for cell beam 1002. The cell beam period can be one or more NPRACH periods. The NPRACH resource can be used for the cell beam within the PSS / SSS period of the cell beam detected by the UE.

[0066] Generally, if a cell has M cell beams, the start time of the NPRACH resource of the j-th cell beam can be as follows.

[0067] (SFN * 10 + Subframe) = NPRACH START + i * NPRACH PERIOD , j = i mod M

[0068] where SFN is the current system frame number (SFN) number, Subframe is the current subframe number, NPRACH START is the start time (subframe) of the first NPRACH resource in the SFN wrap-around, NPRACH PERIOD is the NPRACH period, in units of subframes, M is the total number of cell beams in the cell, j is the j-th cell beam, and both i and j are non-negative integers.

[0069] Figure 11 The block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration 1100 for each cell beam based on NPRACH periodicity and NPRACH beam offset according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, PRACH resource mapping can be performed for eMTC. The NPRACH parameter configuration can implicitly map the cell beam to the beam offset. The beam offset can be the time interval between adjacent NPRACH resources of different NPRACH resources for the cell beam. For example, the beam offset 1102 can be the time from the start of the first NPRACH resource of beam 1103 to the time of the second NPRACH resource of beam 1104. The beam offset can last for a duration less than or equal to the duration of the NPRACH period. The cell beam can correspond to the NPRACH resource in the beam offset.

[0070] The NPRACH period can indicate the time interval between NPRACH resources of the same cell beam index. The cell beam period can be one or more NPRACH periods. The NPRACH resource can be used for the cell beam during the PSS / SSS of the cell beam detected by the UE.

[0071] As shown in the figure, eight cell beams numbered from 1103 to 1110 can be sent. The NPRACH period 1101 can include NPRACH resources of multiple cell beams. Therefore, the NPRACH period 1101 can include the first NPRACH resource in the time domain corresponding to the first cell beam index 1103, the NPRACH beam offset of the second NPRACH resource in the time domain corresponding to the second cell beam index 1104, and so on until the NPRACH resource of cell 1103 is sent again.

[0072] Generally, if there are M cell beams in a cell, the start time of the NPRACH resource of the jth cell beam can be determined as follows.

[0073] (SFN * 10 + Subframe) = NPRACH START + i * NPRACH PERIOD ,

[0074] j = NPRACH PERIOD mod M

[0075] Or

[0076] SFN * 10 + subframe = NPRACH START + j * NPRACH beam offet

[0077] Where SFN is the current SFN number, Subframe is the current subframe number, NPRACH START is the start time of the first NPRACH resource in the SFN wrap-around, M is the total number of cell beams in the cell, j is the jth cell beam, where j and i are non-negative integers.

[0078] Figure 12 The block diagram of the exemplary NPRACH resource configuration 1200 of each cell beam based on the frequency division of NPRACH resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, PRACH resource mapping can be performed for eMTC. The NPRACH parameter configuration can map the cell beam to the frequency-domain NPRACH resource within the NPRACH period. For example, in the same NPRACH period, the first preamble can correspond to the cell beam index 1, and the second preamble can correspond to the cell beam index 2, and so on.

[0079] Generally, if there are M cell beams in a cell, the NPRACH resource of the jth cell beam can be determined as follows.

[0080] j = (NPRACH PREAMBLE.INDEX - PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFSET ) mod M

[0081] where PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET is the starting frequency position of the PRACH resource. As configured in the SIB, the preamble may not start from 0, but may start from PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET instead. In the case where the j-th cell beam starts from 0 instead of 1, for the M cell beams within the cell, the NPRACH resources of the j-th cell beam can be determined according to the following conditions.

[0082] j - 1 = (NPRACH PREAMBLE.INDEX - PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET ) mod M

[0083] In the contention-based random access procedure, if, for example, the number N of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam is provided by the SIB, and if there are M cell beams in the cell, the NPRACH resources of the j-th cell beam can be determined according to the following conditions.

[0084]

[0085] When the j-th cell beam starts from 0 instead of 1, given N consecutive contention-based preambles and M cell beams, the NPRACH resources of the j-th cell beam can be determined as follows.

[0086]

[0087] In some embodiments, the number N of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam can be provided by the SIB. In other embodiments, the number N of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam can be implicitly indicated according to the number of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam, the number of consecutive contention-based preambles, and the number of cell beams, as follows.

[0088]

[0089] In the case where the contention-based preambles in one NPRACH period are not sufficient for all cell beams, the cell beams can be mapped to multiple PRACH periods. For example, the cell beam index can be mapped to the NPRACH preambles in ascending order of the preamble index within a single NPRACH period from the frequency domain.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1201 - 1208 are divided in the frequency domain. The NPRACH resources of cell beams 1201 - 1208 are included in NPRACH period 1209. The number of contention-based preambles in one NPRACH period is not enough. Therefore, the cell beam index 1201 can be repeated in NPRACH periods 1210 and 1211.

[0091] If the number N of preambles based on successive contention is provided for each cell beam, the first N preambles in the first NPRACH period can be used for the first cell beam. Additionally, the second N preambles in the first NPRACH period can be used for the second cell beam. This can be repeated until the k-th N preambles are used for the k-th cell beam. Thus, the contention-based preambles in the first NPRACH period can be mapped.

[0092] Subsequently, the first N preambles in the second NPRACH period can be used for the (k + 1)-th cell beam, and the second N preambles in the second NPRACH period can be used for the (k + 2)-th cell beam. This can be repeated until all cell beams are mapped to contention-based preambles.

[0093] As shown, eight NPRACH preambles can be respectively mapped to cell beam indices 1201 to 1208. In the current example, there are nine NPRACH preambles, so the cell beam index 1201 is repeated. This pattern can be repeated in NPRACH periods 1209, 1210, and 1211 such that all cell beams are mapped to contention-based preambles.

[0094] Figure 13 A block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration 1300 for each cell beam based on NPRACH frequency division and time division according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The NPRACH parameter configuration can map cell beams to frequency-domain NPRACH resources and / or time-domain NPRACH resources. In other words, different NPRACH resources in the frequency domain and time domain can be mapped to different contention-based preambles. In some embodiments, PRACH resource mapping can be performed for eMTC.

[0095] Generally, if there are M cell beams in a cell and there are L contention-based preambles in one NPRACH period, in the case where the number N of preambles based on successive contention for each cell is provided, for example, by the SIB, the preambles in one NPRACH period can be mapped to k cell beams as follows.

[0096]

[0097] The i-th cell beam can be mapped to a preamble as follows, where PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET is the starting frequency position of the PRACH resource. As configured in the SIB, the preamble may not start from 0 but may start from PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET and start.

[0098]

[0099] (Preamble Index - PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET )(Preamble Index - PRACH) mod N = i mod N

[0100] If the contention - based preambles in an NPRACH period are not sufficient for all cell beams, the cell beams can be mapped to multiple PRACH periods. For example, the cell beam index can be mapped to the NPRACH preambles in ascending order of the preamble index within a single NPRACH period from the frequency domain. In addition, if there are more contention - based preambles to be mapped to the cell beam, after using all available NPRACH preambles in the frequency domain, the cell beam index can be mapped to the NPRACH preambles from the time domain in ascending order of the NPRACH period index.

[0101] If the number N of contention - based preambles per cell beam is provided, the first N preambles in the first NPRACH period can be used for the first cell beam. In addition, the second N preambles in the first NPRACH period can be used for the second cell beam. This can be repeated until the k * Nth preamble is used for the kth cell beam. Thus, the contention - based preambles in the first NPRACH period can be mapped.

[0102] Subsequently, the first N preambles in the second NPRACH period can be used for the (k + 1)th cell beam, and the second N preambles in the second NPRACH period can be used for the (k + 2)th cell beam. This can be repeated until all cell beams are mapped to contention - based preambles.

[0103] The total number of CBRA resources can be configured and used by the cell beams. Each cell beam can use a pre - configured number of contention - based preambles per cell beam (CFRA).

[0104] As shown in the figure, there are eight contention - based preambles in each NPRACH period. The number N of contention - based preambles per cell is 2. Therefore, the cell beam indices 1301, 1302, 1303, and 1304 are mapped to the first NPRACH period 1309. In addition, the cell beam indices 1305, 1306, 1307, and 1308 are mapped to the second NPRACH period 1310. The next cell beam indices 1301, 1302, 1303, and 1304 are mapped to the third NPRACH period 1311. Similarly, the cell beam indices 1305, 1306, 1307, and 1308 are mapped to the fourth NPRACH period 1312.

[0105] As discussed herein, the NPRACH parameter configuration can map cell beams to frequency - domain NPRACH resources and / or time - domain NPRACH resources. Figure 16A block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration 1600 for each cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, which is based on using frequency division and time division to implicitly map the NPRACH periodicity, NPRACH beam offset, and the number of contention-based preambles for each cell beam in the PRACH period first in the frequency domain and then in the time domain.

[0106] As shown, within one NPRACH period 1610, the NPRACH resources are first mapped to the cell beams in the frequency domain. For example, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1601 are mapped to the first two contention-based preambles. This mapping can occur in the first NPRACH beam offset 1609. Next, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1602 are mapped to two adjacent contention-based preambles in the frequency domain. In other words, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1602 are mapped to the preambles above the first mapping performed using the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1601. This can be repeated until all cell beams are mapped to the contention-based preambles in the frequency domain. Subsequently, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1603 are mapped to the contention-based preambles in the time domain adjacent to the contention-based preambles in the first mapping 1601, mapping to the next two contention-based preambles in the time domain. In other words, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1603 can be mapped according to the second NPRACH beam offset 1611. Thus, the time domain can be used to fill the remaining NPRACH resources of the cell beams.

[0107] Figure 17 A block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration 1700 for each cell beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, which is based on using frequency division and time division to implicitly map the NPRACH periodicity, NPRACH beam offset, and the number of contention-based preambles for each cell beam in the PRACH period first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain.

[0108] As shown in the figure, within an NPRACH period 1710, the NPRACH resources are first mapped to the cell beams in the time domain. For example, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1701 are mapped to the first two contention-based preambles. This mapping can occur in the first NPRACH beam offset 1709. Next, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1702 are mapped to two adjacent contention-based preambles in the time domain. In other words, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1702 are mapped in the second NPRACH beam offset 1711. This can be repeated until all cell beams are mapped to the contention-based preambles in the time domain. Subsequently, the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1706 are mapped to adjacent contention-based preambles in the frequency domain, for example, on top of the first mapping performed using the NPRACH resources of cell beam 1701. In other words, the frequency domain is used to fill the remaining NPRACH resources of the cell beams.

[0109] The NPRACH parameter configuration can map the cell beams to a predefined number of frequency-domain NPRACH resources within an NPRACH period in the time domain. In addition, this mapping can also indicate the number of cell beams for each random access channel (RACH) opportunity. The total number of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam and the number of cell beams for each RACH opportunity can be configured. Therefore, the number of CBRA for the cell beams, N CBRA , the number of cell beams for each RACH opportunity, Beam.Number PER.RO , the number of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam, Contention.Preambles, and the relationship between the RA resources for CFRA, RA.Resource can be as follows.

[0110] N CBRA = BeamNumber PerRO * CBRAPreambleNumber PerBeam

[0111] Therefore, the number of CBRA for each cell beam can be determined by multiplying the number of cell beams for each RACH opportunity by the number of consecutive contention-based preambles for each cell beam.

[0112] In some embodiments, the predefined number of frequency-domain NPRACH resources corresponding to the cell beams are not continuous in the frequency domain. Therefore, in the case where the CBRA resources of the cell beams are not continuous, the mapping between the RA resources and the cell beams in each RACH opportunity can be as follows. Within each RACH opportunity, the starting preamble for each cell beam can be:

[0113]

[0114] where n is an integer between 0 and the number of cell beams per RACH occasion. The PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET is the starting frequency position of the PRACH resource. As configured in the SIB, the preamble may not start from 0 but may alternatively start from the PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET start. In some embodiments, the total RA resources per RACH occasion may be configured by the SIB. In alternative embodiments, the relationship between the number of cell beams per RACH occasion and the number of continuous contention-based preambles per cell beam may be used to determine the total RA resources per RACH occasion, as shown below.

[0115] RA Resource = Cell Beam Number * Continuous Contention Based Preamble per beam

[0116] Figure 14 FIG. shows a block diagram of an exemplary NPRACH resource configuration 1400 per cell beam based on frequency division and time division of NPRACH resources according to some embodiments, where the number of cell beams per RACH occasion and the non-continuous contention-based preambles per cell beam are configured.

[0117] As shown, there are eight contention-based preambles per NPRACH period. The number of continuous contention-based preambles per cell beam is two. In addition, the number of cell beams per RACH occasion is also two. Thus, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1401 and 1402 are mapped to the first NPRACH period 1409. However, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1401 and 1402 are not mapped to the continuous contention-based preambles. In other words, there is a frequency delay between the first NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1401 and the second NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1402. In addition, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1403 and 1404 are mapped to the second NPRACH period 1410. Similarly, there is a frequency delay between the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1403 and the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1404. The next NPRACH resources of cell beams 1405 and 1406 are mapped to the third NPRACH period 1411. Similarly, there is a frequency delay between the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1405 and the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1406. In addition, the next NPRACH resources of cell beams 1407 and 1408 are mapped to the fourth NPRACH period 1412. There is a frequency delay between the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1407 and the NPRACH resource mapping cell beam 1408.

[0118] At each RACH occasion, the frequency start position of the PRACH resource can be determined by the PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET As configured in the SIB, the preamble may not start from 0, but may start from the PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET start.

[0119] In some embodiments, a predefined number of frequency-domain NPRACH resources corresponding to cell beams are continuous in the frequency domain. Therefore, in the case where the CBRA resources of the cell beams are continuous, the mapping between the RA resources and the cell beams in each RACH occasion can be as follows. Within each RACH occasion, the starting preamble of each cell beam can be:

[0120] PRACH SUBCARRIER.OFFSET +n*Number of Continuous Contention Based Preambles

[0121] Per Cell Beam

[0122] where n is an integer between 0 and the number of cell beams in each RACH occasion.

[0123] Figure 15 FIG. shows a block diagram of an example NPRACH resource configuration 1500 for each cell beam based on frequency division and time division of NPRACH resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where the number of cell beams in each RACH occasion and the non-continuous contention-based preambles for each cell beam are configured.

[0124] As shown, there are eight contention-based preambles in each NPRACH period. The number of continuous contention-based preambles for each cell beam is two. In addition, the number of cell beams in each RACH occasion is also two. Therefore, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1501 and 1502 are mapped to the first NPRACH period 1509. In addition, the NPRACH resources of cell beams 1503 and 1504 are mapped to the second NPRACH period 1510. The next NPRACH resources of cell beams 1505 and 1506 are mapped to the third NPRACH period 1511. In addition, the next NPRACH resources of cell beams 1507 and 1508 are mapped to the fourth NPRACH period 1512.

[0125] The mapping strategy discussed herein for mapping between multiple NPRACH resources and multiple cell beams can also be used for mapping between multiple eMTC PRACH resources and multiple cell beams.

[0126] 3. Alternative PRACH period configuration for eMTC

[0127] Specifically for eMTC, an alternative PRACH time period configuration can be configured. Generally, in order for the BS to distinguish preambles, the NPRACH time period should be greater than the uplink (UL) propagation delay spread. In other words, the time interval between preambles should be greater than the maximum delay deviation between different UEs. In NTN, the maximum uplink propagation delay spread is greater than 100 ms. Therefore, the PRACH time period can be determined by the PRACH configuration index.

[0128] Table 2 below shows that the SFN and subframe number determine the NPRACH preamble interval. In the case where the maximum interval is less than the PRACH time period, the BS cannot use preambles in various time domains to distinguish various UEs.

[0129]

[0130]

[0131]

[0132] Table 2: Random access configuration of frame structure type 1 for preamble formats 0 to 3.

[0133] Similarly, Table 3 below describes the random access configuration of frame structure type 2 for preamble formats 0 to 4. The density every 10 ms can determine the NPRACH preamble interval in Table 3. RA

[0134]

[0135]

[0136] Table 3: Random access configuration of frame structure type 2 for preamble formats 0 to 4

[0137] In one embodiment, a new PRCH configuration index with a large preamble interval can be implemented. For example, the bolded PRACH configuration indexes in Tables 4 and 5 can be implemented.

[0138]

[0139]

[0140]

[0141] Table 4: Random access configuration of frame structure type 1 for preamble formats 0 to 3

[0142]

[0143] ​

[0144]

[0145] Table 5: Frame Structure Type 2 Random Access Configuration for Preamble Formats 0 to 4

[0146] Figure 18 The block diagram shows an example PRACH period 1800 configured by SIB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The SIB can explicitly configure the PRACH period. Although the PRACH configuration index can indicate multiple preamble occasions, only the first preamble occasion within a period is valid. In one example, the PRACH period 1801 can be 80 ms. Although there is one preamble (1802 to 1818) for each SFN, only the preamble in the first SFN within the PRACH period is valid. Therefore, the preambles associated with SFN0 (1802), SFN8 (1810), and SFN16 (1818) are valid.

[0147] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example and not limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, and providing these example architectures or configurations enables those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, these persons will understand that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present solution should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0148] It should also be understood that any reference to elements using designations such as "first", "second", etc. generally does not limit the number or order of these elements. Instead, these designations are used herein as a convenient means of differentiating between two or more elements or between multiple instances of one element. Therefore, the reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, nor does it mean that the first element must be located before the second element in some manner.

[0149] Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of different techniques can be used to represent information and signals. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referred to in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0150] Those of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code containing instructions (referred to herein for convenience as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of functionality. Implementing such functionality as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) that includes 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, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can further include an antenna and / or transceiver to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0152] If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Accordingly, the steps of the methods or algorithms of the solutions herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, and communication media includes any medium that can enable a computer program or code to be transferred from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0153] As used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purposes of discussion, the various modules are described as discrete modules. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to an embodiment of the present solution.

[0154] Additionally, in an embodiment of the present solution, a memory or other storage device, as well as communication components, may be employed. It should be understood that, for clarity, the embodiments of the present solution have been described above with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without departing from the present solution. For example, functions illustrated as being performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Thus, the reference to a particular functional unit is only a reference to a suitable means for providing the described function, and does not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0155] Various modifications to the implementations described in the present solution will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but rather is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a wireless communication node, a physical random access channel (PRACH) parameter configuration to a wireless communication device, where the PRACH parameter configuration indicates a mapping between a plurality of PRACH resources and a plurality of cell beams; and receiving, by the wireless communication node, a preamble from the wireless communication device; where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of beam offsets included in a PRACH period.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates a plurality of cell beams of a cell as a cell beam list, and each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of PRACH resources.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the PRACH includes at least one of a narrowband Internet of Things narrowband physical random access channel (NPRACH) and an enhanced machine type communication physical random access channel (PRACH).

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates the plurality of PRACH resources as a PRACH resource list, and each of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of cell beams included in a cell.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of carriers of a cell.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of PRACH resources located within a PRACH period.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to one of a plurality of frequency domain PRACH resources within a PRACH period.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to one of a plurality of frequency domain PRACH resources and / or one of a plurality of time domain PRACH resources.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, where the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a predefined number of frequency domain PRACH resources that are continuous in the frequency domain and located within a PRACH period in the time domain.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, where the predefined number of frequency domain PRACH resources corresponding to the first of the plurality of cell beams and the predefined number of frequency domain PRACH resources corresponding to the second of the plurality of cell beams are continuous in the frequency domain.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, where the predefined number of frequency domain PRACH resources corresponding to the first of the plurality of cell beams and the predefined number of frequency domain PRACH resources corresponding to the second of the plurality of cell beams are not continuous in the frequency domain.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, wherein the mapping further indicates the number of cell beams for each random access channel (RACH) occasion.

13. A wireless communication method, comprising: receiving, by a wireless communication device, a physical random access channel (PRACH) parameter configuration from a wireless communication node, wherein the PRACH parameter configuration indicates a mapping between a plurality of PRACH resources and a plurality of cell beams; selecting, by the wireless communication device, an index of one of the plurality of cell beams; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a preamble to the wireless communication node using one of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponding to the index of the selected cell beam; wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of beam offsets included in one PRACH period.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates the plurality of cell beams of a cell as a cell beam list, and each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of PRACH resources.

15. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the PRACH includes at least one of a narrowband Internet of Things narrowband physical random access channel (NPRACH) and an enhanced machine type communication physical random access channel (PRACH).

16. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates the plurality of PRACH resources as a PRACH resource list, and each of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of cell beams included in a cell.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of PRACH resources corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of carriers of a cell.

18. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of PRACH resources located within one PRACH period.

19. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to one of a plurality of frequency-domain PRACH resources within a PRACH period.

20. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to one of a plurality of frequency-domain PRACH resources and / or one of a plurality of time-domain PRACH resources.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein the mapping indicates that each of the plurality of cell beams corresponds to a predefined number of frequency-domain PRACH resources that are continuous in the frequency domain and located within one PRACH period in the time domain.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 21, wherein a predefined number of frequency-domain PRACH resources corresponding to the first of the plurality of cell beams and a predefined number of frequency-domain PRACH resources corresponding to the second of the plurality of cell beams are continuous in the frequency domain.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 21, wherein a predefined number of frequency-domain PRACH resources corresponding to the first of the plurality of cell beams and a predefined number of frequency-domain PRACH resources corresponding to the second of the plurality of cell beams are not continuous in the frequency domain.

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 21, wherein the mapping further indicates the number of cell beams for each random access channel (RACH) occasion.

25. A wireless communication device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A computer program product comprising computer-readable program media code stored thereon, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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