Unified random access (RA) design for multiple features

Abstract

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for implementing unified RACH for multiple features. For example, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method that includes determining, by a user equipment (UE), a feature to be indicated at initial access of the UE to a base station, and determining whether the UE and the base station support a feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the feature. The method further includes, in response to determining that both the UE and the base station support the feature-specific RA procedure for the feature, determining whether a condition for the feature is satisfied. In response to determining that the condition is satisfied, the method includes selecting a feature-specific random access channel (RACH) resource, and performing a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

Description

Background Technology Technical Field

[0001] The aspects described herein relate in general to mechanisms for random access (RA) procedures, which include a unified RA design for multiple features supported by user equipment (UE) and the network.

[0002] Related fields

[0003] The RA procedure (or the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure as described in some aspects herein) is a procedure that can be used by the UE and the network for the UE's initial access to the network. An RA procedure for initial connection can be triggered when the UE is joining the network for the first time and has data to send to the network. In another example, an RA procedure can be triggered when the UE is paged by the network. In some examples, a 4-step RA (or a 4-step RACH as described in some aspects herein) is configured for the UE's initial access. In some examples, a 2-step RA (or a 2-step RACH as described in some aspects herein) is configured for the UE's initial access. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for implementing a unified RA for multiple features. For example, some aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for implementing a mechanism for a unified RA design across multiple features, which can simultaneously support multiple features. These multiple features may include, but are not limited to, Reduced Capability (RedCap), Coverage Enhancement, Radio Access Network (RAN) Slicing, Small Data Transmission, etc. According to some aspects, feature identification during the RA process can be performed using, for example, different RACH timings (ROs) or different preamble configurations.

[0005] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a transceiver configured to enable wireless communication with a base station and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: determine a feature to be indicated during the UE's initial access to the base station, and determine whether the UE and the base station support a feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for that feature. The processor may be further configured to: determine whether a condition for that feature is met in response to determining that both the UE and the base station support a feature-specific RA procedure for that feature. In response to determining that the condition is met, the processor is further configured to: select a feature-specific random access channel (RACH) resource, and perform a four-step RA procedure or a two-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

[0006] In some respects, this feature is one of several features that the UE indicates during initial access to the base station. Feature-specific RACH resources may include one or more RACH timings or one or more preambles allocated based on these features.

[0007] In some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration indices associated with the multiple features. In some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple sets of subframes of PRACH configuration indices associated with the multiple features. In some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple frequency resources of RACH timings associated with the multiple features. In some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple RACH timings associated with the multiple features, wherein the multiple RACH timings are distributed in both the frequency and time domains. In some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple preamble offsets associated with the multiple features.

[0008] In some aspects, the processor is further configured to select feature-specific RACH resources based on the determined features and feature-specific RACH configurations. In some aspects, the feature-specific RACH configurations may include a general RACH configuration and multiple specific RACH configurations. The general RACH configuration may include the number of the multiple specific RACH configurations, and the mapping between the multiple features and the multiple specific RACH configurations. Each of the multiple specific RACH configurations may include information associated with a 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process, which is associated with a corresponding feature among the multiple features.

[0009] In some respects, feature-specific RACH configurations may include a first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with a 4-step RA process and a second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with a 2-step RA process.

[0010] In some aspects, the processor is further configured to determine whether the UE and the base station support a second feature-specific RA procedure for a second feature. In response to determining that the UE or the base station does not support a second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, the processor may perform a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on a selected feature-specific RACH resource. In response to determining that the UE and the base station support a second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, the processor may determine whether a second condition of the second feature is met. In response to determining that the second condition is met, the processor may select a feature-specific RACH resource for the feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature. The processor may also perform a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource or the selected second feature-specific RACH resource. In response to determining that the second condition is not met, the processor may perform a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

[0011] In some respects, the processor is configured to select a feature-specific RACH resource or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the feature based on the priority assigned to the feature and the second feature.

[0012] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method comprising: determining, by a user equipment (UE), a feature to be indicated upon initial access to a base station by the UE, and determining whether the UE and the base station support a feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the feature. The method further comprises: in response to determining that both the UE and the base station support the feature-specific RA procedure for the feature, determining whether a condition of the feature is met. In response to determining that the condition is met, the method comprises: selecting a feature-specific random access channel (RACH) resource, and performing a four-step RA procedure or a two-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

[0013] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. When executed by a processor of a base station, these instructions cause the processor to perform operations including: determining, by a user equipment (UE), a feature to be indicated during the UE's initial access to the base station, and determining whether the UE and the base station support a feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for that feature. These operations also include: in response to determining that both the UE and the base station support a feature-specific RA procedure for that feature, determining whether a condition for that feature is met. In response to determining that the condition is met, these operations include: selecting a feature-specific random access channel (RACH) resource, and performing a four-step RA procedure or a two-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

[0014] The content of this invention is provided for illustrative purposes only, to provide an understanding of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the features described above are merely illustrative and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or substance of the subject matter of this disclosure. Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 An exemplary system for implementing a unified RA process for multiple features according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system of an electronic device implementing a unified RA process for multiple features according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Exemplary signaling for the RA process is shown in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4A An exemplary RACH configuration for the frequency and time of a 4-step RA process is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4B An exemplary preamble partition is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4C An exemplary preamble partition is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 An exemplary preamble partition is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 An exemplary method is shown for a system (e.g., a UE) to perform a unified RA process for multiple features, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 Another exemplary method is shown for a system (e.g., a UE) to perform a unified RA process for multiple features, according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 It is an exemplary computer system for implementing some aspects or parts thereof.

[0026] This disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally denote the same or similarly functional elements. Additionally, the leftmost numeral of the reference numerals generally appears first in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for implementing a unified RA process (or a RACH process as described in some aspects) for multiple features. For example, some aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for implementing a mechanism for a unified RACH design across multiple features. According to some aspects, feature identification during the RA process can be accomplished using, for example, different RACH timings (ROs) or different preamble configurations.

[0028] In some examples, aspects of this disclosure may be implemented by networks and / or UEs operating under Release 17 (Rel-17) and / or Rel-17 New Radio (NR) for fifth-generation (5G) radio technologies for digital cellular networks as defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Alternatively, aspects of this disclosure may be implemented by networks and / or UEs operating under Release 15 (Rel-15), Release 16 (Rel-16), etc. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples, and one or more mechanisms of this disclosure may be implemented by other networks and / or UEs to support multiple features using a unified RA procedure.

[0029] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 is shown that implements a unified RA process for multiple features according to some aspects of this disclosure. The exemplary system 100 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the aspects disclosed.

[0030] System 100 may include, but is not limited to, network nodes (e.g., base stations such as eNB, gNB, etc.) 101 and electronic devices (e.g., UEs) 103. Electronic device 103 (hereinafter referred to as UE 103) may include electronic devices configured to operate based on a variety of wireless communication technologies. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, technologies based on 3GPP standards. For example, UE 103 may include electronic devices configured to operate using Rel-17 or others. UE 103 may include, but is not limited to, wireless communication devices, smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, tablets, personal assistants, monitors, televisions, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, vehicle communication devices, etc. Network node 101 (hereinafter referred to as a base station or cell) may include one or more nodes configured to operate based on a variety of wireless communication technologies (such as, but not limited to, technologies based on 3GPP standards). For example, base station 101 may include one or more nodes configured to operate using Rel-17 or other versions.

[0031] According to some aspects, UE 103 is not connected to base station 101. UE 103 can use the RA procedure to initiate access and initially connect to base station 101. According to some examples, carrier 105 can be used to complete the initial access. According to some aspects, carrier 105 may include one carrier. In addition or alternatively, carrier 105 may include two or more component carriers (CCs). In other words, UE 105 can implement carrier aggregation (CA). For example, UE 103 can use multiple carriers to communicate with base station 101.

[0032] According to some aspects, conventional RACH may include a 2-step RA procedure and / or a 4-step RA procedure. For example, in Rel-15, a 4-step RA procedure is configured for the UE to perform its initial access. In Rel-16, both the 4-step RA procedure and the 2-step RA procedure can be configured within a single cell for the UE to perform its initial access. According to some examples, different combinations of ROs and / or preambles can be used to distinguish between 2-step RACH resources and 4-step RACH resources. According to some aspects, conventional 2-step RACH and 4-step RA procedures may be based on, for example, Section 6.3.3.2 of Technical Specification (TS) 38.211, Section 8 of TS 38.213, and / or Section 5.1 of TS 38.321.

[0033] Rel-17 includes multiple features that can be supported by the UE (e.g., UE 103) and the network (e.g., base station 101). These features may include, but are not limited to, RedCap, coverage enhancement, RAN slicing, small data transmission, etc. Traditional RA procedures do not support multiple features and do not use feature-specific RA procedures. Depending on some aspects, system 100 supports the simultaneous or substantially simultaneous use of RA procedures for multiple features. In some examples, UE 103 may use a unified RA procedure to identify the features it uses during initial access to base station 101. As discussed in more detail below, different ROs and / or different preamble configurations may be used to perform feature identification during a unified RA procedure.

[0034] Depending on several aspects, the unified RA procedure can use RO partitioning to support multiple features simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In one example, the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration index can be used to indicate different RO modes for different features. Different PRACH configuration indices can indicate different RO timing locations. In other words, different PRACH configuration indices are used for different RO modes for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103. In some examples, the PRACH configuration index can be defined in Section 6.3.3.2 of technical specification TS38.211. However, other configuration indices can be used to indicate different RO modes.

[0035] Alternatively, different subsets of ROs can be used for different features in a unified RA process. For example, for the same PRACH configuration index, multiple ROs can be used within a single cycle. Different subsets of ROs can be used for different features.

[0036] Alternatively, different frequency resources can be used for different features in the unified RA process. For example, the unified RA process can configure the same RO timing position for multiple features, but configure different frequency resources for different features.

[0037] Alternatively or in addition, different frequency and time resources can be used for different characteristics during the unified RA process. For example, the unified RA process can configure different ROs for different characteristics in frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM) (e.g., using different frequency and time resources). In a non-limiting example, for ROs configured within a cell (e.g., configured by prach-ConfigurationIndex and msg1-FDM), each RO can be sequentially numbered: first, in ascending order of the frequency resource index of the frequency multiplexing RO; second, in ascending order of the time resource index of the time multiplexing RO within the PRACH time slot; and third, in ascending order of the PRACH time slot index. The unified RA process can configure different ROs for different characteristics.

[0038] Alternatively or in some respects, in order to use RO partitioning, the unified RA process may use preamble partitioning to support multiple features simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In some examples, preamble partitioning may be performed when using a shared RO. According to some respects, for each feature, the preamble information may include the total number of preambles per synchronization signal block (SSB) and the preamble start index for each SSB.

[0039] Depending on some aspects, system 100 may define one or more RACH configurations for a unified RA process. In some examples, the RACH configuration may include a general RACH configuration that defines multiple specific RACH configurations. Each of these multiple specific RACH configurations is associated with a feature of system 100. Alternatively, the RACH configuration may include a common RACH timing pool for all features of a 4-step RACH and a common RACH timing pool for all features of a 2-step RACH.

[0040] Figure 2A block diagram of an exemplary system 200 of an electronic device implementing a unified RA process for multiple features according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. System 200 can be any electronic device in the electronic device of system 100 (e.g., base station 101, UE 103). System 200 includes a processor 210, one or more transceivers 220a-220n, communication infrastructure 240, memory 250, operating system 252, application program 254, and antenna 260. The illustrated system is provided as an exemplary part of system 200, and system 200 may include other circuitry and subsystems. Furthermore, although the system of system 200 is shown as separate components, aspects of this disclosure may include any combination of these components, fewer components, or more components.

[0041] Memory 250 may include random access memory (RAM) and / or cache, and may include control logic (e.g., computer software) and / or data. Memory 250 may include other storage devices or memories, such as, but not limited to, hard disk drives and / or removable storage devices / cells. According to some examples, operating system 252 may be stored in memory 250. Operating system 252 may manage data transfer from memory 250 and / or one or more applications 254 to processor 210 and / or one or more transceivers 220a-220n. In some examples, operating system 252 may hold one or more network protocol stacks (e.g., Internet Protocol stack, cellular protocol stack, etc.) that may include multiple logical layers. At the corresponding layer of the protocol stack, operating system 252 includes control mechanisms and data structures to perform the functions associated with that layer.

[0042] According to some examples, application 254 may be stored in memory 250. Application 254 may include applications used by the wireless system 200 and / or users of the wireless system 200 (e.g., user applications). Applications in application 254 may include, but are not limited to, applications such as, Siri. TM FaceTime TM Radio current, video stream, remote control and / or other user applications.

[0043] System 200 may also include communication infrastructure 240. Communication infrastructure 240 provides communication between, for example, processor 210, one or more transceivers 220a-220n, and memory 250. In some implementations, communication infrastructure 240 may be a bus. Processor 210, together with instructions stored in memory 250, executes to enable system 200 of system 100 to perform the operation of a unified RA process for multiple features as described herein.

[0044] According to some aspects, one or more transceivers 220a-220n transmit and receive communication signals supporting a unified RA process for multiple characteristics and may be coupled to antenna 260. Antenna 260 may include one or more antennas, which may be the same or different types. One or more transceivers 220a-220n allow system 200 to communicate with other devices, which may be wired and / or wireless. In some examples, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include processors, controllers, radio components, sockets, plugs, buffers, and similar circuitry / devices for connecting to and communicating over a network. According to some examples, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include one or more circuitry for connecting to and communicating over wired and / or wireless networks.

[0045] According to some aspects, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and / or Bluetooth. TM The subsystems each include their own radio transceivers and protocols, as those skilled in the art will understand based on the discussion provided herein. In some specific implementations, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include more or fewer systems for communicating with other devices.

[0046] In some examples, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include one or more circuits (including a WLAN transceiver) for enabling connectivity and communication via a WLAN network (such as, but not limited to, networks based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11). Alternatively, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include circuits for enabling, for example, Bluetooth-based... TM Protocol, Bluetooth TM Low power protocol or Bluetooth TM One or more circuits for low-power remote protocol connectivity and communication (including Bluetooth) TM (Transceiver). For example, transceiver 220n may include Bluetooth. TM Transceiver.

[0047] Additionally, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may include one or more circuits (including cellular transceivers) for connecting to and communicating over a cellular network. Cellular networks may include, but are not limited to, 3G / 4G / 5G networks, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. For example, one or more transceivers 220a-220n may be configured to operate according to one or more of the 3GPP standards Rel-15, Rel-16, Rel-17, or other versions.

[0048] Depending on some aspects, processor 210, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored in memory 250 and / or one or more transceivers 220a-220n, implements the unified RA process for multiple features discussed herein.

[0049] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Exemplary signaling for a random access (RA) procedure is shown in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure. Figure 3A An exemplary signaling 300 for a 4-step RA process is shown, which can be used with the unified RA process for multiple features of this disclosure. Figure 3B An exemplary signaling 320 for a 2-step RA process is shown, which can be used with the unified RA process of this disclosure for multiple features.

[0050] According to some aspects, such as Figure 3A As shown, UE 103 may send preamble 301 (e.g., RA preamble or RACH preamble) to base station 101 to initiate initial access for UE 103. As discussed in more detail below, UE 103 may select preamble 301 and / or UE's RACH timing (RO) based on the unified RA procedure of this disclosure. Depending on some aspects, UE 103 transmits preamble 301 on PRACH. In some examples, preamble 301 may also be referred to as message 1 (Msg 1).

[0051] After transmitting preamble 301, UE 103 may monitor the downlink (DL) channel to receive a response from base station 101. If UE 103 does not receive any response from base station 101, UE 103 may retry transmitting preamble 301. According to some aspects, base station 101 may send RA response 303 to UE 103. In some examples, RA response 303 may include information for UE 103 to transmit additional signals to base station 101. For example, RA response 303 (also referred to as Msg 2) may include timing information for UE 103 to send additional signals to base station 101. Furthermore, RA response 303 may include a Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI). However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples, and RA response 303 may include other information.

[0052] Messages 305 and 307 can be used for conflict resolution. In one example, message 305 (also known as Msg 3) can be a Radio Resource Control (RRC) transmitted by UE 103 to base station 105. Base station 101 can respond to message 305 by transmitting a response message 307 (also known as Msg 4). Messages 305 and 307 can be used for conflict resolution of potential conflicts between UE 103 and other UEs communicating with base station 101.

[0053] After the RA procedure is completed, UE 103 moves to the connected state and can communicate with base station 101 using parameters set and / or negotiated by base station 101. Exemplary signaling 300 for the 4-step RA procedure can be used with the unified RA procedure of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 3B Exemplary signaling 320 for a two-step RA process is illustrated, which can be used with the unified RA process of this disclosure for multiple features. According to some aspects, message 321 of the signaling 320 for the two-step RA process may include... Figure 3A The combination of preamble 301 and message 305. In other words, Figure 3B Message 321 may include a combination of Msg 1 and Msg 3. As discussed in more detail below, UE 103 may select the preamble message of message 321 and / or the UE's RACH timing (RO) based on the unified RA procedure of this disclosure. In some aspects, message 321 may be referred to as a Msg A transmission from UE 103 to base station 101.

[0055] also, Figure 3B Message 323 may include a combination of RA response 303 and message 307. In other words, Figure 3B Message 323 may include a combination of Msg 2 and Msg 4. In some respects, message 323 may be referred to as Msg B transmission from base station 101 to UE 103.

[0056] Although some exemplary information for messages 301, 303, 305, 307, 321 and 323 has been discussed, these messages may include additional information for the 4-step RA process and / or the 2-step RA process.

[0057] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exemplary RO and preamble configuration for a 4-step RA procedure is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure. According to some examples, RACH resources may include ROs and / or preambles. A preamble may include a combination (e.g., concatenated) of short sequences used by the UE for its initial access to a base station.

[0058] Figure 4AAn exemplary RACH configuration 400 for a 4-step RA process in terms of frequency and time, according to some aspects of this disclosure, is shown. The RACH configuration 400 may include one or more RACH slots 402 within a RACH resource period 406. Each RACH slot 402a may include one or more RACH opportunities (ROs) 404a, and each RACH slot 402b may include one or more RACH opportunities (ROs) 404b (where 404a and 404b are collectively referred to as ROs 404). Figure 4A In this example, RACH slot 402a includes six RO 404a, comprising both TDM and FDM. In this example, these ROs are arranged in both the time and frequency domains. Depending on some aspects, each RO 404 may carry one or more preambles. For example, Figure 4A Each RO 404 shown can carry up to 64 preambles. In a non-limiting example, an RO can carry three short preambles or one long preamble. UE 103 can use one or more ROs 404 within one or more RACH slots 402 to transmit its preambles (e.g., Figure 3A (preamble 301).

[0059] Although the RO 404 is shown arranged in the frequency domain, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to this example, and the RO404 may be distributed in the frequency domain, distributed in the time domain, or distributed in both the frequency and time domains. Furthermore, although Figure 4A This discussion pertains to the 4-step RA process, but a similar RACH configuration can also be used for the 2-step RA process.

[0060] According to some aspects, each RACH time slot in RACH time slot 402 may include one or more frequency domain ROs 404, which are arranged contiguously in the frequency domain and occupy a certain number of resource blocks. According to some examples, the number of resource blocks may depend on the preamble transmission bandwidth.

[0061] According to some aspects, RACH configuration 400 may include two types of preamble formats: long and short. Short preambles may have multiple preamble transmissions multiplexed within a single RACH time slot 402. In a non-limiting example, up to 64 preambles may be available for transmission in each such RACH time / frequency timing. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples, and other numbers of preambles may be used.

[0062] As discussed in more detail below, the unified RA process of this disclosure can be used to select one or more RO 404s for different characteristics.

[0063] In addition to UE (e.g., Figure 1In addition to or as a substitute for one or more ROs, the UE may also use one or more preambles for the UE’s initial access to the base station. Figure 4B An exemplary preamble partition 420 is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure. According to some aspects, Figure 4A Each RO 404 can carry as per Figure 4B The preamble is divided into one or more preambles by a 420-degree preamble. According to some examples, a RACH resource may include a RO (e.g., RO 404) and / or a preamble. Figure 4B The preamble division 420 is used for two synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) SSB1 and SSB2 within a single RO. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to this example, and the preamble division 420 can be used for any number of SSBs.

[0064] like Figure 4B As shown, the preamble partition 420 includes the contention-based (CB) preamble index of SSB1 421 and the contention-free (CF) preamble index of SSB1 423. The sum of 421 and 423 is the total number of preamble indices of SSB1. Similarly, as Figure 4B As shown, preamble partition 420 includes the CB preamble index of SSB2 425 and the CF preamble index of SSB2 427. The sum of 425 and 427 is the total number of preamble indices of SSB2. Preamble partition 420 also includes the reserved preamble 429.

[0065] Depending on certain aspects, CB preamble indices 421 and / or 425 can be divided into two or more groups. For example, the CB preamble index of SSB1 421 can be divided into group A 431 and group B 433. Based on the preamble index in group (group A or group B) received by base station 101, base station 101 can determine the message size of the message between UE 103 and base station 101.

[0066] Preamble partitioning 420 is discussed for preamble partitioning within a single RO (e.g., a single RO 404). However, a network (e.g., system 101 including base station 101) may use other methods to perform preamble partitioning within a single RO or across multiple ROs. In some examples, SSB and RO / preamble mapping may be performed sequentially. For example, each SSB may be mapped to the RO in ascending order of its preamble index within a single RO. Figure 4AMultiple RO 404s. In another example, the SSB and RO / preamble mapping can be done in the frequency domain of the frequency-multiplexed RO. In another example, the SSB and RO / preamble mapping can be done in the time domain of the time-multiplexed RO within the RACH time slot (assuming a short preamble format is used). In yet another example, the SSB and RO / preamble mapping can be done in the time domain between RACH time slots.

[0067] According to some examples, the RACH resources (e.g., RO and / or preamble) used for a 2-step RA procedure may be shared or separate from the RACH resources used for a 4-step RA procedure. In one example, if the RACH resources used for the 2-step RA procedure are separate from the RACH resources used for the 4-step RA procedure, then the RO and preamble selections used for the 2-step RA procedure may be the same as those used for the 4-step RA procedure (e.g., using...). Figure 4A and / or Figure 4B ).

[0068] In one example, if the RACH resource used for the 2-step RA procedure is shared with the RACH resource used for the 4-step RA procedure, then the preamble selection for the 2-step RA procedure can be based on... Figure 4C The preamble division is shown.

[0069] Figure 4C An exemplary preamble partition 440 is shown according to some aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4C The preamble division 440 is used for two synchronization signal blocks (SSBs): SSB1 and SSB2. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to this example, and the preamble division 440 can be used for any number of SSBs.

[0070] like Figure 4C As shown, the preamble partition 440 includes the CB preamble index of SSB1 441 for the 4-step RA process, the CB preamble index of SSB1 442 for the 2-step RA process, and the CF preamble index of SSB1 443 for the 4-step RA process. The sum of 441, 442, and 443 is the total number of preamble indices of SSB1 (for both the 2-step and 4-step RA processes).

[0071] Similarly, such as Figure 4C As shown, the preamble partition 440 may include the CB preamble index of SSB2 445 and the CF preamble index of SSB2 447 for the 4-step RA process. The sum of 445 and 447 is the total number of preamble indices of SSB2. The preamble partition 440 also includes a reserved preamble 449.

[0072] Depending on certain aspects, CB preamble indices 441, 442, and / or 445 can be divided into two or more groups. For example, the CB preamble index of SSB1 441 for a 4-step RA process can be divided into group A 451 and group B 453 for a 4-step RA process. The CB preamble index of SSB1 442 for a 2-step RA process can be divided into group A 455 and group B 457 for a 2-step RA process.

[0073] In some examples, the SSB-related CB preamble index for the 2-step RA procedure may be similar to the CF preamble index for the Rel-15 UE.

[0074] According to some aspects, Figure 1 System 100 is configured to support a unified RA procedure by using RO partitioning and / or preamble partitioning to support multiple features simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. For example, UE 103 may determine one or more features supported by UE 103 and base station 101. UE 103 may further select one or more feature-specific RACH resources (ROs and / or preambles) based on the determined one or more features. According to some examples, feature-specific RACH resources may include one or more ROs and / or one or more preambles partitioned based on multiple features associated with the initial access of UE 103 to base station 101. UE 103 may further perform a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RA resources.

[0075] In one example, the feature-specific RACH resource includes multiple PRACH configuration indices associated with the various features supported by UE 103 and base station 101. In this example, the PRACH configuration indices can be used to indicate different RO modes for different features. Different PRACH configuration indices can indicate different RO timing locations. In other words, different PRACH configuration indices are used for different RO modes for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103.

[0076] As a non-limiting example, Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211 defines a random access configuration for defining 29 PRACH configuration indices (e.g., PRACH configuration indices 0 to 28) for Frequency Range 1 (FR1). In this example, if base station 101 and / or UE 103 use two features, PRACH configuration index = 0 can be used for feature 1, and PRACH configuration index = 1 can be used for feature 2. In this example, PRACH configuration index = 0 can have an associated subframe number 1, and PRACH configuration index = 1 can have an associated subframe number 4. The unified RA procedure of this disclosure can be associated with feature 1 via the RO in subframe number 1 (associated with PRACH configuration index = 0). Furthermore, the unified RA procedure of this disclosure can be associated with feature 2 via the RO in subframe number 4 (associated with PRACH configuration index = 0). Based on this configuration, the network (e.g., Figure 1 The base station 101 of system 100 can identify features based on the PRACH configuration index used by UE 103.

[0077] The following is a portion of Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211, as shown in Table 1, as a non-restrictive example:

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081] Table 1—a portion of Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211

[0082] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples. Other PRACH configuration indices and their associated subframe numbers may be used for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103.

[0083] Alternatively or in addition, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple sets of subframes of PRACH configuration indices associated with the multiple features. For example, different subsets of ROs may be available for different features for the same PRACH configuration index. In some examples, multiple ROs may be available within a time period for some PRACH configuration indices. Different subsets of ROs may be available for different features.

[0084] As a non-limiting example, Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211 discussed above defines 10 subframes (subframe numbers 0 to 9) for PRACH configuration index 27. In this example, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple sets of subframes of PRACH configuration index 27 associated with the multiple features. For example, if base station 101 and / or UE 103 use two features, then ROs in subframe numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 (e.g., the first set of subframes) may be configured for feature 1, and ROs in subframe numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (e.g., the second set of subframes) may be configured for feature 2. Based on this configuration, the network (e.g., Figure 1 The base station 101 of system 100 can identify features based on the subframe number of the PRACH configuration index used by UE 103.

[0085] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples. Other PRACH configuration indices and their associated subframe numbers may be used for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103.

[0086] Alternatively or in addition, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple frequency resources for the ROs associated with the multiple features. For example, different frequency resources can be used for different features in a unified RA process. For example, a unified RA process may configure the same RO timing position for multiple features, but configure different frequency resources for different features.

[0087] As a non-limiting example, in Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211 discussed above, the PRACH configuration index can be configured as 1. PRACH configuration index = 1 has an associated subframe number 4. The RO is located in subframe number 4 with a period of 160ms. In this example, two ROs (e.g., RO-F1 and RO-F2) can be configured in the frequency domain. Different ROs can be configured for two features. For example, RO-F1 can be configured for feature 1, and RO-F2 can be configured for feature 2. Based on this configuration, the network (e.g., Figure 1 The base station 101 of system 100 can identify features based on the frequency resources in the subframe number of the PRACH configuration index used by UE 103.

[0088] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples. Other PRACH configuration indices, their associated subframe numbers, and their associated frequency resources may be used for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103.

[0089] Alternatively, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple Returnable Elements (ROs) associated with the features, wherein the ROs are distributed in the frequency and time domains. In this example, different frequency and time resources can be used for different features in the unified RA process. For example, the unified RA process may configure different ROs for different features in frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM) (e.g., using different frequency and time resources).

[0090] In a non-restrictive example, for ROs configured within a cell (e.g., configured by prach-ConfigurationIndex and msg1-FDM), each RO can be sequentially numbered: first, according to the ascending order of the frequency resource index of the frequency multiplexed RO; second, according to the ascending order of the time resource index of the time multiplexed RO within the PRACH slot; and third, according to the ascending order of the PRACH slot index. A unified RA procedure can configure different ROs for different characteristics.

[0091] As a non-limiting example, in Table 6.3.3.2-2 of TS 38.211 discussed above, RACH configuration index = 19 has two associated subframes (subframe number 1 and subframe number 6). In this example, ROs are located in subframe number 1 and subframe number 6, with a period of, for example, 10 ms. Two ROs can be configured in each subframe and in the frequency domain. Therefore, for RACH configuration index = 19, four ROs (RO-1, RO-2, RO-3, and RO-4) can be configured. In some examples, different ROs can be configured for two features. For example, RO-1 and RO-4 can be configured for feature 1, and RO-2 and RO-3 can be configured for feature 2. Based on this configuration, the network (e.g., Figure 1 The base station 101 of system 100 can identify features based on the frequency resources in the subframe number of the PRACH configuration index used by UE 103.

[0092] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples. Other PRACH configuration indices, their associated subframe numbers, and their associated frequency resources may be used for different features supported by base station 101 and UE 103.

[0093] In addition to or alternatively, according to some aspects, in order to use RO partitioning, the unified RA process can use preamble partitioning to support multiple features simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In some examples, preamble partitioning can be performed when using a shared RO. According to some aspects, for each feature, preamble information may include the total number of preambles per synchronization signal block (SSB) and the preamble start index for each SSB. In these examples, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple preamble offsets associated with the multiple features.

[0094] Figure 5 An exemplary preamble partitioning according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. In this example, UE 103 and base station 101 support and use two features. In this example, different preambles are configured for one RO, and two SSBs are mapped to that one RO. However, aspects of this disclosure may include any number of features and / or any number of SSBs.

[0095] Based on several aspects, the preamble partitioning of 500 is based on applications to multiple features. Figure 4C The preamble is divided into 440. Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 illustrates the CB preamble for SSB1 501 for a conventional 4-step RA process and the CB preamble for SSB1 503 for a conventional 2-step RA process. In a non-limiting example, 501 and 503 may include 10 preambles, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts from 1 and ends at 10.

[0096] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CB preamble index for SSB1 505 for a 4-step RA process for feature 1, and the CB preamble index for SSB1 507 for a 2-step RA process for feature 1. In a non-limiting example, 505 and 507 may include 10 preamble indices, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts at 11 and ends at 20. In this example, the preamble offset is 10 for SSB1 of feature 1.

[0097] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CB preamble index for SSB1 509 for a 4-step RA process for feature 2, and the CB preamble index for SSB1 511 for a 2-step RA process for feature 2. In a non-limiting example, 509 and 511 may include 10 preamble indices, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts at 21 and ends at 30. In this example, the preamble offset is 20 for SSB1 of feature 2.

[0098] Figure 5The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CF preamble index of SSB1 513.

[0099] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CB preamble index for SSB2515 for a conventional 4-step RA process, and the CB preamble index for SSB2517 for a conventional 2-step RA process. In a non-limiting example, 515 and 517 may include 10 preamble indices, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts at 31 and ends at 40.

[0100] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CB preamble index for SSB2 519 for a 4-step RA process for feature 1, and the CB preamble index for SSB2 521 for a 2-step RA process for feature 1. In a non-limiting example, 519 and 521 may include 10 preamble indices, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts at 41 and ends at 50. In this example, the preamble offset is 10 for SSB2 of feature 1.

[0101] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CB preamble index for SSB2 523 for a 4-step RA process for feature 2, and the CB preamble index for SSB2 525 for a 2-step RA process for feature 2. In a non-limiting example, 523 and 525 may include 10 preamble indices, where the preamble identifier (ID) starts at 51 and ends at 60. In this example, the preamble offset is 20 for SSB2 of feature 2.

[0102] Figure 5 The preamble partition 500 further illustrates the CF preamble indexes of SSB2 527 and the reserved preamble 529.

[0103] In this exemplary preamble partitioning, for the 4-step and 2-step preambles of feature 1, the preamble offset is X (per SSB). In this example, X is 10. Furthermore, for the 4-step and 2-step preambles of feature 2, the preamble offset is Y (per SSB). In this example, Y is 20. However, aspects of this disclosure may include other numbers of features, other numbers of SSBs, and / or other preamble offsets.

[0104] Figure 6 Exemplary methods for a system (e.g., a UE) to perform a unified RA procedure for multiple features, according to some aspects of this disclosure, are shown. For convenience and not limitation, please contact [contact information missing]. Figures 1 to 5 Element description Figure 6 Method 600 may represent an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1The UE103 implements the unified RA procedure operation. Method 600 can also be implemented by... Figure 2 System 200 and / or Figure 8 The method is executed by computer system 800. However, method 600 is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in the figures, and other systems may be used to execute the method, as those skilled in the art will understand. It should be understood that not all operations may be necessary, and these operations may not be compatible with... Figure 6 Execute in the same order as shown.

[0105] At 602, uplink (UL) carrier selection is performed. For example, UE 103 may perform UL carrier selection. Depending on some aspects, performing UL carrier selection may include comparing a determined Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value with an RSRP threshold. For example, UE 103 may determine the RSRP value based on the signal received by UE 103 from base station 101. In one example, UE 103 may determine an RSRP value referenced for downlink (DL) path loss (PL) and may compare the determined RSRP value with an RSRP threshold. In some examples, the RSRP threshold may include rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL.

[0106] Depending on some aspects, UE 103 may select Supplemental UL (SUL) in response to a determined RSRP value being less than an RSRP threshold. UE 103 may select Normal UL (NUL) in response to a determined RSRP value being greater than or equal to an RSRP threshold.

[0107] According to some examples, a network (e.g., system 100 including base station 101) may explicitly indicate UL carrier selection to UE 103. In this example, base station 101 may explicitly indicate to UE 103 the UL carrier to be used. In some examples, this explicit indication may occur in connected mode. According to some examples, no carrier change occurs during the RA procedure.

[0108] At 604, the feature to be indicated during the initial access of the UE to the base station is determined. According to some examples, these features may include, but are not limited to, RedCap (e.g., a feature that can be used for low-cost UEs with low radio quality), coverage enhancement, radio access network (RAN) slicing, small data transmission, etc. Although method 600 is discussed with respect to one feature, aspects of this disclosure may include performing method 600 for multiple features.

[0109] At 606, it is determined whether the UE and / or base station support a feature-specific random access (RA) procedure (a unified RA procedure for multiple features) for the determined features. For example, UE 103 may determine whether it supports a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined features. In a non-limiting example, UE 103 may determine whether it supports a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined features by examining, for example, the capabilities of UE 103 stored in its memory. UE 103 may also determine whether base station 101 supports a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined features. In a non-limiting example, UE 103 may determine whether base station 101 supports a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined features based on information and configuration received by UE 103 from base station 101. UE 103 may use other methods to perform the determination operation 606.

[0110] If UE 103 determines that UE 103 or base station 101 does not support a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined features, method 600 may move to operation 608. At 608, UE 103 may use a conventional RA procedure (e.g., a 2-step or 4-step procedure). Depending on some aspects, to use a conventional RA procedure, UE 103 may select a conventional 4-step RA procedure or a conventional 2-step RA procedure. In some examples, for a contention-free RACH (CFRA), UE 103 may use an RSRP threshold to select between a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure. If a 4-step CFRA resource is configured, UE 103 may perform a 4-step RA procedure. If a 2-step CFRA resource is configured, UE 103 may perform a 2-step RA procedure. Operation 608 may also include preamble selection and RO selection based on the determined RACH configuration.

[0111] If UE 103 determines that UE 103 and base station 101 support a feature-specific RA procedure for the determined feature, then method 600 may move to operation 610. At 610, it is determined whether a condition for the determined feature is met. For example, UE 103 determines whether the condition is met. According to some aspects, this condition is a feature-specific condition. In other words, each feature has its associated conditions.

[0112] In a non-limiting example, if UE 103 selects coverage enhancement as the feature, but UE 103's radio quality is acceptable (e.g., better than a threshold), then UE 103 may not want to use a uniform RA procedure (e.g., a feature-specific RA procedure). In this example, the condition for the coverage enhancement feature may include the link quality used by UE 103 to communicate with base station 101. UE 103 may measure the radio quality, compare the measured quality to a threshold, and determine whether the condition is met.

[0113] In a non-limiting example, if UE 103 selects a small data transmission feature, but UE 103's radio quality is unacceptable (e.g., the quality is worse than a threshold, e.g., less than the threshold)), UE 103 may not want to use a uniform RA procedure (e.g., a feature-specific RA procedure). In this example, because the radio quality is unacceptable, UE 103 may not be able to send large messages and will instead send small messages. Therefore, UE 103 may need to indicate to base station 101 that UE 103 is selecting small data transmission. In this example, the conditions for coverage enhancement features may include the link quality used by UE 103 to communicate with base station 101. UE 103 may measure the radio quality, compare the measured quality to a threshold, and determine whether the condition is met.

[0114] This disclosure is not limited to these exemplary conditions and may include other feature-specific conditions. In some aspects, these conditions are defined such that UE 103 can determine whether using a uniform RA procedure (e.g., a feature-specific RA procedure) is beneficial to UE 103 and / or the network. These conditions may be configured and / or predefined by the network (e.g., system 100 including base station 101). In some examples, base station 101 may use, for example, system information to transmit feature-specific conditions to UE 103.

[0115] If the conditions of the determined feature are not met, method 600 may move to operation 608 discussed above. If the conditions of the determined feature are met, method 600 may move to operation 612.

[0116] At 612, a feature-specific RACH resource is selected. For example, UE 103 may select a feature-specific RACH resource based on determined features. Depending on some aspects, UE 103 selects a feature-specific RACH resource based on the determined features and the feature-specific RACH configuration. The feature-specific RACH configuration is discussed in more detail below.

[0117] According to some aspects, feature-specific RACH resources include one or more RACH timings (ROs) or one or more preambles partitioned based on multiple features to be indicated by the UE during initial access to the base station. As described above, in some examples, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple PRACH configuration indices associated with the multiple features. Alternatively or additionally, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple sets of subframes of PRACH configuration indices associated with the multiple features. Alternatively or additionally, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple frequency resources of RACH timings associated with the multiple features. Alternatively or additionally, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple RACH timings associated with the multiple features, wherein the multiple RACH timings are distributed in the frequency domain and time domain. Alternatively or additionally, feature-specific RACH resources may include multiple preamble offsets associated with the multiple features.

[0118] At 614, a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure is performed based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource. For example, after selecting a feature-specific RACH resource, UE 103 performs a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

[0119] By using the selected feature-specific RACH resources, base station 101 can determine the features that UE 103 has selected and will use. In other words, by using the unified RA procedure of this disclosure (e.g., using the selected feature-specific RACH resources for a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure), UE 103 and base station 101 perform an initial access procedure for the specific feature to be used by UE 103. Knowing the feature selected by UE 103, base station 101 can perform specific scheduling for the selected feature and can transmit specific information and signals to UE 103 based on the selected feature. In a non-limiting example, if the selected feature is RedCap, base station 101 can determine and use a specific modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for the RedCap feature. In another non-limiting example, if the selected feature is coverage enhancement, base station 101 can allow repetition in, for example, message 3. In another non-limiting example, if the selected feature is a RAN slice, the network (e.g., system 100 including base station 101) can select a specific slice from multiple slices based on the selected feature (and / or information associated with the selected RAN slice). In another non-limiting example, if the selected feature is small data transmission, the network (e.g., system 100 including base station 101) can select a specific transport block (TB) size based on the selected feature. For example, if the selected feature is small data transmission, as an example, base station 101 may allow the use of a larger message 3.

[0120] Figure 7 Another example method for a system (e.g., a UE) to perform a unified RA procedure for multiple features, based on some aspects of this disclosure, is shown. For convenience and not limitation, please contact [contact information]. Figures 1-6 Element description Figure 7 Method 700 can represent an electronic device that implements a unified RA process for multiple features (e.g., Figure 1 The operation of UE 103). Method 700 can also be performed by Figure 2 System 200 and / or Figure 8 The method is executed by computer system 800. However, method 700 is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in the figures, and other systems may be used to execute the method, as those skilled in the art will understand. It should be understood that not all operations may be required, and these operations may not be compatible with... Figure 7 Execute in the same order as shown.

[0121] Depending on some aspects, in addition to method 600, method 700 may also be performed. For example, method 600 may be used to select and use feature-specific RACH resources for a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure for a first feature. Method 700 may be used to select and use feature-specific RACH resources for a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure for a second feature. In other words, if both UE 103 and base station 101 support multiple features (e.g., a first feature and a second feature), UE 103 may check the RACH conditions for those multiple features. If the condition for one feature is met, UE 103 may perform a unified RA procedure based on the feature-specific RACH resources for that feature. If the conditions for multiple features are met, UE 103 may select feature-specific RACH resources for those multiple features based on predefined rules.

[0122] At 702, a second feature to be indicated during the initial access of the UE to the base station is determined. For example, UE 103 determines the second feature (in addition to...) Figure 6 (Besides the 604 identified first features).

[0123] At 704, it is determined whether the UE and the base station support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature. Operation 704 can be similar to... Figure 6 Operation 606 is executed for the second feature.

[0124] In response to determining that the UE or base station does not support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, method 700 moves to operation 706. At 706, a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure based on the selected feature-specific RACH resources for the first feature is performed. Operation 706 may be similar to... Figure 6 Operation 614.

[0125] In response to determining that the UE and base station support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, method 700 moves to operation 708. At 708, it is determined whether the second condition of the second feature is met. Operation 708 may be similar to... Figure 6 Operation 610 is performed on the second feature.

[0126] In response to the determination that the second condition is not met, method 700 may move to operation 706.

[0127] In response to determining that the second condition is met, method 700 may proceed to operation 710. At 710, a feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature is selected. For example, UE 103 may select the feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or the second feature based on predefined rules.

[0128] In some examples, predefined rules may include priorities assigned to the first feature and the second feature. For example, UE103 may select a feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature based on the priorities assigned to the first feature and the second feature.

[0129] Depending on some aspects, predefined rules (e.g., priorities) may be based on the specific implementation of UE 103. Alternatively, predefined rules (e.g., priorities) may be provided by the network (e.g., Figure 1 The system 100 and / or base station 101) are configured. In addition or alternatively, predefined rules (e.g., priorities) can be configured in the technical specifications.

[0130] In a non-limiting example, predefined rules (e.g., priorities) may include: Small Data Transmission (SDT) / RedCap / coverage enhancement with higher priority than RAN slices; SDT with higher priority than RedCap / coverage enhancement; and / or coverage enhancement with higher priority than RedCap. However, aspects of this disclosure may include other rules / priorities.

[0131] Depending on some aspects, at 710, UE 103 can select the feature with the highest priority to perform the unified RA procedure. In this example, UE 103 can select a feature-specific RACH resource for the feature with the highest priority.

[0132] At 712, a 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process is performed based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or the selected second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature. For example, UE 103 performs a 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process based on the feature-specific RACH resource selected at 710.

[0133] According to some aspects of this disclosure, for the case of retransmission, the same RACH configuration can be used for both the RACH initiation process and the retransmission process. For example, if a feature-specific RACH configuration is used for transmission, the same feature-specific RACH configuration will be used for retransmission.

[0134] If the retransmission conditions are met, UE 103 may use a fallback procedure according to some aspects of this disclosure. In one example, the retransmission conditions may include exceeding a threshold number of retransmissions. For example, if UE 103 retransmits the preamble a given number of times (e.g., exceeding the threshold) and the RA procedure still fails, UE 103 may use a fallback procedure. In some examples, if UE 103 selects a 2-step RA procedure for a selected feature-specific RACH resource in operation 614 and / or operation 712, and the 2-step RA procedure fails (e.g., reaching a given number), UE 103 may use a 4-step RA procedure as a fallback for the selected feature-specific RACH resource. Alternatively or otherwise, if the 2-step RA procedure fails, UE 103 may use a conventional 4-step RA procedure as a fallback (e.g., not using the RA procedure for the selected feature-specific RACH resource). Alternatively or otherwise, if the 2-step RA procedure fails, UE 103 may use a conventional 2-step RA procedure as a fallback (e.g., not using the RA procedure for the selected feature-specific RACH resource).

[0135] Depending on some aspects, UE 103 may select feature-specific RACH resources (e.g., based on determined features (e.g., first feature and / or second feature) and feature-specific RACH configuration) Figure 6 Operation 612 and / or Figure 7 (of 710).

[0136] In one exemplary aspect, a feature-specific RACH configuration may include a general RACH configuration and multiple feature-specific RACH configurations. The general RACH configuration may include information associated with the multiple feature-specific RACH configurations. For example, the general RACH configuration may include information associated with the number of the multiple feature-specific RACH configurations. In a non-limiting example, system 100 may support six features, and the number of the multiple feature-specific RACH configurations in the general RACH configuration may be six. The general RACH configuration may also include a mapping between these features and the multiple feature-specific RACH configurations. In a non-limiting example, this mapping may indicate that feature-specific RACH configuration 1 is associated with small data transmission, feature-specific RACH configuration 2 is associated with RedCap, feature-specific RACH configurations 3 to 5 are associated with RAN slices, and feature-specific RACH configuration 6 is associated with coverage enhancement. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples, and other numbers of feature-specific RACH configurations and other mappings may be used.

[0137] According to some aspects, each of the plurality of specific RACH configurations may include information specific to its corresponding feature (e.g., feature-specific RACH resources). For example, each of the plurality of specific RACH configurations may include RO partitioning and / or preamble partitioning for its corresponding feature. Feature-specific information may include feature-specific information for 4-step RA procedures and / or 2-step RA procedures. Furthermore, each of the plurality of specific RACH configurations may include information indicating that Msg A / B groups are supported in both 4-step RACH configurations and 2-step RACH configurations.

[0138] Depending on some aspects, each of the multiple specific RACH configurations may include information about a group of corresponding two or more features (e.g., feature-specific RACH resources).

[0139] In another exemplary aspect, feature-specific RACH configurations may include a first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with a 4-step RA process and a second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with a 2-step RA process. In this example, the network (e.g., system 100 including base station 101) may provide a common RACH timing pool for features of the 4-step RACH and a common RACH timing pool for features of the 2-step RACH.

[0140] The first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 4-step RA process (e.g., a common RACH timing pool for features of the 4-step RACH) may include a feature list indicating the features supported by system 100. The first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 4-step RA process also includes feature-specific RACH configurations (e.g., feature-specific RACH resources) for each feature (or for a set of features). The feature-specific RACH configuration may include a feature name, a list of ROs, and / or a list of preambles for each feature (or set of features). In some examples, the first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 4-step RA process (e.g., a common RACH timing pool for features of the 4-step RACH) may number the ROs in: first, in ascending order of the frequency resource index of frequency-multiplexed ROs; second, in ascending order of the time resource index of time-multiplexed ROs within the RACH time slot; and third, in ascending order of the RACH time slot index.

[0141] A second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA process (e.g., a common RACH timing pool for features of the 2-step RACH) may include a feature list indicating the features supported by system 100. A first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA process also includes a feature-specific RACH configuration (e.g., a feature-specific RACH resource) for each feature (or for a set of features). The feature-specific RACH configuration may include a feature name, a list of ROs, and / or a list of preambles for each feature (or set of features). In some examples, the second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA process (e.g., a common RACH timing pool for features of the 2-step RACH) may provide valid 2-step ROs and preambles for each feature. In some examples, the second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA process may number the ROs in: first, in ascending order of the frequency resource index of frequency-multiplexed ROs; second, in ascending order of the time resource index of time-multiplexed ROs within the RACH time slot; and third, in ascending order of the index of the RACH time slot.

[0142] Depending on some aspects, base station 101 may use system information messages (such as, but not limited to, System Information Block 1 (SIB 1)) to transmit feature-specific RACH configuration to UE 103. However, other methods may also be used to transmit feature-specific RACH configuration to UE 103.

[0143] One or more computer systems, such as Figure 8 The computer system 800 shown implements these aspects. The computer system 800 can be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein, such as… Figure 1 Devices 101, 103 and / or Figure 2 The device 200. The computer system 800 includes one or more processors (also referred to as a central processing unit or CPU), such as processor 804. Processor 804 is connected to communication infrastructure 806 (e.g., a bus). The computer system 800 also includes user input / output devices 803, such as a monitor, keyboard, pointing device, etc., that communicate with the communication infrastructure 806 via user input / output interface 802. The computer system 800 also includes main memory or primary memory 808, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 808 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 808 stores control logic (e.g., computer software) and / or data.

[0144] The computer system 800 may also include one or more auxiliary storage devices or memories 810. Auxiliary storage 810 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 812 and / or a removable storage device or drive 814. The removable storage drive 814 may be a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, an optical storage device, a magnetic tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0145] Removable storage drive 814 can interact with removable storage unit 818. Removable storage unit 818 includes a computer-usable or readable storage device on which computer software (control logic components) and / or data are stored. Removable storage unit 818 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disc, DVD, optical storage disk, and / or any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive 814 reads from and / or writes to removable storage unit 818 in a well-known manner.

[0146] According to some aspects, auxiliary storage 810 may include other means, tools, or other methods for allowing computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data to be accessed by computer system 800. Such means, tools, or other methods may include, for example, removable storage unit 822 and interface 820. Examples of removable storage unit 822 and interface 820 may include a program box and box interface (such as those found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as EPROM or PROM) and associated sockets, memory sticks and USB ports, memory cards and associated memory card slots, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0147] Computer system 800 may also include a communication or network interface 824. Communication interface 824 enables computer system 800 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and collectively referred to by reference numeral 828). For example, communication interface 824 may allow computer system 800 to communicate with remote device 828 via communication path 826, which may be wired and / or wireless, and may include any combination of LAN, WAN, Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data may be transmitted to and from computer system 800 via communication path 826.

[0148] The operations described in the foregoing aspects can be implemented in various configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations described in the foregoing aspects can be performed in hardware, software, or both. In some aspects, tangible, non-transitory devices or articles of art include tangible, non-transitory computer-usable or readable media on which control logic components (software) are stored, also referred to herein as computer program products or program storage devices. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 800, main memory 808, secondary memory 810, and removable storage units 818 and 822, and tangible articles embodying any combination thereof. When executed by one or more data processing devices (such as computer system 800), such data processing devices cause such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0149] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to use [other methods]. Figure 8 Other data processing devices, computer systems, and / or computer architectures besides those shown may be used to make and use aspects of this disclosure. In particular, aspects may operate in conjunction with software, hardware, and / or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

[0150] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, rather than the Summary and Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract section may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary aspects of this disclosure as contemplated by the inventors, and is therefore not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

[0151] Although this disclosure has been described herein with reference to exemplary aspects of exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Other aspects and modifications are possible and are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, the aspects are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and / or entities shown in the figures and / or described herein. Furthermore, the aspects (whether explicitly described herein or not) have significant utility for fields and applications beyond those described herein.

[0152] The aspects have been described here using functional building blocks that illustrate specific implementations of functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or their equivalents) are performed appropriately. Furthermore, alternative aspects may perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc., in a different order than that described herein.

[0153] References to “an aspect,” “aspect,” “an example,” “example,” or similar phrases herein indicate that the aspect described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each aspect may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such wording does not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an aspect, whether or not it is explicitly mentioned or described herein, the combination of those features, structures, or characteristics with other aspects is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0154] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the foregoing exemplary aspects, but should be defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0155] This disclosure assumes that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use change. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold outside of these lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should only occur upon receipt of the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. Additionally, such entities may be subject to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards, including specific considerations regarding jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Transfer and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while in other countries, health data may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: A transceiver configured to enable wireless communication with a base station; and A processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: The Feature-Specific Random Access Channel (RACH) resource is used to determine a first feature and a second feature to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station, wherein the first feature and the second feature are different features among a plurality of features to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station; Determine whether the UE and the base station support a first feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the first feature and a second feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the second feature; In response to determining that both the UE and the base station support the feature-specific RA procedure for the first feature and support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, it is determined whether a first condition for the first feature and a second condition for the second feature are satisfied; as well as In response to determining that the first condition and the second condition are satisfied: Select a first feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature based on the priority assigned to the first feature and the second feature; and A 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process is performed based on the selected first feature-specific RACH resource or the selected second feature-specific RACH resource.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource includes one or more RACH timings or one or more preambles divided based on the plurality of features.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the feature-specific RACH resource includes a plurality of physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indices associated with the plurality of features.

4. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource comprises multiple sets of subframes of a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration index associated with the plurality of features.

5. The UE of claim 2, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource includes a plurality of frequency resources for RACH timing associated with the plurality of features.

6. The UE of claim 2, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource includes a plurality of RACH timings associated with the plurality of features, and wherein the plurality of RACH timings are distributed in the frequency domain and the time domain.

7. The UE of claim 2, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource includes a plurality of preamble offsets associated with the plurality of features.

8. The UE of claim 1, wherein when selecting the first feature-specific RACH between the first feature-specific RACH resource and the second feature-specific RACH resource, the processor is configured to select the first feature-specific RACH resource based on the determined feature and feature-specific RACH configuration.

9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the feature-specific RACH configuration includes a general RACH configuration and multiple feature-specific RACH configurations.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the general RACH configuration includes the number of the plurality of specific RACH configurations and a mapping between the plurality of features and the plurality of specific RACH configurations.

11. The UE of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of particular RACH configurations includes information associated with a 4-step RA procedure or a 2-step RA procedure, the 4-step RA procedure or the 2-step RA procedure being associated with a corresponding feature among the plurality of features.

12. The UE of claim 8, wherein the feature-specific RACH configuration includes a first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 4-step RA procedure and a second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA procedure.

13. The UE of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to determining that the second condition is not met but the first condition is met, the 4-step RA process or the 2-step RA process is performed based on the selected feature-specific RACH resource.

14. A method for communication, comprising: The user equipment (UE) uses feature-specific random access channel (RACH) resources to determine a first feature and a second feature to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station, wherein the first feature and the second feature are different features among a plurality of features to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station; Determine whether the UE and the base station support a first feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the first feature and a second feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the second feature; In response to determining that both the UE and the base station support the feature-specific RA procedure for the feature and support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, it is determined whether a first condition for the first feature and a second condition for the second feature are satisfied; as well as In response to determining that the first condition and the second condition are satisfied: Select a first feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature based on the priority assigned to the first feature and the second feature; and A 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process is performed based on the selected first feature-specific RACH resource or the selected second feature-specific RACH resource.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource comprises one or more RACH timings or one or more preambles partitioned based on the plurality of features.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first feature-specific RACH resource or the second feature-specific RACH resource comprises one or more of the following: Multiple Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration indices associated with the aforementioned features; Multiple sets of subframes of the PRACH configuration index associated with the aforementioned features; Multiple frequency resources for RACH timing associated with the aforementioned multiple features; Multiple RACH timings associated with the plurality of features, wherein the plurality of RACH timings are distributed in the frequency domain and the time domain; or Multiple preamble offsets associated with the aforementioned features.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein when selecting the first feature-specific RACH between the first feature-specific RACH resource and the second feature-specific RACH resource, selecting the first feature-specific RACH resource includes selecting the first feature-specific RACH resource based on a determined first feature and feature-specific RACH configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The feature-specific RACH configuration includes a general RACH configuration and multiple specific RACH configurations, or The feature-specific RACH configuration includes a first feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 4-step RA process and a second feature-specific RACH configuration associated with the 2-step RA process.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, said instructions, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), causing the processor to perform an operation, said operation include: The Feature-Specific Random Access Channel (RACH) resource is used to determine a first feature and a second feature to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station, wherein the first feature and the second feature are different features among a plurality of features to be indicated when the UE initially accesses the base station; Determine whether the UE and the base station support a first feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the first feature and a second feature-specific random access (RA) procedure for the second feature; In response to determining that both the UE and the base station support the feature-specific RA procedure for the first feature and support the second feature-specific RA procedure for the second feature, it is determined whether a first condition for the first feature and a second condition for the second feature are satisfied; as well as In response to determining that the condition is met: Select a first feature-specific RACH resource for the first feature or a second feature-specific RACH resource for the second feature based on the priority assigned to the first feature and the second feature; and A 4-step RA process or a 2-step RA process is performed based on the selected first feature-specific RACH resource or the selected second feature-specific RACH resource.

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