Efficient signaling of feature combinations for random access channel partitioning

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for efficiently signaling feature combinations for RACH partitioning. A method can include a network entity transmitting a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, reduced-capability user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions for the at least one feature combination configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR) Access Technology, and / or other communication systems. For example, some example embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for efficiently signaling combinations of features for Random Access Channel (RACH) partitions. Background Technology

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems can include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved LTE UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technologies, and / or the MulteFire Alliance. 5G radio systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are typically built on 5G NR, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is expected to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide ultra-wideband, ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity, and massive networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) refers to the RAN of 5G, which can provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. Note that in 5G, a node that provides radio access to user equipment (e.g., a node B similar to Node B in UTRAN or an evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) can be called a next-generation Node B (gNB) when it is built on an NR radio, and a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when it is built on an E-UTRA radio. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some example embodiments, a method may include a radio resource configuration transmitted by a network entity, associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0004] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include components for transmitting a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0005] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include transmitting a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0006] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product can perform a method. The method may include transmitting a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0007] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to transmit at least a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0008] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a circuit system configured to transmit a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a user equipment, a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0010] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include components for receiving a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0011] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include receiving a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0012] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product can perform a method. The method may include receiving a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0013] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive at least one radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration.

[0014] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a circuit system configured to receive a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration. The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with access conditions of the at least one feature combination configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To properly understand the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 (a) shows an example of a 2-step RACH process;

[0017] Figure 1 (b) shows an example of a 4-step RACH process;

[0018] Figure 2 An example of a signaling diagram according to certain example embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 Examples showing flowcharts of methods according to various example embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 Examples showing flowcharts of methods according to various example embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5 Examples of various network devices according to some example embodiments are shown; and

[0022] Figure 6 Examples of 5G network and system architectures according to certain example embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It will be readily understood that components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for efficiently signaling combinations of features for RACH partitioning is not intended to limit the scope of any particular example embodiment, but rather to represent selected example embodiments.

[0024] RACH resources define the time and frequency resources that a User Equipment (UE) can use for random access, and can include the RACH Opportunity (RO) in time and / or the RACH preamble available in each RO. When a UE transmits a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) preamble, the UE can transmit according to a specific pattern or sequence, similar to a signature. Each NR cell can have 64 preamble sequences available for each RO. In contention-based random access (CBRA), once the UE determines a suitable RO, the UE can randomly select one of the valid preambles from the available ROs configured by the network for transmission in that RO.

[0025] Figure 1 (a) shows an example of a two-step RACH procedure for partitioning RACH resources, as defined in 3GPP Release (Rel) 16. Similarly, Figure 1 (b) shows an example of a 4-step RACH process supported in 3GPP Rel-15. Partitioning in a 2-step RACH process may require partitioning the entire RACH resource set into two pools, with each pool dedicated to the corresponding RACH process (i.e., 2-step or 4-step RACH).

[0026] In 3GPP Rel-16, the gNB can broadcast these two pools using the RACH-ConfigCommonTwoStepRA Information Element (IE), which can be further subdivided via the GroupB-ConfiguredTwoStepRA-r16 IE contained within the RACH-ConfigCommonTwoStepRA IE. The UE can then indicate whether it is using the 2-step RACH procedure or the 4-step RACH procedure by selecting and transmitting RACH resources from the corresponding resource pool, either in message A (MsgA) for a 2-step RACH procedure or in Msg1 for a 4-step RACH procedure.

[0027] Contention-Free Radio Access (CFRA) and CBRA resources can be further partitioned. For example, CFRA resources can be dedicated to a given UE (e.g., in RRC connection mode with an assigned Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), while the UE may need to compete for RACH resources in a contention-based pool. With CBRA partitioning, different UEs may select the same CBRA resources, and / or may interfere with other UEs, resulting in undesirable RACH conflicts.

[0028] Currently, in order for the network to identify each feature based on the preamble / RO used by the UE, RACH resources can be further partitioned to support initial access for some 3GPP Rel-17 features, such as:

[0029]

[0030]

[0031] Partitioning RACH resources can be achieved by partitioning ROs for different features (i.e., different ROs can be dedicated to different features) or by partitioning the preambles associated with ROs for different features (i.e., different preambles of ROs can be dedicated to different features, as defined in 3GPP Rel-16 for 2-step and 4-step RACH partitioning). However, per-feature-dedicated ROs may introduce latency during the RA process, as UEs requiring the feature may need to wait for a valid RO to become available, and the number of valid ROs available per feature is reduced due to resource splitting. Conversely, preambles in per-feature-dedicated ROs can be implemented, for example, using RACH masks, and can allow all features to use any RO, thus achieving lower RA latency for any service in the cell. However, this may limit the number of preambles available per feature. Consequently, the probability of unwanted RACH collisions may increase, which may also indirectly increase latency. In this case, the supported cell size may also be limited, as an increased cell size may require skipping cyclic shifts when creating the PRACH preamble sequence, thus requiring a larger distance between cyclic shifts of the PRACH root sequence. The number of root sequences may be limited by cell planning and the inherent mathematical properties of the sequences themselves. Preamble constraints and collision issues may worsen as more features are to be separated.

[0032] To configure RACH resources, it may be necessary to select one of 256 PRACH configurations for each cell, determining the RO period and RO location in a timely manner. Prior to 3GPP Rel-16, due to the limited number of required RACH resources, RACH capacity and dimensioning were already possible. For example, with a 20ms RO period and a 40MHz carrier bandwidth, approximately 3% of the resources could be dedicated to RACH. Conversely, starting with 3GPP Rel-17, individual RACH configurations may need to become available to support initial access for various 3GPP Rel-17 features, thus increasing the number of resources in the cell available for RACH. Therefore, in addition to traditional RACH resources, the network may need to allocate a sufficient number of RACH resources for each additional RACH configuration dedicated to 3GPP Rel-17 features. This ensures that tolerable collision probabilities and latency key performance indicators (KPIs) are within the allowable targets for each feature (e.g., <1% PRACH collision probability).

[0033] Some of the example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. For example, some example embodiments may provide RA partitions with more efficient, streamlined, and future-oriented signaling with a combination of features. Therefore, some of the example embodiments discussed below relate to improvements in computer-related technologies.

[0034] Figure 2 A signaling diagram is shown depicting an example of efficiently signaling a combination of features for RACH partitioning. According to certain example embodiments, NE 210 and UE 220 may be similar to NE 510 and UE 520, such as... Figure 5 As shown. In 201, NE210 may transmit to UE 220 a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination and an associated random access resource configuration. This may include signaling to UE 220 indicating the feature combination and the associated radio access resources split across the feature combination applicable to NE 210 and UE 220. Some example embodiments may use a fixed number of explicitly reserved bits for signaling, where each RA purpose may be indicated by 1 bit, and K bits may be reserved for future changes. For example, each RA partition may be determined under a RACHCommon configuration based on at least one expected feature or feature combination set. For example, two information elements (e.g., a bitmap) may indicate the feature or feature combination set corresponding to a given RA partition. The first bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombination) can indicate to the UE the applicable RA purpose / feature used by a given cell (e.g., RedCap, Small Data, CovEnh, etc.) (maximum N bits, therefore maximum N purposes / features), while the second bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap) can indicate the actual combination of RA features and priorities applicable to the UE among the features / purposes set in the first bitmap (maximum M combinations, e.g., RedCap+Small Data combination), as shown below:

[0035]

[0036] These two example encodings can indicate four purposes (e.g., redCap, smallData, slicing, and CovEnh), while four bits can be reserved to maintain sufficient flexibility. The FeaturesCombinationIndicationBitmap can include one bit for each feature set to "true" in FeatureCombination to allow signaling of any combination of these features.

[0037] In another example, a bit string can be used for the spare value in a FeatureCombination (similar to a main information block (MIB)), as shown below:

[0038]

[0039] As a result, the bit cost in the System Information (SI) will be 3 + (2-8) = 5-11 bits added to the Feature Combination of RA. NE may only need to indicate the bitmap of the Feature Combination, while the Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN) of Feature Combination is defined to indicate the remaining features.

[0040] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-17 can be configured as FeatureCombination (size 8): {RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Reserved: false}, maxNrofFeatures = 4 (4 features set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0041] RedCap Small Data Slicing CovEnh SDT+RedCap combo 1 1 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+combo 1 1 0 0

[0042] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-18 can be configured as follows: FeatureCombination (size 8): o{RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Rel-18feature: true; Reserved: false}; maxNrofFeatures = 5 (5 features are set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0043]

[0044] In various example embodiments, slices may be indicated implicitly or separately, and / or may be considered in or partially considered within RA partitions. For example, in some example embodiments, each RA partition defined for a bitmap may be used by a UE assigned to a specific slice group. Alternatively or additionally, slices may be explicitly considered within RA partitions, but may be restricted to being combined only with a subset of other features (e.g., CovEnh) by using signaling of, for example, the type "CHOICE" (an ASN.1 code representing a list of options to be selected).

[0045] As an example, a more dynamic list of features can be populated, as shown below, thus allowing for virtually unlimited scalability, since any number of additional RA features can be added at the cost of additional signaling, as shown below:

[0046]

[0047] In this way, the bit cost in SI will be (1-N)*3+N=N+3-4N bits (e.g., 8-20 bits in the case of N=5, similar to the previous example, the size depends on how many feature combinations are indicated).

[0048] In some example embodiments, slices may be indicated in feature combinations that have overwhelming or partial applicability in RA partitions. Specifically, each RA partition (and associated feature combination) may correspond to (i.e., be assigned to) a slice group, where slice group = 1 corresponds to the non-sliced ​​case (i.e., the default slice). For example, slice group 2 may correspond to feature combination 1 (e.g., SDT+RedCap), while slice group 3 may correspond to feature combination 2 (e.g., SDT+covEnh).

[0049] In various example embodiments, NE 210 may further indicate sub-partitions and / or priorities within the configuration combination of RA features. For example, when the RA feature combination includes two features (i.e., Redcap and SmallData), various sub-partitions may be indicated via additional bitmaps, such as RedCap UE (e.g., UE 220) performing SDT, RedCap UE performing non-SDT, non-RedCap UE performing SDT, and non-Redcap UE performing non-SDT.

[0050] According to some example embodiments, other reason values ​​may be bundled with slices; since all services may be associated with at least one slice, the priority of those services may not be necessary, as follows:

[0051]

[0052] In the example above, the bit cost is 4*. Alternatively, by signaling the slicingGroup separately from the feature combination set and / or under special conditions, the slice can be signaled, but the feature set becomes associated with any slice resource. At 203, UE 220 can then transmit a random access response to NE 210.

[0053] Figure 3 This illustrates various example embodiments that can be generated by an NE (such as...) Figure 5 The flowchart shown is an example of a method performed by the NE 520. At 301, the method may include directing input to the UE (which may be similar to...). Figure 5 UE 510 transmits radio resource configuration, which may include signaling to the UE indicating feature combinations and the associated radio access resources split between feature combinations across the RACH configuration applicable to the NE and the UE. Some example embodiments may use a fixed number of explicitly reserved bits for signaling, where each RA purpose may be indicated by 1 bit and K bits may be reserved for future changes. For example, each RA partition may be determined under the RACHCommon configuration based on at least one expected feature or feature combination set. For example, two bitmaps may indicate the feature or feature combination set corresponding to a given RA partition. The first bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombination) may indicate to the UE the applicable RA purpose / feature (e.g., RedCap, Small Data, CovEnh, etc.) used by the given cell (maximum N bits, therefore maximum N purposes / features), while the second bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap) may indicate the actual combination (maximum M combinations, e.g., RedCap+Small Data combination) of RA features and priorities applicable to the UE among the features / purposes set in the first bitmap, as follows:

[0054]

[0055] These two example encodings can indicate four purposes (e.g., redCap, smallData, slicing, and CovEnh), while four bits can be reserved to maintain sufficient flexibility. The FeaturesCombinationIndicationBitmap can include one bit for each feature set to "true" in FeatureCombination to allow signaling of any combination of these features.

[0056] In another example, a bit string can be used for idle values ​​in a FeatureCombination (similar to a MIB), as shown below:

[0057]

[0058] As a result, the bit cost in SI will be 3 + (2-8) = 5-11 bits added to the feature combination in RA. NE may only need to indicate the bitmap of the feature combination, while the ASN.1 definition of FeatureCombination indicates the remaining features.

[0059] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-17 can be configured as FeatureCombination (size 8): {RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Reserved: false}, maxNrofFeatures = 4 (4 features set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0060] RedCap Small Data Slicing CovEnh SDT+RedCap combo 1 1 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+combo 1 1 0 0

[0061] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-18 can be configured as follows: FeatureCombination (size 8): o{RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Rel-18feature: true; Reserved: false}; maxNrofFeatures = 5 (5 features are set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0062] RedCap Small Data Slicing CovEnh R18 Feature SDT+RedCap combo 1 1 0 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+combo 1 1 0 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+R.18 1 1 0 0 1

[0063] In various example embodiments, slices may be indicated implicitly or separately, and / or may be considered in or partially considered within RA partitions. For example, in some example embodiments, each RA partition defined for a bitmap may be used by a UE assigned to a specific slice group. Alternatively or additionally, slices may be explicitly considered within RA partitions, but may be restricted to being combined only with a subset of other features (e.g., CovEnh) by using signaling of the "CHOICE" type (ASN.1 encoding representing a list of options to be selected).

[0064] As an example, a more dynamic list of features can be populated, as shown below, thus allowing for virtually unlimited scalability, since any number of additional RA features can be added at the cost of additional signaling, as shown below:

[0065]

[0066] In this way, the bit cost in SI will be (1-N)*3+N=N+3-4N bits (e.g., 8-20 bits in the case of N=5, similar to the previous example, the size depends on how many feature combinations are indicated).

[0067] In some example embodiments, slices may be indicated in feature combinations that have overwhelming or partial applicability in RA partitions. Specifically, each RA partition (and associated feature combination) may correspond to (i.e., be assigned to) a slice group, where slice group = 1 corresponds to the non-sliced ​​case (i.e., the default slice). For example, slice group 2 may correspond to feature combination 1 (e.g., SDT+RedCap), while slice group 3 may correspond to feature combination 2 (e.g., SDT+covEnh).

[0068] In various example embodiments, the NE may further indicate sub-partitions and / or priorities within the configuration combination of RA features. For example, when the RA feature combination includes two features (i.e., Redcap and SmallData), various sub-partitions may be indicated via additional bitmaps, such as Redcap UE (e.g., UE) performing SDT, Redcap UE performing non-SDT, non-Redcap UE performing SDT, and non-Redcap UE performing non-SDT.

[0069] According to some example embodiments, all other reason values ​​can be tied to a slice; since all services may be associated with at least one slice, the priority of those services may not be necessary, as follows:

[0070]

[0071] In the example above, the bit cost is 4*. Alternatively, by signaling the slicingGroup separately from the feature combination set and / or under special conditions, the slice can be signaled, but the feature set becomes associated with the slice resource. In 303, the method may also include receiving a random access response from the UE.

[0072] Figure 4 This illustrates various example embodiments that can be used by a UE (such as...) Figure 5 The flowchart shown is an example of a method executed by UE 520. At 401, the method may include a method from NE (which may be similar to...) Figure 5The NE (510) in the RACH configuration receives radio resource configuration, which may include signaling for indicating feature combinations to the UE and the associated radio access resources split between feature combinations across the RACH configuration applicable to the NE and the UE. Some example embodiments may use a fixed number of explicitly reserved bits for signaling, where each RA purpose may be indicated by 1 bit and K bits may be reserved for future changes. For example, each RA partition may be determined under the RACHCommon configuration based on at least one expected feature or feature combination set. For example, two bitmaps may indicate the feature or feature combination set corresponding to a given RA partition. The first bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombination) may indicate to the UE the applicable RA purpose / feature (e.g., RedCap, Small Data, CovEnh, etc.) used by the given cell (maximum N bits, therefore maximum N purposes / features), while the second bitmap (i.e., denoted as FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap) may indicate the actual combination (maximum M combinations, e.g., RedCap+Small Data combination) of RA features and priorities applicable to the UE among the features / purposes set in the first bitmap, as follows:

[0073]

[0074] These two example encodings can indicate four purposes (e.g., redCap, smallData, slicing, and CovEnh), while four bits can be reserved to maintain sufficient flexibility. The FeaturesCombinationIndicationBitmap can include one bit for each feature set to "true" in FeatureCombination to allow signaling of any combination of these features.

[0075] In another example, a bit string can be used for idle values ​​in a FeatureCombination (similar to a MIB), as shown below:

[0076]

[0077] As a result, the bit cost in SI will be 3 + (2-8) = 5-11 bits added to the feature combination in RA. NE may only need to indicate the bitmap of the feature combination, while the ASN.1 definition of FeatureCombination indicates the remaining features.

[0078] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-17 can be configured as FeatureCombination (size 8): {RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Reserved: false}, maxNrofFeatures = 4 (4 features set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0079] RedCap Small Data Slicing CovEnh SDT+RedCap combo 1 1 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+combo 1 1 0 0

[0080] Using the above embodiment, 3GPP Rel-18 can be configured as follows: FeatureCombination (size 8): o{RedCap: true; Small Data: true; Slicing: true; CovEnh: true; Rel-18feature: true; Reserved: false}; maxNrofFeatures = 5 (5 features are set to true). Alternatively, FeatureCombinationIndicationBitmap (size 4) can be configured as:

[0081] RedCap Small Data Slicing CovEnh R18 Feature SDT+RedCap combo 1 1 0 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+combo 1 1 0 0 0 Slicing+CovEnh+R.18 1 1 0 0 1

[0082] In various example embodiments, slices may be indicated implicitly or separately, and / or may be considered in or partially considered within RA partitions. For example, in some example embodiments, each RA partition defined for a bitmap may be used by a UE assigned to a specific slice group. Alternatively or additionally, slices may be explicitly considered within RA partitions, but may be restricted to being combined only with a subset of other features (e.g., CovEnh) by using signaling of the "CHOICE" type (ASN.1 encoding representing a list of options to be selected).

[0083] As an example, a more dynamic list of features can be populated, as shown below, thus allowing for virtually unlimited scalability, since any number of additional RA features can be added at the cost of additional signaling, as shown below:

[0084]

[0085] In this way, the bit cost in SI will be (1-N)*3+N=N+3-4N bits (e.g., 8-20 bits in the case of N=5, similar to the previous example, the size depends on how many feature combinations are indicated).

[0086] In some example embodiments, slices may be indicated in feature combinations that have overwhelming or partial applicability in RA partitions. Specifically, each RA partition (and associated feature combination) may correspond to (i.e., be assigned to) a slice group, where slice group = 1 corresponds to the non-sliced ​​case (i.e., the default slice). For example, slice group 2 may correspond to feature combination 1 (e.g., SDT+RedCap), while slice group 3 may correspond to feature combination 2 (e.g., SDT+covEnh).

[0087] In various example embodiments, the NE may further indicate sub-partitions and / or priorities within the configuration combination of RA features. For example, when the RA feature combination includes two features (i.e., Redcap and SmallData), various sub-partitions may be indicated via additional bitmaps, such as Redcap UE (e.g., UE) performing SDT, Redcap UE performing non-SDT, non-Redcap UE performing SDT, and non-Redcap UE performing non-SDT.

[0088] According to some example embodiments, all other reason values ​​can be tied to a slice; since all services may be associated with at least one slice, the priority of those services may not be necessary, as follows:

[0089]

[0090] In the example above, the bit cost is 4*. Alternatively, by signaling the slicingGroup separately from the feature combination set and / or under special conditions, the slice can be signaled, but the feature set becomes associated with the slice resource. In 403, the method may also include transmitting a random access response to the NE.

[0091] Figure 5 An example of a system according to certain example embodiments is shown. In one example embodiment, the system may include multiple devices, such as UE 510 and / or NE 520.

[0092] UE 510 may include one or more of the following: mobile devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, or portable media players), digital cameras, pocket cameras, video game consoles, navigation units (such as GPS devices), desktop or laptop computers, single-location devices (such as sensors or smart meters), or any combination thereof.

[0093] NE 520 can be one or more of the following: a base station (such as an eNB or gNB), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, UE510 and / or NE 520 can be one or more of a Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBSD) device.

[0094] The NE 520 may also include at least one gNB-CU that can be associated with at least one gNB-DU. The at least one gNB-CU and at least one gNB-DU can be connected via at least one F1 interface and at least one X... n -C interface, and / or at least one NG interface via 5GC for communication.

[0095] UE 510 and / or NE 520 may include at least one processor, designated 511 and 521 respectively. Processors 511 and 521 may be embodied by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or similar device. The processor may be implemented as a single controller, or multiple controllers or multiple processors.

[0096] At least one memory, such as those designated 512 and 522, may be provided in one or more devices. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memory 512 and 522 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Hard disk drives (HDDs), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit that serves as a processor, or it may be separate from one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and processed by the processor may be any suitable form of computer program code, such as a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0097] Processors 511 and 521, memories 512 and 522, and any subset thereof can be configured to provide with Figures 2-4 The components corresponding to each box. Although not shown, the device may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) hardware, that can be used to determine the device's location. Other sensors are also permitted and can be configured to determine position, altitude, speed, orientation, etc., such as barometers, compasses, etc.

[0098] like Figure 5As shown, transceivers 513 and 523 may be provided, and one or more devices may further include at least one antenna, shown as 514 and 524 respectively. The devices may have a plurality of antennas, such as an antenna array configured for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. Other configurations of these devices may be provided, for example. Transceivers 513 and 523 may be transmitters, receivers, both transmitters and receivers, or units or devices configured for both transmission and reception.

[0099] Memory and computer program instructions can be configured, together with the processor of a specific device, to cause hardware devices such as a UE to perform the above-mentioned processes (i.e., Figures 2-4 Any one of the following. Therefore, in some example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a procedure such as one of the procedures described herein. Alternatively, some example embodiments may be executed entirely in hardware.

[0100] In some example embodiments, an apparatus may include being configured to perform in Figures 2-4 The circuit system can be any of the processes or functions shown. For example, the circuit system can be a purely hardware circuit implementation, such as analog and / or digital circuit systems. In another example, the circuit system can be a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry systems with software or firmware, and / or a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software, software, and any portion of at least one memory, which work together to cause the device to perform various processes or functions. In yet another example, the circuit system can be a hardware circuit system and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor, which includes software for operation, such as firmware. The software in the circuit system may be absent when the operation of the hardware is not required.

[0101] Figure 6 Examples of 5G network and system architectures according to certain example embodiments are shown. Multiple network functions are illustrated, which can be implemented as software operating as part of a network device or dedicated hardware, implemented as the network device itself or dedicated hardware, or implemented as virtual functions operating as a network device or dedicated hardware. Figure 6 The NE and UE shown can be similar to UE 510 and NE 520, respectively. User plane functions (UPF) can provide services such as intra- and inter-RAT mobility, data packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, downlink packet buffering, and / or triggering downlink data notifications. Application functions (AF) can primarily interface with the core network to facilitate the application use of service routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0102] According to some example embodiments, the processor 511 and the memory 512 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may be part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the transceiver 513 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may be part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0103] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of phrases such as "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "a few embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an exemplary embodiment can be included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of phrases such as "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of exemplary embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0104] Furthermore, if necessary, the different functions or processes described above can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. Additionally, if necessary, one or more of the described functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the above description should be considered as an illustration of the principles and teachings of certain exemplary embodiments, and not as a limitation thereof.

[0105] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments discussed above can be practiced with processes of a different sequence and / or with hardware components configured differently from those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be readily apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Partial Glossary

[0107] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0108] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0109] 5GC: Fifth generation core

[0110] 5GS: Fifth Generation System

[0111] ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0112] ASN: Abstract Syntax Notation

[0113] BS: Base Station

[0114] CBRA: Contention-Based Random Access

[0115] CBSD: Citizen Broadband Radio Service Equipment

[0116] CFRA: Contention-Free Random Access

[0117] CE: Coverage Enhancement

[0118] CG: Configuration Authorization

[0119] CN: Core Network

[0120] C-RNTI: Temporary Identifier for Cell Radio Network

[0121] CovEnh: Coverage Enhancement

[0122] CPU: Central Processing Unit

[0123] eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0124] eMTC: Enhanced Machine Type Communication

[0125] eNB: Evolved Node B

[0126] EPS: Evolved Packet System

[0127] gNB: Next-Generation Node B

[0128] GPS: Global Positioning System

[0129] HDD: Hard Disk Drive

[0130] IE: Information Elements

[0131] KPI: Key Performance Indicators

[0132] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0133] LTE-A: Advanced Long Term Evolution

[0134] MAC: Media Access Control

[0135] MEMS: Microelectromechanical Systems

[0136] MIB: Master Information Block

[0137] MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0138] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0139] mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication

[0140] MTC: Machine Type Communication

[0141] NAS: Non-Access Layer

[0142] NB-IoT: Narrowband Internet of Things

[0143] NE: Network Entity

[0144] NG: Next Generation

[0145] NG-eNB: Next-Generation Evolved Node B

[0146] NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0147] NR: New Radio

[0148] NR-U: New Radio Unlicensed

[0149] PDA: Personal Digital Assistant

[0150] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0151] PUR: Periodic uplink resources

[0152] RA: Random Access

[0153] RACH: Random Access Channel

[0154] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0155] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0156] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0157] RedCap: Reduced abilities

[0158] RNTI: Temporary Identifier for Radio Networks

[0159] RO: Random Access Channel Timing

[0160] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0161] SD: Small Data

[0162] SDT: Small Data Transfer

[0163] SI: System Information

[0164] SIB: System Information Block

[0165] SMF: Session Management Function

[0166] SRB: Signaling Radio Bearer

[0167] UE: User Equipment

[0168] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0169] UPF: User Plane Functionality

[0170] URLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication

[0171] UTRAN: Terrestrial Radio Access Network for Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems

[0172] WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: Radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and associated random access resource configuration transmitted by a network entity, wherein The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions configured by the at least one feature combination, and The radio resource configuration mentioned above includes: at least one radio access partition allocated to at least one network slice group.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration is transmitted together with at least one bit string, the at least one bit string indicating the applicability of at least one feature combination for using the associated random access resource.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the associated random access resource configuration comprises: At least one radio access channel partition that can be accessed at a specific time using a specific preamble.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises: At least one bit configured to indicate at least one combination of features associated with the associated random access resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration includes at least one reserved bit.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises at least: Configured to determine a selection list of at least one combination of features associated with the random access resource.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the radio resource configuration includes at least one sub-partition associated with at least one of the following: User equipment configured to perform reduced small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform reduced non-small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform small data transfers with reduced capabilities; or User equipment that is not configured to perform small data transfers and has reduced capabilities.

8. A method for communication, comprising: The user equipment receives a radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration, wherein... The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions configured by the at least one feature combination, and The radio resource configuration mentioned above includes: at least one radio access partition allocated to at least one network slice group.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration is transmitted together with at least one bit string, the at least one bit string indicating the applicability of at least one feature combination for using the associated random access resource.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the associated random access resource configuration comprises: At least one radio access channel partition that can be accessed at a specific time using a specific preamble.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises: At least one bit configured to indicate at least one combination of features associated with the associated random access resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration includes at least one reserved bit.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises at least: Configured to determine a selection list of at least one combination of features associated with the random access resource.

14. The method of any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the radio resource configuration includes at least one sub-partition associated with at least one of the following: User equipment configured to perform reduced small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform reduced non-small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform small data transfers with reduced capabilities; or User equipment that is not configured to perform small data transfers and has reduced capabilities.

15. An apparatus for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: The transmission is associated with a radio resource configuration that combines at least one feature combination and an associated random access resource configuration, wherein The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions configured by the at least one feature combination, and The radio resource configuration mentioned above includes: at least one radio access partition allocated to at least one network slice group.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one feature combination is configured to be transmitted together with at least one bit string, the at least one bit string indicating the suitability of at least one feature combination for using the associated random access resource.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the associated random access resource configuration comprises: At least one radio access channel partition that can be accessed at a specific time using a specific preamble.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises: At least one bit configured to indicate at least one combination of features associated with the associated random access resource.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration includes at least one reserved bit.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises at least: Configured to determine a selection list of at least one combination of features associated with the random access resource.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the radio resource configuration comprises at least one sub-partition associated with at least one of the following: User equipment configured to perform reduced small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform reduced non-small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform small data transfers with reduced capabilities; or User equipment that is not configured to perform small data transfers and has reduced capabilities.

22. A communication apparatus, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive radio resource configuration associated with at least one feature combination configuration and an associated random access resource configuration, wherein The at least one feature combination configuration is associated with at least one of coverage enhancement, network slicing, degraded user equipment, or small data transmission. The associated random access resource configuration is associated with the access conditions configured by the at least one feature combination, and The radio resource configuration mentioned above includes: at least one radio access partition allocated to at least one network slice group.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one feature combination is configured to be transmitted together with at least one bit string, the at least one bit string indicating the suitability of at least one feature combination for use with the associated random access resource.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the associated random access resource configuration comprises: At least one radio access channel partition that can be accessed at a specific time using a specific preamble.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises: At least one bit configured to indicate at least one combination of features associated with the associated random access resource.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration includes at least one reserved bit.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the at least one feature combination configuration comprises at least: Configured to determine a selection list of at least one combination of features associated with the random access resource.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the radio resource configuration comprises at least one sub-partition associated with at least one of the following: User equipment configured to perform reduced small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform reduced non-small data transfer capabilities; User equipment configured to perform small data transfers with reduced capabilities; or User equipment that is not configured to perform small data transfers and has reduced capabilities.

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