Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for selecting a random access procedure type

Abstract

A method for selecting a random access procedure type is disclosed. An example method may include receiving configuration information containing a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor via a non-terrestrial network downlink, obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor, and selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor. Related apparatus and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments are directed to methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for selecting a random access procedure type. Background Art

[0002] The random access (RA) procedure between a user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) can be a 4-step random access procedure or a 2-step random access procedure. In the 4-step random access procedure, in the first step, the UE sends a message 1 (Msg1) including a preamble code to the BS on a physical random access channel (PRACH). In the second step, the BS sends a response to the UE in the form of a message 2 (Msg2) including an uplink grant. In the third step, the UE sends a message 3 (Msg3) to the BS, such as a radio resource control (RRC) connection request based on the uplink grant. In the fourth step, the BS sends a message 4 (Msg4) containing the cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the successfully connected UE. By combining Msg1 and Msg3 from the UE into a single message A (MsgA), and combining Msg2 and Msg4 from the BS into a single message B (MsgB), the 4-step random access procedure is changed to a 2-step random access procedure. Summary of the invention

[0003] A brief summary of exemplary embodiments is provided below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify the key features of the basic elements or define the scope of the embodiments, and its only purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simple form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method is disclosed. The method may include: receiving, via a non-terrestrial network downlink, configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor; and selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor.

[0005] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0006] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power, and in a case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is less than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0007] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: distance or transmission delay, and in the case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method may further include: sending a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

[0010] In a second aspect, a method is disclosed. The method may include: determining configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; and sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power for selecting the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a distance or a transmission delay used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

[0016] In a third aspect, a device is disclosed, which can be configured to perform at least the method in the first aspect. The device may include: at least one processor, and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code; and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to use at least one processor to cause the device to perform: receiving configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor through a non-terrestrial network downlink; obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor; and selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0018] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power, and in a case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is less than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0019] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: distance or transmission delay, and in the case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further execute: sending a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, which may be configured to perform at least the method in the second aspect. The apparatus may include: at least one processor, and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code; and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to use at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform: determining configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; and sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0024] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power for selecting the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a distance or a transmission delay used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: receiving a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, a device is disclosed. The device may be configured to perform at least the method in the first aspect. The device may include: a device for receiving configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor through a non-terrestrial network downlink; a device for obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor; and a device for selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor.

[0029] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service-dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0030] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power, and in a case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is less than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0031] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: distance or transmission delay, and in the case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0032] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for sending a message initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a device is disclosed. The device may be configured to perform at least the method in the second aspect. The device may include: a device for determining configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; and a device for sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power for selecting the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0037] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a distance or a transmission delay used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0038] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for receiving a message initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include: program instructions stored thereon, so that the device executes the method in the first aspect. The instructions may cause the device to execute: receiving configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor through a non-terrestrial network downlink; obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor; and selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor.

[0041] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service-dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0042] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power, and in a case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is less than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0043] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: distance or transmission delay, and in the case where the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0044] In some embodiments, the program instructions may further cause the apparatus to execute: sending a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include: program instructions stored thereon, causing an apparatus to perform the method in the second aspect. The instructions may cause the apparatus to perform: determining configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; and sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the threshold may also be service dependent, and based on the service, the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power for selecting the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transmission quality factor may include: a distance or a transmission delay used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the program instructions may further cause the apparatus to execute: receiving a message for initiating the selected random access procedure.

[0051] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

[0052] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the accompanying drawings illustrate the principles of the exemplary embodiments of the present application; other features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present application will also be apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0055] Figure 2 An example signaling flow diagram showing random access procedure type selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 7 A block diagram showing an apparatus for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 8 A block diagram showing an apparatus for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 9 A block diagram showing a device for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig.10 A block diagram of a device for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0064] Throughout all the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements, and repeated description of the same elements will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Some example embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to provide a thorough understanding of various concepts, the following description includes specific details. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, in order to avoid confusion between the concepts and features described, well-known circuits, technologies and components are shown in the form of block diagrams.

[0066] In a communication system such as a New Radio (NR) system, a round trip time (RTT) delay exists between a UE and a BS, and a differential delay exists between UEs. In the case where the communication system is a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the BS may include, for example, a satellite, and the RTT delay and the differential delay may be much higher than those in a terrestrial communication system.

[0067] For example, in the case of a regenerative geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite with an altitude of 35,786 km, the distance between the GEO satellite and the UE is 35,786 km at the lowest point, and the one-way propagation delay is 119.286 ms; the distance between the GEO satellite and the UE at an elevation angle of 10 degrees is 40,586 km, and the one-way propagation delay is 135.286 ms. In this case, the differential one-way delay between UEs can reach 16 ms.

[0068] Taking a regenerative low earth orbit (REO) satellite at an altitude of 600 km as another example, the maximum delay for a UE with an elevation angle of 10 degrees is 6,440 ms, the minimum delay for a perigee UE is 2 ms, and the maximum delay percentage is 67%.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, 2-step RA may be selected by a UE with high RTT delay in the NTN communication system; therefore, the UE may utilize one round trip cycle between sending MsgA and receiving MsgB in 2-step RA, instead of two round trip cycles between sending Msg1 and receiving Msg4 in 4-step RA, thereby reducing delay and signaling overhead.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 , communication network 100 may be an NTN, and include UE 110, UE 120, and BS 130. Two UEs are shown as an example; and it is understood that the example embodiments may be applicable to more or fewer UEs. UE 110 and / or UE 120 may be, for example, an NTN UE, which may be in, for example, an unmanned aircraft or a hot air balloon. Figure 1 , BS 130 is shown as a satellite. In another example, the BS may include any suitable BS in the NTN, such as a ground-based BS communicating with the UE via a satellite, or an airborne NTN BS implemented in a regenerative payload on a satellite. In some embodiments, the satellite may include a LEO satellite at an altitude of 600 km, a LEO satellite at an altitude of 1500 km, a GEO satellite, etc.

[0071] Cell 140 is shown as a range that BS 130 can cover. UEs within cell 140 can connect to BS 130 through a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure. UE 110 may be an example UE located in a first area of ​​cell 140; and UE 120 may be an example UE located in a second area of ​​cell 140. For example, the first area may be Figure 1 The shaded area 150 is shown. UE 110 in the first area may have a relatively poor reference signal received power (RSRP), or may have a longer distance or higher transmission delay relative to UE 120 in the second area. UE 110 may select a 2-step random access procedure. For example, the second area may be Figure 1 The area is shown as a shaded area 150. The UE 120 in the second area may have a relatively good RSRP, or may have a shorter distance or lower transmission delay relative to the UE 110 in the first area. The UE 120 may select a 4-step random access procedure.

[0072] Figure 2 An example sequence diagram showing random access procedure type selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 UE210 may be, for example, UE110 or UE120; and BS220 may be, for example, a reference Figure 1 Description of BS130.

[0073] In operation 230, BS 220 may determine configuration information including a threshold value that may be related to a transmission quality factor. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure and a 4-step random access procedure, respectively. The transmission quality factor may include RSRP, distance, or transmission delay, which may be related to the transmission quality of a signal between UE 210 and BS 220.

[0074] The threshold may also be associated with a service. The service may correspond to a corresponding logical channel (LCH) / radio bearer. For the same UE, the quality of service (QoS) requirements of different services may be different; therefore, different transmission quality factors may be set for different services. In the case where the threshold is also associated with the QoS requirements of the service, the threshold may also be set to facilitate triggering a 2-step random access process for services with smaller delay requirements. For example, for services with larger delay requirements, the RSRP threshold may be set to a smaller value, or the thresholds for distance and transmission delay may be set to larger values. For services with smaller delay requirements, the RSRP threshold may be set to a larger value, or the thresholds for distance and transmission delay may be set to smaller values.

[0075] Optionally, the transmission quality factor may be configured differently depending on the load condition of the cell, for example: Figure 1 The cell 140 for 2-step RA in MsgA is selected. In 2-step RA, the preamble and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) carrying the payload in MsgA are transmitted in a time division multiplexing (TDM) manner, and the PUSCH resources are reserved for the PUSCH part of MsgA. If there are sufficient PUSCH resources for 2-step RA in the NTN, the threshold can be set to allow more UEs or more types of services to use the 2-step random access procedure. On the other hand, if the PUSCH resources for 2-step RA in the NTN are limited, the threshold can be set to allow fewer UEs or fewer types of services to use the 2-step random access procedure.

[0076] In 2-step RA, if MsgAPUSCH cannot be decoded correctly, the 2-step RA process will fall back to the 4-step RA process. In order to ensure the correct decoding of MsgAPUSCH, the configuration information may also include at least one of the uplink power parameter and retransmission parameter for transmitting MsgA, which will be discussed later.

[0077] In operation 240, BS 220 may send configuration information to UE 210 via an NTN downlink. For example, the configuration information may be sent via a broadcast downlink channel (e.g., a system information block) or a dedicated downlink channel (e.g., a high-layer signal). In another embodiment, the configuration information may be transmitted via at least one downlink signaling. For example, at least one downlink signaling may include RACH-ConfigCommon, RACHConfigCommonTwoStepRA, or any other suitable signaling. And, in operation 250, UE 210 may decode and receive the configuration information via an NTN downlink.

[0078] In operation 260, UE210 may obtain a value of a transmission quality factor. The obtained transmission quality factor value may correspond to the type of quality factor included in the received configuration information. For example, if the RSRP threshold is included in the configuration information, UE210 may measure the downlink RSRP at UE210. In addition, if the distance threshold is included in the configuration information, UE210 may calculate the distance from BS220 to UE210. For example, if the transmission delay threshold is included in the configuration information, UE210 may calculate the transmission delay of the signal from BS220 to UE210. For example, based on the ephemeris information of the satellite broadcast from BS220 and the position of UE210, the transmission delay / distance may be calculated. It is understood that in a terrestrial network, the transmission delay / distance may also be calculated. The position of UE210 may be calculated by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), a Beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), etc. and / or by other positioning capabilities.

[0079] In operation 270, UE 210 may select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold and the value of the obtained transmission quality factor. For example, if the RSRP threshold is included in the configuration information, UE 210 may compare the RSRP threshold with the measured RSRP; and if the measured RSRP is lower than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the 2-step random access procedure may be selected, or if the measured RSRP is higher than the RSRP threshold, the 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0080] For example, if a distance threshold is included in the configuration information, UE210 may compare the distance threshold with the calculated distance; and, if the calculated distance is higher than or equal to the distance threshold, a 2-step random access procedure may be selected, or, if the calculated distance is lower than the distance threshold, a 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0081] For example, if a transmission delay threshold is included in the configuration information, UE210 may compare the transmission delay threshold with the calculated transmission delay; and if the calculated transmission delay is higher than or equal to the transmission delay threshold, a 2-step random access procedure may be selected, and if the calculated transmission delay is lower than the transmission delay threshold, a 4-step random access procedure may be selected.

[0082] Return to reference Figure 1 , UE 120 in the second area is closer to BS 130 than UE 110 in the first area; and has a shorter transmission delay for the signal from BS 130. And, for example, RSRP measured at UE 120 may be stronger than RSRP measured at UE 110. The reception threshold may facilitate UEs such as UE 110 instead of UE 120 to have more opportunities to use the 2-step random access procedure to reduce propagation delay.

[0083] Further, in the case where the threshold is also related to the service, a UE using a service with a larger delay requirement may select a 4-step RACH for the service, and a UE using a service with a smaller delay requirement may select a 2-step RACH for the service.

[0084] Considering the balance of overall resource overhead such as PUSCH reservation, 2-step RACH can be selected by NTN UE to reduce access and uplink data transmission delays and meet the service requirements in NTN. Assume that in an NTN cell, for example Figure 1 In the cell 140 in the NTN cell, the total 2-step RACH resources are fixed, and from the perspective of the NTN cell, the uplink scheduling delay can be reduced.

[0085] According to the selected random access procedure type, the UE 210 and the BS 220 may perform a random access procedure 280 .

[0086] In one embodiment, UE 210 may also use at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter included in the configuration information from BS 220 to enhance the reliability of sending MsgA in 2-step RA.

[0087] The uplink power parameters may be used for uplink power control and may include, for example, an incremental power offset (eg, Δ MsgA_PUSCH ), based on which the uplink transmit power of the PUSCH can be increased relative to the MsgAPRACH preamble. The uplink power parameter may also include an alpha value. In this case, the incremental power offset and alpha value configured for the UE using a 2-step RACH may be used to increase the transmit power to obtain an improved signal for MsgAPUSCH interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0088] The retransmission parameters can also be configured for different UEs. For example, a UE that selects 2-step RACH can be configured with a large number of retransmissions, and a UE that selects 4-step RACH can be configured with a small number of retransmissions or no retransmissions. The number of retransmissions can be, for example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or any other suitable integer. MsgA can be retransmitted according to the number of retransmissions.

[0089] The uplink power parameter and / or retransmission parameter may also be based on the service, for example, depending on the LCH / radio bearer. For example, for a service with a smaller delay requirement, the uplink power parameter and / or retransmission parameter may be set so that the MsgAPUSCH of the service is correctly decoded.

[0090] The transmit power and / or retransmission parameters may be transmitted on a higher layer signal different from the configuration information of operation 240 .

[0091] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For better understanding, the following description of the example method 300 may also refer to Figures 1-2 For example, example method 300 may be performed at a UE such as UE 210 .

[0092] Reference Figure 3 , the example method 300 may include: operation 310, receiving configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor through a non-terrestrial network downlink; operation 320, obtaining a value of the transmission quality factor; and, operation 330, selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold value and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor.

[0093] For details of operations 310, 320 and 330, please refer to the above Figure 2 The descriptions of operations 250, 260, and 270 are shown; and repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0094] In one embodiment, the threshold may also be associated with a service, and a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure may be selected according to the service. Figure 2 and, repeated description is omitted here.

[0095] In one embodiment, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power; and, in the case where the value of the obtained transmission quality factor is less than or equal to a threshold, a 2-step random access procedure may be selected. In this case, a 4-step RA procedure may be selected otherwise. In another embodiment, in the case where the value of the obtained transmission quality factor is equal to or higher than a threshold, a 4-step random access procedure may be selected, otherwise a 2-step RA procedure may be selected.

[0096] In one embodiment, the transmission quality factor may include: distance or transmission delay; and, in the case where the value of the obtained transmission quality factor is higher than or equal to a threshold, a 2-step random access process may be selected. In this case, otherwise a 4-step RA process may be selected. In another embodiment, in the case where the value of the obtained transmission quality factor is equal to or lower than a threshold, a 4-step random access process may be selected; otherwise, a 2-step RA process may be selected. For more details, refer to the above Figure 2 and the repeated description is omitted here.

[0097] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 , the example method 300 may include: operation 410, sending a message for initiating the selected random access process. The details of operation 410 may refer to the above Figure 2 The description of process 280 is shown in the figure; and repeated description is omitted here. Operation 410 is a part of process 280.

[0099] In one embodiment, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for sending a message. For more details, please refer to the above Figure 2 The description about operation 230 and process 280 is described in detail above; and repeated description is omitted here.

[0100] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For better understanding, the following description of the method 500 may refer to Figures 1-2 For example, method 500 may be performed at a BS such as BS 220 .

[0101] Reference Figure 5 , the example method 500 may include: an operation 510 of determining configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor; and an operation 520 of sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink. The threshold value may be used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure.

[0102] For example, the example method 500 may be performed in cooperation with the example method 300. Therefore, the various features and aspects described above with respect to the example method 300 may also be applied or included in the example method 500, or combined therewith.

[0103] The details of operations 510 and 520 can be referred to above. Figure 2 The descriptions about operations 230 and 240 are shown; and, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0104] In one embodiment, the threshold may also be related to the service, and the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure may be selected according to the service. For more details, please refer to the above Figure 2 Regarding the description of operation 230; and, repeated description is omitted here.

[0105] In one embodiment, the transmission quality factor may include: a reference signal received power for selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure. In one embodiment, the transmission quality factor may include: a distance or a transmission delay for selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure. For more details, refer to the above Figure 2 Description of operations 230, 260, and 270, and Figure 3 Operations 310, 320 and 330 are performed; and repeated description is omitted here.

[0106] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another example method for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 6 , the example method 500 may include: operation 610, receiving a message for initiating a selected random access process. The details of operation 610 may refer to the above Figure 2 The description of process 280 is shown in the figure; and repeated description is omitted here. Operation 610 is a part of process 280.

[0108] In one embodiment, the configuration information may also include: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message. For more details, please refer to the above Figure 2 Regarding the description of operation 230 and process 280; and, repeated description is omitted here.

[0109] Figure 7 A block diagram of an apparatus for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the UE 210 in the above example.

[0110] like Figure 7As shown, the example apparatus 700 may include: at least one processor 710, and at least one memory 720 that may include computer program code 730. The at least one memory 720 and the computer program code 730 may be configured to utilize the at least one processor 710 so that the apparatus 700 at least performs the above-mentioned example method 300, and Figure 3 or Figure 4 shown.

[0111] In various example embodiments, the at least one processor 710 in the example apparatus 700 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), at least a portion of a hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as a processor developed based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 710 may also include: at least one Figure 7 Other circuits or components not shown.

[0112] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 720 in the example apparatus 700 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. In addition, at least one memory 720 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment or any combination thereof.

[0113] In addition, in various example embodiments, the example apparatus 700 may further include: at least one other circuit, element and interface, such as: at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc.

[0114] In various example embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 700, including at least one processor 710, and at least one memory 720, may be coupled together by any suitable connection, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbar switches, wiring and / or wireless lines, in any suitable manner, such as: electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, etc.

[0115] It can be understood that the structure of the device on the UE side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 700.

[0116] Figure 8 A block diagram of an apparatus for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the BS 220 in the above example.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, the example apparatus 800 may include: at least one processor 810, and at least one memory 820 that may include computer program code 830. The at least one memory 820 and the computer program code 830 may be configured to utilize the at least one processor 810 so that the apparatus 800 at least performs the above-mentioned example method 500, and Figure 5 or Figure 6 shown.

[0118] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 810 in the example apparatus 800 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), at least a portion of a hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as a processor developed based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 810 may also include: at least one Figure 8 Other circuits or components not shown.

[0119] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 820 in the example apparatus 800 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. In addition, at least one memory 820 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment or any combination thereof.

[0120] In addition, in various example embodiments, the example apparatus 800 may further include: at least one other circuit, element and interface, such as: at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc.

[0121] In various example embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the example device 800, including at least one processor 810, and at least one memory 820, may be coupled together by any suitable connection, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbar switches, wiring and / or wireless lines, in any suitable manner, such as: electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, etc.

[0122] It can be understood that the structure of the device on the base station side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 800.

[0123] Fig. 9 A block diagram of a device for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least a part of the UE 210 in the above example.

[0124] Reference Fig. 9 , the example device 900 may include: means 910 for performing Figure 3 or Figure 4 Operation 310 of the exemplary method 300 shown; means 920 for performing Figure 3 or Figure 4 Operation 320 of the exemplary method 300 shown; and means 930 for performing Figure 3 or Figure 4 The example method 300 is shown as operation 330. The example apparatus 900 may also include: optional means 940 for performing Figure 4 Operation 410 of the illustrated example method 300. In one or more other example embodiments, the example apparatus 900 may further include: at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0125] In some example embodiments, an example of means in example device 900 may include circuitry. For example, an example of means 910 may include: a circuit configured to perform Figure 3 or Figure 4 The circuitry of operation 310 of the example method 300 shown; an example of the apparatus 920 may include a circuit configured to perform Figure 3 or Figure 4 The example circuitry of operation 320 of the example method 300 shown; and an example of the apparatus 930 may include a circuit configured to perform Figure 3 or Figure 4 The example apparatus 900 may also include an example of an optional device 940, which includes a circuit configured to perform operation 330 of the example method 300. Figure 4 The circuitry of operation 410 of the example method 300 is shown. In some example embodiments, the example of the apparatus may also include: a software module and any other suitable functional entity.

[0126] Fig.10 A block diagram of a device for selecting a random access procedure type according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be at least a part of the BS 220 in the above example.

[0127] Reference Fig.10 , the example device 1000 may include: means 1010 for performing Figure 5 or Figure 6 Operation 510 of the exemplary method 500 shown; and means 1020 for performing Figure 5 or Figure 6 The example method 500 is shown as operation 520. The example device 1000 may also include: optional means 1030 for performing Figure 6Operation 610 of the illustrated example method 500. In one or more other example embodiments, the example device 1000 may further include: at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0128] In some example embodiments, an example of means in example device 1000 may include circuitry. For example, an example of means 1010 may include: a circuit configured to perform Figure 5 or Figure 6 The example circuitry of operation 510 of the example method 500 shown; and an example of the apparatus 1020 may include a circuit configured to perform Figure 5 or Figure 6 The example apparatus 1000 may also include an example of an optional device 1030 including a circuit configured to perform operation 520 of the example method 500. Figure 6 Circuitry for operation 610 of the example method 500 is shown. In some example embodiments, examples of apparatus may also include: software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0129] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more than one, or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations only (such as implementations only in analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) combinations of hardware circuitry and software, such as (applicable to): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of microprocessor(s), but the software may not be present when not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover implementations of hardware circuitry or processor(s) only or a portion of a hardware circuitry or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry would also cover a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0130] Another example embodiment may involve computer program code or instructions so that the device can at least perform the above-mentioned corresponding method. Another example embodiment may involve a computer-readable medium on which such computer program code or instructions are stored. In some embodiments, these computer-readable media may include at least one storage medium in multiple forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment or any combination of the above.

[0131] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "comprising", etc. should be interpreted in an inclusive sense and not in an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". The term "coupled" as generally used herein means that two or more elements can be connected directly or through one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the term "connected" as generally used herein means that two or more elements can be connected directly or through one or more intermediate elements. In addition, when "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar meaning are used in this application, they should refer to the entire application and not to any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, words used in the singular or plural in the description may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" refers to a list of two or more items, and the word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0132] In addition, conditional language used herein, such as "can", "can", "may", "could", "may", "can", "for example", "such as", etc., unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not, certain features, elements and / or states. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements and / or states in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include them for determining whether these features, elements and / or states are included or will be performed in any particular embodiment with or without the author's writing or prompting.

[0133] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the devices, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; in addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made to the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although the blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may use different components and / or circuit topologies to perform similar functions, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. The order of these blocks may also be changed. Any suitable combination of elements and actions of some of the above-described embodiments may be combined to provide further embodiments. The attached claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that will fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for communication, performed by a user equipment, include: Receiving, via a non-terrestrial network downlink, configuration information including a threshold value associated with a transmission quality factor, wherein the threshold value associated with the transmission quality factor is configured according to a load condition of a cell of the non-terrestrial network; Get the value of the transmission quality factor; as well as selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor; The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes: the distance between the user equipment and the base station in the non-terrestrial network, and when the value of the acquired transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold, selecting the 2-step random access process.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is sent.

3. The method according to claim 2, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

4. A method for communication, performed by a base station of a non-terrestrial network, include: Determine configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor, and configure the threshold value related to the transmission quality factor according to a load condition of the non-terrestrial network cell, the threshold value being used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure; as well as Sending the configuration information via the non-terrestrial network downlink; The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes a distance used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure, and the distance is a distance between a base station and a user equipment in the non-terrestrial network.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: include: A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is received.

6. The method according to claim 5, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

7. A device for communication, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Receiving, via a non-terrestrial network downlink, configuration information including a threshold value associated with a transmission quality factor, wherein the threshold value associated with the transmission quality factor is configured according to a load condition of a cell of the non-terrestrial network; Get the value of the transmission quality factor; as well as selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor; The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes: a distance between the device and a base station in the non-terrestrial network, and selecting the 2-step random access process when the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold.

8. The device according to claim 7, in, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is sent.

9. The device according to claim 8, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

10. A device for communication, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Determine configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor, and configure the threshold value related to the transmission quality factor according to a load condition of a non-terrestrial network cell, wherein the threshold value is used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure; as well as Sending the configuration information via the non-terrestrial network downlink; The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes a distance used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure, and the distance is a distance between the apparatus and a user equipment.

11. The device according to claim 10, in, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is received.

12. The device according to claim 11, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

13. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions causing an apparatus to execute: Receiving, via a non-terrestrial network downlink, configuration information including a threshold value associated with a transmission quality factor, wherein the threshold value associated with the transmission quality factor is configured according to a load condition of a cell of the non-terrestrial network; Get the value of the transmission quality factor; as well as selecting a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure based on the threshold and the obtained value of the transmission quality factor; The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes: a distance between the device and a base station in the non-terrestrial network, and selecting the 2-step random access process when the acquired value of the transmission quality factor is greater than or equal to the threshold.

14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, in, The program instructions also cause the device to execute: A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is sent.

15. The computer readable medium of claim 14, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter used to send the message.

16. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions causing an apparatus to execute: Determine configuration information including a threshold value related to a transmission quality factor, and configure the threshold value related to the transmission quality factor according to a load condition of a non-terrestrial network cell, the threshold value being used to select a 2-step random access procedure or a 4-step random access procedure; and Sending the configuration information via a non-terrestrial network downlink; in, The threshold is also related to the service, and different thresholds are set for different services, and the 2-step random access process or the 4-step random access process is selected based on the service; The transmission quality factor includes a distance used to select the 2-step random access procedure or the 4-step random access procedure, and the distance is a distance between the apparatus and a user equipment.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 16, in, The program instructions also cause the device to execute; A message for initiating the selected random access procedure is received.

18. The computer readable medium of claim 17, in, The configuration information also includes: at least one of an uplink power parameter and a retransmission parameter for the message.

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