Physical random access channel opportunity determination for multiple physical random access channel transmissions

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion (RO) determination for multiple PRACH transmissions. A method may include receiving, from a network element, a configuration of one or more values for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. The method may also include determining a value of the one or more values for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The method may also include mapping the at least one physical random access channel occasion within the reference time period to at least one of the one or more values for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. In addition, the method may include transmitting the determined values for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (RAT) access technologies, or above 5G, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems and / or methods for PRACH opportunity (RO) determination for multiple physical random access channel (PRACH) transmissions. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology, and / or 5G-Advanced. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is primarily based on NR technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of 10-20Gbit / s or higher and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely high bandwidth and ultra-strong low latency connectivity as well as large-scale networks to support IoT. Summary of the invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The method may also include determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The method may also include mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. Additionally, the method may include sending the determined values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The 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 to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a configuration of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The apparatus may also be caused to determine the values ​​of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The apparatus may also be caused to map at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to send the determined values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The apparatus may also include means for determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The apparatus may also include means for mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for sending the determined values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The method may also include determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The method may also include mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. In addition, the method may include sending the determined values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The method may also include determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The method may also include mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. Additionally, the method may include sending the determined values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include a circuit system configured to receive a configuration of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The apparatus may also be caused to determine values ​​of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The apparatus may also be caused to map at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to send the determined values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An example signal diagram of a 4-step random access channel (RACH) procedure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example time domain resource determination for RACH opportunities is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 An example of synchronization signal block to physical random access channel opportunity (RO) mapping is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An example RO group determination is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5 Another example RO group determination is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6 An example of an implementation of a first / starting RO determination in accordance with certain example embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 Examples of alternative implementations of a first / starting RO determination in accordance with certain example embodiments are shown.

[0017] Figure 8 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0018] Fig. 9 A collection of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments as generally described and illustrated herein may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity (RO) for multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0020] The features, structures or characteristics of the example embodiments described in this specification may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments", "example embodiments", "some embodiments" or other similar language in this specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in certain embodiments", "example embodiments", "in some embodiments" or other similar language in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. In addition, the terms "base station", "cell", "node", "gNB", "network" or other similar language in this specification may be used interchangeably. In addition, the terms synchronization signal block (SSB) and synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block may be used interchangeably in this specification. In addition, "RO group of size N" and the expression "N ROs on which the UE can perform N PRACH transmissions" may be used interchangeably in this specification.

[0021] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one element, or at least two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0022] 5G NR supports two contention-based random access (CBRA) procedures, including, for example, 4-step RACH (Rel-15) and 2-step RACH (Rel-16). Figure 1An example 4-step RACH procedure between UE 100 and gNB 105 is shown. At 110, UE 100 sends a specific preamble (preamble) to gNB 105 via Msg1, which uses specific resources such as, for example, random access channel (RACH) opportunities or RO via PRACH. At 115, gNB 105 sends Msg2 as a reply to UE 100 with a random access response (RAR) message that includes the detected preamble ID, timing advance command, temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), and an uplink (UL) grant for transmission of Msg3 on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). At 120, UE 100 responds to Msg2 with Msg3 (Radio Resource Control (RRC) Request) with an ID for contention resolution on the scheduled PUSCH. At 125, gNB 105 sends a contention resolution message with a contention resolution ID to UE 100 via Msg4 (RRC setup). After receiving Msg4, if the UE's contention resolution ID is carried by Msg4, the UE sends an acknowledgement (ACK) on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0023] although Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, there may be a preliminary step of sending and receiving SSBs (i.e., downlink (DL) beam scanning). As a result of the preliminary step, the UE can select the index of the preferred SSB beam and decode the associated PBCH for the master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB), etc. The UE can also use the index to identify the appropriate RO for the preamble code transmission (Msg1) based on the SSB to RO mapping implicitly conveyed by the system information block 1 (SIB1). Although Figure 1 4-step RACH is shown in Figure 1, but 2-step RACH can be similar to 4-step RACH, except that Msg1 and Msg3 are combined in MsgA and can be sent without waiting for feedback from the gNB in ​​between (traditionally Msg2). Similarly, in 2-step RACH, the gNB combines Msg2 and Msg4 into MsgB. Therefore, the solution described in this article for Msg1 can be applied to the preamble / Msg1 part of MsgA.

[0024] The RO can be configured in the time domain or frequency domain. The time domain resources for the RO can be the radio resource control (RRC) configured by prach-ConfigurationIndex (in rach-ConfigGeneric), which acts as an indicator of the row of the table specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TS 38.211 specification. Using the parameters indicated by prach-ConfigurationIndex, the UE can determine the preamble format for PRACH and apply the process specified in 3GPP TS38.211 to find the RO in the time domain.

[0025] Figure 2 An example of time domain resource determination for RACH opportunities is shown. Figure 2 As shown, prach-ConfigurationIndex is 251. Using the indicated index, the UE can determine that the preamble format C2 should be used. The UE can also determine the system frame number (n SFN ) is assigned RO, which satisfies n SFN mod 1 = 0 (i.e., all SFN numbers are valid). Furthermore, within each determined SFN, the RO is allocated at subframe numbers 2 and 7. Within each determined subframe, the remaining parameters in the considered row indicate that the RO will start at symbol numbers 0, 6, 14, 20. The symbol numbers may be counted consecutively, regardless of the number of slots within a subframe, which may depend on the subcarrier spacing configured for the PRACH. Figure 2 As shown, the duration of the RO is 6 symbols, although the actual duration of the preamble format may be less than 6 symbols. In addition, the validity of the determined RO can be checked. For example, if the RO is located within the UL symbol, or when the RO is located within the flexible symbol, it has a sufficient gap after the last SSB / DL symbol, then the RO can be determined to be valid.

[0026] In the frequency domain, the parameters msg1-FrequencyStart and msg1-FDM configured in RACH-ConfigGeneric indicate the offset between the lowest RO in the frequency domain and the start of the UE initial UL bandwidth part, and the number of ROs multiplexed in the frequency domain for each time instance, respectively. The number of ROs multiplexed in the frequency domain can be indexed as n RA ={0,1,…,M–1}, where M is equal to the higher layer parameter msg1-FDM and is numbered in increasing order starting from the lowest frequency within the UL bandwidth part.

[0027] The SSB index may be mapped to the determined RO for the UE to understand which RO is associated with the (multiple) SSB index selected during the preliminary steps before the start of the RACH procedure. Different SSB indexes may be beamformed in different directions in the cell, so selecting the wrong SSB index may cause the failure of the RACH procedure.

[0028] The parameter ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblePerSSB can be configured in RACH-ConfigCommon and indicates the number of SSB indexes per (per) RO and the number of contention-based preambles per SSB index. For example, for a Type-1 random access procedure, the UE may be provided with N SS / PBCH block indices associated with one PRACH opportunity and R contention-based preambles per SS / PBCH block index per valid PRACH opportunity via ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB. Once this information is available to the UE, the UE maps the SSB index to the time-frequency grid of the RO (determined as described above) sequentially in the increasing order of the following items: frequency resource index, time resource index of the RO within the PRACH slot, and PRACH slot.

[0029] Figure 3 An example SSB to RO mapping with prach-ConfigurationIndex 251 and UL / DL configuration DDDSU is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the DDSU slot structure, Msg1-FDM=2, and ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB is half. Based on this configuration, two ROs are multiplexed in the frequency domain (Msg1-FDM=2), and any two frequency domain multiplexed (FDM) ROs are mapped to the same SSB index (ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB=1 / 2).

[0030] Regarding the mapping of SSB to RO, 3GPP defines an association period starting from frame 0 for mapping the SSB index to the PRACH opportunity (i.e., RO) as the minimum value in the set determined by the PRACH configuration period according to Table 1 below. The mapping can be such that all SSB indexes are mapped to RO at least once within the association period. The PRACH configuration period can be determined at the UE based on the configuration PRACH configuration index. In other words, the association period is a time period in which all SSB indexes are mapped to at least one RO.

[0031] Table 1: Mapping between PRACH configuration period and SS / PBCH block and PRACH opportunity association period

[0032]

[0033] The determined preamble may be used for PRACH transmissions in ROs mapped to certain SSB indices. The determination may be based on network configuration of two main related parameters, including, for example, ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB and totalNumberOfRA-Preambles. More specifically, for Type-1 random access procedure, the UE may be provided with N SSB indices associated with one RO via ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB, and R contention-based preambles associated with each SSB index per valid PRACH opportunity, and a total number of R preambles via totalNumberOfRA-Preambles. The leading code of

[0034] For a type 1 random access procedure, or for a type 2 random access procedure with a configuration of PRACH opportunities different from that of a type 1 random access procedure, if N<1, one SS / PBCH block index may be mapped to 1 / N consecutive valid ROs, and the R contention-based preambles with consecutive indices associated with the SS / PBCH block index per valid PRACH opportunity start from preamble index 0. If N≥1, the R contention-based preambles with consecutive indices associated with the SS / PBCH block index n (0≤n≤N-1) per valid PRACH opportunity start from preamble index Start, where is an integer multiple of N.

[0035] For multiple PRACH transmissions with the same transmit (Tx) beam, an "RO group" may be assumed for multiple PRACH transmissions with separate preambles on an RO shared with an RO for a single PRACH transmission and / or multiple PRACH transmissions on an RO shared with an RO for a single PRACH transmission, and one RO group may include (multiple) valid ROs for a specific number of multiple PRACH transmissions. All ROs in one RO group may be associated with the same (multiple) SSBs, and a shared or separate RO / preamble means that the RO / preamble is shared or separated from a single PRACH transmission. In addition, if multiple values ​​for the number of multiple PRACH transmissions are configured, multiple options may be provided to distinguish between multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers (i.e., the number of PRACH transmissions). For example, in one option, multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers may be sent on separate ROs. In another option, multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers may be sent on a shared RO with separate preambles. In these examples, shared or separated RO / preamble means that the RO / preamble is shared or separated between multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers.

[0036] Multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers (i.e., 2, 4, and 8 PRACH transmissions) may be sent on separate ROs or on shared ROs with separate preambles. When multiple PRACH transmissions are sent on shared ROs with separate preambles, two UEs may be sending different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions (e.g., 2 and 8) and may be sending PRACH repetitions (an alternative term for multiple PRACH transmissions) in a shared (i.e., the same) RO. A UE sending 8 PRACH repetitions may share 2 of the 8 ROs with a UE sending 2 PRACH repetitions. The two UEs may also use different preambles for their transmissions to avoid cross interference. When multiple PRACH transmissions are sent on separate ROs, UEs sending different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions may be able to use the same preamble for transmission because multiple PRACH transmissions with different numbers are sent on separate ROs and there is no risk of cross interference.

[0037] RO groups may allow the gNB to know which ROs the UE is sending multiple PRACH transmissions on and to blindly combine the multiple PRACH transmissions. Additionally, RO groups may have different sizes (i.e., different numbers of ROs within a group) based on the number of multiple PRACH transmissions that the group is used for. ROs of RO groups of different sizes may be shared, as long as different preambles are used for transmissions of PRACH in different RO groups, or separate. If RO groups of different sizes are sent on separate ROs (i.e., different numbers of RO groups for multiple PRACH transmissions), it may be problematic for the UE to determine (and for the gNB to know) which ROs are used for a certain RO group size and which ROs are used for another RO group size to avoid determining RO groups of different sizes on shared ROs. Support of both options (i.e., RO groups of different sizes on shared and separate ROs) may allow the gNB to optimize the number of RO groups over a period of time based on available resources and detection capabilities, if the gNB is able to indicate to the UE using configuration whether both options are used, or if only one of the options is active. Thus, according to certain example embodiments, the UE may determine an RO group from valid ROs to perform a number of multiple PRACH repetitions, and the gNB may provide an indication as to which option to use for the determination of the RO group.

[0038] According to certain example embodiments, the UE may determine the RO group within a reference time period, and the gNB may indicate how the RO group should be determined (i.e., whether only on separate ROs, only on shared ROs, or on both separate and shared ROs). According to other example embodiments, the UE may determine which valid ROs or the start / first RO of the RO group will be used for a certain RO group size, and the gNB may be able to signal an indication of how the RO group should be determined. According to certain example embodiments described herein, the term RO group size is equivalent to the number of multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0039] In certain example embodiments, the UE may determine at least one RO. For example, the UE may determine all or part of the valid ROs of an RO group for several multiple PRACH transmissions, or the first / starting RO of an RO group. The determination may be based on a mapping of ROs within a reference time period to one or more multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., to one or more RO groups). In some example embodiments, the reference time period may be one or more association mode periods. In other example embodiments, the mapping may be performed sequentially within the reference time period, first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain. For the RO mapped to the selected SSB index, the mapping may also be performed starting from the earliest / first RO within the reference time period at the lowest frequency position (i.e., the lowest n RA ) is executed, where n RARefers to the index of the frequency position of the RO. The mapping may be applicable to a UE that determines the RO group for only one value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions or a UE that determines the RO group for different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0040] In other example embodiments, the mapping may be performed sequentially, first in the frequency domain and then in the time domain, over a reference time period, starting from the lowest frequency position (i.e., the lowest n RA ) in the reference time period at the same time instance. For example, in case an RO group including multiple ROs in the same time instance and different frequencies cannot be determined, the mapping first in the frequency domain and then in the time domain relates to the first / starting RO of the RO group and / or the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e. more than one PRACH transmission). In some example embodiments, once the mapping in the frequency domain ends, the mapping will be started from the lowest n RA and from for some n RA The next available valid RO within the reference time period continues. RA The next available valid RO is defined as RA A valid RO within a reference time period having an offset from a previously determined (i.e., determined in the frequency domain mapping) starting / first RO, the offset being given by a value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions for the previously determined starting / first RO or by a periodicity value. The periodicity value may be configurable and may be different from the value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions for the previously determined starting / first RO. This example embodiment may be correct for both the case where the UE determines an RO group and / or a starting / first RO for only one value (e.g., 2 or 4 or 8) of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions and for the case where the UE determines an RO group for different values ​​(e.g., any combination or all of {2, 4, 8}) of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0041] According to certain example embodiments, mapping may be performed for one value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., for one RO group size). In certain example embodiments, if the gNB is configured with a value of {2, 4, 8} for the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., RO group size), and the UE determines that it needs to send 4 PRACH transmissions, the UE may map the ROs consecutively to RO groups of size 4 (or to 4 PRACH transmissions), starting from the lowest n in the reference time period. RA The earliest RO value starts.

[0042] According to certain example embodiments, mapping may be performed across different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., different RO group sizes) and may be in descending order of RO group size, and each RO may be mapped to only one value of multiple PRACH transmissions (which may differ between ROs) or to multiple values ​​of multiple PRACH transmissions (which may differ between ROs). For example, the RO group of the largest configured size compared to other RO groups may be mapped first, and then RO groups of smaller sizes may be mapped subsequently. In certain example embodiments, if the gNB configures {2,4,8} for the value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., RO group size), the UE may first map the RO to a RO group of size 8, and then map to RO groups of size 4 and 2 accordingly. The advantage of mapping in descending order is that for certain PRACH and SSB index configurations, the RO group of the largest size (e.g., 8) may only be located at lower frequency locations (i.e., lower n RA ) within a reference time period of .

[0043] According to other example embodiments, mapping may be performed across different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions and may be in increasing order of RO group size. For example, the RO group with the smallest configured size compared to other RO groups may be mapped first, and then larger sized RO groups may be mapped subsequently.

[0044] In certain example embodiments, mapping may be performed across different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions, and for a certain n RA The number of ROs is mapped to the largest possible RO group size compared to other RO group sizes, whose size is less than or equal to that for some n RA For example, if the value of the number of PRACH transmissions is configured as {2, 4, 8}, and for a certain n RA There are 6 ROs available, then the maximum possible RO group size (i.e., the number of multiple PRACH transmissions) to which the 6 ROs can be mapped is likely to be one for 4 PRACH transmissions, since the value for 6 PRACH transmissions is not configured. Therefore, the UE can take only 4 ROs from the 6 ROs for multiple PRACH transmissions. Each RO can be mapped to only one value for multiple PRACH transmissions (which may be different between ROs).

[0045] In certain example embodiments, mapping may be performed across different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions, and for a certain n RA The number of ROs is mapped to all RO group sizes (all values ​​of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions) whose size is less than or equal to that for some n RAFor example, if the value of the number of PRACH transmissions is configured as {2, 4, 8}, and for a certain n RA There are 6 ROs available, then the maximum possible RO group size (i.e., the number of multiple PRACH transmissions) of 6 ROs can be mapped to possibly one RO group for 4 PRACH transmissions and a maximum of 3 RO groups for 2 PRACH transmissions, since the value of 6 PRACH transmissions is not configured.

[0046] In other example embodiments, if during mapping, for a certain n RA If there is a certain number of remaining / spare ROs within the reference time period and the number of the remaining / spare ROs is smaller than the size of the RO group to be mapped, the UE will not map the RO group to a certain n. RA The remaining ROs are used to map to RO groups (i.e., mapped to the number of multiple PRACH transmissions). This example embodiment may be applicable when the UE determines only one RO group for one or more configured numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions and when the UE determines multiple RO groups for two or more configured numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions. For example, if mapping is performed for one value (e.g., 4) in the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., one RO group size), and if for n RA If there are only two remaining / spare ROs left, the UE does not map such a RO to an RO group of size 4 (i.e., the UE does not map such a RO to 4 PRACH transmissions) and does not map such a RO to any number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., the UE does not use such a RO for multiple PRACH transmissions).

[0047] According to some example embodiments, if during mapping, for a certain n RA value, there is a certain number of remaining / spare ROs within the reference time period, and the number of the remaining / spare ROs is lower than the size of the RO group to be mapped, the UE may map the remaining / spare ROs to the largest possible RO group size (in the configured value of the multiple PRACH transmissions) among the RO group sizes that are less than or equal to the number of the remaining / spare ROs. For example, if mapping is performed between different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., different RO group sizes) and in descending order of the RO group size, and if in mapping the ROs to the RO group sizes for n RA After the RO group size of 8, for this n RAIf there are only two ROs left, the UE may map such ROs to an RO group of size 2 (i.e., the UE may map such ROs to the number of 2 PRACH transmissions). Therefore, in this case, even if the mapping is in descending order of RO group size, and thus after the RO group size of 8, the RO group size of 4 may need to be determined, the UE may skip the RO group of size 4 and determine the RO group size of 2, because for n RA Only two ROs are available during the value and reference time period. The mapping can be done in the next n RA The value restarts from the skipped RO group size value (ie, the value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions).

[0048] According to some example embodiments, if during mapping, for a certain n RA value, there is a certain number of remaining / spare ROs within the reference time period, and the number of the remaining / spare ROs is lower than the size of the RO group to be mapped, the UE may map the remaining / spare ROs to an RO group size whose size is less than or equal to the number of the remaining / spare ROs (in the configured value of the multiple PRACH transmissions). For example, if mapping is performed between different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., different RO group sizes), and if one RO can be mapped to multiple values ​​of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions, and if for a certain n RA If there are 4 remaining / spare ROs left, the UE may map the 4 remaining ROs to one RO group of size 4 and 2 RO groups of size 2 (ie, the UE may map these ROs to the number of 2 and 4 PRACH transmissions).

[0049] According to other example embodiments, if n unmapped RA If the number of remaining ROs in the reference time period in the value does not allow for a complete (entire) mapping cycle for all RO group sizes, the remaining ROs in the reference time period may not be used for further mapping. Each RO can be mapped to only one value of multiple PRACH transmissions (which may be different between ROs) or multiple values ​​of multiple PRACH transmissions (which may be different between ROs). For example, if the value {2,4,8} is configured for the value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions, the complete mapping cycle is to map the RO to an RO group of each configured size (i.e., a valid RO mapped to an RO group of size 8, a valid RO mapped to an RO group of size 4, and a valid RO mapped to an RO group of size 2). Here, the terms RO and valid RO can be used interchangeably, because only valid ROs can be used for RO groups and therefore can be used for multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0050] In certain example embodiments, the UE may be configured by the gNB to map ROs within a reference time period to RO groups (i.e., to a value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions). For example, the UE may be configured to map only separate ROs to RO groups of different sizes, only shared ROs to RO groups of different sizes, or both shared and separate ROs to RO groups of different sizes. If the UE is configured to map only separate or shared ROs to RO groups of different sizes, the UE may determine all numbers of RO groups for multiple PRACH transmissions. If the UE is configured to map both shared and separate ROs to RO groups of different sizes, the UE may map the ROs to only one size of RO group, such as, for example, only one value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions (i.e., one determined via an SSB reference signal received power (RSRP) threshold). According to certain example embodiments, once the mapping and use of the above-described ROs are completed, the UE may perform transmission of the multiple PRACH transmissions using the next available RO group for the multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0051] Figure 4 An example RO group determination (i.e., mapping ROs to RO groups) for 4 PRACH transmissions within a reference time period according to certain example embodiments is shown. For example, a UE may determine an RO group of size 4 (i.e., for 4 PRACH transmissions) within a reference time period of the duration of one association mode period. Figure 4 As shown, two SSB indices are mapped to the grid of valid ROs with parameters SSB-per-RO=1 / 4 and Msg1-FDM=8. Figure 4 Focusing on one SSB index shown with a solid box (the selected SSB index at the UE), some example embodiments are not limited to Figure 4 Example embodiments shown.

[0052] according to Figure 4 In an example embodiment of the present invention, the UE may be configured with 3 SSB-RSRP thresholds, defining three different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions {2, 4, 8} (i.e., 2 PRACH transmissions, 4 PRACH transmissions, and 8 PRACH transmissions). The UE may also measure the SSB-RSRP for the selected SSB index, compare the measured SSB-RSRP with the configured threshold, and determine that the UE needs to send 4 PRACH transmissions. Once the UE completes the measurement of the SSB-RSRP and performs the comparison, the UE may determine the RO group of size 4 in the reference time period among the valid configured ROs by mapping the valid ROs in the RO group of size 4 in sequence (first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain).

[0053] In certain example embodiments, when determining the RO group, the UE may select from the lowest n SSB indexes for the SSBs selected by the UE. RA For example, if for n RA = 0 is greater than or equal to 4, the UE can RA = 0, and determine the first RO group for 4 PRACH transmissions, such as Figure 4 As shown in the box 400 in the lower left corner of FIG. Figure 4 As shown, each set of blocks 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 is an RO group or RO set for multiple (four in this example) PRACH transmissions. RA = 0 in the reference time period, the number of remaining ROs is equal to 6 (such as Figure 4 As shown) (which is greater than 4), the UE may RA = 0 is a second RO group 435 for 4 PRACH transmissions. Figure 4 435. After the second group 435, for n RA = 0 is equal to 2, which is less than 4. In this case, the UE may discard the 2 remaining ROs and select n RA = 1 (i.e., more generally, the next n valid ROs containing the selected SSB index) RA )'s reference time period and restarts grouping.

[0054] In some example embodiments, if for n RA =1 is greater than or equal to 4, the UE can RA = 1 in the effective RO execution and the above for n RA = 0. If n RA =1, the number of valid ROs is less than 4, then the UE can discard n RA = 1 on RO, and from n RA = 2 (i.e., more generally, the next n valid ROs containing the selected SSB index) RA ) in the reference time period. The UE may perform the above process until all ROs in the reference time period are grouped or discarded for multiple PRACH transmissions. Once the UE completes the above process, the UE may select the next available RO group.

[0055] Figure 5An example RO group determination for multiple configured values ​​of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions in a reference time period is shown, in accordance with certain example embodiments, where each RO is mapped to only one value of multiple PRACH transmissions (which may differ between ROs). Figure 5 In an example embodiment of the present invention, the UE may be configured with a value {2, 4, 8} for the number of multiple PRACH transmissions and may determine RO groups of size {2, 4, 8} within a reference time period of the duration of one association mode period. Figure 5 Two SSB indices are shown mapped to a grid of valid ROs, with parameters SSB-per-RO=1 / 4 and Msg1-FDM=8. Figure 5 Focusing on one SSB index shown with a marked box (the selected SSB index at the UE), some example embodiments are not limited to Figure 5 Example embodiments shown.

[0056] according to Figure 5 In an example embodiment, the UE may be configured with 3 SSB-RSRP thresholds, defining three different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions {2, 4, 8}. The UE may also measure the SSB-RSRP for a selected SSB index, compare the measured SSB-RSRP with the configured threshold, and determine that the UE needs to send 4 PRACH transmissions. Once the UE completes the measurement of the SSB-RSRP and performs the comparison, the UE may determine all RO groups of size {2, 4, 8} in the reference time period in the effectively configured ROs for multiple PRACH transmissions and map them to the selected SSB index. The determination may be performed by sequentially mapping the ROs to RO groups of size {2, 4, 8} in descending order, first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain.

[0057] In certain example embodiments, when determining the RO group, the UE may select from the lowest n SSB indexes for the SSBs selected by the UE. RA The earliest RO in the reference time period starts at RA = 0 is greater than or equal to 8, the UE can RA = 0, and determine the first RO group 500 for 8 PRACH transmissions. RA = 0 is equal to 2, which is less than 4. In this case, the UE may discard the 2 remaining ROs and select n RA = 1 (i.e., at the next n valid ROs containing the selected SSB index) RA The earliest RO in the reference time period (in the middle) is restarted for grouping.

[0058] In other example embodiments, if for n RA =1 is greater than or equal to 4, the UE can RA = 1, and determine the first RO group 505 for 4 PRACH transmissions on these valid ROs. In this example embodiment, if for n RA =1, the number of valid ROs is less than 4, then the UE can discard n RA = 1 on RO, and from n RA = 2 (i.e., at the next n valid ROs containing the selected SSB index) RA After the first group of size 4, for n RA =1 is equal to 6, which is greater than 2. In this case, the UE may RA = 1, the next two consecutive ROs are grouped into a group 525 of size 2. At this time, the UE can select from n RA =1Execute the same process as above, such as Figure 5 RO groups 510, 515 and 520 are shown in FIG. The UE may further perform the above steps until all ROs in the reference time period are grouped or discarded for multiple PRACH transmissions. Once the UE completes the above steps, the UE may select the next available RO group of size 4 and send multiple (e.g., 4) PRACH transmissions using a preamble randomly selected within the preambles for 4 PRACH transmissions.

[0059] Figure 6 An example implementation of first / starting RO determination for 4 PRACH transmissions within a reference time period is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. The first / starting RO is the first / starting RO of an RO group for a value of the number of multiple PRACH transmissions. Figure 6 In an example embodiment, the UE may determine a first / starting RO (illustrated as a box with an asterisk inside) for a RO group of size 4 (ie, for 4 PRACH transmissions) within a reference time period of the duration of one association mode period. Figure 6 Three SSB indices are shown mapped to a grid of valid ROs, with parameters SSB-per-RO=1 / 2 and Msg1-FDM=8. Figure 6 The focus is on one SSB index (the SSB index selected at the UE), but some example embodiments are not limited to Figure 6 Example embodiments shown.

[0060] according to Figure 6In an example embodiment of the present invention, the UE may be configured with 3 SSB-RSRP thresholds, defining three different numbers of multiple PRACH transmissions {2, 4, 8}. The UE may also measure a certain SSB-RSRP for a selected SSB index, compare the measured SSB-RSRP with the configured threshold, and determine that the UE needs to send 4 PRACH transmissions. After the comparison, the UE may determine the first / starting RO of a RO group of size 4 in the reference time period among the effectively configured ROs, first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain based on the determined or configured periodicity value.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In an example embodiment, the lowest n SSB indexes selected by the UE RA Starting from the first / earliest RO within the reference time period at , the UE may determine the first / starting RO for multiple PRACH transmissions with a configured or determined periodicity (at Figure 6 The periodicity is 4 ROs mapped to the same selected SSB index) until the UE reaches a higher n for the selected SSB index within the reference time period. RA The last RO of the value ( Figure 6 In other example embodiments, the determination of the first / starting RO may be performed every n RA The value is executed, such as Figure 7 Specifically, Figure 7 An example alternative implementation of a first / starting RO determination for 2 PRACH transmissions within a reference time period is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0062] use Figure 6 or Figure 7 In the method of the example embodiment shown in , the determined first / starting RO may be a candidate first / starting RO because not all ROs are suitable for generating a required size of RO group (i.e., the number used for multiple PRACH transmissions) within the reference time period. For example, Figure 6 All determined first / starting ROs except the first two (the first box at n_RA=0 and n_RA=1) in the reference time period may not be suitable for 4 PRACH transmissions within the reference time period. In this case, the candidate first / starting RO may be discarded and not used for generating the RO group. Once the above process for determining the first / starting RO is completed, the UE may select the next suitable candidate first / starting RO and the corresponding RO group for transmission of multiple PRACH transmissions.

[0063] Figure 8 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 8The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 8 The method can be similar to Fig. 9 The UE of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown in FIG. 1 is executed.

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 8 The method may include receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions from a network element at 800. The method may also include determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration at 805. The method may also include mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions at 810. Additionally, the method may include sending the determined values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping at 815.

[0065] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include determining one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups for at least one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving from a network element a configuration of one or more synchronization signal block reference signal received power thresholds corresponding to one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include measuring the synchronization signal block reference signal received power. According to further example embodiments, the method may include selecting a synchronization signal block index based on the measurement. In certain example embodiments, the method may further include comparing the measured synchronization signal block reference received power of the selected synchronization signal block index with the synchronization signal block reference signal received power threshold. In other example embodiments, the method may further include determining the values ​​of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the comparison.

[0066] According to certain example embodiments, at least one physical random access channel opportunity may be determined based on a mapping of at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period. According to some example embodiments, the mapping may be performed sequentially first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain, and the mapping may be performed within the reference time period, starting from the earliest physical random access channel opportunity within the reference time period at the lowest frequency position for the selected synchronization signal block index. According to other example embodiments, the mapping may be performed in the frequency domain and then in the time domain. According to further example embodiments, the mapping may be performed between different values ​​of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. According to other example embodiments, the mapping may be performed in descending order of the size of the physical random access opportunity group. According to some example embodiments, the mapping may be performed in ascending order of the size of the physical random access opportunity group.

[0067] In certain example embodiments, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period for a frequency location is to be mapped to a value of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, and the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities is below the value, the method may further include not mapping the remaining physical random access channel opportunities to any value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. In certain example embodiments, when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period is less than the size of the group of the plurality of physical random access channel opportunities to be determined, the method may further include mapping the remaining physical random access channel opportunities to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, the at least one value being less than or equal to the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities. In certain example embodiments, the mapping may be performed between different values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, and the group of the maximum number of physical random access channel opportunities may be determined based on the number of available physical random access channel opportunities for the frequency location.

[0068] According to certain example embodiments, when, after integer mapping of at least one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, a number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period do not allow complete mapping to at least one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities are not used for further mapping. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving, from a network element, a configuration for determining a mapping of at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. According to other example embodiments, the determination of the mapping may include determining whether at least one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions is only one value of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, or one or more values ​​of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

[0069] Fig. 9 A set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments is shown. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communication network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a network (i.e., a gNB).

[0070] In some example embodiments, the apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or user interfaces. In some example embodiments, the apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses 10 and 20 may include Fig. 9 Components or features not shown.

[0071] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example of , the devices 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to processors 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, the processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a DSP, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. Although a single processor 12 and 22 is Fig. 9, but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multi-processor system (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multi-processor) that may support multiprocessing. According to some example embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., forming a computer cluster).

[0072] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of devices 10 and 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of devices 10 and 20, including Figures 1 to 8 The process and examples shown in .

[0073] The devices 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processors 12 and 24, respectively, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processors 12 and 24. The memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memories 14 and 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program codes that, when executed by the processors 12 and 22, enable the devices 10 and 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0074] In certain example embodiments, the devices 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processors 12 and 22 and / or the devices 10 and 20 to perform Figures 1 to 8 Any of the methods and examples shown in .

[0075] In some example embodiments, the apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the apparatuses 10 and 20 via the UL. The apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include transceivers 18 and 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols transmitted by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0076] For example, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antennas 15 and 25, and demodulate information received via antennas 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of devices 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, the memory 14 and 34 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processors 12 and 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the devices 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to the devices 10 and 20. The components of the devices 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware or in any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, the devices 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0078] According to some example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0079] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a configuration of one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to determine values ​​of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to map at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions. In addition, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send the determined values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0080] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of such components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0081] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, means for receiving a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions from a network element. The apparatus may also include means for determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration. The apparatus may also include means for mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for sending the determined values ​​for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

[0082] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, a method of determining a RO group or a first / starting RO within a reference time period may be provided. Such a determination may enable the UE and the gNB to have the same understanding of when multiple PRACH transmissions may be sent (in the time and frequency domains).

[0083] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components, which, when the program is run, are configured to perform some example embodiments. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as (multiple) added or updated software routines. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0084] As an example, software or computer program code or parts thereof may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0085] In other example embodiments, the function may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the function may be implemented as a signal, i.e., a non-tangible means that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0086] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a node, device or corresponding component) may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or as a chipset, including a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0087] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosure described above may be practiced with processes in a different order and / or hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while still being within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applicable to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-advanced and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0088] Partial Glossary

[0089] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0090] 5G Fifth Generation

[0091] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0092] 5GS 5G System

[0093] BS Base Station

[0094] DL Downlink

[0095] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0096] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN FDM frequency domain multiplexing FH Frequency Hopping

[0097] FR1 Frequency Range 1

[0098] FR2 Frequency Range 2

[0099] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB LTE Long Term Evolution Msg1 Message 1 NR New Radio PRACH Physical Random Access Channel RACH Random Access Channel RO PRACH Timing RSRP Reference Signal Received Power SIB1 System Information Block 1 SS / PBCH Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel SSB Synchronous Signal Block UE User Equipment UL Uplink

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: receiving, from a network element, a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; determining, based on the configuration, values ​​of the one or more values ​​for transmission of a plurality of physical random access channels; mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; as well as Based on the mapping, the determined values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions are transmitted.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the mapping, one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups are determined, the one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups for at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving, from a network element, configuration of one or more synchronization signal block reference signal received power thresholds corresponding to the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; Measuring the received power of a synchronization signal block reference signal; selecting a synchronization signal block index based on the measurement; comparing the measured synchronization signal block reference received power of the selected synchronization signal block index with the synchronization signal block reference signal received power threshold; as well as Based on the comparing, the values ​​of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions are determined.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one physical random access channel opportunity is determined based on a mapping of the at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mapping is performed sequentially first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain, and Wherein said mapping is performed within said reference time period, starting from an earliest physical random access channel opportunity within said reference time period at a lowest frequency position for said selected synchronization signal block index.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mapping is performed in the frequency domain and then in the time domain.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mapping is performed between different values ​​of the one or more values ​​used for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the mapping is performed in descending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the mapping is performed in ascending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Wherein when a number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period for the frequency position is to be mapped to the value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, and the number of the remaining physical random access channel opportunities is lower than the value, the method further comprises: The remaining physical random access channel opportunities are not mapped to any of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period is smaller than the size of the group of the plurality of physical random access channel opportunities to be determined, the method further comprises: The remaining physical random access channel opportunities are mapped to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the at least one value being less than or equal to the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period after integer mapping of at least one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions does not allow complete mapping to the at least one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities is not used for further mapping.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: receiving from the network element a configuration for determining the mapping of at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, The determination of the mapping includes: determining whether at least one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions is only one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, or one or more values ​​of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

14. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a network element, a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; determining, based on the configuration, values ​​of the one or more values ​​for transmission of a plurality of physical random access channels; mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; as well as Based on the mapping, the determined values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions are transmitted.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the mapping, one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups are determined, the one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups for at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a network element, configuration of one or more synchronization signal block reference signal received power thresholds corresponding to the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; Measuring the received power of a synchronization signal block reference signal; selecting a synchronization signal block index based on the measurement; comparing the measured synchronization signal block reference received power of the selected synchronization signal block index with the synchronization signal block reference signal received power threshold; as well as Based on the comparing, the values ​​of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions are determined.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one physical random access channel opportunity is determined based on a mapping of the at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period.

18. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the mapping is performed sequentially first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain, and Wherein said mapping is performed within said reference time period, starting from an earliest physical random access channel opportunity within said reference time period at a lowest frequency position for said selected synchronization signal block index.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the mapping is performed in the frequency domain and then in the time domain.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the mapping is performed between different values ​​of the one or more values ​​used for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the mapping is performed in descending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the mapping is performed in ascending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

23. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period for the frequency location is to be mapped to the value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, and the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities is lower than the value, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The remaining physical random access channel opportunities are not mapped to any of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period is less than a size of a group of the plurality of physical random access channel opportunities to be determined, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The remaining physical random access channel opportunities are mapped to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the at least one value being less than or equal to the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period after integer mapping of at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions does not allow complete mapping to the at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities is not used for further mapping.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving from the network element a configuration for determining the mapping of at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, Wherein said determining of said mapping comprises: Determine whether the at least one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions is only one value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions or one or more values ​​of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

27. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving, from a network element, a configuration of one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; means for determining values ​​of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the configuration; means for mapping at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; as well as Means for transmitting the determined values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on the mapping.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: Means for determining, based on the mapping, one or more physical random access channel opportunity groups for at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising: means for receiving, from a network element, a configuration of one or more synchronization signal block reference signal received power thresholds corresponding to said one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions; A component for measuring a synchronization signal block reference signal received power; means for selecting a synchronization signal block index based on said measurement; means for comparing the measured synchronization signal block reference received power of the selected synchronization signal block index with the synchronization signal block reference signal received power threshold; as well as means for determining said values ​​of said one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions based on said comparing.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the at least one physical random access channel opportunity is determined based on a mapping of the at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period.

31. The device according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the mapping is performed sequentially first in the time domain and then in the frequency domain, and Wherein said mapping is performed within said reference time period, starting from an earliest physical random access channel opportunity within said reference time period at a lowest frequency position for said selected synchronization signal block index.

32. The apparatus of any of claims 27 to 30, wherein the mapping is performed in the frequency domain and then in the time domain.

33. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the mapping is performed between different values ​​of the one or more values ​​used for the plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the mapping is performed in descending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the mapping is performed in ascending order of physical random access opportunity group size.

36. The device according to any one of claims 27 to 35, Wherein when a number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period for a frequency position are to be mapped to the value of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, and the number of the remaining physical random access channel opportunities is lower than the value, the apparatus further comprises: means for not mapping the remaining physical random access channel opportunities to any of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within the reference time period is smaller than a size of a group of the plurality of physical random access channel opportunities to be determined, the apparatus further comprises: means for mapping the remaining physical random access channel opportunities to at least one value of the one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, the at least one value being less than or equal to the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities.

38. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 37, wherein when the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities within a reference time period after integer mapping of at least one of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions does not allow complete mapping to at least one of the one or more values ​​for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, the number of remaining physical random access channel opportunities is not used for further mapping.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 38, further comprising: means for receiving from said network element a configuration for determining said mapping of at least one physical random access channel opportunity within a reference time period to at least one value of said one or more values ​​for a plurality of physical random access channel transmissions, The determination of the mapping includes: determining whether at least one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions is only one value of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions, or one or more values ​​of the one or more values ​​used for multiple physical random access channel transmissions.

40. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

41. An apparatus for communication, comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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