Method executed by user equipment and user equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a method executed by user equipment and the user equipment. The method comprises the following steps: receiving an RRC message sent by a network; initiating a random access process according to the received RRC message; receiving downlink control information (DCI) sent by a network by monitoring the PDCCH, wherein the DCI indicates the state of the NES PRACH resource; and according to different states of the NES PRACH resources indicated by the received DCI, executing operations corresponding to the states.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a method for network power saving performed by a user equipment and a corresponding user equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Network energy saving helps reduce environmental impact and save operator costs. Networks typically require random access resources to enable terminal access. Under low system load, a large or dense array of random resources can waste network resources. Networks can be configured with sparser random access resources and dynamically adjusted to adapt to changes in system load. For these reasons, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) approved the NES enhancement work project for version 19 at the RAN plenary meeting, the details of which can be found in non-patent literature: RP-242354 WID: Enhancements of network energy Savings for NR. This work project includes the ability for networks to configure sparser random access resources under low system load and dynamically adapt random access resources based on system load changes and UE service requirements, thereby achieving network energy saving. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a method and a user equipment (UE) that enables the UE to correctly select random access resources and PRACH timing to initiate random access while maintaining network energy efficiency, thereby avoiding any impact on the UE's random access success rate and access latency.

[0004] According to the present invention, a method executed by a user equipment (UE) is proposed, comprising the following steps: receiving an RRC message sent by a network; initiating a random access procedure based on the received RRC message; receiving downlink control information (DCI) sent by the network by listening to the PDCCH, wherein the DCI indicates the state of NES PRACH resources; and performing an operation corresponding to the different states of the NES PRACH resources indicated by the received DCI.

[0005] Preferably, if the DCI indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available, the UE determines at least one of the following conditions:

[0006] - There is an ongoing random access process;

[0007] -NES PRACH resources have been configured; and

[0008] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable.

[0009] If at least one of the above conditions is met, perform the operation to start and / or restart the first timer.

[0010] Preferably, if at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations is also performed:

[0011] - Select / reselect a random access resource set as the first operation;

[0012] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters (first operation); and

[0013] - Select random access resources as the first operation.

[0014] Preferably, if the DCI indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable or if the first timer times out, the UE determines at least one of the following conditions:

[0015] - There is an ongoing random access process;

[0016] -NES PRACH resources have been configured; and

[0017] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available.

[0018] If at least one of the above conditions is met, perform at least one of the following operations:

[0019] - Ignore the NES PRACH resource status indication, and / or continue the currently ongoing random access procedure; and

[0020] - Stop the currently ongoing random access procedure and / or re-initiate the random access procedure;

[0021] as well as

[0022] - If the first timer is running, then stop the first timer.

[0023] Preferably, if at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations is also performed:

[0024] - Select / reselect a set of random access resources (second operation);

[0025] - Second operation to initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters; and

[0026] - Select the second operation for random access resources.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method executed by a user equipment (UE) is proposed, comprising the following steps: receiving an RRC message sent by the network; receiving downlink control information (DCI) sent by the network by listening to the PDCCH, wherein the DCI indicates the state of the NES PRACH resource; performing an operation corresponding to the different states of the NES PRACH resource indicated by the received DCI; and initiating a random access procedure.

[0028] Preferably, the steps for initiating a random access procedure include:

[0029] Determine if at least one of the following first conditions is met:

[0030] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0031] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available;

[0032] The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed; and

[0033] The most recently received NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available.

[0034] If at least one of the first conditions above is met, perform the first operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources.

[0035] Preferably, the steps for initiating a random access procedure include:

[0036] Determine if at least one of the following second conditions is met:

[0037] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0038] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable;

[0039] The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed; and

[0040] The most recent received NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable.

[0041] If at least one of the second conditions above is met, perform the second operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources.

[0042] Preferably, the method further includes:

[0043] Receive random access response sent by the network; and

[0044] During the execution of the random access conflict resolution timer, the PDCCH is monitored.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a user equipment is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the methods described above.

[0046] According to the present invention, the UE can correctly select random access resources and PRACH timing to initiate random access while the network is energy-saving, thereby avoiding the impact on the UE's random access success rate and access latency. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating method two performed by a user equipment according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating method three performed by a user equipment according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural block diagram of the user equipment (UE) involved in the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described below. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies not directly related to the present invention have been omitted to prevent confusion in understanding the present invention.

[0052] The following describes some of the terms involved in this invention. For the specific meanings of these terms, please refer to the latest 3GPP standard specifications.

[0053] UE: User Equipment

[0054] NR: New Radio, a next-generation wireless technology

[0055] AS: Access Stratum

[0056] MAC: Medium Access Control

[0057] MAC CE: MAC control element

[0058] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0059] RRC_CONNECTED: RRC connection state

[0060] RRC_INACTIVE: RRC inactive state

[0061] RRC_IDLE: RRC idle state

[0062] RAN: Radio Access Network, Wireless Access Layer

[0063] PDCCH: Physical downlink control channel

[0064] PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0065] PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0066] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0067] PBCH: Physical broadcast channel

[0068] SFN: System Frame Number

[0069] PDU: Protocol Data Unit

[0070] SSB: SS / PBCH block, Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block

[0071] CSI-RS: Channel Status Information-Reference Signal

[0072] DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0073] RNTI: Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0074] C-RNTI: Cell RNTI, Cell RNTI

[0075] P-RNTI: Paging RNTI (Paging RNTI)

[0076] RA-RNTI: Random Access RNTI

[0077] SI-RNTI: System Information RNTI

[0078] RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power

[0079] RSRQ: Reference Signal Received Quality

[0080] SpCell: Special Cell, including PCCell and PSCell.

[0081] SCell: Secondary Cell

[0082] CA: Carrier Aggregation

[0083] DC: Dual Connectivity

[0084] MCG: Master Cell Group

[0085] SCG: Secondary Cell Group

[0086] PCell: Primary Cell

[0087] PSCell: Primary SCG Cell (SCG Main Cell)

[0088] MIB: Master Information Block

[0089] DRX: Discontinuous Reception

[0090] SIB: System Information Block

[0091] gNB: the next generation Node B, next-generation base station

[0092] RLF: Radio Link Failure.

[0093] SN: Sequence Number

[0094] CN: Core Network

[0095] UL-SCH: Uplink Shared Channel

[0096] NES: Network Energy Saving

[0097] SI: System Information

[0098] L3: Layer 3

[0099] CE: control element, control unit

[0100] RAPID: Random Access Preamble Identifier

[0101] RAR: Random Access Response

[0102] In this invention, the network (or NW), base station (or gNB or eNB), and RAN can be used interchangeably. The network can be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a New Radio Access Technology (NewRAT, NR) network, an enhanced Long Term Evolution (eLTE) network, or other networks defined in subsequent 3GPP evolution versions.

[0103] In this invention, User Equipment (UE) can refer to a device that supports network power saving, a device that supports enhanced network power saving, a device with (enhanced) network power saving capabilities, a device that supports PRACH adaptation, a device with PRACH adaptation capabilities, or other types of NR or LTE devices.

[0104] In this invention, the terms "feedback", "submit", "report", "send", "transmit or transport", "inform or notify", "indicate", and "provide" can be used interchangeably.

[0105] In this invention, terms such as "use", "be available / be valid", "apply", "implement", "enable", "activate", "perform", "do", and "start" can be used interchangeably.

[0106] In this invention, "deactivate (non-active or deactive)", "disable", "de-enable", "invalidate", and "make unavailable / unusable" can be used interchangeably.

[0107] In this invention, "activated", "available", "valid" and "available" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In this invention, "deactivated", "unavailable", "inactive", "invalid", and "unavailable" can be used interchangeably.

[0109] In this invention, the terms "associate", "correspond", and "map" can be used interchangeably.

[0110] In this invention, receiving, detecting, monitoring, acquiring, and deriving can be interchanged.

[0111] In this invention, "time" can be "time", "duration", "period", "timeperiod", etc.

[0112] In this invention, "physical layer" and "layer one (L1)" can be used interchangeably. "MAC layer" and "MAC entity" can also be used interchangeably. For the RRC layer, "upperlayer(s)" refers to layers above the RRC layer, such as the NAS layer. For the MAC layer, "upper layer" refers to layers above the MAC layer, such as the RRC layer, and "lower layer(s)" refers to layers below the MAC layer, such as the physical layer. For the physical layer, "upper layer" refers to layers above the physical layer, such as the MAC layer and / or the RRC layer.

[0113] In this invention, "adaptation PRACH", "PRACH adaptation", "additional PRACH", "NESPRACH", "additional NES PRACH", "additional adaptation PRACH", and "additional PRACH adaptation" can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In this invention, "PRACH", "RACH" and "random access" can be used interchangeably.

[0115] In this invention, "random access parameters (configuration)", "random access resources (configuration)" and "random access resource set (configuration)" can be used interchangeably.

[0116] It should be noted that in this specification, the two terms connected by "and", "or", or "and / or" may represent different ways of expressing the same meaning in different application scenarios. There may be a relationship of inclusion between the two terms, and they do not necessarily refer to completely different content.

[0117] The related technologies of the present invention are described below.

[0118] Random Access

[0119] The network broadcasts the random access resource parameters (also known as random access resource sets) used by the cell through system information. Each random access resource set corresponds to a PRACH configuration index. Random access resources can refer to physical frequency domain resources and / or time domain resources and / or code domain resources (such as preambles) used for random access. The random access resource configuration includes parameters of some random access resources. The network can configure one or more random access resources. Random access resources can be associated with one or more features, or they can be unrelated to features.

[0120] RACH can refer to either the Transport Channel RACH or PRACH; the distinction is not made. Random Access Parameters / Configuration refers to the radio configuration that implements random access functionality, including PRACH-related configurations.

[0121] Random access procedures can be divided into contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA). CBRA consists of four steps: First, the UE sends message 1 (the preamble) to the network; second, the UE receives message 2 (the RandomAccessResponse, RAR) from the network; third, the UE sends message 3 (the uplink transmission scheduled by the uplink grant in message 2), which typically includes the UE identifier, RRC messages for RRC connection establishment / restore / re-establishment, and the UE contention resolution identifier for resolving random access contention; fourth, the UE receives message 4 (the contention resolution message) from the network. The PRACH resources used in CBRA are shared by many UEs. Once the UE completes the four steps of CBRA and the contention resolution is successful, the random access procedure is successfully completed. CFRA consists of two steps: First, the UE sends message 1 (the random access preamble) to the network; second, the UE receives message 2 (the random access response, RAR) from the network. Upon successfully receiving message 2 associated with message 1, the UE considers the CFRA process successfully completed. CFRA typically involves the network pre-allocating dedicated PRACH resources, such as preambles, to the UE, so there is no contention.

[0122] R16 and later NR systems introduced a two-step random access procedure. Steps one and three of the four-step random access procedure are combined into a single step, and the resulting message is called message A. Message A contains a random access preamble and a subsequent associated PUSCH payload. The content of the PUSCH payload is consistent with that of message 3, and may include RRC messages, user plane data, MAC CEs such as buffer status reports, and UE identifiers. Steps two and four are combined into a single step, and the resulting message is called message B. Message B is the response to message A in the two-step random access procedure. Its content is similar to that of messages 2 and 4, and may include responses for contention resolution and uplink grants, or response RRC messages corresponding to the RRC messages included in message A. Compared to four-step random access, the two-step random access procedure can shorten the random access latency. Typically, the network side can configure different random access resource configurations for two-step and four-step random access.

[0123] A UE can trigger a random access procedure under various circumstances, such as initial access when transitioning from an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE) to an RRC connected state, beam recovery requests, handover (also known as synchronization reconfiguration), etc., when uplink data arrives for a UE in an RRC connected state but the uplink is out of sync, or when a UE in an RRC connected state has no available PUCCH source. After the random access procedure is triggered, the UE selects whether to initiate a two-step or four-step random access procedure, and whether it is CBRA or CFRA, based on the network-side configuration and the UE's measurement results. Furthermore, the UE can fall back to a four-step random access procedure during a two-step random access, for example, when the number of times the two-step random access attempt message A is sent exceeds a configured maximum. The random access procedures described in this disclosure include, but are not limited to, the above-mentioned random access procedures.

[0124] Random access resource selection

[0125] When a UE initiates a random access procedure, it selects random access resources based on information such as network configuration and the UE's service status.

[0126] First, the UE selects a random access resource set based on the triggering reason for random access (e.g., random access initiated for repeated message 1, random access initiated for small data transmission, etc.). Then, it configures initialization parameters according to the parameters of the selected random access resource set, and determines whether to use two-step or four-step random access based on the triggering reason and cell quality. Next, it selects random access resources, specifically choosing the associated SSB, PRACH timing(s), and preamble from the selected random access set.

[0127] PRACH compatibility

[0128] In addition to broadcasting the random access resource configuration used by the cell through system information, the network can also broadcast the NES PRACH resource configuration used by the cell. NES PRACH resources can provide terminals with more PRACH opportunities, thereby reducing terminal access latency. The network dynamically indicates the availability of NES PRACH resources through the physical layer DCI, i.e., activating or deactivating NES PRACH resources.

[0129] This invention discusses how a UE initializes relevant parameters and handles ongoing random access procedures when it receives network indications that NES PRACH resources are available or unavailable. This enables the UE to correctly select random access resources and PRACH timing to initiate random access while maintaining network energy efficiency, thus avoiding impacts on the UE's random access success rate and access latency.

[0130] Example

[0131] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method one performed by a user equipment according to the present invention. The UE can perform... Figure 1 One or more steps. Figure 1 This includes steps S101 to S104.

[0132] Optionally, in step S101, the UE receives an RRC message sent by the network. The RRC message is system information and / or RRC-specific signaling such as: RRCReconfiguration message, RRCResume message, etc.

[0133] Optionally, the RRC message includes at least one of the following information:

[0134] -PRACH resource configuration;

[0135] -NES PRACH resource configuration;

[0136] -NES PRACH resource status indicator.

[0137] NES PRACH resource configuration can be included in PRACH resource configuration or not.

[0138] Alternatively, all parameters in each PRACH resource configuration can be viewed as / referred to as a set of random access parameters / resources.

[0139] Optionally, PRACH resource configurations are used to configure parameters for random access. Optionally, each PRACH resource configuration contains a PRACH configuration index, and each PRACH configuration index corresponds to some protocol-defined information, such as: PRACH period / duration, start symbol, number of PRACH events in the time domain within a PRACH slot, preamble format, etc. Optionally, the PRACH configuration index can be used to refer to the corresponding PRACH resource configuration, or to indicate the set of random access resources.

[0140] Optionally, the NES PRACH resource configuration is used to configure the parameters for random access in NES scenarios. Optionally, NES PRACH resources are special PRACH resources specifically for NES scenarios, while general PRACH resources are applicable to various scenarios. Optionally, the NES PRACH resource configuration includes a PRACH configuration index, which may be the same as or different from the PRACH configuration index included in the random access resource. Optionally, the same PRACH configuration index corresponds to (or represents) the same set of random access resources; that is, if the PRACH configuration index values ​​in the PRACH resource and the NES PRACH resource are the same, then the PRACH resource and the NES PRACH resource correspond to the same set of random access resources. Optionally, different PRACH configuration indices correspond to (or represent) different sets of random access resources; that is, if the PRACH configuration index values ​​in the PRACH resource and the NES PRACH resource are different, then the PRACH resource and the NES PRACH resource correspond to different sets of random access resources.

[0141] Optionally, the NES PRACH resource configuration may also include at least one of the following parameters:

[0142] -NES PRACH cycle;

[0143] -NES PRACH timing parameters, including but not limited to: the time offset of the NES PRACH timing and the PRACH timing corresponding to the random access resources, the PRACH timing mask, etc.

[0144] Optionally, NES PRACH resources can be configured with shorter PRACH periods or more PRACH timings than PRACH resources. Optionally, there are two scenarios for the PRACH timings included in NES PRACH resources and PRACH resources: Scenario 1: The PRACH timings included in NES PRACH resources completely cover the PRACH timings included in PRACH resources; Scenario 2: The PRACH timings included in NES PRACH resources cannot completely cover the PRACH timings included in PRACH resources.

[0145] Optionally, the NES PRACH resource status indicator is used to indicate the status of the NES PRACH resource, i.e., whether the NES PRACH resource is available or unavailable. The NES PRACH resource status indicator may or may not be included in the NES PRACH resource configuration. Optionally, the RRC layer indicates the NES PRACH resource status to the lower layer.

[0146] Optionally, when the NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available, the NES PRACH resource is considered activated (or available), and / or the first timer is started (or restarted). Optionally, when the NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable, the NES PRACH resource is considered deactivated (or unavailable), and / or the first timer is stopped. The first timer is used to indicate the validity period of the NES PRACH resource. During the operation of the first timer, the NES PRACH resource is available. If the first timer times out, the NES PRACH resource is considered unavailable, and / or deactivated. Optionally, the start / stop and processing of the first timer are performed at the RRC layer or the MAC layer.

[0147] Alternatively, another implementation is as follows: when the NES PRACH resource is configured or reconfigured, the NES PRACH resource (initial state) is enabled (or disabled) by default. Optionally, if the NES PRACH resource is enabled by default, the NES PRACH resource is considered to be activated, and / or the first timer is started (or restarted).

[0148] Optionally, in step S102, the UE initiates a random access procedure, and the reason for triggering the random access procedure is as described in the related technologies above.

[0149] Optionally, in sub-step S102-1, a random access resource set is selected for the random access procedure. Optionally, in sub-step S102-2, parameters are initialized according to the parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set, and / or it is determined whether to use two-step random access or four-step random access. Optionally, in sub-step S102-3, the associated SSB, PRACH timing, and PRACH preamble are selected from the selected random access set, and PRACH preamble transmission is performed.

[0150] Optionally, in step S103, the UE listens to the PDCCH and receives the DCI sent by the network, the DCI indicating the NES PRACH resource status. For example, when a bit in the DCI (which may be called the NES PRACH resource (status) indicator) is set to 1, it indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available; when the bit in the DCI is set to 0, it indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable. Optionally, the physical layer indicates the NES PRACH resource status to the upper layer (i.e., the MAC layer).

[0151] Optionally, in step S104, the UEMAC entity receives the NES PRACH resource (status) indication from the lower layer (i.e., the physical layer) and performs the corresponding operation according to the different states of the indicated NES PRACH resource.

[0152] Optionally, if the NES PRACH resource (status) indication indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available, the UE determines at least one of the following conditions:

[0153] - There is an ongoing random access process;

[0154] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0155] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable.

[0156] Optionally, if at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations shall be performed:

[0157] - Select / reselect a random access resource set as the first operation;

[0158] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters as the first operation;

[0159] - Select random access resources as the first operation;

[0160] -Start and / or restart the first timer.

[0161] Optionally, the "first operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0162] - The timing for stopping / abandoning (the PRACH timing associated with the selected set of random access resources);

[0163] -Stop / abandon the previously selected PRACH timing;

[0164] -Stop / abandon transmission / retransmission of the PRACH preamble;

[0165] - (Optionally, for case one) Select the NES random access resource set;

[0166] - (Optionally, for case one) Select the NES random access resource set associated with the current random access resource set;

[0167] - (Optionally, for case two) Select both the NES random access resource set and the current random access resource set;

[0168] - (Optionally, for case two) Select both the NES random access resource set and the current random access resource set as the random access resource set;

[0169] - Choose either the NES random access resource set or the current random access resource set.

[0170] Optionally, the NES random access resource set refers to the random access resource set corresponding to the NES PRACH resource.

[0171] Optionally, before performing the "select / reselect the first set of random access resources" and / or the "select the first set of random access resources" operation, at least one of the following conditions may be determined, and the "select / reselect the first set of random access resources" and / or the "select the first set of random access resources" operation may only be performed if at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0172] -The PRACH preamble of the random access procedure has not yet been transmitted / retransmitted;

[0173] - The DCI is received before the selected nearest PRACH timing (or before the transmission / retransmission PRACH preamble);

[0174] - Receives a NES PRACH resource (status) indication that the NES PRACH resource is available before the selected nearest PRACH timing (or before the transmit / retransmit PRACH preamble).

[0175] Optionally, the "initialization and / or reinitialization of random access parameters first operation" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0176] - Initialize and / or reinitialize NES random access parameters, i.e., initialize and / or reinitialize the parameters contained in the NES PRACH resource configuration, such as: NES PRACH period, NES PRACH timing;

[0177] - Initialize and / or reinitialize the random access parameters based on the NES PRACH parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set;

[0178] - Initialize and / or reinitialize the random access parameters based on the parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set;

[0179] - Initialize and / or reinitialize the random access parameters based on the parameter values ​​of the selected NES random access resource set.

[0180] Optionally, the "selecting the first random access resource operation" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0181] - Select a PRACH timing in the NES PRACH resource configuration (within the selected set of random access resources);

[0182] - Select the PRACH timing from both the NES PRACH resource configuration and the PRACH resource configuration (in the selected set of random access resources);

[0183] - If a PRACH timing has already been selected from the PRACH resource configuration and / or NES PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected from the same PRACH resource configuration and / or NES PRACH resource configuration as before. Specifically, if a PRACH timing has already been selected from the PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected from the PRACH resource configuration; if a PRACH timing has already been selected from the NES PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected from the NES PRACH resource configuration; if a PRACH timing has already been selected from both the NES PRACH resource configuration and the PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected from both the NES PRACH resource configuration and the PRACH resource configuration.

[0184] Optionally, if the NES PRACH resource (status) indication indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable (or if the first timer times out), the UE determines at least one of the following conditions:

[0185] - There is an ongoing random access process;

[0186] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0187] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available.

[0188] Optionally, if at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations shall be performed:

[0189] - Ignore the NES PRACH resource (state) indication and / or continue the currently ongoing random access procedure, i.e., do not change the random access resources and / or

[0190] Or random access resource set and / or PRACH timing;

[0191] - Stop the currently ongoing random access procedure and / or re-initiate the random access procedure;

[0192] - Select / reselect a set of random access resources (second operation);

[0193] - Second operation: Initialize and / or re-initialize random access parameters;

[0194] - Select the second operation for random access resources;

[0195] - (If the first timer is running) Stop the first timer.

[0196] Optionally, the "second operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0197] - The timing for stopping / abandoning (the PRACH timing associated with the selected set of random access resources);

[0198] -Stop / abandon the previously selected PRACH timing;

[0199] -Stop / abandon transmission / retransmission of the PRACH preamble;

[0200] - Select the set of random access resources corresponding to the PRACH resource;

[0201] - Select the random access resource set corresponding to the PRACH resource associated with the current random access resource set.

[0202] Optionally, before performing the "select / reselect the second set of random access resources" and / or the "select the second set of random access resources" operation, at least one of the following conditions may be determined, and the "select / reselect the second set of random access resources" and / or the "select the second set of random access resources" operation may only be performed if at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0203] -The PRACH preamble of the random access procedure has not yet been transmitted / retransmitted;

[0204] - At the selected nearest PRACH timing (or before the transmit / retransmit PRACH preamble).

[0205] The aforementioned DCI was received previously;

[0206] - At the selected nearest PRACH timing (or before the transmit / retransmit PRACH preamble).

[0207] Previously received an indication that the NES PRACH resource was unavailable (status).

[0208] - At the selected nearest PRACH timing (or before the transmit / retransmit PRACH preamble).

[0209] The first timer timed out previously.

[0210] Optionally, the "second operation of initializing and / or re-initializing random access parameters" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0211] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters, i.e., initialize and / or reinitialize the parameters contained in the PRACH resource configuration;

[0212] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters based on the PRACH parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set;

[0213] - Initialize and / or reinitialize the random access parameters based on the parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set.

[0214] Optionally, the "second operation of selecting random access resources" includes at least one of the following operations:

[0215] - Select a PRACH timing in the PRACH timing configuration (within the selected set of random access resources);

[0216] - If a PRACH timing has already been selected in the PRACH resource configuration and / or NES PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected within the same PRACH resource configuration and / or NES PRACH resource configuration. Specifically, if a PRACH timing has already been selected in the PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected within the PRACH resource configuration; if a PRACH timing has already been selected in the NES PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected within the NES PRACH resource configuration; if a PRACH timing has already been selected in both the NES PRACH resource configuration and the PRACH resource configuration during the random access procedure, then a PRACH timing will continue to be selected within both the NES PRACH resource configuration and the PRACH resource configuration.

[0217] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating method two performed by a user equipment according to the present invention. The UE can perform... Figure 2 One or more steps. Figure 2This includes steps S201 to S204.

[0218] Optionally, steps S201 and S101 are the same.

[0219] Optionally, steps S202 and S103 are the same.

[0220] Optionally, steps S203 and S104 are the same.

[0221] Optionally, in step S204, the UE initiates a random access procedure, and the reason for triggering the random access procedure is as described in the related technologies above.

[0222] Optionally, in sub-step S204-1, a set of random access resources is selected for the random access procedure.

[0223] Optionally, determine at least one of the following first conditions:

[0224] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0225] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available;

[0226] The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed;

[0227] - The most recently received NES PRACH resource (status) indication indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available.

[0228] Optionally, if at least one of the first conditions above is met, the first operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources is performed.

[0229] The "select / reselect random access resource set first operation" is the same as the "select / reselect random access resource set first operation" in step S104.

[0230] Optionally, determine at least one of the following second conditions:

[0231] -NES PRACH resources have been configured;

[0232] The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable;

[0233] The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed;

[0234] The most recently received NES PRACH resource (status) indication indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable.

[0235] Optionally, if at least one of the second conditions above is met, the second operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources is performed.

[0236] The "select / reselect random access resource set second operation" is the same as the "select / reselect random access resource set second operation" in step S104.

[0237] Optionally, in sub-step S204-2, parameters are initialized based on the parameter values ​​of the selected random access resource set, and / or it is determined whether to use two-step random access or four-step random access.

[0238] Optionally, if at least one of the first conditions is met, the first operation of initializing and / or re-initializing random access parameters is performed. The "first operation of initializing and / or re-initializing random access parameters" is the same as the "first operation of initializing and / or re-initializing random access parameters" in step S104.

[0239] Optionally, if at least one of the second conditions is met, the second operation of initializing and / or re-initializing the random access parameters is performed. The "second operation of initializing and / or re-initializing the random access parameters" is the same as the "second operation of initializing and / or re-initializing the random access parameters" in step S104.

[0240] Optionally, in sub-step S204-3, the associated SSB, PRACH timing, and PRACH preamble are selected from the chosen random access set, PRACH preamble transmission is performed, and the random access response window is started. The random access response window is a time window for listening to random access responses. The random access response is a MAC PDU of a specific format sent by the network, containing a RAPID used to identify the transmitted random access preamble.

[0241] Optionally, during the process of selecting the associated SSB and / or PRACH timing from the selected random access set, the UE determines a first condition. Optionally, if at least one of the first conditions is met, a first operation of selecting random access resources is performed. Optionally, during the process of selecting the associated SSB and / or PRACH timing from the selected random access set, the UE determines a second condition. Optionally, if at least one of the second conditions is met, a second operation of selecting random access resources is performed.

[0242] The "selecting a random access resource first operation" is the same as the "selecting a random access resource first operation" in step S104, and the "selecting a random access resource second operation" is the same as the "selecting a random access resource second operation" in step S104.

[0243] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating method three performed by a user equipment according to the present invention. The UE can perform... Figure 3 One or more steps. Figure 3 This includes steps S301 to S306.

[0244] Optionally, steps S301 and S101 are the same.

[0245] Optionally, steps S302 and S103 are the same.

[0246] Optionally, steps S303 and S104 are the same.

[0247] Optionally, steps S304 and S204 are the same, including the same sub-steps.

[0248] Optionally, in step S305, the UE receives a random access response sent by the network.

[0249] Optionally, if a random access response containing a RAPID that matches the PRACH preamble already sent by the UE is received (i.e., the received random access response contains a RAPID that matches the PRACH preamble already sent by the UE), the random access response window is stopped, the random access response is considered to have been successfully received, message 3 is sent to the network according to the uplink permission in the random access response, and the random access contention resolution timer is started.

[0250] Optionally, if the random access response window times out, and / or if the UE has not yet received a random access response containing a RAPID that matches the PRACH preamble already sent by the UE (i.e., the RAPID contained in the received random access response does not match the PRACH preamble already sent by the UE), the UE considers the random access response reception unsuccessful. If the number of PRACH preamble transmissions reaches the maximum value, the UE considers the random access procedure not to have been successfully completed (i.e., completed but unsuccessful, or considered a failure). Otherwise (i.e., the number of PRACH preamble transmissions has not reached the maximum value), the UE considers the random access procedure not to have been completed and the PRACH preamble can be retransmitted.

[0251] Optionally, if the random access procedure is not completed, at least one of the following operations shall be performed if at least one of the first conditions is met:

[0252] - Select / reselect a random access resource set as the first operation;

[0253] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters as the first operation;

[0254] - Select random access resources as the first operation.

[0255] Optionally, if the random access procedure is not completed, at least one of the following operations shall be performed if at least one of the second conditions is met:

[0256] - Select / reselect a set of random access resources (second operation);

[0257] - Second operation: Initialize and / or re-initialize random access parameters;

[0258] - Select the second operation for random access resources.

[0259] Optionally, in step S306, during the execution of the random access conflict resolution timer, the UE listens to the PDCCH. Optionally, after receiving the PDCCH, the physical layer notifies the upper layer (i.e., the MAC layer) to transmit and receive the PDCCH.

[0260] Optionally, if the UE MAC entity receives notification of PDCCH transmission reception from the lower layer (i.e., the physical layer), it considers the conflict resolution successful and stops the random access conflict resolution timer. Optionally, if the random access conflict resolution timer times out, it considers the conflict resolution unsuccessful. Optionally, if the conflict resolution is unsuccessful: if the PRACH preamble transmission count reaches the maximum value, the random access procedure is considered not to have been successfully completed (i.e., completed but unsuccessful, which can also be considered a failure); otherwise (i.e., the PRACH preamble transmission count has not reached the maximum value), the random access procedure is considered not to have been completed, and the PRACH preamble can be retransmitted.

[0261] Optionally, if conflict resolution fails (and / or if the random access procedure is not completed), at least one of the following operations shall be performed if at least one of the first conditions is met:

[0262] - Select / reselect a random access resource set as the first operation;

[0263] - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters as the first operation;

[0264] - Select random access resources as the first operation.

[0265] Optionally, if conflict resolution is unsuccessful (and / or if the random access procedure is not completed), at least one of the following operations shall be performed if at least one of the second conditions is met:

[0266] - Select / reselect a set of random access resources (second operation);

[0267] - Second operation: Initialize and / or re-initialize random access parameters;

[0268] - Select the second operation for random access resources.

[0269] Among them, "first condition" is the same as "first condition" in step S204-1, "select / reselect random access resource set first operation" is the same as "select / reselect random access resource set first operation" in step S104, "initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters first operation" is the same as "initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters first operation" in step S104, and "select random access resource first operation" is the same as "select random access resource first operation" in step S104.

[0270] Among them, "second condition" is the same as "second condition" in step S204-1, "select / reselect random access resource set second operation" is the same as "select / reselect random access resource set second operation" in step S104, "initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters second operation" is the same as "initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters second operation" in step S104, and "select random access resource second operation" is the same as "select random access resource second operation" in step S104.

[0271] In addition, the UE can perform one or more steps according to Method 4 of the present invention. Method 4 includes steps S401 to S406.

[0272] Optionally, the two-step PRACH resource configuration is used to configure PRACH resources when the random access type is two-step random access. Optionally, the two-step NES PRACH resource configuration is used to configure NES PRACH resources when the random access type is two-step random access. Both PRACH resource configuration and NES PRACH resource configuration are used for four-step random access.

[0273] Optionally, steps S402 and S103 are the same.

[0274] Optionally, steps S403 and S104 are the same.

[0275] Optionally, steps S404 and S204 are the same, including the same sub-steps.

[0276] Optionally, steps S405 and S305 are the same.

[0277] Optionally, the differences between step S406 and step S306 are described below.

[0278] Optionally, if conflict resolution fails (and / or if the random access procedure is not completed), and / or if the random access type is set to two-step random access (2-step RA), and / or if the currently selected random access resource set is a two-step NES random access resource set, and / or if the currently selected random access resource set is both a two-step NES random access resource set and a two-step machine access resource set, the operation performed by the UE further includes at least one of the following, provided that at least one of the first conditions is met:

[0279] - Select the two-step random access resource set, that is, select the random access resource set corresponding to the two-step PRACH resources.

[0280] - Select the four-step NES random access resource set, that is, select the random access resource set corresponding to the NES PRACH resource;

[0281] - Select the four-step random access resource set, that is, select the random access resource set corresponding to the PRACH resource;

[0282] - Choose either the four-step NES random access resource set (i.e., the random access resource set corresponding to the NES PRACH resource) or the four-step random access resource set (i.e., the random access resource set corresponding to the PRACH resource).

[0283] Unless otherwise specified, the order of judgments and operations in this embodiment is irrelevant; that is, the order of judgments and operations can be interchanged.

[0284] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural block diagram of the user equipment (UE) involved in this invention. Figure 4 As shown, the user equipment UE400 includes a processor 401 and a memory 402. The processor 401 may include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an embedded processor, etc. The memory 402 may include, for example, volatile memory (such as random access memory, RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), or other memory. Program instructions are stored on the memory 402. When executed by the processor 401, these instructions can perform the methods described in detail herein, executed by the user equipment.

[0285] A program running on a device according to the invention can be a program that enables a computer to perform the functions of embodiments of the invention by controlling a central processing unit (CPU). The program, or the information processed by the program, can be temporarily stored in volatile memory (such as random access memory, RAM), hard disk drive (HDD), non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), or other memory systems.

[0286] Programs used to implement the functions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The corresponding functions can be implemented by causing a computer system to read and execute the programs recorded on the recording medium. The term "computer system" here can refer to a computer system embedded in the device, and may include an operating system or hardware (such as peripheral devices). "Computer-readable recording medium" can be a semiconductor recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a short-time dynamic storage program recording medium, or any other computer-readable recording medium.

[0287] Various features or functional modules of the devices used in the above embodiments can be implemented or executed by circuits (e.g., monolithic or multi-chip integrated circuits). Circuits designed to perform the functions described in this specification may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above devices. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any existing processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The above circuits may be digital circuits or analog circuits. In cases where advancements in semiconductor technology have led to new integrated circuit technologies that replace existing integrated circuits, one or more embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented using these new integrated circuit technologies.

[0288] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Although various examples of the embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. Fixed or non-mobile electronic devices installed indoors or outdoors can be used as terminal devices or communication devices, such as AV equipment, kitchen equipment, cleaning equipment, air conditioners, office equipment, vending machines, and other household appliances.

[0289] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention also includes any design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, components with the same effects described in the above embodiments can be substituted for each other.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising the following steps: Receive RRC messages sent from the network; Initiate a random access procedure based on the received RRC message; The downlink control information (DCI) sent by the network is received by listening to the PDCCH, and the DCI indicates the status of the NES PRACH resources. as well as Perform operations corresponding to the different states of the NES PRACH resource indicated by the received DCI.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, If the DCI indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available, the UE determines at least one of the following conditions: - There is an ongoing random access process; -NES PRACH resources have been configured; and The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable. If at least one of the above conditions is met, perform the operation to start and / or restart the first timer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, If at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations shall also be performed: - Select / reselect a random access resource set as the first operation; - Initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters (first operation); and - Select random access resources as the first operation.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, If the DCI indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable, or if the first timer expires, the UE determines at least one of the following conditions: - There is an ongoing random access process; -NES PRACH resources have been configured; and The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available. If at least one of the above conditions is met, perform at least one of the following operations: - Ignore the NES PRACH resource status indication, and / or continue the currently ongoing random access procedure; and - Stop the currently ongoing random access procedure and / or re-initiate the random access procedure; as well as - If the first timer is running, then stop the first timer.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, If at least one of the above conditions is met, at least one of the following operations shall also be performed: - Select / reselect a set of random access resources (second operation); - Second operation to initialize and / or reinitialize random access parameters; and - Select the second operation for random access resources.

6. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising the following steps: Receive RRC messages sent from the network; The downlink control information (DCI) sent by the network is received by listening to the PDCCH, and the DCI indicates the status of the NES PRACH resources. Perform operations corresponding to the different states of the NES PRACH resource indicated by the received DCI; as well as Initiate a random access procedure.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The steps to initiate a random access procedure include: Determine if at least one of the following first conditions is met: -NES PRACH resources have been configured; The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is available; The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed; and The most recently received NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is available. If at least one of the first conditions above is met, perform the first operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The steps to initiate a random access procedure include: Determine if at least one of the following second conditions is met: -NES PRACH resources have been configured; The current status of the -NES PRACH resource is unavailable; The status of the -NES PRACH resource has changed; and The most recent received NES PRACH resource status indicator indicates that the NES PRACH resource is unavailable. If at least one of the second conditions above is met, perform the second operation of selecting / reselecting a set of random access resources.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Receive random access responses sent by the network; as well as During the execution of the random access conflict resolution timer, the PDCCH is monitored.

10. A user equipment, comprising: processor; as well as Memory, which stores instructions The instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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