Method, apparatus and computer program product for wireless communication

Abstract

The invention discloses a wireless communication method. The method includes performing a random access (RA) procedure with a wireless communication node by a wireless communication terminal having an enhanced Reduction Capability (eRedCap) characteristic by using a set of RA resources configured for the Reduction Capability (RedCap) characteristic.

Description

[0001] The present document relates generally to wireless communications, and in particular to fifth generation (5G) communications or sixth generation (6G) communications.

[0002] NR (New Radio) specifications include different features, and some features need to be identified in random access procedure, for example, for RA-based SDT (small data transmission based on random access) procedure, gNB needs to identify the SDT feature type when receiving Msg1 (e.g., random access preamble) so that gNB can schedule proper UL grant in Msg2 (e.g., random access response); for RedCap (Reduced Capability) UE (User Equipment), gNB needs to identify the RedCap UE type when receiving Msg1 (e.g., random access preamble) so that gNB can decide the UE type, select proper UL (Uplink) BWP (Bandwidth Part) and / or schedule proper UL grant in Msg2 (e.g., random access response). Considering different features can be used in UE at the same time, for example, an enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) UE performs RA-based SDT procedure, it is still an issue to be discussed to select random access resource for random access procedure.

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of wireless communication. In one embodiment, the method of wireless communication comprises: performing, by a wireless communication terminal having an enhanced reduced capability (eRedCap) feature, a random access (RA) procedure with a wireless communication node by using a set of RA resources configured for a reduced capability (RedCap) feature.

[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication terminal. In one embodiment, the wireless communication terminal comprises a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to perform, via the communication unit, a random access (RA) procedure with a wireless communication node by using a set of RA resources configured for a reduced capability (RedCap) feature, wherein the wireless communication terminal has an enhanced reduced capability (eRedCap) feature.

[0005] The various embodiments can preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs: determining a set of available RA resources; and selecting one of the set of available RA resources for the RA procedure.

[0006] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: determining that a RedCap feature is applicable for the RA procedure in response to determining that the eRedCap feature is not applicable for the RA procedure and that there is no set of RA resources configured for the eRedCap feature in the set of available RA resources.

[0007] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: in response to the eRedCap indication being configured for the set of RA resources, determining that the set of RA resources configured for eRedCap is not applicable for the RA procedure when the eRedCap characteristics are not applicable for the RA procedure; in response to a set of available RA resources being provided for the RA procedure, the eRedCap characteristics being applicable for the RA procedure and only one of the set of available RA resources being configured with the eRedCap indication, selecting the set of RA resources for the RA procedure; or in response to determining that the eRedCap characteristics are applicable for the RA procedure and there is no set of RA resources configured for the eRedCap characteristics in the set of available RA resources for the RA procedure, determining that the RedCap characteristics are applicable for the RA procedure.

[0008] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: in response to a set of RA resources being configured for the RedCap characteristics and no set of RA resources being configured for the eRedCap characteristics, determining that the set of RA resources configured for the RedCap characteristics cannot be used for the RA procedure to which neither the RedCap characteristics nor the eRedCap characteristics are applicable; in response to a set of RA resources being configured for the RedCap characteristics and a set of RA resources being configured for the eRedCap characteristics, determining that the set of RA resources configured for the RedCap characteristics cannot be used for the RA procedure to which the RedCap characteristics are not applicable; or in response to no set of RA resources being available for the characteristics applicable for the RA procedure, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristics are applicable for the RA procedure and one or more sets of RA resources are available for the RedCap characteristics, selecting one of the one or more sets of RA resources available for the RedCap characteristics for the RA procedure.

[0009] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: in response to there being one set of RA resources with the RedCap indication and no set of RA resources with the eRedCap indication, determining that the set of RA resources with the RedCap indication is not applicable for the RA procedure to which neither the RedCap characteristics nor the eRedCap characteristics are applicable; in response to the eRedCap indication being configured for the set of RA resources, determining that the set of RA resources is not applicable for the RA procedure when the eRedCap characteristics are not applicable; in response to no set of RA resources being available for the characteristics applicable for the RA procedure, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristics are applicable for the RA procedure and there is one set of RA resources in the set of available RA resources that can be used for the RedCap characteristics triggering the RA procedure, selecting the set of RA resources for the RA procedure; In response to no RA resource set being available for a characteristic for which the RA procedure is applicable, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristic is applicable for the RA procedure and one or more RA resource sets of the available RA resource sets are configured with one or more indications for one or more RedCap characteristics that triggered the RA procedure, selecting one of the one or more RA resource sets based on a priority order; or In response to an available RA resource set being provided for the RA procedure, the eRedCap characteristic being applicable for the RA procedure and only one RA resource set of the available RA resource sets being configured with an eRedCap or RedCap indication, selecting the RA resource set for the RA procedure.

[0010] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: In response to an RA resource set being configured for the RedCap characteristic and an RA resource set being configured for the eRedCap characteristic, determining that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap characteristic cannot be used for the RA procedure for which the RedCap characteristic is not applicable; In response to an RA resource set being configured for the RedCap characteristic and no RA resource set being configured for the eRedCap characteristic, determining that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap characteristic cannot be used for the RA procedure for which neither the RedCap characteristic nor the eRedCap characteristic is applicable; or In response to no RA resource set being available for a characteristic for which the RA procedure is applicable, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristic is applicable for the RA procedure and one or more RA resource sets are available for the RedCap characteristic, selecting one of the one or more RA resource sets available for the RedCap characteristic for the RA procedure.

[0011] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of: In response to one RA resource set having a RedCap indication and one RA resource set having an eRedCap indication, determining that the RA resource set having the RedCap indication is not available for the RA procedure for which the RedCap characteristic is not applicable; In response to an eRedCap indication being configured for an RA resource set, determining that the RA resource set having the eRedCap indication is not available for the RA procedure when the eRedCap characteristic is not applicable; In response to no RA resource set being available for a characteristic for which the RA procedure is applicable, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristic is applicable for the RA procedure and one RA resource set of the available RA resource sets is available for indicating the RedCap characteristic that triggered the RA procedure, selecting the RA resource set for the RA procedure; or In response to no RA resource set being available for the characteristics of the applicable RA procedure, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristics are applicable to the RA procedure and one or more RA resource sets of the available RA resource sets are configured with one or more indications of one or more RedCap characteristics for triggering the RA procedure, one of the one or more RA resource sets is selected based on a priority order.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to RA resource sets being configured for RedCap characteristics and RA resource sets being configured for eRedCap characteristics, it is determined that the RA resource sets configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for the RA procedure to which the RedCap characteristics are not applicable; or In response to RA resource sets being configured for RedCap characteristics and no RA resource sets being configured for eRedCap characteristics, it is determined that the RA resource sets configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for the RA procedure to which neither the RedCap characteristics nor the eRedCap characteristics are applicable, and the RedCap characteristics are employed as the eRedCap characteristics when selecting the RA resource sets for the RA procedure.

[0013] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to there being one RA resource set with a RedCap indication and no RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, it is determined that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication cannot be used for the RA procedure to which neither the RedCap characteristics nor the eRedCap characteristics are applicable, and the RedCap characteristics are employed as the eRedCap characteristics in the corresponding random access resource selection procedure; In response to there being one RA resource set with a RedCap indication and one RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, it is determined that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication cannot be used for the RA procedure to which the RedCap characteristics are not applicable; In response to one eRedCap indication being configured for the RA resource set, it is determined that the RA resource set with the eRedCap indication cannot be used for the RA procedure when the eRedCap characteristics are not applicable; or In response to available RA resource sets being provided for the RA procedure, the eRedCap characteristics being applicable to the RA procedure, and only one RA resource set of the available RA resource sets being configured with the eRedCap, the RA resource set is selected for the RA procedure.

[0014] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to having one RA resource set with RedCap indication and no RA resource set with eRedCap indication, determining that the RA resource set with RedCap indication is not available for the RA procedure to which RedCap features do not apply, and adopting RedCap features as eRedCap features in the corresponding random access resource selection procedure; or In response to having one RA resource set with RedCap indication and no RA resource set with eRedCap indication, determining that the RA resource set with RedCap indication is not available for the RA procedure to which RedCap features do not apply, and adopting RedCap features as eRedCap features in the corresponding random access resource selection procedure; or In response to having one RA resource set with RedCap indication and no RA resource set with eRedCap indication, determining that the RA resource set with RedCap indication is not available for the RA procedure to which RedCap features do not apply, and adopting RedCap features as eRedCap features in the corresponding random access resource selection procedure; or

[0015] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program product comprising a computer readable program medium code stored thereon which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the wireless communication method described in any of the preceding methods.

[0016] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide features that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, not limitation, and that a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will readily understand that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are meant to be exemplary only and can be performed in a different order and / or hierarchy, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present the steps or acts in the exemplary order and hierarchy for purposes of illustration and discussion, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0018] The above and other aspects and implementations are described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings, the description and the claims.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method of wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram related to a wireless terminal 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless terminal 10 can be a user equipment (UE), a handset, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an e-book, or a portable computer system, without limitation. The wireless terminal 10 can include a processor 100 (e.g., a microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a storage unit 110, and a communication unit 120. The storage unit 110 can be any data storage device that stores program codes 112, which are accessed and executed by the processor 100. Embodiments of the storage unit 112 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 120 can be a transceiver and is configured to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing results of the processor 100. In one embodiment, the communication unit 120 transmits and receives signals through at least one antenna 122 as shown. Figure 1

[0023] In one embodiment, the storage unit 110 and the program codes 112 can be omitted, and the processor 100 can include a storage unit in which the program codes are stored.

[0024] The processor 100 can implement any of the steps in the example embodiments on the wireless terminal 10, for example, by executing the program codes 112.

[0025] The communication unit 120 can be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 120 can also be composed of a transmission unit and a reception unit, which are configured to transmit and receive signals to and from a wireless communication node (e.g., a base station), respectively.

[0026] Figure 2 ​A diagram related to a wireless network node 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The wireless network node 20 can be a satellite, a base station (BS), a smart node, a network entity, a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), a radio access network (RAN) node, a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB central unit (gNB-CU), a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), a data network, a core network, or a radio network controller (RNC), and the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the wireless network node 20 can include (execute) at least one network function, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), an application function (AF), etc. The wireless network node 20 can include a processor 200 such as a microprocessor or an ASIC, a storage unit 210, and a communication unit 220. The storage unit 210 can be any data storage device storing program codes 212, which are accessed and executed by the processor 200. Examples of the storage unit 212 include, but are not limited to, a SIM, a ROM, a flash memory, a RAM, a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 220 can be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing result of the processor 200. In one example, the communication unit 220 transmits and receives signals through at least one antenna 222 as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 2

[0027] In one embodiment, the storage unit 210 and the program codes 212 can be omitted. The processor 200 can include a storage unit in which the program codes are stored.

[0028] The processor 200 can implement any steps described in the example embodiments on the wireless network node 20, for example, by executing the program codes 212.

[0029] The communication unit 220 can be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 220 can also be composed of a transmission unit and a reception unit, which are respectively used to transmit and receive signals to and from a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node).

[0030] In some embodiments, a feature combination is applied to a random access resource, where an information element (IE) FeatureCombination indicates one feature or feature combination to be associated with a random access resource set (i.e., an instance of FeatureCombinationPreambles). Examples of the feature combination are provided below.

[0031] – Feature Combination ​ Feature Combination Information element -- ASN1START -- TAG-FEATURE COMBINATION-START

[0032] When selecting a random access preamble, the UE excludes the set of random access preambles configured for the feature (e.g., the feature field in the feature combination is set to ‘true’).

[0033] If there is one or more set of random access resources (which is configured with one or more indication for a subset of all features that triggered the current random access procedure) available, the UE selects one set of random access resources (e.g., the first set of random access preambles is configured for SDT, the second set of random access preambles is configured for RedCap) from the available one or more set of random access resources based on the priority order indicated by the network. Subsequently, the RedCap UE triggers an SDT procedure. If the network indicates that SDT has higher priority, the UE can select a random access preamble from the first set of random access preambles that applies to SDT, or alternatively, if the network indicates that RedCap has higher priority, the UE can select a random access preamble from the second set of random access preambles that applies to RedCap.

[0034] If there is no set of random access preambles associated with the feature that initiated the current random access procedure, the UE selects a set of random access resources that is not associated with any feature indication for the random access procedure.

[0035] In other words, the above random access preamble selection procedure only considers the mapping between the feature indication of the random access preamble and the feature that initiated the current random access procedure.

[0036] In some embodiments, a set of random access preambles can be configured with an enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) feature. Since the enhanced RedCap feature has some similarities with the RedCap feature, an eRedCap UE can perform the following operations: if a set of random access preambles configured with an eRedCap indication is provided, the eRedCap UE can use the set of random access preambles configured with an eRedCap indication; otherwise, if a set of random access preambles configured with a RedCap indication is provided, the eRedCap UE can use the set of random access preambles configured with a RedCap indication; otherwise, the eRedCap UE can use a set of random access resources that is not associated with any feature indication.

[0037] Aspect 1: Filtering of RedCap resources in random access resource selection procedure Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random access resource allocation method, comprising selecting a suitable random access resource based on an indication in a combination of characteristics configured for random access resources. In some embodiments, this method is used by an eRedCap UE performing a random access procedure with a gNB.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps performed by the eRedCap UE.

[0039] First, the eRedCap UE selects a set of available random access resources. If a set of random access resources is configured for RedCap characteristics, this set of random access resources cannot be used for random access procedures of RedCap UEs and eRedCap UEs. If a set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap characteristics: this set of random access resources cannot be used for random access procedures targeting non-eRedCap UEs.

[0040] Second, the eRedCap UE selects a set of random access resources for a random access procedure. If it is determined that eRedCap characteristics are applicable to the current random access procedure, and none of the set of available random access resources for this random access procedure has a set of random access resources configured for eRedCap characteristics, the eRedCap UE considers RedCap characteristics applicable to the random access procedure. Alternatively, the eRedCap UE considers both RedCap characteristics and eRedCap characteristics applicable to the current random access procedure, and considers that the priority of eRedCap characteristics is always higher than the priority of RedCap characteristics in the subsequent random access resource set selection process.

[0041] In the following paragraphs, in order to clearly describe the hierarchical relationship of multiple layers of if-else statements, the following description uses the expression method of "1> ", "2> ", "3> ", etc.

[0042] Selecting a set of random access resources for random access procedure In some embodiments, the MAC entity of the UE performs: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with msg3-Repetitions two sets of random access resources configured with true and msg3-Repetitions one or more sets of random access resources configured with true and the RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) of the downlink path loss reference signal is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3 ; or 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with msg3-Repetitions one or more sets of random access resources configured with true : 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is applicable to the current random access procedure.

[0043] 1> else: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable to the current random access procedure In some embodiments, a MAC (Media Access Control) entity of an eRedCap UE performs: 1> if no contention-free random access resource has been provided for the random access procedure and one or more characteristics including RedCap, Slicing, SDT, MSG3 repetition transmission and / or eRedCap are applicable to the random access procedure, determine the applicability of SDT by the MAC entity. The applicability of NSAG-ID (network slice access stratum group identity) is determined by the upper layer when the random access procedure is initiated. The applicability of RedCap and / or eRedCap is also determined by the upper layer when the random access procedure is initiated and it is applicable to the random access procedure initiated by PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) command and any random access procedure initiated by the MAC entity.

[0044] 2> if no random access resource set is available for any characteristic applicable to the current random access procedure: 3> select one or more random access resource sets not associated with any characteristic indication (e.g. eRedCap indication or RedCap indication for the random access procedure).

[0045] 2> else if there is one available random access resource set for all characteristics indicated that triggered the random access procedure: 3> select the random access resource set for the random access procedure.

[0046] 2> else (i.e. there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of all characteristics that triggered the random access procedure): 3> select one random access resource set for the random access procedure from the one or more available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by the upper layer.

[0047] 1> else if contention-free random access resource has been provided for the random access procedure, RedCap is applicable to the current random access procedure and only one available random access resource set is configured with RedCap indication: 2> select the random access resource set for the random access procedure.

[0048] 1> else if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap applies to the current random access procedure and only one set of random access resources is configured with eRedCap indication: 2> select this set of random access resources for this random access procedure.

[0049] 1> else if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap applies to the current random access procedure and only one set of random access resources is configured with RedCap indication: 2> select this set of random access resources for this random access procedure.

[0050] 1> else: 2> select a set of random access resources not associated with any feature indication for the current random access procedure.

[0051] Availability of a set of random access resources In some embodiments, for each configured set of random access resources for 4-step RA (random access) type and for each configured set of random access resources for 2-step RA type, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE can perform: 1> if RedCap is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures not applicable to both RedCap and eRedCap.

[0052] 1> if smallData is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures not triggered for SDT.

[0053] 1> if NSAG-List is configured for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures unless the procedure is triggered for any of one or more NSAG-ID in NSAG-List.

[0054] 1> if msg3-Repetitions is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures if Msg3 repetition transmission does not apply.

[0055] 1> if eRedCap is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedure if eRedCap does not apply.

[0056] 1> if the set of random access resources is not configured with FeatureCombination: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not associated with any feature.

[0057] Selecting a set of random access resources based on priority order of characteristics In some embodiments, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE performs: 1> if it is determined that eRedCap features apply to the current random access procedure and none of the set of available random access resources for the random access procedure is configured for eRedCap features, consider RedCap features that apply to the random access procedure; alternatively, the eRedCap UE considers both RedCap features and eRedCap features that apply to the current random access procedure and considers that the priority of eRedCap features is always higher than the priority of RedCap features in the subsequent random access resource set selection procedure.

[0058] 1> among the set of available random access resources for the random access procedure, identify the set of random access resources configured with a feature that is assigned the highest priority among featurePriorities among all features that apply to the random access procedure.

[0059] 1> if a single set of random access resources is identified: 2> select the set of random access resources.

[0060] 1> else if more than one set of random access resources is identified: 2> repeat the procedure with the identified multiple sets of random access resources, and the feature that applies to the random access procedure among all features that apply to the random access procedure that is assigned the highest priority among featurePriorities other than the considered feature as input.

[0061] 1> else (i.e., no set of random access resources is identified): 2> repeat the procedure with the previously identified multiple sets of available random access resources, and the feature that applies to the random access procedure among all features that apply to the random access procedure that is assigned the highest priority among featurePriorities other than the considered feature as input.

[0062] Aspect 2: Filtering of RedCap resources in random access resource selection procedure In one embodiment, a method for filtering RedCap resources in a random access resource selection procedure is provided. In some embodiments, this method is used for an eRedCap UE performing a random access procedure with a gNB. The method comprises the following steps performed by the eRedCap UE.

[0063] First step, the eRedCap UE excludes random access resource sets for which the eRedCap characteristics and / or the eRedCap UE cannot use. If random access resource sets are configured for RedCap characteristics and none of the random access resource sets are configured for eRedCap characteristics (in the cell and / or the selected BWP): the random access resource sets configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for random access procedures for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap applies. Alternatively, if random access resource sets are configured for RedCap characteristics and at least one random access resource set is configured for eRedCap characteristics (in the cell and / or the selected BWP): the random access resource sets configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for random access procedures for which RedCap does not apply. Furthermore, if random access resource sets are configured for eRedCap characteristics, the random access resource sets cannot be used for random access procedures for which eRedCap characteristics do not apply.

[0064] Second step, the eRedCap UE selects a random access resource set from the set of random access resources that can be used for the eRedCap characteristics and / or the eRedCap UE.

[0065] If at least one random access resource set is available for any characteristics that apply to the current random access procedure, the eRedCap UE selects that random access resource set based on the procedure described in the section “Selecting a random access resource set for a random access procedure” below.

[0066] Otherwise, if none of the random access resource sets are available for any characteristics that apply to the current random access procedure, if it is determined that an eRedCap characteristic applies to the current random access procedure and at least one random access resource set is available for the RedCap characteristic, the eRedCap UE selects a random access resource set from one or more random access resource sets available for the RedCap characteristic (e.g., the eRedCap UE considers the RedCap characteristic to be an eRedCap characteristic, or considers the ‘RedCap’ characteristic to apply to the random access procedure) in a subsequent random access selection procedure.

[0067] Otherwise, the eRedCap UE can select one or more random access resource sets that are not associated with any characteristic indication.

[0068] Selecting a set of random access resources for random access procedure In some embodiments, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE performs: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with two random access resource sets with msg3-Repetitions set to true and one or more random access resource sets without msg3-Repetitions set to true, and the RSRP of the downlink path loss reference signal is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3; or 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with only one or more random access resource sets with msg3-Repetitions set to true: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0069] 1> else: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0070] In some embodiments, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE performs: 1> if no contention free random access resource has been provided for this random access procedure and one or more features including RedCap, Slicing, SDT, MSG3 repetition and / or eRedCap are applicable for this random access procedure (applicability of SDT is determined by the MAC entity. Applicability of NSAG-ID is determined by upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated. Applicability of RedCap or eRedCap is also determined by upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated and it is applicable for random access procedures initiated by PDCCH order and any random access procedure initiated by the MAC entity): 2> if none of the random access resource sets are available for any feature applicable for the current random access procedure (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" section below): 3> if it is determined that eRedCap features are applicable for the current random access procedure and there is one available random access resource set available for the RedCap feature that triggered this random access procedure: 4> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0071] 3> else if it is determined that eRedCap features are applicable for the current random access procedure and there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of RedCap features that triggered this random access procedure: 4> select, for this random access procedure, a random access resource set from the one or more available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by upper layers as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on priority order of characteristics" section described below.

[0072] 3> else, select, for this random access procedure, one or more random access resource sets not associated with any characteristic indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" section).

[0073] 2> else, if there is one available random access resource set available for all characteristics that triggered this random access procedure: 3> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0074] 2> else (i.e., there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of all characteristics that triggered this random access procedure): 3> select, for this random access procedure, a random access resource set from the one or more available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by upper layers as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on priority order of characteristics" section described below.

[0075] 1> else, if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, RedCap applies to the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with RedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0076] 1> else, if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap applies to the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with eRedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0077] 1> else, if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap applies to the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with RedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0078] 1> else: 2> select, for the current random access procedure, a random access resource set not associated with any characteristic indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" section).

[0079] Availability of a set of random access resources In some embodiments, for each configured set of random access resources for 4-step RA type and for each configured set of random access resources for 2-step RA type, the MAC entity of the eRedCap UE performs: 1> if RedCap is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> if there is no set of random access resources for which eRedCap is set to true: 3> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap applies.

[0080] 2> else, consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures for which RedCap does not apply.

[0081] 1> if smallData is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures triggered for SDT.

[0082] 1> if NSAG-List is configured for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures unless the procedure is triggered for any of one or more NSAG-IDs in NSAG-List.

[0083] 1> if msg3-Repetitions is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures if Msg3 repetition transmission does not apply.

[0084] 1> if eRedCap is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures if eRedCap does not apply.

[0085] 1> if the set of random access resources is not configured with FeatureCombination: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not associated with any feature.

[0086] Aspect 3: Filtering of RedCap resources in random access resource selection procedure In one embodiment, a method for filtering RedCap resources in a random access resource selection procedure is provided. In some embodiments, this method is used by an eRedCap UE performing a random access procedure with a gNB. The method includes the following steps performed by the eRedCap UE.

[0087] In a first step, the eRedCap UE excludes random access resource sets for eRedCap features and / or for which the eRedCap UE cannot use. If random access resource sets are configured for RedCap features and at least one random access resource set is configured for eRedCap features (in the cell and / or the selected BWP): Random access resource sets configured for RedCap features cannot be used for random access procedures for which RedCap is not applicable. If random access resource sets are configured for RedCap features and none of the random access resource sets is configured for eRedCap features (in the cell and / or the selected BWP): Random access resource sets configured for RedCap features cannot be used for random access procedures for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap is applicable. Alternatively, if random access resource sets are configured for eRedCap features, the random access resource sets cannot be used for random access procedures for which eRedCap features are not applicable.

[0088] In a second step, the eRedCap UE selects from the set of random access resource sets that can be used, a random access resource set for the eRedCap features and / or the eRedCap UE.

[0089] If at least one random access resource set is available for any feature for which the current random access procedure is applicable, the eRedCap UE selects the random access resource set based on the procedure described in the section “Selection of random access resource set for random access procedure” below. Alternatively, if none of the random access resource sets is available for any feature for which the current random access procedure is applicable, if it is determined that an eRedCap feature is applicable for the current random access procedure and at least one random access resource set is available for RedCap features, the eRedCap UE selects in the subsequent random access selection procedure a random access resource set from one or more random access resource sets available for RedCap features (e.g., the eRedCap UE considers a RedCap feature as an eRedCap feature, or considers a ‘RedCap’ feature as applicable for the random access procedure). Otherwise, the eRedCap UE selects one or more random access resource sets that are not associated with any feature indication.

[0090] Selecting a set of random access resources for random access procedure In some embodiments, the MAC entity of the eRedCap UE performs: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with two random access resource sets with msg3-Repetitions set to true and one or more random access resource sets without msg3-Repetitions set to true, and the RSRP of the downlink path loss reference signal is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3; or 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with only one or more random access resource sets with msg3-Repetitions set to true: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0091] 1> else: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0092] 1> if no contention free random access resource has been provided for this random access procedure and one or more characteristics including RedCap, Slicing, SDT, MSG3 repetition transmission and / or eRedCap are applicable for this random access procedure (NOTE: the applicability of SDT is determined by the MAC entity. The applicability of NSAG-ID is determined by the upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated. The applicability of RedCap or eRedCap is also determined by the upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated and it is applicable for the random access procedure initiated by PDCCH order and any random access procedure initiated by the MAC entity): 2> if none of the random access resource sets are available for any characteristics applicable for the current random access procedure (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter): 3> if it is determined that eRedCap characteristics are applicable for the current random access procedure and there is one available random access resource set available for indicating the RedCap characteristics that triggered this random access procedure: 4> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0093] 3> else if it is determined that eRedCap characteristics are applicable for the current random access procedure and there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of RedCap characteristics that triggered this random access procedure and all other characteristics (except eRedCap characteristics): 4> select a random access resource set from one or more available random access resource sets for this random access procedure based on the priority order indicated by the upper layers as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on characteristics priority order" chapter below.

[0094] 3> else, select for this random access procedure one or multiple random access resource sets not associated with any characteristic indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" section).

[0095] 2> else, if there is one available random access resource set indicating all characteristics triggering this random access procedure: 3> select for this random access procedure this random access resource set.

[0096] 2> else (i.e., there is one or multiple available random access resource sets configured with one or multiple indications for a subset of characteristics triggering this random access procedure): 3> select for this random access procedure a random access resource set from one or multiple available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by upper layers as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on characteristic priority order" section below.

[0097] 1> else, if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, RedCap applies for the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with RedCap indication: 2> select for this random access procedure this random access resource set.

[0098] 1> else: 2> select for the current random access procedure a random access resource set not associated with any characteristic indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" section).

[0099] Availability of a set of random access resources In some embodiments, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE performs, for each configured random access resource set for 4-step RA type and for each configured random access resource set for 2-step RA type: 1> if RedCap For the random access resource set is set to true: 2> if there is at least one random access resource set with eRedCap set to true: 3> consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures for which RedCap does not apply.

[0100] 2> else, consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap applies.

[0101] 1> if smallData For the random access resource set is set to true: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures not triggered for SDT.

[0102] 1> if NSAG-List is configured for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures, unless the procedure is triggered for any of one or more NSAG-IDs in NSAG-List.

[0103] 1> if msg3-Repetitions is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures, if Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable.

[0104] 1> if eRedCap is set to true for the set of random access resources: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedures, if eRedCap is not applicable.

[0105] 1> if the set of random access resources is not configured with FeatureCombination: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not associated with any feature.

[0106] Aspect 4: Considering eRedCap characteristics as RedCap characteristics if no eRedCap resources are configured In one embodiment, a method for considering eRedCap features as RedCap features when no eRedCap resources are configured is provided. In some embodiments, this method is used for an eRedCap UE performing a random access procedure with a gNB. The method includes the following steps performed by the eRedCap UE.

[0107] First, if a set of random access resources is configured for RedCap features and at least one set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap features (in a cell and / or BWP), the set of random access resources configured for RedCap features cannot be used for random access procedures for which RedCap features are not applicable.

[0108] Alternatively, if a set of random access resources is configured for RedCap features and none of the set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap features (in the cell and / or the selected BWP), the set of random access resources configured for RedCap features cannot be used for random access procedures to which neither RedCap nor eRedCap applies, and the eRedCap UE considers the RedCap features as eRedCap features in the subsequent random access resource selection procedure, or the eRedCap UE considers the ‘RedCap’ features applicable to random access procedures for eRedCap UEs.

[0109] Further, if a set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap features, the set of random access resources cannot be used for random access procedures to which eRedCap features do not apply.

[0110] Second step, the eRedCap UE selects a set of random access resources from the set of available random access resources selected in the first step.

[0111] Selecting a set of random access resources for random access procedure In some embodiments, the MAC entity of the eRedCap UE performs: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with two sets of random access resources with msg3-Repetitions set to true and one or more sets of random access resources with msg3-Repetitions not set to true, and the RSRP of the downlink path loss reference signal is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3; or 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with only one or more sets of random access resources with msg3-Repetitions set to true: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0112] 1> else: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0113] 1> if contention-free random access resources have not been provided for this random access procedure and one or more features including RedCap, Slicing, SDT, MSG3 repetition transmission and / or eRedCap are applicable to this random access procedure (NOTE: SDT applicability is determined by the MAC entity. NSAG-ID applicability is determined by upper layers and / or the MAC entity when the random access procedure is initiated. RedCap or eRedCap applicability is also determined by upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated and it is applicable to the random access procedure initiated by PDCCH order and any random access procedure initiated by the MAC entity): 2> if none of the random access resource sets are available for any feature applicable to the current random access procedure (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter): 3> select one or more random access resource sets not associated with any feature indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter) for this random access procedure.

[0114] 2> else if there is one available random access resource set for all features that triggered this random access procedure: 3> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0115] 2> else (i.e., there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of all features that triggered this random access procedure): 3> select a random access resource set from one or more available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by upper layers for this random access procedure as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on feature priority order" chapter below.

[0116] 1> else if contention-free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, RedCap is applicable to the current random access procedure and only one available random access resource set is configured with RedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0117] 1> else if contention-free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap is applicable to the current random access procedure and only one available random access resource set is configured with eRedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0118] 1> else: 2> select for the current random access procedure a random access resource set not associated with any feature indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter).

[0119] Availability of a set of random access resources In some embodiments, for each configured random access resource set for 4-step RA type and for each configured random access resource set for 2-step RA type, the MAC entity of the eRedCap UE performs: 1> if RedCap For which the random access resource set is set to true: 2> if there is at least one random access resource set for which eRedCap is set to true: 3> the eRedCap UE considers this random access resource set not available for random access procedures not applicable for both RedCap and eRedCap and the eRedCap UE considers the RedCap features as eRedCap features in the subsequent random access resource selection procedure.

[0120] 2> otherwise, consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures not applicable for both RedCap and eRedCap.

[0121] 1> if smallData For which the random access resource set is set to true: 2> consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures not triggered for SDT.

[0122] 1> if NSAG-List For which the random access resource set is configured: 2> consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures unless this procedure is triggered for any of one or more NSAG-IDs in the NSAG-List.

[0123] 1> if msg3-Repetitions For which the random access resource set is set to true: 2> consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures if Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable.

[0124] 1> if eRedCap For which the random access resource set is set to true: 2> consider this random access resource set not available for random access procedures if eRedCap is not applicable.

[0125] 1> if the random access resource set is not configured with FeatureCombination: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not associated with any characteristics.

[0126] Aspect 5: Considering eRedCap characteristics as RedCap characteristics if no eRedCap resources are configured In one embodiment, a method for considering eRedCap characteristics as RedCap characteristics when eRedCap resources are not configured is provided. In some embodiments, this method is used for an eRedCap UE performing a random access procedure with a gNB. The method includes the following steps performed by the eRedCap UE.

[0127] Firstly, if a set of random access resources is configured for RedCap characteristics and at least one set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap characteristics (in the cell and / or the selected BWP), the set of random access resources configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for a random access procedure for which RedCap characteristics do not apply.

[0128] Alternatively, if a set of random access resources is configured for RedCap characteristics and none of the sets of random access resources in the cell or BWP is configured for eRedCap characteristics, the set of random access resources configured for RedCap characteristics cannot be used for a random access procedure for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap applies. In addition, the eRedCap UE considers RedCap characteristics as eRedCap characteristics in a subsequent random access resource selection procedure, or the eRedCap UE considers the ‘RedCap’ characteristics applicable for the random access procedure of the eRedCap UE.

[0129] Furthermore, if a set of random access resources is configured for eRedCap characteristics, the set of random access resources cannot be used for a random access procedure for which eRedCap characteristics do not apply.

[0130] Secondly, the eRedCap UE selects a set of random access resources from the set of available random access resources selected in the first step.

[0131] Selecting a set of random access resources for random access procedure In some embodiments, the MAC entity of the eRedCap UE performs: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with two sets of random access resources with msg3-Repetitions set to true and one or more sets of random access resources with msg3-Repetitions not set to true, and the RSRP of the downlink path loss reference signal is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3; or 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with only one or more random access resource sets for which msg3-Repetitions is set to true: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0132] 1> else: 2> assume that Msg3 repetition transmission is not applicable for the current random access procedure.

[0133] 1> if contention-free random access resources have not been provided for this random access procedure and one or more features including RedCap, Slicing, SDT, MSG3 repetition transmission and / or eRedCap are applicable for this random access procedure (NOTE: the applicability of SDT is determined by the MAC entity. The applicability of NSAG-ID is determined by the upper layers and / or the MAC entity when the random access procedure is initiated. The applicability of RedCap or eRedCap is also determined by the upper layers when the random access procedure is initiated and it is applicable for the random access procedure initiated by PDCCH order and any random access procedure initiated by the MAC entity): 2> if none of the random access resource sets are available for any feature applicable for the current random access procedure (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter): 3> select one or more random access resource sets not associated with any feature indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter) for this random access procedure.

[0134] 2> else if there is one available random access resource set for all features that triggered this random access procedure: 3> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0135] 2> else (i.e., there is one or more available random access resource sets configured with one or more indications for a subset of all features that triggered this random access procedure): 3> select a random access resource set from one or more available random access resource sets based on the priority order indicated by the upper layers for this random access procedure as specified in the "Selection of random access resource set based on feature priority order" chapter below.

[0136] 1> else if contention-free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, RedCap is applicable for the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with RedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0137] 1> else if contention free random access resources have been provided for this random access procedure, eRedCap applies to the current random access procedure and there is only one available random access resource set configured with eRedCap indication: 2> select this random access resource set for this random access procedure.

[0138] 1> else: 2> select for the current random access procedure a random access resource set not associated with any feature indication (as specified in the "Availability of random access resource sets" chapter).

[0139] Availability of a set of random access resources In some embodiments, for each configured random access resource set for 4-step RA type and for each configured random access resource set for 2-step RA type, the MAC entity of an eRedCap UE performs: 1> if RedCap is set to true for the random access resource set: 2> if there is at least one random access resource set with eRedCap set to true: 3> consider that this random access resource set is not available for random access procedures for which RedCap does not apply.

[0140] 2> else, consider that this random access resource set is not available for random access procedures for which neither RedCap nor eRedCap apply and the eRedCap UE considers RedCap features as eRedCap features in subsequent random access resource selection procedures.

[0141] 1> if smallData is set to true for the random access resource set: 2> consider that this random access resource set is not available for random access procedures not triggered for SDT.

[0142] 1> if NSAG-List is configured for the random access resource set: 2> consider that this random access resource set is not available for random access procedures unless the procedure is triggered for any of one or more NSAG-IDs in NSAG-List.

[0143] 1> if msg3-Repetitions is set to true for the random access resource set: 2> consider that this random access resource set is not available for random access procedures if Msg3 repetition transmission does not apply.

[0144] 1> if eRedCap is set to true for the random access resource set: 2> if eRedCap does not apply, consider that the set of random access resources is not available for random access procedure.

[0145] 1> if the set of random access resources is not configured with FeatureCombination: 2> consider that the set of random access resources is not associated with any feature.

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed by using a wireless communication terminal (e.g., a UE). In one embodiment, the wireless communication terminal can be implemented by using the wireless terminal 10 described in the present disclosure, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes performing, by a wireless communication terminal having an enhanced reduced capability (eRedCap) feature, a random access (RA) procedure with a wireless communication node by using a set of RA resources configured for a reduced capability (RedCap) feature.

[0148] Details of this aspect can be determined with reference to the above paragraphs, which will not be repeated here.

[0149] In some embodiments, the wireless communication terminal used by the present disclosure can indicate the eRedCap UE described above.

[0150] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node used by the present disclosure can indicate the gNB described above.

[0151] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, not for limitation. Likewise, the accompanying drawings could depict example architectures or configurations, which are intended to aid in the understanding of the exemplary features and functions described herein. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, it is contemplated that one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments.

[0152] It should be understood that, in the present disclosure, the terms "and / or" or the symbol " / " can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, A and / or B and / or C includes any and all combinations of one or more of A, B, and C, including A, B, C alone, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C.

[0153] It should also be understood that the use of the terms "first", "second", etc. to refer to elements in the present disclosure generally do not limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these terms are used as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element.

[0154] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0155] Those of skill would further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software unit"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0156] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or any combination thereof, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. In accordance with various embodiments, a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. can be configured to perform one or more functions described herein. The term "configured to" or "adapted to" as used herein with respect to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. means that the processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. is physically constructed and arranged to perform the specific operation or function in question.

[0157] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein can be implemented or performed with an integrated circuit (IC), a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. The general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can therefore be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium, when executed, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0158] Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact discs and laser discs, Blu-ray® discs, DVDs, and other optical and / or magnetic media.

[0159] In this document, the term "unit" is used to refer to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing associated functions described herein. Additionally, various units are described as discrete units; however, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more units can be combined, and optionally implemented as part of one unit, to perform the associated functions of the combined units.

[0160] Additionally, memory or other storage devices and communication components can be employed in embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that, for clarity, the embodiments of the disclosure have been described hereinafter with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains can be used without detracting from the disclosure. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers can be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical, or physical, arrangement or organization.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described in this disclosure, and that the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. The present disclosure is therefore not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the new features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: Wireless communication terminals and wireless communication nodes with enhanced redcap capability (eRedCap) capability perform the RA process by using a random access (RA) resource set configured for redcap capability.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs: Identify the available RA resource set; and Select one of the available RA resources in the RA process.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to determining that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and that there is no RA resource set configured for the eRedCap feature in the available RA resource set, the RedCap feature is determined to be applicable to the RA process.

4. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to configuring an eRedCap indication for an RA resource set, if the eRedCap feature is not applicable to the RA process, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the eRedCap is not applicable to the RA process; In response to the availability of an RA resource set for the RA process, the eRedCap feature being applicable to the RA process, and only one RA resource set in the available RA resource set being configured with an eRedCap indication, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process; or In response to determining that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and that there is no RA resource set configured for the eRedCap feature in the available RA resource set for the RA process, it is determined that the RedCap feature is applicable to the RA process.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the fact that an RA resource set has been configured for the RedCap feature but no RA resource set has been configured for the eRedCap feature, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for the RA process where neither the RedCap feature nor the eRedCap feature is applicable. In response to the fact that an RA resource set has been configured for both the RedCap and eRedCap features, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for RA procedures where the RedCap feature is not applicable; or In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for the feature applicable to the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and one or more RA resource sets are available for the RedCap feature, one RA resource set from the one or more RA resource sets available for the RedCap feature is selected for the RA process.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, 2, or 5, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the existence of an RA resource set with a RedCap indication and the absence of an RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, a process is established to determine that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is unavailable for RAs where neither the RedCap feature nor the eRedCap feature is applicable. In response to configuring an eRedCap indication for an RA resource set, if the eRedCap feature is not applicable, it is determined that the RA resource set is not available for the RA process; In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for the applicable characteristics of the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap characteristic is applicable to the RA process and there is an RA resource set available that can be used to indicate the RedCap characteristic that triggers the RA process, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process; In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for a feature applicable to the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and one or more RA resource sets are configured with one or more indications for one or more RedCap features that trigger the RA process, one of the one or more RA resource sets is selected based on priority; or In response to the availability of an RA resource set for the RA process, the eRedCap feature being applicable to the RA process, and only one RA resource set in the available RA resource set being configured with an eRedCap or RedCap indication, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the fact that an RA resource set has been configured for the RedCap feature and an RA resource set has been configured for the eRedCap feature, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for RA procedures where the RedCap feature is not applicable. In response to a situation where an RA resource set has been configured for the RedCap feature but not for the eRedCap feature, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for an RA procedure where neither the RedCap feature nor the eRedCap feature is applicable; or In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for the feature applicable to the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and one or more RA resource sets are available for the RedCap feature, one RA resource set from the one or more RA resource sets available for the RedCap feature is selected for the RA process.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, 2, or 7, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the existence of an RA resource set with a RedCap indication and an RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, it is determined that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is not available for RA processes where the RedCap feature is not applicable. In response to configuring an eRedCap indication for an RA resource set, if the eRedCap feature is not applicable, it is determined that the RA resource set with the eRedCap indication is not available for the RA process; In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for a feature applicable to the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and there is an RA resource set available that can be used to indicate the RedCap feature that triggers the RA process, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process; or In response to the absence of a RA resource set available for a feature applicable to the RA process, when it is determined that the eRedCap feature is applicable to the RA process and one or more RA resource sets are available and configured with one or more indications for one or more RedCap features that trigger the RA process, one of the one or more RA resource sets is selected based on priority order.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the fact that an RA resource set has been configured for both the RedCap and eRedCap features, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for RA procedures where the RedCap feature is not applicable; or In response to the fact that an RA resource set has been configured for the RedCap feature but no RA resource set has been configured for the eRedCap feature, it is determined that the RA resource set configured for the RedCap feature cannot be used for an RA process where neither the RedCap feature nor the eRedCap feature is applicable, and the RedCap feature is used as the eRedCap feature when selecting the RA resource set for the RA process.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, 2, or 9, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the existence of a RA resource set with a RedCap indication and the absence of a RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is determined to be unavailable for RA procedures where neither the RedCap feature nor the eRedCap feature is applicable, and the RedCap feature is used as the eRedCap feature in the corresponding random access resource selection process; In response to the existence of an RA resource set with a RedCap indication and an RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, it is determined that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is not available for RA processes where the RedCap feature is not applicable. In response to configuring an eRedCap indication for an RA resource set, when the eRedCap feature is not applicable, it is determined that the RA resource set with the eRedCap indication is not available for the RA process; or In response to the availability of an RA resource set for the RA process, the eRedCap feature being applicable to the RA process, and only one RA resource set in the available RA resource set being configured with eRedCap, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, 2, or 9, wherein the wireless communication terminal performs at least one of the following: In response to the existence of an RA resource set with a RedCap indication and an RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, it is determined that the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is not available for RA processes where the RedCap feature is not applicable. In response to the existence of a RA resource set with a RedCap indication and the absence of a RA resource set with an eRedCap indication, a process is determined where the RA resource set with the RedCap indication is unavailable for both the RedCap and eRedCap features, and the RedCap feature is used as the eRedCap feature in the corresponding random access resource selection process; or In response to the availability of an RA resource set for the RA process, the eRedCap feature being applicable to the RA process, and only one RA resource set in the available RA resource set being configured with eRedCap, the RA resource set is selected for the RA process.

12. A wireless communication terminal, comprising: Communication unit; and A processor configured to perform an RA process via the communication unit and a wireless communication node using a random access (RA) resource set configured for RedCap feature, wherein the wireless communication terminal has an enhanced RedCap feature.

13. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 11.

14. A computer program product comprising computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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