Physical random access channel system access

Abstract

In wireless communications, there may be different protocols for establishing and synchronizing communications between a base station and a UE. The initial access may include a time period prior to downlink (DL) timing. One example is a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission. In other examples, PRACH transmissions may also be used for timing advance (TA) updates. The system access timing can realize effective PRACH design and system access, thereby reducing PRACH overhead and effectively supporting larger cell coverage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document generally relates to wireless communication. More specifically, wireless communication is improved through configuration design and system access, such as through physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication technology is propelling the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. Wireless communication relies on efficient network resource management and allocation between user mobile stations and wireless access network nodes (including but not limited to wireless base stations). Next-generation networks promise to provide high-speed, low-latency, and ultra-reliable communication capabilities, meeting the requirements of various industries and users, including those related to artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, user mobile stations or user equipment (UEs) are becoming increasingly complex, and the amount of data being communicated is constantly increasing. Similarly, the number and diversity of devices communicating through the network are also increasing. The complexity of the initial access communication used to connect UEs to the network is also increasing. To improve communication and meet the reliability requirements of vertical industries, as well as support next-generation network services, communication improvements are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication, including initial access communication that can establish and synchronize communication between a base station and a UE using different protocols. Initial access can include a time period prior to downlink (DL) timing. One example is Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission. In other examples, PRACH transmission can also be used for timing advance (TA) updates. This system access timing enables efficient PRACH design and system access, thereby reducing PRACH overhead and effectively supporting greater cell coverage.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: transmitting a signal according to a protocol during a time period prior to downlink (DL) timing; and applying timing advance for uplink (UL) signals based on the time period.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: selecting a time period from a set of time periods by a user equipment (UE); and transmitting a signal based on the selected time period.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: estimating a region index for transmitting uplink (UL) signals; and transmitting signals based on the region index.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: indicating one or more Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) protocol configurations; and indicating a set of one or more time periods or one or more cell partitioning strategies, wherein each of the one or more PRACH protocol configurations is associated with a set of time periods or with a cell partitioning strategy.

[0008] In one embodiment, a wireless communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement any of the embodiments described above.

[0009] In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any of the embodiments described above.

[0010] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement any method described in any of the plurality of embodiments. In some embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any method described in any of the plurality of embodiments. The above and other aspects and embodiments thereof are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, specification, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An example base station is shown; Figure 2 An example random access (RA) messaging environment is shown; Figure 3 An embodiment of the initial access signaling is shown; Figure 4 An example of the preamble format for the random access channel (RACH) is shown; Figure 5 An example of Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) timing is shown; Figure 6A An embodiment of the positioning of a user equipment (UE) relative to a base station is illustrated; Figure 6BAnother embodiment of the positioning of a user equipment (UE) relative to a base station is shown; Figure 7 An example of a timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown; Figure 8 Another embodiment of the timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown; Figure 9 An example of frequency location configuration for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown; and Figure 10 Another embodiment of the timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This disclosure will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure and illustrate specific examples of embodiments by way of illustration. However, it should be noted that this disclosure may be embodied in various different forms, and therefore the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be construed as not being limited to any of the embodiments set forth below.

[0013] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in the context beyond their explicitly stated meanings. Similarly, the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrases “in another embodiment” or “in other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to different embodiments. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include, in whole or in part, exemplary embodiments or combinations of embodiments.

[0014] Generally, terms can be understood at least in part from their usage in the context. For example, terms used herein, such as “and,” “or,” or “and / or,” can include a variety of meanings that can depend at least in part on the context in which they are used. Generally, “or,” when used in an associative list, such as A, B, or C, means A, B, and C in an inclusive sense, and A, B, or C in an exclusive sense. Furthermore, the terms “one or more” or “at least one,” as used herein, can be used, at least in part, to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense, depending at least in part on the context. Similarly, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” depending at least in part on the context, can also be understood to convey either a singular or a plural usage. Moreover, the terms “based on” or “determined by” can be understood not necessarily to convey an exclusive set of factors, but may allow for the existence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described, again depending at least in part on the context.

[0015] The wireless communication described herein can be implemented through radio access, including New Radio (NR) access. Radio resource control (RRC) is a protocol layer at the IP layer (network layer) between the user equipment (UE) and the network (e.g., a base station or gNB). Various RRC states can exist, such as RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_IDLE. As mentioned above, the UE can transmit data through the Random Access Channel (RACH) protocol scheme, the Configured Grant (CG) scheme, or the grant scheme. The RACH scheme is only one example of a protocol scheme used for communication, and other examples, including but not limited to CG, are possible. The RACH scheme can be used in the initial access procedure to establish communication (including synchronization) between the UE and the base station. Figures 1 to 2An example radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., a base station) and user equipment (UE) and messaging environment are illustrated. Initial access can refer to the process by which the UE and the base station establish uplink synchronization. An example of initial access may include a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure or protocol. This procedure may include obtaining an identifier for radio access communications. RACH may include the first message from the UE to the base station upon power-up. RACH is a shared channel used by a radio terminal to access a mobile network (based on TDMA / FDMA and CDMA networks) for call setup and data transmission. The UE schedules RACH whenever it wants to initiate an MO (Mobile Originating) call. RACH is a transport layer channel, while its corresponding physical layer channel is PRACH. In some embodiments, RACH may be part of the initial access for communication between the UE and the network (e.g., a base station). In some embodiments, there may be advance timing (TA) update communications, which may occur after the initial access procedure.

[0016] In addition to providing uplink synchronization, RACH can also be used to acquire resources for message sending and receiving (e.g., RRC connection requests). Timing between devices may be necessary for normal communication. Accordingly, there may be communication / updates used to establish timing for communication between the UE and the base station. As described in the embodiments below, initial access may also include a time period prior to downlink (DL) timing. Therefore, embodiments can apply this method to Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmissions. In some embodiments described below, PRACH transmissions may also be used for timing advance (TA) updates, which in some embodiments may not be considered initial access, where the TA update occurs after initial access. In other embodiments, initial access may include both PRACH transmissions and TA updates. Embodiments can achieve efficient PRACH design and system access, thereby reducing PRACH overhead and effectively supporting greater cell coverage.

[0017] Figure 1Example base station 102 is shown. A base station may also be referred to as a radio network node. Base station 102 may also be identified as a nodeB (NB, e.g., eNB or gNB) in a mobile telecommunications context. The example base station may include a wireless Tx / Rx circuit 113 for receiving and transmitting signaling with user equipment (UE) 104. The base station may also include a network interface circuit 116 that couples the base station to the core network 110, such as an optical interconnect or wired interconnect, Ethernet, and / or other data transmission media / protocols.

[0018] The base station may also include system circuitry 122. System circuitry 122 may include one or more processors 124 and / or memory 126. Memory 126 may include operations 128 and control parameters 130. Operations 128 may include instructions for execution on one or more processors in processor 124 to support base station operation. For example, operations may process random access transmission requests from multiple UEs. Control parameters 130 may include parameters or may support the execution of operations 128. For example, control parameters may include network protocol settings, random access messaging format rules, bandwidth parameters, radio frequency mapping allocation, and / or other parameters.

[0019] Figure 2 An example random access messaging environment 200 is illustrated. In this environment, UE 104 can communicate with base station 102 via random access channel 252. In this example, UE 104 supports one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), such as SIM1 202. An electrical and physical interface (also known as a SIM card 1 interface) 206 connects SIM1 202 to the rest of the user equipment hardware, for example, via system bus 210.

[0020] Mobile device 200 includes a communication interface 212, system logic (also referred to as system circuitry) 214, and a user interface 218. System logic (system circuitry) 214 may include any combination of hardware, software, firmware, or other logic. System logic 214 may be implemented, for example, using one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), discrete analog and digital circuits, and other circuits. System logic 214 is part of an implementation of any desired functionality in UE 104. In this regard, system logic 214 may include logic that facilitates operations such as: decoding and playing music and video (e.g., MP3, MP4, MPEG, AVI, FLAC, AC3, or WAV decoding and playback); running applications; accepting user input; saving and retrieving application data; establishing, maintaining, and terminating cellular phone calls or data connections (e.g., for internet connections); establishing, maintaining, and terminating wireless network connections, Bluetooth connections, or other connections; and displaying relevant information on user interface 218. User interface 218 and input 228 may include a graphical user interface, a touch-sensitive display, haptic feedback or other haptic output, voice or facial recognition input, buttons, switches, speakers, and other user interface elements. Additional examples of input 228 include microphones, video and still image cameras, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, rotation and orientation sensors, headphone and microphone input / output jacks, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, memory card slots, radiation sensors (e.g., IR sensors), and other types of input.

[0021] System logic 214 may include one or more processors 216 and memory 220. Memory 220 stores, for example, control instructions 222 executed by processor 216 to achieve the desired functions of UE 104. Control parameters 224 provide and specify configuration and operational options for the control instructions 222. Memory 220 may also store any BT, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other data 226 that UE 104 will send or has received via communication interface 212. In various embodiments, system power may be provided by a power storage device such as battery 282.

[0022] In communication interface 212, radio frequency (RF) transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) circuitry 230 processes the transmission and reception of signals through one or more antennas 232. Communication interface 212 may include one or more transceivers. The transceiver may be a wireless transceiver, including modulation / demodulation circuitry, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), filters, waveform shapers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and / or other logic for transmission and reception via one or more antennas or (for some devices) via a physical (e.g., wired) medium.

[0023] Transmitted and received signals can follow any of a wide variety of formats, protocols, modulations (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM), frequency channels, bit rates, and encodings. As a specific example, communication interface 212 may include transceivers supporting transmission and reception under 2G, 3G, BT, WiFi, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)+, 4G / Long Term Evolution (LTE), and 5G standards. However, the technologies described below, whether originating from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the GSM Association, 3GPP2, IEEE, or other partners or standards bodies, are applicable to other wireless communication technologies.

[0024] In wireless communication, initial access communication can be performed using different protocols. In one example, RACH is the initial access communication used to establish and synchronize communication between the base station and the UE. As described in the embodiments below, initial access may also include a time period prior to downlink (DL) timing. Therefore, embodiments can apply this method to Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission. In some embodiments described below, PRACH transmission may also be used for timing advance (TA) updates, in which case the TA update may not be considered initial access, and the TA update occurs after initial access. In other embodiments, initial access may include both PRACH transmission and TA update.

[0025] Figure 3An embodiment of initial access signaling is illustrated. The base station determines the PRACH configuration. The configuration in block 302 can be generated by the base station as described below. The UE can transmit an initial access signal to the base station. The initial access signal can be sent when the UE is first powered on and is used to initialize and synchronize communication between the UE and the base station. The initial access signal can utilize the established configuration to establish communication between the UE and the base station in block 304. In other words, this configuration can be used for the initial access communication initiated in block 302. The initial access configuration is further described below. Although this communication is described as initial access, RACH is an example of such communication and is described in the examples below.

[0026] Figure 4 An example of a Random Access Channel (RACH) preamble format 400 is shown. (Source: [Original Source Name]) Figure 3 The initial access configuration 302 may include modifications or changes to the RACH preamble format 400. In some embodiments, the RACH preamble format 400 may include a cyclic prefix (CP) 402, a preamble sequence 404, and / or a guard time (GT) 406. Further changes to the preamble are described below. The modified or configured RACH format (including the preamble) may be referred to as an enhanced format or an enhanced preamble.

[0027] Figure 5 An example of Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) timing is illustrated. In wireless communication systems (e.g., 4G LTE or 5G NR systems), the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) can be based on cell coverage. The PRACH is used by the UE to request uplink allocation from the base station. Figure 5 As shown, the cyclic prefix (CP) and guard period (GP) cover the round-trip time of the PRACH. Their length is at least 2R / c, where R is the cell radius (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figures 6A to 6B R is shown) and c is the speed of light (i.e., 3). (108 m / s). In the case of multipath in the radio channel, the CP and / or GP length can be 2R / c+ds, where ds is a parameter of the radio channel margin or delay spread. The GP can be generated by the implementation and depends on the coverage. In some embodiments, the ds parameter can be removed from the GP. For larger cell coverage, PRACH overhead may increase. The embodiments described herein achieve efficient PRACH design and system access, thereby reducing PRACH overhead and effectively supporting larger cell coverage.

[0028] Figure 6AAn example of user equipment (UE) positioning relative to a base station is illustrated. The radius R indicates the distance to the base station. The base station may indicate the cell extent (e.g., 'R = w meters') and the number of areas within the cell (e.g., 'N = 3'). In this example, the cell is divided into three areas (e.g., areas n = 0, 1, 2) based on the distance (d) to the base station. In area n = 0, the distance to the base station is d <= R / 3. In area n = 1, the distance to the base station is R / 3 <= d <= 2R / 3. In area n = 2, the distance to the base station is 2R / 3 <= d <= R. UE A, UE B, or UE C estimates which area it is located in and derives the area index n (i.e., n is 0, 1, and 2 for UE A, UE B, and UE C, respectively). The UE may send its estimated area index to the base station.

[0029] Figure 6B Another embodiment of the positioning of a user equipment (UE) relative to a base station is shown. Figure 6A Compared to the region division with uniform region division in the previous example, this embodiment shows a non-uniform region division. Figure 6B In this context, the region where n=1 is greater than the region where n=0. In other words, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates two different cell partitioning strategies. For either strategy, the value of N (the number of area indices n) can be increased or decreased. For example... Figure 6A As shown, the cell is uniformly divided into three regions (i.e., N=3) with an increment of R / 3. In some embodiments, the value of N can be larger or smaller, and the distance d is adjusted accordingly. Figure 6B The illustrated embodiment uses two regions within the cell, where for region n=0, d<=R / 3; and for region n=1, R / 3<=d<=R. In some embodiments, the value of N can be larger or smaller, and the distance d is adjusted accordingly.

[0030] Figure 7 An example of a timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown. This example is based on... Figure 6A In the embodiment shown, N=3. The PRACH starts at the beginning of time slot i. UE x (e.g., Figure 6A The UE A, UE B, or UE C shown will be based on DL timing, n positions before the start of PRACH. 2R / (3) c) Send PRACH. For example, the timing for sending PRACH can be: ● UE A will send a PRACH at time point t0 (as shown in the "DL timing zone of region 0" for DL ​​synchronization based on UE A). Time point t0 is the starting position of the PRACH based on DL timing of UE A (for UE A, n=0). In other words, this is the start of time slot i based on DL timing of UE A; ● Since the area index n for UE B is 1, UE B will send PRACH at time point t1-2R / 3C. Based on UE B's DL timing, the starting position of PRACH is "t1". This is the start of time slot i based on UE B's DL timing; and ● Since the area index n for UE C is 2, UE C will send PRACH at time point t2-4R / 3C. Based on the DL timing of UE C, the starting position of PRACH is "t2". This is the beginning of time slot i of the DL timing based on UE C.

[0031] The CP length of the PRACH can be determined by 2R / (N) c) + ds is determined, where c is the speed of light (3 108 m / s), and ds is a parameter indicated by the base station. N is the total number of areas (in this example, N=3).

[0032] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown. Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating alternative uplink signals to PRACH. In this example, the uplink signal is the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) and is based on... Figure 6A In the embodiment shown, N=3. The transmission timing of PUSCH for UE A is t0-TA0, and the transmission timing of PUSCH for UE B is t1-(TA1+2R / (3 c)) and the transmission timing of UE C's PUSCH is t2-(TA2+4R / (3 c)). TA0, TA1 and TA2 are timing advance signals for UEA, UE B and UE C respectively. These timing advance signals are obtained by the base station detecting PRACH and sent to UE A, UE B and UE C respectively.

[0033] Figure 9 An example of frequency location configuration for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is illustrated. Two PRACH configurations can exist (i.e., PRACH configuration 0 and PRACH configuration 1), which include PRACH format information and time, as well as frequency resource information. Figure 9 As shown, the PRACH format used for PRACH configuration 0 is "PRACH format 0", and the corresponding PRACH is transmitted in time slots 1 and 3. The frequency position of PRACH configuration 0 is f1. The PRACH format used for PRACH configuration 1 is "PRACH format 1", and the corresponding PRACH is transmitted in time slots 2 and 4. The frequency position of PRACH configuration 0 is f2. The base station broadcasts two PRACH configurations and two N values, namely N=2 and N=3 corresponding to PRACH configuration 1 and configuration 0, respectively. In this example, N is the number of areas into which a cell is divided. The CP length of the PRACH format in PRACH configuration 0 is less than the CP length of the PRACH format in PRACH configuration 1 because the former and the latter are associated with N=3 and N=2, respectively. Accordingly, a UE that selects PRACH configuration 0 has a higher location estimation capability (i.e., a more accurate estimation) than a UE that selects PRACH configuration 1. In other words, the change in N changes this capability.

[0034] In the above embodiments, a formula was used to derive the transmission locations of PRACH and other UL channels. In alternative embodiments, the base station can transmit different values ​​without using this formula. The base station can indicate multiple X values, where each X value corresponds to an RSRP range. The UE measures the RSRP and, based on its RSRP measurement and the correlation between RSPP and X values, selects an X value. In other words, an RSRP range can be used instead of the area index n.

[0035] In another embodiment, the base station may send the cell radius R to the UE. In this embodiment, the base station may overestimate the size (i.e., R is larger than the actual cell coverage) compared to the actual cell coverage. The UE measures the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and uses the RSRP, along with the base station's transmission power as indicated by the base station, as input to determine a region estimate, such as a value of "n". This input can be an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) algorithm used for region estimation. In an alternative embodiment, the base station sends the cell edge RSRP to the UE. The UE measures the RSRP and uses the RSRP, along with the cell edge RSRP, as input to an AI / ML algorithm to determine the region estimation result (i.e., the value of the region index n).

[0036] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the timing diagram for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is shown. Except for the way the UE receives timing values, this embodiment is similar to... Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments are similar. In Figure 7In the process, the UE uses a formula to calculate the timing value, but... Figure 10 In this example, the value is broadcast by the base station. In this embodiment, the base station broadcasts three X values ​​as a set (in the example of N=3, these are X0, X1, and X2, corresponding to n=0, 1, and 2 respectively), where in this embodiment, X0 is assumed to be 0. For... Figure 6A The community shown, Figure 10 The PRACH transmission location may include: ● UE A will send PRACH at time point t0-X0, which is the start position of PRACH based on UE A's DL timing (n=0 for UE A). This is the start of slot i based on UE A's DL timing.

[0037] ● UE B will send PRACH at time point t1-X1 because the area index n for UE B is 1. The value of t1 is the start position of PRACH based on UE B's DL timing. This is the start of slot i based on UE B's DL timing.

[0038] ● UE C will send PRACH at time point t2-X2 because the area index n for UE C is 2. The value of t2 is the start position of the PRACH based on the DL timing of UE C. This is the start of slot i based on the DL timing of UE C.

[0039] In some embodiments, there may be more than one set of X values. For example, in the case of N=2, another set including two X values ​​can be used.

[0040] As previously stated, the UE sends a PRACH to the base station X seconds before the start position of the PRACH based on DL timing. In one embodiment, X=n M, where n is the estimated region index and M is the time value. In one embodiment, M = 2R / (N C), where R and N are indicated by the base station, or M is indicated by the base station, and c is the speed of light. In some embodiments, one or more X values ​​are indicated by the base station. For example, each X value is associated with an RSRP range, or each X value is associated with a region index (i.e., 'n').

[0041] In some embodiments, the UE uses timing advance (TA) as TA+X to apply to UL channels or signals, wherein TA is indicated by the base station.

[0042] In some embodiments, the UE sends a region index n to the base station, or the UE sends a selected X value to the base station. The region index n can be estimated by the UE using parameters indicated by the base station, which at least include R, RSRP, transmission power, and / or the region partitioning strategy (i.e., N). The region index n or the X value can be sent during the random access procedure via a preamble sequence in the PUSCH, either Msg3 or PRACH.

[0043] In some embodiments, the UE selects a PRACH configuration. The base station broadcasts multiple PRACH configurations, each associated with a region estimation capability. The PRACH configuration may indicate the PRACH format. The CP length of the PRACH is obtained using parameters N, R, and / or ds. Selection may be based on the UE's location estimation capability, including whether region estimation is supported, or the accuracy of the region estimation. In other words, a larger N or higher accuracy can be used for selection. For example, N=1 might mean that the UE cannot perform region estimation.

[0044] In one embodiment, the UE estimates the region index via one or more of the following: ● Cell radius, RSRP at the cell edge, or RSRP range for each area; ● Base station transmission power or PSD; or ● Region partitioning strategy (uniform / non-uniform with different N values).

[0045] In some embodiments, UL channel or signal transmission may include: 1) the UE sending a PRACH to the base station X seconds before the start position of the PRACH based on DL timing, and / or 2) the UE using TA+X as a timing advance applied to the UL channel or signal. TA may be indicated by the base station.

[0046] In one embodiment, the value of X can be X=n M, where 'n' is the region index, which is estimated by the UE using one or more of the following parameters: ● 'R' indicates the cell range; ● RSRP is the reference signal received power (e.g., RSRP at the cell edge). ● Zoning strategy, i.e., how a community is divided into multiple zones; ● 'N' is the number of areas in the community; or ● DL transmission power, or DL ​​power spectrum density (PSD).

[0047] As mentioned earlier, the UE can send the area index 'n' to the base station. The area index 'n' can be sent in msg3 via PUSCH during the random access procedure. The value of M can be M = 2R / (N C), where 'R' is the cell range indicator and 'N' is the number of areas in the cell. N and R are indicated by the base station, or M is indicated by the base station.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more X values ​​may be indicated by the base station. Each X value is associated with an RSRP range, or each X value is associated with a region index (i.e., 'n'). The UE may send its selected X values ​​to the base station. X values ​​may be sent during the random access procedure via a preamble sequence in the PUSCH, either Msg3 or PRACH.

[0049] In some embodiments, PRACH is based on a PRACH configuration. The PRACH configuration is selected by the UE from multiple PRACH configurations indicated by the base station. Each PRACH configuration is associated with a location estimation capability, an 'N' value, or a region partitioning strategy. The PRACH configuration may indicate at least one of the following: PRACH format, time and / or frequency resources used for the PRACH. The CP length of the PRACH is based on one or more of the following parameters: N, R, and / or ds. CP length = 2R / (N) C)+ds or 2R / (N) C), or the CP length is equal to the length of a PRACH format, which is closest to 2R / (N). C)+ds or 2R / (N) C). The selection can be based on the UE's location estimation capability, whether it supports area estimation, or regardless of the accuracy of area estimation. This accuracy can be measured by the value of N (i.e., the larger the value of N, the higher the accuracy). In other words, N=1 means that the UE cannot perform area estimation.

[0050] In some embodiments, the UE estimates a region index and uses the region index to transmit UL channels / signals. The UE estimates a region index 'n' and transmits the index to the base station and / or uses the index to transmit uplink channels and / or signals. Alternatively, the UE selects an X value from a set of X values ​​indicated by the base station, and the UE transmits the selected X value to the base station. Each X value may correspond to an RSRP range. Multiple sets of X values ​​indicated by the base station may exist. Each set corresponds to a cell partitioning strategy (i.e., an N value). The region index 'n' or the selected X value is transmitted in msg3 via PUSCH during the random access procedure. The index is estimated by the UE using one or more of the following parameters: ● 'R' indicates the cell range; ● RSRP is the reference signal received power (e.g., RSRP at the cell edge). ● Zoning strategy, i.e., how a community is divided into multiple zones; ● 'N' is the number of areas in the community; or ● DL transmission power, or DL ​​power spectral density (PSD).

[0051] The UE sends a PRACH to the base station X seconds before the start position of the PRACH based on DL timing. The UE uses TA+X as the timing advance applied to the UL channel or signal, where TA is indicated by the base station, and X=n. M, or one or more X values, are indicated by the base station. The value of M can be M = 2R / (N) C), where 'R' is the cell range indicator and 'N' is the number of areas in the cell. N and R can be indicated by the base station, or only M can be indicated by the base station.

[0052] In some embodiments, the PRACH is one PRACH configuration selected by the UE from a plurality of PRACH configurations indicated by the base station. Each PRACH configuration is associated with a location estimation capability, an 'N' value, or a region partitioning strategy. A PRACH configuration may include at least one of the following: a PRACH format, time and / or frequency resources for the PRACH. The CP length of the PRACH is based on one or more of the following parameters: N, R, and / or ds. In some embodiments, CP length = 2R / (N C)+ds or 2R / (N) C). The CP length is equal to the length of a PRACH format, which is closest to 2R / (N). C)+ds or 2R / (N) C). Select based on the UE's location estimation capabilities, including whether area estimation is supported, or the accuracy of area estimation. This accuracy can be measured by the value of N (i.e., the larger the value of N, the higher the accuracy). N=1 means that the UE cannot perform area estimation.

[0053] The systems and processes described above can be encoded in a signal-carrying medium, a computer-readable medium (such as memory), programmed within a device (such as one or more integrated circuits, one or more processors), or processed by a controller or computer. The data can be analyzed in a computer system and used to generate a spectrogram. If the method is executed by software, the software can reside in memory that is in communication with the transmitter via a storage device, synchronizer, communication interface, or non-volatile or volatile memory, or be connected via an interface to such a storage device, synchronizer, communication interface, or non-volatile or volatile memory. A circuit or electronic device is designed to transmit data to another location. The memory may include an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The described logical functions or any system elements can be implemented via optical circuitry, digital circuitry, source code, analog circuitry, or analog sources (such as analog electrical, audio, or video signals or combinations thereof). The software can be implemented in any computer-readable or signal-carrying medium for use by or connection to an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Such systems may include computer-based systems, processor-integrated systems, or other systems that can selectively retrieve instructions from instruction-executable systems, apparatus, or devices that also execute instructions.

[0054] "Computer-readable medium," "machine-readable medium," "signal propagation medium," and / or "signal-carrying medium" can include any device that includes, stores, transmits, propagates, or transmits software for use by or connection to an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Machine-readable media may optionally be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or propagation media. A non-exhaustive list of examples of machine-readable media would include: an electrical connection "electronic device" having one or more wires, a portable magnetic disk or optical disk, volatile memory (such as random access memory, RAM), read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, or flash memory), or optical fiber. Because software can be electrically stored as an image or other format (e.g., by optical scanning) and then compiled, and / or interpreted or otherwise processed, machine-readable media may also include tangible media on which software is printed. The processed medium can then be stored in computer and / or machine memory.

[0055] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to be a complete description of all elements and features of apparatuses and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrations are representative only and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0056] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term "invention," merely for convenience and not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the specification.

[0057] The phrase "coupled with" is defined as indicating a direct connection or indirect connection via one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware-based and software-based components. The arrangement and type of components may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims described herein. Additional, different, or fewer components may be provided.

[0058] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of the invention will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description. While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited except by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Signals are sent according to the protocol during the period before downlink (DL) timing; as well as The timing advance for uplink (UL) signals is applied based on the aforementioned time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The time period is location-based.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The time period includes X seconds, where X equals n. M, where n is the region index and M is the time value.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, M=2R / (N c), where R is the cell range indicator, N is the number of areas in the cell, and c is the speed of light.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, M is indicated by the base station, and the method further includes: Receive the value for M from the base station.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The transmission is from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, and the method further includes: The UE estimates n based on at least one of R, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Area Division Strategy, N, or DL ​​Transmission Power.

7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: The UE sends n to the base station.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The transmission from the UE to the base station is performed via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) during the random access procedure.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The cyclic prefix (CP) length of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) protocol is based on at least one of the following parameters: N, R, and / or ds.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The CP length is equal to at least one of the following: 2R / (N) c)+ds, or 2R / (N) c), or close to 2R / (N) c)+ds or 2R / (N) The value of c).

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The time period is based on the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) range or the region index n.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The time period is from a set of time periods indicated by a base station, wherein each time period in the set of time periods corresponds to an RSRP range.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The protocol includes the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) protocol.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The PRACH protocol is configured based on PRACH.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Select the PRACH configuration from the configuration of one of the multiple indicated configurations.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The PRACH configuration at least indicates the PRACH format, or the time and / or frequency resources used for the PRACH.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The selection is based on the location estimation capability of the user equipment (UE).

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The transmission is from the user equipment (UE) to the base station, and the application is performed by the UE.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The signal establishes communication between the UE and the base station.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The UE receives the timing advance instruction from the base station; as well as The timing advance is applied to the uplink (UL) channel or signal.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The UL channel is transmitted.

22. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The user equipment (UE) selects a time period from a set of time periods; as well as Signals are sent based on the selected time period.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The time period set is indicated by the base station, and the UE transmits a time period selected from the time periods in the time period set.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The selected time period is sent in msg3 via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) during the random access procedure.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The time period is from a set of time periods indicated by a base station, wherein each time period in the set of time periods corresponds to an RSRP range.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising: Based on downlink (DL) timing, the PRACH protocol is sent to the base station X seconds before the start of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The PRACH protocol is based on a PRACH configuration, which is selected by the UE from a set of PRACH configurations indicated by the base station.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The PRACH configuration at least indicates the PRACH format, or the time and / or frequency resources used for the PRACH.

29. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The time period X is based on the range of the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) or the area index n.

30. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The cyclic prefix (CP) length of the PRACH is based on N, R and / or ds.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The CP length is equal to at least one of the following: 2R / (N) c)+ds, or 2R / (N) c), or close to 2R / (N) c)+ds or 2R / (N) The value of c).

32. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Estimate the area index used for transmitting uplink (UL) signals; as well as Signals are sent based on the region index.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The sending includes sending the region index.

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The transmission is performed from the User Equipment (UE) to the base station via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) during the random access procedure.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising: Signals are sent according to the protocol during the period before downlink (DL) timing; as well as The timing advance for uplink (UL) signals is applied based on the aforementioned time period.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, The protocol includes the PRACH protocol based on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration.

37. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The time period includes X seconds, where X equals n. M, where n is the region index and M is the time value.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, M=2R / (N c), where R is the cell range indicator, N is the number of areas in the cell, and c is the speed of light.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein, M is indicated by the base station, and the method further includes: Receive the value for M from the base station.

40. The method of claim 32, further comprising: The UE estimates the area index based on at least one of R, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), area partitioning strategy, N, or DL ​​transmission power.

41. The method of claim 32, further comprising: The UE sends a region index to the base station.

42. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Indicates one or more Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) protocol configurations; as well as Indicates a set of one or more time periods or one or more cell partitioning strategies, wherein each PRACH protocol configuration in the one or more PRACH protocol configurations is associated with a set of time periods or with a cell partitioning strategy.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, A time period from the set of said time periods corresponds to the range of reference signal received power (RSRP).

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein, Each of the one or more cell partitioning strategies refers to how many areas a cell is divided into.

45. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The cells are divided either uniformly or non-uniformly.

46. ​​The method of claim 44, further comprising: The receiving region index n or the time period.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein, The index is estimated by the user equipment (UE) using one or more of the following: cell range (R), reference signal received power (RSRP), area division strategy, number of areas in the cell (N), or downlink (DL) transmission power.

48. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The time period corresponds to the RSRP range.

49. The method of claim 42, further comprising: Receive a PRACH, which corresponds to one of the one or more PRACH protocol configurations.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein, The cyclic prefix (CP) length of the PRACH is based on at least one of the following parameters: the number of areas in the cell (N), the cell range (R), and / or ds.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein, The CP length is equal to at least one of the following: 2R / (N) c)+ds, or 2R / (N) c), or close to 2R / (N) c)+ds or 2R / (N) The value of c).

52. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, The processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 51.

53. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium, wherein code is stored on the computer-readable program medium, and the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 51.

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