Methods, apparatuses and computer programs

Abstract

There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program for causing an apparatus to perform: receiving system information over a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support the first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access occasion available for an uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access occasion for performing an uplink random access transmission on a second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access occasion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program, and particularly, but not exclusively, to identifying at least one random access opportunity for sending an uplink random access message. Background Technology

[0002] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks. Communication devices may be served by application servers.

[0003] Such communication networks operate according to standards provided by organizations such as 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of these standards are the so-called 5G (fifth generation) and 6G (sixth generation) standards provided by 3GPP. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in conjunction with certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor are they intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing: receiving system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity.

[0006] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: receiving system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a receiving circuitry system for receiving system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; an identification circuitry system for identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and a transmitting circuitry system for transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a computer of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to: receive system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; identifying, based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; and transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity.

[0010] The following can apply to any (e.g., one or more, including all) of the first to fifth aspects.

[0011] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: identifying a second carrier; receiving the association between the second carrier and at least one second random access opportunity; and identifying at least one second random access opportunity based on the identified second carrier and the association between the second carrier and at least one second random access opportunity.

[0012] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: using a mapping algorithm to map at least one synchronization signal block from the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the first carrier to at least one second random access opportunity.

[0013] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: determining a mapping algorithm between a synchronization block and a first random access opportunity based on system information; identifying a reference signal of a second carrier that is quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization blocks; and identifying at least one second random access opportunity based on the determined mapping algorithm and the identified at least one quasi-co-located resource.

[0014] The second carrier can be associated with the tracking reference signal.

[0015] The tracking reference signal may be quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization signal blocks, and the quasi-co-location is based on at least one of the following: spatial reception parameters, Doppler frequency shift, or average reception delay time.

[0016] The apparatus can be made to perform the following action: after sending an uplink random access message, receiving a downlink random access message, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource that is quasi-co-located with a resource used for the transmission of a random access preamble on the uplink.

[0017] The apparatus can be made to perform: determining, based on system information, a transmission power for transmitting a random access message on a first carrier; and receiving, based on the determined transmission power for transmitting the random access message on the first carrier, a reference signal power for a second carrier, wherein the random access message on the first carrier may include a random access preamble, and wherein transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity further includes: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0018] The apparatus can be made to perform: receiving reference signal power for a second carrier via system information; determining path loss based on the received reference signal power; and determining power based on the path loss, wherein transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity may further include: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0019] Determining the power may include: determining the path loss based on values ​​included in the system information; and determining the power based on the path loss, wherein transmitting an uplink random access message on a second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity may include: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0020] The device can be made to perform: determine that the device is not configured to transmit uplink via the first carrier, wherein the identification can be performed based on the determination that the device is not configured to transmit uplink via the first carrier.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing: transmitting system information to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; and receiving an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: transmit system information to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; and receiving an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

[0023] According to an eighth aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: transmitting system information to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; and receiving an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

[0024] According to a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a transmitting circuit system for transmitting system information to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; and a receiving circuit system for receiving an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

[0025] According to a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a computer of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform: transmitting system information to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates: an association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier; and receiving an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

[0026] The following may apply to any (e.g., one or more, including all) aspects from the sixth to the tenth aspects.

[0027] The apparatus can be made to perform the following actions: after sending an uplink random access message, sending a downlink random access message to a user equipment, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource that is quasi-co-located with the resource used for the transmission of the uplink random access message.

[0028] System information may also include information for determining the power used to send uplink random access messages.

[0029] Information used to determine the power used to transmit uplink random access messages may include at least one of the following: path loss information associated with a first carrier, path loss information associated with a second carrier, or reference transmission power associated with the first carrier.

[0030] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0031] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments may be provided through any combination of two or more of the embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting and illustrative example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 The following are examples illustrating a method for... Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system device;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagram illustrates the random access signaling process;

[0037] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example multi-carrier cell;

[0038] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example transmission in a multi-carrier cell;

[0039] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example of signaling between the devices described herein;

[0040] Figure 8 The illustrations show example methods that can be performed by the apparatus described herein; and

[0041] Figures 9 to 11 An example method that can be performed by the apparatus described herein is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following relates to methods, apparatus, and computer programs for identifying at least one random access opportunity in a multi-carrier cell to perform uplink random access transmission.

[0043] More specifically, the following considers a scenario in which the apparatus is configured to receive system information on a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, and to transmit an uplink random access message (e.g., a random access preamble) on a second (e.g., different) carrier of the multi-carrier cell.

[0044] The described method may be useful in scenarios where a device is able to receive signaling on a frequency band associated with (e.g., corresponding to) a first carrier, but is unable to transmit signaling on the same frequency band. However, it should be understood that devices not subject to such limitations can still be made to operate the methods and principles described herein.

[0045] Although this will be described in more detail below, by way of example, an exemplary communication environment (in which exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented) and an example apparatus that may implement at least one of the features described herein are first introduced. It should be understood that the methods described herein are not limited to such communication environments and apparatuses.

[0046] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0047] In communication environment 100, multiple communication devices, including user equipment 110 and 115 (also referred to herein as "terminals" or "terminal devices") and network device 120 (also referred to herein as "network access node"), can communicate with each other. Network device 120 can serve a coverage area, referred to as cell 125. User equipment 110 can access the communication network via cell 125. In some example embodiments, both user equipment 110 and network device 120 can be configured to implement beamforming technology and communicate with each other via multiple beams.

[0048] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), user station (SS), portable user station, mobile device, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), machine-type communication (MTC) devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. Terminal devices may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal equipment”, “communication equipment”, “terminal”, “user equipment”, “user gear” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "network device" and "network access node" are used interchangeably, referring to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Headend (RH), Remote Radio Headend (RRH), repeater, IAB node, low-power node (such as femtocell, picocell), non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites), aircraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) decoupling architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) located at the IAB donor node. The IAB node includes the mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion, which behaves similarly to the UE facing the parent node, while the DU portion of the IAB node behaves similarly to the base station facing the next-hop IAB node.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to user equipment 110 or 115 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from user equipment 110 or 115 to network device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). The link is also referred to herein as a "channel". In the downlink, network device 120 is a transmitting device (or transmitter), and user equipment 110 or 115 is a receiving device (or receiver). In the uplink, user equipment 110 or 115 is a transmitting device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is a receiving device (or receiver). The link between user equipment 110 and another user equipment (not shown) is referred to as a sidelink (SL). In a sidelink, one user equipment is a transmitting device (or transmitter), and the other user equipment is a receiving device (or receiver).

[0051] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to: cellular communication protocols of first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.11, etc.), and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0052] The following section refers to random access procedures and initial access signaling. As an example, an overview of such a system in the 3GPP context is provided below. It should be understood that the following is intended to provide an illustrative overview of how a system operates, and actual connection and random access procedures may differ. It should also be understood that although the following section refers to 5G, similar procedures and signaling can be applied to 6G and later technologies.

[0053] In 5G New Radio (NR), initial cell search and initial time and frequency synchronization acquisition are based on the UE (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown) Search and detect from network access nodes (such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The synchronization signal block (SSB) shown is used.

[0054] The SSB comprises a synchronization signal section and a broadcast section. The synchronization signal section includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), collectively referred to as the synchronization signal in this document. The broadcast section includes the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) and the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) used for PBCH demodulation. The Master Information Block (MIB) in the PBCH provides information about when System Information Block 1 (SIB1) is scheduled.

[0055] More specifically, a UE performing a cell search on a portion of the SSB may include performing at least one of the following features:

[0056] PSS detection: PSS is a predetermined sequence modulated using a predetermined binary phase shift keying (BPSK) scheme. PSS acts as a marker, indicating where network access node information can be found within the time-frequency grid. Therefore, the UE can use the detected PSS to assist in locating network access node information within the time-frequency grid.

[0057] SSS Detection: SSS is another predetermined sequence modulated using the BPSK scheme. The time-frequency location of the SSS can be determined based on information collected from the PSS reception. The UE can also use the detected SSS to assist in locating network access node information in the time-frequency grid.

[0058] DMRS detection for the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH): DMRS is a signal whose time-frequency location and content are known on both the network access node and the UE side, provided that the UE knows the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the cell transmitting the SSB. The PBCH allows the UE to determine the impact of the radio channel on signal amplitude and phase, enabling prediction and reversal of signals with unknown content. DMRS detection helps the UE correctly demodulate signals on the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH).

[0059] PBCH Demodulation: The PBCH physical channel comprises information / signals located at multiple time-frequency locations. Information broadcast on the PBCH can be demodulated and decoded using an estimate of the radio channel calculated from the PBCHDM-RS. This information may include a Master Information Block (MIB) and at least one System Information Block (SIB). At least one SIB may be included in the MIB. For example, scheduling information for SIB1 may be included in the MIB.

[0060] MIB and at least one SIB are collectively referred to as "System Information" (SI).

[0061] More specifically, System Information (SI) can be considered to include MIB and multiple SIBs, which are divided into Minimal System Information and Other System Information (OSI).

[0062] Minimum system information includes the basic information required for initial cell access by the UE, as well as the information required to obtain other system information. Minimum system information includes both the MIB and the first SIB (SIB1).

[0063] The MIB includes cell prohibition status information and basic physical layer information of the cell required to receive other system information, such as the CORESET#0 configuration. The MIB is periodically broadcast on the cell's broadcast channel (BCH).

[0064] SIB1 defines the scheduling of other system information blocks and includes the information required for the UE to initially access the cell. SIB1 is also known as the Residual Minimum System Information (RMSI) and is periodically broadcast on the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) or sent in a dedicated manner on the DL-SCH to UEs in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state (RRC_CONNECTED) with the network access node.

[0065] After the cell search procedure has been performed, the UE can initiate a random access procedure for the network access node. This random access procedure can be a contention-based random access (CBRA) procedure or a contention-free random access (CFRA) procedure. Although these procedures will be described further below, it should be understood that the techniques described herein can be applied to any of these types of random access procedures.

[0066] Some random access procedure configuration information can be provided via the SIB. For example, SIB1 includes random access configuration information (e.g., random access configuration) that indicates the resources the UE uses to communicate with the network access node during the random access procedure. The random access configuration information can indicate, for example, the resources allocated by the network access node for the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) procedure. For example, the random access configuration can instruct the network to allocate resources for the UE to send the PRACH preamble and receive the random access response. The random access configuration can also indicate the size of the random access response window during which the UE will monitor responses to the PRACH preamble. In some examples, the random access configuration can also specify that the random access response window begins a specific number of subframes after the PRACH preamble ends. Therefore, after obtaining the MIB, RMSI, and / or OSI, the UE can perform the random access procedure for initial access to the RAN.

[0067] These random access resources, which will be used to transmit the PRACH preamble, can also be referred to as random access opportunities. Random access opportunities can be time-division multiplexed and / or frequency-division multiplexed. Random access opportunities can be mapped to SSB beam indices. When the UE finds a suitable SSB beam, the UE performs random access related procedures (e.g., transmitting the PRACH preamble) in the associated random access opportunity. Receiving the preamble on a specific random access opportunity is an implicit indication to the network access node that subsequent random access related messages sent and / or received during the random access procedure will be on the same SSB beam. The mapping information from random access opportunities to SSB beam indices is broadcast by the network in SIB1.

[0068] More specifically, SIB1 includes the following higher-level parameters, which are used to indicate the timing of random access: • prach-ConfigurationIndex It provides the location, number, and duration of random access opportunities in the time domain. • Msg1-FDM, based on prach-ConfigurationIndex, provides the number of frequency-domain multiplexing random access opportunities at the time position of each PRACH opportunity, and • ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB provides both the number of SSB indices per random access opportunity and the number of contention-based preambles per SSB index.

[0069] The UE can use these three parameters to derive the so-called SSB to random access timing mapping and other parameters.

[0070] Example random access procedure in Figure 4A and Figure 4B The image is shown in the middle. More specifically, Figure 4A This explains the four-step random access process. Figure 4B This explains the two-step random access process.

[0071] Figure 4A The diagram illustrates the signaling that can be executed between UE 401 and network access node 402.

[0072] During period 4001, UE 401 sends signaling to network access node 402. This signaling may include a message called “Message 1” (Msg1), referred to as the random access procedure. In some examples, Msg1 is a Physical RACH (PRACH) preamble. RACH Msg1 may be referred to as PRACH. As mentioned above, UE 401 may send the PRACH preamble on the resources specified by the RACH configuration included in SIB2. In the following text, the terms “RACH” and “Random Access” (RA) will be used interchangeably.

[0073] During period 4002, network access node 402 sends signaling to UE 401. This signaling may include a response to the PRACH preamble. The signaling of 4002 may include a message called message 2 (Msg2) of the random access procedure. RACH Msg2 may be referred to as the random access response (RAR). The time difference between network access node 402 receiving Msg1 and sending Msg2 is called the RAR window.

[0074] In some examples, the UE monitors RACH Msg2 on the resources specified in the random access configuration during the RAR window specified in the random access configuration. In some examples, UE 401 can decode downlink control information (DCI) signaling carried on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), which includes scheduling information for the RAR information. The RAR information includes, for example, a UL grant for the UE to transmit message 3 (Msg3) of the random access procedure during 4003. UE 401 receives the RAR information for transmitting Msg3, which provides uplink grant.

[0075] During period 4003, UE 401 sends signaling to network access node 402. This signaling may include a message called Message 3 (Msg3) of the random access procedure. In some examples, RACH Msg3 is a connection request.

[0076] During period 4004, network access node 402 sends signaling to UE 401. This signaling may be a response to Msg3. This signaling may include a message called message 4 (Msg4) of the random access procedure. In some examples, Msg4 is a contention resolution message. The time between the network access node receiving Msg3 and the network access node transmitting Msg4 is called the contention resolution window.

[0077] Although not shown, after UE 401 receives Msg4, UE 401 and network access node 402 can establish an RRC connection and enter the active operation phase where data can be exchanged. In other words, after UE receives Msg4, the network access node can schedule UE to perform uplink (UL) communication and / or downlink (DL) communication on the cell through which the UE connects to the network access node.

[0078] In addition, for Figure 4A During the random access procedure, as part of the Msg1 transmission, the UE uses certain access parameters to determine the target power. These parameters include, for example, the time to wait for a network response (ra-ResponseWindow), the maximum number of retransmissions for Msg1 (preambleTransMax), the power ramping step between Msg1 retransmissions (powerRampingStep), and the target received power for Msg1 (preambleReceivedTargetPower).

[0079] Figure 4B The illustration shows another type of random access procedure that can be performed between UE 401' and network access node 402'.

[0080] During 4001', UE 401' sends signaling to network access node 402'. This signaling may include a first message called "Message A" (MsgA). This signaling may be sent on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). This signaling on 4001' may include payload transmission.

[0081] During 4002', network access node 402' sends signaling to UE 401'. This signaling may include a message called "Message B" (MsgB). MsgB can be considered a contention resolution message because it distinguishes the UEs in the access cell. MsgB can be sent in response to signaling in 4001'. MsgB can be considered a combination of Msg2 and Msg4 because it responds to MsgA and performs contention resolution functions.

[0082] The time spent between receiving MsgA during 4001' and the network access node transmitting MsgB during 4002' is the sum of the RAR window and the contention resolution window, and is typically less than [a certain value]. Figure 4A The time between 4001 and 4004.

[0083] Assuming the contention is resolved successfully at 4002', UE 401' and network access node 402' can establish an RRC connection and enter the active operation phase where data can be exchanged. In other words, after the UE successfully receives MsgB, the network access node can schedule the UE to perform uplink (UL) communication and / or downlink (DL) communication on the cell through which the UE connects to the network access node.

[0084] if Figure 4B If the process fails, the UE may be redirected to execute... Figure 4A The process. For example, if the UE determines (e.g., based on) that a pre-configured number of MsgA transmissions have been performed but MsgB has not been successfully received, the UE may switch to transmitting Msg1. As another example, if the network access node determines that there is a problem in transmitting MsgB and / or receiving MsgA, it may instruct the UE to switch to transmitting Msg1.

[0085] For both examples, the random access procedure uses an open-loop power control mechanism, where the UE determines the power to transmit the preamble based on the following: • P CMAX = Maximum output power configured for UE • P RACH,target = PRACH target received power (PREAMBLE_RECEIVED_TARGET_POWER), signaling transmitted via SIB1 • PL = Path Loss, calculated as Reference Signal Power – Layer 3 Reference Signal Received Power (L3 RSRP), where the reference signal power is provided via SIB (e.g., the value of the ss-PBCH-BlockPower field in signaling transmitted via SIB1).

[0086] As described above, one of the components used by the UE to determine the uplink transmit power for PRACH is path loss, which is based on the RSRP of the SSB mapped to the random access timing at which the UE will transmit the preamble.

[0087] Quasi-co-located (QCL) is also mentioned below.

[0088] More specifically, there exists a situation where at least one channel degradation condition experienced by the UE's first antenna during transmission is similar to at least one channel degradation condition experienced by the UE's second antenna during transmission. In this case, the network access node and / or the UE can utilize this similarity when determining uplink transmission parameters to group "similar" antennas together, ensuring that at least some common set of uplink transmission parameters is used within that group. Grouping antennas together for this purpose is also known as Quasi-Co-location (QCL).

[0089] 3GPP has defined QCL as follows: "If the characteristics of the channel through which a symbol on one antenna port is transmitted can be inferred from the channel through which a symbol on another antenna port is transmitted, then the two antenna ports are called quasi-co-located."

[0090] QCL-based methods can help the UE perform channel estimation, frequency offset error estimation, synchronization, and proper setting of receive and transmit beams. More specifically, when the UE knows that the channel degradation conditions for two different antenna ports are QCL in terms of Doppler shift, the UE can determine the Doppler shift of one antenna port and then apply the result to both antenna ports for channel estimation. This avoids the UE calculating the Doppler shift separately for each antenna port. A similar principle can be applied to any of the aforementioned channel degradation conditions.

[0091] These various combinations of channel degradation conditions are grouped together to form various quasi-colocation types. For example, QCL-Type A refers to a QCL that includes Doppler frequency shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread; QCL-Type B refers to a QCL that includes Doppler frequency shift and Doppler spread; QCL-Type C refers to a QCL that includes average delay and Doppler frequency shift; and QCL-Type D refers to a QCL that includes spatial parameters.

[0092] The type of QCL used between the two antennas is determined by the combination of the Transmit Configuration Indicator Reference Signal (TCI-RS) set and the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.214 - 5.1.5 "Quasi-co-addressing of Antenna Ports", which details the mapping between QCL types and TCI-RS sets).

[0093] It is important to note that QCL technology is not limited to grouping uplink antennas together or downlink antennas together. For example, combinations of uplink and downlink antennas can be grouped together when their channel degradation characteristics are similar. In this case, a QCL relationship may exist between the source signal and the target signal. Generally, the term "source signal" is used herein to indicate the signal whose channel degradation characteristics will be measured to calculate parameters for addressing at least one channel degradation effect, and the term "target signal" is used herein to indicate the signal to be received and / or transmitted using at least one of the parameters. In other words, the target signal is the signal that will be received and / or transmitted with a QCL with the source signal. The source signal described herein is typically a reference signal, such as a periodic channel state information reference signal.

[0094] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a method for enabling network device 120 (e.g.) Figure 1 Examples of control devices 200 that perform the operation of a network device described herein. The control device may include at least one random access memory 211a, at least one read-only memory 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects of this disclosure. The software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. The control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of the network device. In some embodiments, each function of the network device includes one control device 200. In some example embodiments, the device 200 may be implemented at network device 120, or may be network device 120 itself.

[0095] Figure 3 An example of terminal 300 is shown, for example Figure 1 User equipment 110 and 115 are shown. Terminal 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals, such as the user equipment described herein. Terminal 300 can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communication. Communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0096] Terminal 300 can receive signals via air or wireless interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting wireless signals. Figure 3In the diagram, the transceiver device is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver device 306 may be provided, for example, by a wireless component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0097] Terminal 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware assistance in performing tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to the system (e.g., in conjunction with the above). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described network device provides access to and communication with other communication devices (network access systems). At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more aspects of this disclosure. The software code 308 can be stored in ROM 302a.

[0098] The processor, memory, and other related control devices can be mounted on a suitable circuit board and / or chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, or a combination thereof. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may optionally be provided.

[0099] In some example embodiments, terminal 300 may be an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause user equipment 110, 115 to perform the examples or embodiments described in this document.

[0100] In 3GPP Release 19, network access nodes (such as those mentioned above) have been proposed. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described node can implement multi-carrier single-cell operation. About Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of a multi-carrier single-cell system.

[0101] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a multi-carrier cell 501 provided by an access network node as a single logical cell. This single logical cell comprises multiple frequency bands 502-505 that may not be contiguous with each other. In other words, Figure 5 The single logical cell shown is composed of segmented spectrum, which is grouped to form a single logical cell.

[0102] although Figure 5As not shown, by including system information for other frequency bands in one of the frequency bands 502-505 for the multicarrier cell, the multicarrier cell is configured as a single logical cell 501. This may enable frequency bands 502-505 to functionally act as a single wideband cell, rather than a fragmented narrowband frequency range.

[0103] For example, in Figure 5 In the example, system information (e.g., SIB1) is transmitted only in frequency band 504 and contains information about all other frequency bands 502, 503, 505 in the cell, as well as its own frequency band 504. Therefore, a UE configured to receive signaling in 501 can first read SIB1 in frequency band 504 and then perform random access based on the information transmitted in SIB1.

[0104] Implementing a multi-carrier cell as a single logical cell can be particularly advantageous when operators have narrowband segmented spectrum, and this may be especially common in certain regions. For example, when implemented individually, each narrowband carrier provided by such a network access node may be associated with relatively high system overhead. Therefore, by implementing such a set of carriers as a single logical cell and providing system information for other carriers on a single carrier, network resources can be made more efficient.

[0105] However, within multiple frequency bands (e.g., frequency ranges and / or carriers) that may constitute a logical cell, a particular UE may be configured to support most of the bands in the downlink but only a subset of those bands in the uplink. In other words, a UE can be configured to be received on more frequencies than it is capable of transmitting.

[0106] Therefore, a UE might receive system information on the first frequency band of the downlink, but might not be able to transmit random access messages on that first frequency band. Similarly, a UE might be configured to receive system information on the first frequency band of the downlink and perform a random access procedure on another frequency band. In both cases, the currently defined random access procedure (as described above, the random access timing for transmitting the PRACH preamble) cannot be identified.

[0107] More specifically, as described above, there is a correlation between the SSB index and the random access timing. This helps the UE determine the SSB beam and corresponding uplink based on its preferred beam correspondence, and the UE determines the random access timing on which it must transmit the preamble (e.g., Msg1 or MsgA). These random access timings are defined in 3GPP under the assumption that the cell has a single frequency band; therefore, under the current 3GPP scheme, the random access timing is provided on the same carrier as the SSB.

[0108] However, this can cause problems for multi-carrier cells. For example, a multi-carrier single cell may consist of multiple frequency bands, while SIB1 and SSB are transmitted only on one of these bands. Therefore, when the UE cannot perform uplink transmission on the same frequency band where it receives SIB1 and SSB, the UE cannot determine where and when it can transmit the preamble.

[0109] The following aims to address at least one of the problems mentioned above.

[0110] Specifically, at least one method is disclosed below in which an apparatus (e.g., a UE) can receive system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, wherein the system information includes information indicating an association between an SSB transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. The apparatus can use the system information (e.g., at least a portion of the information indicating the association) to identify at least one second random access opportunity available for performing uplink random access transmission on a second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell. The identified at least one second random access opportunity can then be used for uplink random access transmission (e.g., transmission of Msg1 and / or MsgA).

[0111] The identified second random access timing for transmission can also be used to determine the resources that will provide a response to the device (e.g., to determine the resources from which Msg2 and / or MsgB will be received from the network).

[0112] For example, the at least one second random access opportunity (e.g., at least one time-frequency resource) can be mapped to the resources(s) that will provide the response by a pre-configured mapping algorithm (e.g., which can be represented as a pre-existing relationship of the mapping algorithm), and / or can be found by some other technique (e.g., when the two resource sets are QCL with each other).

[0113] Furthermore, the apparatus employing the principles described herein can also determine the power of transmitting uplink random access messages during at least one second random access opportunity.

[0114] More specifically, as will be further described below, the system information provides information that can be used to determine the power at which random access messages are transmitted during the first random access opportunity. A method for determining the power for transmitting uplink random access messages during a second random access opportunity is also described below, based on the information used to determine the power at which random access messages are transmitted during the first random access opportunity. This can be based, for example, on measured reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or on information based on path loss.

[0115] At least some of the above principles are Figures 6 to 11 The example illustrates this.

[0116] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example resource provided in a multi-carrier cell 601 (e.g., a cell comprising multiple frequency bands, where system information is provided in one of the multiple frequency bands for the other frequency bands).

[0117] Multi-carrier cell 601 includes a first frequency band 602 associated with a first carrier, a second frequency band 603 associated with a second carrier, a third frequency band 604 associated with a third carrier, and a fourth frequency band 605 associated with a fourth carrier. Figure 6 In the example, system information for the first to fourth frequency bands 602-605 is provided on the third frequency band (e.g., via the third carrier). This is in Figure 6 The SSB description transmitted every 20 ms via the third frequency band 604.

[0118] The first frequency band 602, the second frequency band 603, and the fourth frequency band 605 are also shown as providing reference signal 606. In the following text, these reference signals will be labeled as tracking reference signals. However, it should be understood that any type of reference signal can be used in the techniques described herein.

[0119] Regarding the Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), 3GPP Rel-17 defines a TRS for UEs operating in reduced-energy modes (e.g., in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode and / or RRC inactive mode). Energy saving in reduced-energy modes can be achieved by providing a connection mode configuration for receiving the TRS during at least one TRS timing. The TRS can be part of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). The TRS during the TRS timing allows a UE in reduced-energy mode to sleep longer before being woken up for its paging timing. The TRS timing configuration is currently provided in SIB17. The availability of the TRS during the TRS timing is indicated by the Layer 1 (L1) availability indication provided in SIB17.

[0120] According to 3GPP TS 38.331, the highest configurable allocation of TRS is two consecutive time slots, with 2 symbols per time slot for RRC idle mode, and a period of 10 time slots. TRS timing can be configured for UEs in reduced-energy mode via the RSResourceSetConfig field provided in SIB17 (e.g., using the TRSResourceSetConfig field). The TRSResourceSetConfig field can include up to 64 TRSResourceSets. Each TRSResourceSet configures an NZP-CSI-RS resource set (2 or 4 resources). The quasi-co-location (QCL) association of the resource set is given against the SSB (ssb-Index) (e.g., QCL type C and QCL type D where applicable). Each TRS resource set is assigned an index of associated bits in the TRS availability indicator (indBitID). The validity of such TRS allocations can be configured by the network.

[0121] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example signaling between network access node 701 and UE 702. Network access node 701 is configured to provide... Figure 6 The multi-carrier cell is 601. The UE is configured to receive on any of the first to fourth frequency bands 602-605. The UE is configured to transmit on any of the first and second frequency bands 602 and 603, but not on the third frequency band.

[0122] During period 7001, network access node 701 sends signaling to UE 702. This signaling may be broadcast. This signaling may include system information. This signaling may include SIB1. This signaling may be provided via third frequency band 604. This signaling may include information regarding the mapping between TRS on second frequency band 603 and SSBs transmitted on third frequency band 604. This signaling may include information regarding the mapping between one or more random access opportunities on the second frequency band and TRS on second frequency band 603.

[0123] During period 7002, network access node 701 transmits a TRS on the second frequency band based on the TRS information provided in the signaling of 7001. Signaling of 7002 can be executed simultaneously with that of 7001 (e.g., at the same time, but on different frequencies). In other words, the signaling of 7001 and 7002 can be frequency-division multiplexed together. However, it should be understood that 7001 and 7002 can be executed at different times. In other words, the signaling of 7001 and 7002 can be time-division multiplexed together.

[0124] During 7003, UE 702 reads SIB1 included in the system information of 7001 and scans the TRS of the second frequency band. The UE can determine the frequency band (e.g., the second frequency band) used to transmit the random access preamble and at least one random access opportunity on the second frequency band. The UE can also determine the power for transmitting the preamble on the second frequency band, as described herein.

[0125] During period 7004, UE 702 transmits a random access preamble to network access node 701 via the second frequency band. This can be as described in 4001 and / or 4001'. The random access preamble can be transmitted using at least one random access timing determined during period 7003.

[0126] During 7005, network access node 701, based on signaling 7004, determines at least one resource for transmitting information based on signaling 7004.

[0127] For example, during period 7005, network access node 701 identifies at least one resource (e.g., at least one time-frequency resource) on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) that is co-located with the random access opportunity quasi-co-located (QCL) used for transmission during period 7004, and at least one resource on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) that is co-located with the random access opportunity QCL used for transmission during period 7004. It should be understood below that a random access opportunity can be considered as one or more time-frequency resources.

[0128] During 7006, network access nodes use the PDCCH resources (multiple) determined during 7005 to send downlink control information.

[0129] During 7007, the network access node uses the PDSCH resources determined during 7005 to send random access information (e.g., information sent during 4002 or 4002').

[0130] exist Figure 7 In this example, the network access node is configured to transmit reference signals (e.g., tracking reference signals (TRS)) on a frequency band where SSB and SIB are not transmitted. Information about the reference signals (e.g., where they are located) is provided in SIB1. These reference signals can be considered as the source QCL-RS of the channels used for the transmission of random access responses and / or for the transmission of downlink control information. Random access opportunities are mapped to TRS. During the random access procedure, the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port of the PDSCH channel that transmits the random access response and the DMRS port of the PDCCH channel that transmits the DCI each have a QCL relationship with the TRS associated with the random access opportunity on which the UE transmits the preamble.

[0131] Figure 7 The UE can select the random access timing in any of a variety of different ways.

[0132] For example, the random access timings(s) used to transmit the preamble can be mapped relative to another reference signal (e.g., TRS) transmitted by the network access node for the reduced-energy-mode UE. SIB1 may include information mapping the random access timings to this reference signal. As described above, the reference signal in such a frequency band where no SSB is transmitted can be considered as the source QCL reference signal for subsequently transmitted downlink signals (e.g., as...). Figure 7 (as shown in the example).

[0133] In another example, random access timing (on a frequency band where no SSB is transmitted) can be mapped to SSBs transmitted on a different frequency band.

[0134] As another example, random access timing (RTS) mappings on other frequency bands can be implicitly based on the SSB-to-RTS mapping on the frequency band transmitting the SSB. For example, suppose a multi-carrier single-cell setup provides two frequency bands (b1 and b2), where the SSB is transmitted on b1 (e.g., an SSB transmitted on band 604), and the TRS is transmitted on b2 (e.g., any of bands 602, 603, or 605). In this case, the TRS on b2 may have a QCL relationship with the SSB on b1. Furthermore, the RSS-to-RTS mapping on b2 can replicate the RSS-to-RTS mapping provided in the SIB.

[0135] It is also understood that the reference signal (e.g., TRS) can be selected in any of a variety of different ways. These will be referenced below. Figure 6 Please provide an explanation.

[0136] As a first example, a UE can choose a frequency band that is not the lowest frequency band to send the random access preamble. More specifically, since a logical cell is a combination of multiple frequency bands, ideally, when a UE scans various frequencies, it would tend to choose the lowest frequency band for connection to maximize coverage. However, this could lead to a disproportionate number of UEs attempting to access the cell via lower frequency bands, which in turn would result in a higher probability of collisions. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the UE to select and perform the random access procedure on different frequency bands (e.g., either 603 or 605) to make the random access procedure more likely to succeed. The UE can choose either frequency band 603 or 605, provided that the RSRP of the reference signal on these frequency bands is not extremely low (e.g., the measured RSRP of the reference signal on band 603 (or 605) is above a pre-configured threshold amount). In this case, the UE can therefore choose to maximize its chances of a successful random access rather than its coverage.

[0137] As another example, the UE can select the frequency band for random access based on available power margin. For instance, when the UE has sufficient available power, it can choose frequency band 605 to perform random access because it has enough power to transmit the preamble and perform power ramping if necessary. If the power margin is low or close to zero, the UE can choose a frequency band below 605 to perform the random access procedure. Power margin is the difference between the UE's nominal maximum transmit power and the estimated power (in the formula above).

[0138] In either of the first two examples, if the initial random access procedure performed via the higher frequency band has failed, the UE may default to using the lower frequency band. In other words, the UE may initially select and perform random access on the higher frequency band, and if the UE does not receive a random access response and / or the random access procedure fails in other ways, the UE may attempt to perform a random access procedure on the lower frequency band.

[0139] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example method that a UE might perform when selecting a random access timing.

[0140] During 801, the method begins.

[0141] During 802, the UE reads SIB1 from the received SSB.

[0142] During 803, the UE determines whether random access can be performed on the same frequency band as the SSB being transmitted.

[0143] When the UE determines during 803 that random access can be performed on the same frequency band as the SSB transmission, the UE proceeds to 804.

[0144] During 804, the UE uses the association between the random access opportunity on the frequency band of the transmitted SSB and the SSBs included in the received SSB to determine the random access opportunity on the frequency band of the transmitted SSB.

[0145] When the UE determines during 803 that it cannot perform random access on the same frequency band as the SSB, the UE proceeds to 805.

[0146] During 805, the UE determines whether a mapping is available to the UE that maps an SSB to a random access opportunity in a frequency band different from the frequency band on which the SSB was transmitted. For example, the UE may determine whether a mapping is available in an SSB (e.g., in SIB1) and / or in other received signaling that maps an SSB to a random access opportunity in a frequency band different from the frequency band on which the SSB was transmitted. As another example, the UE may determine whether it has otherwise configured information to map an SSB to a random access opportunity in a frequency band different from the frequency band on which the SSB was transmitted.

[0147] When the UE determines during 805 that a mapping is available to the UE that maps the SSB to a random access opportunity in a frequency band different from the frequency band on which the SSB is transmitted, the UE proceeds to 806.

[0148] During 806, the UE selects an SSB. This selection can choose an SSB with an associated "best" signal quality metric. For example, the selection can choose an SSB with the "best" Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) from the SSBs received by the UE.

[0149] During 807, the UE determines the power used to transmit the random access preamble based on the SSB selected in 806. For example, as described above, the optimal RSRP value associated with the SSB selected in 806 can be used to determine the path loss used to determine the power.

[0150] During 808, the UE uses the transmit power determined during 807 to transmit the random access preamble at at least one random access opportunity in different frequency bands.

[0151] When the UE determines during 805 that it has no available mapping to map the SSB to a random access opportunity in a frequency band different from the frequency band on which the SSB was transmitted, the UE proceeds to 809.

[0152] During 809, the UE determines whether there exists a mapping that maps a reference signal (e.g., TRS) to random access opportunities on different frequency bands. This mapping can be, for example, an explicit mapping.

[0153] When the UE determines during 809 that there is an available mapping that maps a reference signal (e.g., TRS) to a random access opportunity on a different frequency band, the UE proceeds to 810.

[0154] During 810, the UE selects a reference signal. This selection can choose a reference signal with an associated "best" signal quality metric. For example, the selection can choose a reference signal with the "best" RSRP from the reference signals received by the UE. The reference signal selected during 810 is transmitted using a frequency band different from the frequency band used to transmit the SSB.

[0155] During 811, the UE determines the power used to transmit the random access preamble based on the selected reference signal in 810. For example, as described above, the optimal RSRP value associated with the selected reference signal in 810 can be used to determine the path loss, and thus the power.

[0156] During 812, the UE uses the transmission power determined during 811 to transmit the random access preamble at at least one random access opportunity in different frequency bands.

[0157] When the UE determines during 809 that there is no available mapping to map a reference signal (e.g., TRS) to a random access opportunity on a different frequency band, the UE proceeds to 813.

[0158] During 813, the UE selects a reference signal. This selection can choose a reference signal with an associated "best" signal quality metric. For example, the selection can choose a reference signal with the "best" RSRP from the reference signals received by the UE. The reference signal selected during 813 is transmitted using a frequency band different from the frequency band used to transmit the SSB.

[0159] During 814, the UE determines the SSB that has a QCL relationship with the selected reference signal in 813.

[0160] During 815, the UE obtains a mapping from the identified SSB to random access opportunities in the same frequency band used to transmit the identified SSB. The UE then decides to apply this obtained mapping to the TRS to identify available random access opportunities in the same frequency band used to transmit the TRS.

[0161] During 816, the UE determines the power used to transmit the random access preamble based on the selected reference signal in 813. For example, as described above, the optimal RSRP value associated with the selected reference signal in 813 can be used to determine the path loss used to determine the power.

[0162] During 817, the UE uses the transmit power determined during 816 to transmit a random access preamble at at least one random access opportunity in the TRS band.

[0163] At least some of the above features are in Figures 9 to 11 The apparatus described herein has been described. Therefore, it should be understood that at least part of the above description can be used to illustrate how to implement one or more methods described below.

[0164] Figure 9 The illustration shows a method that can be implemented by a device. This device may include a UE (e.g., as described above). Figure 3 The device can be included in the UE.

[0165] During 901, the device receives system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, which is configured to support both the first and second carriers. The first and second carriers are carriers in different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell. The system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. As described above, a random access opportunity can be considered as multiple time-frequency resources available for uplink random access transmission.

[0166] The multi-carrier cell can be considered as a single logical cell. The multi-carrier cell can be configured to provide system information on one of its carriers, which is applicable to other carriers supported by the other carriers of the multi-carrier cell.

[0167] During period 902, the device identifies at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on a second carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, based on system information.

[0168] During period 903, the device transmits an uplink random access message on a second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0169] Figure 10 The illustration shows a method that can be implemented by a device. This device may include a UE (e.g., as described above). Figure 3 The device can be included in the UE.

[0170] During 1001, the device receives system information via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, which is configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. This can be the same as described above with respect to 901.

[0171] During period 1002, the device selects a second carrier.

[0172] During period 1003, the device identifies at least one second random access opportunity for performing uplink random access transmission on a second carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, based on system information.

[0173] During period 1004, the device transmits an uplink random access message on a second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0174] When a multi-carrier cell provides more than two carriers, the selection of the second carrier can be performed in any of a variety of different ways.

[0175] For example, the device can select a second carrier by: determining a plurality of carriers supported by a multi-carrier cell, wherein the plurality of carriers includes at least a first carrier, a second carrier, and a third carrier; determining that the third carrier corresponds to a frequency range lower than the second carrier; and selecting the second carrier based on the determination that the third carrier corresponds to a frequency range lower than the second carrier. In other words, the device can be configured to select a carrier that does not correspond to a frequency range having the lowest frequency as the second carrier.

[0176] In one example, the device can be configured to select a carrier corresponding to the highest frequency range available among a plurality of carriers as the second carrier.

[0177] The device can determine that a random access procedure initiated by an uplink random access message transmitted on a second carrier has failed, determine that a third carrier has a second highest frequency range available among multiple carriers, and select a third carrier for transmitting another uplink random access message based on the determination that the third carrier has a second highest frequency range available among multiple carriers and the failure of the random access procedure initiated by the uplink random access message transmitted on the second carrier.

[0178] As another example, selecting a second carrier may include determining multiple carriers supported by a multi-carrier cell, wherein the multiple carriers include at least a first carrier, a second carrier, and a third carrier; determining that the second carrier has more available power margin than the third carrier for transmitting uplink random access messages; and selecting the second carrier based on the foregoing determination.

[0179] Regarding this, it's important to note that power margin refers to the additional power a UE has available for uplink transmission relative to its nearest uplink transmission power. Generally, the higher the transmission frequency, the smaller the coverage area available to the UE (e.g., transmission using the 800 MHz band will provide greater coverage than transmission using the 3.5 GHz band). Therefore, a UE may need to use more power on a 3.5 GHz carrier for uplink transmission to achieve comparable reliability to uplink transmission on an 800 MHz carrier. Therefore, it can be useful for the UE to consider power margin when selecting a carrier for uplink transmission during random access procedures, either as the sole criterion for selecting a second carrier or in combination with one or more other selection criteria.

[0180] As another example, the device can apply some combination of other methods. For example, selecting the second carrier may include: determining multiple carriers supported by a multi-carrier cell, wherein the multiple carriers include at least a first carrier, a second carrier, and a third carrier; determining that the second carrier corresponds to a frequency range higher than the third carrier; determining a threshold amount by which the device's power margin will be equal to or greater than zero if an uplink random access message is transmitted on the second carrier; and selecting the second carrier based on the aforementioned two determinations.

[0181] As another example, the device may select a second carrier by: determining multiple carriers supported by a multi-carrier cell, wherein the multiple carriers include at least a first carrier, a second carrier, and a third carrier; determining that the second carrier corresponds to a frequency range lower than the third carrier; determining a threshold amount by which the device's power margin will be equal to or greater than zero if an uplink random access message is transmitted on the second carrier; determining that the device's power margin will be within a threshold amount of zero if an uplink random access message is transmitted on the third carrier; and selecting the second carrier based on the aforementioned three determinations. The threshold amount can be zero. The threshold amount can be greater than zero.

[0182] For all the examples above that select a second carrier, the device can be configured to select another carrier to send uplink random access messages (e.g., for transmitting Msg1 and / or MsgA) if the random access procedure performed on the second carrier fails.

[0183] The following content may be applicable Figure 9 and Figure 10 Any (e.g., one or more, including all) device.

[0184] The identification of 902 and / or 1003 can be performed in any of a variety of different ways.

[0185] The identifiers of 902 and / or 1003 may use at least a portion of the information indicated by associating the aforementioned SSB(s) with the first random access opportunity. In other words, information mapping the SSB of the first carrier to the first random access opportunity provided by the first carrier may be used to identify at least one second random access opportunity provided by the second carrier.

[0186] For example, at least part of the association information can be used to identify resources on a second carrier (e.g., by identifying a second random access opportunity based on the SSB in the association information, or by identifying a reference signal (e.g., tracking a reference signal) and performing a subsequent mapping to identify at least one second random access opportunity).

[0187] This article describes further examples of using at least a portion of the correlation information included in the system information to identify a second random access opportunity.

[0188] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: identifying a second carrier, receiving the association between the second carrier and at least one second random access opportunity, and identifying at least one second random access opportunity based on the identified second carrier and the association between the second carrier and at least one second random access opportunity. The second carrier may be determined, for example, by determining a TRS with the SSB QCL, or a TRS indicated by a network node (e.g., via system information or via some other signaling), or by determining a default TRS identifier that will be pre-configured to be used.

[0189] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: using a mapping algorithm to map at least one synchronization signal block from the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the first carrier to at least one second random access opportunity.

[0190] Identifying at least one second random access opportunity may include: determining a mapping algorithm between a synchronization block and a first random access opportunity based on system information; identifying a reference signal of a second carrier that is quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization blocks; and identifying at least one second random access opportunity based on the determined mapping algorithm and the identified at least one quasi-co-located resource.

[0191] The second carrier may be associated with a reference signal. For example, the second carrier may be associated with a tracking reference signal. This reference signal (e.g., the tracking reference signal) may be quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization signal blocks. In this case, the quasi-co-location is based on at least one of spatial reception parameters, Doppler frequency shift, or average reception delay time. For example, the QCL type may be at least one of Type C or Type D.

[0192] The device can receive a downlink random access message after sending an uplink random access message, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource that is quasi-co-located with the resource used for the transmission of the random access preamble on the uplink. The downlink random access message can be, for example, Msg2 and / or MsgB. The uplink random access message can be, for example, Msg1 and / or MsgA.

[0193] As mentioned above, Figure 9 The means of 10 and / or 10 may also select the transmission power used to transmit uplink random access messages at at least one second random access opportunity.

[0194] For example, the device can determine the transmission power for transmitting random access messages on a first carrier based on system information, and receive a reference signal power for a second carrier based on the determined transmission power for transmitting random access messages on the first carrier. The random access message mentioned in this paragraph may correspond to a message for transmitting a random access preamble. In other words, the random access message on the first carrier may include a random access preamble. For example, this information may be used to transmit Msg1 and / or MsgA. Transmitting uplink random access messages on the second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity may further include: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0195] As another example, the device may receive reference signal power for the second carrier via system information, determine path loss based on the acquired reference signal received power, and determine transmission power based on the path loss. In this case, transmitting an uplink random access message on the second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity may further include: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0196] As another example, determining the power may include: determining the path loss based on values ​​included in the system information, and determining the power based on the path loss. In this case, transmitting an uplink random access message on a second carrier during at least one identified second random access opportunity may include: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during at least one identified second random access opportunity.

[0197] The device can determine that it is not configured to transmit an uplink on the first carrier. In this case, the determination that the device is not configured to transmit an uplink via the first carrier is performed based on (e.g., in response to) the determination that the device is not configured to transmit an uplink via the first carrier. However, as stated above, applying the principles described herein does not necessarily require the device to be subject to such limitations.

[0198] Figure 11 The diagram shows what can be done with Figure 9 The method is performed by at least one of the interactive devices in the 10 devices. Figure 11 The device may include a network access node (e.g., a gNB), as described above. Figure 2 As stated above. Figure 11 The device can be included in the network access node.

[0199] During 1101, the device transmits system information to the user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, which is configured to support both the first and second carriers. The first and second carriers are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell. The system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. This may be as described above. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As stated above.

[0200] During 1102, the device receives an uplink random access message via a second carrier during at least one second random access opportunity, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on system information. This may be as described above in conjunction with 903 and / or 1004.

[0201] As mentioned above, Figure 11 The device may use resources identified by the resources used to transmit signaling 903 and / or 1004 to provide downlink random access messages (e.g., responses to signaling 903 and / or 1004).

[0202] For example, the device may send a downlink random access message to the user equipment after sending an uplink random access message, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource that is quasi-co-located with the resource used for the transmission of the uplink random access message.

[0203] Figure 11 The device can also be made to direct Figure 9 Either device 10 provides information for determining at what power to transmit uplink random access messages on the second carrier.

[0204] The system information may also include information for determining the power used to send uplink random access messages.

[0205] Information used to determine the power for transmitting uplink random access messages may include at least one of the following: path loss information associated with a first carrier, path loss information associated with a second carrier, or reference transmission power associated with the first carrier.

[0206] It should be noted that while some embodiments have been described for 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0207] It should also be noted that although the example embodiments have been described above, several variations and modifications can be made to the disclosed technical solutions without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0208] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0209] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry systems, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0210] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) (multiple) hardware circuit implementations only (such as (multiple) implementations only in analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (c) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (d) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple processors) having software, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and (e) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to function, but may be absent when not in use.

[0211] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit system also includes implementations of only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers integrated circuits, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0212] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by the data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to perform the embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0213] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block of the logic flow shown in the figure can represent a program step, or an interconnected logic circuit, block and function, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software can be stored on physical media, such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs, CDs and their data variants. The physical media is non-transitory.

[0214] The term “non-transient” as used in this article refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0215] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0216] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs that are etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0217] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0218] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of this disclosure will fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. In fact, other embodiments exist, including combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to perform: The multi-carrier cell is configured to support a first carrier and a second carrier by receiving system information provided by the multi-carrier cell, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity that can be used for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. Based on the system information, at least one second random access opportunity is identified for performing uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; as well as During the identified at least one second random access opportunity, an uplink random access message is transmitted on the second carrier.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein identifying the at least one second random access opportunity comprises at least one of the following: Identify the second carrier; receive the association between the second carrier and the at least one second random access opportunity; And the at least one second random access opportunity is identified based on the identified second carrier and the association between the second carrier and the at least one second random access opportunity; A mapping algorithm is used to map at least one synchronization signal block from the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the first carrier to the at least one second random access opportunity; or Based on the system information, a mapping algorithm is determined between the synchronization signal block and the first random access opportunity; a reference signal of the second carrier quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization signal blocks is identified; and the at least one second random access opportunity is identified based on the determined mapping algorithm and the identified at least one quasi-co-located resource.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second carrier is associated with a tracking reference signal, and wherein the tracking reference signal is quasi-co-located with at least one of the synchronization signal blocks, and wherein the quasi-co-location is based on at least one of the following: spatial reception parameters, Doppler frequency shift, or average reception delay time.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform at least one of the following: After sending the uplink random access message, a downlink random access message is received, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource that is quasi-co-located with a resource used for the transmission of the random access preamble on the uplink. Based on the system information, a transmission power for transmitting a random access message on the first carrier is determined; and based on the determined transmission power for transmitting a random access message on the first carrier, a reference signal power for the second carrier is received, wherein the random access message on the first carrier includes a random access preamble, and wherein transmitting the uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity further includes: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during the identified at least one second random access opportunity; The process includes receiving a reference signal power for the second carrier via the system information; determining a path loss based on the received reference signal power; and determining a power based on the path loss. The transmission of the uplink random access message on the second carrier during the identified at least one second random access opportunity further includes: transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power during the identified at least one second random access opportunity; or It is determined that the device is not configured to transmit an uplink via the first carrier, wherein the identification is performed based on the determination that the device is not configured to transmit an uplink via the first carrier.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein determining the power comprises: Based on the values ​​included in the system information, determine the path loss; as well as Based on the path loss, determine the power. Furthermore, during the identified at least one second random access opportunity, transmitting the uplink random access message on the second carrier further includes: during the identified at least one second random access opportunity, transmitting the uplink random access message using the determined power.

6. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to perform: System information is sent to a user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support the first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. as well as During at least one second random access opportunity, an uplink random access message is received via the second carrier, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: after sending the uplink random access message, send a downlink random access message to the user equipment, wherein the downlink random access message is received on a resource quasi-co-located with a resource used for the transmission of the uplink random access message.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the system information further includes: Information for determining the power used to transmit the uplink random access message, wherein the information for determining the power used to transmit the uplink random access message includes at least one of the following: path loss information associated with the first carrier, path loss information associated with the second carrier, or reference transmission power associated with the first carrier.

9. A method for an apparatus for communication, the method comprising: The system information (901) received by the multi-carrier cell via the first carrier is configured to support the first carrier and the second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity that can be used for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. Based on the system information, identifier (902) is used for at least one second random access opportunity to perform uplink random access transmission on the second carrier provided by the multi-carrier cell; as well as During the identified at least one second random access opportunity, an uplink random access message (903) is transmitted on the second carrier.

10. A method for an apparatus for communication, the method comprising: (1101) System information is sent to the user equipment via a first carrier provided by a multi-carrier cell, the multi-carrier cell being configured to support the first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers of different frequency bands supported by the multi-carrier cell, and wherein the system information indicates the association between a synchronization signal block transmitted on the first carrier and a first random access opportunity available for uplink random access transmission on the first carrier. as well as During at least one second random access opportunity, an uplink random access message is received (1102) via the second carrier, wherein the at least one second random access opportunity is based on the system information.

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