Random access enhancement

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for receiving spatial adaptation information instructing a base station (BS); determining, at least in part, the number of repetitions of a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and performing a RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions. Additionally, an apparatus, method, and computer program product are also provided for receiving spatial adaptation information instructing a base station (BS); determining, at least in part, the number of repetitions of Msg3 for a four-step random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and performing a four-step RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments generally relate to cellular communication networks in which the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure can be employed. Background Technology

[0002] Network energy efficiency is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and saving operating costs. Cellular systems are becoming increasingly prevalent across industries and regions, handling more advanced services and applications that require high data rates. Networks are becoming denser, using more antennas, larger system bandwidths, and more frequency bands. The environmental impact of 6G and above needs to be kept under control, and new solutions to improve network energy efficiency need to be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for performing operations associated with a random access channel (RACH) procedure.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive information instructing a base station (BS) to spatially adapt; determine, at least in part, based on the spatial adaptability, a number of repetitions of a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure; and perform the RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the RACH process is a 4-step RACH process, and the first message is Msg 1. In some embodiments, the RACH process is a 2-step RACH process, and the first message is message A. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to an expected decrease in received power at the BS associated with the spatial adaptation.

[0006] The apparatus according to some embodiments is also configured to: receive additional information indicating the use of spatial adaptation to determine the number of repetitions for the first message. In this embodiment, the number of repetitions is determined in response to the additional information. The apparatus according to some embodiments is also configured to: receive additional information indicating at least a second spatial adaptation of the BS, and determine, at least in part based on the second spatial adaptation, an updated number of repetitions for the first message in the RACH process. In this embodiment, performing the RACH process includes changing the transmission of the first message from repeating the transmission according to the number of repetitions to repeating the transmission of the first message according to the updated number of repetitions.

[0007] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a 2-step RACH procedure or a 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving information indicating spatial adaptation of a base station (BS); determining, at least in part, a number of repetitions of a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and performing a BSRACH procedure by repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the RACH process is a 4-step RACH process, and the first message is Msg1. In some embodiments, the RACH process is a 2-step RACH process, and the first message is message A. In some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: antenna mute pattern, beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing the reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to the downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to the expected received power decrease at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0010] The method according to some embodiments further includes: receiving additional information indicating the use of spatial adaptation to determine the number of repetitions for a first message. In this embodiment, the number of repetitions is determined in response to the additional information. The method according to some embodiments further includes: receiving additional information at least indicating a second spatial adaptation of the BS, and determining an updated number of repetitions for the first message in a RACH procedure based at least in part on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the RACH procedure includes changing the transmission of the first message repeated according to the number of repetitions to the transmission of the first message repeated according to the updated number of repetitions.

[0011] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a 2-step RACH procedure or a 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the method is performed by a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from a BS.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising: at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a portion of computer-executable program code stored therein, the portion of computer-executable program code including program code instructions configured to: receive information instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; determine, at least in part, a number of repetitions of a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and perform the RACH procedure with the BS by transmitting the first message in accordance with the number of repetitions.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the RACH process is a 4-step RACH process, and the first message is Msg1. In some embodiments, the RACH process is a 2-step RACH process, and the first message is message A. In some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: antenna mute pattern, beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing the reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to the downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to the expected received power decrease at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to receive additional information indicating the use of spatial adaptation to determine the number of repetitions for a first message. In this embodiment, the number of repetitions is determined in response to the additional information. According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to receive additional information at least indicating a second spatial adaptation of the BS, and to determine an updated number of repetitions for the first message in a RACH procedure, at least in part based on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the RACH procedure includes changing the transmission of the first message from repeating the transmission based on the number of repetitions to repeating the transmission of the first message based on the updated number of repetitions.

[0015] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a 2-step RACH procedure or a 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the operation of the computer program product is performed by the user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving information instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; determining, at least in part, based on the spatial adaptation, a number of repetitions of a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure; and performing the RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the RACH process is a 4-step RACH process, and the first message is Msg1. In some embodiments, the RACH process is a 2-step RACH process, and the first message is message A. In some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: antenna mute pattern, beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing the reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to the downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to the expected received power decrease at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0018] The apparatus according to some embodiments further includes means for receiving additional information indicating the use of spatial adaptation to determine the number of repetitions for the first message. In this embodiment, the number of repetitions is determined in response to the additional information. The apparatus according to some embodiments further includes means for receiving additional information at least indicating a second spatial adaptation of the BS and for determining an updated number of repetitions for the first message for the RACH process based at least in part on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the RACH process includes changing from repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions to repeating the transmission of the first message according to the updated number of repetitions.

[0019] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a 2-step RACH procedure or a 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receive a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. The first message is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: transmitting signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receiving a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. The first message is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a portion of computer-executable program code stored therein, the portion of computer-executable program code including program code instructions configured to: transmit signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receive a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. The first message is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: transmitting signaling instructing a base station (BS) on spatial adaptation; and receiving a first message for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. The first message is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive information instructing a base station (BS) to spatially adapt; determine, at least in part, the number of repetitions of Msg3 for a 4-step random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and perform a 4-step RACH procedure with the base station by repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions.

[0025] According to some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to an expected decrease in received power at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0026] The apparatus according to some embodiments is also configured to: determine the transmission of repeated Msg3 in response to the repeated transmission of a first message in a repeated 4-step RACH process. In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is the same as the number of repetitions for the first message. The apparatus according to some embodiments is also configured to: receive additional information indicating at least a second spatial adaptation, and determine the updated number of repetitions for Msg3 based at least in part on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the 4-step RACH process includes: changing from repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions to repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the updated number of repetitions.

[0027] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving spatial adaptation information indicating a base station (BS); determining, at least in part, the number of repetitions of Msg3 for a 4-step random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and performing a 4-step RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions.

[0029] According to some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to an expected decrease in received power at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0030] The method according to some embodiments further includes determining that a transmission of repeated Msg3 will be performed in response to the transmission of a first message in a repeated 4-step RACH process. In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is the same as the number of repetitions used for the first message. The method according to some embodiments further includes receiving additional information indicating at least a second spatial adaptation, and determining the updated number of repetitions for Msg3 based at least in part on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the 4-step RACH process includes changing from transmitting Msg3 based on the number of repetitions to transmitting Msg3 based on the updated number of repetitions.

[0031] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the method is performed by a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from a BS.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a portion of computer-executable program code stored therein, the portion of computer-executable program code including program code instructions configured to: receive information instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; determine, at least in part, the number of repetitions of Msg3 for a 4-step random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and perform a 4-step RACH procedure with the base station by repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions.

[0033] According to some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to an expected decrease in received power at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to determine, in response to the transmission of a first message in a repeated 4-step RACH process, that the transmission of repeated Msg3 will be performed. In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is the same as the number of repetitions for the first message. According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to receive at least additional information indicating a second space adaptation, and to determine, at least partially based on the second space adaptation, the updated number of repetitions for Msg3. In this embodiment, performing the 4-step RACH process includes changing from transmitting Msg3 based on the number of repetitions to transmitting Msg3 based on the updated number of repetitions.

[0035] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. In some embodiments, the operation of the computer program product is performed by a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: receiving spatial adaptation information instructing a base station (BS); determining, at least in part, the number of repetitions of Msg3 for a 4-step random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the spatial adaptation; and performing a 4-step RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of Msg3 according to the number of repetitions.

[0037] According to some embodiments, spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, determining the number of repetitions includes comparing a reference signal received power (RSRP) referenced to downlink path loss with a threshold; and the threshold is based on an offset corresponding to an expected decrease in received power at the BS associated with spatial adaptation.

[0038] The apparatus according to some embodiments further includes means for determining, in response to the transmission of a first message in a repeated 4-step RACH process, that a transmission of repeated Msg3 will be performed. In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is the same as the number of repetitions for the first message. The apparatus according to some embodiments further includes means for receiving additional information indicating at least a second spatial adaptation, and for determining, at least in part, the updated number of repetitions for Msg3 based on the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, performing the 4-step RACH process includes changing from transmitting Msg3 according to the number of repetitions to transmitting Msg3 according to the updated number of repetitions.

[0039] According to some embodiments, at least one of the information or additional information is received via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), which enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device, and the information is received from the BS.

[0040] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receive Msg3 for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. Msg3 is repeated multiple times at least in part based on the spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is also configured to perform a second signaling instruction to transmit the second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, Msg3 is based at least in part on the number of times the second spatial adaptation is repeatedly updated. According to some embodiments, this signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process.

[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: transmitting signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receiving Msg3 of a random access channel (RACH) procedure. Msg3 is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on the spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0043] The method according to some embodiments further includes transmitting a second signaling indicating a second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, Msg3 is based at least in part on the number of times the second spatial adaptation is repeatedly updated. According to some embodiments, this signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process.

[0044] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a portion of computer-executable program code stored therein, the portion of computer-executable program code including program code instructions configured to: transmit signaling instructing a base station (BS) for spatial adaptation; and receive Msg3 for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. Msg3 is repeated multiple times at least in part based on the spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to transmit second signaling indicating second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, Msg3 is at least partially based on the number of times the second spatial adaptation is repeatedly updated. According to some embodiments, the signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a 4-step RACH process.

[0046] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising components for: transmitting signaling instructing a base station (BS) on spatial adaptation; and receiving Msg3 of a random access channel (RACH) procedure. Msg3 is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on the spatial adaptation. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for transmitting second signaling indicating second spatial adaptation. In this embodiment, Msg3 is based at least in part on the number of times the second spatial adaptation is repeatedly updated. According to some embodiments, this signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process.

[0048] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive signaling indicating at least one or more resources for performing initial access to a cell; determine whether the signaling indicates spatial adaptation of a base station (BS); and, if the signaling indicates spatial adaptation, perform a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure based on the signaling. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as indicating a number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg 2.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is also configured to perform a RACH procedure based on the signaling when the signaling does not indicate spatial adaptation. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS; Msg 3 of the RACH procedure not requesting retransmission of the RACH procedure; the RACH procedure also includes receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as not indicating the number of repetitions for retransmission of Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 without repetition.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. According to some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device.

[0051] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: receiving signaling indicating at least one or more resources for performing initial access to a cell; determining whether the signaling indicates spatial adaptation of a base station (BS); and, if the signaling indicates spatial adaptation, performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the signaling. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of the RACH procedure as Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as indicating a number of repetitions for repeating the transmission of Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg 2.

[0052] The method according to some embodiments further includes performing a RACH procedure based on the signaling when the signaling does not indicate spatial adaptation. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request a repeat transmission of the RACH procedure in Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as not indicating a number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 without repetition.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. According to some embodiments, the method is performed by a user equipment (UE) device.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a portion of computer-executable program code stored therein, the portion of computer-executable program code including program code instructions configured to: receive signaling indicating at least one or more resources for performing initial access to a cell; determine whether the signaling indicates spatial adaptation of a base station (BS); and, if the signaling indicates spatial adaptation: perform a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on the signaling. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of the RACH procedure as Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as indicating a number of repetitions for repeating the transmission of Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg 2.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the computer-executable program code portion includes program code instructions configured to perform a RACH procedure based on the signaling when the signaling does not indicate spatial adaptation. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request a repeat transmission of the RACH procedure in Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as not indicating a number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 without repetition.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. According to some embodiments, the operation of this computer program product is performed by a user equipment (UE) device.

[0057] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising: receiving signaling indicating at least one or more resources for performing initial access to a cell; determining whether the signaling indicates spatial adaptation of a base station (BS); and, if the signaling indicates spatial adaptation, performing a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure based on the signaling. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request repeated transmission of the RACH procedure in the form of Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as indicating a number of repetitions for repeating the transmission of Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg 2.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing a RACH procedure based on the signaling when the signaling does not indicate spatial adaptation. The RACH procedure includes: transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS. Msg 1 does not request a repeat transmission of the RACH procedure in Msg 3. The RACH procedure further includes: receiving Msg 2 of the RACH procedure from the BS; interpreting Msg 2 as not indicating a number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3; and performing the transmission of Msg 3 without repetition.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of the following: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. According to some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process. According to some embodiments, the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device.

[0060] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure. The RACH procedure includes: receiving Msg 1 of the RACH procedure from a User Equipment (UE) device. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure. In the case where the apparatus transmits spatial adaptation signaling instructing the apparatus, the RACH procedure further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure to the UE device, Msg 2 indicating a number of repetitions for retransmitting Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; and receiving Msg 3 from the UE device. Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions.

[0061] According to some embodiments, performing the RACH procedure using the UE device further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure when the device does not transmit signaling instructing the device to spatially adapt. Msg 2 does not indicate the number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3. The RACH procedure also includes receiving Msg 3. Msg 3 is not retransmitted. The number of repetitions indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. The number of repetitions indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the device is a base station (BS).

[0062] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: performing a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure. The RACH procedure includes: receiving Msg 1 of the RACH procedure from a User Equipment (UE) device. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure. In the case where the device transmits signaling instructing the device to spatially adaptively adapt, the RACH procedure further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure to the UE device, the Msg 2 indicating a number of repetitions for retransmitting Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; and receiving Msg 3 from the UE device. Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions.

[0063] According to some embodiments, performing the RACH procedure using the UE device further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure when the device does not transmit signaling instructing the device to spatially adapt. Msg 2 does not indicate the number of repetitions for transmitting Msg 3. The RACH procedure also includes receiving Msg 3. Msg 3 is not retransmitted. The repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. According to some embodiments, the repetition number indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the device is a base station (BS).

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer-executable program code portion stored therein, the computer-executable program code portion including program code instructions configured to: perform a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure. The RACH procedure includes: receiving Msg 1 of the RACH procedure from a user equipment (UE) device. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure. In the case where the device transmits signaling instructing the device to spatially adaptively adapt, the RACH procedure further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure to the UE device, Msg 2 indicating a number of repetitions for the transmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; and receiving Msg 3 from the UE device. Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions.

[0065] According to some embodiments, performing the RACH procedure using the UE device further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure when the device does not transmit signaling instructing the device to spatially adapt. Msg 2 does not indicate the number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3. The RACH procedure also includes receiving Msg 3. Msg 3 is not retransmitted. The number of repetitions, according to some embodiments, indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. The number of repetitions, according to some embodiments, indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the device is a base station (BS).

[0066] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure. The RACH procedure includes: receiving Msg 1 of the RACH procedure from a User Equipment (UE) device. Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure. In the case that the apparatus transmits spatial adaptation signaling instructing the apparatus, the RACH procedure further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure to the UE device, the Msg 2 indicating a number of repetitions for retransmitting Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; and receiving Msg 3 from the UE device. Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions.

[0067] According to some embodiments, performing the RACH procedure using the UE device further includes: transmitting Msg 2 of the RACH procedure when the device does not transmit signaling instructing the device to spatially adapt. Msg 2 does not indicate the number of repetitions for repeating Msg 3. The RACH procedure also includes receiving Msg 3. Msg 3 is not retransmitted. The number of repetitions, according to some embodiments, indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once. The number of repetitions, according to some embodiments, indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted more than once. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or beam switching. In some embodiments, signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI) that enables the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH procedure. In some embodiments, the device is a base station (BS). Attached Figure Description

[0068] Therefore, some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in general terms. The following will refer to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0069] Figure 1 It is a diagram of an example communication system according to at least one example embodiment;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a configurable apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 3 An example of a 4-step RACH process is shown;

[0072] Figure 4 An example of a UE configured with sparse PRACH resources is shown;

[0073] Figure 5 An example of a UE configured with additional PRACH resources is shown;

[0074] Figure 6 An example of the number of repetitions based on a predefined threshold configuration is shown;

[0075] Figure 7 An example of the effect of mMIMO antenna muting is shown;

[0076] Figure 8 An example of a separate receive chain and transmit chain at the network is shown;

[0077] Figure 9 Example communication between a UE and a gNB according to at least one example embodiment is shown;

[0078] Figure 10 An example of various numbers of repetitions used in association with the mMIMO silence factor according to at least one example embodiment is shown;

[0079] Figure 11 An example of the number of repetitions based on a predefined threshold configuration according to at least one example embodiment is shown;

[0080] Figure 12 An example of an alternative to temporal sparse PRACH according to at least one example embodiment is shown;

[0081] Figure 13 An example from Table 6.1.2.1-1A is shown;

[0082] Figure 14 Details from ASN.1 IE related to Msg3 configuration are shown;

[0083] Figure 15 An example is shown of a gNB utilizing different receiving antenna panels having the same mute mode according to at least one example embodiment;

[0084] Figure 16 An example of UE updating the number of repetitions according to at least one example embodiment is shown;

[0085] Figure 17 An example is shown in which a UE, according to at least one example embodiment, interprets Msg 2 based on signaling received from the gNB as indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3 or not indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3.

[0086] Figure 18 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device;

[0087] Figure 19 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device;

[0088] Figure 20 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device;

[0089] Figure 21 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device;

[0090] Figure 22 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device; and

[0091] Figure 23 The illustration shows, according to at least one example embodiment, such as by Figure 2 The operation performed by the device. Detailed Implementation

[0092] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "a," "an," or "some" embodiments in several places throughout the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference refers to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in combination with some embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, applying such a feature, structure, or characteristic in combination with other embodiments is within the scope of instruction of those skilled in the art. It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0093] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", and "A and / or B" all refer to (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases "A, B, and / or C" refer to (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0094] Some of the described embodiments can be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT, such as 6G. Additionally, communication within the communication network 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), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0095] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication network through which user equipment can access the network and / or control wireless communications and manage wireless resources within a cell. A network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology used, a network device may be, for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network device (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites), or an aircraft network device.

[0096] Additionally, in a split radio access network (RAN) connection, network equipment can refer to a centralized unit (CU) and / or distributed unit (DU) of a base station. The interface between the CU and DU may be referred to as the F1 interface in NR. In a split RAN architecture, node operations can be performed at least partially in a central / central unit (CU) (e.g., a server, host, or node) that is operationally coupled to a DU (e.g., a radio head / node). A CU can control one or more DUs, at least acting as a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) node. In some embodiments, a DU may include, for example, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical (PHY) layer, while a CU may include layers above the RLC layer, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Internet Protocol (IP) layer. Other functional divisions are also possible. In fact, any processing task can be performed in either a CU or a DU, and the boundary where responsibilities are transferred between the CU and DU may depend on the implementation applied.

[0097] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (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, USB dongles, 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 the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and so on.

[0098] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency domains, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmission" and / or "reception" can refer to wireless transmission and / or reception on radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0099] As used herein, “computer-readable medium” refers to signals, non-transitory computer-readable media, etc. The term “non-transitory computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage devices, or non-transitory computer system memory that can be accessed by a controller, microcontroller, computing system, or module of a computing system to encode computer-executable instructions or software programs thereon. Non-transitory “computer-readable medium” can be accessed by a computing system or module of a computing system to retrieve and / or execute computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on that medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (e.g., one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives), computer system memory, or random access memory (such as DRAM, SRAM, EDORAM), etc.

[0100] As used herein, the terms “delay requirement” and “delay strategy” are used interchangeably and have equivalent meanings.

[0101] Figure 1 Examples of communication networks in which the examples disclosed herein may be applied are shown. This communication network, or cellular communication network, may include network node 110 providing one or more cells (such as cell 100), and network node 112 providing one or more other cells (such as cell 102). For example, each cell may be, for example, a macrocell, microcell, femtocell, or picocell. A cell may define the coverage area or service area of ​​the corresponding access node.

[0102] Network node 110 can provide user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with radio access to a communication network. This radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data to the user equipment.

[0103] The system can have multiple UEs 120 and 122. Each of them can be served by the same or different network nodes 110 and 112. UEs can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), where a UE (e.g., UE 120) can be connected to multiple network nodes 110 and 112. UEs 120 and 122 can communicate with each other when a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called side link (SL). For example, such D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine communication, peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0104] In a communication network with multiple network nodes, these nodes can be interconnected via interfaces. The LTE specification refers to such interfaces as X2 interfaces. Interfaces between LTE nodes and 5G nodes, or between two 5G nodes, can be referred to as Xn interfaces.

[0105] Network nodes 110 and 112 can be further connected to the core network 116 of the communication network via another interface. The LTE specification defines the core network as an evolved packet core network (EPC), which may include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME) and gateway nodes. The MME can handle the mobility of terminal devices within a tracking area containing multiple cells and handle signaling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node can handle data routing within the core network and to / from terminal devices. The 5G specification designates the core network as a 5G core network (5GC). The 5G core network may include, for example, access and mobility management functions (AMF) and user plane functions / gateways (UPF), as well as other functions. The AMF can handle non-access stratum (NAS) signaling termination, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security context management. For example, a UPF node can support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and quality of service (QoS) processing.

[0106] Figure 2 An example block diagram of apparatus 200 is shown. Apparatus 200 includes, for example, at least one processor 220 and at least one memory 240 storing instructions 250 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause apparatus 200 to perform at least one or more methods and any embodiments thereof disclosed herein. In one example, at least one memory and instructions (e.g., computer program code, software) are configured together with at least one processor to cause apparatus 200 to perform one or more methods and any embodiments thereof disclosed herein.

[0107] Processor 220 may include, or be configured as, one or more circuit systems configured to perform stages of the method according to the example embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit system” may refer to one or more of the following: (a) hardware circuitry implemented only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions and (c) (multiple) hardware circuitry and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions thereof) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation does not require software. This definition of “circuit system” applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices or other computing or networking devices.

[0108] The memory 240 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may include a database for storing data. The memory 240 is at least partially located outside the device 200, but is accessible to the device 200.

[0109] Instruction 250 may be included in a computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the medium itself (e.g., a tangible medium, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory RAM versus read-only memory ROM).

[0110] For example, device 200 is a terminal device, such as Figure 1 UEs 120 and 122. As another example, the device is included in such a terminal device, for example, as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. Device 200 can be made or configured to at least perform the functions described further below. Figure 17 and Figure 19 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0111] As another example, device 200 could be a network node, for example... Figure 1 Network nodes 110 and 112. In another embodiment, the device is included in such a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control the network node. Device 200 can be caused or configured to at least perform Figure 18 and Figure 20 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0112] The apparatus may include one or more entities from any of the protocol layers, such as a MAC entity, RRC entity, RLC entity, PDCP entity, or PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity is configured to at least perform Figure 17-20 Any one or more of the methods and / or embodiments described herein.

[0113] Device 200 includes a communication interface 260. Communication interface 260 provides communication capabilities to device 200. Communication interface 260 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Communication interface 260 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Receivers may include more than one receiver. Transmitters may include more than one transmitter. Communication interface 260 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transceivers may include more than one transceiver.

[0114] Device 200 may include a user interface 230, which includes at least one of, for example, a keyboard, microphone, touch screen, display screen, speaker, etc. User interface 230 can be used to control the device by a user. User interface 230 may be located external to device 200. For example, device 200 may be connected to another device (such as a computer) via a wireless or wired connection, and device 200 may be controlled by a user via that computer.

[0115] In one embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be performed by means including components for performing at least some of the processes. Components for performing the operations of the methods disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of means 200. For example, at least one processor 220, memory 240, and computer program code form components for performing the methods disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof. As used herein, the term “component” should be interpreted as either singular (e.g., a single element) or plural (e.g., a combination of single elements). Thus, the term “component for [performing A, B, C]” should be interpreted to encompass means having only one component for performing A, B, and C, or having separate components for performing A, B, and C, or having components for performing A, B, and C that partially or completely overlap. Furthermore, the terms “component for performing A, component for performing B, component for performing C” should be interpreted to encompass means having only one component for performing A, B, and C, or having separate components for performing A, B, and C, or having components for performing A, B, and C that partially or completely overlap.

[0116] Since the initial 3GPP standards, network power consumption has been considered a critical parameter in design. RP-213554 has identified the following: 1) Definition of base station power consumption model [RAN1]: Applying the power consumption modeling and evaluation framework of TR38.840 to the base station side, including relative power consumption for DL ​​and UL (considering factors such as PA efficiency, number of TxRUs, base station load, etc.), sleep states and associated transition times, and one or more reference parameters / configurations. 2) Definition of evaluation methods and KPIs [RAN1]: The evaluation method should aim to assess system-level network power consumption and energy-saving benefits, as well as assess / balance the impact on network and user performance (e.g., spectral efficiency, capacity, UPT, latency, handover performance, call drop rate, initial access performance, SLA guarantee-related KPIs), energy efficiency, and UE power consumption and complexity. The evaluation method should not focus on a single KPI, but should reuse existing KPIs where applicable; where existing KPIs are found to be insufficient, new KPIs can be developed as needed. Note: The WG will decide which KPIs to evaluate and how to evaluate them. 3) Research and identify technologies related to the gNB and UE sides to improve network energy efficiency in both BS transmission and reception. These technologies may include: i) how to utilize potential support / feedback and potential UE assistance information from the UE to achieve more efficient dynamic and / or semi-static operation and more fine-grained adaptation of transmission and / or reception in the time, frequency, spatial, and power domains, using one or more network energy-saving technologies [RAN1 / 2]; and ii) information exchange / coordination through the network interface [RAN3]. Note: Other technologies are not excluded.

[0117] Based on the Rel-18 WI description in RP-223540, the following objectives have been agreed upon for Network Energy Saving (NES) technologies (e.g., in the spatial and power domains): 1) If found feasible by RAN4 studies, specify SSB-free SCell operation for inter-band CA for FR1 and co-located cells, where the UE measures the SSB transmitted on the PCell or another SCell for SCell time / frequency synchronization (including downlink AGC) and L1 / L3 measurements, including potential enhancements to the SCell activation process where necessary [RAN4, RAN2]. 2) Specify enhancements regarding the cell DTX / DRX mechanism, including alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC_CONNECTED mode, and inter-node information exchange regarding cell DTX / DRX [RAN2, RAN1, RAN3]; Note: No change for SSB transmission due to cell DTX / DRX; Note: The impact on idle / inactive UEs should be avoided due to the above enhancements. 3) Specify the following techniques in the spatial and power domains: i) Specify necessary enhancements to CSI and beam management related processes (including measurement and reporting, and signaling) to enable effective adaptation of spatial elements (e.g., antenna ports, active transceiver chains) [RAN1 / 2]; ii) Specify necessary enhancements to CSI related processes (including measurement and reporting, and signaling) to enable effective adaptation of power offset values ​​between PDSCH and CSI-RS [RAN1 / 2]. Note: The above objectives are only applicable to UE-specific channels / signals. Note: CSI / CSI-RS capabilities of legacy UEs are applicable when considering the total number and requirements of CSI reports. 4) If necessary, specify (multiple) mechanisms to prevent traditional UEs from camping on cells using Rel-18 NES technology [RAN2]; 5) Specify (multiple) CHO process enhancements when the source / target cell is in NES mode [RAN2]; 6) Specify inter-node beam activation and enhancements for paging restricted to limited areas [RAN3]; 7) If necessary, specify the corresponding RRM / RF core requirements for the above features [RAN4].

[0118] RAN1#112 was the first meeting to discuss the aforementioned Rel-18 objectives for NES. Additionally, recently, the new WID: Enhancements for Network Power Saving for NR [RP-234065] has been approved for Rel-19, with the objectives of: 1) specifying procedures and signaling methods (multiple) for UEs configured with CA in connected mode to support on-demand SSB SCell operation for both in-band and inter-band CA [RAN1 / 2 / 3 / 4]; i) specifying (multiple) triggering methods (selected from UE uplink wake-up signals using existing signals / channels, cell on / off indications via backhaul, and SCell activation / deactivation signaling). Note 1: On-demand SSB transmission can be used by the UE at least for SCell time / frequency synchronization, L1 / L3 measurement, and SCell activation, and supports FR1 and FR2 in non-shared spectrum. 2) Investigate the procedures and signaling methods (multiple) to support on-demand SSB1 for the UE in idle / inactive mode, including: [RAN1 / 2 / 3] i) a method of triggering the wake-up signal via the uplink using existing signals / channels; ii) providing the wake-up signal configuration to the UE; Note: Any modifications to the SSB will not be discussed under this objective; iii) information exchange between gNBs, if necessary, at least for the configuration of the wake-up signal; iv) checkpoints for the normative work in RAN#105. 3) Specify the adaptation of common signal / channel transmission. [RAN1 / 2 / 3 / 4]: i) Adaptation of SSBs in the time domain, such as adaptive periodicity; ii) Adaptation of PRACH in the time domain; iii) Study adaptation of PRACH in the spatial domain, such as non-uniform PRACH resources per SSB, and specify whether it is found to be beneficial; iv) This study will only be completed in the second quarter of 2024; v) Adaptation of paging timing, including limiting paging timing to the time domain; Note: Paging delay must not be increased; Note: Unless a significant advantage is demonstrated, it must not have a negative impact on traditional UEs. 4) Specify the corresponding core requirements for the above features [RAN4].

[0119] The Random Access (RA) procedure is designed to enable the UE to achieve uplink synchronization and obtain resources for communication. The RA procedure can be contention-free (CFRA) or contention-based (CBRA). In CFRA, the gNB allocates a dedicated preamble sequence to the UE, called the dedicated random access preamble. In 5G NR, both CBRA procedures are supported (the 4-step RACH procedure introduced in Rel-15 and the 2-step RACH procedure introduced in Rel-16). The 4-step RACH procedure involves sending the preamble, receiving the Random Access Response (RAR), transmitting the connection request, and completing the handshake using a conflict resolution message. The 2-step RACH procedure simplifies this process by combining the preamble and connection request into a single message, thereby reducing signaling overhead and latency. For simplicity, some embodiments described herein are shown based on the 4-step RACH procedure, but some embodiments described herein can also be applied to the 2-step RACH procedure and the CFRA procedure.

[0120] Figure 3 An example of a 4-step RACH procedure is shown. As shown, message 301 (labeled "Msg1: Random Access Preamble") is the first message in the 4-step RACH procedure. Message 301 can be a specific preamble transmitted by UE 310 to gNB 320 via PRACH through a specific resource called RACH Timing (RO). Message 302 (labeled "Msg2: Random Access Response") can be a reply from gNB 320. Message 302 can be a RAR, which includes the detected preamble ID, timing advance command, Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI), and / or UL authorization for transmission of message 303 on PUSCH. Message 303 (labeled "Msg3: RRC Connection Request") can be a response from UE 310 to message 302, which can be transmitted via the scheduled PUSCH with an ID for contention resolution. Message 304 (labeled "Msg4: Contention Resolution") can be transmitted by gNB 320 with a contention resolution ID.

[0121] In NR / 5G, a UE can be scheduled to repeatedly transmit Msg3 via the UL authorization carried by Msg2, and only if the UE has previously transmitted Msg1 using specific RA resources (preamble and / or RO).

[0122] Massive MIMO antenna elements offer significant advantages, including beamforming gain and spatial multiplexing capabilities, to serve multiple UEs simultaneously. However, these advantages come at the cost of increased power consumption at the gNB, as the number of transmit / receive chains (e.g., the number of TXRUs) typically scales proportionally to the number of antenna elements. To address this, massive MIMO (mMIMO) muting is considered an effective strategy for network power saving, allowing for the selective activation / deactivation of the antenna array based on operational needs, thereby minimizing power consumption. Internal and external simulation studies have consistently demonstrated that antenna array adaptation (such as mMIMO muting) provides superior power saving gains compared to other adaptive techniques. Furthermore, mMIMO muting achieves these power savings with minimal impact on data rate performance, making it a practical and efficient solution for green networks.

[0123] However, there is a trade-off between power efficiency and performance when the antenna is muted at the BS. For example, when no antenna is muted, the BS operates at full power capacity, resulting in neither power savings nor a reduction in DL reachable rate. As more antennas are muted, both the power savings of the BS and the loss of DL reachable rate increase. See Figure 2 Network power saving gain as a function of the DL achievable rate loss, D.Laselva, S.Hakimi, M.Lauridsen, B.Khan, D.Kumar and P.Mogensen, "On the Potential of Radio Adaptations "For 6G Network Energy Saving", 2024 European Joint Conference on Networks and Communications & 6G Summit (EuCNC / 6G) Summit), Antwerp, Belgium, 2024 .

[0124] In 3GPP Rel-18, mMIMO antenna muting is limited to UE-specific channels / signals (e.g., PDSCH). However, as network power efficiency evolves towards 6G, the gNB is expected to implement array adaptation techniques to include common signals / channels (e.g., PRACH, etc.). To enable greater network power efficiency in 6G with minimal or no impact on user performance, some embodiments of this disclosure point to an improved 6G PRACH design that incorporates antenna array adaptation at the gNB.

[0125] Rel.19 proposes sparse PRACH configurations to enhance network energy efficiency (e.g., R1-2408475, Part 3.2). However, these proposals may also introduce increased UE access latency. Rel.19 proposes considering sparse PRACH configurations to achieve network efficiency savings (NES) gains. Figure 4 An example of a UE configured with sparse PRACH resources is shown. As illustrated, assuming two SSBs, the UE is configured with PRACH resources of 80ms period (resulting in a 160ms PRACH association pattern period). If traffic increases, additional PRACH procedures can serve as a mechanism to handle the increased traffic. Figure 5An example of a UE configured with additional PRACH resources is shown. However, as illustrated, adding time-domain PRACH resources can limit the sleep time available to the network (e.g., the BS can sleep for only 10ms) and make PRACH adaptation less practical. Furthermore, dynamic adaptation of adding new time-domain resources is very challenging and complex when the UE is in idle / inactive mode. In Rel.19, for sparse PRACH resources and for additional PRACH resources, a full board (e.g., no spatial adaptation, such as antenna mute, beamforming, or beam switching) is assumed.

[0126] As used herein, PRACH repetition can refer to the repeated transmission of the same preamble multiple times on different random access times (ROs), which is supported in LTE (since 3GPP Rel.13) and 5G NR (since 3GPP Rel.17). The first message in the RACH process (from the transmission of Msg1 by the UE) is... Figure 3 Prior to message 301, there is a step involving the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), also known as (via BS) SSB beam transmission and (via UE) selection. Specifically, during this step, the UE selects the index of the preferred SSB beam based on its measurements and decodes the associated PBCH to retrieve necessary system information used in the RA process, such as the MIB and SIB. After the SSB-based measurements, the number of PRACH repetitions for Msg1 is determined by the UE (if applicable). Specifically, the UE selects one of the configured repetition values ​​solely based on whether the measured SS-RSRP is below a predefined threshold.

[0127] Figure 6 An example of the number of repetitions based on a predefined threshold configuration is shown. As shown in the figure, at 610, if the SS-RSRP is -94 dBm or higher, there are no repetitions; at 620, if the SS-RSRP is between -97 dBm and -94 dBm, the number of repetitions is 2; at 630, if the SS-RSRP is between -100 dBm and -97 dBm, the number of repetitions is 4; and at 640, if the SS-RSRP is below -100 dBm, the number of repetitions is 8.

[0128] mMIMO antenna muting / RF reconfiguration is considered a key strategy for network energy saving because it allows for selective activation of the transmit and receive chains. However, mMIMO muting at the gNB significantly reduces uplink receive beamforming gain, leading to substantial coverage loss, which inadvertently affects the reliability of initial access. Specifically, the coverage drop affects the successful detection and decoding of the RACH preamble (Msg1) at the gNB because the received SNR used for the preamble is significantly reduced. Therefore, the RACH preamble may have to be retransmitted, resulting in a significant increase in UE access latency. Furthermore, due to the gNB mMIMO antenna muting mode during the measurement period, the received power of the RACH preamble (Msg1) fluctuates significantly. These fluctuations increase the likelihood of failed RACH attempts, which increases power consumption at the UE.

[0129] Figure 7 An example of the effect of mMIMO antenna muting is shown. For instance, as shown in Figure 710, when mMIMO muting is not used, the received power at the network gNB is (x) dBm. However, as shown in Figures 720 and 730, when mMIMO antenna muting is enabled, the network received power is correspondingly (x – [3,6]) dBm and (x – [9,12]) dBm. Therefore, the reduction in received power at BS is proportional to the mMIMO antenna muting.

[0130] In existing solutions, the UE's decision on whether and how many PRACH repetitions to perform is based solely on the SS-RSRP measurements executed by the UE, without considering additional parameters and / or the gNB's energy-saving characteristics in the UL. While this approach simplifies the process, it can cause mismatches between UL and DL operations, especially in scenarios where the network employs spatial adaptation (such as mMIMO antenna muting). For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the gNB can perform DL transmission using full MIMO / RF capabilities at 810, but applies mMIMO mute / RF reconfiguration to UL at 820 (e.g., selectively activating a subset of antenna elements to reduce power consumption). The receive chain and transmit chain configurations are assumed to be independent. This asymmetry between DL and UL configurations can lead to suboptimal PRACH performance. Specifically, the SS-RSRP measured by the UE during SSB reception may not accurately reflect the gNB's UL reception capabilities, thus causing failed RACH attempts, which increases latency and power consumption at the UE.

[0131] One potential approach to mitigate UL mismatch is by adjusting specific parameters, such as the received preamble target power. Specifically, configuring multiple values ​​for this parameter allows the gNB to enable the UE to transmit at higher power, thereby compensating for the UL drop caused by mMIMO antenna muting. However, as of Rel-19, this capability (e.g., configuration of multiple values) is not currently supported, and even if it were, the UE might face physical limitations, such as transmit power limits to meet specific absorption rate (SAR) requirements, maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits, or power management strategies, thus limiting the UE's compliance capabilities. Therefore, enhancements to the existing PRACH repeats are needed, taking into account antenna array adaptation and asymmetric DL / UL RF configurations at the gNB.

[0132] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide technical improvements to address these and other issues. For example, some embodiments described herein provide techniques for message transmission adaptation, by which the UE can be configured to transmit the same message of the RACH procedure a specific number of times when the gNB employs spatial adaptation (e.g., mMIMO antenna mute) in the uplink. Other examples of spatial adaptation include, but are not limited to, beamforming patterns and beam switching. Some embodiments described herein provide techniques for RACH preamble (Msg1) transmission adaptation, by which the UE can be configured to transmit the same preamble a specific number of times when the gNB employs spatial adaptation (e.g., mMIMO antenna mute) in the uplink. The repetition of signals / channels in some embodiments described herein enables the gNB to accumulate more copies of the same signal from the UE, thereby enhancing the received SNR and improving the detection or decoding performance of the PRACH preamble. In some embodiments, messages (e.g., PRACH preamble Msg1) are retransmitted to compensate for the degradation caused by spatial adaptation (e.g., mMIMO antenna mute) in the uplink. In some embodiments, different spatial adaptations (such as different mMIMO antenna mute modes in the uplink) can be mapped to corresponding repetition numbers, thereby allowing the UE to dynamically adjust message repetition based on the MIMO antenna mute configuration for UL activated at the gNB.

[0133] In some embodiments, the number of message repetitions can be determined by incorporating an additional descent factor into the existing SS-RSRP threshold. For example, these additional factors can take into account the impact of spatial adaptation (e.g., mMIMO antenna muting) on ​​UL reception. In some embodiments, the descent factor can be explicitly indicated by the gNB. In some embodiments, the descent factor may not be explicitly signaled to the UE. For example, in some embodiments, the descent factor can be derived based on a specific association with the gNB's muting configuration. The various embodiments and techniques described herein are applicable to 2-step RACH procedures (e.g., where the repetition transmission can be MsgA) and to 4-step RACH procedures (e.g., where the repetition transmission can be Msg1 or Msg3).

[0134] In some embodiments, even if the UE does not request to be scheduled for Msg 3 repetition, the number of repetitions for Msg 3 can still be indicated via Msg 2. For example, in some embodiments, if the gNB employs spatial adaptation and indicates this spatial adaptation to the UE, the UE can automatically interpret the UL authorization carried by Msg 2 as an UL authorization carrying the number of repetitions for the repeating Msg 3 transmission. In various embodiments, such a number of repetitions can be used to schedule one or more Msg 3 transmissions (e.g., only one Msg 3 transmission or multiple Msg 3 transmissions). In some embodiments, if the gNB does not indicate spatial adaptation to the UE, and the UE has not requested Msg 3 repetition by Msg 1, the UE may not interpret the UL authorization carried by Msg 2 as an UL authorization carrying the number of repetitions for the repeating Msg 3 transmission.

[0135] Figure 9 An example communication between a UE and a gNB according to at least one example embodiment is illustrated. As shown, at 922, the gNB 920 configures resources and parameters for the UE 910 for the initial access procedure, including the configuration of multiple PRACH resources via at least one PRACH configuration index. In some examples, these PRACH resources may be grouped by the UE 910 into a specific resource set associated with a specific number of Msg 1 repeats. In some examples, each repeat number may not be mapped to a specific SS-RSRP condition / threshold, such as one for the highest SS-RSRP threshold (e.g., no leading repeat), while others are used for lower SS-RSRP thresholds (e.g., with an increased leading repeat). Using this association, the gNB 920 can be expected to receive a specific number of Msg 1 repeats corresponding to a PRACH resource set independently selected by the UE 910.

[0136] To prepare for activating mMIMO muting by selectively deactivating a subset of antenna elements in the UL, at 924, gNB 920 includes a configuration according to the first step parameters for UE 910 to adjust PRACH transmission and compensate for potential signal drop caused by mMIMO muting. As an example, such a parameter can be spatially adaptive, but is not limited to, mMIMO muting mode, beamforming mode, beam switching, or any other parameter that may correspond to a specific level of drop in UL received power. For example, an mMIMO muting factor of (1 / 2) can be associated with a drop of 3 dB to 6 dB (e.g., depending on the targeting beam directed at UE 910).

[0137] In various embodiments, UE 910 may receive indications from the gNB regarding spatial adaptation, such as active mMIMO silent mode or RF reconfiguration (e.g., mMIMO silence factor). These indications allow UE 910 in some embodiments to anticipate potential uplink signal degradation due to spatial adaptation at the gNB, thereby allowing UE 910 to determine whether message transmission duplication (e.g., PRACH duplication) is necessary. In some embodiments, such indications may be provided to UE 910 through various mechanisms, such as: i) rach-ConfigCommon: for CBRA, where PRACH parameters are pre-configured and cell-specific; ii) rach-ConfigDedicated: for CFRA, where PRACH parameters are specifically assigned for a single UE; and / or iii) DCI Format 1_0: transmitted via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), where CRC is scrambled using C-RNTI, thereby enabling PDCCH commands for 2-step and 4-step RACH procedures.

[0138] In some embodiments, the gNB 920 can activate PRACH adaptation based on mMIMO silence, for example, via an indication provided to the UE at least via DCI format 1_0, as shown at 926. In such embodiments, the CRC of the DCI can be scrambled using the Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier (P-RNTI), thereby allowing group-based signaling to multiple UEs without dedicated RRC signaling.

[0139] In one embodiment, UE 910 may determine the appropriate number of repetitions for message transmission (e.g., PRACH preamble transmission, Msg 3 transmission), as shown at 928. For example, the mMIMO silence factor indication may implicitly instruct the UE to apply an additional offset (e.g., corresponding to the expected L1 RSRP drop at gNB caused by mMIMO antenna silence) to the existing configured SS-RSRP threshold for message (e.g., Msg 1, Msg 3) repetition. In some examples, UE 910 may adjust the threshold for message (e.g., Msg 1, Msg 3) repetition (e.g., 2, 4, or 8 repetitions) repetition by taking into account the potential drop in the uplink due to antenna silence. For example, rsrp-ThresholdMsg1-RepetitionNum2-r18+ ;rsrp-ThresholdMsg1-RepetitionNum4-r18 + ;rsrp-ThresholdMsg1-RepetitionNum8-r18 + Such an update to the threshold ensures that the UE selects the most appropriate number of repetitions (e.g., Msg1 preamble repetition) based on the potential dropout caused by mMIMO antenna muting. In this way, the various example embodiments described herein improve the likelihood of successful initial access.

[0140] At 930, UE 910 can (repeatedly, where applicable) identify the RO set for Msg 1 transmission. UE 910 can select a preamble from a predefined set and transmit the selected preamble at 932. If repetition is required, the UE will repeat the transmission of the same preamble multiple times using the same beam configuration. gNB 920 can monitor PRACH resources in the UL and detect repeated preambles.

[0141] Figure 10An example of various repetition numbers used in association with the mMIMO silence factor according to the example embodiments described herein is shown. In the various embodiments described herein, the same SS-RSRP measurement at the UE can cause different behaviors in message transmission (e.g., Msg1 or Msg3 transmission, with or without repetition, and how many repetitions), depending on whether PRACH adaptation for compensating for mMIMO silence is configured and activated at the UE (if applicable). For example, as shown, UEs 1010, 1020, and 1030 each use different repetition numbers 1012, 1022, and 1032. In other examples, different spatial adaptations may similarly cause different behaviors in message transmission, depending on whether PRACH adaptation for compensating for spatial adaptation is configured and activated at the UE (if applicable).

[0142] Figure 11 An example of the number of repetitions based on a predefined threshold configuration according to the example embodiments described herein is shown. As shown, at 1110, if the expected drop in SS-RSRP+ based on the information indicating antenna mute is -94 dBm or higher, there is no repetition. At 1120, if the expected drop in SS-RSRP+ based on the information indicating antenna mute is between -97 dBm and -94 dBm, the number of repetitions is 2; at 1130, if the expected drop in SS-RSRP+ based on the information indicating antenna mute is between -100 dBm and -97 dBm, the number of repetitions is 4; and at 1140, if the expected drop in SS-RSRP+ based on the information indicating antenna mute is less than -100 dBm, the number of repetitions is 8.

[0143] In some embodiments, the various techniques described herein can be considered as alternatives to sparse PRACH configurations in the time domain and the subsequent addition of additional time-domain PRACH resources, such as Figure 5 As shown in the image. Figure 12 An example of an alternative to sparse PRACH in the time domain, according to an example embodiment, is shown. For example, the network could consider PRACH adaptation based on spatial adaptation (such as changing the mMIMO antenna silence factor) instead of adding additional time-domain PRACH limited to full antenna capabilities. By associating different PRACH repetitions with varying mMIMO antenna silence factors, some of the example embodiments described herein enhance energy efficiency and reduce access latency, thus providing advantages over existing solutions.

[0144] Msg3 repetition is supported in 5G NR, where the same preamble for the third message in a 4-step RACH process is repeated multiple times. As described in [TS 38.214], the number of Msg3 repetitions is determined by using... numberOfMsg#Reptitions The parameters are indicated and derived from the MCS of Msg2 (indicated by the first two MSBs of the MCS information field). Specifically, the two MSBs are used to select a repeat factor from the four candidate value sets configured in SIB1. If this configuration does not exist, the default repeat factor {1,2,3,4} is applied. Figure 13 An example from Table 6.1.2.1-1A is shown: the number of repetitions k is a function of 2 MSBs of the MCS information field. For PUSCH repetition type A, when transmitting a PUSCH scheduled using DCI format 0_0 with CRC scrambled by TC-RNTI, the code point is provided using 2 MSBs of the MCS information field of DCI format 0_0 with CRC scrambled by TC-RNTI, based on higher-layer parameters. numberOfMsg3-RepetitionsList Whether it is configured to determine the number of repetitions according to Table 6.1.2.1-1A K The number of time slots used for TBS determination. N It equals 1. For example, if numberOfMsg3- RepetitionsList If configured, code point 00 is used for signal transmission in K. numberOfMsg3-RepetitionsList The first value is shown at 1310. If numberOfMsg3-RepetitionsList If not configured, code point 01 is used for signal transmission to the value 2 of K, as shown at 1320.

[0145] Figure 14 Details from ASN.1 IE related to Msg3 configuration are shown. Additionally, TS 38.321 indicates the L1 RSRP threshold used to enable Msg3 repetition. Specifically, the UE can request Msg3 repetition when the RSRP of the downlink reference signal falls below the configured threshold. For example, rsrp-ThresholdMsg3 : RSRP threshold for Msg3 repetition (see Clause 5.1.1b); The MAC entity shall: 1> if the BWP selected for the random access procedure is configured with (multiple) random access resource sets and msg3-Repetitions Both are set to true and none msg3-Repetitions The (multiple) random access resource sets are set as follows true And the reference RSRP for downlink path loss is less than rsrp-ThresholdMsg3 ; or 1> If the BWP selected for the random access procedure is only configured with msg3-Repetitions The (multiple) random access resource sets are set as follows true :2> Assume that Msg3 repeats in the current random access procedure. See TS 38.321 .

[0146] As described above, the degradation caused by mMIMO muting in the uplink affects the successful detection and decoding of the RACH preamble (Msg1) at the gNB because the RSRP of the preamble is significantly reduced. Similarly, the detection and decoding of Msg3 may also be associated with the same or similar problems. Therefore, some embodiments provide technical improvements through various repetition techniques described herein, which can be applied to Msg3, for example, to compensate for the degradation caused when the gNB uses mMIMO muting for energy saving in the uplink. The various embodiments described herein provide techniques for Msg3 transmission adaptation, so that the UE can adopt an offset to the threshold used to determine the need for Msg3 repetition, for example, when the gNB adopts spatial adaptation (such as mMIMO antenna muting) in the UL for network energy saving.

[0147] In one example embodiment, the UE can receive the Msg3 RSRP threshold from the gNB (e.g., rsrp- ThresholdMsg3-r17 The UE can receive an indication from the gNB regarding the silence factor of the activated mMIMO antenna. For example, this indication can allow the UE to predict potential uplink signal drop due to mMIMO silence at the gNB. Therefore, the UE can determine whether Msg3 repetition will be needed to compensate for the drop.

[0148] Continuing the example above, the UE can determine the need for Msg3 repetition based on an mMIMO silence factor indication. For example, such an indication can instruct the UE to apply an offset to a pre-configured threshold. This offset can take into account the expected RSRP drop at the gNB caused by mMIMO silence, allowing the UE to dynamically adjust the threshold used for Msg3 repetition determination. For example, the following equation can be used: UE_measurement <rsrp-ThresholdMsg3-r17 + in rsrp-ThresholdMsg3-r17 Indicates offset, and rsrp-ThresholdMsg3-r17 This indicates the pre-configured threshold.

[0149] In various embodiments, the descent factor may not be explicitly signaled to the UE, but rather derived by the UE based on a specific association with the gNB's mute configuration. In various embodiments, this adjustment ensures that the UE adjusts its Msg3 transmission behavior to mitigate the potential descent introduced in the UL by the gNB mMIMO antenna mute.

[0150] In some embodiments, if the UE detects that the measured power level of the downlink reference signal is lower than a pre-configured threshold adjusted by an offset determined according to the mMIMO silence factor, the UE may mark the need for Msg3 repetition. In some embodiments, the gNB can then determine and schedule Msg3 repetition as needed.

[0151] In some embodiments, since both Msg3 and Msg1 repetitions can be triggered for the UE under similar received power measurement conditions (e.g., similar L1 RSRP measurement conditions), the use of Msg1 repetition can serve as an implicit indication of a Msg3 repetition request. For example, a UE performing a Msg1 repetition can automatically signal its intention for a Msg3 repetition. In one embodiment, the UE can implicitly determine the number of Msg3 PUSCH repetitions based on the number of Msg1 PRACH repetitions (e.g., using the same number of repetitions used for Msg3 as used for Msg1). In such an example, when the UE transmits a Msg1 with repetitions, the UE can assume that a Msg3 repetition will be authorized by the network in the response, and therefore interpret the UL authorization in Msg2 as if no explicit Msg3 repetition request had been made.

[0152] In some embodiments, when message transmission is repeated, the gNB can utilize different receiving antenna panels (if applicable) with the same silence mode for receiving each repeated message. By doing so, some embodiments can introduce additional spatial diversity, allowing the gNB to combine signals from various spatial perspectives, thereby improving detection performance and enhancing the reliability of preamble reception. For example, Figure 15 An example is shown of a gNB according to an exemplary embodiment utilizing different receiving antenna panels with the same mute mode. As shown, for each repetition, the antenna panels 1510-1540 used by the gNB 1550 are changed while maintaining the same mute factor.

[0153] In some embodiments, if a new spatial adaptation (e.g., a new mMIMO silence mode) is applied at the gNB during the message repetition (e.g., Msg 1, Msg 3) phase, the gNB can provide an indication of the new spatial adaptation (e.g., an updated active mMIMO silence factor), and the UE can then update (e.g., optimize) the repetition count. For example, the UE can, for instance, utilize a higher mMIMO silence factor to autonomously increase (count upwards) the repetition count in response to the degree of RSRP decrease. Conversely, in another example, when link conditions improve, the UE can, for instance, utilize a lower mMIMO silence factor to decrease (count downwards) the repetition count. In some embodiments, this adjustment ensures that the repetition count is proportional to the decrease.

[0154] Figure 16An example of a UE updating the repetition number according to an example embodiment is shown. As shown, at 1622, the repetition number is initially equal to four based on the first antenna silence pattern. Repetition of messages (e.g., Msg1, Msg3) is in progress, as shown accordingly by the previous two repetitions 1624 and 1626. At 1628, gNB 1620 activates a new antenna silence pattern and indicates this change to UE 1610 at 1630. At 1632, UE 1610 dynamically adjusts or updates the repetition number to eight based on the new antenna silence pattern and continues repetition based on the adjusted or updated repetition number, as shown by the repetition at 1634.

[0155] Figure 17 An example is shown whereby the UE interprets Msg 2, based on signaling received from the gNB, as indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3 or not indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3. As shown at 1722, the gNB 1720 transmits resources to the UE 1710 for performing initial access to the cell. In some embodiments, the gNB 1720 may optionally transmit signaling indicating spatial adaptation at 1724. In some embodiments, the spatial adaptation indicated at 1724 may be included within the resources for performing initial access at 1722, or otherwise transmitted together with these resources. The UE 1710 receives the resources for performing initial access and performs the RACH procedure with the gNB 1720 based on these resources.

[0156] At 1726, UE 1720 transmits Msg 1 for the RACH procedure to gNB 1720. In this embodiment, Msg 1 does not request the scheduling of Msg 3 repetitions. At 1728, gNB 1720 transmits Msg 2, which may or may not indicate the number of repetitions for Msg 3. For example, if gNB 1720 indicates spatial adaptation at 1724, gNB 1720 may transmit Msg 2 with an indication of the number of repetitions for Msg 3. In another example, if gNB 1720 does not indicate spatial adaptation at 1724, gNB 1720 may not transmit Msg 2 with an indication of the number of repetitions for Msg 3.

[0157] Therefore, depending on whether the spatial adaptation indication is received, UE 1710 interprets Msg 2 as indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3 or not indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3. For example, if UE 1710 receives the spatial adaptation indication, UE 1710 may automatically interpret Msg 2 as indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3. In this case, UE 1710 can then transmit Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions at 1732. Even if UE 1720 transmits Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions, in some embodiments, this number of repetitions may indicate that Msg 3 is transmitted only once. In another example, if UE 1710 does not receive the spatial adaptation indication, UE 1710 may not interpret Msg 2 as indicating the number of repetitions for Msg 3. In this case, UE 1710 can then transmit Msg 3 at 1732 without repetition.

[0158] Figure 18-23 This is a flowchart illustrating operations associated with performing the RACH procedure, based on some embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 18 , 20 And the flowchart of 22 shows, for example, by Figure 2 The device 200 performs operations (as embodied by the UE device) to support communication sessions with network nodes. Figure 19 , 21 And the flowchart of 23 shows, for example, by Figure 2 The operation of the device 200 (such as that embodied by a network node) to support communication sessions with the UE device.

[0159] exist Figure 18 In the example flowchart, the user device (e.g., UE device 120 or 122) is represented (such as by...). Figure 2 The user equipment (apparatus 200) includes components (such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc.) for receiving information instructing a base station (BS) to spatially adapt, as shown in block 1802. This information can be obtained by processor 220 via communication interface 260, for example, by receiving the information directly or indirectly from a network node. The user equipment also includes components, such as processor 220, for determining, at least partially based on spatial adaptation, the number of repetitions of a first message in a random access channel (RACH) procedure, as shown in block 1804. The user equipment also includes components, such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for performing a RACH procedure with the BS by repeating the transmission of the first message according to the number of repetitions, for performing the RACH procedure with the BS, as shown in block 1806.

[0160] exist Figure 19In the example flowchart, the network nodes (e.g., network node 110 or 112) are represented (e.g., via... Figure 2 The apparatus 200 includes components (such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc.) for transmitting signaling instructing a base station (BS) to spatially adapt, as shown in box 1902. This signaling can be transmitted by processor 220 via communication interface 260, for example, directly or indirectly to a UE device. The network node also includes components (such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc.) for receiving a first message of a random access channel (RACH) procedure, wherein the first message is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation, as shown in box 1904.

[0161] exist Figure 20 In the example flowchart, the user device (e.g., UE device 120 or 122) is represented (such as through...). Figure 2 The device 200 includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving information instructing the base station (BS) to perform spatial adaptation, as shown in block 2002. This information can be obtained by processor 220 via communication interface 260, for example, by receiving the information directly or indirectly from a network node. The user equipment also includes components such as processor 220, as shown in block 2004, for determining the number of repetitions of Msg 3 in a 4-step Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure based at least in part on spatial adaptation. The user equipment also includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for performing a 4-step RACH procedure with the base station by repeating the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions, for performing the procedure.

[0162] exist Figure 21 In the example flowchart, the network nodes (e.g., network node 110 or 112) are represented (such as through...). Figure 2 The apparatus 200 includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for transmitting signaling instructing the base station (BS) to spatially adaptively adapt, as shown in block 2102. This signaling can be transmitted by processor 220 to the UE device, for example, directly or indirectly, via communication interface 260. The network node also includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving Msg 3 during the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, wherein Msg 3 is repeated multiple times, at least in part based on spatial adaptation, as shown in block 2104.

[0163] exist Figure 22 In the example flowchart, the user device (e.g., UE device 120 or 122) is represented (such as through...). Figure 2The device 200 includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for receiving signaling indicating at least one or more resources for performing initial access to a cell, as shown in block 2202. This signaling can be obtained by processor 220 via communication interface 260, for example, by receiving the signaling directly or Node-wise from a network node. The user equipment also includes components such as processor 220, such as processor 220, for determining whether the signaling indicates spatial adaptation of the base station (BS), as shown in block 2204. If the signaling indicates spatial adaptation, the user equipment also includes components such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., for performing a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure based on the signaling, as shown in block 2206. The user equipment also includes components such as processor 220 for transmitting Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the base station, wherein Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure, as shown in block 2208. The user equipment also includes components for receiving Msg 2 from the RACH procedure from the BS, such as processor 220, as shown in block 2210. The user equipment also includes components for interpreting Msg 2 as indicating the number of repetitions for transmitting Msg 3, such as processor 220, as shown in block 2212. The user equipment also includes components for performing the transmission of Msg 3 according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg 2, such as processor 220, as shown in block 2214.

[0164] exist Figure 23 In the example flowchart, the network nodes (e.g., network node 110 or 112) are represented (such as through...). Figure 2 The apparatus 200 includes components for performing a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., as shown in block 2302. The network node also includes components for receiving Msg1 of the RACH procedure from a user equipment (UE) device, such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., wherein Msg1 does not request the retransmission of Msg3 of the RACH procedure, as shown in block 2304. In the case where the network node transmits signaling instructing the network node to spatially adapt, the network node also includes components for transmitting Msg2 of the RACH procedure to the UE, such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., which indicates the number of repetitions for the transmission of Msg3 of the repeated RACH procedure, as shown in block 2306. In the case where the network node transmits signaling instructing the network node to spatially adapt, the network node also includes components for receiving Msg 3 from the UE, such as processor 220, communication interface 260, etc., wherein Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions, as shown in box 2308.

[0165] Figure 18-23This is a flowchart illustrating a method according to certain example embodiments. It should be understood that each block or signal, and combinations of blocks and signals, can be implemented by various components, such as hardware, firmware, processors, circuit systems, and / or other communication devices associated with the execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, the above-described one or more processes can be embodied by instructions (such as, for example, computer program instructions). In this regard, instructions embodying the above-described processes can be stored in memory 240 of the apparatus 200 employing the example embodiment and executed by at least one processor 220. It should be understood that any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable device performs the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of art whose execution implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable device, provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0166] Therefore, flowchart blocks support combinations of components used to perform specified functions and combinations of operations used to perform specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks in a flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in a flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware computer system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions to perform the specified functions.

[0167] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, it is apparent that this disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can (but are not required to) be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Receive signaling instructions for performing initial access to the cell for at least one or more resources; Determine whether the signaling instructs the base station (BS) to perform spatial adaptation; as well as In the case where the signaling indicates the spatial adaptation: The random access channel (RACH) procedure is performed based on the signaling, and the RACH procedure includes: Transmit Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS, wherein Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; Receive Msg 2 from the BS for the RACH procedure; Msg 2 is interpreted as indicating the number of repetitions for transmitting Msg 3; and The transmission of Msg3 is performed according to the number of repetitions indicated by Msg2.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the absence of signaling instructing the spatial adaptation, the instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to further perform at least: The RACH procedure is executed based on the signaling, and the RACH procedure includes: Transmit Msg 1 of the RACH procedure to the BS, wherein Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; Receive Msg 2 from the BS for the RACH procedure; Msg 2 is interpreted as not indicating the number of repetitions used to repeat Msg 3; as well as The transmission of Msg 3 is performed without repetition.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of repetitions indicates that Msg 3 is transmitted once.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of repetitions indicates that the Msg 3 is transmitted more than once.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spatial adaptation is associated with at least one of: an antenna mute pattern, a beamforming pattern, or a beam switching.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signaling is transmitted via RACH configuration or downlink control information (DCI), the DCI enabling the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for the 4-step RACH process.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is a user equipment (UE) device.

8. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Perform the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, which includes: Receive Msg 1 of the RACH procedure from the user equipment (UE), wherein Msg 1 does not request the retransmission of Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; In the case where the device transmits signaling instructing the device to adapt to spatial conditions: Transmit Msg 2 of the RACH procedure to the UE device, wherein Msg 2 indicates the number of repetitions for transmitting Msg 3 of the RACH procedure; and The UE device receives Msg 3, wherein Msg 3 is repeated multiple times according to the number of repetitions.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein performing the RACH procedure using the UE device further comprises: In the event that the device does not transmit signaling instructing the device to adapt to spatial conditions: Transmit Msg 2 of the RACH procedure, wherein Msg 2 does not indicate the number of repetitions for repeating the transmission of Msg 3; and Receive Msg 3, wherein Msg 3 is not transmitted repeatedly.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the apparatus is a base station (BS).

Images