UE output power requirements for selecting the number of PRACH repetitions

Abstract

1. A method comprising: measuring, at a user equipment, a received power of a reference signal; determining, at the user equipment, based on the measurement of the received power, that a physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; determining, at the user equipment, a transmit power of the physical random access channel; determining, at the user equipment, a power threshold; and at least one of determining that the determined transmit power is less than the power threshold and sending, at the user equipment, the physical random access channel without multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmit power is greater than the power threshold and sending, at the user equipment, the physical random access channel using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments generally relate to physical random access channel transmission, and more particularly to physical random access channel repetition.

Background Art

[0002] 5G NR supports two contention-based random access (CBRA) procedures, namely 4-step RACH (Rel-15) and 2-step RACH (Rel-16).

Summary of Invention

Means for Solving Problems

[0003] The following summary is only intended to be an example. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] According to one aspect, the method comprises: measuring received power of a reference signal at user equipment; determining at user equipment that a physical random access channel is to be multiple transmitted using repetition; determining transmission power of the physical random access channel at user equipment; determining a power threshold at user equipment; determining that the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel at user equipment multiple without using transmission repetition; or determining that the determined transmission power is greater than or equal to the power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel at user equipment multiple using transmission repetition at least one of the foregoing, and an example method is provided.

[0005] According to another aspect, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, The device measures the received power of the reference signal, and Based on the measurement of received power, the physical random access channel multiple The device determines that transmission will be performed using a transmission method, The device determines the transmission power of the physical random access channel, Determining the power threshold using the device, If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. at least one of the following and A non-temporary memory that stores instructions to cause the device to perform an action and An example of a device comprising the above is provided.

[0006] In another embodiment, an example embodiment provides a non-temporary program storage device readable by the device, which explicitly embodies a program of instructions executable by the device for performing an operation, and the operation is, The device measures the received power of the reference signal, and Based on the measurement of received power, the physical random access channel multiple The device determines that transmission will be performed using a transmission method, The device determines the transmission power of the physical random access channel, Determining the power threshold using the device, If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. at least one of the following and Includes.

[0007] In another embodiment, means for measuring the received power of a reference signal in the device, and based on the measurement of the received power, a physical random access channel multiple Means for determining whether transmission will be performed using transmission, means for determining the transmission power of the physical random access channel, and means for determining the power threshold. If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. means for doing at least one of the following An example of a device comprising the above is provided.

[0008] In another embodiment, a circuit device configured to measure the received power of a reference signal in the device, and a physical random access channel based on the measurement of the received power multiple Circuitry configured to determine that transmission will be performed using a transmission method, circuitry configured to determine the transmission power of the physical random access channel, and circuitry configured to determine the power threshold. If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. Circuit equipment configured for at least one of the following An example of a device comprising the above is provided.

[0009] According to some aspects, the subject-matter of the independent claim is provided. Some further aspects are provided in the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The foregoing aspects and other features are described in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible non-limiting example system in which example embodiments can be practiced. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a four-step RACH procedure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example that associates SSB-RSRP with the number of PRACH repetitions. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure during a second PRACH attempt. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example method. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example method. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following abbreviations that may be found in the present specification and / or the accompanying drawings are defined as follows: 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G Fifth Generation 5GC 5G Core Network A-MPR Additional MPR AMF Access and Mobility Management Function CE Coverage Enhanced CE UE Coverage Enhanced UE CP-OFDM Cyclic Prefix OFDM CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check CU Central Unit DCI Downlink Control Information DCI Format 0_1 ​​UL Grant configurable by RRC DFT-s-OFDM (Discrete Fourier Transform Diffusion Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) transformation DU Distributed Unit DWS Dynamic Waveform Switching eNB (or eNode B) Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity A node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to en-gNB or En-gNB UE, and functions as a secondary node in EN-DC. E-UTRA stands for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, which is essentially LTE radio access technology. FDD Frequency Division Duplexing FDM frequency domain multiplexing FR1 Frequency Range 1 FR2 Frequency Range 2 GC-DCI Group Common DCI gNB (or gNodeB) is a base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. I / F Interface LSB (Less Least Bit) LTE Long-Term Evolution MAC Media Access Control MCS Modulation and Encoding Scheme MIMO Multi-Input Multi-Output MME Mobility Management Entity MPR Maximum Power Reduction Most significant bit of the MSB Msg1 Message1 ng or NG New generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB: Next-generation eNB NR new radio N / W or NW Network OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) transformation PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDU Protocol Data Unit PHR Power Headroom Report PHY physical layer PRACH Physical Random Access Channel PUSCH Physical Uplink Control Channel QPSK 4 phase shift modulation RAN (Radio Access Network) RACH Random Access Channel RAPID Random Access Preamble ID RAR Random Access Response RA-RNTI Random Access Wireless Network Temporary Identifier RB, PRB: Resource Block, Physical Resource Block RSRP Reference Signal Received Power Rel Release RLC Wireless Link Control RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identifier) RO rach occasion RRH Remote Wireless Headset RRC (Radio Resource Control) RU Wireless Unit Rx Receiver SDAP Service Data Adaptation protocol S / P Serial vs Parallel SGW Serving Gateway SIB1 System Information Block 1 SMF session management function SR Schedule Request SS / PBCH Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel SSB Synchronization Signal Block TB conversion block TDD time division duplex TEI technology enhancement items TPC Transmission Power Control TS Technical Specifications Tx Transmitter UE User devices (e.g., wireless, typically mobile devices) UL Uplink UPF User Plane Functionality WI work item Moving on to Figure 1, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible non-limiting example, which may be configured to operate according to cellular communication standards such as Long-Term Evolution LTE, or New Radio NR, fifth-generation 5G, also known as 5G Advanced (i.e., NR Rel-18 and later), and 6G, all of which are specified by the third-generation partnership project 3GPP. User equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network elements 190 are shown. In the example of Figure 1, the user equipment (UE) 110 is communicating wirelessly with the wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected via one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. One or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication equipment, and similar. One or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. One or more memories 125 contain computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140 having one or both of parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which can be implemented in several ways. Module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120.For example, one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 may be configured to cause one or more processors 120 to have the user device 110 perform one or more of the operations described herein. The UE 110 communicates with the RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0013] In this example, RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 by wireless devices such as UE 110. RAN node 170 could be a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, RAN node 170 could be an NG-RAN node, defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., network element 190) via an NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via an NG interface. An NG-RAN node can also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed units (DU) (gNB-DU), of which DU 195 is shown, and can include a number of gNBs. Note that a DU contains or is coupled to a radio unit (RU) and controls the RU. A gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of gNB, or the RRC and PDCP protocols of en-gNB, and controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference number 198, but reference number 198 also indicates a link between remote and centralized elements of RAN node 170, such as between gNB-CU196 and gNB-DU195. A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. A single cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU.DU195 is thought to include transceiver 160 as part of a RU, for example, but it should be noted that some examples may have transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU controlled by and connected to DU195. RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (Evolved Node B) base station for LTE (Long-Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0014] RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memory 155, one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected via one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx162 and a transmitter Tx163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. One or more memory 155 contains computer program code 153. CU 196 may include processors 152, memory 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that DU 195 may also include its own memory and processor and / or other hardware, which are not shown.

[0015] RAN node 170 includes module 150 comprising one or both of parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which can be implemented in several ways. Module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such that it is implemented as part of one or more processors 152. Module 150-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 are configured by one or more processors 152 to cause RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Note that the functionality of module 150 may be distributed between DU195 and CU196, or it may be implemented only in DU195.

[0016] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over the network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be wired, wireless, or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0017] One or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE, or as a distributed unit (DU) 195 for a 5G gNB implementation, and other elements of the RAN node 170 may be in a physically different location from the RRH / DU, and one or more buses 157 may be partially implemented as an optical fiber cable or other suitable network connection to connect other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference no. 198 also shows these suitable network links.

[0018] While this specification indicates that a "cell" performs a function, it should be clear that the equipment forming the cell will perform that function. A cell constitutes part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells for each base station. For example, there may be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, with each cell covering one-third of a 360-degree area, such that the coverage area of ​​a single base station covers an approximate ellipse or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. Thus, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers, the base station has a total of six cells.

[0019] The wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190 that may include core network functions, and one or more network elements 190 may provide connectivity via one or more links 181 to further networks such as telephone networks and / or data communication networks (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functions for 5G may include access and mobility management functions (AMF) and / or user plane functions (UPF) and / or session management functions (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions. Note that these are merely illustrative functions that may be supported by the network elements 190, and both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. The RAN node 170 is connected to the network elements 190 via link 131. Link 131 may be implemented, for example, as an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. One or more memories 171 contain computer program code 173. One or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to cause one or more operations to be performed by one or more processors 175 on the network element 190.

[0020] The wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a virtual network, which is a single software-based management entity. Network virtualization is often combined with platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization can be categorized as an external entity that combines many networks, or parts of a network, into a virtual unit, or as an internal entity that provides network-like functions to a software container on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization are still implemented at some level using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memory 155 and 171, and that such virtualized entities produce technical effects.

[0021] Computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type appropriate to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. Processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type appropriate to the local technical environment and may, in non-limiting examples, include one or more of general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multicore processor architectures. Processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions such as control of the UE 110, the RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0022] In general, various embodiments of the user device 110 may include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone such as a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities, a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, an image capture device such as a digital camera with wireless communication capabilities, a gaming device with wireless communication capabilities, a music storage and playback appliance with wireless communication capabilities, an internet appliance that enables wireless internet access and browsing, a tablet with wireless communication capabilities, and a portable unit or terminal incorporating a combination of such functions.

[0023] The features described herein are explained with respect to 4-step RACH as an example. Nevertheless, the features described herein are equally applicable to 2-step RACH. As noted above, 5G NR supports two competition-based random access (CBRA) procedures: 4-step RACH (Rel-15) and 2-step RACH (Rel-16).

[0024] Referring also to Figure 2, the 4-step RACH procedure can be outlined as follows: 1. Msg1 (also known as PRACH): The UE sends a preamble specific to the gNB over the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) using a unique resource called the RACH Occasion (RO).

[0025] 2. Msg2 (also known as RAR): gNB replies with a Random Access Response (RAR) message, which contains the detected preamble ID and time. Advance Includes commands, TC-RNTI, and UL grants for Msg3 transmission on PUSCH.

[0026] 3. Msg3 (also known as RRC request): The UE responds to Msg2 via a scheduled PUSCH using an ID for conflict resolution.

[0027] 4. Msg4 (also known as RRC setup): The gNB transmits a conflict resolution message along with the conflict resolution ID.

[0028] Upon receiving Msg4, the UE sends an ACK on PUCCH if its conflict resolution ID is carried by Msg4. This completes the 4-step RACH. It is worth noting that before Msg1 there is also a preliminary step of sending and receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB), i.e., DL beam sweeping, which is not formally part of the RACH procedure. As a result of this preliminary step, the UE selects the index of the preferred SSB beam and decodes the associated PBCH for MIB, SIB, etc. This index is also used by the UE to identify the appropriate RO for the preamble transmission (Msg1) according to the SSB-to-RO mapping implicitly conveyed by SIB1.

[0029] The 2-step RACH is similar to the 4-step RACH presented above, but Msg1 and Msg3 are combined into MsgA and sent out without waiting for feedback from the UE in between (traditionally Msg2). Similarly, gNB combines Msg2 and Msg4 to form MsgB. It is straightforward to apply the solution disclosed herein for Msg1 to the preamble / Msg1 portion of MsgA.

[0030] The following can be pointed out from the latest work item description for Rel-18 UL coverage enhancement [RP-221858]: "[...] Specify the following PRACH coverage enhancements (RAN1, RAN2): 〇 Using the same beam for the 4-step RACH procedure multiple PRACH transmission Study PRACH transmission using different beams for the 4-step RACH procedure, and specify if justified. Note 1: PRACH enhancements are intended for FR2, but may also be applicable to FR1 if applicable. Note 2: PRACH enhancements are intended for the short PRACH format, but may be applicable to other formats where applicable.

[0031] [...]" Msg1(PRACH) Repeat (or in the work item description) multiple It can be observed from the above Work Item Description (WID) that PRACH transmission (also known as PRACH repetition and multiple The term PRACH transmission is used without distinction in this specification.

[0032] In RAN1#111, the following agreement was reached: agreement • Using the same Tx beam multiple In the case of PRACH transmission, at least an SSB-RSRP threshold is used to determine the number of PRACH transmissions for at least the first RACH trial. - Note :P RACH transmission number of multiple Whether or not to provide support is a separate issue.

[0033] This agreement states that if the SSB-RSRP measured from the UE is lower than one or more configured thresholds, the UE will use such information. multipleIt states that PRACH transmission should be performed and the number of PRACH transmissions for the first RACH trial should be determined. Different configured thresholds (if multiple thresholds are configured) each create different SSB-RSRP ranges (also called coverage enhancement levels) assigned to different numbers of iterations. Ultimately, the UE should choose the number of PRACH iterations based on the measured SSB-RSRP. An example of this operation (an example where the number of PRACH iterations is associated with SSB-RSRP) is shown in Figure 3, where two SSB-RSRP thresholds are configured and the UE has measured an SSB-RSRP of -82 dBm which belongs to the first SSB-RSRP range, and therefore should be transmitting PRACH in two iterations.

[0034] Nevertheless, this agreement does not adequately address the further conditions that will be used by the UE to determine the number of PRACH transmissions for the first or subsequent RACH trials ("at least the SSB-RSRP threshold will be used to determine..."). Features such as those described herein complement this agreement. In particular, features such as those described herein may be used to define the further conditions that will be used by the UE to determine the number of PRACH transmissions for the first and subsequent RACH trials.

[0035] gNBs must reserve specific resources (RACH occasions (RO) or preambles) for UEs that transmit PRACH iterations, which are different from the "legacy" resources used by UEs that transmit PRACH without iterations. multiplePRACH transmission (or PRACH iteration) is expensive from a network resource standpoint. This further means that the number of resources reserved for PRACH iterations will be minimized by gNB, increasing the collision probability of UEs transmitting PRACH iterations. In addition, PRACH iterations will increase UE access delays, especially considering that the resources available for PRACH iterations are not always contiguous in time (e.g., in time-division duplex (TDD) systems). Given these limitations, it is desirable to ensure that UEs are at maximum power or at least near maximum power before triggering a PRACH iteration.

[0036] In setting the SSB-RSRP threshold, gNB may need to estimate an appropriate value for the SSB-RSRP threshold by considering the expected output power of the UE for a particular frequency range to ensure that only UEs with maximum power, or at least near-maximum power, transmit PRACH with repetition. However, estimating the expected UE power is not straightforward, as different UEs have different capabilities in terms of available output power.

[0037] Based on these considerations, the configured SSB-RSRP threshold may not be optimal in some scenarios, and some UEs may be receiving SSB at RSRP below the threshold (and therefore allowed to perform iterations). Even if a UE is not transmitting PRACH at maximum output power, the UE's actual available power may be greater than the expected maximum UE output power (from the gNB) used to set the SSB-RSRP threshold. This can impact network performance, as even UEs that do not require PRACH iterations (i.e., UEs that are not at maximum output power and can meet PRACH link budget requirements) will be transmitting PRACH with iterations, increasing their access latency and occupying already limited resources for PRACH iterations.

[0038] Using features as described herein, methods may be provided to enable a UE to transmit PRACH iterations under certain circumstances, such as only when the UE output power exceeds a specific threshold. In particular, as an example, one or more conditions may be defined that the UE will observe regarding the UE's output power such that the UE should be able to transmit PRACH with iterations only when the output power reaches a specific threshold, even if the SSB-RSRP measured by the UE falls below a set SSB-RSRP threshold (as described above). Additionally, procedures may be provided for the UE to adapt its measured SSB-RSRP values ​​in different PRACH trials that ultimately adapt the number of PRACH iterations transmitted. Additionally or alternatively, procedures may be provided for the UE to adapt its set SSB-RSRP threshold in different PRACH trials that ultimately adapt the number of PRACH iterations transmitted.

[0039] The following embodiments are subject to the further condition that the UE output power exceeds a specific UE output power threshold. follow PRACH anti recovery Characterize examples related to UE transmission.

[0040] In one embodiment, the UE output power threshold is set by the network via higher layer signaling (e.g., SIB1) and determined by the UE as such a value.

[0041] In one embodiment, multiple UE output power thresholds are set by the network via higher-layer signaling (e.g., SIB1), with each threshold associated with a UE power class (i.e., the maximum UE output power for each class). The UEs are: The threshold to be used is Threshold associated with this specific UE's power class Value and Then make a decision.

[0042] In one embodiment, one or more UE output power thresholds are specified, and the UE determines the UE output power threshold that will be used through the specification.

[0043] In another embodiment, the UE output power threshold is set or specified as an absolute power value (one for each power class, if applicable).

[0044] • In another embodiment, the UE output power threshold is set or specified as a power value relative to the maximum power supported by a particular UE power class (e.g., X dB from 23 dBm for PC3).

[0045] In another embodiment, the UE output power threshold is set or specified as a relative power value from a reference value that may itself be set or specified.

[0046] In one embodiment, the conditions for UE output power may be additional to and complementary to the conditions for measured SSB-RSRP. The UE transmits PRACH iterations only if the output power exceeds a determined UE output power threshold. In this example, multiple For PRACH transmission (PRACH repetition) to exist, two conditions are required. One condition is that the SSB-RSRP is below a threshold, and the other condition is that the output power is above another different threshold. If both conditions are met, the UE will perform a PRACH repetition. multiple PRACH transmission is possible. If one of the two conditions is not met, the UE can transmit PRACH only once, without repetition, as shown by 514 in Figure 5.

[0047] As pointed out above, even if the actual SSB-RSRP value measured in the UE does not change in different PRACH trials, the UE may still have , different In the PRACH trial, the measured SSB-RSRP values ​​were adapted. Use the new correction value Procedures may be provided for this purpose. This involves setting multiple SSB-RSRP thresholds. multipleThis is particularly advantageous when multiple values ​​are set for PRACH transmission. The UE's determination of the number of PRACH iterations in a particular PRACH trial may be based on a power difference value [in dB, etc.] used by the UE to correct (i.e., increase or decrease) the measured SSB-RSRP. In other words, for a particular PRACH trial, the UE may subtract the power difference value from the initially measured SSB-RSRP, check which RSRP range (e.g., shown in Figure 3 and associated with the number of PRACH iterations) the newly calculated value falls into, and then transmit the PRACH with the newly determined number of iterations. An outline of this method is shown in Figure 4 (SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure in a second PRACH trial; X [dB] refers to the "power difference" value in the so-called second embodiment example). The adaptation procedure will be discussed in more detail below.

[0048] The assumption here is that when the UE fails a PRACH attempt, the UE performs a power ramp-up for its transmitted power based on already standardized procedures. Therefore, the power required for PRACH (and transmitted by the UE if it is not yet at maximum power) increases with the number of PRACH attempts. Furthermore, as described above, it is assumed that the values ​​for multiple PRACH iterations are set by the gNB, and each value is associated with a range of RSRP values.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power difference value is determined by the UE as the difference between the power requested or determined for the current PRACH trial (calculated via the power control algorithm and power ramp-up procedure) and a set / determined UE output power threshold.

[0050] In another embodiment, the power difference value is fixed for all PRACH trials and set by the network via higher-layer signaling.

[0051] In another embodiment, the power difference value is not fixed for all PRACH trials, but can be initialized by the network via higher-layer signaling. The initial value can then be adjusted by the UE as a function of the PRACH trials. For example, the UE may use X dB for the second PRACH trial, X+Z dB for the third PRACH trial, and so on.

[0052] As noted above, the UE may be provided with a procedure to adapt the set SSB-RSRP threshold values ​​in different PRACH trials and use the new modified values. This is possible when multiple SSB-RSRP thresholds are set. multiple When multiple values ​​are configured for PRACH transmission, this is particularly advantageous when the measured SSB-RSRP changes in the second PRACH trial compared to the one described in the paragraph above. The UE's decision on the number of PRACH iterations in a particular PRACH trial may be based on a power difference value [in units such as dB] that the UE uses to modify (i.e., increase or decrease) the configured SSB-RSRP threshold. In other words, in a particular PRACH trial, the UE can add the power difference value from the configured SSB-RSRP threshold, check which RSRP range the measured SSB-RSRP falls into, and then transmit the PRACH with the newly determined number of iterations. An example of an alternative method is outlined in Figure 11 (SSB-RSRP threshold adaptation procedure in the second PRACH trial; X [dB] refers to the so-called "power difference" value in the second embodiment example). This adaptation procedure will be discussed in more detail below.

[0053] The assumption here is that when the UE fails a PRACH attempt, the UE performs a power ramp-up to its transmitted power based on already standardized procedures. Therefore, the required power for PRACH (and transmitted by the UE if it is not yet at maximum power) increases with the number of PRACH attempts. Furthermore, as described above, it is assumed that multiple values ​​for PRACH iterations are set by the gNB, and each value is associated with a range of RSRP values.

[0054] In one embodiment, the power difference value is determined by the UE as the difference between the requested or determined power for the current PRACH trial (calculated via the power control algorithm and power ramp-up procedure) and the set / determined UE output power threshold.

[0055] In another embodiment, the power difference value is fixed for all PRACH trials and set by the network via higher-layer signaling.

[0056] In another embodiment, the power difference value is not fixed for all PRACH trials, but may be initialized by the network via higher-layer signaling. The initial value can then be adjusted by the UE as a function of the PRACH trials. For example, the UE may use X dB for the second PRACH trial, X+Z dB for the third PRACH trial, and so on.

[0057] See also Figures 5-7, which show flowcharts for implementation examples. The following are the steps for various embodiments in the flowchart between gNB170 and UE110.

[0058] Step 1: Setting the UE output power threshold (Pt) and SSB-RSRP threshold (St) via higher layer signaling (e.g., SIB1) as shown in Step 502.

[0059] a. This example implementation assumes that the gNB sets only one SSB-RSRP threshold and only one UE output power threshold (for example, for one power class). Without loss of generality, the operation can be extended to multiple set thresholds.

[0060] b. Meanwhile, as indicated by 504, the gNB may configure the number of PRACH repetitions to be performed when the condition is satisfied. Assuming only one SSB-RSRP threshold is configured, this example may comprise only one number of repetitions to be configured. If a plurality of SSB-RSRP thresholds are configured, for example as shown in Fig. 3, different numbers of PRACH repetitions may be configured.

[0061] Step 2: Periodic transmission of SSBs with a period equal to e.g. 20 milliseconds may follow a standardized procedure as indicated by 506. Optionally, different SSB indices may be transmitted by the gNB in a so-called SSB burst.

[0062] Step 3: A measurement of SSB-RSRP by the UE for the SSB index selected as best by the UE, e.g. with maximum SSB-RSRP, may be provided as indicated by 508. Nevertheless, the selection of the best index does not relate to the subject-matter of the features as described herein.

[0063] Step 4: The calculation by the UE of the power (P1) required for PRACH transmission in the first attempt according to the standardized procedure is shown at 510.

[0064] a. An example of a power control formula for PRACH is shown in 3GPP TS38.213.

[0065] Step 5: In this example, as shown at 512, the UE may compare P1 with a configured threshold Pt, and further compare the measured SSB-RSRP with a configured threshold St. This involves a determination that the measured SSB-RSRP is smaller than St (<St).

[0066] For the example shown in FIG. 5, when P1 < Pt (as an example), the UE may set the number of PRACH transmissions to 1 even if the measured SSB-RSRP is below the threshold St. One (1) PRACH transmission may be set to the calculated power P1. The UE may proceed to step 6 (514).

[0067] Step 6: As shown at 514, the UE may transmit PRACH without repetition (only one transmission). For example, if the UE determines that a PRACH attempt has failed as indicated by 515 in FIG. 7 because the UE did not receive Msg2 within an appropriate time such as a configured ra-responseWindow, the UE may proceed to step 7 (516, 518) as further described below and use an adaptive procedure.

[0068] Referring also to FIG. 6, if the UE 110 determines that P1 > Pt as indicated by 512' in FIG. 6, the UE may transmit PRACH with repetition at the calculated power P1 as indicated at 520'. If Pt is greater than or equal to the maximum output power of the UE, the UE may transmit PRACH with repetition at power Pt. PRACH repeated transmission is multiple also known as transmitting PRACH using transmission, or multiple PRACH transmissions. The UE may use a predetermined number of repetitions, for example, the number of repetitions indicated from a network node (gNB 170) at 504.

[0069] Referring also to FIG. 7, if it is determined that a PRACH attempt has failed as indicated by 515, a power ramp-up process may be used.

[0070] Step 7: In this example, step 7 should occur with the detected failure at 515. As shown at 516 and 518, the UE performs power ramping based on a standardized procedure (3GPP TS38.321), and can increase transmission power by a value delta_P (ΔP) (e.g., a configured value) for a second PRACH attempt such that P2=P1+delta_P.

[0071] a. (As an example) If P2>Pt, the UE can proceed to step 8 (520).

[0072] b. If P2 is still less than Pt (P2<Pt), the UE can return to 514 and transmit PRACH without repetition at power P2. If there is still a PRACH attempt failure 515, the process can proceed again to 516 and 518, increasing P2 to another power P3. If after 518 again the process still cannot proceed to 520, the process can be repeated again as many times as necessary and possible.

[0073] Step 8: As shown at 520, when it is determined that both conditions (P2>Pt and SSB-RSRP<St) are satisfied, the UE can transmit PRACH with a configured number of repetitions and the determined power P2, or P3, or P(n).

[0074] Regarding the adaptation procedure, adaptation may use both increasing power and increasing the number of repetitions. Step 7 refers to performing power ramping based on a standardized procedure. Also, FIG. 4 shows that a new calculated SSB-RSRP 404 is calculated for a subsequent (second) PRACH attempt. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the measured SSB-RSRP 402 is The first numberIt was determined that the PRACH iterations were within the first RSRP range 403, which should provide the PRACH iterations. The new calculated value of the calculated SSB-RSRP 404, shown in Figure 4, falls within the second RSRP range 405, which corresponds to a second different number of PRACH iterations, and the second different number of iterations is greater than the number of the first PRACH iterations. Therefore, the measured SSB-RSRP value is reduced to the new calculated value, which is then compared again with St (in this case, St is a set of multiple SSB-RSRP thresholds, rather than a single threshold as in the examples in Figures 5, 6, and 7). This yields the new calculated value (see Figure 4), which provides a different and larger second number of PRACH iterations, allowing us to proceed to step 7 instead of step 6. Note that the described SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure is optional and may not be provided. Furthermore, other forms of SSB-RSRP adaptation procedures may be provided.

[0075] Referring to Figure 10, a flowchart is shown for an example implementation of the SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure when a measured SSB-RSRP is applied. When a configured SSB-RSRP threshold is applied as in some embodiments, the procedure may be the same as the flowchart in Figure 10, except that the object to be adapted at 1014 is the configured SSB-RSRP threshold instead of the measured SSB-RSRP, and at 1016 multiple The change is that the determination of the number of PRACH transmissions is based on the adapted SSB-RSRP threshold. Below are examples of various steps in the flowchart between gNB170 and UE110.

[0076] Step 1: gNB(170) sets an SSB-RSRP threshold to determine the number of PRACH iterations, as shown by 1002, and transmits this setting to UE(110). One example implementation of such a configuration is shown in Figure 3.

[0077] Step 2: gNB(170) sets a value for the power difference for the SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure in different PRACH trials, as shown by 1004, and transmits the setting to UE(110). In this example implementation, the value is set by gNB, but in other examples of embodiments, it is assumed that the value may be determined by the UE based on the UE's calculated power for PRACH transmission, based on the power control algorithm and power ramp-up procedure.

[0078] Step 3: As shown in 1006, a measurement of SSB-RSRP may be provided or determined by UE(110) for the best selected SSB index having the maximum SSB-RSRP, for example.

[0079] Step 4: As shown by 1008, for the first PRACH trial by UE(110) multiple The number of PRACH transmissions can be determined or provided. Such a determination can be based on the measured SSB-RSRP in 1006 and the set SSB-RSRP threshold in 1002. For example, the UE is multiple The number of PRACH transmissions R1 can be determined.

[0080] Step 5: As shown in 1010, UE is R1 multiple Transmits PRACH data.

[0081] Step 6:1012 indicates when the PRACH trial (i.e., the first PRACH trial) fails.

[0082] As shown in Step 7:1014, an adaptation of the measured SSB-RSRP at 1006 may be provided. This adaptation is based on the power difference value. In one example, the measured SSB-RSRP at 1006 is reduced by the amount of the power difference value provided at 1004.

[0083] Step 8: The adapted SSB-RSRP value is used for the second PRACH trial at 1016. multiple It can be used to determine the number of transmissions. UE110 compares the adapted SSB-RSRP value with the SSB-RSRP threshold set in 1002. multiple The value R2 of the PRACH transmission can be determined.

[0084] As shown in step 9:1018, UE110 has R2 multiple PRACH transmission is possible.

[0085] In the example in Figure 10, the SSB-RSRP adaptation procedure is stopped in the second PRACH trial for clarity, but it should be noted that this should not be assumed to be the general mode of operation. For example, if the second PRACH trial 1018 fails again, in the third PRACH trial the SSB-RSRP value adapted in 1014 may be reduced again by the power difference value for the third PRACH trial. multiple This can provide a new value for the adaptive SSB-RSRP that will be used to determine the number of PRACH transmissions. The same procedure can be continued for subsequent PRACH trials.

[0086] It should be further noted that, as in the embodiments of this application, when the power difference value increases as a function of PRACH trials, the adaptation of the measured SSB-RSRP may be based on either the most recent adapted SSB-RSRP or the measured SSB-RSRP. For example, referring to Figure 10, if the set power difference value is X, 1014 can provide the adapted SSB-RSRP value as the measured SSB-RSRP minus X. If the PRACH transmission fails again and a third PRACH trial occurs, the set power difference value may increase by Z (i.e., X + Z), and the value (X + Z) is subtracted from either the adapted SSB-RSRP in 1014 or the measured SSB-RSRP in 1006.

[0087] It should be noted that a distinction should be made between the transmitted power (referred to as P1 / P2) and the SSB-RSRP received and measured power. The adaptive process primarily refers to the SSB-RSRP received power, but can be linked to a power ramp-up procedure if the power difference value is not set by the gNB but determined by the UE. By increasing the power required for transmission via the power ramp-up procedure (even if the UE is subsequently unable to supply such power), the difference value between such increased power and the power threshold Pt can be increased to lower the SSB-RSRP and allow for more iterations. Using features such as those described herein, the transmitted power can be increased with each retry following the power ramp-up procedure. This will eventually increase the difference value more and more, and thus decrease the SSB-RSRP more and more, leading to more iterations. Referring to Figure 10, a larger difference value for a possible third PRACH trial can be applied to either the adapted SSB-RSRP in 1014 or the measured SSB-RSRP in 1006.

[0088] See also Figure 8. In one example, as shown in block 802, the received power of the reference signal is measured in the user equipment, and as shown in block 804, based on the measurement of the received power, the physical random access channel is multiple The user equipment determines that transmission will be performed using transmission, the user equipment determines the transmission power of the physical random access channel as shown in block 806, the user equipment determines the power threshold as shown in block 808, and the user equipment determines that the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold as shown in block 810. multiple Sending a physical random access channel via user equipment without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission to user equipment. An example method is provided that includes at least one of the following.

[0089] The method involves increasing the transmission power in the user equipment based on the failure of the random access procedure, and the physical random access channel multiple This may further include deciding to increase the number of transmissions. multiple The decision to increase the number of transmissions can be based at least in part on the fact that the increased transmission power is greater than the power threshold. Determining the power threshold may include receiving the power threshold from a network node. The method may further include determining a different power threshold, which may include receiving different power thresholds from a network node. The different power threshold may be the Synchronized Signal Block Reference Signal Received Power (SSB-RSRP) threshold. The power threshold may be the user equipment output power threshold. Determining the power threshold may include receiving multiple power thresholds and selecting a power threshold from the multiple power thresholds received. Note that the determining steps described above do not need to be in a specific order or sequence. The order or sequence of the steps may be changed, or they may occur in any appropriate type or order or sequence.

[0090] The selection of a power threshold may be based at least in part on the power class of the user equipment. The selection of a power threshold may be based at least in part on a given setting or specification of the user equipment. Determining a power threshold may involve modifying the power threshold value to determine the power threshold. The power threshold value may be received from a network node, and the power threshold value may be reduced by the user equipment by an amount determined to provide the power threshold. Determining a power threshold may involve using a power value relative to the maximum power supported by the user equipment or a power value relative to the power class of the user equipment. Determining a power threshold may involve using a power value relative to a reference power value. The method involves determining a first value of a first measured power, reducing the first value by a second value to form a third new value, and using the third new value to determine the physical random access channel multipleThis may further include determining the number of transmissions. The second value may be a power difference determined by the user equipment, and is determined by the UE as the difference between the power required for PRACH transmission and the power available at the UE. The second value may be a power difference received at the user equipment from the network node. Determining the transmission power of the physical random access channel may be based on a power control algorithm. Determining the transmission power of the physical random access channel may include calculating the transmission power of the physical random access channel. The reference signal may be a synchronization reference signal or a channel state information reference signal.

[0091] An example embodiment includes at least one processor and at least one non-temporary memory, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the device measures the received power of a reference signal, and based on the measurement of the received power, a physical random access channel is multiple The device determines that transmission will be performed using transmission, the device determines the transmission power of the physical random access channel, the device determines the power threshold, and If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. at least one of the following and A non-temporary memory that stores instructions to cause the device to perform an action and An apparatus comprising the above may be provided.

[0092] The device may be user equipment. The instruction is to increase the transmission power in the device based on a random access procedure failure when executed by at least one processor, and the physical random access channel multiple The device can be made to decide to increase the number of transmissions. multiple The decision to increase the number of transmissions may be at least partially based on the fact that the increased transmission power is greater than the power threshold. Determining the power threshold may include receiving the power threshold from a network node. The power threshold may be a user equipment output power threshold. Determining the power threshold may include receiving multiple power thresholds and selecting a power threshold from the received multiple power thresholds. The selection of the power threshold may be at least partially based on the power class of the device. The selection of the power threshold may be at least partially based on a given setting or specification of the device. Determining the power threshold may include modifying the value of the power threshold to determine the power threshold. The value of the power threshold may be received from a network node, and the value of the power threshold may be reduced by the device by an amount determined to provide the power threshold. Determining the power threshold may include using a power value relative to the maximum power supported by the device or a power value relative to the power class of the device. Determining the power threshold may include using a power value relative to a reference power value. Determining the transmission power of a physical random access channel may be based on a power control algorithm. Determining the transmission power of a physical random access channel may involve calculating the transmission power of the physical random access channel. The reference signal may be a synchronization reference signal or a channel state information reference signal.

[0093] In the embodiment, a non-temporary program storage device readable by the device may be provided, which explicitly embodies a program of instructions executable by the device for performing the operation, and the operation involves the device measuring the received power of a reference signal, and based on the measurement of the received power, a physical random access channel multiple The device determines whether transmission will be performed using a transmission method, the device determines the transmission power of the physical random access channel, and the device determines the power threshold. If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. at least one of the following and Includes.

[0094] An example embodiment includes means for measuring the received power of a reference signal in the device, and based on the measurement of the received power, a physical random access channel multiple Means for determining whether transmission will be performed using transmission, means for determining the transmission power of the physical random access channel, and means for determining the power threshold. If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. means for doing at least one of the following An apparatus comprising the above may be provided.

[0095] An example embodiment includes a circuit device configured to measure the received power of a reference signal in the device, and a physical random access channel based on the measurement of the received power. multiple Circuitry configured to determine that transmission will be performed using a transmission method, circuitry configured to determine the transmission power of the physical random access channel, and circuitry configured to determine the power threshold. If the determined transmission power is less than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via a device without using transmission, or If the determined transmission power is greater than the power threshold, the physical random access channel multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission using a device. Circuit equipment configured for at least one of the following An apparatus comprising the above may be provided.

[0096] See also Figure 9, as shown in block 902, a first value of the first measured power is determined by the user equipment; as shown in block 904, the first value is reduced by a second value to form a third new value; and as shown in block 906, the third new value is used for the physical random access channel multiple An example method may be provided that includes determining the number of transmissions.

[0097] The second value may be a power difference determined by the user equipment. The second value may be a determined power difference received by the user equipment from the network node. The method involves determining a first power threshold and a second different power threshold at the user equipment, and determining that the first measured power is less than the third new value. Based on the determination that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold, and that the third new value is less than the first power threshold, and based on the determination that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold, the physical random access channel is transmitted to the user equipment without iterating through the physical random access channel, or Based on the determination that the second calculated power is greater than the second different power threshold, and that the third new value is less than the first power threshold, and based on the determination that the second calculated power is greater than the second different power threshold, multiple Sending a physical random access channel via transmission to user equipment. at least one of the following and This may further include:

[0098] In one embodiment, a first power threshold and a second different power threshold are determined by the user equipment, and it is determined that the first measured power is less than the first power threshold. Based on the determination that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold, and the determination that the first measured power is less than the first power threshold, and based on the determination that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold, the physical random access channel is transmitted to the user equipment without iterating through the physical random access channel, or Based on the determination that the second calculated power is greater than a second different power threshold, and the determination that the first measured power is less than the first power threshold, and based on the determination that the second calculated power is greater than a second different power threshold, the physical random access channel is transmitted to the user equipment with at least one iteration. A method may be provided that includes at least one of the following: The second power is the UE output power, which can be calculated via a power control formula for PRACH, such as that defined in 3GPP TS38.213.

[0099] Embodiments may be provided that utilize the features described herein to provide an SSB-RSRP adaptation that adapts the SSB-RSRP threshold rather than the measured SSB-RSRP. This may be advantageous when the measured SSB-RSRP varies significantly across different PRACH trials.

[0100] The term “non-transient” as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible and not signaling) as opposed to a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0101] As used in this application, the term "circuit" refers to: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog and / or digital circuits only), (b) Combination of hardware circuits and software (If applicable): (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, (ii) Any part of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor, software, and memory that work together to perform various functions on a device such as a mobile phone or server), (iii) Hardware circuits and / or processors, such as microprocessors or parts of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may not have software when it is not needed for operation. A combination of hardware circuits and software, etc. It can refer to one or more or all of them.

[0102] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including those in any of the claims. Further examples, as used in this application, the term circuit also includes not only a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors), but also a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and any implementation of its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also includes, for example, and where applicable to a particular claim, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit for a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0103] It should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the features enumerated in various dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination. Furthermore, features from the different embodiments described above can be selectively combined into a new embodiment. Accordingly, this description is intended to encompass all such alternative forms, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: measuring at the user equipment the received power of a reference signal; determining at the user equipment based on the received power measurement that the physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; determining, at a user equipment, a transmit power of a physical random access channel; determining a power threshold at the user equipment; determining that the determined transmission power is less than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel by the user equipment without multiplexing the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmission power is greater than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel at the user equipment using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; with at least one of A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: increasing transmission power at the user equipment based on a random access procedure failure; and determining an increase in the number of multiplexed transmissions of the physical random access channel.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the determination of increasing the number of multiplexed transmissions of the physical random access channel is based at least in part on the increased transmission power being greater than a power threshold.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the power threshold comprises receiving the power threshold from a network node.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power threshold is a user equipment output power threshold.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the power threshold comprises receiving a plurality of power thresholds and selecting a power threshold from the received plurality of power thresholds.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the selection of the power threshold is based at least in part on a power class of the user equipment.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the selection of the power threshold is based at least in part on predetermined settings or specifications of the user equipment.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the power threshold comprises modifying a value of the power threshold to determine the power threshold.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the value of the power threshold is received from a network node, and the value of the power threshold is reduced by the user equipment by an amount determined to provide the power threshold.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the power threshold comprises using a power value relative to the maximum power supported by the user equipment or a power class of the user equipment.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the power threshold comprises using a power value relative to a reference power value.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination of the transmission power of the physical random access channel is based on a power control algorithm.

14. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the transmit power of the physical random access channel comprises calculating the transmit power of the physical random access channel.

15. The method according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the reference signal is a synchronization reference signal or a channel state information reference signal.

16. Apparatus comprising means for carrying out the method according to any of claims 1 to 15.

17. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory that, when executed by at least one processor, measuring with an apparatus the received power of a reference signal; determining at the apparatus based on the received power measurement that the physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; determining, by the device, a transmit power of a physical random access channel; determining a power threshold at the device; determining that the determined transmission power is less than a power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel with the device without multiplexing the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmit power is greater than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel by the device using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; with at least one of at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that cause the device to perform the An apparatus comprising:

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: increase a transmit power at the apparatus based on a random access procedure failure; and determine an increase in a number of multiplex transmissions of a physical random access channel.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the determination of increasing the number of multiplexed transmissions of the physical random access channel is based at least in part on the increased transmission power being greater than a power threshold.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein determining the power threshold comprises receiving the power threshold from a network node.

21. 21. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the power threshold is a user equipment output power threshold.

22. 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein determining the power threshold comprises receiving a plurality of power thresholds and selecting a power threshold from the received plurality of power thresholds.

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the selection of the power threshold is based at least in part on a power class of the device.

24. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the selection of the power threshold is based at least in part on predetermined settings or specifications of the device.

25. 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein determining the power threshold comprises modifying a value of the power threshold to determine the power threshold.

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the value of the power threshold is received from a network node, and the value of the power threshold is reduced by the apparatus by an amount determined to provide the power threshold.

27. 21. The device of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein determining the power threshold comprises using a power value relative to a maximum power supported by the device or a power class of the device.

28. Determining the power threshold involves using the power value relative to a reference power value.

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

29. 21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the determination of the transmission power of the physical random access channel is based on a power control algorithm.

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein determining the transmit power of the physical random access channel comprises calculating the transmit power of the physical random access channel.

31. 31. The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 30, wherein the reference signal is a synchronization reference signal or a channel state information reference signal.

32. A non-transitory program storage device readable by an apparatus tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the apparatus for performing operations, the operations comprising: measuring with an apparatus the received power of a reference signal; determining at the apparatus based on the received power measurement that the physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; determining, by the device, a transmit power of a physical random access channel; determining a power threshold at the device; determining that the determined transmission power is less than a power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel with the device without multiplexing the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmit power is greater than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel by the device using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; with at least one of a non-transitory program storage device,

33. 1. An apparatus comprising: means for measuring the received power of a reference signal at the device; means for determining, at the apparatus, based on measurements of received power, that the physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; means for determining, at the apparatus, a transmit power of a physical random access channel; means for determining a power threshold at the device; determining that the determined transmission power is less than a power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel with the device without multiplexing the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmit power is greater than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel by the device using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; and means for performing at least one of the following: An apparatus comprising:

34. 1. An apparatus comprising: a circuit configured to measure, at the apparatus, the received power of a reference signal; a circuit configured to determine at the apparatus based on the received power measurement that the physical random access channel will be transmitted using multiplexed transmission; a circuit configured to determine, at the apparatus, a transmit power of a physical random access channel; a circuit configured to determine a power threshold at the device; determining that the determined transmission power is less than a power threshold, and transmitting the physical random access channel with the device without multiplexing the physical random access channel; or determining that the determined transmit power is greater than a power threshold and transmitting the physical random access channel by the device using multiplexed transmission of the physical random access channel; and a circuit configured for at least one of An apparatus comprising:

35. 1. A method comprising: determining at the user equipment a first value of a first measured power; decreasing the first value by the second value to form a third new value; determining the number of physical random access channel multiplexes using the third new value; and A method comprising:

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second value is a power difference determined by the user equipment.

37. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second value is a determined power difference received at the user equipment from a network node.

38. determining at the user equipment a first power threshold and a second, different power threshold; determining that the first measured power is less than a third new value; determining that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold and, based on determining that the third new value is less than the first power threshold and based on determining that the second calculated power is less than the second different power threshold, sending at the user equipment the physical random access channel without repetition of the physical random access channel; or and transmitting, at the user equipment, the physical random access channel using multiple transmissions based on determining that the second calculated power is greater than a second different power threshold and determining that the third new value is less than the first power threshold and based on determining that the second calculated power is greater than the second different power threshold. with at least one of 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

39. Apparatus comprising means for carrying out the method according to any of claims 35 to 38.

40. 39. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a device and tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the device to perform operations, the operations comprising any of the methods of claims 35 to 38.

41. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory that, when executed by at least one processor, determining at the user equipment a first power threshold and a second, different power threshold; determining that the first measured power is less than a third new value; determining that the second calculated power is less than a second different power threshold and, based on determining that the third new value is less than the first power threshold and based on determining that the second calculated power is less than the second different power threshold, sending at the user equipment the physical random access channel without repetition of the physical random access channel; or and transmitting, at the user equipment, the physical random access channel using multiple transmissions based on determining that the second calculated power is greater than a second different power threshold and determining that the third new value is less than the first power threshold and based on determining that the second calculated power is greater than the second different power threshold. with at least one of at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that cause the device to perform the An apparatus comprising:

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