Method and apparatus for random access procedures - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for a random access procedure is disclosed. An example method may include performing at least one of: transmitting a random access request to perform the random access procedure, initiating a random access response window, being in an active time during the execution of the random access response window, and starting at least one discontinuous reception timer upon receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI. Related apparatus and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The various exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for a random access procedure. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in a communication system such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system or a New Radio (NR or 5G) system, a user equipment (UE) may perform a random access (RA) procedure with a base station (e.g., an eNB in ​​an LTE system or a gNB in ​​an NR system) in response to some event. If discontinuous reception (DRX) is configured, the UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during active time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a method is disclosed. The method may be performed in an apparatus (e.g., at least a portion of a UE) and may include: sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a portion of a base station) to perform an RA procedure; and starting an RA response window in response to sending the RA request. Furthermore, at least one operation may be performed in the method. In various embodiments, such at least one operation may include, for example, at least one of: considering or causing the apparatus to be in active time while the RA response window is running; starting at least one DRX timer if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) is received while the RA response window is running; considering or causing the apparatus to be in active time in response to successful reception of a message B (or MSGB) scheduled by a MSGB radio network temporary identifier (MSGB-RNTI) including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free message A; etc.

[0004] In various embodiments, the RA request may include a contention-free preamble for message A (or MSGA) or beam failure recovery (BFR).

[0005] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0006] In various embodiments, the RA response window may include a message B response window for a two-step RA procedure or a RA response window for a four-step RA procedure.

[0007] In various embodiments, the device may be in a radio resource controlled connected mode.

[0008] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0009] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) round trip (RTT) timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0010] In various embodiments, the device may be configured with a DRX cycle.

[0011] In various embodiments, the method may further include causing the device to enter a DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0012] In various embodiments, the method may further include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI), and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0013] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0014] In a second aspect, a method is disclosed, which may be performed in an apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) and may include sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure, receiving an RA response from the other apparatus, monitoring a PDCCH in an active time, and stopping the active time before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0015] In various embodiments, the active time may be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0016] In various embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the active time may include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0017] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0018] In a third aspect, a method is disclosed. The method may be executed in an apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station), and may include receiving an RA request to perform an RA procedure from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE), transmitting a PDCCH, and making at least one determination including, for example, whether the other apparatus is in an active time depending on whether an RA response window for the RA procedure is running, whether at least one DRX timer of the other apparatus is started based on successful transmission of a PDCCH addressed to the RNTI during the RA response window, whether the other apparatus is in an active time based on successful reception of a MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free message A, etc.

[0019] In various embodiments, the RA request may include a contention-free preamble for message A or BFR.

[0020] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0021] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0022] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0023] In various embodiments, the method may further include determining, in response to expiration of the RA response window, that the other device enters DRX.

[0024] In various embodiments, transmitting a PDCCH may include transmitting a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0025] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, a method is disclosed, which may be performed in an apparatus (e.g., at least a portion of a base station) and may include receiving an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a portion of a UE) to perform an RA procedure, transmitting an RA response to the other apparatus, and determining whether the other apparatus has stopped an active time of monitoring the PDCCH before a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is successful.

[0027] In various embodiments, the active time may be determined to be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0028] In various embodiments, the active time for monitoring the PDCCH may include within the active time an active time for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI.

[0029] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a UE and may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method in the first aspect. In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform: sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure; and in response to sending the RA request, starting an RA response window. Furthermore, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to further perform at least one operation. In various embodiments, the at least one operation may include, for example, at least one of: considering the device to be in active time while the RA response window is running; starting at least one DRX timer if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is received while the RA response window is running; considering or causing the device to be in active time in response to successfully receiving an MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA; and the like.

[0031] In various embodiments, the RA request may include message A (or MSGA) or a contention-free preamble for BFR.

[0032] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0033] In various embodiments, the RA response window may include a message B (or MSGB) response window for a two-step RA procedure or a RA response window for a four-step RA procedure.

[0034] In various embodiments, the device may be in a radio resource controlled connected mode.

[0035] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0036] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink. For example, an apparatus may include at least one DRX timer.

[0037] In various embodiments, the device may be configured with a DRX cycle.

[0038] In various embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, by the at least one processor, to further cause the device to enter DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0039] In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, by the at least one processor, to cause the device to further monitor a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0040] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a UE and may have means for performing the method in the first aspect. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include means for transmitting an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure, and means for starting an RA response window in response to the transmission of the RA request. Furthermore, the apparatus may include means for causing the apparatus to further perform at least one operation. In various embodiments, the at least one operation may include, for example, at least: considering or causing the apparatus to be in active time while the RA response window is running; starting at least one DRX timer if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is received while the RA response window is running; and putting the apparatus into active time in response to successfully receiving a MSGB scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA, etc.

[0042] In various embodiments, the RA request may include a message A (or MSGA) or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0043] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0044] In various embodiments, the RA response window may include a message B (or MSGB) response window for a two-step RA procedure or a RA response window for a four-step RA procedure.

[0045] In various embodiments, the device may be in a radio resource controlled connected mode.

[0046] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0047] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Round Trip (RTT) timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink. For example, an apparatus may include at least one DRX timer.

[0048] In various embodiments, the device may be configured with a DRX cycle.

[0049] In various embodiments, the apparatus of the sixth aspect may further include means for causing the apparatus to input a DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0050] In various embodiments, the apparatus of the sixth aspect may further include means for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0051] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method in the first aspect. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the apparatus in the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect. In various embodiments, the program instructions may be used to cause the apparatus to perform: sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure; and in response to sending the RA request, starting an RA response window. Furthermore, the program instructions may be used to cause the apparatus to further perform at least one operation. In various embodiments, the at least one operation may include, for example, at least one of: considering the apparatus to be in active time while the RA response window is running; starting at least one DRX timer if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is received while the RA response window is running; considering or causing the apparatus to be in active time in response to successfully receiving an MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA; etc.

[0053] In various embodiments, the RA request may include a message A (or MSGA) or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0054] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0055] In various embodiments, the RA response window may include a message B (or MSGB) response window for a two-step RA procedure or a RA response window for a four-step RA procedure.

[0056] In various embodiments, the device may be in a radio resource controlled connected mode.

[0057] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0058] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink. For example, an apparatus may include at least one DRX timer.

[0059] In various embodiments, the device may be configured with a DRX cycle.

[0060] In various embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, by the at least one processor, to further cause the device to enter a DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0061] In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to further cause the device to perform monitoring of a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0062] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0063] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a UE and may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method in the second aspect by the at least one processor. In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform the following by the at least one processor: sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure; receiving an RA response from the other apparatus; monitoring a PDCCH in an active time; and stopping the active time before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0064] In various embodiments, the active time may be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0065] In various embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the active time may include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0066] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0067] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a UE and may include means for performing the method in the second aspect. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include means for transmitting an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure, means for receiving an RA response from the other apparatus, means for monitoring a PDCCH in an active time, and means for stopping the active time before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0068] In various embodiments, the active time may be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0069] In various embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the active time may include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0070] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0071] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method in the second aspect. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the apparatus in the eighth aspect and / or the ninth aspect. In various embodiments, the program instructions may be used to cause the apparatus to perform the following: sending an RA request to another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a base station) to perform an RA procedure; receiving an RA response from the other apparatus; monitoring a PDCCH in an active time; and stopping the active time before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0072] In various embodiments, the active time may be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0073] In various embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the active time may include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0074] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0075] In an eleventh aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a base station and may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus to execute the method in the third aspect by the at least one processor. In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus to execute, by the at least one processor, receive an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure, and transmit a PDCCH and perform at least one determination including, for example, whether the other apparatus is in an active time depending on whether an RA response window for the RA procedure is running, whether at least one DRX timer of the other apparatus is started based on successful transmission of a PDCCH addressed to the RNTI during the execution of the RA response window, whether the other apparatus is in an active time based on successful reception of an MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA, etc.

[0076] In various embodiments, the RA request may include message A or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0077] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0078] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0079] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0080] In various embodiments, the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, by the at least one processor, to cause the device to further determine that the other device will enter DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0081] In various embodiments, transmitting a PDCCH may include transmitting a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0082] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0083] In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a base station and may include means for performing the method in the third aspect. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include means for receiving an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure, means for transmitting a PDCCH, and means for making at least one determination including, for example, whether the other apparatus is in an active time depending on whether an RA response window for the RA procedure is running, whether at least one DRX timer of the other apparatus is started based on a successful transmission of a PDCCH addressed to the RNTI during the execution of the RA response window, whether the other apparatus is in an active time based on receiving a MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA, etc.

[0084] In various embodiments, the RA request may include message A or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0085] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0086] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0087] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0088] In various embodiments, the device may further include means for determining that other devices enter DRX in response to expiration of the RA response window.

[0089] In various embodiments, transmitting a PDCCH may include transmitting a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0090] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0091] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method in the third aspect. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the apparatus in the eleventh aspect and / or the twelfth aspect. In various embodiments, the program instructions may be used to cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure; transmit a PDCCH; and make at least one determination including, for example, whether the other apparatus is in an active time depending on whether an RA response window for the RA procedure is running; whether at least one DRX timer of the other apparatus is started based on a successful transmission of a PDCCH addressed to the RNTI during the execution of the RA response window; whether the other apparatus is in an active time based on a successful reception of an MSGB scheduled by an MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA; etc.

[0092] In various embodiments, the RA request may include message A or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0093] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0094] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0095] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0096] In various embodiments, the program instructions may be used to further cause the device to determine, in response to expiration of the RA response window, that other devices enter DRX.

[0097] In various embodiments, transmitting a PDCCH may include transmitting a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running.

[0098] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0099] In a fourteenth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least a part of a base station and may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method in the fourth aspect. In various embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure; send an RA response to the other apparatus; and determine whether the other apparatus has stopped an active time of monitoring the PDCCH before a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0100] In various embodiments, the active time may be determined to be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0101] In various embodiments, the active time for monitoring the PDCCH may include an active time for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0102] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0103] In a fifteenth aspect, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be at least part of a base station and may include means for performing the method in the fourth aspect. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include means for receiving an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure, means for transmitting an RA response to the other apparatus, and means for determining whether the other apparatus has stopped an active time for monitoring the PDCCH before a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is successful.

[0104] In various embodiments, the active time may be determined to be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0105] In various embodiments, the active time for monitoring the PDCCH may include an active time for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0106] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI.

[0107] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method in the fourth aspect. For example, the apparatus may be at least a part of the apparatus in the fourteenth aspect and / or the fifteenth aspect. In various embodiments, the program instructions may be used to cause the apparatus to perform the following: receive an RA request from another apparatus (e.g., at least a part of a UE) to perform an RA procedure; send an RA response to the other apparatus; and determine whether the other apparatus has stopped an active time for monitoring the PDCCH before a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0108] In various embodiments, the active time may be determined to be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0109] In various embodiments, the active time for monitoring the PDCCH may include an active time for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI during the active time.

[0110] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, and a MSGB-RNTI. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0111] Some illustrative embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an implementation of the exemplary method as shown in FIG. 1 in an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates another example of an implementation of the exemplary method as shown in FIG. 1 in an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another example of an implementation of the exemplary method as shown in FIG. 1 in an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an implementation of the exemplary method as shown in FIG. 5 in an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for an RA procedure in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0112] If discontinuous reception (DRX) is configured, during the active time, the UE or the UE entity's MAC (medium access control) entity may monitor the PDCCH. For example, the active time may include a time during which a DRX timer such as drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or ra-ContentionResolutionTimer described in a technical standard (TS) of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.321) is running, a scheduling request is transmitted on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and is pending, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the MAC entity's Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) is not received after successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity.

[0113] However, for example, outside the above active time, a UE performing an RA procedure may not be able to monitor the PDCCH. For example, a DRX timer, e.g., a DRX inactivity timer (e.g., drx-InactivityTimer), a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink (UL) (e.g., drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL), a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink (DL) (e.g., drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL), a DRX retransmission timer UL (e.g., drx-RetransmissionTimerUL), or a DRX retransmission timer DL (e.g., DRX-RetransmissionTimerDL) may not be started if a UE performing a two-step RA procedure in connected mode is DRX and receives a C-RNTI response to its MSGA (or message A carrying the preamble and payload transmission of a two-step RA type RA procedure) during the MSGB (or message B in response to the MSGA of a two-step RA procedure) response window, and the base station cannot schedule a retransmission grant for the UE or cannot provide a DL (re)transmission, and e.g., BFR, UL / DL data transmission, or retransmission may be delayed.

[0114] FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for an RA procedure in an example embodiment that may be performed in an apparatus such as a UE or at least a portion of the UE such that when initiating an RA procedure, the apparatus can monitor a PDCCH regardless of whether the apparatus is in active time or not.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary method 100 may include step 110 of sending an RA request to other devices (e.g., at least a portion of base stations) in the access network to perform an RA procedure, step 120 of initiating an RA response window in response to sending the RA request, and step 130 of performing at least one action.

[0116] In various embodiments, the at least one operation performed in step 130 may be further performed in the method. In various embodiments, the at least one operation may include, for example, at least one of: (1) considering or causing the device to enter active time while the RA response window is running, (2) starting at least one DRX timer if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) is received while the RA response window is running, (3) considering or causing the device to enter active time in response to successfully receiving a MSGB scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI including a fallbackRAR that completes the RA procedure after transmitting a contention-free MSGA, etc.

[0117] In the exemplary method 100, regardless of whether the device is in active time or not, e.g., when monitoring the PDCCH while the RA response window is running, the device may be considered, caused, or configured to enter active time according to various conditions and / or at least one DRX timer may be started in response to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI during the execution of the RA response window. Thus, the device may perform expected RA procedures, e.g., BFR, UL / DL data transmission, or may monitor the PDCCH for retransmission UL grant / DL assignment from the base station such that delays in retransmissions, etc. are mitigated or avoided. Furthermore, system efficiency may be improved by, e.g., speeding up BFR procedures, UL / DL data transmission, etc. Monitoring of the PDCCH, e.g., for retransmission UL grant / DL assignment from the base station, may be enabled by the device entering active time according to various conditions and / or starting at least one DRX timer in response to receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0118] The exemplary method 100 is not limited to a specific RA procedure. For example, the RA procedure performed in step 110 may be either a two-step RA procedure or a four-step RA procedure, and the RA procedure performed in step 110 may be either a contention-based RA procedure (e.g., a contention-based RA having a two-step RA type or a contention-based RA having a four-step RA type) or a contention-free RA procedure (e.g., a contention-free RA having a two-step RA type or a contention-free RA having a four-step RA type).

[0119] In various embodiments, examples of the RA request transmitted in step 110 may include, but are not limited to, a message carrying a preamble and payload transmission of an RA procedure for a two-step RA type, a contention-based or contention-free preamble of an RA procedure for a four-step RA type, a contention-free preamble for BFR, etc., also referred to as message A or MSGA. In various embodiments, the RA request transmitted in step 110 may be either a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request. For example, the RA request transmitted in step 110 may be a contention-based MSGA or a contention-free MSGA. For example, the RA request transmitted in step 110 may be a contention-based MSG1 or a contention-free MSG1. For example, the RA request transmitted in step 110 may be a contention-based or contention-free preamble associated with an MSGA, in other words, the payload portion of the MSGA may not be transmitted.

[0120] In various embodiments, examples of RA response windows initiated in step 120 include, for example, ra-ResponseWindow, an RA response window for a random access response (also called Message 2 or MSG2) to a message for preamble transmission (also called Message 1 or MSG1) in a four-step RA procedure, and This may include, but is not limited to, the RA response window for a random access response to MSGA (also called message B or MSGB) in a two-step RA procedure, also called message B response window, or MSGB response window, or msgB-ResponseWindow.

[0121] In various embodiments, the device may be in a radio resource control connected (RRC_CONNECTED) mode.

[0122] In various embodiments, the device may be configured with a DRX cycle to monitor the PDCCH at least during active time when a DRX timer, such as, for example, drx-onDurationTimer, or drx-InactivityTimer, or drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or ra-ContentionResolutionTimer, as described in 3GPP TS 38.321, is running, or a scheduling request has been transmitted on the PUCCH and is pending, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity has not been received after successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity.

[0123] In various embodiments, the device may monitor the PDCCH while the RA response window is running, regardless of whether the device is in active time. For example, the example method 100 may further include having the device monitor a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, RA-RNTI, MSGB-RNTI, etc. while the RA response window is running. Then, in various embodiments, one or more actions may be performed in response to the monitoring, e.g., at step 130.

[0124] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the device 210 (e.g., at least a part of the UE) may transmit an RA request such as MSGA in a two-step RA procedure or MSG1 in a four-step RA procedure to another device 220 (e.g., at least a part of the base station or BS) in step 110, and may start an RA response window 230 in step 120 in response to the transmission of the RA request in step 110. Although a gap is shown between steps 110 and 120 in FIG. 2, it is understood that step 120 may, for example, seamlessly continue after step 110. That is, for example, the RA response window 230 started in step 120 may be equal to or less than the period defined by the end of the transmission of the RA request in step 110 and the reception of a response from the other device 220. In one example, the RA response window may start at the first PDCCH opportunity from the end of the transmission of MSGA or MSG1. Then, for example, the RA response window 230 may be considered as the active time in step 130. In another example, the RA response window 230 may be taken into account as the active time in step 130, for example if the device 210 determines to monitor the PDCCH addressed to the C-RNTI during the execution of the RA response window 230.

[0125] Therefore, it is also possible for the device 210 to be able to monitor the PDCCH regardless of whether or not a DRX timer, such as, for example, the drx-onDurationTimer, or the drx-InactivityTimer, or the drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or the drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or the ra-ContentionResolutionTimer, described in 3GPP TS 38.321, is currently running, or a scheduling request has been transmitted on the PUCCH and is pending, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity has not been received after successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that has not been selected by the MAC entity.

[0126] Thus, for example, the device 210 configured with a DRX cycle may have the opportunity to start at least one DRX timer, such as drx-InactivityTimer, or drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or drx-RetransmissionTimerU, or drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL, or drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL, when it receives an RA response to obtain retransmission permission and / or to allow the other device 220 to provide another UL or DL ​​transmission. For example, the device 210 may start at least one of the DRX timers when it receives a PDCCH transmission addressed to the C-RNTI during the execution of the RA response window. For example, the PDCCH transmission addressed to the C-RNTI may be considered as an RA response to the device 210. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, the device 210 may stop at least one DRX timer, such as drx-RetransmissionTimerDL or drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, when an RA response is received. In one embodiment, the drx-RetransmissionTimerDL or the drx-RetransmissionTimerUL or the drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL may be started or stopped for the corresponding HARQ process or on a per-HARQ process basis.

[0127] In another example, as shown in Fig. 3, the device 210 (e.g., at least a part of a UE) may transmit an RA request, such as an MSGA in a two-step RA procedure or a contention-free RA preamble for an RA procedure, e.g., BFR, to another device 220 (e.g., at least a part of a base station or BS) in step 110, and may start an RA response window 230 in step 120 in response to transmitting the RA request in step 110. For example, the RA response window 230 started in step 120 may be equal to or less than a period defined by the end of the transmission of the RA request in step 110 and the reception of a response from the other device 220. For example, the RA response window 230 started in step 120 may be a period set by the other device 220 while the device 210 monitors the RA response.

[0128] Next, if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI is received during the execution of the RA response window, the device 210 may start at least one DRX timer in step 130, for example, if the device 210 determines that it monitors a PDCCH addressed to the C-RNTI during the execution of the RA response window 230. For example, the at least one DRX timer may be started by the device 210 regardless of whether the device 210 is in active time or not. In some examples, starting the at least one DRX timer may start active time, while in some examples, starting the at least one DRX timer may not start active time. For example, if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI indicating a DL or UL transmission is received, the drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL or the drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL may be started, respectively, and the device 210 may not enter active time. For example, if a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI indicating a new transmission is received, the drx-inactivityTimer may be started and the device 210 may enter active time.

[0129] In various embodiments, the apparatus 210 may further monitor a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, RA-RNTI, MSGB-RNTI, etc. while the RA response window is running.

[0130] In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, a RA-RNTI, a MSGB-RNTI, etc. In some examples, the RNTI may also include at least one of a Modulation and Coding Scheme C-RNTI (MCS-C-RNTI), a Temporary C-RNTI (TC-RNTI), a Power Saving RNTI (PS-RNTI), etc. In one example, the RNTI may schedule an RA response of device 210.

[0131] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0132] In one embodiment, at least one DRX timer may be started each time a PDCCH addressed to a C-RNTI is received by device 210, regardless of whether device 210 is in active time or not.

[0133] Thus, at least one DRX timer may be started to allow device 210 to enter active time even if device 210 is not present during a time when a DRX timer, such as, for example, drx-onDurationTimer, or drx-InactivityTimer, or drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or ra-ContentionResolutionTimer, as described in 3GPP TS 38, is running, or a scheduling request has been transmitted on the PUCCH and is pending, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity has not been received after successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity, such that device 210 has other opportunities to monitor the PDCCH.

[0134] 4, the device 210 (e.g., at least a part of a UE) may transmit an RA request such as a contention-free MSGA to another device 220 (e.g., at least a part of a base station or BS) in step 110, and may start an RA response window 230 in step 120 in response to transmitting the RA request in step 110. For example, the RA response window 230 started in step 120 may be equal to or less than a period defined by the end of transmitting the RA request in step 110 and the reception of a response from the other device 220. For example, the RA response window 230 started in step 120 may be a period set by the other device 220 while the device 210 is monitoring the RA response.

[0135] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, in step 130, after transmitting a contention-free MSGA, in response to successfully receiving a fallback random access response (fallbackRAR) scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI to complete the RA procedure, the device may be considered to enter the active time 410. For example, the device 210 may transmit a contention-free MSGA consisting of a preamble and a payload (e.g., a payload on a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH) or consisting of only a preamble. In another example, the other device 220 may detect only the preamble portion of the MSGA transmitted by the device 210 and in response may respond with a fallbackRAR scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI to complete the RA procedure for the device 210.

[0136] It will be appreciated that the operations that may be performed in step 130 are not limited to the above examples. In another example, in step 130, in response to determining that a contention-free RA preamble for BFR has been transmitted and a successful reception of a PDCCH transmission addressed to the C-RNTI to complete the RA procedure has been received, the device 210 may be considered to have entered the active time.

[0137] Through the exemplary method 100, for example, the definition of active time may be expanded and a device, such as a UE, may be enabled to monitor the PDCCH whether the device is in active time or whether the RA response window 230 stops / ends after receiving an RA response. In addition to the active time during which a DRX timer such as drx-onDurationTimer, or drx-InactivityTimer, or drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or ra-ContentionResolutionTimer described in 38.321 is running, or a scheduling request is transmitted on the PUCCH and is pending, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity is not received after successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity, the device may also support one or more additional active times, such as an active time corresponding to an RA response window (such as ra-ResponseWindow or msgB-ResponseWindow), an active time after successful reception of a fallback random access response (fallbackRAR) scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI to complete the RA procedure after transmission of a contention-free MSGA, and an active time with at least one DRX timer starting in response to receiving an RA response. Thus, for example, system efficiency may be improved by mitigating or avoiding delays in BFR, UL / DL data transmissions or retransmissions, etc., and speeding up BFR procedures, UL data transmissions, etc.

[0138] As mentioned above, the active time may include the time during which no PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the C-RNTI of the MAC entity is received after a successful reception of an RA response to a contention-based RA preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity. That is, a device such as a UE may continue to monitor the PDCCH after a successful reception of an RA response until another PDCCH for a new transmission is received. However, there may be cases where none is scheduled, for example, when a BFR occurs.

[0139] FIG. 5 illustrates another example method 500 for an RA procedure in an example embodiment, which may be performed in an apparatus such as a UE or at least a portion of a UE.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 5, the exemplary method 500 may include step 510 of sending an RA request to other devices (e.g., at least a portion of the base stations) to perform an RA procedure, step 520 of receiving an RA response from the other devices, step 530 of monitoring a PDCCH during an active time, and step 540 of stopping the active time before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0141] For example, in example method 500, the device may be in DRX and may stop the active time in response to one or more predetermined conditions after receiving a first PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI and before receiving a second PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0142] For example, the DRX on duration timer may be started when the device enters the active time. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, in step 540, the active time 610 may be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer) before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI. Thus, the actual active time is a smaller portion 620 of the original active time 610 as shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the drx-onDurationTimer may be restarted under some predefined conditions.

[0143] In the example method 500, during an active time for monitoring the PDCCH, the device may stop the active time early before receiving a PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI in step 540, so that the device may stop continuously monitoring the PDCCH when none is scheduled, such as when a BFR occurs. Thus, for example, the device may be able to sleep to conserve power.

[0144] It will be appreciated that the active time may be stopped according to other conditions, not limited to the above examples. For example, the device 210 may also stop the active time when a lower layer (e.g., layer 1) determines that the BFR procedure is complete, etc. Thus, for example, the device may be able to sleep to save power.

[0145] Additionally, various features and aspects of the example method 100 may also be included, combined, or applied to the example method 500. For example, monitoring the PDCCH during the active time may include monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of a C-RNTI, an RA-RNTI, and an MSGB-RNTI during the active time. For example, the RNTI may include at least one of a C-RNTI, an RA-RNTI, and an MSGB-RNTI. For example, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0146] For example, step 510 of exemplary method 500 may be the same as step 110 of exemplary method 100, steps 520, 530, and 540 of exemplary method 500 may also be included in exemplary method 100, and steps of exemplary method 100 may also be included in exemplary method 500.

[0147] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be performed in an apparatus such as at least a part of a base station, for example, to cooperate with other apparatuses performing the exemplary method 100.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 7, an exemplary method 700 may include step 710 of receiving an RA request from another device (e.g., at least a portion of UEs) to perform an RA procedure, step 720 of transmitting a PDCCH, and step 730 of performing at least one determination, for example, whether (1) the other device is in active time according to whether an RA response window of the RA procedure is running, (2) whether at least one DRX timer of the other device is started based on successful transmission of a PDCCH addressed to the RNTI during the running of the RA response window, or (3) whether the other device is in active time according to successful transmission of an MSGB scheduled by the MSGB-RNTI after receiving a contention-free MSGA for completion of the RA procedure, etc.

[0149] Exemplary method 700 may be performed, for example, in cooperation with other devices performing exemplary method 100. Thus, various features and aspects of exemplary method 100 may also be applied to, included in, or combined with exemplary method 700.

[0150] For example, in various embodiments, the RA request may include message A or a contention-free preamble for the BFR.

[0151] In various embodiments, the RA request may be a contention-based RA request or a contention-free RA request.

[0152] In various embodiments, the RA procedure may include a two-stage RA procedure or a four-stage RA procedure.

[0153] In various embodiments, the at least one DRX timer may include at least one of a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX HARQ RTT timer uplink, a DRX HARQ RTT timer downlink, a DRX retransmission timer uplink, and a DRX retransmission timer downlink.

[0154] In various embodiments, the method may further include determining, in response to expiration of the RA response window, that the other device enters DRX.

[0155] In various embodiments, transmitting the PDCCH may include transmitting a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI while the RA response window is running. In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI.

[0156] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method 800 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be performed in an apparatus, such as at least a part of a base station, for example, to cooperate with other apparatuses performing the exemplary method 500.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 8, the example method 800 may include step 810 of receiving an RA request from another device (e.g., at least a portion of a UE) to perform an RA procedure, step 820 of transmitting an RA response to the other device, and step 830 of determining whether the other device has stopped an active time of monitoring the PDCCH prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI.

[0158] Exemplary method 800 may be performed, for example, in cooperation with other devices performing exemplary method 500. Thus, various features and aspects of exemplary method 500 may also be applied to, included in, or combined with exemplary method 800.

[0159] For example, in various embodiments, the active time may be determined to be stopped in response to expiration of the DRX on duration timer prior to a successful PDCCH transmission addressed to the RNTI. In various embodiments, the active time for monitoring the PDCCH may include an active time for monitoring a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI. In various embodiments, the RNTI may include at least one of the C-RNTI, the RA-RNTI, and the MSGB-RNTI.

[0160] Additionally, like the exemplary methods 100 and 500, the exemplary methods 700 and 800 may be combined together.

[0161] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 900 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be, for example, at least a part of a UE, for example, the UE 210 in the above example.

[0162] 9, the exemplary apparatus 900 may include at least one processor 910 and at least one memory 920 including computer program code 930. The at least one memory 920 and the computer program code 930 may be configured by the at least one processor 910 to cause the apparatus 900 to perform at least one of the exemplary methods 100 and 500 described above.

[0163] In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor 910 in the exemplary device 900 includes, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor including at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable special purpose processor, such as those developed based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally, the at least one processor 910 may include at least one other circuit or element not shown in FIG.

[0164] In various exemplary embodiments, at least one memory 920 in the exemplary device 900 may include at least one storage medium of various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, but is not limited to, read only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. Additionally, at least memory 920 may include, for example, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or any combination thereof.

[0165] Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments, the exemplary device 900 may include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0166] In various exemplary embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in exemplary device 900, including at least one processor 910 and at least one memory 920, may be coupled in any suitable manner, such as electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc., via any suitable connections, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and / or wirelessly.

[0167] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the UE side is not limited to the above exemplary device 900.

[0168] FIG. 10 shows another exemplary apparatus 1000 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be, for example, at least a part of a UE, for example, UE 210 in the above example, and may be configured to perform the exemplary method 100.

[0169] 10, the exemplary apparatus 1000 may include means 1010 for performing step 110 of the exemplary method 100, means 1020 for performing step 120 of the exemplary method 100, and means 1030 for performing step 130 of the exemplary method 100. In one or more other exemplary embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the exemplary apparatus 1000. For example, the exemplary apparatus 1000 may also include means for determining to monitor a PDCCH addressed to at least one of the C-RNTI, RA-RNTI, MSGB-RNTI, TC-RNTI, MCS-C-RNTI, PS-RNTI, and the like while the RA response window is running.

[0170] In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means in exemplary apparatus 1100 may include circuits. For example, an example of means 1010 may include a circuit configured to perform step 110 of exemplary method 100, an example of means 1020 may include a circuit configured to perform step 120 of exemplary method 100, and an example of means 1030 may include a circuit configured to perform step 130 of exemplary method 100. In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0171] Throughout this disclosure, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable) a combination of (i) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry(s) and software / firmware; (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device such as a cell phone or server to perform various functions); (c) hardware circuitry and processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware), but where software is not necessary for operation, the software may not be present. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of the term in this disclosure, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry covers merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuitry also covers, for example, and where applicable to claim elements, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0172] FIG. 11 shows another exemplary apparatus 1100 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be, for example, at least a part of a UE, for example, the UE 210 in the above example, and may be configured to perform the exemplary method 500.

[0173] 11, the exemplary apparatus 1100 may include a means 1110 for performing step 510 of the exemplary method 500, a means 1120 for performing step 520 of the exemplary method 500, a means 1130 for performing step 530 of the exemplary method 500, and a means 1140 for performing step 540 of the exemplary method 500. In one or more other exemplary embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the exemplary apparatus 1100.

[0174] In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means in exemplary apparatus 1100 may include circuits. For example, an example of means 1110 may include a circuit configured to perform step 510 of exemplary method 500, an example of means 1120 may include a circuit configured to perform step 520 of exemplary method 500, an example of means 1130 may include a circuit configured to perform step 530 of exemplary method 500, and an example of means 1140 may include a circuit configured to perform step 540 of exemplary method 500. In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0175] FIG. 12 shows another exemplary apparatus 1200 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, which may be, for example, at least a part of a UE, for example, UE 210 in the above example, and may be configured to perform both exemplary methods 100 and 500.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 12 , exemplary apparatus 1200 may include means in both exemplary apparatuses 1000 and 1100, and one of means 1110 in exemplary apparatus 1100 and means 1110 in exemplary apparatus 1100 may be included in exemplary apparatus 1200, for example, means 1130 may be initiated to monitor the PDCCH in the active time according to at least one determination from means 1030.

[0177] In other embodiments, the exemplary apparatus 900 may be combined with at least one of the exemplary apparatuses 1000 and 1100.

[0178] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 1300 that may be, for example, at least a portion of a base station, for example, base station 220 in the above embodiment.

[0179] 13, the exemplary apparatus 1300 may include at least one processor 1310 and at least one memory 1320 that may include computer program code 1330. The at least one memory 1320 and the computer program code 1330 may be configured by the at least one processor 1310 to cause the apparatus 1300 to at least execute at least one of the exemplary methods 700 and 800 described above.

[0180] In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one processor 1310 in the exemplary device 1300 includes, but is not limited to, at least one microprocessor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), at least one portion of a hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as those developed based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally, the at least one processor 1310 may also include at least one other circuit or element not shown in FIG.

[0181] In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one memory 1320 in the exemplary apparatus 1300 may include at least one storage medium of various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, for example, but is not limited to, read only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. Furthermore, at least memory 1320 may include, for example, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof.

[0182] Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments, the exemplary device 1300 may include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0183] In various exemplary embodiments, the circuits, components, elements, and interfaces in the exemplary device 1300, including at least one processor 1310 and at least one memory 1320, may be coupled in any suitable manner, such as electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc., via any suitable connections, including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and / or wirelessly.

[0184] It should be understood that the structure of the apparatus on the base station side is not limited to the above exemplary apparatus 1300.

[0185] FIG. 14 shows another exemplary apparatus 1400 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, in which, for example, at least a portion of a base station, for example, base station 220 in the above example, may be configured to perform the exemplary method 700.

[0186] 14, the exemplary apparatus 1400 may include a means 1410 for performing step 710 of the exemplary method 700, a means 1420 for performing step 720 of the exemplary method 700, and a means 1430 for performing step 730 of the exemplary method 700. In one or more other exemplary embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the exemplary apparatus 1400.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means in exemplary apparatus 1400 may include circuits. For example, an example of means 1410 may include a circuit configured to perform step 710 of exemplary method 700, an example of means 1420 may include a circuit configured to perform step 720 of exemplary method 700, and an example of means 1430 may include a circuit configured to perform step 730 of exemplary method 700. In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0188] FIG. 15 shows another exemplary apparatus 1500 for an RA procedure in an embodiment, in which, for example, at least a portion of a base station, for example, base station 220 in the above example, may be configured to perform the exemplary method 800.

[0189] 15, the exemplary apparatus 1500 may include a means 1510 for performing step 810 of the exemplary method 800, a means 1520 for performing step 820 of the exemplary method 800, and a means 1530 for performing step 830 of the exemplary method 800. In one or more other exemplary embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like may also be included in the exemplary apparatus 1500.

[0190] In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means in exemplary apparatus 1500 may include circuits. For example, an example of means 1510 may include a circuit configured to perform step 810 of exemplary method 800, an example of means 1520 may include a circuit configured to perform step 820 of exemplary method 800, and an example of means 1530 may include a circuit configured to perform step 830 of exemplary method 800. In some exemplary embodiments, examples of means may also include software modules and any other suitable functional entities.

[0191] In other embodiments, two or more of the exemplary devices 1300, 1400, and 1500 may be combined into an apparatus configured to perform at least one of the exemplary methods 700 and 800.

[0192] Other exemplary embodiments may relate to computer readable media having such computer program code or instructions stored thereon. In various exemplary embodiments, such computer readable media may include at least one storage medium of various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, but is not limited to, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc.

[0193] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as "comprise", "comprise", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to", as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. The term "connected" as generally used herein refers to two or more elements that are either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the term "coupled" as generally used herein refers to two or more elements that are either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the terms "herein", "above", "below", and terms of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portion of this application. Where the context permits, words using the singular or plural number herein may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The term "or" in reference to a list of two or more items covers all of the interpretations of the term to any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0194] Additionally, conditional language used herein includes, among others, "can," "could," "may," "might," "for example," "for example," "etc." Terms specifically stated otherwise or otherwise understood within the context in which they are used are intended to generally convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements and / or conditions, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language generally conveys that the features, elements, and / or conditions are somehow required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments should include or perform these features, elements, and / or conditions in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or prompting.

[0195] Although several exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the apparatus, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms, and further, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although blocks are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may perform similar functions with different components and / or circuit topologies, and some blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one of these blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, the order of these blocks may be changed. Any suitable combination of the elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. a means (110) for sending a random access request to another device (220) for performing a two-phase random access procedure, said random access request including a message A; means for initiating (120) a random access response window in response to transmitting the random access request including the message A, the random access response window comprising a message B response window of the two-phase random access procedure; being in active time during which the Message B response window is running; and starting at least one discontinuous reception timer upon receipt of a physical downlink control channel transmission addressed to a wireless network temporary identifier during execution of said message B response window; and a means (130) for carrying out the steps 1. An apparatus (210) comprising:

2. The apparatus (210) of claim 1, wherein the random access request includes a contention-based or contention-free preamble, and the random access request is a contention-based or contention-free random access request.

3. The apparatus (210) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the random access response window comprises a random access response window for a random access response to message 1 or MSG1 in a four-stage random access procedure.

4. The apparatus (210) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus (210) is in a radio resource control connected mode.

5. 5. The apparatus (210) of claim 1, wherein the at least one discontinuous reception timer comprises at least one of a discontinuous reception inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception hybrid automatic repeat request round trip time timer uplink, a discontinuous reception hybrid automatic repeat request round trip time timer downlink, a discontinuous reception retransmission timer uplink, and a discontinuous reception retransmission timer downlink.

6. The apparatus (210) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus (210) is configured with a discontinuous receive cycle.

7. means for causing the apparatus (210) to enter discontinuous reception in response to expiration of the random access response window; The apparatus (210) of any preceding claim, further comprising:

8. means for monitoring the physical downlink control channel addressed to at least one of a cell radio network temporary identifier, a random access radio network temporary identifier, and a message B radio network temporary identifier while the random access response window is running; The apparatus (210) of any preceding claim, further comprising:

9. The apparatus (210) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wireless network temporary identifier comprises at least one of a cell wireless network temporary identifier, a random access wireless network temporary identifier, and a message B wireless network temporary identifier.

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