Availability indication for physical random access channel resources

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The UE may transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

AVAILABILITY INDICATION FORPHYSICAL RANDOM ACCESS CHANNEL RESOURCESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 573,923, filed on April 3, 2024, entitled “AVAILABILITY INDICATION FOR PHYSICAL RANDOM ACCESS CHANNEL RESOURCES,” and U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 19 / 067,638, filed on Febmaiy 28, 2025, entitled “AVAILABILITY INDICATION FOR PHYSICAL RANDOM ACCESS CHANNEL RESOURCES,” and assigned to the assignee hereof. The disclosures of the prior Applications are considered part of and are incorporated by reference into this Patent Application.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and specifically relate to techniques, apparatuses, and methods for availability indication for physical random access channel resources.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various services that may include carrying voice, text, messaging, video, data, and / or other traffic. The services may include unicast, multicast, and / or broadcast services, among other examples. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access radio access technologies (RATs) capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (for example, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, and / or device transmit power, among other examples). Examples of such multiple-access RATs include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC- FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] The above multiple-access RATs have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide common protocols that enable different wireless communication devices to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, or global level. An example telecommunication standard is New Radio (NR). NR, which may also be referred to as 5G, is part of a continuous mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR (and other mobile broadband evolutions beyond NR) may be designed to better support Internet of things (loT) and reduced capability device deployments, industrial connectivity, millimeter wave (mmWave) expansion, licensed and unlicensedspectrum access, non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployment, sidelink and other device-to- device direct communication technologies (for example, cellular vehicle-to-everything (CV2X) communication), massive multiple -input multiple-output (MIMO), disaggregated network architectures and network topology expansions, multiple-subscriber implementations, high- precision positioning, and / or radio frequency (RF) sensing, among other examples. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements in NR may be implemented, and other radio access technologies such as 6G may be introduced, to further advance mobile broadband evolution.SUMMARY

[0005] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured, individually or in any combination, to receive configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The one or more processors may be configured, individually or in any combination, to transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0006] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node. The apparatus may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured, individually or in any combination, to transmit configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The one or more processors may be configured, individually or in any combination, to receive a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a UE. The method may include receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The method may include transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a network node. The method may include transmitting configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The method may include receiving a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a UE. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to receive configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication by a network node. The set of instmctions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to transmit configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The set of instmctions, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to receive a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The apparatus may include means for transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for transmitting configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates asecond PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The apparatus may include means for receiving a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure may generally be implemented by or as a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, user equipment, base station, network node, network entity, wireless communication device, and / or processing system as substantially described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the specification and accompanying drawings.

[0014] The foregoing paragraphs of this section have broadly summarized some aspects of the present disclosure. These and additional aspects and associated advantages will be described hereinafter. The disclosed aspects may be used as a basis for modifying or designing other aspects for carrying out the same or similar purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent aspects do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the aspects disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The appended drawings illustrate some aspects of the present disclosure, but are not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure because the description may enable other aspects. Each of the drawings is provided for purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. The same or similar reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example network node in communication with an example user equipment (UE) in a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a four-step random access procedure, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a diagram of an example associated with availability indication for physical random access channel (PRACH) resources, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with configuration of PRACH resources, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with random access channel occasion masking of PRACH resources, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a UE or an apparatus of a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a network node or an apparatus of a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 10 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 11 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not to be construed as limited to any specific aspect illustrated by or described with reference to an accompanying drawing or otherwise presented in this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using various combinations or quantities of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover an apparatus having, or a method that is practiced using, other structures and / or functionalities in addition to or other than the structures and / or functionalities with which various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein may be practiced. Any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0028] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques. These methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, or algorithms (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0029] A user equipment (UE) may perform a random access procedure to establish a wireless communication connection to a network. In connection with a random accessprocedure, the UE and a network node may exchange messages. A random access procedure may begin with the UE transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH) communication that includes a PRACH preamble. The UE may transmit the PRACH communication in a PRACH resource.

[0030] The network node may transmit (e.g., broadcast) configuration information indicating a PRACH configuration that indicates PRACH resources that the UE can use to transmit a PRACH communication. In some cases, the PRACH configuration indicated by the network node may indicate PRACH resources that are sparse in a time domain. As a result, there may be significant latency associated with the UE accessing the network.

[0031] Various aspects relate generally to enhancing a time domain density of PRACH resources. Some aspects more specifically relate to a UE receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration, for first UEs (e.g., legacy UEs), and a second PRACH configuration for second UEs. In some aspects, the first PRACH configuration may indicate PRACH resources, and the second PRACH configuration may indicate the PRACH resources and additional PRACH resources in a time domain. In some aspects, the configuration information may also include an indication of which of the additional PRACH resources can be used by a UE (e.g., a UE that supports the second PRACH configuration). For example, the indication may indicate a random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) masking for the additional PRACH resources and / or may indicate activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources.

[0032] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by increasing the time domain density of PRACH resources (e.g., the additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration), the described techniques can be used to reduce access latency. In addition, by selectively masking and / or activating / deactivating the additional PRACH resources, the described techniques can be used to better balance improvements to access latency with network energy savings. Furthermore, RO masking for the additional PRACH resources may enable RO sharing among multiple RACH procedures, and / or may support PRACH adaptation in a spatial domain (e.g., by enabling a non-uniform amount of PRACH resources per synchronization signal block (SSB)).

[0033] Multiple-access radio access technologies (RATs) have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide common protocols that enable wireless communication devices to communicate on a municipal, enterprise, national, regional, or global level. For example, 5G New Radio (NR) is part of a continuous mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). 5G NR supports various technologies and use cases including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (rnMTC), millimeter wave(mmWave) technology, beamforming, network slicing, edge computing, Internet of Things (loT) connectivity and management, and network function virtualization (NFV).

[0034] As the demand for broadband access increases and as technologies supported by wireless communication networks evolve, further technological improvements may be adopted in or implemented for 5G NR or future RATs, such as 6G, to further advance the evolution of wireless communication for a wide variety of existing and new use cases and applications. Such technological improvements may be associated with new frequency band expansion, licensed and unlicensed spectrum access, overlapping spectrum use, small cell deployments, nonterrestrial network (NTN) deployments, disaggregated network architectures and network topology expansion, device aggregation, advanced duplex communication, sidelink and other device-to-device direct communication, loT (including passive or ambient loT) networks, reduced capability (RedCap) UE functionality, industrial connectivity, multiple-subscriber implementations, high-precision positioning, radio frequency (RF) sensing, and / or artificial intelligence or machine learning (AI / ML), among other examples. These technological improvements may support use cases such as wireless backhauls, wireless data centers, extended reality (XR) and metaverse applications, meta services for supporting vehicle connectivity, holographic and mixed reality communication, autonomous and collaborative robots, vehicle platooning and cooperative maneuvering, sensing networks, gesture monitoring, human-brain interfacing, digital twin applications, asset management, and universal coverage applications using non-terrestrial and / or aerial platforms, among other examples. The methods, operations, apparatuses, and techniques described herein may enable one or more of the foregoing technologies and / or support one or more of the foregoing use cases.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless communication network 100 may be or may include elements of a 5G (or NR) network or a 6G network, among other examples. The wireless communication network 100 may include multiple network nodes 110, shown as a network node (NN) 110a, a network node 110b, a network node 110c, and a network node 1 lOd. The network nodes 110 may support communications with multiple UEs 120, shown as a UE 120a, a UE 120b, a UE 120c, a UE 120d, and a UE 120e.

[0036] The network nodes 110 and the UEs 120 of the wireless communication network 100 may communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which may be subdivided by frequency or wavelength into various classes, bands, carriers, and / or channels. For example, devices of the wireless communication network 100 may communicate using one or more operating bands. In some aspects, multiple wireless communication networks 100 may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless communication network 100 may support a particular RAT (which may also be referred to as an air interface) and may operate on one or more carrier frequencies in one or more frequency ranges. Examples of RATs include a 4G RAT, a 5G / NRRAT, and / or a 6G RAT, among other examples. In some examples, when multiple RATs are deployed in a given geographic area, each RAT in the geographic area may operate on different frequencies to avoid interference with one another.

[0037] Various operating bands have been defined as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz through 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz through 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz through 24.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz through 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz through 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz through 300 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in some documents and articles. Similarly, FR2 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in some documents and articles, despite being different than the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz through 300 GHz), which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band. The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies, which include FR3. Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. Thus, “sub-6 GHz,” if used herein, may broadly refer to frequencies that are less than 6 GHz, that are within FR1, and / or that are included in mid-band frequencies. Similarly, the term “millimeter wave,” if used herein, may broadly refer to frequencies that are included in mid-band frequencies, that are within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4- 1, or FR5, and / or that are within the EHF band. Higher frequency bands may extend 5G NR operation, 6G operation, and / or other RATs beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, each of FR4a, FR4-1, FR4, and FR5 falls within the EHF band. In some examples, the wireless communication network 100 may implement dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), in which multiple RATs (for example, 4G / Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G / NR) are implemented with dynamic bandwidth allocation (for example, based on user demand) in a single frequency band. It is contemplated that the frequencies included in these operating bands (for example, FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) may be modified, and techniques described herein may be applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0038] A network node 110 may include one or more devices, components, or systems that enable communication between a UE 120 and one or more devices, components, or systems of the wireless communication network 100. A network node 110 may be, may include, or may also be referred to as an NR network node, a 5G network node, a 6G network node, a Node B, an eNB, a gNB, an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a mobility element, a core, a network entity, a network element, a network equipment, and / or another type of device, component, or system included in a radio access network (RAN).

[0039] A network node 110 may be implemented as a single physical node (for example, a single physical structure) or may be implemented as two or more physical nodes (for example, two or more distinct physical structures). For example, a network node 110 may be a device orsystem that implements part of a radio protocol stack, a device or system that implements a full radio protocol stack (such as a full gNB protocol stack), or a collection of devices or systems that collectively implement the full radio protocol stack. For example, and as shown, a network node 110 may be an aggregated network node (having an aggregated architecture), meaning that the network node 110 may implement a full radio protocol stack that is physically and logically integrated within a single node (for example, a single physical structure) in the wireless communication network 100. For example, an aggregated network node 110 may consist of a single standalone base station or a single TRP that uses a full radio protocol stack to enable or facilitate communication between a UE 120 and a core network of the wireless communication network 100.

[0040] Alternatively, and as also shown, a network node 110 may be a disaggregated network node (sometimes referred to as a disaggregated base station), meaning that the network node 110 may implement a radio protocol stack that is physically distributed and / or logically distributed among two or more nodes in the same geographic location or in different geographic locations. For example, a disaggregated network node may have a disaggregated architecture. In some deployments, disaggregated network nodes 110 may be used in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) (such as a network configuration in compliance with the O-RAN Alliance), or in a virtualized radio access network (vRAN), also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN), to facilitate scaling by separating base station functionality into multiple units that can be individually deployed.

[0041] The network nodes 110 of the wireless communication network 100 may include one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), and / or one or more radio units (RUs). A CU may host one or more higher layer control functions, such as radio resource control (RRC) functions, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) functions, and / or service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) functions, among other examples. A DU may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and / or one or more higher physical (PHY) layers depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as a functional split defined by the 3GPP. In some examples, a DU also may host one or more lower PHY layer functions, such as a fast Fourier transform (FFT), an inverse FFT (iFFT), beamforming, PRACH extraction and filtering, and / or scheduling of resources for one or more UEs 120, among other examples. An RU may host RF processing functions or lower PHY layer functions, such as an FFT, an iFFT, beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, among other examples, according to a functional split, such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, each RU can be operated to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 120.

[0042] In some aspects, a single network node 110 may include a combination of one or more CUs, one or more DUs, and / or one or more RUs. Additionally or alternatively, a networknode 110 may include one or more Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs) and / or one or more Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RICs. In some examples, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU may be implemented as a virtual unit, such as a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU), among other examples. A virtual unit may be implemented as a virtual network function, such as associated with a cloud deployment.

[0043] Some network nodes 110 (for example, a base station, an RU, or a TRP) may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In the 3 GPP, the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a network node 110 or to a network node 110 itself, depending on the context in which the term is used. A network node 110 may support one or multiple (for example, three) cells. In some examples, a network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (for example, several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (for example, a home) and may allow restricted access by UEs 120 having association with the femto cell (for example, UEs 120 in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A network node 110 for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro network node. A network node 110 for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico network node. A network node 110 for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto network node or an in-home network node. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary. For example, the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of an associated mobile network node 110 (for example, a train, a satellite base station, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or an NTN network node).

[0044] The wireless communication network 100 may be a heterogeneous network that includes network nodes 110 of different types, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, aggregated network nodes, and / or disaggregated network nodes, among other examples. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 110a may be a macro network node for a macro cell 130a, the network node 110b may be a pico network node for a pico cell 130b, and the network node 110c may be a femto network node for a femto cell 130c. Various different types of network nodes 110 may generally transmit at different power levels, serve different coverage areas, and / or have different impacts on interference in the wireless communication network 100 than other types of network nodes 110. For example, macro network nodes may have a high transmit power level (for example, 5 to 40 watts), whereas pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (for example, 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0045] In some examples, a network node 110 may be, may include, or may operate as an RU, a TRP, or a base station that communicates with one or more UEs 120 via a radio access link (which may be referred to as a “Un” link). The radio access link may include a downlink and an uplink. “Downlink” (or “DL”) refers to a communication direction from a network node 110 to a UE 120, and “uplink” (or “UL”) refers to a communication direction from a UE 120 to a network node 110. Downlink channels may include one or more control channels and one or more data channels. A downlink control channel may be used to transmit downlink control information (DCI) (for example, scheduling information, reference signals, and / or configuration information) from a network node 110 to a UE 120. A downlink data channel may be used to transmit downlink data (for example, user data associated with a UE 120) from a network node 110 to a UE 120. Downlink control channels may include one or more physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs), and downlink data channels may include one or more physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs). Uplink channels may similarly include one or more control channels and one or more data channels. An uplink control channel may be used to transmit uplink control information (UCI) (for example, reference signals and / or feedback corresponding to one or more downlink transmissions) from a UE 120 to a network node 110. An uplink data channel may be used to transmit uplink data (for example, user data associated with a UE 120) from a UE 120 to a network node 110. Uplink control channels may include one or more physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs), and uplink data channels may include one or more physical uplink shared channels (PUSCHs). The downlink and the uplink may each include a set of resources on which the network node 110 and the UE 120 may communicate.

[0046] Downlink and uplink resources may include time domain resources (frames, subframes, slots, and / or symbols), frequency domain resources (frequency bands, component carriers, subcarriers, resource blocks, and / or resource elements), and / or spatial domain resources (particular transmit directions and / or beam parameters). Frequency domain resources of some bands may be subdivided into bandwidth parts (BWPs). A BWP may be a continuous block of frequency domain resources (for example, a continuous block of resource blocks) that are allocated for one or more UEs 120. A UE 120 may be configured with both an uplink BWP and a downlink BWP (where the uplink BWP and the downlink BWP may be the same BWP or different BWPs). A BWP may be dynamically configured (for example, by a network node 110 transmitting a DCI configuration to the one or more UEs 120) and / or reconfigured, which means that a BWP can be adjusted in real-time (or near-real-time) based on changing network conditions in the wireless communication network 100 and / or based on the specific requirements of the one or more UEs 120. This enables more efficient use of the available frequency domain resources in the wireless communication network 100 because fewer frequency domain resources may be allocated to a BWP for a UE 120 (which may reduce thequantity of frequency domain resources that a UE 120 is required to monitor), leaving more frequency domain resources to be spread across multiple UEs 120. Thus, BWPs may also assist in the implementation of lower-capability UEs 120 by facilitating the configuration of smaller bandwidths for communication by such UEs 120.

[0047] As described above, in some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be, may include, or may be included in, an IAB network. In an IAB network, at least one network node 110 is an anchor network node that communicates with a core network. An anchor network node 110 may also be referred to as an IAB donor (or “lAB-donor”). The anchor network node 110 may connect to the core network via a wired backhaul link. For example, an Ng interface of the anchor network node 110 may terminate at the core network. Additionally or alternatively, an anchor network node 110 may connect to one or more devices of the core network that provide a core access and mobility management function (AMF). An IAB network also generally includes multiple non-anchor network nodes 110, which may also be referred to as relay network nodes or simply as IAB nodes (or “lAB-nodes”). Each nonanchor network node 110 may communicate directly with the anchor network node 110 via a wireless backhaul link to access the core network, or may communicate indirectly with the anchor network node 110 via one or more other non-anchor network nodes 110 and associated wireless backhaul links that form a backhaul path to the core network. Some anchor network node 110 or other non-anchor network node 110 may also communicate directly with one or more UEs 120 via wireless access links that carry access traffic. In some examples, network resources for wireless communication (such as time resources, frequency resources, and / or spatial resources) may be shared between access links and backhaul links.

[0048] In some examples, any network node 110 that relays communications may be referred to as a relay network node, a relay station, or simply as a relay. A relay may receive a transmission of a communication from an upstream station (for example, another network node 110 or a UE 120) and transmit the communication to a downstream station (for example, a UE 120 or another network node 110). In this case, the wireless communication network 100 may include or be referred to as a “multi-hop network.” In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 1 lOd (for example, a relay network node) may communicate with the network node 110a (for example, a macro network node) and the UE 120d in order to facilitate communication between the network node 110a and the UE 120d. Additionally or alternatively, a UE 120 may be or may operate as a relay station that can relay transmissions to or from other UEs 120. A UE 120 that relays communications may be referred to as a UE relay or a relay UE, among other examples.

[0049] The UEs 120 may be physically dispersed throughout the wireless communication network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 120 may be, may include, or may be included in an access terminal, another terminal, a mobile station, or a subscriber unit.A UE 120 may be, include, or be coupled with a cellular phone (for example, a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, and / or smart jewelry, such as a smart ring or a smart bracelet), an entertainment device (for example, a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio), an XR device, a vehicular component or sensor, a smart meter or sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) device (such as a Global Positioning System device or another type of positioning device), a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device or function that may communicate via a wireless medium.

[0050] A UE 120 and / or a network node 110 may include one or more chips, system-on- chips (SoCs), chipsets, packages, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or comprise a processing system. The processing system includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs) and / or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “the processor” or “the processor circuitry”). One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. A group of processors collectively configurable or configured to perform a set of functions may include a first processor configurable or configured to perform a first function of the set and a second processor configurable or configured to perform a second function of the set, or may include the group of processors all being configured or configurable to perform the set of functions.

[0051] The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “memories” or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled (for example, operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, or electrically coupled) with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code (such as software) that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein.Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. The processing system may further include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (for example, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) compliant) modem or a cellular (for example, 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem). In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains or transceivers. The UE 120 may include or may be included in a housing that houses components associated with the UE 120 including the processing system.

[0052] Some UEs 120 may be considered machine-type communication (MTC) UEs, evolved or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), UEs, further enhanced eMTC (feMTC) UEs, or enhanced feMTC (efeMTC) UEs, or further evolutions thereof, all of which may be simply referred to as “MTC UEs”. An MTC UE may be, may include, or may be included in or coupled with a robot, an uncrewed aerial vehicle, a remote device, a sensor, a meter, a monitor, and / or a location tag. Some UEs 120 may be considered loT devices and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband loT) devices. An loT UE or NB-IoT device may be, may include, or may be included in or coupled with an industrial machine, an appliance, a refrigerator, a doorbell camera device, a home automation device, and / or a light fixture, among other examples. Some UEs 120 may be considered Customer Premises Equipment, which may include telecommunications devices that are installed at a customer location (such as a home or office) to enable access to a service provider's network (such as included in or in communication with the wireless communication network 100).

[0053] Some UEs 120 may be classified according to different categories in association with different complexities and / or different capabilities. UEs 120 in a first category may facilitate massive loT in the wireless communication network 100, and may offer low complexity and / or cost relative to UEs 120 in a second category. UEs 120 in a second category may include mission-critical loT devices, legacy UEs, baseline UEs, high-tier UEs, advanced UEs, fullcapability UEs, and / or premium UEs that are capable of URLLC, eMBB, and / or precise positioning in the wireless communication network 100, among other examples. A third category of UEs 120 may have mid-tier complexity and / or capability (for example, a capability between UEs 120 of the first category and UEs 120 of the second capability). A UE 120 of the third category may be referred to as a reduced capacity UE (“RedCap UE”), a mid-tier UE, an NR-Light UE, and / or an NR-Lite UE, among other examples. RedCap UEs may bridge a gapbetween the capability and complexity of NB-IoT devices and / or eMTC UEs, and mission- critical loT devices and / or premium UEs. RedCap UEs may include, for example, wearable devices, loT devices, industrial sensors, and / or cameras that are associated with a limited bandwidth, power capacity, and / or transmission range, among other examples. RedCap UEs may support healthcare environments, building automation, electrical distribution, process automation, transport and logistics, and / or smart city deployments, among other examples.

[0054] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (for example, shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly with one another using sidelink communications (for example, without communicating by way of a network node 110 as an intermediary). As an example, the UE 120a may directly transmit data, control information, or other signaling as a sidelink communication to the UE 120e. This is in contrast to, for example, the UE 120a first transmitting data in an UL communication to a network node 110, which then transmits the data to the UE 120e in a DL communication. In various examples, the UEs 120 may transmit and receive sidelink communications using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication protocols, device-to- device (D2D) communication protocols, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication protocols (which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, and / or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocols), and / or mesh network communication protocols. In some deployments and configurations, a network node 110 may schedule and / or allocate resources for sidelink communications between UEs 120 in the wireless communication network 100. In some other deployments and configurations, a UE 120 (instead of a network node 110) may perform, or collaborate or negotiate with one or more other UEs to perform, scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations for sidelink communications.

[0055] In various examples, some of the network nodes 110 and the UEs 120 of the wireless communication network 100 may be configured for full-duplex operation in addition to halfduplex operation. A network node 110 or a UE 120 operating in a half-duplex mode may perform only one of transmission or reception during particular time resources, such as during particular slots, symbols, or other time periods. Half-duplex operation may involve timedivision duplexing (TDD), in which DL transmissions of the network node 110 and UL transmissions of the UE 120 do not occur in the same time resources (that is, the transmissions do not overlap in time). In contrast, a network node 110 or a UE 120 operating in a full-duplex mode can transmit and receive communications concurrently (for example, in the same time resources). By operating in a full-duplex mode, network nodes 110 and / or UEs 120 may generally increase the capacity of the network and the radio access link. In some examples, full- duplex operation may involve frequency -division duplexing (FDD), in which DL transmissions of the network node 110 are performed in a first frequency band or on a first component carrier and transmissions of the UE 120 are performed in a second frequency band or on a secondcomponent carrier different than the first frequency band or the first component carrier, respectively. In some examples, full-duplex operation may be enabled for a UE 120 but not for a network node 110. For example, a UE 120 may simultaneously transmit an UL transmission to a first network node 110 and receive a DL transmission from a second network node 110 in the same time resources. In some other examples, full-duplex operation may be enabled for a network node 110 but not for a UE 120. For example, a network node 110 may simultaneously transmit a DL transmission to a first UE 120 and receive an UL transmission from a second UE 120 in the same time resources. In some other examples, full-duplex operation may be enabled for both a network node 110 and a UE 120.

[0056] In some examples, the UEs 120 and the network nodes 110 may perform MIMO communication. “MIMO” generally refers to transmitting or receiving multiple signals (such as multiple layers or multiple data streams) simultaneously over the same time and frequency resources. MIMO techniques generally exploit multipath propagation. MIMO may be implemented using various spatial processing or spatial multiplexing operations. In some examples, MIMO may support simultaneous transmission to multiple receivers, referred to as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Some RATs may employ advanced MIMO techniques, such as mTRP operation (including redundant transmission or reception on multiple TRPs), reciprocity in the time domain or the frequency domain, single-frequency -network (SFN) transmission, or non-coherent joint transmission (NC-JT).

[0057] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may receive configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0058] In some aspects, the network node 110 may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may transmit configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and receive a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0059] As indicated above, Fig. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 1.

[0060] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example network node 110 in communication with an example UE 120 in a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 2, the network node 110 may include a data source 212, a transmit processor 214, a transmit (TX) MIMO processor 216, a set of modems 232 (shown as 232a through 232t, where t > 1), a set of antennas 234 (shown as 234a through 234v, where v > 1), a MIMO detector 236, a receive processor 238, a data sink 239, a controller / processor 240, a memory 242, a communication unit 244, a scheduler 246, and / or a communication manager 150, among other examples. In some configurations, one or a combination of the antenna(s) 234, the modem(s) 232, the MIMO detector 236, the receive processor 238, the transmit processor 214, and / or the TX MIMO processor 216 may be included in a transceiver of the network node 110. The transceiver may be under control of and used by one or more processors, such as the controller / processor 240, and in some aspects in conjunction with processor-readable code stored in the memory 242, to perform aspects of the methods, processes, and / or operations described herein. In some aspects, the network node 110 may include one or more interfaces, communication components, and / or other components that facilitate communication with the UE 120 or another network node.

[0062] The terms “processor,” “controller,” or “controller / processor” may refer to one or more controllers and / or one or more processors. For example, reference to “a / the processor,” “a / the controller / processor,” or the like (in the singular) should be understood to refer to any one or more of the processors described in connection with Fig. 2, such as a single processor or a combination of multiple different processors. Reference to “one or more processors” should be understood to refer to any one or more of the processors described in connection with Fig. 2. For example, one or more processors of the network node 110 may include transmit processor 214, TX MIMO processor 216, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, and / or controller / processor 240. Similarly, one or more processors of the UE 120 may include MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, and / or controller / processor 280.

[0063] In some aspects, a single processor may perform all of the operations described as being performed by the one or more processors. In some aspects, a first set of (one or more) processors of the one or more processors may perform a first operation described as being performed by the one or more processors, and a second set of (one or more) processors of the one or more processors may perform a second operation described as being performed by the one or more processors. The first set of processors and the second set of processors may be the same set of processors or may be different sets of processors. Reference to “one or morememories” should be understood to refer to any one or more memories of a corresponding device, such as the memory described in connection with Fig. 2. For example, operation described as being performed by one or more memories can be performed by the same subset of the one or more memories or different subsets of the one or more memories.

[0064] For downlink communication from the network node 110 to the UE 120, the transmit processor 214 may receive data (“downlink data”) intended for the UE 120 (or a set of UEs that includes the UE 120) from the data source 212 (such as a data pipeline or a data queue). In some examples, the transmit processor 214 may select one or more MCSs for the UE 120 in accordance with one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from the UE 120. The network node 110 may process the data (for example, including encoding the data) for transmission to the UE 120 on a downlink in accordance with the MCS(s) selected for the UE 120 to generate data symbols. The transmit processor 214 may process system information (for example, semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and / or control information (for example, CQI requests, grants, and / or upper layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and / or control symbols. The transmit processor 214 may generate reference symbols for reference signals (for example, a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), or a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (CSI-RS)) and / or synchronization signals (for example, a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signals (SSS)).

[0065] The TX MIMO processor 216 may perform spatial processing (for example, precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, the overhead symbols, and / or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (for example, T output symbol streams) to the set of modems 232. For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a respective modulator component (shown as MOD) of a modem 232. Each modem 232 may use the respective modulator component to process (for example, to modulate) a respective output symbol stream (for example, for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 may further use the respective modulator component to process (for example, convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a time domain downlink signal. The modems 232a through 232t may together transmit a set of downlink signals (for example, T downlink signals) via the corresponding set of antennas 234.

[0066] A downlink signal may include a DCI communication, a MAC control element (MAC-CE) communication, an RRC communication, a downlink reference signal, or another type of downlink communication. Downlink signals may be transmitted on a PDCCH, a PDSCH, and / or on another downlink channel. A downlink signal may carry one or more transport blocks (TBs) of data. A TB may be a unit of data that is transmitted over an air interface in the wireless communication network 100. A data stream (for example, from thedata source 212) may be encoded into multiple TBs for transmission over the air interface. The quantity of TBs used to carry the data associated with a particular data stream may be associated with a TB size common to the multiple TBs. The TB size may be based on or otherwise associated with radio channel conditions of the air interface, the MCS used for encoding the data, the downlink resources allocated for transmitting the data, and / or another parameter. In general, the larger the TB size, the greater the amount of data that can be transmitted in a single transmission, which reduces signaling overhead. However, larger TB sizes may be more prone to transmission and / or reception errors than smaller TB sizes, but such errors may be mitigated by more robust error correction techniques.

[0067] For uplink communication from the UE 120 to the network node 110, uplink signals from the UE 120 may be received by an antenna 234, may be processed by a modem 232 (for example, a demodulator component, shown as DEMOD, of a modem 232), may be detected by the MIMO detector 236 (for example, a receive (Rx) MIMO processor) if applicable, and / or may be further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and / or control information. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 239 (which may be a data pipeline, a data queue, and / or another type of data sink) and provide the decoded control information to a processor, such as the controller / processor 240.

[0068] The network node 110 may use the scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink or uplink communications. In some aspects, the scheduler 246 may use DCI to dynamically schedule DL transmissions to the UE 120 and / or UL transmissions from the UE 120. In some examples, the scheduler 246 may allocate recurring time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources that the UE 120 may use to transmit and / or receive communications using an RRC configuration (for example, a semi-static configuration), for example, to perform semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) or to configure a configured grant (CG) for the UE 120.

[0069] One or more of the transmit processor 214, the TX MIMO processor 216, the modem 232, the antenna 234, the MIMO detector 236, the receive processor 238, and / or the controller / processor 240 may be included in an RF chain of the network node 110. An RF chain may include one or more filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and / or other devices that convert between an analog signal (such as for transmission or reception via an air interface) and a digital signal (such as for processing by one or more processors of the network node 110). In some aspects, the RF chain may be or may be included in a transceiver of the network node 110.

[0070] In some examples, the network node 110 may use the communication unit 244 to communicate with a core network and / or with other network nodes. The communication unit 244 may support wired and / or wireless communication protocols and / or connections, such as Ethernet, optical fiber, common public radio interface (CPRI), and / or a wired or wirelessbackhaul, among other examples. The network node 110 may use the communication unit 244 to transmit and / or receive data associated with the UE 120 or to perform network control signaling, among other examples. The communication unit 244 may include a transceiver and / or an interface, such as a network interface.

[0071] The UE 120 may include a set of antennas 252 (shown as antennas 252a through 252r, where r > 1), a set of modems 254 (shown as modems 254a through 254u, where u > 1), a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a data sink 260, a data source 262, a transmit processor 264, a TX MIMO processor 266, a controller / processor 280, a memory 282, and / or a communication manager 140, among other examples. One or more of the components of the UE 120 may be included in a housing 284. In some aspects, one or a combination of the antenna(s) 252, the modem(s) 254, the MIMO detector 256, the receive processor 258, the transmit processor 264, or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be included in a transceiver that is included in the UE 120. The transceiver may be under control of and used by one or more processors, such as the controller / processor 280, and in some aspects in conjunction with processor-readable code stored in the memory 282, to perform aspects of the methods, processes, or operations described herein. In some aspects, the UE 120 may include another interface, another communication component, and / or another component that facilitates communication with the network node 110 and / or another UE 120.

[0072] For downlink communication from the network node 110 to the UE 120, the set of antennas 252 may receive the downlink communications or signals from the network node 110 and may provide a set of received downlink signals (for example, R received signals) to the set of modems 254. For example, each received signal may be provided to a respective demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of a modem 254. Each modem 254 may use the respective demodulator component to condition (for example, filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) a received signal to obtain input samples. Each modem 254 may use the respective demodulator component to further demodulate or process the input samples (for example, for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. The MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from the set of modems 254, may perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and may provide detected symbols. The receive processor 258 may process (for example, decode) the detected symbols, may provide decoded data for the UE 120 to the data sink 260 (which may include a data pipeline, a data queue, and / or an application executed on the UE 120), and may provide decoded control information and system information to the controller / processor 280.

[0073] For uplink communication from the UE 120 to the network node 110, the transmit processor 264 may receive and process data (“uplink data”) from a data source 262 (such as a data pipeline, a data queue, and / or an application executed on the UE 120) and control information from the controller / processor 280. The control information may include one ormore parameters, feedback, one or more signal measurements, and / or other types of control information. In some aspects, the receive processor 258 and / or the controller / processor 280 may determine, for a received signal (such as received from the network node 110 or another UE), one or more parameters relating to transmission of the uplink communication. The one or more parameters may include a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RS SI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, a CQI parameter, or a transmit power control (TPC) parameter, among other examples. The control information may include an indication of the RSRP parameter, the RS SI parameter, the RSRQ parameter, the CQI parameter, the TPC parameter, and / or another parameter. The control information may facilitate parameter selection and / or scheduling for the UE 120 by the network node 110.

[0074] The transmit processor 264 may generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals, such as an uplink DMRS, an uplink sounding reference signal (SRS), and / or another type of reference signal. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by the TX MIMO processor 266, if applicable, and further processed by the set of modems 254 (for example, for DFT-s-OFDM or CP -OFDM). The TX MIMO processor 266 may perform spatial processing (for example, precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, the overhead symbols, and / or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (for example, U output symbol streams) to the set of modems 254. For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a respective modulator component (shown as MOD) of a modem 254. Each modem 254 may use the respective modulator component to process (for example, to modulate) a respective output symbol stream (for example, for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 254 may further use the respective modulator component to process (for example, convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain an uplink signal.

[0075] The modems 254a through 254u may transmit a set of uplink signals (for example, R uplink signals or U uplink symbols) via the corresponding set of antennas 252. An uplink signal may include a UCI communication, a MAC-CE communication, an RRC communication, or another type of uplink communication. Uplink signals may be transmitted on a PUSCH, a PUCCH, and / or another type of uplink channel. An uplink signal may carry one or more TBs of data. Sidelink data and control transmissions (that is, transmissions directly between two or more UEs 120) may generally use similar techniques as were described for uplink data and control transmission, and may use sidelink-specific channels such as a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and / or a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH).

[0076] One or more antennas of the set of antennas 252 or the set of antennas 234 may include, or may be included within, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups,one or more sets of antenna elements, or one or more antenna arrays, among other examples. An antenna panel, an antenna group, a set of antenna elements, or an antenna array may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings), a set of coplanar antenna elements, a set of non-coplanar antenna elements, or one or more antenna elements coupled with one or more transmission or reception components, such as one or more components of Fig. 2. As used herein, “antenna” can refer to one or more antennas, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, or one or more antenna arrays. “Antenna panel” can refer to a group of antennas (such as antenna elements) arranged in an array or panel, which may facilitate beamforming by manipulating parameters of the group of antennas. “Antenna module” may refer to circuitry including one or more antennas, which may also include one or more other components (such as filters, amplifiers, or processors) associated with integrating the antenna module into a wireless communication device.

[0077] In some examples, each of the antenna elements of an antenna 234 or an antenna 252 may include one or more sub-elements for radiating or receiving radio frequency signals. For example, a single antenna element may include a first sub-element cross-polarized with a second sub-element that can be used to independently transmit cross-polarized signals. The antenna elements may include patch antennas, dipole antennas, and / or other types of antennas arranged in a linear pattern, a two-dimensional pattern, or another pattern. A spacing between antenna elements may be such that signals with a desired wavelength transmitted separately by the antenna elements may interact or interfere constructively and destructively along various directions (such as to form a desired beam). For example, given an expected range of wavelengths or frequencies, the spacing may provide a quarter wavelength, a half wavelength, or another fraction of a wavelength of spacing between neighboring antenna elements to allow for the desired constructive and destructive interference patterns of signals transmitted by the separate antenna elements within that expected range.

[0078] The amplitudes and / or phases of signals transmitted via antenna elements and / or subelements may be modulated and shifted relative to each other (such as by manipulating phase shift, phase offset, and / or amplitude) to generate one or more beams, which is referred to as beamforming. The term “beam” may refer to a directional transmission of a wireless signal toward a receiving device or otherwise in a desired direction. “Beam” may also generally refer to a direction associated with such a directional signal transmission, a set of directional resources associated with the signal transmission (for example, an angle of arrival, a horizontal direction, and / or a vertical direction), and / or a set of parameters that indicate one or more aspects of a directional signal, a direction associated with the signal, and / or a set of directional resources associated with the signal. In some implementations, antenna elements may be individually selected or deselected for directional transmission of a signal (or signals) bycontrolling amplitudes of one or more corresponding amplifiers and / or phases of the signal(s) to form one or more beams. The shape of a beam (such as the amplitude, width, and / or presence of side lobes) and / or the direction of a beam (such as an angle of the beam relative to a surface of an antenna array) can be dynamically controlled by modifying the phase shifts, phase offsets, and / or amplitudes of the multiple signals relative to each other.

[0079] Different UEs 120 or network nodes 110 may include different numbers of antenna elements. For example, a UE 120 may include a single antenna element, two antenna elements, four antenna elements, eight antenna elements, or a different number of antenna elements. As another example, a network node 110 may include eight antenna elements, 24 antenna elements, 64 antenna elements, 128 antenna elements, or a different number of antenna elements. Generally, a larger number of antenna elements may provide increased control over parameters for beam generation relative to a smaller number of antenna elements, whereas a smaller number of antenna elements may be less complex to implement and may use less power than a larger number of antenna elements. Multiple antenna elements may support multiple-layer transmission, in which a first layer of a communication (which may include a first data stream) and a second layer of a communication (which may include a second data stream) are transmitted using the same time and frequency resources with spatial multiplexing.

[0080] While blocks in Fig. 2 are illustrated as distinct components, the functions described above with respect to the blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combination component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functions described with respect to the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.

[0081] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture 300, in accordance with the present disclosure. One or more components of the example disaggregated base station architecture 300 may be, may include, or may be included in one or more network nodes (such one or more network nodes 110). The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310 that can communicate directly with a core network 320 via a backhaul link, or that can communicate indirectly with the core network 320 via one or more disaggregated control units, such as a Non-RT RIC 350 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 360 and / or a Near-RT RIC 370 (for example, via an E2 link). The CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via respective midhaul links, such as via Fl interfaces. Each of the DUs 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via respective fronthaul links. Each of the RUs 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via respective RF access links. In some deployments, a UE 120 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 340.

[0082] Each of the components of the disaggregated base station architecture 300, including the CUs 310, the DUs 330, the RUs 340, the Near-RT RICs 370, the Non-RT RICs 350, and theSMO Framework 360, may include one or more interfaces or may be coupled with one or more interfaces for receiving or transmitting signals, such as data or information, via a wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0083] In some aspects, the CU 310 may be logically split into one or more CU user plane (CU-UP) units and one or more CU control plane (CU-CP) units. A CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with a CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the El interface when implemented in an O-RAN configuration. The CU 310 may be deployed to communicate with one or more DUs 330, as necessary, for network control and signaling. Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 340. For example, a DU 330 may host various layers, such as an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or one or more PHY layers, such as one or more high PHY layers or one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (which also may be referred to as a module) may be implemented with an interface for communicating signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330, or for communicating signals with the control functions hosted by the CU 310. Each RU 340 may implement lower layer functionality. In some aspects, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU(s) 340 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 330.

[0084] The SMO Framework 360 may support RAN deployment and provisioning of nonvirtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 360 may support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface, such as an 01 interface. For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 360 may interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface, such as an 02 interface. A virtualized network element may include, but is not limited to, a CU 310, a DU 330, an RU 340, a non-RT RIC 350, and / or a Near-RT RIC 370. In some aspects, the SMO Framework 360 may communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, a 5G NR RAN, and / or a 6G RAN, such as an open eNB (O- eNB) 380, via an 01 interface. Additionally or alternatively, the SMO Framework 360 may communicate directly with each of one or more RUs 340 via a respective 01 interface. In some deployments, this configuration can enable each DU 330 and the CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0085] The Non-RT RIC 350 may include or may implement a logical function that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, AI / ML workflows including model training and updates, and / or policy -based guidance of applications and / or features in the Near-RT RIC 370. The Non-RT RIC 350 may be coupled to or may communicate with (such as via an Al interface) the Near-RT RIC 370. The Near-RT RIC 370may include or may implement a logical function that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions via an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 310, one or more DUs 330, and / or an O-eNB with the Near-RT RIC 370.

[0086] In some aspects, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 370, the Non-RT RIC 350 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 370 and may be received at the SMO Framework 360 or the Non-RT RIC 350 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 350 or the Near-RT RIC 370 may tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 350 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and may employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO Framework 360 (such as reconfiguration via an 01 interface) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as Al interface policies).

[0087] As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 3.

[0088] The network node 110, the controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the UE 120, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, the CU 310, the DU 330, the RU 340, or any other component(s) of Figs. 1, 2, or 3 may implement one or more techniques or perform one or more operations associated with availability indication for PRACH resources, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, any other component(s) of Fig. 2, the CU 310, the DU 330, or the RU 340 may perform or direct operations of, for example, process 800 of Fig. 8, process 900 of Fig. 9, or other processes as described herein (alone or in conjunction with one or more other processors). The memory 242 may store data and program codes for the network node 110, the network node 110, the CU 310, the DU 330, or the RU 340. The memory 282 may store data and program codes for the UE 120. In some examples, the memory 242 or the memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instmctions (for example, code or program code) for wireless communication. The memory 242 may include one or more memories, such as a single memory or multiple different memories (of the same type or of different types). The memory 282 may include one or more memories, such as a single memory or multiple different memories (of the same type or of different types). For example, the set of instructions, when executed (for example, directly, or after compiling, converting, or interpreting) by one or more processors of the network node 110, the UE 120, the CU 310, the DU 330, or the RU 340, may cause the one or more processors to perform process 800 of Fig. 8, process 900 of Fig. 9, or other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions may include running the instructions, converting theinstructions, compiling the instructions, and / or interpreting the instructions, among other examples.

[0089] In some aspects, the UE 120 includes means for receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and / or means for transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. The means for the UE 120 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 140, antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, controller / processor 280, or memory 282.

[0090] In some aspects, the network node 110 includes means for transmitting configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and / or means for receiving a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. The means for the network node 110 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 150, transmit processor 214, TX MIMO processor 216, modem 232, antenna 234, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, controller / processor 240, memory 242, or scheduler 246.

[0091] As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 3.

[0092] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of a four-step random access procedure, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 4, a network node 110 and a UE 120 may communicate with one another to perform the four-step random access procedure.

[0093] As shown by reference number 405, the network node 110 may transmit, and the UE 120 may receive, one or more SSBs and random access configuration information. In some aspects, the random access configuration information may be transmitted in and / or indicated by system information (e.g., in one or more system information blocks (SIBs)) and / or an SSB, such as for contention-based random access. Additionally, or alternatively, the random access configuration information may be transmitted in an RRC message and / or a PDCCH order message that triggers a RACH procedure, such as for contention-free random access. The random access configuration information may include one or more parameters to be used in the random access procedure, such as one or more parameters for transmitting a random accessmessage (RAM) and / or one or more parameters for receiving a random access response (RAR). For example, the random access configuration information may indicate PRACH resources for transmitting a RAM.

[0094] As shown by reference number 410, the UE 120 may transmit a RAM, which may include a preamble (sometimes referred to as a random access preamble, a PRACH preamble, or a RAM preamble). The message that includes the preamble may be referred to as a message 1, msgl, MSG1, a first message, or an initial message in a four-step random access procedure. The random access message may include a random access preamble identifier. The UE 120 may transmit the RAM in a PRACH resource.

[0095] As shown by reference number 415, the network node 110 may transmit an RAR as a reply to the preamble. The message that includes the RAR may be referred to as message 2, msg2, MSG2, or a second message in a four-step random access procedure. In some aspects, the RAR may indicate the detected random access preamble identifier (e.g., received from the UE 120 in msgl). Additionally, or alternatively, the RAR may indicate a resource allocation to be used by the UE 120 to transmit message 3 (msg3).

[0096] In some aspects, as part of the second step of the four-step random access procedure, the network node 110 may transmit a PDCCH communication for the RAR. The PDCCH communication may schedule a PDSCH communication that includes the RAR. For example, the PDCCH communication may indicate a resource allocation for the PDSCH communication. Also as part of the second step of the four-step random access procedure, the network node 110 may transmit the PDSCH communication for the RAR, as scheduled by the PDCCH communication. The RAR may be included in a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) of the PDSCH communication.

[0097] As shown by reference number 420, the UE 120 may transmit an RRC connection request message. The RRC connection request message may be referred to as message 3, msg3, MSG3, or a third message of a four-step random access procedure. In some aspects, the RRC connection request may include a UE identifier, UCI, and / or a PUSCH communication (e.g., an RRC connection request).

[0098] As shown by reference number 425, the network node 110 may transmit an RRC connection setup message. The RRC connection setup message may be referred to as message 4, msg4, MSG4, or a fourth message of a four-step random access procedure. In some aspects, the RRC connection setup message may include the detected UE identifier, a timing advance value, and / or contention resolution information. As shown by reference number 430, if the UE 120 successfully receives the RRC connection setup message, the UE 120 may transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK). In some aspects, the UE 120 andthe network node 110 may perform a different random access procedure, such as a two-step random access procedure.

[0099] In some examples, various signal and / or channel transmissions, such as those associated with random access, may be adapted. For example, SSB transmissions may be adapted in a time domain, such as by adapting a periodicity of the SSB transmissions. As another example, a PRACH may be adapted in a time domain to achieve enhancements to network energy savings (NES). Moreover, a PRACH may be adapted in a spatial domain, such as by using a non-uniform amount of PRACH resources per SSB. As a further example, paging occasions may be adapted, such as by confining the paging occasions in a time domain (e.g., provided that there is no paging latency increase). Generally, signal and / or channel transmissions may be adapted provided that there is no negative impact to legacy UEs.

[0100] The adaptation of a PRACH in a time domain may employ one or more mechanisms. For example, the adaptation may be based on configuring additional (e.g., different) PRACH resources for NES-capable UEs that are in addition to the PRACH resources for legacy UEs (if any). Thus, the NES-capable UEs can use both the additional PRACH resources and the PRACH resources for legacy UEs. The additional PRACH resources can be based on adaptation of a PRACH resource periodicity and / or PRACH occasions, adaptation of a PRACH configuration, association period, and / or association pattern period level and / or an SSB-to-RO mapping cycle, adaptation by extending cell discontinuous reception (DRX) operation for PRACH, and / or concentrating ROs in a time domain, among other examples.

[0101] A PRACH adaptation in a time domain may be provided by a network node (e.g., a gNB) without a UE trigger. Alternatively, PRACH adaptation may be provided with a UE trigger. “UE trigger” means that the UE requests adaptation of a PRACH. PRACH adaptation may be indicated by dynamic signaling and / or semi-static signaling. In some examples, PRACH transmissions may be adapted according to particular conditions. PRACH adaptation may be applicable to idle, inactive, and / or connected-mode UEs. PRACH adaptation may be applicable to cells with both legacy UEs and NES-capable UEs, or to cells with only NES- capable UEs.

[0102] Multiple techniques may be used to configure additional PRACH resource(s). In some examples, in addition to a legacy PRACH configuration index (e.g., a prach- Configurationlndex parameter) that indicates a PRACH configuration for legacy UEs, an additional PRACH configuration index may be semi-statically configured (e.g., in a SIB1 or in RRC signaling) to indicate a PRACH configuration for NES-capable UEs. Here, the PRACH configuration for NES-capable UEs may include the PRACH configuration for legacy UEs. In some examples, no additional PRACH configuration index may be provided to NES-capable UEs. Rather, a periodicity indicated by a legacy PRACH configuration index may adapted (e.g., shortened) for NES-capable UEs. 3GPP Technical Specification 38.211, Table 6.3.3.2-3provides an example of PRACH configuration indices and their associated PRACH configurations. “Additional PRACH resource(s)” may refer to PRACH resource(s) configured for NES-capable UEs (e.g., in a time domain) that are not included in a PRACH configuration for legacy UEs (e.g., in a time domain). A PRACH resource may correspond to a RACH occasion (RO) and / or a PRACH preamble index.

[0103] Various aspects relate generally to enhancing a time domain density of PRACH resources. Some aspects more specifically relate to a UE receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration, for first UEs (e.g., legacy UEs), and a second PRACH configuration for second UEs. In some aspects, the first PRACH configuration may indicate PRACH resources, and the second PRACH configuration may indicate the PRACH resources and additional PRACH resources in a time domain. In some aspects, the configuration information may also include an indication of which of the additional PRACH resources can be used by a UE (e.g., a UE that supports the second PRACH configuration). For example, the indication may indicate an RO masking for the additional PRACH resources and / or may indicate activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources.

[0104] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by increasing the time domain density of PRACH resources (e.g., the additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration), the described techniques can be used to reduce access latency. In addition, by selectively masking and / or activating / deactivating the additional PRACH resources, the described techniques can be used to better balance improvements to access latency with network energy savings. Furthermore, RO masking for the additional PRACH resources may enable RO sharing among multiple RACH procedures, and / or may support PRACH adaptation in a spatial domain (e.g., by enabling a non-uniform amount of PRACH resources per SSB).

[0105] As indicated above, Fig. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 4.

[0106] Fig. 5 is a diagram of an example 500 associated with availability indication for PRACH resources, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, a network node (e.g., network node 110, a CU, a DU, and / or an RU) may communicate with a UE (e.g., UE 120). In some aspects, the network node and the UE may be part of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 100). In some aspects, the UE may be an NES-capable UE, which may refer to a UE that has a capability to perform NES operations associated with 3 GPP NR Release 19 or subsequent Releases. For example, an NES-capable UE may be configmed with PRACH resources that are not configured for legacy UEs. In some examples, an NES-capable UE may be provisioned with a PRACH configuration index table that includes indices that are not included in a PRACH configmation index table provisioned for a legacy UE.

[0107] As shown by reference number 505, the network node may transmit, and the UE may receive, SSBs. For example, the network node may transmit the SSBs using different beams. The UE may use an SSB to synchronize with the network node.

[0108] As shown by reference number 510, the network node may transmit, and the UE may receive, configuration information. In some aspects, the UE may receive the configuration information via one or more of system information (e.g., a master information block (MIB) and / or a SIB, among other examples), RRC signaling, one or more MAC-CEs, and / or DCI, among other examples.

[0109] In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate one or more candidate configurations and / or communication parameters. In some aspects, the one or more candidate configurations and / or communication parameters may be selected, activated, and / or deactivated by a subsequent indication. For example, the subsequent indication may select a candidate configuration and / or communication parameter from the one or more candidate configurations and / or communication parameters. In some aspects, the subsequent indication (e.g., an indication described herein) may include a dynamic indication, such as one or more MAC-CEs and / or one or more DCI messages, among other examples.

[0110] In some aspects, the configuration information may include random access configuration information, as described in connection with Fig. 4. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate one or more legacy PRACH resources and one or more additional PRACH resources. For example, the configuration information may indicate a first PRACH configuration indicating the legacy PRACH resources, and a second PRACH configuration indicating the additional PRACH resources. The second PRACH configuration may also indicate the legacy PRACH resources or a subset of the legacy PRACH resources. The first PRACH configuration may be for first UEs (e.g., legacy UEs), and the second PRACH configuration may be for second UEs (e.g., NES-capable UEs). The first UEs (e.g., legacy UEs) may use the legacy PRACH resources and the second UEs (e.g., NES-capable UEs)may use both the additional PRACH resources and the legacy PRACH resources (e.g., all of the legacy PRACH resources or a union set of the legacy PRACH resources in the first PRACH configuration and the second PRACH configuration). The additional PRACH resources can include any PRACH resources that are not in the legacy PRACH resources. Each PRACH resource, for example, may correspond to a RACH occasion (e.g., a time and frequency resource) in which the UE may transmit a PRACH communication. In some aspects, the configuration information indicating the first PRACH configuration and the second PRACH configuration may be semi-static configuration information, such as in a SIB 1 or an RRC message. A PRACH configuration may indicate a preamble format, a periodicity of PRACH resources indicated by the PRACH configuration, one or more subframe numbers that includethe PRACH resources, and / or a starting symbol for the PRACH resources, among other examples.[oni] In some aspects, the configuration information may include a first PRACH configuration index (e.g., a legacy PRACH configuration index) to indicate the first PRACH configuration with the legacy PRACH resources, and a second PRACH configuration index to indicate the second PRACH configuration with any legacy PRACH resources and the additional PRACH resources (e.g., the second PRACH configuration may include the first PRACH configuration). Alternatively, the configuration information may include the first PRACH configuration index to indicate the first PRACH configuration, but may omit the second PRACH configuration index. Here, the configuration information may further indicate an adaptation (e.g., a modification) of the first PRACH configuration that results in the second PRACH configuration. For example, the adaptation may increase a periodicity of the first PRACH configuration to achieve the second PRACH configuration.

[0112] The configuration information may further include an indication of which of the additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. For example, a PRACH resource that is available can be used by the UE as an RO, for SSB-to-RO mapping, and / or for a RACH preamble, among other examples.

[0113] In some aspects, the indication of which of the additional PRACH resources are available may indicate a masking (e.g., an RO masking) to be applied to the additional PRACH resources. For example, the masking may indicate one or more of the additional PRACH resources that are muted (e.g., these muted PRACH resources may not be ROs for transmitting a PRACH communication). The masking for the additional PRACH resources enables RO sharing among multiple RACH procedures. Additionally, or alternatively, the masking for the additional PRACH resources can support PRACH adaptation in a spatial domain (e.g., by enabling a non-uniform amount of PRACH resources per SSB). The masking for the additional PRACH resources may be in addition to any masking that is indicated for the legacy PRACH resources.

[0114] In some examples, the SSBs transmitted by the network node, each associated with a different beam, may have a mapping to ROs (e.g., to enable the network node to identify which SSB beam the UE has selected to transmit a PRACH communication based on which RO is used by the UE). In some examples, not all SSBs that are defined are actually transmitted by the network node. The configuration information (e.g., in a SIB 1 or an RRC message) may indicate a set of actually -transmitted SSBs (e.g., in a bitmap using a parameter ssb- PositionsInBursf). The additional PRACH resources may be provided to all the actually- transmitted SSBs or to a subset of the actually -transmitted SSBs for purposes of SSB-to-RO mapping.

[0115] In some aspects, in addition to the set of actually -transmitted SSBs, the configuration information (e.g., in a SIB 1 or an RRC message) may indicate a subset, of the set of actually- transmitted SSBs, for SSB-to-RO mapping for the additional PRACH resources. For example, the configuration information may include a first bitmap to indicate the set of actually- transmitted SSBs (e.g., using a parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst) and a second bitmap to indicate the subset of the set of actually -transmitted SSBs (e.g., using a parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst- r!9).

[0116] In some aspects, the second bitmap may indicate whether each of the defined SSBs are included in the subset (e.g., the first bitmap and the second bitmap may have the same length). In some aspects, the second bitmap may be a short bitmap according to the first bitmap (e.g., the length of the second bitmap is less than the length of the first bitmap). For example, bits of the second bitmap may correspond to the SSBs indicated as being actually transmitted by the first bitmap, and the second bitmap may not include bits corresponding to the SSBs indicated as not being transmitted by the first bitmap. As an example, if the first bitmap is [1 1 1 0] (indicating that SSB 0, SSB 1, and SSB 2 are actually transmitted), then the second bitmap may include three bits respectively corresponding to the three actually-transmitted SSBs (e.g.,

[0100] , which indicates that SSB 0 is in the subset and that SSB 1 and SSB 2 are not in the subset).

[0117] In some aspects, the indication of which of the additional PRACH resources are available may indicate activation or deactivation of one or more of the additional PRACH resources. For example, the indication may indicate the masking and / or the activation / deactivation. The activation / deactivation may be with respect to the available PRACH resources resulting from the masking (e.g., the masking is a first indication of availability of the additional PRACH resources, and the activation / deactivation is a second indication of availability of the additional PRACH resources). The activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may be applicable to any RRC state of the UE. Signaling for the activation / deactivation may employ a common framework for all RRC states. Moreover, the activation / deactivation signaling may use an existing DCI format, so that no new DCI format is introduced. In some aspects, an activation / deactivation indicated in a system information modification period may be applied in the next system information modification period.

[0118] Various channels and / or signals may be used for activation / deactivation signaling. In some aspects, the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may be indicated in a SIB 1 and / or an RRC message. In some aspects, the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may be indicated in paging DCI (e.g., DCI format 1 0 with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI)), DCI in DCI format 2 7 with a CRC scrambled by a paging early indication (PEI)-RNTI, and / orDCI in DCI format 2 6 with a CRC scrambled by a power saving (PS)-RNTI, among other examples.

[0119] Paging DCI may have no reserved bits if a tracking reference signal (TRS) availability indication is provided in the paging DCI. For example, a TRS availability indication may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 bits. The number of bits may be equal to one plus the highest value of one or more indBitID parameters (where an indBitlD parameter indicates, for a TRS resource set, an index of an associated bit in a TRS availability indication field) provided in a TRS resource set configuration (e.g., using a trs-ResourceSetConfig parameter) if configured, and zero bits otherwise. Furthermore, the number of reserved bits may be (8 - M) bits for operation in a cell with shared spectrum channel access in FR1 or for operation in a cell in FR2-2, or (6 - M) bits for operation in a cell without shared spectrum channel access, where is the number of bits for the TRS availability indication field.

[0120] DCI format 2 7 may be used for a paging early indication and / or a TRS availability indication for one or more UEs. For example, DCI in DCI format 2 7 may include a paging indication field and a TRS availability indication (e.g., with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 bits, as described herein). The size of DCI format 2 7 may be indicated by a higher-layer parameter (e.g., a payloadSizeDCI-2-7 parameter). The number of information bits in DCI format 2 7 may be equal to or less than the payload size of DCI format 2 7. If the number of information bits is less than the payload size, the remaining bits may be reserved.

[0121] In some aspects, as described herein, the indication of the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may be indicated semi-statically, such as in a SIB (e.g., a SIB 1) and / or an RRC message. For example, the indication that indicates the activation or deactivation of one or more of the additional PRACH resources may be in a SIB (e.g., a SIB1) or an RRC message. If the indication is in a SIB (e.g., a SIB 1), then paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources is withheld (e.g., not transmitted, skipped, dropped, or the like) for the UE. As an example, the network node may refrain from transmitting a paging message to the UE for a SIB (e.g., a SIB1) update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources. For example, if the indication is in a SIB 1, then the UE does not expect to receive paging if a SIB1 update is for updating the additional PRACH resources only (e.g., the network node does not transmit paging to request the UE to acquire a new SIB 1 if a SIB 1 update is for updating the additional PRACH resources only).

[0122] In some aspects, as described herein, the indication of the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may be indicated in a DCI message used for paging early indication and / or TRS availability indication (e.g., in DCI format 2 7). In some aspects, the indication of the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources may include a first indication in a SIB (e.g., a SIB 1) or an RRC message, and a second indication in a DCI messageused for paging early indication and / or TRS availability indication (e.g., in DCI format 2 7). For example, in addition to SIB 1 and / or RRC-based activation / deactivation, the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources can be additionally indicated in a DCI message (e.g., in DCI format 2 7). The first indication and the second indication may be the same, or the second indication may provide an update to the first indication (e.g., the second indication may be different from the first indication). In some aspects, DCI may include a field (e.g., a newly introduced field) to indicate activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources (e.g., for PRACH occasion and / or resource availability indication). For example, the field may be in DCI format 2 7. The indication of the activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources in the DCI (e.g., in the field) may be applicable to all paging occasions and / or paging frames, or to a subset of paging occasions and / or paging frames (e.g., the subset may be indicated in the DCI or elsewhere).

[0123] In some aspects, the indication that indicates activation or deactivation of one or more of the additional PRACH resources may be in a paging DCI message. For example, the indication can be indicated in the paging DCI message if the paging DCI message lacks a TRS availability indication (e.g., the TRS availability indication is not provided, for example, a trs- ResourceSetConfig parameter is not configured for the UE). Alternatively, the indication can be indicated in the paging DCI message if the paging DCI message includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold (e.g., the TRS availability indication is provided, but the number of indication bits is less than or equal to a threshold, such as 3).

[0124] A set of additional PRACH resources may be defined for purposes of activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources (e.g., the set indicates which additional PRACH resources are activated or deactivated by the indication that indicates activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources). In some aspects, a quantity of bits for the additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period (e.g., a PRACH configuration period, a PRACH association period, or a PRACH association pattern period) defined by the first PRACH configuration (e.g., a PRACH period defined by a PRACH periodicity configured for legacy UEs). In some aspects, a quantity of bits for the additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period (e.g., a PRACH configuration period, a PRACH association period, or a PRACH association pattern period) defined by the second PRACH configuration (e.g., a PRACH period defined by a PRACH periodicity configured for NES-capable UEs).

[0125] For example, for the purpose of activating / deactivating the additional PRACH resources, the number of bits for the additional PRACH resources may be the number of ROs,or the number of PRACH slots, for the additional PRACH resources within a PRACH configuration periodicity (or PRACH association periodicity or PRACH association pattern periodicity) configured by the first PRACH configuration index (e.g., a legacy PRACH configuration index for legacy UEs, such as using a prach-Configurationlndex parameter). As an example, if the first PRACH configuration index indicates one PRACH resource for a 20 ms periodicity (e.g., PRACH configuration index 3), and the second PRACH configuration index indicates two PRACH resources for a 10 ms periodicity (e.g., PRACH configuration index 17), then there will be 3 bits for the additional PRACH resources in a 20 ms period (e.g., assuming no RO masking is applied).

[0126] Alternatively, for the purpose of activating / deactivating the additional PRACH resources, the number of bits for the additional PRACH resources may be the number of ROs, or the number of PRACH slots, for the additional PRACH resources within a PRACH configuration periodicity (or PRACH association periodicity or PRACH association pattern periodicity) configured by the second PRACH configuration index (e.g., a new PRACH configuration index for NES-capable UEs) or an indicated PRACH configuration periodicity for NES-capable UEs. As an example, if the second PRACH configuration index or the indicated PRACH configuration periodicity indicates a 10 ms periodicity with two PRACH resources in a period, then there will be 2 bits for the additional PRACH resources in a 10 ms period (e.g., assuming no RO masking is applied).

[0127] A PRACH association period may include the smallest number of PRACH configuration periods that enables a full mapping between SSBs and ROs. A PRACH association pattern period may include the smallest number of PRACH association periods that can repeat every 160 ms (e.g., an SSB periodicity).

[0128] In some aspects, the configuration information may additionally indicate whether one or more legacy PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated. For example, the configuration information may include a single bit indicating whether NES-capable UEs are to use the legacy PRACH resources. As another example, the configuration information may indicate (e.g., using a bitmap) a masking (e.g., an RO masking) to be applied to the legacy PRACH resources if the additional PRACH resources are activated. An indication of whether one or more legacy PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated may be in a SIB (e.g., a SIB 1), in an RRC message, or included in the indication that indicates activation or deactivation of the additional PRACH resources. A PRACH resource (e.g., an RO) may be “activated” if the PRACH resource is made available for PRACH transmission.

[0129] The UE may configure itself based at least in part on the configuration information. In some aspects, the UE may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein based at least in part on the configuration information.

[0130] As shown by reference number 515, the UE may transmit, and the network node may receive, a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information. For example, the UE may transmit the PRACH communication in a PRACH resource (sometimes also referred to as a “RACH resource”). The PRACH resource may correspond to a legacy PRACH resource or an additional PRACH resource that the configuration information indicated is available (e.g., in accordance with the masking and / or the activation / deactivation). In some examples, the PRACH communication may include a PRACH preamble. The PRACH communication may be part of a random access procedure, such as the random access procedure described in connection with Fig. 4. For example, the PRACH communication may include a RAM.

[0131] In some aspects, the UE may transmit, and the network node may receive, a capabilities report (e.g., after the UE has established a connection with the network node using a random access procedure). The capabilities report may indicate whether the UE supports a feature and / or one or more parameters related to the feature. For example, the capability information may indicate a capability and / or parameter associated with NES, associated with using additional PRACH resources, associated with activation or deactivation of additional PRACH resources, or the like. One or more operations described herein may be based on capability information of the capabilities report. For example, the UE may perform a communication in accordance with the capability information, or may receive configuration information that is in accordance with the capability information.

[0132] In some aspects, the configuration information described in connection with reference number 510 and / or the capabilities report may include information transmitted via multiple communications. Additionally, or alternatively, the network node may transmit the configuration information, or a communication including at least a portion of the configuration information, before and / or after the UE transmits the capabilities report. For example, the network node may transmit a first portion of the configuration information before the capabilities report, the UE may transmit at least a portion of the capabilities report, and the network node may transmit a second portion of the configuration information after receiving the capabilities report.

[0133] By using the additional PRACH resources to increase a time domain density of PRACH resources, the described techniques can be used to reduce access latency. Furthermore, through selective masking and / or activation / deactivation of the additional PRACH resources, the described techniques can be used to balance access latency with NES.

[0134] As indicated above, Fig. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 5.

[0135] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example 600 associated with configuration of PRACH resources, in accordance with the present disclosure. As described herein, a UE may be configured with a PRACH configuration index table that includes PRACH configuration indices corresponding to PRACH configurations. Fig. 6 shows a PRACH configuration 605 and a PRACH configuration 610 in a time domain. The PRACH configurations 605, 610 are shown with respect to a radio frame divided into a plurality of subframes (numbered 0 through 9), where each subframe may be 1 ms in duration.

[0136] The PRACH configuration 605 may be configured for legacy UEs. For example, the PRACH configuration 605 may correspond to a PRACH configuration index configured for legacy UEs (e.g., TDD PRACH configuration index “3”). The PRACH configuration 605 is shown with a 20 ms PRACH configuration periodicity, and an RO 606 in a PRACH resource in subframe 9. The PRACH configuration 605 also shows SSBs 607 (e.g., 8 SSBs) transmitted in subframes 0 and 1 and SIB Is 608 (e.g., 8 SIB Is 608 corresponding to the 8 SSBs 607) transmitted in subframes 5 through 8.

[0137] The PRACH configuration 610 may be configured for NES-capable UEs. For example, the PRACH configuration 610 may correspond to a PRACH configuration index configured for NES-capable UEs (e.g., TDD PRACH configuration index “17”). The PRACH configuration 610 is shown with a 10 ms PRACH configuration periodicity, and ROs 611 in PRACH resources in subframes 4 and 9. The PRACH configuration 610 also shows SSBs 612 (e.g., 8 SSBs) transmitted in subframes 0 and 1 and SIBls 613 (e.g., 8 SIBls 613 corresponding to the 8 SSBs 612) transmitted in subframes 5 through 8. As shown, the PRACH configuration 610 includes the PRACH resources of the PRACH configuration 605 (shown with striped shading) and includes additional PRACH resources (shown with solid shading).

[0138] As indicated above, Fig. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 6.

[0139] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example 700 associated with RO masking of PRACH resources, in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows the PRACH configuration 610. As described in connection with Fig. 6, the PRACH configuration 610 includes the PRACH resources of the PRACH configuration 605 (shown with striped shading) and includes additional PRACH resources (shown with solid shading). Fig. 7 shows an RO masking 705 applied to the PRACH configuration 610. As described herein, the RO masking 705 may be applied to the additional PRACH resources. Thus, for example, with the RO masking 705 applied, the ROs 611 in the first and second (in time) additional PRACH resourcesmay be unmuted, and the RO 611 in the third (in time) additional PRACH resource may be muted.

[0140] As indicated above, Fig. 7 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 7.

[0141] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example process 800 performed, for example, at a UE or an apparatus of a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 800 is an example where the apparatus or the UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with availability indication for PRACH resources.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 8, in some aspects, process 800 may include receiving configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission (block 810). For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1002 and / or communication manager 1006, depicted in Fig. 10) may receive configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission, as described above.

[0143] As further shown in Fig. 8, in some aspects, process 800 may include transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information (block 820). For example, the UE (e.g., using transmission component 1004 and / or communication manager 1006, depicted in Fig. 10) may transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information, as described above.

[0144] Process 800 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0145] In a first aspect, the first PRACH configuration is for first UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for second UEs.

[0146] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the first PRACH configuration is for legacy UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for NES-capable UEs.

[0147] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0148] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, the configuration information further indicates a set of actually -transmitted SSBs, and asubset, of the set of actually -transmitted SSBs, used for SSB-to-RO mapping for the additional PRACH resources.

[0149] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0150] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the indication is in a SIB or an RRC message.

[0151] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the indication is in the SIB, and paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources is withheld for the UE.

[0152] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the indication is in a DCI message used for at least one of paging early indication or TRS availability indication.

[0153] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the indication includes a first indication in a SIB or an RRC message and a second indication in a DCI message used for at least one of paging early indication or TRS availability indication.

[0154] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, the indication is in a paging DCI message.

[0155] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth aspects, the paging DCI message lacks a TRS availability indication, or includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold.

[0156] In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh aspects, a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the first PRACH configuration.

[0157] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twelfth aspects, a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the second PRACH configuration.

[0158] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirteenth aspects, the configuration information additionally indicates whether the one or more PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the one or more additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated.

[0159] Although Fig. 8 shows example blocks of process 800, in some aspects, process 800 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 8. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 800 may be performed in parallel.

[0160] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process 900 performed, for example, at a network node or an apparatus of a network node, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 900 is an example where the apparatus or the network node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with availability indication for PRACH resources.

[0161] As shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include transmitting configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission (block 910). For example, the network node (e.g., using transmission component 1104 and / or communication manager 1106, depicted in Fig. 11) may transmit configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission, as described above.

[0162] As further shown in Fig. 9, in some aspects, process 900 may include receiving a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information (block 920). For example, the network node (e.g., using reception component 1102 and / or communication manager 1106, depicted in Fig. 11) may receive a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information, as described above.

[0163] Process 900 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0164] In a first aspect, the first PRACH configuration is for first UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for second UEs.

[0165] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the first PRACH configuration is for legacy UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for NES-capable UEs.

[0166] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0167] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, the configuration information further indicates a set of actually -transmitted SSBs, and asubset, of the set of actually -transmitted SSBs, used for SSB-to-RO mapping for the additional PRACH resources.

[0168] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0169] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the indication is in a SIB or an RRC message.

[0170] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the indication is in the SIB, and paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources is withheld for the UE.

[0171] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the indication is in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

[0172] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the indication includes a first indication in a SIB or an RRC message and a second indication in a DCI message used for at least one of paging early indication or TRS availability indication.

[0173] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, the indication is in a paging DCI message.

[0174] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth aspects, the paging DCI message lacks a TRS availability indication, or includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold.

[0175] In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh aspects, a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the first PRACH configuration.

[0176] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twelfth aspects, a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the second PRACH configuration.

[0177] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirteenth aspects, the configuration information additionally indicates whether the one or more PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the one or more additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated.

[0178] Although Fig. 9 shows example blocks of process 900, in some aspects, process 900 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 900 may be performed in parallel.

[0179] Fig. 10 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1000 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1000 may be a UE, or a UE may include the apparatus 1000. In some aspects, the apparatus 1000 includes a reception component 1002, a transmission component 1004, and / or a communication manager 1006, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1006 is the communication manager 140 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1000 may communicate with another apparatus 1008, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1002 and the transmission component 1004.

[0180] In some aspects, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 5-7. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 800 of Fig. 8, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the apparatus 1000 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 10 may include one or more components of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 10 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instmctions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0181] The reception component 1002 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1008. The reception component 1002 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1000. In some aspects, the reception component 1002 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1000. In some aspects, the reception component 1002 may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more demodulators, one or more MIMO detectors, one or more receiveprocessors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2.

[0182] The transmission component 1004 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1008. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1000 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1004 for transmission to the apparatus 1008. In some aspects, the transmission component 1004 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples), and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1008. In some aspects, the transmission component 1004 may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more modulators, one or more transmit MIMO processors, one or more transmit processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1004 may be co-located with the reception component 1002 in one or more transceivers.

[0183] The communication manager 1006 may support operations of the reception component 1002 and / or the transmission component 1004. For example, the communication manager 1006 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1002 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1004. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1006 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1002 and / or the transmission component 1004 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0184] The reception component 1002 may receive configuration information that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission. The transmission component 1004 may transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0185] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 10 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 10 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 10 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 10 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 10.

[0186] Fig. 11 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1100 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1100 may be a network node, or a network node may include the apparatus 1100. In some aspects, the apparatus 1100 includes a reception component 1102, a transmission component 1104, and / or a communication manager 1106, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1106 is the communication manager 150 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1100 may communicate with another apparatus 1108, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1102 and the transmission component 1104.

[0187] In some aspects, the apparatus 1100 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 5-7. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1100 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 900 of Fig. 9, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the apparatus 1100 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 11 may include one or more components of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 11 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0188] The reception component 1102 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1108. The reception component 1102 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1100. In some aspects, the reception component 1102 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1100. In some aspects, the reception component 1102 may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more demodulators, one or more MIMO detectors, one or more receive processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or a combination thereof, of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the reception component 1102 and / or the transmission component 1104 may include or may be included in a network interface. The network interface may be configured to obtain and / or output signals forthe apparatus 1100 via one or more communications links, such as a backhaul link, a midhaul link, and / or a fronthaul link.

[0189] The transmission component 1104 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1108. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1100 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1104 for transmission to the apparatus 1108. In some aspects, the transmission component 1104 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples), and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1108. In some aspects, the transmission component 1104 may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more modulators, one or more transmit MIMO processors, one or more transmit processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or a combination thereof, of the network node described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1104 may be co-located with the reception component 1102 in one or more transceivers.

[0190] The communication manager 1106 may support operations of the reception component 1102 and / or the transmission component 1104. For example, the communication manager 1106 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1102 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1104. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1106 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1102 and / or the transmission component 1104 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0191] The transmission component 1104 may transmit configuration information, for a UE, that indicates a first PRACH configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for transmission. The reception component 1102 may receive a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0192] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 11 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 11. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 11 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 11 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 11 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 11.

[0193] The following provides an overview of some Aspects of the present disclosure:

[0194] Aspect 1 : A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0195] Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for first UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for second UEs.

[0196] Aspect 3 : The method of any of Aspects 1-2, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for legacy UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for network energy savings (NES)- capable UEs.

[0197] Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0198] Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the configuration information further indicates: a set of actually -transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and a subset, of the set of actually-transmitted SSBs, used for SSB-to-random access channel occasion (RO) mapping for the additional PRACH resources.

[0199] Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 1-5, wherein the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0200] Aspect 7: The method of Aspect 6, wherein the indication is in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message.

[0201] Aspect 8: The method of Aspect 7, wherein the indication is in the SIB, and wherein paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources is withheld for the UE.

[0202] Aspect 9: The method of any of Aspects 6-8, wherein the indication is in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

[0203] Aspect 10: The method of any of Aspects 6-9, wherein the indication includes a first indication in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message and a second indication in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

[0204] Aspect 11 : The method of any of Aspects 6-10, wherein the indication is in a paging downlink control information (DCI) message.

[0205] Aspect 12: The method of Aspect 11, wherein the paging DCI message lacks a tracking reference signal (TRS) availability indication, or includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold.

[0206] Aspect 13 : The method of any of Aspects 6-12, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the first PRACH configuration.

[0207] Aspect 14: The method of any of Aspects 6-12, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the second PRACH configuration.

[0208] Aspect 15: The method of any of Aspects 1-14, wherein the configuration information additionally indicates whether the one or more PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the one or more additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated.

[0209] Aspect 16: A method of wireless communication performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting configuration information, for a user equipment (UE), that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and receiving a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

[0210] Aspect 17: The method of Aspect 16, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for first UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for second UEs.

[0211] Aspect 18: The method of any of Aspects 16-17, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for legacy UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for network energy savings (NES)-capable UEs.

[0212] Aspect 19: The method of any of Aspects 16-18, wherein the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0213] Aspect 20: The method of any of Aspects 16-19, wherein the configuration information further indicates: a set of actually -transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and a subset, of the set of actually-transmitted SSBs, used for SSB-to-random access channel occasion (RO) mapping for the additional PRACH resources.

[0214] Aspect 21 : The method of any of Aspects 16-20, wherein the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

[0215] Aspect 22: The method of Aspect 21, wherein the indication is in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message.

[0216] Aspect 23 : The method of Aspect 22, wherein the indication is in the SIB, and wherein paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources is withheld for the UE.

[0217] Aspect 24: The method of any of Aspects 21-23, wherein the indication is in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

[0218] Aspect 25: The method of any of Aspects 21-24, wherein the indication includes a first indication in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message and a second indication in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

[0219] Aspect 26: The method of any of Aspects 21-25, wherein the indication is in a paging downlink control information (DCI) message.

[0220] Aspect 27: The method of Aspect 26, wherein the paging DCI message lacks a tracking reference signal (TRS) availability indication, or includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold.

[0221] Aspect 28: The method of any of Aspects 21-27, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the first PRACH configuration.

[0222] Aspect 29: The method of any of Aspects 21-27, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of ROs, or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the second PRACH configuration.

[0223] Aspect 30: The method of any of Aspects 16-29, wherein the configuration information additionally indicates whether the one or more PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the one or more additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated.

[0224] Aspect 31 : An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more processors; one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the apparatus to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0225] Aspect 32: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or morememories, the one or more processors configured to cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0226] Aspect 33 : An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one means for performing the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0227] Aspect 34: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0228] Aspect 35: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0229] Aspect 36: A device for wireless communication, the device comprising a processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors, the processing system configured to cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0230] Aspect 37: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors individually or collectively configured to cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-30.

[0231] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects.

[0232] As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware or a combination of hardware and at least one of software or firmware. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. As used herein, a “processor is implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, ft will be apparent that systems or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, because those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems or methods based, at least in part, on thedescription herein. A component being configured to perform a function means that the component has a capability to perform the function, and does not require the function to be actually performed by the component, unless noted otherwise.

[0233] As used herein, “satisfying a threshold” may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, or not equal to the threshold, among other examples.

[0234] As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a + b, a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (for example, a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0235] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” and similar terms are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (for example, an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based on or otherwise in association with” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (for example, if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’). It should be understood that “one or more” is equivalent to “at least one.”

[0236] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims or disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, which are configured, individually or in any combination, to: receive configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and transmit a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for first UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for second UEs.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first PRACH configuration is for legacy UEs, and the second PRACH configuration is for network energy savings (NES)-capable UEs.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information additionally indicates whether the one or more PRACH resources indicated by the first PRACH configuration are available for PRACH transmission if the one or more additional PRACH resources indicated by the second PRACH configuration are activated.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information further indicates: a set of actually -transmitted synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and a subset, of the set of actually-transmitted SSBs, used for SSB-to-random access channel occasion (RO) mapping for the additional PRACH resources.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication is in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indication is in the SIB, and wherein paging for a SIB update that indicates only an update for activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources is withheld for the UE.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication is in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication includes a first indication in a system information block (SIB) or a radio resource control message and a second indication in a downlink control information message used for at least one of paging early indication or tracking reference signal availability indication.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication is in a paging downlink control information (DCI) message.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the paging DCI message lacks a tracking reference signal (TRS) availability indication, or includes a TRS availability indication that uses a quantity of indication bits that satisfies a threshold.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of random access channel occasions (ROs), or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the first PRACH configuration.

15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a quantity of bits for the one or more additional PRACH resources is in accordance with a quantity of random access channel occasions (ROs), or a quantity of PRACH slots, for the one or more additional PRACH resources within a PRACH period defined by the second PRACH configuration.

16. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes anindication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication indicates activation or deactivation of the one or more additional PRACH resources.

19. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for receiving configuration information that indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration indicating one or more PRACH resources, indicates a second PRACH configuration indicating one or more additional PRACH resources, and includes an indication of which of the one or more additional PRACH resources are available for PRACH transmission; and means for transmitting a PRACH communication in accordance with the configuration information.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the indication indicates a masking to be applied to the one or more additional PRACH resources.

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