Methods for initial access to a channel, related network nodes and devices

Abstract

A method performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, e.g., based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The method comprises receiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

Description

[0001] METHODS FOR INITIAL ACCESS TO A CHANNEL, RELATED NETWORK NODES AND DEVICES

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of wireless communications. The present disclosure relates to a method for initial access to a channel, and related devices.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In a wireless communication network, a wireless device (such as a user equipment) can be configured to communicate with an anchor Transmission Reception Point, TRP. However, in cases where the wireless device has a poor uplink connectivity to the anchor TRP and / or is power limited for uplink transmissions, the wireless device may communicate to the anchor TRP via a nearby uplink only TRP.

[0005] An approach to enabling the communication between the wireless device and the uplink only TRP has been for the wireless device to first communicate with the anchor TRP so the wireless device can be switched into connected mode where the connected mode is an operation mode of the wireless device allowing a data transmission to be communicated between the wireless device and the anchor TRP. Then, to offload uplink traffic, the wireless device may connect to an uplink only TRP for example when that uplink only TRP is closer to the wireless device than the anchor TRP or if the anchor TRP decides for the wireless device to connect to the uplink only TRP.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] However, in these cases where the wireless device has a poor connectivity to the anchor TRP and / or is power limited, this initial connection to the anchor TRP may not be feasible. Hence, the dependence of the network on this initial communication between the wireless device and the anchor TRP may be challenging, in that it may prevent the wireless device from communicating with the anchor TPR via the otherwise available uplink (UL) only TRP.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for initial access to a channel, which may mitigate, alleviate, or address the shortcomings existing and may enable wireless devices to connect to an UL only TRP already during initial access

[0009] A method performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, e.g., based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The method comprises receiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0010] A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, is disclosed. The first network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of the methods disclosed herein for initial access.

[0011] An advantage of the present disclosure is that time and frequency resources for initial access may be used within a wireless communication system with improved efficiency, such as spectrum efficiency, in comparison to other solutions. That is, a wireless communication system operating as disclosed herein may advantageously enable a wireless device to leverage multiple (e.g., one or more) random access occasions for initial access to the first network node via the second network node, which may reduce underutilization of time and frequency resources and allow for connection to the first network node via the second network node.

[0012] The present disclosure may advantageously enable improved uplink performance and / or throughput of uplink (UL) transmissions provided by the wireless device. For example, the improved uplink performance, such as a stronger uplink channel, may allow for better spectral efficiency (e.g., use of a higher Modulation Coding Scheme, MCS) thereby enabling power saving at the wireless device. Further, the disclosed method and first network node advantageously enable initial access via the second network node (such as UL-only network node) when initial access is difficult (such as not possible) with the first network node, e.g. due to channel conditions. This may lead an optimization of the resources in that the wireless does not need to connect to the first network node first and then be transferred to the second network node, but may readily perform initial access via the second network node.

[0013] A method, performed by a wireless device, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, e.g., based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, from a first network node, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The method comprises transmitting, to a first network node via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0014] A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of methods disclosed herein for initial access.

[0015] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the wireless device, such as a user equipment, UE, disclosed herein may gain initial access to a wireless communication system faster and with more efficiency relative to other techniques. It is a further advantage of the present disclosure that a wireless device, such as a UE, which may be in a coverage-limited area, can more readily perform an initial access procedure with an available second network node (e.g., an uplink-only Transmission Reception Point, UL-only TRP). While other procedures may limit resources or random access occasions available to such a wireless device, the present disclosure provides an advantage by enabling a wireless device to transmit in one or more random access occasions, which improves the time (such by increasing the speed) and / or the likelihood of the wireless device performing initial access.

[0016] It is a further advantage of the present disclosure is that the wireless device, among others, which may have power constraints, may contend for initial access in multiple random access occasions, such a wireless device experiences. It is a further advantage that such a wireless device, or other wireless devices, may perform initial access using relatively lower power transmissions while still successfully contending for access.

[0017] A further advantage of the present disclosure is that time and frequency resources, such as random access occasions, may be efficiently utilized without creating interference issues among or between various devices within a wireless communication system. Wireless devices, for example, are enabled to perform initial access on one or more random access occasions while operating with constraints that do not impair operation by other devices and / or other transmissions between the first network node and the wireless device. This may lead to an improved resource efficiency, such as a higher resource reuse factor in the wireless communication system.

[0018] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the wireless communication system may schedule the wireless device to transmit data, in addition to or as alternative to performing initial access, such as using random access occasions, e.g., time and frequency resources, that may be unused or under-utilized with other schemes. As described herein, a wireless device may transmit uplink data in one or more random access occasions which may otherwise have available resources. It is a further advantage that such use for uplink data may occur without interfering with other devices within a wireless communication system.

[0019] A method, performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling comprising information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. The method comprises receiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0020] A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, is disclosed. The first network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of the methods disclosed herein for enabling UL data via the second network node.

[0021] The first network node may configure a wireless device for operation as described herein using information embedded in control signalling (such as MAC signalling, physical layer control signalling, RRC signalling), within the wireless communication system. Furthermore, the present disclosure may advantageously enable optimisation of the upload of data from the wireless device to the first network node by configuring the wireless device to transmit the uplink data to the second network node in one or more available, such as unutilised, random access occasions. This may advantageously enable improved efficiency (e.g. spectral efficiency in the overall wireless network), quality, performance, and / or throughput of uplink data transmissions by exploiting in random access occasions from the wireless device to the first network node, via the second network node. In other words, advantageously, the wireless device can now transmit uplink data (such as uplink payload data) in available, such as underutilised, random access occasions.

[0022] Furthermore, the constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the uplink data may be applied to transmission of uplink data in random access occasions other than the first random access occasion, thereby enabling a reduction in interference, e.g., at the first network node, which may be caused by the uplink data transmitted in random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The disclosed technique does not apply a constraint to other resources, such as to resources which are not random access resources. A method, performed by a wireless device, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. The method comprises transmitting, to the first network node via a second network node, uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0023] A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of methods disclosed herein for UL data.

[0024] Advantageously, the wireless device may be configured, such as by the first network node, for operations as described herein using signalling, such as RRC signalling, familiar to or expected by devices and nodes within the wireless communication system. Further, the architecture of other wireless communication systems may be adapted or leveraged to employ features, and thus achieve advantages of the present disclosure.

[0025] Furthermore, the present disclosure may advantageously enable optimisation of the upload of data from the wireless device to the first network node by configuring the wireless device to transmit the uplink data to the second network node in one or more available, such as unutilised, random access occasions.

[0026] Advantageously, the present disclosure allows an introducing transmissions by the wireless device via the second network node with a reduced, such as limited, interference at the first network node by the wireless device applying a constraint to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. In other words, since the second network node is likely to have better channel conditions with the wireless device than the first network node to the wireless device, transmitting uplink data from the wireless device via the second network node instead of directly to the first network node may enable reduced transmission power to be used for transmission due to better channel conditions towards the second network node, thereby enabling power saving at the wireless device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0028] Fig. 1 A is a diagram illustrating control signalling an example wireless communication system comprising an example first network node, an example wireless device, and an example second network node according to this disclosure,

[0029] Fig. 1 B is a diagram illustrating example random access occasions according to this disclosure, Fig. 2 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel according to this disclosure, Fig. 3 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a wireless device, for enabling the wireless device to perform initial access to a channel according to this disclosure, Fig. 4 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a wireless device, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions according to this disclosure,

[0030] Fig. 5 is a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a first network node, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions according to this disclosure,

[0031] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example first network node according to this disclosure,

[0032] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0033] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example first network node according to this disclosure,

[0034] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0035] Fig. 10 shows a signalling diagram of example communications between a first network node a wireless device, and a second network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel according to this disclosure, and

[0036] Fig. 11 shows a signalling diagram of example communications between a first network node a wireless device, and a second network node, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions, according to this disclosure.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Various examples and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0039] Uplink can be seen as communication from a wireless device, such as from the wireless device 300, 300A of Fig. 1 A, to a network node, such to as the first network node 400, 400A of Fig. 1A and / or to the second network node 500 of Fig. 1 A. Downlink can be seen as communication to a wireless device, such as the wireless device 300, 300A of Fig. 1 A, from a network node, such as the first network node 400, 400A of Fig. 1 A. The present disclosure provides a technique that can support asymmetric UL / DL communications.

[0040] Initial access to the channel as discussed herein may be seen as an initial access of the wireless device to the first network node, e.g. after a period of the wireless device having no active connection with the first network node, such as being in dormant mode. In other words, initial access (such as a part of beam recovery) can for example be seen as a procedure by which the wireless device establishes a connection (such as an initial synchronization) with the first network node, e.g., where connection established by the initial access procedure may be used for uplink and / or downlink communication between the wireless device and the first network node.

[0041] When a wireless device has not yet performed initial access to the first network node, e.g., an anchor TRP, and for example in a scenario where it may be difficult for the wireless device to communicate with the first network node, e.g., due to suboptimal location and / or poor propagation conditions, achieving initial access between the wireless device and the first network node may be challenging. The present disclosure proposes a wireless communication system (such as a first network node) that is enabled to configure a wireless device, that may for example have a poor quality connection to a first network node (such as the anchor TRP), to transmit random access signals to a second network node, such as an uplink only network node (such as UL only TRP), in random access occasions that are otherwise unutilized by the second network node (such as the UL only TRP). This enables initial access between the first network node and the wireless device to be performed. This may be especially advantageous in the mentioned scenarios where it may be difficult, or even impossible, for the wireless device to communicate with the first network node, as the wireless device may instead perform initial access via a second network node which is for example located nearer to the wireless device. The second network node can then redirect, e.g., using a wireless link and / or backhaul link, the response from wireless device to the first network node to complete initial access. The present disclosure enables inter alia initial access for the wireless device based on the first network node transmitting to the wireless device control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0042] The initial access is provided via a Random Access Channel, RACH. The RACH can be seen as a transport channel that allows the wireless device to initiate communication with the network, e.g., for facilitation of initial access. RACH is for example used for initial access and uplink synchronization when a wireless device seeks connection to a network node of a wireless network.

[0043] Control signalling disclosed herein can for example be seen as one or more signals in accordance with which the wireless device may operate, such as communicate. For example, the control signalling may be seen as signalling for allocating a random access occasion, such as a RACH resource, to the wireless device. In some examples, the control signalling comprises one or more control signals communicated between the network node(s) and the wireless device, such as one or more messages. In some examples, the control signalling may be in form of a flag, which may be seen as an implicit signalling, such as of the constraint (such as an implicit indication of the constraint to be applied by the wireless device). For example, the flag can be a release number (such as a 3GPP release number), e.g. configured in the wireless device. In some examples, the control signalling comprises information indicating the constraint disclosed herein. In some examples, the information may be part of one or more synchronization signal blocks, SSB, indicating the first random access occasion to the wireless device. In some examples, the control signalling may be part of as one or more of: synchronization signal information, master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB), and / or radio resource control (RRC).

[0044] The control signalling for example comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to one or more (such as each of, and / or a subset of) random access signals transmitted by the wireless device. The constraint, e.g., indicative of the radiation pattern constraint, may, for example constrain, such as limit, a power and / or direction of a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than a first random access occasion provided in the control signalling. In other words, the wireless device may for example direct, based on the constraint, its transmission of the random access signal towards the second network node (in terms of transmit power and / or direction), thereby minimizing received signal interference at the first network node.

[0045] A random access occasion may for example be seen as random access resources. For example, a random access occasion may be seen as an occasion to be employed for initial access, e.g., allowing the wireless device to establish a connection with the first network node. A random access occasion may for example be characterized by one or more allocated time and frequency resources (such as time and frequency slots), e.g., for initial communications between the wireless device and the first network node. A random access occasion may for example comprise frequency resources and time resources allocated the wireless device for transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device to the first network node, to perform initial access.

[0046] A random access signal can for example be seen as a signal, transmitted by the wireless device, during initial access at the random access occasions indicated by the control signalling received by the wireless device. For example, a random access signal transmitted by the wireless device is for example transmitted in accordance with the frequency resources and time resources of the corresponding random access occasion. In other words, a random access signal can be seen as RACH response on RACH resources allocated and indicated to the wireless device for initial access. For example, the random access signal may for example be seen as a RACH transmission in a given RACH resource. In some examples, the random access signal may be configured in accordance with a predetermined format and / or pattern.

[0047] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0048] Fig. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 comprising an example first network node 400, 400A, an example wireless device 300, 300A, and an example second network node 500 according to this disclosure. As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 comprising a cellular system, for example, a 3GPP wireless communication system. The wireless communication system 1 comprises a wireless device 300, a first network node 400, 400A, and / or a second network node 500. The wireless communication system 1 described herein may comprise one or more first network nodes 400, 400A, one or more wireless devices 300, 300A and / or one or more second network nodes 500. The first network node 400, 400A as disclosed herein refers to a radio access network node operating in the radio access network, such as a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, a next generation Node B, a gNB, and / or an access point. The first network node 400, 400A may for example be seen as a Transmission Reception Point, TRP, of the wireless communication system 1 . For example, the first network node 400 may be seen as an anchor TRP of the wireless communication system 1.

[0049] The second network node 500 as disclosed herein refers network node capable of communications with the first network node 400 and the wireless device 300, 300A. The second network node 500 is for example configured for uplink only communication with the wireless device 300, 300A. In other words, the second network node 500 may be an Uplink only TRP, such as a TRP configured to receive uplink transmissions from the wireless device 300, 300A. The second network node 500 is for example located closer to the wireless device 300, 300A than the first network node 400. For example, the second network node 500 may benefit from better channel conditions for the channel to the wireless device 300 than the channel with the first network node. In some examples, the second network node can be wireless device or UE not incorporating the interfaces of a network node, but capable of receiving UL communication from the wireless device and forwarding the UL communication to the first network node.

[0050] A wireless device 300, 300A as disclosed herein may refer to a mobile device and / or a user equipment, UE. The wireless device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with, such as receive control signalling from, the first network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10.

[0051] The wireless device 300, 300A may be configured to communicate with the second network node 500 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 12. The wireless device 300, 300A is for example configured to transmit a random access signal or uplink data via the wireless link 12. The wireless device 300, 300A is for example configured to transmit a random access signal or uplink data over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion via the wireless link 12.

[0052] The second network node 500 may be configured to communicate with the first network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 14. In other words, the second network node 500 may for example be configured to forward the random access signal or uplink data, received from the wireless device 300, 300A via the wireless link 12, to the first network node 400, 400A. For example, the wireless communication system 1 includes a cell controlled by the first network node 400, 400A shown in Fig. 1 . In some examples, a single TRP downlink, multiple TRP uplink can be provided by the wireless communication system 1 . In other words, the wireless communication system 1 may comprise a first network node 400 and two or more second network nodes 500.

[0053] In some examples, the first network node 400, 400A, such as the anchor TRP, may be the only network node having a downlink transmission capability towards the wireless device 300, 300A in a scenario. In some examples, the wireless communication system 1 may comprise multiple TRPs capable of handling uplink communications, e.g., traffic.

[0054] Fig. 1A shows the directionality of beams 10A-E configured to transmit different control signals of the control signalling, where the control signalling provided via beam 10A may indicate that the first random access occasion 11 A (shown in Fig. 1 B) is allocated to the wireless device for initial access.

[0055] The first network node 400 is for example configured to transmit control signalling for initial access via beams 10A-E. The control signalling can be seen as comprising one or more control signals, e.g., indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signals transmitted via beams 10A-E comprise a first control signal (e.g. SSB4) via beam 10A, a second control signal (e.g. SSB5) via beam 10B, a third control signal (e.g. SSB3) over beam 10C, a fourth control signal (e.g. SSB2) via beam 10D, and a fifth control signal (e.g. SSB1 ) via beam 10E. Each of the control signals is for example associated with an allocated random access occasion, e.g., RACH resource, as shown in Fig. 1 B. Each of the control signals provided in 10A-E are for example transmitted by the first network node 400 in different directions as shown by the beams 10A-E illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1A, the first control signal via beam 10A is transmitted by the network node 400, 400A in a direction that is towards the wireless device 300, 300A. The first control signal via beam 10A can be seen as indicative of the first random access occasion to be allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access. The wireless device 300, 300A receives, from the first network node 400, 400A, the first control signal via beam 10A indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access.

[0057] Fig. 1 B shows example random access occasions 11A-E according to this disclosure. Each of the control signals of Fig. 1A is for example associated with an allocated random access occasion, e.g., RACH resource of Fig. 1B. For example, the first control signal (e.g. SSB4) sent via beam 10A of Fig. 1 A indicates random access occasion 11 A (e.g. RACH 4) allocated to the wireless device for initial access response. For example, the second control signal (e.g. SSB5) sent via beam 10B of Fig. 1A indicates random access occasion 11B (e.g. RACH 5) allocated to the wireless device for initial access response. For example, the third control signal (e.g. SSB3) sent via beam 10C of Fig. 1A indicates random access occasion 11C (e.g. RACH 3) allocated to the wireless device for initial access response. For example, the fourth control signal (e.g. SSB2) sent via beam 10D of Fig. 1A indicates random access occasion 11 D (e.g. RACH 2) allocated to the wireless device for initial access response. For example, the fifth control signal (e.g. SSB1) sent via beam 10E of Fig. 1A indicates random access occasion 11 E (e.g. RACH 1 ) allocated to the wireless device for initial access response. In the example illustrated in Figs. 1A-B, the wireless device 300, 300A receives the control signal (e.g. SSB4) via beam 10A but does not receive the second, third, fourth, and fifth control signals via respective beams 10B-E which radiate in respective directions away from the wireless device 300. Stated differently, the random access occasions 11B-E are not used by legacy initial access operations, hence these resources are empty and therefore available for receiving random access signals via the second network node, e.g., with minimal interference towards the first network node. The present disclosure provides techniques for making use of one or more of the available resources for initial access via the second network under a constraint disclosed herein. In some examples, based on a power threshold (such as threshold disclosed herein) with which the wireless device receives the control signalling (e.g. synchronization signal, SSBs) associated with different directions, the wireless device can determine e.g., the constraint to be applied, or use random access resources where the control signalling (e.g. synchronization signal, SSBs) are below the power threshold.

[0058] The random access occasions 11A-E are for example resources in which the second network node may receive random access signals from the wireless device. Fig. 1B shows x-axis 21 indicating time, and the y-axis 22 indicating frequency, thereby illustrating frequency and time resources which are used for the random access occasions allocated to the random access.

[0059] When the wireless device 300, 300A receives the first control signal via beam 10A indicating that the first random access occasion 11 A is allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access, the wireless device 300, 300A may be unaware of the location of the second network node 500, and thereby unaware of the direction towards the second network node 500, such as the uplink only TRP. One or more (such as all except 11A) random access occasions 11 B-E (e.g., RACH resources) are unutilized or void of signals at the second network node 500, as shown in Fig. 1 B. In some examples, the control signalling transmitted via beam 10A by the first network node 400, 400A indicates the first random access occasion 11 A allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access. In some examples, the control signalling, such as the first control signal via beam 10A, may be embedded with information indicating to the wireless device 300, 300A that the wireless device 300, 300A may respond in one or more random access occasions 11 A-11 E (e.g., RACH resources, such as a plurality of RACH resources) as long as it directs its transmission of the random access signal in directions other than the direction it is expected to use in the first random access occasion 11A. In other words, first control signal via beam 10A may be embedded with information (such as a constraint, e.g. based on a direction criterion) indicating to the wireless device 300, 300A that the wireless device 300, 300A can respond (e.g., with a random access signal) in one or more random access occasions 11B-E (e.g., RACH resources, such as a plurality of RACH resources) other than or in addition to the first random access occasion 11 A as long as the wireless device 300, 300A directs its transmission away from the direction in which the wireless device 300 responds directly to the first network node 400, 400A (in response to the first control signal). This leads to a reduced signal interference of the transmissions intended for the second network node 500, such as random access signals transmitted via wireless link 12, on the first network node 400, 400A.

[0060] Stated differently, the first random access occasion being allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A may for example be indicated in the first control signal transmitted via beam 10A from the first network node 400, 400A. In examples of this disclosure, the first control signal transmitted via beam 10A (such as SSB4) is also used to include information that indicates to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions 11 B-E other than the first random access occasion.

[0061] In some examples, the information indicates to the wireless device that the wireless device 300, 300A may transmit (such as is enabled, permitted, requested, activated to transmit) a random access signal, e.g., using wireless link 12, over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions, such as random access occasions 11 B-E shown in Fig. 1 B, other than or in addition to the first random access occasion 11 A as shown in Fig. 1 B. For example, the first control signal via beam 10A comprises information indicating to the wireless device 300, 300A a permission for the wireless device 300, 300A to transmit a random access signal, e.g., using wireless link 12, over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions, such as random access occasions 11 B-E shown in Fig. 1 B, other than or in addition to the first random access occasion 11A as shown in Fig. 1B. In other words, one or more, such as any, control signals of the control signals sent via beams 10A-E may comprise information indicating to the wireless device 300, 300A a constraint to be applied on the transmissions via the second network node in random access occasions 11B-E. In some examples, the information can be seen as an indication to the wireless device the random access occasions 11 B-E where transmissions via the second network node can be performed (such as via a permission, e.g., which may allow and / or enable, for the wireless device 300, 300A to transmit). For example, the information in the control signalling can provide a constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal by the wireless device 300, e.g., using wireless link 12, over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions 11 B-E other than, such as different from or in addition to the first random access occasion 11 A designated in the control signal transmitted by the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access. For example, the information can indicate to the wireless device 300, 300A where the random access occasion associated with a given control signal (such as SSB1-5) are located, such as where in the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0062] The information comprised in the control signalling, such as comprised in a system information block, SIB, is for example provided in a given control signal (e.g., first control signal via beam 10A) such that the wireless device 300, 300A may respond in one or more of the random access occasions 11A-E to the given control signal. In other words, the disclosed first control signal may comprise information indicating to the wireless device 300, 300A that one or more random access occasions 11 A-E are allocated to the wireless device 300, 300A for initial access.

[0063] The information of the control signalling transmitted by the first network node 400, 400A, such as control signal via 10A, for example can be part of scheduling information and / or one or more RACH configurations. The one or more RACH configurations for example comprise a common RACH configuration (e.g., RACH-Config Common) and / or a general RACH configuration (e.g., RACH Config Generic).

[0064] The control signalling for example comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device. The constraint may for example constrain, such as limit, a power and / or direction of a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. In other words, the wireless device may for example refrain from, based on this constraint, directing its transmission for occasions 11B-E towards the first network node, thereby minimizing received signal interference at the first network node. The constraint is for example indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal, e.g., transmitted via wireless link 14, from the wireless device 300, 300A in the one or more random access occasions 11B-11 E (such as the second to the fifth random access occasions) other than the first random access occasion 11 A.

[0065] In some examples, the constraint may be applied to the probability to transmit (e.g. leading to the contention to transmit) for the wireless device. For example, in case there is a collision (e.g. due to two or more wireless devices trying to initiate connection at the same time), the constraint may indicate that the wireless devices may not just use the next random access occasion but wait a random time period (such as a random number of occasions) before transmitting.

[0066] The random access signals transmitted by the wireless device via the wireless link 12 may for example be transmitted by beams, e.g., using one or more beamforming techniques, (not shown in Figs. 1A-B). The radiation pattern constraint for example provides a constraint to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device 300, 300A in the transmission of the random access signal (e.g., transmitted via wireless link 12, in the one or more random access occasions 11 B-E other than the first random access occasion 11 A).

[0067] In some examples, the first control signal via beam 10A may for example provide information indicating a constraint for the random access signal or uplink data, thereby enabling the wireless device 300, 300A to transmit a random access signal or uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions 11 B-11 E other than the first random access occasion 11A, such as in the empty random access occasions 11B-E. The second network node 500 may then forward to the first network node via the wireless link 14 the random access signal received the wireless device 300 in at least one random access occasion 11 B-E other than the first random access occasion 11 A.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 1 B, since most of the random access occasions 11 A-E are empty, such as unutilized (e.g., in a spatial area of interest), at the second network node 500, there is therefore low risk of contention between the random access signals transmitted via wireless link 12 in one or more random access occasions 11 A-11 E, such as RACH resources, from the wireless device 300, 300A.

[0069] For example, when the wireless device 300, 300A receives the control signal 10A indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access, the wireless device may be unaware of the direction towards the second network node, such as the uplink only TRP, and therefore may transmit a random access signal in one or more of random access occasions 11 B-E via transmit beams (having a given direction and power) so as to increase the likelihood that the second network node receives the random access signal while minimizing interference to the first network node.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an example method 100, performed by a first network node according to the disclosure, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel (such as a random access channel, RACH, or other channels), e.g., based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion. The method 100 is performed by the first network node disclosed herein, such as first network node 400 of Fig. 1 A, Fig. 6, and Fig. 10. In one or more example methods, the first network node is an anchor Transmission Reception Point. An anchor transmission reception point, TRP, can for example be seen as a node of a wireless communication system configured for uplink and downlink communications, such as a radio access network node. The anchor TRP may for example be a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, a next generation Node B, a gNB, and / or an access point, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0071] In one or more example methods, each of the random access occasions comprise frequency resources and time resources allocated to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device. In other words, one of the plurality of random access occasions comprise frequency resources and time resources allocated to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device. The frequency resources can for example be seen as indicative of one or more frequencies, such as frequency slots, allocated to the wireless device for transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device. The time resources can for example be seen as indicative of one or more times, such as time slots, allocated to the wireless device for transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device. In some examples, the random access occasions can be seen as RACH occasions, such as RACH resources, such as one or more frequency resources, e.g., allocations, and / or one or more time resources, e.g., allocations, of a RACH resource.

[0072] The method 100 comprises transmitting S102, to the wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. First random access occasion can be seen as the random access occasion, such as the RACH resources, associated with a first control signal transmitted from the first network node in the direction of the wireless device to initiate initial access. In other words, for example, the first random access occasion provides frequency resources and time resources allocated to the direct transmission of a random access signal to the first network node from the wireless device in response to the first control signal, such as a synchronization signal, to perform initial access. Examples of such first random access occasion are illustrated by random access occasion 11 A of Fig. 1 B.

[0073] The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The constraint may for example constrain, such as limit, a power and / or direction of a transmission of the random access signal over the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. In some examples, the information can indicate to the wireless device that the wireless device is enabled (such as permitted, requested, expected) to transmit (possibly via a second network node) one or more random access signals, e.g., RACH responses, associated with a random access occasion, e.g., RACH resources, of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0074] The method 100 comprises receiving S104, from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions. In one or more example methods, the second network node is an uplink-only Transmission Reception Point configured to receive uplink communication (such as random access signals and / or data) from the wireless device and transmit the uplink communication received to the first network node. In some examples, the second network node may be seen as a TRP in an asymmetric cell, such as an asymmetric TRP, e.g., configured for asymmetric UL / DL communications in a wireless communication network. The second network node is for example associated with the first network node. For example, the second network node may be communicatively coupled with the first network node. In other words, the second network node may be configured for communication (such as control signalling and / or data) with the first network node, and / or configured to receive one or more random access signals, e.g., from a wireless device such as the wireless device disclosed herein and to forward the one or more random access signals to the first network node.

[0075] In one or more example methods, receiving S104, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal comprises associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions receiving S104A, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal associated with the at least one random access occasion of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. For example, at S104, the first network node receives from the wireless device via the second network node, a random access signal received by the second network node at the second random access occasion, and / or optionally the third random access occasion, and / or optionally the fourth random access occasion, and / or optionally the fifth random access occasion, etc. As shown in Figs 1A-B, the first network node 400 receives from the wireless device 300 via the second network node 500, a random access signal received by the second network node at the second random access occasion 11B, and / or optionally the third random access occasion 11C, and / or optionally the fourth random access occasion 11 D, and / or optionally the fifth random access occasion 11 E, etc.

[0076] In one or more example methods, the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in (each of) the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The radiation pattern constraint may for example be seen as one or more constraints applied to the radiation pattern transmission of the random access signal by the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The radiation pattern constraint may for example configure the wireless device to use a radiation pattern that minimises the interference that the random access signal may have on other signals in direct communication between the wireless device and the first network node. For example, the radiation pattern constraint (e.g. statically written in specification of a release, and / or configured from the first network node to wireless device) can indicate a threshold of the radiation pattern(s) that can be used for transmission RACH signals in random access occasion(s) other than the first random access occasion (e.g., any or all the random access occasions other than random access occasion 11 A of Fig. 1 B).

[0077] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in (each of) the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. In some examples, the wireless device may adjust the direction of the beam, and / or the transmit power to comply with the radiation pattern constraint. In other words, the radiation pattern constraint indicates to the wireless device to adjust the beam pattern to comply. For example, the configuration of the beam former of the wireless device may be adjusted and / or updated based on the radiation pattern constraint, which results in an adjustment of the direction used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal. In other words, applying the radiation pattern constraint comprises adjusting and / or updating the beam pattern of the beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in each of the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0078] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in (each of) one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. In some examples, the power criterion may be based on the power with which the random access signal is sent by the wireless device. The power constraint may for example be seen as a limit, such as a restriction, to the power transmitted in the transmission of the random access signal by the wireless device. For example, when a part of the random access signal is transmitted in the direction of the first network node, the power criterion may constrain, such as limit and / or restrict, the power transmitted by the wireless device in this direction.

[0079] For example, to illustrate with Figs 1A-B, the power criterion (e.g., based on a first threshold) is indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device 300, 300A to the transmission (e.g., via wireless link 12) of the random access signal in one or more random access occasions 11B-E other than the first random access occasion 11A.

[0080] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint comprises a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in (each of) the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion. The wireless device may be configured to determine and control the direction, such as the angle, at which the first control signal is transmitted to comply with the direction criterion, such as an angular threshold. Based on the direction from which the first control signal is received, the wireless device may determine the direction of the first network node and select a direction away from the direction of reception from the first network node. The direction criterion may for example be based on the direction from which the control signalling (such as the first control signal) is received by the wireless device from the first network node. The directional constraint may for example be seen as a limit, such as a restriction, to the directions which the random access signal may be transmitted by the wireless device. For example, the direction criterion may be configured such that there is a directional constraint applied to random access signals transmitted by the wireless device in each of the one or more occasions other than the first occasion. This may lead to reduced interference in the direction of the first network node so as to reduce interference with the communications between other wireless devices and the first network node. For example, the radiation pattern constraint may comprise a direction criterion (e.g., based on a second threshold) indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device 300, 300A to the transmission, e.g., via wireless link 12, of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions 11B-E other than the first random occasion 11 A. The power constraint and / or directional constraint may be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the second random access occasion, third random access occasion, fourth random access occasion, and / or fifth random access occasion. In some examples, the power constraint and / or directional constraint may be applied to the first random access occasion, e.g., in addition to one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0081] In one or more example methods, the power criterion is based on a first threshold and / or the direction criterion is based on a second threshold. In some examples, the first threshold may for example be based on the direction from which the first control signal was received. The second threshold may for example be based on the direction from which the first control signal was received. For example, the first threshold and / or the second threshold may for example be determined based on the direction which the first control signal was received from. The wireless device may for example be configured to determine the first threshold and / or the second threshold based on the direction which the first control signal was received from. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 1A-B, the one or more thresholds (e.g., the first threshold upon which the power criterion may be based and / or the second threshold upon which the directional criterion may be based) for the radiation pattern may be applied in the transmission(s) of one or more random access signals by the wireless device 300, 300A in random access occasions 11B-E other than the first random access occasion 11 A (e.g., all random access occasions other than the first random access occasion 11 A). In some examples, whether the configured power for transmission of a random access signal satisfies the power criterion depends on whether the configured power for transmission of a random access signal is greater than, equal or less than the first threshold. For example, when the configured power for transmission of a random access signal is equal or greater than the first threshold, the power criterion can be seen as not being satisfied by the configured power for transmission of the random access signal. For example, when the configured power for transmission of a random access signal less than the first threshold, the power criterion can be seen as being satisfied by the configured power for transmission of the random access signal. In some examples, the wireless device is configured not to transmit a random access signal when the power criterion is not satisfied, e.g., when the configured power for transmission of a random access signal is greater than the first threshold. In other words, the power for transmission of a random access signal by the wireless device can be seen as being constrained such that the wireless device only transmits random access signals having a transmission power lower than the first threshold. For example, the first threshold may comprise a value. The first threshold may for example be indicative of the maximum transmit power with which the wireless device is allowed to transmit one or more of the random access signals in one or more random access occasions of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0082] In some examples, the first threshold can be indicative of an output power reduction- For example, the first threshold can be determined based on the equations of PPRACH in TS 38.213 7.4.

[0083] The configured direction of transmission of a random access signal may for example be indicated by a direction parameter, such as a beam angle for direction of transmission, a beam width, or beam pattern of the transmit beam of the wireless device. In other words, the direction parameter may be indicative of the direction in which a random access signal is configured to be transmitted by the wireless device. In some examples, whether the direction parameter of a random access signal satisfies the direction criterion depends on a comparison of the direction parameter with the second threshold. For example, when the direction parameter of a random access signal is equal or greater than the second threshold, the direction criterion can be seen as not being satisfied by the direction parameter of a random access signal. For example, when the direction parameter of a random access signal is less than the second threshold, the direction criterion can be seen as being satisfied by the direction parameter of the random access signal. In some examples, the wireless device is configured not to transmit a random access signal when the direction criterion is not satisfied, e.g., when the direction parameter of a random access signal is greater than what is allowed by the second threshold. In other words, the direction of transmission of a random access signal by the wireless device can be seen as being constrained such that the wireless device will only transmit random access signals having a direction parameter lower than the second threshold. In some examples, the second threshold comprises a value. The second threshold may for example be indicative of the maximum transmit power in a given direction, such as towards the first network node, of one or more of the random access signals in one or more random access occasions of the plurality of random access occasions. In other words, the second threshold may for example be indicative of one or more directions in which the wireless device is not permitted to transmit one or more random access signals. In other words, the second threshold associated with the direction parameter may for example indicate a maximum power for a random access signal transmitted in the direction of the beam pattern of the received first control signal via beam 10A and in the random access occasion associated with the first random access occasion 11A.

[0084] In one or more example methods, the control signalling is a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal may for example be seen as a signal configured to facilitate synchronization of communications between the first network node and the wireless device, e.g., to enable communication to complementary time slots and / or frequency slots such as to enable reduced noise. In some examples, the synchronization signal may be a synchronisation signal block, SSB. The synchronization signal may for example comprises a primary synchronization signal and / or a secondary synchronization signal. In one or more example methods, the information is provided as part of a master information block of an SSB (such as carried by a Physical Broadcast channel, PBCH).

[0085] In one or more example methods, the information is provided as part of a system information block. The system information block, SIB, can for example be seen as an information block comprising information according to which the wireless device may be configured for initial synchronisation, cell selection and registration. For example, the SIB comprises the information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. For example, the SIB comprising the disclosed information can be one or more of: SIB1 , SIB2, SIB3, SIB4; and any other SIB.

[0086] In one or more example methods, the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters. The scheduling information can for example be seen as scheduling parameters, including SSB periodicity, SSB transmission timing, and the number of SSBs. In other words, the disclosed information may be part of the scheduling parameters of the SSB.

[0087] The RACH configuration parameters for example comprise a common RACH configuration parameter (such as RACH-Config Common) and / or generic RACH configuration parameter (such as RACH Config Generic).

[0088] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method 150, performed by a wireless device according to the disclosure, for enabling the wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, e.g., based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion. The wireless device is the wireless device disclosed herein, such as wireless device 300 of Figs. 1A, 7 and Fig. 10.

[0089] The method 150 comprises receiving S152, from a first network node, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. For example, the wireless device receives in S152 control signalling transmitted by the first network node, in S102 of Fig. 2. The control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0090] In one or more example methods, the control signalling is a synchronization signal. In other words, for example, the information disclosed herein is part of a synchronization signal. In one or more example methods, the information is provided as part of a system information block, master information block, and / or any other part of the synchronization signal. In one or more example methods, the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters.

[0091] In one or more example methods, the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0092] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0093] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion.

[0094] The method 150 comprises transmitting S154, to a first network node via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions. For example, the wireless device transmits in S154 the random access signal in at least one of the plurality of random access occasions which is then received in S104 of Fig. 2 by the first network node.

[0095] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of an example method 200, performed by a wireless device according to the disclosure, for enabling the wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion. The method 200 is performed for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions. The wireless device is the wireless device disclosed herein, such as wireless device 300A of Fig. 1 A, Fig. 8, and Fig. 11.

[0096] In some examples, the method 200 may be seen as a method, performed by the wireless device when the wireless device is in connected mode (such as RRC connected mode), for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions. The connected mode may for example be seen as an operation mode wherein a data transmission can be communicated e.g. between the wireless device and the first network node. The connected mode may for example refer to an operation state wherein a radio transmitter and / or a radio receiver is activated for such communication. A connected mode may for example refer to an operation state wherein the wireless device is synchronized timewise and / or frequency-wise e.g., by a determined timing advance parameter for the communication, e.g. having an access stratum context.

[0097] In some wireless communication systems, a connected mode may be referred to a radio resource control (RRC) state. In various examples, an active state may be a RRC connected state and / or an RRC active state. However, a connected mode may be an active period within another RRC state.

[0098] The method 200 comprises obtaining S202 information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. For example, the information may be obtained in S202 by reading a release number, and / or a flag in stored configuration for access to the first network node, which indicates the constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. The wireless device may have received communication from the first network in the given direction, such as a first direction, such as via a first receive beam, and thereby can determine a direction other than the first direction for transmitting uplink data via a second network node to the first network node. Obtaining S202 the information for example comprises receiving (as part of control signalling at some point before and / or during connected mode) the information indicating to the wireless device the constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. In one or more example methods, the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the uplink data by the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0099] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of uplink data in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0100] In one or more example methods, the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the uplink data in one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint (e.g., where one or more beams or panel(s) facing a certain direction are activated for use)to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the uplink data in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion.

[0101] In one or more example methods, obtaining S202 the information takes place over RRC signalling. In some examples, the wireless device may receive RRC signalling associated with a change of specification, such as a change in 3GPP specification, which may for example allow for uplink allocation (e.g. Physical Uplink Shared Channel, PUSCH, allocation list) in PRACH occasion slots for the particular configured uplink bandwidth part, BWP, under constraints indicated by the information.

[0102] The method 200 comprises transmitting S204, to the first network node via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0103] In one or more example methods, the method comprises configuring, based on the information, the wireless device for connected mode operations.

[0104] In some examples, one or more of the plurality of random access occasions may for example be used for uplink data traffic for wireless device(s) in connected mode, such as already connected with the first network node. For example, the present disclosure allows to exploit random access occasion structure which is not homogenous across the cell. Stated differently, for example, time slots reserved for random access occasions in legacy methods in the cell may be used for uplink traffic for wireless device(s) connected to a second network node, as long as the disclosed constraint is respected. For example, the time slots for random access occasion can be used by wireless device(s) for uplink data as long as their radiation pattern is below one or more thresholds, such as the first threshold and / or second threshold disclosed herein, in the direction that the wireless device receives downlink data from (e.g., to reduce interference with direct transmissions between the wireless device and the first network node). In some examples, a Transmit Power Control, TRC, which commands for output power control may be adopted to restrict the PPUSCH, SRS and Ppuccnto comply with the disclosed constraint, such as with the one or more thresholds, such as the first threshold and / or the second threshold where PUSCH denotes power of transmission in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel, PSRS denotes power of Sounding Resource Signal, SRS, transmission, and PPUCC denotes power of transmission in the Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUCCH

[0105] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of an example method 250, performed by a first network node according to the disclosure, for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using (e.g. during) a random access occasion. The first network node is the first network node disclosed herein, such as first network node 400A of Fig. 1A, Fig. 9, and Fig. 11.

[0106] The method 250, performed by a first network node, is for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion. The term random access occasion is illustrated across Fig.1 A-B, and Fig. 2. The wireless device may be in connected mode, such as RRC connected mode.

[0107] The method 250 comprising transmitting S252, to the wireless device, control signalling comprising information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. For example, the network node transmits in S252 control signalling comprising the information indicating the constraint to the wireless device, which is stores it and can in S202 of Fig. 4. For example, the control signalling can be implicit signalling, such as a flag or a release number. For example, the control signalling can include initial access signalling, such as synchronization signals.

[0108] In one or more example methods, receiving S254, from the wireless device via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions. For example, the network node receives in S254 the uplink data transmitted by the wireless device in S204 of Fig. 4.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example first network node 400 according to the disclosure. The first network node 400 comprises memory circuitry 401 , processor circuitry 402, and a wireless interface 403. The first network node 400 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 2. In other words, the first network node 400 may be configured for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion.

[0110] In one or more example first network nodes, the first network node 400 is an anchor Transmission Reception Point. The anchor transmission reception point, TRP, can for example be seen as a node of a wireless communication system configured for uplink and downlink communications, such as a radio access network node. The anchor TRP may for example be a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, a next generation Node B, a gNB, and / or an access point, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0111] The first network node 400 is configured to communicate with a wireless device, such as the wireless device 300 of Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, and Fig. 7, or as elsewhere disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system. The first network node 400 may also communicate with another network node, such as second network node 500 of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, or as elsewhere disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system (e.g., using wired or wireless communication links or other interfaces).

[0112] The wireless interface 403 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system.

[0113] The first network node 400 is configured to transmit (e.g., via the wireless interface 403) to a wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. Random access occasion may include frequency resources and time resources allocated to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device. The control signalling may include information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0114] The first network node 400 is configured to receive (e.g., via the processor circuitry 402 and / or the wireless interface 403) from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions. In some examples, the first network node 400 receives the random access signal via a wired communication link with the second network node.

[0115] In some examples, the first network node 400 receives a random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions from a wireless device via a second network node, which may be an uplink-only TRP configured to receive uplink communication from the wireless device and transmit the uplink communication received to the first network node 400.

[0116] Processor circuitry 402 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 2 (such as any one or more of S102, S104, S104A). The operations of the first network node 400 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 401) and are executed by processor circuitry 402. Processor circuitry 402 may be or may include an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other special purpose device configured to perform operations disclosed herein.

[0117] Furthermore, the operations of the first network node 400 may be considered a method that the first network node 400 is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software. Memory circuitry 401 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 401 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 402. Memory circuitry 401 may exchange data with processor circuitry 402 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 401 and processor circuitry 402 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 6). Memory circuitry 401 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium. In some examples, memory circuitry 401 and processor circuitry 402 are elements of a common semiconductor device, such as a device configured for processing in memory or a chipset that includes jointly packaged memory and processing layers.

[0118] The first network node 400 may store the information in, read from, and / or write to the memory circuitry 401 (e.g., using processor circuitry 402). The information may be read from the memory circuitry 401 using processing circuitry 402 and included in control signalling (such as synchronization signal). In some examples, the information is provided as part of a system information block, scheduling information, and / or RACH configuration parameter(s).

[0119] Memory circuitry 401 may be configured to store the information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device, the constraint (such as data representative of the constraint), a power criterion, a direction criterion, a first threshold, a second threshold, scheduling information, and / or random access channel configuration parameters as disclosed herein in a part of the memory.

[0120] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example wireless device 300 according to the disclosure. The wireless device 300 comprises memory circuitry 301 , processor circuitry 302, and a wireless interface 303. The wireless device 300 may be an example of the wireless device 300 of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 B. The wireless device 300 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 3. In other words, the wireless device 300 may be configured for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion. The wireless device 300 may be user equipment.

[0121] The wireless device 300 is configured to communicate with a network node, such as the first network node disclosed herein and / or the second network node disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0122] The wireless device 300 is configured to receive (such as via the wireless interface 303) from a first network node, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access. The control signalling may include information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0123] The wireless device 300 is configured to transmit (such as via the processor circuitry 302 and / or the wireless interface 303), to a first network node via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0124] The wireless interface 303 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system. For example, the processor circuitry 302 may process information received to determine that the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0125] The wireless device 300 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 3 (such as any one or more of S152, S154). The operations of the wireless device 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 301) and are executed by processor circuitry 302). Processor circuitry 302 carrying out such operations may be or may include an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other special purpose device configured to perform operations disclosed herein.

[0126] Furthermore, the operations of the wireless device 300 may be considered a method that the wireless device 300is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0127] Memory circuitry 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 301 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 302. Memory circuitry 301 may exchange data with processor circuitry 302 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 301 and processor circuitry 302 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 7). Memory circuitry 301 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium. In some examples, memory circuitry 301 and processor circuitry 302 are elements of a common semiconductor device, such as a device configured for processing in memory or a chipset that includes jointly packaged memory and processing layers.

[0128] Memory circuitry 301 may be configured to store the information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device, the constraint (such as data representative of the constraint), a power criterion, a direction criterion, a first threshold, a second threshold, scheduling information, and / or random access channel configuration parameters as disclosed herein in a part of the memory circuitry 301.

[0129] Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of an example wireless device 300A according to the disclosure. The wireless device 300A comprises memory circuitry 301 A, processor circuitry 302A, and a wireless interface 303A. The wireless device 300A may be an example of the wireless device 300, 300A of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 B. The wireless device 300A may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 4. In other words, the wireless device 300A may be configured for enabling a wireless device to transmit to a network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions. The wireless device 300A is configured to communicate with a network node, such as the first network node disclosed herein and / or the second network node disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0130] The wireless device 300A is configured to obtain (such as via the wireless interface 303A and / to the memory circuitry 301 A) information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node.

[0131] The wireless device 300A is configured to transmit (such as via the processor circuitry 302A and / or the wireless interface 303A) to the first network node via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0132] The wireless interface 303A is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Long Term Evolution, LTE, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, and 3GPP system operated in licensed frequency bands and / or unlicensed frequency bands. For example, the processor circuitry 302A may process information received from a network node to obtain information of a constraint(s) to be applied. In some examples, obtaining the information takes place over RRC signalling, which may be received via wireless interface 303A and processed via processor circuitry 302A. The processor circuitry 302A may configure wireless device 300A based on the information. The wireless device configuration may be for connected mode operations.

[0133] The wireless device 300A is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 4 (such as any one or more of S202, S204). The operations of the wireless device 300A may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 301A) and are executed by processor circuitry 302A). Processor circuitry 302A carrying out such operations may be or may include an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other special purpose device configured to perform operations disclosed herein.

[0134] Furthermore, the operations of the wireless device 300A may be considered a method that the wireless device 300A is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software. The memory circuitry 301 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 301 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 302A. Memory circuitry 301 A may exchange data with processor circuitry 302A over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 301 A and processor circuitry 302A also may be present (not shown in Fig. 8). Memory circuitry 301A is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium. In some examples, memory circuitry 301 A and processor circuitry 302A are elements of a common semiconductor device, such as a device configured for processing in memory or a chipset that includes jointly packaged memory and processing layers.

[0135] The memory circuitry 301A may be configured to store the information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device, (such as information indicative of the constraint). The wireless device 300A may thus cause the processor circuitry 302A to access such stored data from the memory circuitry 301 A and may transmit via wireless interface 303A according to the constraint(s).

[0136] Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of an example first network node 400A according to the disclosure. The first network node 400A comprises memory circuitry 401 A, processor circuitry 402, and a wireless interface 403A. The first network node 400A may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 5. In other words, the first network node 400A may be configured for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion. In one or more example first network nodes, the first network node 400A is an anchor Transmission Reception Point. The anchor transmission reception point, TRP, can for example be seen as a node of a wireless communication system configured for uplink and downlink communications, such as a radio access network node. The anchor TRP may for example be a base station, an evolved Node B, eNB, a next generation Node B, a gNB, and / or an access point, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0137] The first network node 400A is configured to communicate with a wireless device, such as the wireless device disclosed herein and / or a second network node, such as the second network node disclosed herein using a wireless communication system.

[0138] The first network node 400A may transmit (e.g., via the wireless interface 403A) to the wireless device, control signalling that information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards another network node.

[0139] The first network node 400A is configured to receive (e.g., via processor circuitry 402A and / or the wireless interface 403A) from the wireless device via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0140] The wireless interface 403A is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system.

[0141] Processor circuitry 402A is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 5 (such as any one or more of S252, S254). The operations of the first network node 400A may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 401A) and are executed by processor circuitry 402A). Processor circuitry 402A may be or may include an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other special purpose device configured to perform operations disclosed herein.

[0142] Furthermore, the operations of the first network node 400A may be considered a method that the first network node 400A is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software. Memory circuitry 401A may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 401A may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 402A. Memory circuitry 401 A may exchange data with processor circuitry 402A over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 401 A and processor circuitry 402A also may be present (not shown in Fig. 9). Memory circuitry 401A is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium. In some examples, memory circuitry 401 A and processor circuitry 402A are elements of a common semiconductor device, such as a device configured for processing in memory or a chipset that includes jointly packaged memory and processing layers.

[0143] Memory circuitry 401A may be configured to store the information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device, (such as information indicative of the constraint). Such stored information may represent or be interpreted as a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in a direction other than towards another network node. The first network node 400A may store information in, read from, and / or write to memory circuitry 401 A (e.g., using processor circuitry 402A). The information may be read from memory circuitry 401 A using processing circuitry 402A and included in control signalling.

[0144] Fig. 10 shows a signalling diagram of example communications between the first network node 400, the second network node 500, and the wireless device 300 as disclosed herein.

[0145] The first network node 400 shown in Fig. 10 is, for example, the first network node disclosed herein, such as the first network node 400 of Fig. 1 A and Fig. 6, such as an anchor TRP in some examples.

[0146] The wireless device 300 shown in Fig. 10 is for example the wireless device disclosed herein, such as the wireless device 300 of Fig. 1A-1B, and Fig. 7.

[0147] The second network node 500 shown in Fig. 10 is, for example, the second network node disclosed herein, such as second network node 500 shown in Fig. 1A. In some examples, second network node 500 is an UL-only TRP configured to receive uplink communications from wireless device 300, among other devices, and to transmit such uplink communication to first network node 400.

[0148] As disclosed herein, first network node 400 may transmit (and wireless device 300 may receive) control signalling 601 indicating that a first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device 300 for initial access. Control signalling 601 may include information indicating to the wireless device 300 a constraint to be applied by the wireless device 300 to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The random access occasions may be or may include frequency and time resources available to wireless device 300. In some examples, the frequency and time resources for initial access may be contentious in that other devices may, for example, contend for access during random access occasions.

[0149] In some examples, the constraint indicated to wireless device 300 by control information 601 is a constraint indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal, such as random access signal 602 from wireless device 300, in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. The radiation pattern constraint may provide a constraint to be applied to a beam used by wireless device 300 in the transmission of random access signal 602 in the one or more random access occasions, which may be other than the first random access occasion. Additionally, or alternatively, the constraint may be or include a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by wireless device 300 to the transmission of random access signal 602, which may be random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. In some examples, the constraint(s) disclosed herein may apply to some or all random access occasions indicated by control signalling 601.

[0150] Wireless device 300 may transmit to first network node 400 (e.g., an anchor TRP) via second network node 500 (e.g., an UL-only TRP or another TRP), a random access signal 602, which may be associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions. The first network node 400 may receive the random access signal 603 from wireless device 300 via second network node 500. In other words, the second network node 500 receives random access signal 602 and indicates to the first network node 400 its reception of the random access signal 603(e.g. via a wireless link or a backhaul link to the first network node 400), to perform initial access for the wireless device 300.

[0151] Random access signal 602 and random access signal 603 are, for example, associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions. Random access signal 602 and random access signal 603 may be in form of a RACH response, which may be wirelessly transmitted from wireless device 300 to second network node 500 and transmitted from the second network node 500 to first network node 400 via a wired or wireless communication links, as disclosed herein with reference to Fig. 1A. In other words, the second network node 500 may forward the random access signal 602 received from the wireless device 300 to the first network node 400 by transmitting random access signal 603 to the first network node 400.

[0152] In some examples, wireless device 300 transmits random access signal 602 to second network node 500, which is then received via the network (e.g., via one or more backhaul links) by first network node 400.

[0153] Fig. 11 shows a signalling diagram of example communications between the first network node 400A, the second network node 500, and the wireless device 300A as disclosed herein.

[0154] The first network node 400A shown in Fig. 11 is, for example, the first network node disclosed herein, such as the first network node 400 of Fig. 1 A and Fig. 9.

[0155] The wireless device 300A shown in Fig. 11 is for example the wireless device disclosed herein, such as the wireless device 300A of Fig. 1A-B, and wireless device 300A of Fig. 8. In some examples, wireless device 300A is configured, based on the information, for connected mode operations.

[0156] The second network node 500 shown in Fig. 11 is, for example, the second network node disclosed herein, such as the second network node 500 shown in Fig. 1A. In some examples, second network node 500 is an UL-only TRP configured to receive uplink communications from wireless device 300A, among other devices, and to transmit such uplink communication to first network node 400A.

[0157] In some examples, first network node 400A transmits control signalling 701 that includes the information indicating the constraint to wireless device 300A. For example, the control signalling can be implicit signalling, such as a flag or a release number. For example, the control signalling can include initial access signalling, such as synchronization signals.

[0158] As disclosed herein, the wireless device 300A may obtain (such as retrieve from memory circuitry and / or receive) information indicating to wireless device 300A a constraint to be applied by wireless device 300A to a transmission of uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards first network node 400A. For example, the information may be obtained by reading a release number, and / or a flag in stored configuration for access to the first network node, which indicates the constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node. Wireless device 300A may thus be configured with one or more constraints to be applied to a transmission of uplink data in one or more random access occasions.

[0159] Wireless device 300A may transmit uplink data 702, via second network node 500 to first network node 400A, in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions. First network node 400A may thus receive uplink data 703 in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions from wireless device 300A via second network node 500. Uplink data 702 and uplink data 703 may be or may include the same data or information from the wireless device 300A, which may be wirelessly transmitted to second network node 500 and transmitted from second network node 500 to first network node 400A via a wired or wireless communication link, as disclosed herein with reference to Fig. 1A. In other words, the second network node 500 may forward the uplink data 702 received from the wireless device 300A to the first network node 400A by transmitting uplink data 703 to the first network node 400A. The wireless device 300A for example transmits uplink data 702 to second network node 500, which is received as uplink data 703 via the network (e.g., via one or more backhaul links) by first network node 400A. In some examples, uplink data 703 may be transmitted by the second network node 500 to the first network node in accordance with a protocol different to the protocol used for transmission of control signalling 701 and / or uplink data 702.

[0160] Examples of methods and products (network node and wireless device) according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0161] Item 1. A method, performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, the method comprising:

[0162] Transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access, wherein the control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion; and

[0163] Receiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0164] Item 2. The method according to item 1 , wherein receiving, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal comprises receiving, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal associated with a random access occasion of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0165] Item 3. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0166] Item 4. The method according to item 3, wherein the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion. Item 5. The method according to any of items 3-4, wherein the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion.

[0167] Item 6. The method according to any of items 3-5, wherein the power criterion is based on a first threshold and / or the direction criterion is based on a second threshold.

[0168] Item 7. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the control signalling is a synchronization signal.

[0169] Item 8. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the information is provided as part of a system information block.

[0170] Item 9. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters.

[0171] Item 10. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein each of the random access occasions comprises frequency resources and time resources allocated to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device.

[0172] Item 11 . The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the first network node is an anchor Transmission Reception Point.

[0173] Item 12. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the second network node is an uplink-only Transmission Reception Point configured to receive uplink communication from the wireless device and transmit the uplink communication received to the first network node.

[0174] Item 13. A method, performed by a wireless device, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, the method comprising:

[0175] Receiving, from a first network node, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access, wherein the control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion; and

[0176] Transmitting, to a first network node via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0177] Item 14. The method according to item 13, wherein the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0178] Item 15. The method according to item 14, wherein the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

[0179] Item 16. The method according to any of items 14-15, wherein the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion. Item 17. The method according to any of items 13-16, wherein the control signalling is a synchronization signal.

[0180] Item 18. The method according to any of items 13-17, wherein the information is provided as part of a system information block.

[0181] Item 19. The method according to any of items 13-18, wherein the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters.

[0182] Item 20. A method, performed by a wireless device, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions, the method comprising:

[0183] Obtaining information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node; and

[0184] Transmitting, to the first network node via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0185] Item 21 . The method according to item 20, wherein obtaining the information takes place over RRC signalling.

[0186] Item 22. The method according to any of items 20-21 , wherein the method comprises configuring, based on the information, the wireless device for connected mode operations.

[0187] Item 23. A method, performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion, the method comprising:

[0188] Transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling comprising information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node; and Receiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

[0189] Item 24. The method according to item 23, wherein the control signalling comprises RRC signalling.

[0190] Item 25. A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 1-12 or 23-24.

[0191] Item 26. A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 13-19 or 20-22.

[0192] The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0193] It may be appreciated that the Figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries, components, features, or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a solid line are circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in the broadest example. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line are examples which may be comprised in, or a part of, or are further circuitries, components, features, or operations which may be taken in addition to circuitries, components, features, or operations of the solid line examples. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. The example operations may be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line may be considered optional.

[0194] Other operations that are not described herein can be incorporated in the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations.

[0195] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations can also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any sub-combination or variation of any sub-combination.

[0196] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0197] It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0198] It is to be noted that the term "indicative of may be seen as “associated with”, “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and / or “defining”. The terms “indicative of”, “associated with”, “related to”, “descriptive of’, “characterizing”, and “defining” can be used interchangeably. The term “indicative of” can be seen as indicating a relation. For example, weight data indicative of weight may comprise one or more weight parameters.

[0199] It is to be noted that the word "based on" may be seen as “as a function of” and / or “derived from”. The terms “based on” and “as a function of’ can be used interchangeably. For example, a parameter determined “based on” a data set can be seen as a parameter determined “as a function of” the data set. In other words, the parameter may be an output of one or more functions with the data set as an input.

[0200] A function may be characterizing a relation between an input and an output, such as mathematical relation, a database relation, a hardware relation, logical relation, and / or other suitable relations. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the examples may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware. Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1 % of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. If the stated amount is 0 (e.g., none, having no), the above recited ranges can be specific ranges, and not within a particular % of the value.

[0201] The various example methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computerexecutable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0202] Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

44CLAIMS1 . A method, performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, the method comprising:Transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access, wherein the control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion; andReceiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein receiving, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal comprises receiving, from the wireless device via the second network node, the random access signal associated with a random access occasion of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

3. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

5. The method according to any of claims 3-4, wherein the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in one or more random access45 occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion.

6. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein: the control signalling is a synchronization signal, and / or wherein the information is provided as part of a system information block, and / or wherein the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters.

7. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein each of the random access occasion comprises frequency resources and time resources allocated to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device.

8. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first network node is an anchor Transmission Reception Point, and / or wherein the second network node is an uplink-only Transmission Reception Point configured to receive uplink communication from the wireless device and transmit the uplink communication received to the first network node.

9. A method, performed by a wireless device, for enabling a wireless device to perform initial access to a channel, based on a plurality of random access occasions including a first random access occasion, the method comprising:Receiving, from a first network node, control signalling indicating that the first random access occasion is allocated to the wireless device for initial access, wherein the control signalling comprises information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of a random access signal over one or more of the plurality of random access occasions other than the first random access occasion; andTransmitting, to a first network node via a second network node, the random access signal associated with at least one of the plurality of random access occasions.4610. The method according to claim 9, wherein the constraint is indicative of a radiation pattern constraint to be applied to the transmission of the random access signal from the wireless device in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.11 . The method according to claim 10, wherein the radiation pattern constraint is to be applied to a beam used by the wireless device in the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion.

12. The method according to any of claims 10-11 , wherein the radiation pattern constraint comprises a power criterion indicative of a power constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in one or more random access occasions other than the first random access occasion and / or a direction criterion indicative of a directional constraint to be applied by the wireless device to the transmission of the random access signal in the one or more random access occasions other than the first random occasion.

13. The method according to any of claims 9-12, wherein: the control signalling is a synchronization signal, and / or wherein the information is provided as part of a system information block, and / or wherein the information is provided as part of scheduling information, and / or of random access channel, RACH, configuration parameters.

14. A method, performed by a wireless device, for transmitting to a first network node uplink data using at least one of a plurality of random access occasions, the method comprising:Obtaining information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node; andTransmitting, to the first network node via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein obtaining the information takes place over RRC signalling.

16. The method according to any of claims 14-15, wherein the method comprises configuring, based on the information, the wireless device for connected mode operations.

17. A method, performed by a first network node, for enabling a wireless device to transmit uplink data using a random access occasion, the method comprising:Transmitting, to the wireless device, control signalling comprising information indicating to the wireless device a constraint to be applied by the wireless device to a transmission of the uplink data in one or more of the plurality of random access occasions in direction other than towards the first network node; andReceiving, from the wireless device via a second network node, the uplink data in the one or more of the plurality of random access occasions.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the control signalling comprises RRC signalling.

19. A first network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the radio network node is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 1 -8 or 17-18.

20. A wireless device comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface, wherein the wireless device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 9-16 or 14-16.

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