Method and apparatus for determining and configuring random access resource

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a method and apparatus for determining and configuring a random access resource. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; and on the basis of the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration, the terminal device determining the validity of a random access resource (set) and / or selecting a random access resource (set) and / or initializing related random access parameters and / or terminating a random access process.

Description

Methods and apparatus for determining and configuring random access resources Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technology. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of global new infrastructure construction, 5G communication networks have experienced rapid development worldwide in recent years. With the increasing scale of these networks, operators' energy consumption continues to rise. For example, data released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that energy consumption in 2022 will increase by approximately 80% compared to 2015.

[0003] With the deployment of 5G networks and the large-scale commercialization of 5G Active Antenna Units (AAUs), the energy consumption of AAUs will increase exponentially compared to the Remote Radio Units (RRUs) primarily used in 3G and 4G, due to their higher power consumption. 5G defines three major service types: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC). This leads to a continuous increase in bursty small-packet traffic in 5G, requiring base stations to operate 24 / 7. Consequently, the average daily energy consumption of 5G sites will be more than double that of 4G.

[0004] In the 5G era, 3GPP introduced key technologies such as Massive MIMO and larger radio frequency bandwidth. 5G supports higher data rates and larger data volumes, requiring more transmission bandwidth, and high-frequency band deployment will be the main frequency band for future 5G expansion. However, the transmission characteristics of high-frequency bands limit the coverage of 5G sites, leading to a denser deployment of 5G sites. Furthermore, the increased energy consumption from additional sites will place significant operational cost pressures on operators. Therefore, network energy saving is crucial for reducing operating costs, and 5G network energy saving is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] To achieve energy savings, network devices can implement energy-saving measures in the time, frequency, spatial, and / or energy domains based on network load. For example, in the spatial and energy domains, network devices can shut down some antennas when the load is low to save energy. In the time domain, network devices can adjust common signals / channels, such as the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), to achieve energy savings.

[0006] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors discovered that how network devices adjust PRACH resources and how terminal devices select appropriate PRACH resources in the RACH process have become urgent problems to be solved in network energy-saving technology.

[0008] To address at least one of the above-mentioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for determining and configuring random access resources.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for determining random access resources is provided, comprising:

[0010] The terminal device receives a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0011] The terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a device for determining random access resources is provided, comprising:

[0013] A receiver that receives a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0014] The processor determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for configuring random access resources is provided, comprising:

[0016] The network device sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0017] The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or select the random access resources (set) and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0018] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for configuring random access resources is provided, comprising:

[0019] A transmitter that transmits a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0020] The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or select the random access resources (set) and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0021] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication system is provided, comprising:

[0022] A network device that sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0023] The terminal device receives the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration; determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0024] One of the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application is that, in some scenarios of wireless communication applications (e.g., energy-saving mode), the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration. This can improve network gain (e.g., energy-saving gain) and ensure the normal transmission of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device can correctly select random access resources in the PRACH adjustment scenario to avoid resource waste.

[0025] Specific embodiments of this application are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of this application can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of this application include many changes, modifications, and equivalents.

[0026] Features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0027] It should be emphasized that the term "including / comprises" as used herein refers to the presence of a feature, whole, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, or components. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The elements and features described in one drawing or embodiment of this application may be combined with elements and features shown in one or more other drawings or embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, similar reference numerals denote corresponding parts in several drawings and can be used to indicate corresponding parts used in more than one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining random access resources according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of the method for determining random access resources according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource configuration method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource determination device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource configuration device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other features of this application will become apparent from the following description. Specific embodiments of this application are specifically disclosed in the description and drawings, illustrating partial implementations in which the principles of this application may be employed. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the described embodiments; rather, it includes all modifications, variations, and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different elements by name, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or chronological order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one or more of the terms listed in association and all combinations thereof. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components, or assemblies, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, or assemblies.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc., including the plural forms, should be broadly understood as "a kind" or "a class" rather than limited to the meaning of "an." Furthermore, the term "the" should be understood to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the term "according to" should be understood as "at least partially based on…," and the term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on…," unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the term "communication network" or "wireless communication network" may refer to a network that conforms to any of the following communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), etc.

[0041] Furthermore, communication between devices in a communication system can be carried out according to communication protocols at any stage, including but not limited to the following communication protocols: 1G (generation), 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G and 5G, New Radio (NR), future 6G, etc., and / or other currently known or future communication protocols.

[0042] In the embodiments of this application, the term "network device" refers, for example, to a device in a communication system that connects a terminal device to a communication network and provides services to that terminal device. Network devices may include, but are not limited to, the following devices: base station (BS), access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP), broadcast transmitter, mobile management entity (MME), gateway, server, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), etc.

[0043] Base stations can include, but are not limited to: NodeBs (or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), and 5G base stations (gNBs), IAB hosts, etc. They can also include Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), Remote Radio Units (RRUs), relays, or low-power nodes (e.g., femeto, pico, etc.). The term "base station" can encompass some or all of their functions, and each base station can provide communication coverage to a specific geographic area. The term "cell" can refer to a base station and / or its coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "User Equipment" (UE) or "Terminal Equipment" (TE) refer, for example, to a device that accesses a communication network and receives network services through a network device. A terminal device can be fixed or mobile, and may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), terminal, subscriber station (SS), access terminal (AT), station, etc.

[0045] The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, the following devices: cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless modem, wireless communication device, handheld device, machine-type communication device, laptop computer, cordless phone, smartphone, smartwatch, digital camera, etc.

[0046] For example, in scenarios such as the Internet of Things (IoT), terminal devices can also be machines or devices for monitoring or measurement, such as including but not limited to: machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, vehicle communication terminals, device-to-device (D2D) terminals, machine-to-machine (M2M) terminals, and so on.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "network side" or "network equipment side" refer to one side of the network, which can be a base station or include one or more network devices as described above. The terms "user side," "terminal side," or "terminal equipment side" refer to the side of the user or terminal, which can be a UE or include one or more terminal devices as described above. Unless otherwise specified, "equipment" can refer to either network equipment or terminal equipment.

[0048] The following examples illustrate the scenarios of embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application, illustrating the case of a terminal device and a network device as examples. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a network device 101 and terminal devices 102 and 103. For simplicity, Figure 1 only illustrates the case of two terminal devices and one network device, but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0050] In this embodiment of the application, network device 101 and terminal devices 102 and 103 can transmit existing services or services that can be implemented in the future. For example, these services may include, but are not limited to: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), etc.

[0051] It is worth noting that Figure 1 shows that both terminal devices 102 and 103 are within the coverage area of ​​network device 101, but this application is not limited to this. Both terminal devices 102 and 103 may be outside the coverage area of ​​network device 101, or one terminal device 102 may be within the coverage area of ​​network device 101 while the other terminal device 103 may be outside the coverage area of ​​network device 101.

[0052] Random access is a crucial function of the access network, serving as the fundamental process for establishing a connection between the UE and the gNB, playing a vital role from 2G to 5G. The random access process involves protocols at the physical layer, MAC layer, and RRC layer. The physical layer defines the preamble sequence code, PRACH resources, and timing relationships required for the random access process; the MAC layer defines the overall flow of the random access process; and the RRC layer, in addition to configuring random access parameters, directly participates in some specific random access procedures.

[0053] The following section explains the selection of random access resources for RRC establishment, RRC reconstruction, and RRC recovery scenarios.

[0054] In the RRC establishment scenario, the UE transitions from the idle state (RRC_IDLE) to the connected state (RRC_CONNECTED). This means that the UE initially needs to establish a connection with the cell to transmit signaling and data within the cell. From the RRC process perspective, the UE needs to complete the RRC establishment process, which is interspersed within the random access process. Because in the idle state, the UE can only receive cell system messages and cannot obtain any dedicated signaling, a contention-based random access method is used. That is, the gNB cannot recognize the UE until the random access contention is resolved. The UE's contention-based random access parameters are obtained through cell system information broadcasts.

[0055] For example, the information exchange process for contention-based random access is divided into four steps: the first step is to send Msg1, which is to send the Preamble code; the second step is to receive Msg2, which is to receive the Random Access Response (RAR); the third step is to send Msg3, which is to send the RRC request; and the fourth step is to receive Msg4, which resolves the contention.

[0056] Msg1 is an uplink message sent by the UE and received by the gNB. For example, based on the Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration information notified in the cell broadcast message, the UE determines the Preamble code, PRACH time-frequency resources, and the mapping relationship between SSB and RACH occasion (RO), and sends the Preamble code to the gNB to initiate the random access procedure.

[0057] RRC reconstruction refers to the re-establishment of a connection with the network when a UE transmits abnormally. Similar to RRC establishment, the UE can only obtain a connection to the cell through contention-based random access. The difference between RRC reconstruction and RRC establishment lies in the Msg3 and Msg4 procedures. There is no difference in the RA resource selection process within Msg1.

[0058] Similarly, in the RRC recovery scenario, the UE can only establish a connection with the cell from the inactive state to the connected state through contention-based random access. The difference between this contention-based random access and the random access process established by RRC mentioned above lies in Msg3 and Msg4; there is no difference in the RA resource selection process in Msg1.

[0059] The following section will explain the selection of random access resources when switching scenarios.

[0060] Handover is a behavior of a connected UE. Before the handover command is initiated, the original cell has already acquired the random access resource configuration of the target cell and the target cell C-RNTI allocated to the UE. Upon receiving the handover command from the base station, the UE initiates random access in the target cell according to the configuration information in the handover command. This process is a random access procedure triggered by the RRC layer. Parameters related to random access in the handover command sent to the UE by the gNB include: the SSB or CSI-RS used for downlink measurements and associated with PRACH resources, the RSRP threshold value of the SSB or CSI-RS, the dedicated preamble code for non-contention access, and the UE's C-RNTI in the target cell. Handover can use either non-contention access or contention-based random access.

[0061] The conditions for initiating a non-contention-based random access procedure are as follows:

[0062] -gNB assigns a dedicated Preamble code to the UE: gNB assigns multiple sets of SSBs or CSI-RS to the UE, and a corresponding dedicated Preamble code; the UE measures these SSBs or CSI-RS, obtains the SSBs or CSI-RS whose measured RSRP is greater than the RSRP threshold, and then selects one of them and uses the corresponding dedicated Preamble code to initiate random access;

[0063] - Allocate dedicated PRACH resources: Random access channel resources corresponding to the SSB or CSI-RS mentioned above. Network devices configure the non-contention-free resources required for handover through the RACH-ConfigDedicated parameter in the RRC parameter ReconfigurationWith Sync.

[0064] In a complete random access process, each random access attempt by the UE begins with RA resource selection. If the UE cannot obtain a non-contention-based random access resource, it will initiate a contention-based random access attempt. Because the NR system uses a multi-beam transmission method, the channel states of different beams are different, and the UE may switch between non-contention-based and contention-based random access during handover. After the total number of random access attempts initiated by the UE reaches the maximum number of random access attempts, the UE's MAC layer reports a random access failure to the RRC layer, thereby triggering a radio link failure.

[0065] The following section will explain the selection of random access resources for uplink and downlink data arrival scenarios.

[0066] The random access procedure in a downlink data arrival scenario refers to the following: the gNB has downlink data to transmit, but due to uplink synchronization failure of the UE, the UE is unable to send uplink feedback and needs to restore uplink synchronization through a random access procedure. This random access procedure can be a contention-based random access procedure or a non-contention-based random access procedure. Random access in a downlink data arrival scenario is triggered by a PDCCH command. This PDCCH command is scrambled with the UE's C-RNTI and specifically indicates the PRACH resources and Preamble code used by the UE to initiate random access. If the Preamble code indicator field is all 0s, it means that the gNB has not allocated a dedicated Preamble code to the UE, triggering the UE to initiate a contention-based random access procedure.

[0067] Uplink data arrival typically occurs in two scenarios: first, the UE experiences uplink synchronization failure, in which case even with pre-allocated uplink resources, the UE cannot initiate data transmission; second, the UE initiates a scheduling request but fails to allocate the corresponding scheduling request resources for the PUCCH, a situation also known as the RA-SR scenario. Uplink data arrival is unpredictable by the base station, so contention-based random access is the only option. The random access process for uplink and downlink data arrivals is essentially the same.

[0068] The following section explains the selection of random access resources in beam failure recovery scenarios.

[0069] Beam failure recovery in the primary cell is achieved through a random access procedure. When the UE's connection is good, the gNB allocates multiple dedicated random access resources to the UE for beam failure recovery, including multiple dedicated SSBs or CSI-RS, a dedicated preamble, and a search space for listening to Msg2. The gNB configures these resources based on the RRC parameter BeamFailureRoveryConfig. The UE needs to perform channel measurements on the allocated dedicated SSBs or CSI-RS and select an SSB or CSI-RS whose channel quality is greater than the RSRP threshold to determine its corresponding dedicated preamble code and PRACH resources for non-contention-based random access. If the channel quality of all configured dedicated SSBs or CSI-RS is less than the threshold, a contention-based random access resource is selected to initiate contention-based random access.

[0070] The following section will explain the selection of random access resources in other SI scenarios.

[0071] NR system messages are divided into minimum system messages and other system messages. Minimum system messages include MIB and SIB1, which all UEs need to receive, so the system always broadcasts them at regular intervals. Other system messages are not needed by all UEs, or their reception intervals differ; these are called on-demand system messages and can be triggered by a UE request. System messages can only be initiated by UEs in idle or disconnected states, and the UE will not enter connected state after completing the system message request. System message requests are implemented through a random access procedure and are divided into Msg1-based system message requests and Msg3-based system message requests.

[0072] In the system information request based on Msg1, the gNB reserves dedicated random access resources for the UE to request specific system information. These dedicated random access resources are obtained through system information broadcast. The UE uses the configured Preamble and the corresponding dedicated PRACH resources to trigger the underlying non-contention-based random access procedure. After receiving Msg1, the gNB determines the SI required by the UE based on the received resource location and the Preamble, sends a random access confirmation Msg2, and broadcasts the SI. Upon receiving Msg2, the UE can begin receiving the SI within the appropriate SI time window. During this process, Msg2 only carries the RAPID and does not carry uplink authorization or timing advance commands, etc.

[0073] - System information requests based on Msg3 constitute contention-based random access, consistent with the contention-based random access procedure established by RRC. The difference lies in that Msg3 carries a system information request message. If the UE's RRC layer needs to request certain system information, it sends the request using the RRCSystemInfoRequest message. This message carries a bitmap to represent the SIs required by the UE. The order of the system information in the bitmap is consistent with the order of all SIs given in the SIB1 scheduling information. After receiving Msg4, the UE can receive the SI at the appropriate location. Msg4 does not carry an RRC message, but only a MAC CE containing the UE's contention resolution indication.

[0074] The above provides a schematic illustration of the random access resource selection process. The following section will further explain the relevant procedures. Table 1 schematically illustrates the random access resource selection process from the perspective of the MAC entity.

[0075] Table 1

[0076] As shown in Table 1, 1> to 4> are non-contention-based random access resource selection for beam failure recovery, and these resources are configured individually by the higher-layer parameter BeamFailureRoveryConfig; 5> to 6> are non-contention-based random access resource selection for uplink / downlink synchronization based on PDCCH order, and these resources are shared and configured by the higher-layer parameter Rach-configCommon; 7> to 8> are non-contention-based random access resource selection in handover scenarios, and these resources are configured individually and provided by the higher-layer parameter rach-ConfigDedicated; 9> to 10> are non-contention-based random access resource selection in SI request scenarios, and these resources are configured individually and provided by the higher-layer parameter SI-RequestConfig; 11> to 13> are contention-based random access in scenarios such as RRC establishment, reconstruction and recovery, beam failure recovery, SI requests, and handover, and these resources are provided by the higher-layer parameter Rach-ConfigCommon.

[0077] Table 2 schematically illustrates the process of receiving a Random Access Response (RAR) from the perspective of the MAC entity.

[0078] Table 2

[0079] The above illustrative descriptions illustrate aspects related to random access in the embodiments of this application, and further reference can be made to related technologies. The above content is part of the embodiments of this application and can be combined with the embodiments described below.

[0080] In Rel-19 network power saving technology, network devices achieve energy saving by adjusting common reference signals / channels in the time domain, such as SSB, PRACH, or Paging. For PRACH adjustment, one feasible solution is for the network device to configure an additional set of PRACH resources for terminal devices. When the cell load is low and there are few terminal devices requiring random access, the network device can activate / deactivate the additional PRACH resources to achieve energy saving, and the terminal devices can perform random access procedures based on the original legacy PRACH resources. When the cell load is high and there are many terminal devices requiring random access, the network device can activate / enable the additional PRACH resources, and the terminal devices can perform random access procedures based on the original legacy PRACH resources and / or the additional PRACH resources.

[0081] The aforementioned mechanism can save energy for network devices, but it also introduces other problems. For example, for an NES-enabled terminal device, if additional PRACH resources are activated, how should the terminal device select random access resources—should it choose legacy PRACH resources or the additional PRACH resources? Alternatively, if the terminal device uses additional PRACH resources for random access in a random access procedure, and multiple random access attempts fail, and the additional PRACH resources are then deactivated by the network device, how should the terminal device proceed in subsequent random access attempts within this procedure? Or, if the terminal device uses additional PRACH resources for random access in a random access procedure, and multiple random access attempts fail, and the network device activates the additional PRACH resources based on Layer 1 signaling, but the terminal device does not receive the deactivation command, how should the terminal device proceed in subsequent random access attempts within this procedure to avoid using the deactivated PRACH resources for random access? These problems are caused by the network device's time-domain PRACH adjustments.

[0082] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems, the following explanation uses a network energy-saving scenario as an example. The embodiments of this application involve random access resource selection, which can both ensure the normal operation of the network and terminals and achieve the goal of network energy saving.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, the signaling may be, for example, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; for example, referred to as an RRC message, including MIB, system information, dedicated RRC messages; or referred to as an RRC information element. The signaling may also be, for example, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling; or referred to as a MAC control element. However, this application is not limited to these.

[0084] In the following description, without causing confusion, the terms "PRACH" and "Physical Random Access Channel" or "Random Access Information" or "RACH" are used interchangeably. Furthermore, transmitting or receiving PRACH can be understood as transmitting or receiving random access information carried by PRACH. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "indication," "activation," and "trigger" are used interchangeably, or in combination.

[0085] First aspect of the embodiments

[0086] This application provides a method for determining random access resources, described from the perspective of a terminal device. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the method for determining random access resources according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes:

[0087] 201, The terminal device receives the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration;

[0088] 202, the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0089] It is worth noting that Figure 2 above is only an illustrative description of the embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order between various operations can be appropriately adjusted, and other operations can be added or some operations can be removed. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications based on the above content, and are not limited to the description in Figure 2 above.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first random access configuration is at least used to configure first random access resources for the terminal device to perform a first (e.g., normal or legacy) random access, and the second resource configuration is at least used to configure second random access resources for the terminal device to perform a second (e.g., additional) random access related to network power saving. The random access resources at least include a PRACH occasion (PO).

[0091] The set of random access resources corresponding to the first random access configuration is the first random access resource set, which includes one or more first random access resources; the set of random access resources corresponding to the second random access configuration is the second random access resource set, which includes one or more second random access resources.

[0092] For example, the first random access configuration may also be referred to as the first PRACH configuration or the first RACH configuration, or as the legacy PRACH configuration or PRACH resource or RACH configuration or RACH resource; the second random access configuration may also be referred to as the second PRACH configuration or the second RACH configuration, or as the additional PRACH configuration or PRACH resource or RACH configuration or RACH resource.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the first random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery. For example, the first random access configuration may be / correspond to the RRC parameter rach-ConfigCommon (without suffix) and / or the RRC parameter MsgA-ConfigCommon-r16.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the second random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery (the second random access configuration is related to network power saving and / or PRACH adjustment).

[0095] For example, the second RACH configuration can be defined as a new parameter, such as Additional RACH-Config-r19; or it can retain the existing parameter AdditionalRACH-Config-r17, which includes the parameters rach-ConfigCommon-r17 and / or msgA-ConfigCommon-r17. The second RACH configuration is included in the SIB1 message and also in the initial BWP configuration.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second RACH configuration is not used for non-contention-based SI requests, handover, and beam failure recovery.

[0097] In some embodiments, a UE in RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, or RRC_CONNECTED state can be provided with a second RACH configuration. This second RACH configuration is related to network power saving. If the terminal device is provided with a second RACH configuration, the terminal device receives RRC signaling and / or MAC CE and / or DCI, which are used to indicate / activate / trigger one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second RACH configuration; that is, the RRC signaling and / or MAC CE and / or DCI are used for dynamic adjustment of the PRACH in the time domain.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an RRC idle (RRC_IDLE) state or an RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state, and receives the second RACH configuration via a broadcast message (SIB1). Furthermore, the terminal device can perform random access based on the activated second RACH configuration and / or the first RACH configuration (legacy (regular or default) RACH configuration).

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an RRC-connected (RRC_CONNECTED) state, and receives N RACH configurations via RRC messages. Furthermore, the terminal device can perform a first type of contention-based random access (CBRA) or non-contention-based random access (CFRA), or a second type of contention-based random access (CBRA) or non-contention-based random access (CFRA), or a link recovery procedure, or a system information (SI) request procedure, depending on the active RACH configuration and / or the legacy (normal or default) RACH configuration.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second RACH configuration includes at least one of the following information:

[0101] - Information about cell-specific random access parameters; for example, this information is an IE that "specify the cell specific random-access parameters", such as the IE RACH-ConfigCommon, which can be reused; or parameters can be defined, such as RACH-ConfigCommon-nes and / or RACH-ConfigCommon-r19;

[0102] - Cell-specific PRACH and PUSCH resource parameters used for transmission of MsgA in the 2-step random access procedure. For example, this information is an IE that defines "Configuration of the cell-specific PRACH and PUSCH resource parameters for transmission of MsgA in 2-step random access type procedure". For example, msgA-ConfigCommon-r16 can be reused; or parameters msgA-ConfigCommon-nes and / or msgA-ConfigCommon-r19 can be defined.

[0103] - Information on cell-specific two-step random-access parameters; for example, the information is an IE that specifies cell-specific two-step random-access type parameters, such as the IE RACH-ConfigCommonTwoStepRA, which can be reused; or parameters can be defined, such as RACH-ConfigCommonTwoStepRA-nes and / or RACH-Config CommonTwoStepRA-r19;

[0104] - Information about dedicated random access parameters; for example, for IE, this information is "specify the dedicated random access parameters", such as IE RACH-ConfigDedicated, which can be reused; or parameters can be defined, such as RACH-ConfigDedicated-nes or RACH-ConfigDedicated-r19;

[0105] - Information on random access parameters for regular random access and beam failure recovery; for example, information such as "specify the random-access parameters both for regular random access as well as for beam failure recovery" in the IE, such as the IE RACH-ConfigGeneric, can be reused; or parameters can be defined, such as RACH-ConfigGeneric-nes or RACH-Config Generic-r19.

[0106] - Information on two-step random access type parameters; for example, you can reuse IE RACH-ConfigGenericTwoStepRA; or you can define parameters such as RACH-ConfigGenericTwoStepRA-nes or RACH-ConfigGenericTwoStepRA-r19;

[0107] - SSB information per RACH occasion; for example, IE ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB can be reused; or ssb-perRACH-Occasion can be reused; or parameters can be defined, such as IE ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB-nes and / or IE ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB-r19 and / or ssb-perRACH-Occasion-nes and / or ssb-perRACH-Occasion-r19.

[0108] - Information for the total number of preambles for contention-and / or non-contention-random access; for example, IE totalNumberOfRA-Preambles can be reused, or msgA-TotalNumberOfRA-Preambles-r16 can also be reused;

[0109] - PRACH time-domain resource configuration related information; for example, prach-ConfigurationIndex and / or msgA-PRACH-ConfigurationIndex-r16 can be reused, or parameters such as prach-ConfigurationIndex-nes or prach-ConfigurationIndex-r19, and / or msgA-PRACH-ConfigurationIndex-nes and / or msgA-PRACH-ConfigurationIndex-r19 can be defined;

[0110] - PRACH frequency domain resource configuration information; for example, IE msg1-FrequencyStart and / or msg1-FDM, and / or msgA-RO-FDM-r16 and / or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart-r16 can be reused, or parameters such as msg1-FrequencyStart-nes and / or msg1-FDM-nes, and / or msg1-FrequencyStart-r19 and / or msg1-FDM-r19, and / or msgA-RO-FDM-r19 and / or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart-r19, and / or msgA-RO-FDM-nes and / or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart-nes can be defined.

[0111] The above illustrations depict the RACH configuration of embodiments of this application. This application is not limited to this; for example, it may include one or more of the above-mentioned Internet Explorers (IEs), or other IEs, or other names or information formats. Furthermore, the RACH configuration of embodiments of this application may also be called PRACH configuration, PRACH (time-frequency) resource, RACH / PRACH occasion, or PRACH occasion configuration, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terminal device receives / is configured / is provided with a second RACH configuration. The second RACH configuration includes information related to RACH time-domain resource configuration and / or RACH frequency-domain resource configuration. For example, a RACH configuration includes the parameters prach-ConfigurationIndex-nes / r19 and / or msgA-PRACH-ConfigurationIndex-nes / r19 and / or msg1-FrequencyStart-nes / r19 and / or msg1-FDM-nes / r19, and / or msgA-RO-FDM-nes / r19 and / or msgA-RO-FrequencyStart-nes / r19.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration is included in / configured in the configuration of the uplink BWP, wherein the uplink BWP is an initial BWP, a dedicated BWP, or an activated BWP;

[0114] Wherein, the uplink BWP is the first uplink BWP that links the initial downlink BWP, or

[0115] The uplink BWP is a first uplink BWP that links to a downlink BWP. The downlink BWP includes an SSB associated with the initial downlink BWP, or the downlink BWP includes an NCD-SSB, or the downlink BWP is an initial downlink BWP for the redcap terminal.

[0116] For example, a network device can configure a second RACH configuration either on the initial BWP or on a dedicated BWP. That is, the terminal device receives the second RACH configuration, which can be included in the higher-layer parameter BWP-UplinkCommon, indicating that the second RACH configuration is on the initial BWP, and / or, the second RACH configuration can be included in the higher-layer parameter BWP-Uplink, indicating that the second RACH configuration is on a dedicated BWP.

[0117] For example, a terminal device may be configured with an active BWP, which may include / configure a second RACH configuration, and the terminal device may perform a random access procedure based on a first RACH configuration (legacy RACH configuration) and / or a second RACH configuration (additional RACH configuration); or, a terminal device may be configured with an active BWP, which may not include / configure a second RACH configuration, and the terminal device may perform a random access procedure based on a legacy RACH configuration.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration includes at least first characteristic information, where the first characteristic is a PRACH adjustment characteristic or an additional random access characteristic, and the first characteristic is related to network energy saving. The first characteristic information can be named PRACH-adaptation-r19 or rach-adaptation-r19. The first characteristic information is an optional parameter, and its value is ENUMERATED{true}.

[0119] The second random access configuration includes the first characteristic information and has a value of true to indicate that the second random access configuration is used for PRACH adjustment, or to indicate whether the second random access configuration is related to network energy saving, or to indicate additional random access resources for the PRACH adjustment feature of the second random access configuration. The first characteristic information can be directly included in the second RACH configuration to indicate that the current second RACH configuration is used for the PRACH adjustment feature of Rel-19.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second RACH configuration uses the parameter AdditionalRACH-Config-r17. The second RACH configuration includes the parameters rach-ConfigCommon-r17 and / or msgA-ConfigCommon-r17. The rach-ConfigCommon-r17 contains one or more FeatureCombinationPreambles-r17, which in turn contains FeatureCombination-r17. The FeatureCombination-r17 contains first feature information to indicate that the current second RACH configuration is used for network section and / or PRACH adjustment features.

[0121] Table 3 shows an example of the first feature information of the embodiments of this application. For example, the first feature information is named prach-adaptation, and this information is included in FeatureCombination.

[0122] Table 3

[0123] In some embodiments, the first feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and the second random access configuration can be used for random access related to the first feature.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and other features included in the feature combination information (featureCombination) in the second random access configuration cannot be set to the first value.

[0125] For example, if the first feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second RACH configuration is set to true, then other features included in featureCombination cannot be set to true. That is, the current second RACH configuration is only used for network power saving features and / or PRACH adjustment (prach-adaptation) features.

[0126] For example, the terminal receives a second RACH configuration, which includes first characteristic information. The first characteristic information is set to a first value. The terminal does not expect the second RACH configuration to include other characteristic information, or the terminal does not expect other characteristic information in the second RACH configuration besides the first characteristic information to be set to true.

[0127] For example, a terminal device can be configured with one or more AdditionalRACH-Config-r17s. One AdditionalRACH-Config-r17 can simultaneously indicate / contain multiple features. For instance, the FeatureCombination-r17 contained in the RACH-configCommon of the AdditionalRACH-Config-r17 may contain multiple features, or indicate that multiple features are true. If the FeatureCombination-r17 contained in the RACH-configCommon of the AdditionalRACH-Config-r17 indicates that the first feature information (prach-adaptation) is true, then this FeatureCombination-r17 cannot contain other features, or cannot indicate that other features are true. That is, the second random access configuration related to the first feature information prach-adaptation can be activated / deactivated and cannot be bound to other features to share random access resources, preventing interference with the normal operation of other features.

[0128] The above provides an illustrative description of the first characteristic indication information for the second random access, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terminal is a terminal device that supports Rel-19 network power saving and / or prach adjustment. The terminal device sends capability reporting information, which includes at least feature indication information, and the feature indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports Rel-19 network power saving and / or prach adjustment features.

[0130] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends a UE Information Response message to the network device. The UE Information Response message includes at least the usedFeatureCombination-r18 parameter and / or the triggeredFeatureCombination-r18 parameter, and the two parameters may include first feature information.

[0131] The fact that the usedFeatureCombination-r18 parameter contains first feature information and the first feature information is true indicates that the first feature is associated with the random access resource used, or that the random access resource used corresponds to at least the first feature; and / or the fact that the triggeredFeatureCombination-r18 parameter contains first feature information and the first feature information is true indicates that at least the first feature triggered / initiated a random access procedure, or that the triggered / initiated random access procedure corresponds to at least the first feature.

[0132] Table 4 shows another example of the first characteristic information of the embodiments of this application.

[0133] Table 4

[0134] As shown in Table 4, the ReportedFeatureCombination-r18 contains at least the first feature (prach-adaptation-r19).

[0135] For example, a terminal device sends a UE Information Response message to a network device. The message contains triggeredFeatureCombination information, which includes first indication information (prach-adaptation-r19) set to true, indicating that the feature has triggered a random access procedure.

[0136] For example, a terminal device sends a UE Information Response message to a network device. The message contains usedFeatureCombination information, which includes a first indication (prach-adaptation-r19) set to true, indicating that the prach-adaptation-r19 feature is associated with used random access resources.

[0137] The above illustrations illustrate the terminal reporting information related to the first characteristic. The following sections will explain the indication information and timers.

[0138] In some embodiments, the terminal device receives indication information, which indicates one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration and / or the indication information.

[0139] The indication information used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration includes: the indication information activating all the second random access resources, or the indication information activating a portion / subset of the second random access resources; or the indication information deactivating all the second random access resources, or the indication information deactivating a portion / subset of the second random access resources.

[0140] In the context of this application, the phrases "the indication information is used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration," "the indication information is used to activate / deactivate the second random access configuration," and "the indication information is used to activate / deactivate a set of second random access resources" have similar meanings and can be used interchangeably. Similarly, "one or more or all of the second random access resources," "second random access resources," "set of second random access resources," and "second random access configuration" have similar meanings and can be used interchangeably.

[0141] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining random access resources according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0142] 301, The terminal device receives the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration;

[0143] 302, the terminal device receives indication information, the indication information being used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration;

[0144] 303, the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resource (set) and / or selects the random access resource (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access resource and / or the second random access configuration and / or the indication information.

[0145] In the context of the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can be replaced with "activate", "deactivate", "enable" and "de-enable", "activate" can be replaced with "enable", "deactivate" can be replaced with "de-enable", RA or RACH or PRACH can be replaced with "random access", and "valid" and "available" can be replaced with each other.

[0146] It is worth noting that Figure 3 above is only an illustrative description of the embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order between various operations can be appropriately adjusted, and other operations can be added or some operations can be removed. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications based on the above content, and are not limited to the description in Figure 3 above.

[0147] In some embodiments, the indication information is an RRC parameter indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration, and / or, the indication information is downlink control information indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration.

[0148] In some embodiments, a first value of a bit in the RRC parameter or the downlink control information indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are activated, and a second value indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are deactivated.

[0149] For example, the indication information may be an RRC parameter included in the second RACH configuration, indicating the activation / deactivation status of the second RACH configuration. As another example, the indication information may be a 1-bit information in P-RNTI scrambled DCI format 1_0 signaling, where a 1-bit indicates that the second RACH configuration is activated, and a 0-bit indicates that the second RACH configuration is deactivated. This indication information is used to indicate / activate / deactivate the second RACH configuration, and the terminal device determines the activation / deactivation status of the second RACH configuration and / or the second random access resource set and / or one / more / all second random access resources based on the indication information.

[0150] The above illustrations show the indication information. The following sections will further explain the indication information and the timer.

[0151] In some embodiments, the terminal device is provided with / configured with a timer for determining / activating / enabling one or more second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration and / or indication information and / or the timer.

[0152] Indicator messages and timers can be used individually or in combination.

[0153] For example, the terminal device receives indication information, which indicates the second RACH configuration and / or one or more or all second random access resources, and / or, the terminal device is configured / provided a timer, which indicates the activation time of the second RACH configuration. When the second RACH configuration is indicated / activated, or when the terminal device receives indication information to activate the second RACH configuration, the timer is started or reset. When the timer expires, the terminal device determines that the second RACH configuration is deactivated, or the set of second random access resources is deactivated, or one or more or all second random access resources are deactivated. The terminal device determines the activation / deactivation status of the second RACH configuration or the second random access resource (set) based on the indication information and / or the timer.

[0154] The following section will explain the priority of features.

[0155] In some embodiments, the terminal device receives a first feature priority, which is used to indicate the priority of the second RACH configuration. The terminal device determines whether to use the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration to perform a random access procedure based on the first feature priority.

[0156] For example, if a terminal device is configured with a first RACH configuration (e.g., the first RACH configuration corresponds to the RRC parameter `rachConfigCommon` without a suffix) and a second RACH configuration, the terminal device can determine whether it performs random access based on the second RACH configuration or the first RACH configuration (e.g., `rachConfigCommon` without a suffix)) based on the first feature priority. Alternatively, the terminal device can select a set of random access resources based on the first feature priority, choosing either the first random access resource (set) corresponding to the first random access configuration or the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration.

[0157] For example, the first feature priority parameter can be named prach-adaptation-Priority-r19, and its value can be IE FeaturePriority-r17, with lower values ​​indicating higher priority. For instance, when the first feature priority is value 'a', it means the terminal device prioritizes using the second RACH configuration for random access. When the first feature priority is value 'b', the terminal device can decide, based on the UE implementation, whether to choose the second or first RACH configuration (e.g., rachConfigCommon without a suffix) for random access, or the terminal device prioritizes the first RACH configuration (e.g., rachConfigCommon without a suffix) for random access. Here, 'a' can be 0, and 'b' can be a non-zero value, such as 1.

[0158] For example, the first feature priority parameter is included in the SIB1 message. For instance, the SIB1 message contains the featurePriorities parameter, which at least includes the first feature priority parameter prach-adaptation-Priority-r19, with a value of FeaturePriority-r17. Alternatively, the first feature priority parameter is included in the second random access configuration.

[0159] Table 5 shows an example of the first feature priority of an embodiment of this application.

[0160] Table 5

[0161] In some embodiments, the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) based on terminal implementation (random selection) and / or selects a random access resource (set) based on feature priority information.

[0162] In some examples, the terminal device is configured with a first RACH configuration (e.g., rachConfigCommon without a suffix) and / or a second RACH configuration, and receives a first feature priority parameter. The parameter has a value of 'a', indicating that the terminal device (preferably) selects / uses the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration to perform random access from at least one available random access resource (set); the parameter has a value of 'b', indicating that the terminal device can select random access resources (sets) based on the terminal implementation or randomly.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terminal device is configured with a first RACH configuration (e.g., `rachConfigCommon` without a suffix) and / or a second RACH configuration. The terminal is also configured with a first feature priority parameter, where the first priority parameter is valued as 'a'. The terminal device also receives indication information and / or a configured timer, where the indication information and / or the timer indicate that the second RACH configuration is activated, meaning that both the first random access resource (set) corresponding to the first RACH configuration and the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration are available. If the first feature priority parameter configured by the terminal is valued as 'a', then the terminal device selects the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration for the random access procedure.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal device is configured with a first RACH configuration (e.g., `rachConfigCommon` without a suffix) and / or a second RACH configuration. The terminal device is also configured with a first feature priority parameter, where the first priority parameter is valued as 'a'. The terminal device receives indication information and / or is configured with a timer, where the indication information or timer indicates that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration is deactivated, the first random access resource (set) corresponding to the first RACH configuration is available, and the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration is unavailable. If the first feature priority parameter configured by the terminal device is valued as 'a', then the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) from the available random access resources (set) for a random access procedure, or selects the first random access resource (set) corresponding to the first RACH configuration for a random access procedure.

[0165] In some examples, the terminal device is configured with a first RACH configuration (e.g., `rachConfigCommon` without a suffix) and / or a second RACH configuration. The terminal device is also configured with a first feature priority parameter, which takes the value 'b', or the terminal device is not configured with a first feature priority parameter. The terminal device receives indication information and / or is configured with a timer, which indicates that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second RACH configuration is activated or deactivated. The terminal device selects a random access resource (set) from the available random access resources (set) for a random access procedure, or selects the first random access resource (set) corresponding to the first RACH configuration for a random access procedure. In these examples, the feature priority parameter takes the value 'b', and regardless of whether the second random access resource (set) is activated, the terminal device performs a random access procedure based on terminal implementation or randomly selects a random access resource set, or selects the first random access resource (set) for a random access procedure.

[0166] The following further explains the determination of the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or the selection of the random access resources (set) and / or the initialization of the relevant random access parameters and / or the termination of the random access procedure.

[0167] Table 6 schematically illustrates the steps a terminal device takes to determine the availability of RA resource sets and select RA resources, and to perform RA preamble transmission.

[0168] Table 6

[0169] In some embodiments, determining the validity of the random access resources (set) includes: setting the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration to a first value (true), and the terminal device determining that the second random access resources (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration are available for the characteristic corresponding to the characteristic information, but not available for other characteristics.

[0170] For example, if the first feature indication information (prach-adaptation) in the second RACH configuration configured for the terminal device is set to true, then the terminal device determines that the random access resource set is only available for that feature (prach-adaptation), or that it is unavailable for other features besides the prach-adaptation feature.

[0171] In some embodiments, determining the validity of the random access resources (set) includes:

[0172] If the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is available.

[0173] Alternatively, if the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or if the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated state, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable.

[0174] For example, during the random access initialization phase, the terminal device may determine the availability of random access resources (set) according to the above embodiments; and / or, during the RAR reception phase, determine the availability of random access resources (set) according to the above embodiments.

[0175] In some embodiments, selecting a set of random access resources includes: if at least one of the first random access resources and / or the second random access resources is available, then the terminal device selects a set of random access resources based on terminal implementation (random selection) and / or feature priority information.

[0176] For example, the BWP configured on the terminal device is associated with at least one available set of random access resources, which does not include a second set of random access resources. The terminal device performs a random access procedure based on a set of random access resources implemented on the terminal (e.g., randomly selected).

[0177] And / or, the BWP configured on the terminal device is associated with at least one available set of random access resources, the at least one available set of random access resources including a second set of random access resources, the terminal device selects the second set of random access resources for random access procedure based on a first feature priority parameter, or performs random access procedure based on a set of random access resources implemented on the terminal (e.g., randomly selected).

[0178] For example, the physical layer or RRC layer of the terminal device receives indication information, which is used to instruct the second RACH configuration to be deactivated, and / or, when the timer expires, the physical layer or RRC layer sends a notification message to the MAC layer indicating that the second RACH configuration has been deactivated; or, the physical layer or RRC layer of the terminal device receives indication information, which is used to instruct the second RACH configuration to be activated, and the physical layer or RRC layer sends a notification message to the MAC layer indicating that the second RACH configuration has been activated.

[0179] When a MAC entity receives a notification of activation or deactivation of a second RACH configuration from a lower or higher layer, the MAC entity determines the validity of the second RA resource (set) based on the notification message.

[0180] Regarding how MAC entities determine the availability of RA resource sets and / or select RA resource sets:

[0181] In some examples, the terminal device is configured with a second RACH configuration, in which a first feature indication (prach-adaptation) is set to true, and the first indication and / or timer indicates that the second RACH configuration is active, and the terminal device (or MAC entity) confirms that the second RA resource set is available; or, the first indication and / or timer indicates that the second RACH configuration is deactivated, and the terminal confirms that the second RA resource set is unavailable.

[0182] In some examples, the second RACH configuration corresponds to the second RA resource set, and the MAC entity confirms that if the first characteristic indication information (e.g., prach-adaptation) of an RA resource set is set to true, then the RA resource set is considered unavailable for RA processes that do not apply the first characteristic.

[0183] In some examples, if the MAC entity receives a notification from a lower or higher layer that a second RACH configuration has been activated, or if the MAC entity receives a notification from a lower or higher layer indicating that a second RACH configuration has been activated, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) confirms that the second RA resource set is available; if the MAC entity receives a notification from a lower or higher layer indicating that a second RACH configuration has been deactivated, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) confirms that the second RA resource set is unavailable.

[0184] In some examples, the terminal device is configured with a BWP associated with at least one available RA resource set, where one RA resource set contains a first feature indication information set to true, and the MAC entity receives an activation notification of a second RACH configuration from a lower or higher layer. The terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) then determines that the first feature applies to the RA process. The terminal device randomly selects one of the at least one available RA resource set for the RA process.

[0185] - The terminal device (e.g., MAC entity) selects a set of RA resources based on the UE implementation;

[0186] - Alternatively, the terminal device may also be configured with a first feature priority parameter, which the terminal device (e.g., a MAC entity) uses to select a set of RA resources. For example, the terminal device (e.g., a MAC entity) may preferentially select the first set of RA resources for the RA process.

[0187] In some embodiments, the BWP configured on the terminal device is associated with only one available RA resource set, and the terminal device (e.g., MAC entity) performs the RA process based on that RA resource set.

[0188] In some embodiments, when an RA process is initialized, the terminal device determines the availability of the RA resource set and selects the RA resource set according to the method described above.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal device is further provided / configured with a first counter and a first counter maximum value parameter. The first counter indicates the number of random access attempts made by the terminal device based on the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration. The first counter maximum value parameter indicates the maximum number of random access attempts made by the terminal device based on the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration. The first counter can be a newly defined counter or an existing PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER. The first counter maximum value parameter should be less than or equal to preambleTransMax.

[0190] For example, a terminal device is configured with a `PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER` in a Relay Array (RA) process. When a RAR attempt fails to receive data, `PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER` is incremented by 1. If multiple RA attempts fail and `PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER` reaches `preambleTransMax+1`, the terminal device confirms the failure of the RA process and terminates it, reporting the problem to a higher layer. In addition to `PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER`, the terminal device also configures a first counter, and this first counter has a maximum value, which is smaller than `preambleTransMax`.

[0191] The following example uses PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER as the first counter.

[0192] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the current random access resource (set) is the second random access resource (set), and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) receives an indication message and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access is configured to be deactivated or activated, then the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the second random access resource (set) is unavailable; the terminal device, based on other available random access resources (sets), (randomly) selects a random access resource (set) to continue the random access process and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters, or, the terminal device (unsuccessfully) terminates the random access process.

[0193] Table 7 is an example of this application.

[0194] Table 7

[0195] Table 8 is an example of this application.

[0196] Table 8

[0197] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the random access resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or the indication information received by the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) and / or the timer configured by the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource configured by the second random access configuration is available.

[0198] The terminal device determines / uses a second set of random access resources to continue the random access process.

[0199] For example, in Random Access Response reception (RAR reception), the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) fails to complete the RA procedure for this RAR reception, and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the current random access resource (set) is the second random access resource set, i.e., the second random access resource set was selected for preamble transmission in this or the previous random access attempt, and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines the availability of the second RACH resource set based on the activation or deactivation notification message and / or timer from the second RACH configuration of the lower or higher layer. If the MAC entity receives a new indication from a lower or higher layer indicating that the second RACH configuration is deactivated, the MAC entity determines that the second RACH resource set is unavailable. In this case, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) selects an available RACH resource set (e.g., the first random access resource set) other than the second RACH resource set, and / or initializes the relevant RACH parameters, and performs the Random Access Resource selection procedure on that resource set, completing subsequent random access attempts. Alternatively, (unsuccessfully) the random access procedure is terminated, or the terminal device decides, based on its implementation, whether to select another available random access resource set or terminate the random access procedure. If the MAC entity receives a new indication from a lower or higher layer indicating that the second RACH configuration is activated, the terminal device determines that the second random access resource configured in the second random access configuration is available, and the terminal device determines / uses the second random access resource (set) to continue the random access process.

[0200] Table 9 is an example of this application.

[0201] Table 9

[0202] Table 10 is an example of this application.

[0203] Table 10

[0204] In the example above, during the random access initialization phase, the terminal device selects the second random access resource set for the random access procedure. During the RAR reception procedure, if the terminal fails to receive the RAR, the terminal device will check the availability of the second random access resource set as soon as it fails to receive the RAR even once. If it is available, it will continue to use the second random access resource set for the random access procedure. If it is not available, it will select another available random access resource set to complete the subsequent random access attempt, or terminate the random access procedure.

[0205] For example, in Random Access Response reception (RAR reception), the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the random access procedure has not been completed, and / or the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the current random access resource (set) is the second random access resource set, i.e., the current or previous random access attempt selected the second random access resource set for preamble transmission, and / or the terminal device determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value. The terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines the availability of the second RACH resource set based on the activation or deactivation notification message and / or timer from the second RACH configuration of the lower or higher layer. If the MAC entity receives a new indication from a lower or higher layer indicating that the second RACH configuration is deactivated, the MAC entity determines that the second RACH resource set is unavailable. In this case, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) selects an available RACH resource set (e.g., the first random access resource set) other than the second RACH resource set, and / or initializes the relevant RACH parameters, and performs the Random Access Resource selection procedure on that resource set, completing subsequent random access attempts. Alternatively, (unsuccessfully) the random access procedure is terminated, or the terminal device decides, based on its terminal implementation, whether to select another available random access resource set or terminate the random access procedure. If the MAC entity receives a new indication from a lower or higher layer indicating that the second RACH configuration is active, the terminal device determines that the second random access resource configured in the second random access configuration is available, and the terminal device determines / uses the second random access resource (set) to continue the random access process.

[0206] Table 11 is an example of this application.

[0207] Table 11

[0208] Table 12 is an example of this application.

[0209] Table 12

[0210] In the example above, during the random access initialization phase, the terminal device selects the second random access resource set for the random access procedure. During the RAR reception procedure, if the terminal device fails to receive the RAR, it will check the availability of the second random access resource set after n failed RAR reception attempts (the maximum value of the first counter). If the second random access resource set is available, it will continue to use it for the random access procedure. If the second random access resource set is unavailable, it will select another available random access resource set to complete the subsequent random access attempt, or terminate the random access procedure.

[0211] For example, in Random Access Response reception (RAR), the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) determines that the current random access resource (set) is the second random access resource set, meaning that the current or previous random access attempt selected the second random access resource set for preamble transmission. If the current RAR reception fails and the RA procedure is not completed, the terminal device determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and the MAC entity determines that the second RACH resource set is unavailable. At this point, the terminal device (e.g., the MAC entity) selects an available RACH resource set other than the second RACH resource set (e.g., the first random access resource set), and / or initializes the relevant RACH parameters, and performs the Random Access Resource selection procedure on that resource set to complete subsequent random access attempts; or, if unsuccessful, terminates the random access procedure; or, based on the terminal implementation, the terminal device decides whether to select another available random access resource set or terminate the random access procedure.

[0212] In the example above, during the random access initialization phase, the terminal device selects the second random access resource set for the random access procedure. During the RAR reception procedure, after the RAR reception fails n times (the maximum value of the first counter), regardless of whether the current indication information or the timer indicates that the second random access configuration is active or deactivated, the terminal device will confirm that the second random access resource set is unavailable, select other available random access resource sets to complete the subsequent random access attempt, or terminate the random access procedure.

[0213] In network energy-saving scenarios, terminal devices determine the activation / deactivation status of the second random access configuration based on DCI indication information. If the network device sends the second random access deactivation indication information to the terminal device, but the terminal device does not successfully receive the indication information, the terminal device will continue to attempt random access on the deactivated second random access resource. This process will definitely fail, increasing the access latency of the terminal device. This example uses the first counter method to effectively avoid this situation and ensure normal access for the terminal.

[0214] Therefore, the following situation can be avoided: the network device sends an indication message that the second RACH has been deactivated to the terminal device, but the terminal device fails to receive it, and the network device has already configured the second RACH to be deactivated, and the terminal device continues to use the second RACH configuration resources for RA without knowing it.

[0215] In some embodiments, during the RA initialization phase, the terminal device confirms that the second RA resource set is unavailable and performs the RA process based on another available RA resource set (e.g., the first RA resource set). During the reception of the Random Access Response (RAR), the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or determines that the resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is active based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device. The terminal device determines that the second RA resource set is available, selects the second RA resource set, and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters to complete the subsequent RA attempts during the RA process.

[0216] In other words, during Random Access Response reception (RAR), if the RA process is not completed and the previous RA attempt did not use the second RA resource set for preamble transmission, the terminal device acknowledges the notification from the lower or higher layer regarding the second RA resource set. The terminal device receives the notification message from the lower or higher layer indicating that the second RA resource set is activated and determines that the second RA resource set is available. The MAC entity then selects a resource set and performs RA resource selection and preamble transmission on the newly selected RA resource set.

[0217] Alternatively, the terminal device may attempt subsequent RA attempts during the RA process based on the existing RA resource set (rach-ConfigCommon). During Random Access Response reception (RAR), if the RA process is incomplete and the previous RA attempt did not use the second RA resource set for preamble transmission, the terminal device will not acknowledge notifications from the lower or higher layer regarding the second RA resource set. Instead, the terminal device will continue to use the previous RA resource set for RA resource selection and preamble transmission.

[0218] This solves the problem of how a terminal device should attempt subsequent RA attempts after receiving the first instruction information during the RA process.

[0219] The initialization-related random access parameters mentioned in the above embodiments include at least one or more of the following: startPreambleForThisPartition, numberOfPreamblesPerSSB-ForThisPartition, ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex, or numberOfRA-PreamblesGroupA, where the parameter is the RRC parameter corresponding to the selected random access resource set. This application is not limited to these parameters; for example, the above terminology can be appropriately changed.

[0220] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto, and appropriate modifications can be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments can be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0221] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in some scenarios of wireless communication applications (such as energy-saving mode), the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration. This can improve network gain (such as energy-saving gain) and ensure the normal transmission of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device can correctly select random access resources in the PRACH adjustment scenario to avoid resource waste.

[0222] Second aspect of the embodiments

[0223] This application provides a method for configuring random access resources, described from the perspective of a network device. The embodiments of the second aspect can be combined with the embodiments of the first aspect, and the content identical to that in the embodiments of the first aspect will not be repeated.

[0224] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource configuration method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0225] 401, The network device sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration to the terminal device;

[0226] The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or select the random access resources (set) and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0227] It is worth noting that Figure 4 above is only an illustrative description of the embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order between various operations can be appropriately adjusted, and other operations can be added or some operations can be removed. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications based on the above content, and are not limited to the description in Figure 4 above.

[0228] In some embodiments, the network device further sends indication information, the indication information being used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and

[0229] The terminal device determines the validity of the random access resource (set) and / or selects the random access resource (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access resource and / or the second random access configuration and / or the indication information.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first random access configuration is at least used to configure first random access resources for the terminal device to perform a first (normal or legacy) random access, and the second resource configuration is at least used to configure second random access resources for the terminal device to perform a second (network power saving related additional) random access.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the first random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery;

[0232] The second random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the second random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery (the second random access configuration is related to network power saving and / or PRACH adjustment).

[0233] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration is included in / configured in the configuration of the uplink BWP, wherein the uplink BWP is an initial BWP, a dedicated BWP, or an activated BWP;

[0234] Wherein, the uplink BWP is the first uplink BWP that links the initial downlink BWP, or

[0235] The uplink BWP is a first uplink BWP that links to a downlink BWP. The downlink BWP includes an SSB associated with the initial downlink BWP, or the downlink BWP includes an NCD-SSB, or the downlink BWP is an initial downlink BWP for the redcap terminal.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration includes at least characteristic information, which is used to indicate whether the second random access configuration is used for PRACH adjustment, or to indicate whether the second random access configuration is related to network energy saving, or to indicate additional random access resources for the PRACH adjustment characteristic of the second random access configuration.

[0237] In some embodiments, the feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and the second random access configuration can be used for feature-related random access.

[0238] In some embodiments, the feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and other features included in the feature combination information (featureCombination) in the second random access configuration cannot be set to the first value.

[0239] In some embodiments, the network device also receives capability reporting information sent by the terminal device. The capability reporting information includes at least feature indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the feature corresponding to the feature information, and / or to send a UE Information Response message, which at least indicates that the feature triggers / initiates a random access procedure, or indicates that the feature is associated with the random access resource used.

[0240] In some embodiments, the indication information is an RRC parameter indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration, and / or, the indication information is downlink control information indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration.

[0241] In some embodiments, a first value of a bit in the RRC parameter or the downlink control information indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are activated, and a second value indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are deactivated.

[0242] In some embodiments, the terminal device is provided with / configured with a timer for determining / activating / enabling one or more second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and

[0243] The terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access process according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration and / or the timer.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the validity of random access resources (sets) by: setting the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration to a first value (true); and determining that the second random access resources (sets) configured by the second random access configuration are available for the characteristic corresponding to the characteristic information, but not available for other characteristics.

[0245] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the validity of random access resources (sets) by:

[0246] The characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or, the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or

[0247] If the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated state, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration includes at least feature priority information.

[0249] The terminal device selects a random access resource (set), which includes: the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) according to the terminal implementation (random selection) and / or selects a random access resource (set) according to the feature priority information.

[0250] In some embodiments, during the random access initialization phase, the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or, the terminal device receives an indication message and / or a timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or

[0251] If at least one of the first random access resources and / or the second random access resources is available, the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) based on terminal implementation (random selection) and / or feature priority information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the terminal device is further provided / configured with a first counter and a first counter maximum value parameter, wherein the first counter is used to indicate the number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resources (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration, and the first counter maximum value parameter is used to indicate the maximum number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resources (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration.

[0253] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or determines that the random access resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable;

[0254] The terminal device may (randomly) select one of the other available random access resources (sets) to continue the random access process and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters, or the terminal device may (unsuccessfully) terminate the random access process.

[0255] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or determines that the random access resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the terminal device determines (assuming) that the second random access resource configured by the second random access configuration remains available;

[0256] The terminal device continues the random access process based on the second random access resource (set).

[0257] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited thereto, and appropriate modifications can be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments can be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0258] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in some scenarios of wireless communication applications (such as energy-saving mode), the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration. This can improve network gain (such as energy-saving gain) and ensure the normal transmission of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device can correctly select random access resources in the PRACH adjustment scenario to avoid resource waste.

[0259] Third aspect of the embodiments

[0260] This application provides an apparatus for determining random access resources. This apparatus may be, for example, a terminal device, or one or more components or parts configured within the terminal device; details identical to those in the first aspect of the embodiment will not be repeated.

[0261] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource determination apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the random access resource determination apparatus 500 includes a receiver 501 and a processor 502, and may also include a transmitter 503.

[0262] Receiver 501 receives a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0263] The processor 502 determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0264] In some embodiments, the processor 502 determines the validity of random access resources (sets) and / or selects a set of random access resources during the random access (RA) initialization phase; and / or,

[0265] During the reception of the Random Access Response (RAR), the processor 502 determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure.

[0266] In some embodiments, the receiver 501 further receives indication information, the indication information being used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and

[0267] The processor 502 determines the validity of the random access resource (set) and / or selects the random access resource (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access resource and / or the second random access configuration and / or the indication information.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first random access configuration is at least used to configure first random access resources for the terminal device to perform a first (normal or legacy) random access, and the second resource configuration is at least used to configure second random access resources for the terminal device to perform a second (network power saving related additional) random access.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the first random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery;

[0270] The second random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the second random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery (the second random access configuration is related to network power saving and / or PRACH adjustment).

[0271] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration is included in / configured in the configuration of the uplink BWP, wherein the uplink BWP is an initial BWP, a dedicated BWP, or an activated BWP;

[0272] Wherein, the uplink BWP is the first uplink BWP that links the initial downlink BWP, or

[0273] The uplink BWP is a first uplink BWP that links to a downlink BWP. The downlink BWP includes an SSB associated with the initial downlink BWP, or the downlink BWP includes an NCD-SSB, or the downlink BWP is an initial downlink BWP for the redcap terminal.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration includes at least characteristic information, which is used to indicate that the second random access configuration is used for PRACH adjustment, or to indicate that the second random access configuration is related to network energy saving, or to indicate additional random access resources for the PRACH adjustment characteristic of the second random access configuration.

[0275] In some embodiments, the feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and the second random access configuration can be used for feature-related random access.

[0276] In some embodiments, the feature information (prach-adaptation) in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and other features included in the feature combination information (featureCombination) in the second random access configuration cannot be set to the first value.

[0277] In some embodiments, transmitter 503 sends capability reporting information, which includes at least feature indication information. The feature indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the feature corresponding to the feature information, and / or sends a UE Information Response message, which at least indicates that the feature triggers / initiates a random access procedure, or indicates that the feature is associated with the random access resource used.

[0278] In some embodiments, the indication information is an RRC parameter indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration, and / or, the indication information is downlink control information indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration.

[0279] In some embodiments, a first value of a bit in the RRC parameter or the downlink control information indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are activated, and a second value indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are deactivated.

[0280] In some embodiments, the terminal device is provided with / configured with a timer for determining / activating / enabling one or more second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and

[0281] The processor 502 determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration and / or the timer.

[0282] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the validity of random access resources (sets) by:

[0283] The feature information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) configured in the second random access configuration is available for the feature corresponding to the feature information, but not available for other features.

[0284] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the validity of random access resources (sets) by:

[0285] The characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or, the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or

[0286] If the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or the terminal device receives the (latest) indication information and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated state, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second random access configuration includes at least feature priority information.

[0288] The terminal device selects a random access resource (set), which includes: the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) according to the terminal implementation (random selection) and / or selects a random access resource (set) according to characteristic priority information.

[0289] In some embodiments,

[0290] During the random access initialization phase, if the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value (true), and / or if the terminal device receives an indication message and / or a timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or

[0291] If at least one of the first random access resources and / or the second random access resources is available, the terminal device selects a random access resource (set) based on terminal implementation (random selection) and / or feature priority information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the terminal device is further provided / configured with a first counter and a first counter maximum value parameter, wherein the first counter is used to indicate the number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resources (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration, and the first counter maximum value parameter is used to indicate the maximum number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resources (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration.

[0293] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or determines that the random resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the terminal device determines that the second random access resource (set) corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable;

[0294] The terminal device may (randomly) select one of the other available random access resources (sets) to continue the random access process and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters, or the terminal device may (unsuccessfully) terminate the random access process.

[0295] In some embodiments, during the reception of a Random Access Response (RAR), if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or determines that the random resource (set) used this time or last time is the second random access resource (set), and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the terminal device determines (assuming) that the second random access resource configured by the second random access configuration remains available;

[0296] The terminal device continues the random access process based on the second random access resource (set).

[0297] It is worth noting that the above description only covers the components or modules relevant to this application, but this application is not limited thereto. The random access resource determination apparatus 500 may also include other components or modules, and for details regarding these components or modules, please refer to related technologies.

[0298] Furthermore, for simplicity, Figure 5 only illustrates the connection relationships or signal flow between the various components or modules, but those skilled in the art should understand that various related technologies such as bus connections can be used. The aforementioned components or modules can be implemented using hardware facilities such as processors, memory, transmitters, and receivers; this application does not limit this implementation.

[0299] Through the embodiments of this application, in some scenarios of wireless communication applications (e.g., power saving mode), the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration. This can improve network gain (e.g., power saving gain) and ensure the normal transmission of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device can correctly select random access resources in the PRACH adjustment scenario to avoid resource waste.

[0300] Fourth aspect of the embodiment

[0301] This application provides a configuration apparatus for random access resources. This apparatus may be, for example, a network device, or one or more components or parts configured within a network device; details identical to those in the first and second aspects will not be repeated.

[0302] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a random access resource configuration apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the random access resource configuration apparatus 600 includes a transmitter 601 and a processor 602, and may also include a receiver 603.

[0303] Transmitter 601 transmits a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0304] The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or select the random access resources (set) and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0305] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 603 receives random access information from the terminal device.

[0306] It is worth noting that the above description only covers the components or modules relevant to this application, but this application is not limited thereto. The random access resource configuration device 600 may also include other components or modules, and for details regarding these components or modules, please refer to related technologies.

[0307] Furthermore, for simplicity, Figure 6 only illustrates the connection relationships or signal flow between the various components or modules, but those skilled in the art should understand that various related technologies such as bus connections can be used. The aforementioned components or modules can be implemented using hardware facilities such as processors, memory, transmitters, and receivers; this application does not limit this implementation.

[0308] Through the embodiments of this application, in some scenarios of wireless communication applications (e.g., power saving mode), the terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) according to the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration. This can improve network gain (e.g., power saving gain) and ensure the normal transmission of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device can correctly select random access resources in the PRACH adjustment scenario to avoid resource waste.

[0309] Fifth aspect of the embodiment

[0310] This application also provides a communication system, which can be referred to FIG1. ​​The contents that are the same as those in the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects will not be repeated.

[0311] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include at least:

[0312] A network device that sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0313] The terminal device receives the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration; determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0314] This application also provides a terminal device, but the application is not limited thereto and may also include other devices.

[0315] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the terminal device 700 may include a processor 710 and a memory 720; the memory 720 stores data and programs and is coupled to the processor 710. It is worth noting that this figure is exemplary; other types of structures may also be used to supplement or replace this structure to implement telecommunications functions or other functions.

[0316] For example, processor 710 may be configured to execute a program to implement the method for determining random access resources as described in the embodiments of the first aspect. For example, processor 710 may be configured to perform the following control: receive a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; determine the validity of a random access resource (set) and / or select a random access resource (set) and / or initialize relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0317] As shown in Figure 7, the terminal device 700 may further include: a communication module 730, an input unit 740, a display 750, and a power supply 760. The functions of these components are similar to those in the prior art and will not be described in detail here. It is worth noting that the terminal device 700 does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 7; these components are not essential. Furthermore, the terminal device 700 may also include components not shown in Figure 7, which can be referred to in the prior art.

[0318] This application also provides a network device, such as a base station, but this application is not limited to this and may also include other network devices.

[0319] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the network device configuration according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the network device 800 may include: a processor 810 (e.g., a central processing unit CPU) and a memory 820; the memory 820 is coupled to the processor 810. The memory 820 can store various types of data; in addition, it also stores an information processing program 830, and executes the program 830 under the control of the processor 810.

[0320] For example, processor 810 may be configured to execute a program to implement the random access resource configuration method as described in the second aspect of the embodiment. For example, processor 810 may be configured to perform the following control: sending a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; wherein the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resource (set) and / or select the random access resource (set) and / or initialize relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0321] In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the network device 800 may also include a transceiver 840 and an antenna 850, etc.; the functions of the above components are similar to those in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. It is worth noting that the network device 800 does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 8; furthermore, the network device 800 may also include components not shown in Figure 8, which can be referred to in the prior art.

[0322] This application also provides a computer program, wherein when the program is executed in a terminal device, the program causes the terminal device to perform the random access resource determination method described in the first aspect of the embodiment.

[0323] This application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program causes a terminal device to execute the random access resource determination method described in the first aspect of the embodiment.

[0324] This application also provides a computer program, wherein when the program is executed in a network device, the program causes the network device to perform the random access resource configuration method described in the second aspect of the embodiment.

[0325] This application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program causes a network device to perform the random access resource configuration method described in the second aspect of the embodiment.

[0326] The apparatus and methods described above in this application can be implemented in hardware or in combination with software. This application relates to a computer-readable program that, when executed by a logic component, enables the logic component to implement the apparatus or components described above, or to implement the various methods or steps described above. This application also relates to storage media for storing the above programs, such as hard disks, magnetic disks, optical disks, DVDs, flash memory, etc.

[0327] The methods / apparatus described in conjunction with the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. For example, one or more and / or combinations of one or more functional block diagrams shown in the figures can correspond to various software modules in a computer program flow, or to various hardware modules. These software modules can correspond to the various steps shown in the figures, respectively. These hardware modules can be implemented, for example, using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to embed these software modules.

[0328] The software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium can be coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium; or the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The software module can be stored in the memory of a mobile terminal or in a memory card that can be inserted into the mobile terminal. For example, if the device (such as a mobile terminal) uses a high-capacity MEGA-SIM card or a high-capacity flash memory device, the software module can be stored in the MEGA-SIM card or the high-capacity flash memory device.

[0329] One or more and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described herein. One or more and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in communication with a DSP, or any other such configuration.

[0330] The present application has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these descriptions are exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present application based on its spirit and principles, and these modifications and variations are also within the scope of the present application.

[0331] Regarding the implementation methods including the above embodiments, the following notes are also disclosed:

[0332] 1. A method for determining random access resources, comprising:

[0333] The terminal device receives a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0334] The terminal device determines the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or selects the random access resources (set) and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

[0335] 2. A method for configuring random access resources, comprising:

[0336] The network device sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration;

[0337] The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resources (set) and / or select the random access resources (set) and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

[0338] 3. The method according to Appendix 2, wherein the method further comprises:

[0339] The network device sends indication information, which is used to indicate one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration.

[0340] 4. The method according to Appendix 2, wherein the second random access configuration includes at least characteristic information, the characteristic information being used to indicate that the second random access configuration is used for PRACH adjustment, or to indicate that the second random access configuration is related to network energy saving, or to indicate additional random access resources for the PRACH adjustment characteristic of the second random access configuration.

[0341] 5. The method according to Appendix 4, wherein the method further comprises:

[0342] The network device receives capability reporting information, which includes at least feature indication information. This feature indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the feature corresponding to the feature information, and / or

[0343] The network device receives a UE Information Response message, which at least indicates that the feature triggers / initiates a random access procedure, or indicates that the feature is associated with the random access resources used.

[0344] 6. The method according to Appendix 3, wherein the indication information is an RRC parameter indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration, and / or, the indication information is downlink control information indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured by the second random access configuration.

[0345] 7. A terminal device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program and the processor being configured to execute the computer program to implement the method for determining random access resources as described in Appendix 1.

[0346] 8. A network device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program and the processor being configured to execute the computer program to implement a method for configuring random access resources as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 6.

[0347] 9. A computer program product comprising at least a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes a terminal device to perform the method for determining random access resources as described in Appendix 1.

[0348] 10. A computer program product comprising at least a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes a network device to perform a method for configuring random access resources as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 6.

Claims

1. A device for determining random access resources, configured in a terminal device, the device comprising: A receiver that receives a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; The processor determines the validity of the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor determines the validity of the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or set of random access resources during the random access initialization phase; and / or, During the process of receiving a random access response, the processor determines the validity of the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver also receives indication information, which indicates one or more or all of the second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and The processor determines the validity of the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access resource and / or the second random access configuration and / or the indication information.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first random access configuration is used at least to configure a first random access resource or a set of random access resources for the terminal device to perform a first random access, and the second random access configuration is used at least to configure a second random access resource or a set of random access resources for the terminal device to perform a second random access. Wherein, the first random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the first random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery; the second random access configuration is used to configure cell-level random access parameters; the second random access configuration is used for contention-based access and / or non-contention-based access and / or contention-based beam failure recovery.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second random access configuration is included in / configured in the configuration of the uplink BWP, which is an initial BWP, a dedicated BWP, or an activated BWP; Wherein, the uplink BWP is the first uplink BWP that links the initial downlink BWP, or The uplink BWP is a first uplink BWP that links to a downlink BWP. The downlink BWP includes an SSB associated with the initial downlink BWP, or the downlink BWP includes an NCD-SSB, or the downlink BWP is an initial downlink BWP for the redcap terminal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second random access configuration includes at least characteristic information, which is used to indicate that the second random access configuration is used for PRACH adjustment, or to indicate that the second random access configuration is related to network energy saving, or to indicate additional random access resources for the PRACH adjustment characteristic of the second random access configuration.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The characteristic information in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and the second random access configuration is used for random access related to the characteristic.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the characteristic information in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and other characteristics included in the characteristic merging information in the second random access configuration cannot be set to the first value.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The device further includes: A transmitter that transmits capability reporting information, the capability reporting information including at least feature indication information, the feature indication information being used to indicate that the terminal device supports the feature corresponding to the feature information, and / or, transmits a terminal information response message, the terminal information response message at least indicating that the feature triggers / initiates a random access procedure, or indicating that the feature is associated with the random access resource used.

10. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The indication information is an RRC parameter indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured in the second random access configuration, and / or, the indication information is downlink control information indicating the activation / deactivation of one or more second random access resources configured in the second random access configuration; In this context, a first value of a bit in the RRC parameter or the downlink control information indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are activated, and a second value indicates that one or more or all of the corresponding second random access resources are deactivated.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal device is provided with / configured with a timer, the timer being used to determine / activate / enable one or more second random access resources of the second random access configuration; and The processor determines the validity of the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or set of random access resources and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration and / or the timer.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor determines the validity of random access resources or sets of random access resources, including: The feature information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and the terminal device determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set configured in the second random access configuration is available for the feature corresponding to the feature information, but not available for other features.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor determines the validity of random access resources or sets of random access resources, including: The characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and / or, the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the processor determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or If the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and / or the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated state, then the processor determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second random access configuration includes at least feature priority information. The processor selects a random access resource or a set of random access resources, including: selecting a random access resource or a set of random access resources based on the terminal implementation and / or selecting a random access resource or a set of random access resources based on the feature priority information.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, During the random access initialization phase, if the characteristic information included in the second random access configuration is set to a first value, and / or if the terminal device receives an indication message and / or a timer configured on the terminal device indicates that the second random access configuration is active, then the processor determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration is available; and / or If at least one of the first random access resources and / or the second random access resources is available, the processor selects a random access resource or a set of random access resources based on terminal implementation and / or feature priority information.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal device is also provided with / configured with a first counter and a first counter maximum value parameter. The first counter is used to indicate the number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration. The first counter maximum value parameter is used to indicate the maximum number of times the terminal device performs random access attempts based on the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, During the reception of the random access response, if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or that the current random access resource set is the second random access resource set, and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the processor determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set corresponding to the second random access configuration is unavailable; The processor may, based on other available random access resources or sets of random access resources, select a random access resource or set of random access resources to continue the random access process and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters, or terminate the random access process.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, During the reception of the random access response, if the terminal device determines that the RAR process has not ended, and / or that the current random access resource set is the second random access resource set, and / or determines that the first counter has reached its maximum value, and / or determines that the second random access configuration is in a deactivated / activated state based on the indication information received by the terminal device and / or the timer configured by the terminal device, then the processor determines that the second random access resource or random access resource set configured by the second random access configuration remains available; The processor continues the random access process based on the second random access resource or the set of random access resources.

19. A configuration apparatus for random access resources, comprising: A transmitter that transmits a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; The first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration are used by the terminal device to determine the validity of the random access resource or the set of random access resources and / or select the random access resource or the set of random access resources and / or initialize the relevant random access parameters and / or terminate the random access procedure.

20. A communication system, comprising: A network device that sends a first random access configuration and / or a second random access configuration; The terminal device receives the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration; determines the validity of the random access resource or the set of random access resources and / or selects the random access resource or the set of random access resources and / or initializes the relevant random access parameters and / or terminates the random access procedure based on the first random access configuration and / or the second random access configuration.

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