Modification of the random access response window

Abstract

A method in a user equipment (UE) includes: transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble; receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam.

Description

MODIFICATION OF THE RANDOM ACCESS RESPONSE WINDOWCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The following applications are related: U.S. Provisional Application having attorney docket no. 336247-US-PSP (44665-582); and U.S. Provisional Application having attorney docket no. 336299-US-PSP (44665-583).FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments relate to efficient transfer of information, more particularly, to the efficient transfer of information between a user equipment (UE) and a network apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless networking provides significant advantages for user mobility. A user’s ability to remain connected while on the move provides advantages not only for the user, but also provides greater efficiency and productivity for society as a whole. As expectations for connection reliability, data speed, and lower power consumption, become more demanding, technology for wireless networking must also keep pace with such expectations. Accordingly, there is continuing interest in improving wireless networking technology.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a method in a user equipment (UE) includes: transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble; receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam; determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; and based on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving the random access response from the network apparatus during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam or receiving the random access response from the network apparatus during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0005] In an aspect, the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period may include utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0006] In an aspect, the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period may include comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0007] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0008] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0009] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0010] In an aspect, the threshold amount may include an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0011] In an aspect, the threshold amount may include a percentage of time relative to an amount of time available for the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0012] In an aspect, the threshold amount may be preconfigured in the UE.

[0013] In an aspect, the threshold amount may be included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0014] In an aspect, the threshold amount may be hardcoded in a specification.

[0015] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be receivedby the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0016] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0017] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0018] In an aspect, the method may further include receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0019] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform any one of the preceding methods.

[0020] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform any one of the preceding methods.

[0021] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a method in a network apparatus includes: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble; transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam; determining whether an entirety of a time period for transmitting a random access response is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; and based on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for transmitting the random access response is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, transmitting the random access response to the UE during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam or transmitting the random access response to the UE during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0022] In an aspect, the determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE may include comparing an amount of time in an active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takesto process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0023] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE, the network apparatus transmits, to the UE, a random access response during a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0024] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0025] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0026] In an aspect, the method may further include transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0027] In an aspect, the method of any one of the preceding methods may further include transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within a remaining duration of the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0028] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a method in a user equipment (UE), includes: transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble; receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam.

[0029] In an aspect, the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam may include utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0030] In an aspect, the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period ofthe current active time period of the beam may include comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0031] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0032] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0033] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0034] In an aspect, the threshold amount may include an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0035] In an aspect, the threshold amount may include a percentage of time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0036] In an aspect, the threshold amount may be preconfigured in the UE.

[0037] In an aspect, the threshold amount may be included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0038] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least the threshold amount of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0039] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving,from the network apparatus, the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0040] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access during the current active time period of the beam.

[0041] In an aspect, the method may further include, receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0042] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform any one of the preceding methods.

[0043] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform any one of the preceding methods.

[0044] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a method in a network apparatus includes: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble; transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a dedicated current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entire random access response window is available to the UE.

[0045] In an aspect, the determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE may comprise comparing an amount of time in the dedicated current active time period of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0046] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated current active time period of the beam.

[0047] In an aspect, the method may further include, based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0048] In an aspect, the method may further include, transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0049] In an aspect, the method may further include, transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0050] In an aspect, the method may further include, transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within at least one of the current active period of the beam or the common active timer period of the beam.

[0051] According to some aspects, there is provided the subject matter of the independent claims. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example embodiment of wireless networking between a network system and a user equipment (UE), according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagram of example components of a network system, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a contention-based random access procedure, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment illustrating a network providing four cells at different points in time, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment illustrating a network providing four beams of a cell and a main beam at different points in time, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example embodiment illustrating two UEs transmitting random access preambles during different response windows, according to one illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation for a random access procedure, according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0060] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example embodiment illustrating timing of a network providing beams and including timing a regular random access response window and a common random access response window, according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example of components of a user equipment or of a network apparatus, according to one illustrated aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The present disclosure relates to modifications of the random access response window during transmission of information between a network and a user equipment (UE).

[0063] Networks may transmit system information to a UE in a broadcast manner or in response to a system information request made by the UE. In some cases, the UE may not receive a random access response to a random access preamble due to the fact that beams may be turned on and off, thereby making the window non-continuous, such as in the case of nonterrestrial networks (NTN). The present disclosure operates to determine whether the active time period in the beam has a long enough duration to receive any or all of the random access response from the network.

[0064] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of disclosed aspects. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the aspects.

[0065] Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0066] Embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented in wireless networking apparatuses, such as, without limitation, apparatuses utilizing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G New Radio (5G NR), 5G Advance, 6G (and beyond) and 802.1 lax (Wi-Fi 6), among other wireless networking systems. The term ‘eLTE’ here denotes the LTE evolution that connects to a 5G core. LTE is also known as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) or as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN).

[0067] The present disclosure may use the term “serving network device” to refer to a network node or network device (or a portion thereof) that services a UE. As used herein, the terms “transmit toward,” “transmit to,” “receive from,” and “cooperate with,” (and their variations) include communications that may or may not involve communications through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The term “acquire” (and its variations) includes acquiring in the first instance or reacquiring after the first instance. The term “connection” may mean a physical connection or a logical connection.

[0068] The present disclosure uses 5G NR as an example of a wireless network and may use smartphones and / or extended reality headsets as an example of UEs. It is intended and shall be understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is applicable to other wireless networks and user equipment.

[0069] FIG. l isa diagram depicting an example of wireless networking between a network system 100 and a user equipment (UE) 150. The network system 100 may include one or more network nodes 120, one or more servers 110, and / or one or more network equipment 130 (e.g., test equipment). The network nodes 120 will be described in more detail below. As used herein, the term “network apparatus” may refer to any component of the network system 100, such as the server 110, the network node 120, the network equipment 130, any component(s) of the foregoing, and / or any other component(s) of the network system 100. Examples of network apparatuses include, without limitation, apparatuses implementing aspects of 5G NR, among others. The present disclosure describes embodiments related to 5GNR and embodiments that involve aspects defined by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, it is contemplated that embodiments relating to other wireless networking technologies are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] The following description provides further details of examples of network nodes. In a 5G NR network, a gNodeB (also known as gNB) may include, e.g., a node that provides new radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and that is connected via a NG interface to the 5G core (5GC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 3.2, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0071] A gNB supports various protocol layers, e.g., Layer 1 (LI) - physical layer, Layer 2 (L2), and Layer 3 (L3).

[0072] The layer 2 (L2) of NR is split into the following sublayers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), where, e.g. :o The physical layer offers to the MAC sublayer transport channels;o The MAC sublayer offers to the RLC sublayer logical channels;o The RLC sublayer offers to the PDCP sublayer RLC channels;o The PDCP sublayer offers to the SDAP sublayer radio bearers;o The SDAP sublayer offers to 5GC quality of service (QoS) flows; o Control channels include broadcast control channel (BCCH) and physical control channel (PCCH).

[0073] Layer 3 (L3) includes, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.300 V16.6.0 (2021-06) section 6, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0074] A gNB central unit (gNB-CU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB, that controls the operation of one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs). The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. A gNB-CU may also be referred to herein as a CU, a central unit, a centralized unit, or a control unit.

[0075] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-CU. A gNB-DU may also be referred to herein as DU or a distributed unit.

[0076] A gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., the RRC and the control plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB or a gNB. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the El interface connected with the gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP) and the Fl-C interface connected with the gNB-DU.

[0077] A gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP) includes, e.g., a logical node hosting, e.g., the user plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB, and the user plane part of the PDCP protocol and the SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU for a gNB. The gNB-CU-UP terminates the El interface connected with the gNB-CU-CP and the Fl-U interface connected with the gNB-DU, e.g., according to 3GPP TS 38.401 V16.6.0 (2021-07) section 3.1, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0078] As used herein, the term “network node” may refer to any of a gNB, a gNB-CU, a gNB-DU, a gNB-CU-CP, or a gNB-CU-UP, or any combination of them.

[0079] A RAN (radio access network) node or network node such as, e.g., a gNB, gNB-CU, or gNB-DU, or parts thereof, may be implemented using, e.g., an apparatus with at leastone processor and / or at least one memory with processor-readable instructions (“program”) configured to support and / or provision and / or process CU and / or DU related functionality and / or features, and / or at least one protocol (sub-)layer of a RAN (radio access network), e.g., layer 2 and / or layer 3. Different functional splits between the central and distributed unit are possible. An example of such an apparatus and components will be described in connection with FIG. 6 below.

[0080] The gNB-CU and gNB-DU parts may, e.g., be co-located or physically separated. The gNB-DU may even be split further, e.g., into two parts, e.g., one including processing equipment and one including an antenna. A central unit (CU) may also be called baseband unit / radio equipment controller / cloud-RAN / virtual-RAN (BBU / REC / C-RAN / V-RAN), open-RAN (O-RAN), or part thereof. A distributed unit (DU) may also be called remote radio head / remote radio unit / radio equipment / radio unit (RRH / RRU / RE / RU), or part thereof. Hereinafter, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a network node, which supports at least one of central unit functionality or a layer 3 protocol of a radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-CU. Similarly, a network node, which supports at least one of distributed unit functionality or a layer 2 protocol of the radio access network, may be, e.g., a gNB-DU.

[0081] A gNB-CU may support one or multiple gNB-DUs. A gNB-DU may support one or multiple cells and, thus, could support a serving cell for a user equipment (UE) or support a candidate cell for handover, dual connectivity, and / or carrier aggregation, among other procedures.

[0082] The user equipment (UE) 150 may be or include a wireless or mobile device, an apparatus with a radio interface to interact with a RAN (radio access network), a smartphone, an in-vehicle apparatus, an loT device, or a M2M device, among other types of user equipment. Such UE 150 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code; where the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform certain operations, such as, e.g., RRC connection to the RAN. An example of components of a UE will be described in connection with FIG. 6. In embodiments, the UE 150 may be configured to generate a message (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio towards a RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with a serving cell). In embodiments, the UE 150 may generate and transmit and receive RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (packet data units). Persons skilled in the art will understand RRC protocol as well as other procedures a UE may perform.

[0083] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, in the example of a 5G NR network, the network system 100 provides one or more cells, which define a coverage area of the networksystem 100. As described above, the network system 100 may include a gNB of a 5G NR network or may include any other apparatus configured to control radio communication and manage radio resources within a cell. As used herein, the term “resource” may refer to radio resources, such as a resource block (RB), a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a sub-band, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. In embodiments, the network node 120 may be called a base station.

[0084] FIG. 1 provides an example and is merely illustrative of a network system 100 and a UE 150. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the network system 100 includes components not illustrated in FIG. 1 and will understand that other user equipment may be in communication with the network system 100.

[0085] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of example components of the network system 100 of FIG. 1. A 5GNR network may be described as an example of the network system 100, and it is intended that aspects of the following description shall be applicable to other types of network systems, as well. The network system may operate in accordance with the signals and connections shown in FIG. 1 such that the UE 150 is in communication with the network system 100 through the radio access network 225. Additionally, the network system may be divided into user plane components and functions and control plane components and functions, as shown and described herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “component”, “function”, and “service” may be used interchangeably herein, and they may refer to and be implemented by instructions executed by one or more processors.

[0086] Example functions of the components are described below. The example functions are merely illustrative, and it shall be understood that additional operations and functions may be performed by the components described herein. Additionally, the connections between components may be virtual connections over service-based interfaces such that any component may communicate with any other component. In this manner, any component may act as a service “producer,” for any other component that is a service “consumer,” to provide services for network functions.

[0087] For example, a core network 210 is described in the control plane of the network system. The core network 210 may include an authentication server function (AUSF) 211, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 212, and a session management function (SMF) 213. The core network 210 may also include a network slice selection function (NSSF) 214, a network exposure function (NEF) 215, a network repository function (NRF) 216, and a unified data management function (UDM) 217, which may include a uniform data repository (UDR) 224.

[0088] Additional components and functions of the core network 210 may include an application function 218, policy control function (PCF) 219, network data analytics function (NWDAF) 220, analytics data repository function (ADRF) 221, management data analytics function (MDAF) 222, and operations and management function (0AM) 223.

[0089] The user plane includes the UE 150, a radio access network (RAN) 225, a user plane function (UPF) 226, and a data network (DN) 227. The RAN 225 may include one or more components described in connection with FIG. 1, such as one or more network nodes. However, the RAN 225 may not be limited to such components. The UPF 226 provides connection for data being transmitted over the RAN 225. The DN 226 identifies services from service providers, Internet access, and third party services, for example.

[0090] The AMF 212 processes connection and mobility tasks. The AUSF 211 receives authentication requests from the AMF 212 and interacts with UDM 217 to authenticate and validate network responses for determination of successful authentication. The SMF 213 conducts packet data unit (PDU) session management, as well as manages session context with the UPF 226.

[0091] The NSSF 214 may select a network slicing instance (NSI) and determine the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). This selection and determination is utilized to set the AMF 212 to provide service to the UE 150. The NEF 215 secures access to network services for third parties to create specialized network services. The NRF 216 acts as a repository to store network functions to allow the functions to register with and discover each other.

[0092] The UDM 217 generates authentication vectors for use by the AUSF 211 and ADM 212 and provides user identification handling. The UDM 217 may be connected to the UDR 224 which stores data associated with authentication, applications, or the like. The AF 218 provides application services to a user (e.g., streaming services, etc.). The PCF 219 provides policy control functionality. For example, the PCF 219 may assist in network slicing and mobility management, as well as provide quality of service (QoS) and charging functionality.

[0093] The NWDAF 220 collects data (e.g., from the UE 150 and the network system) to perform network analytics and provide insight to functions that utilize the analytics in the providing of services. The ADRF 221 allows the storage, retrieval, and removal of data and analytics by consumers. The MDAF 222 provides additional data analytics services for network functions. The 0AM 223 provides provisioning and management processing functions to manage elements in or connected to the network (e.g., UE 150, network nodes, etc.).

[0094] FIG. 2 is merely an example of components of a network system, and variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the network system may include other components not illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the network system may not include every component illustrated in FIG. 2. In embodiments, the components and connections may be implemented with different connections than those illustrated in FIG. 2. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0095] A procedure for a UE to establish communications with a target cell is referred to as random access procedure. Random access procedure may be used for initial access, small data transmissions in inactive and transition from RRC Inactive to RRC Connected, as well as in beam failure recovery, connection re-establishment, handover, and cell addition, among other procedures which persons skilled in the art will recognize.

[0096] Two types of random access procedures include contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA). FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a contention-based random access (CBRA) procedure. In the illustrated example, the signals include a random access preamble (MSG1) transmitted by the UE 350 towards the network node 310 (e.g., gNodeB, or part thereof), a random access response (MSG2) transmitted from the network node 310 towards the UE 350, a schedule transmission (MSG3) transmitted from the UE 350 towards the network node 310, and a contention resolution (MSG4) transmitted from the network node 310 towards the UE 350.

[0097] For MSG1, the UE 350 selects a usable random access preamble based on information elements in a signal synchronization block (SSB). The UE 350 sends the random access preamble (MSG1) towards the network node 310 using a specific time and frequency resource known as random access occasion (RO). The UE 350 also provides an identity, called random access radio network temporary identity (RA-RNTI), to the network so that the network can address it in the next step.

[0098] For MSG2, the network node 310 detects the preamble, calculates various quantities, and sends a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) uplink (UL) grant towards the UE 350. This is called the random access response (RAR), which is sent as MSG2 addressed to the UE 350 with the relevant RA-RNTI and indicates to the UE 350 where in frequency and when in time it can transmit MSG3 on the PUSCH.

[0099] For MSG3, in response to receiving the MSG2 from the network node 310, the UE 350 sends MSG3 using the UL grant provided in the RAR. Because the RAR provides a time resource allocation, the UE 350 sends MSG3 towards the network node 310 at a timingspecified by the time resource allocation and is a scheduled transmission. This MSG3 may be called a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message.

[0100] For MSG4, the network node 310 may send MSG4 towards the UE 350 for contention resolution. Contention resolution may operate in the manner specified by 3 GPP for 5G NR. After the random access procedure, assuming contention resolution is resolved favorably, the UE 350 becomes connected to the network node 310. After establishing a connection, various procedures would be handled by a gNB-CU in accordance with the CU-DU split. Other aspects of contention-based random access (CBRA) will be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0101] Another type of random access procedure is contention-free random access (CFRA) (not shown). In CFRA (not shown), the network node 310 transmits an allocated random access preamble towards the UE 350. The UE 350 receives the allocated random access preamble and sends the random access preamble to the network node 310 in a random access request as MSG1. Then, MSG2 and MSG3 are similar to those described in connection with CBRA. No conflict resolution is needed in CFRA based on use of an allocated random access preamble. Other aspects of contention-free random access (CFRA) will be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0102] As mentioned above, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure relates to various approaches for determining whether the active time period in a beam transmitted by the network has a long enough duration for a UE to receive any or all of the random access response (RAR) from the network.

[0103] Typically, when a UE transmits a random access preamble to a network, the UE either receives a RAR from the network or fails to receive a RAR from the network. In instances where the UE does not receive a RAR from the network, the UE may transmit another RA preamble. This process may continue until the UE receives the RAR from the network, which can lead to wasted time and energy.

[0104] As used herein, the term “S-beam” denotes a satellite beam footprint, which is a radio beam transmitted by a satellite and may correspond to a full cell, part of a cell, or an NR-beam. The term “NR-beam” denotes a beam as described in the context of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NR Systems. For instance, an NR cell may be divided into a plurality of NR-beams.

[0105] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate different ways in which a network (e.g., a NTN) can transmit information to UEs.

[0106] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an S-beam transmitted by a network. Here, the satellite performs S-beam hopping to provide different NR cells in different points in time. In FIG. 4, the periodicity is 160ms, and each of cell 1 (410), cell 2 (420), cell 3 (430), and cell 4 (440) is provided at different points in time. The final block 450 in the graph represents a gap where none of the cells are transmitted. The implementation of the final block 450 is desired in some instances.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating NR cells that are provided through a wide S-beam (e.g., an umbrella cell), with a relatively wide coverage area, and cells that are provided through narrow S-beams. In FIG. 5, the periodicity is 160ms, and the network provides a wide S-beam 510, a first narrow S-beam 520, a second narrow S-beam 530, a third narrow S-beam 540, and a fourth narrow S-beam 550. The final block 560 in the graph represents a gap where none of the cells are transmitted. The implementation of the final block 560 is desired in some instances.

[0108] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating two UEs transmitting a random access (RA) preamble at different times, utilizing the scenario depicted in FIG. 4. Here, a first UE 610 has selected a first random access occasion 630. A first random access response window 620 is shown and indicates the window of time in which the network can transmit the RAR, which is started after the selection of the first random access occasion 630. A second UE 640 has selected a fourth random access occasion 660. A second random access response window 650 is shown and indicates the window of time in which the network can transmit the RAR, which is started after the selection of the fourth random access occasion 660 A first time window 670 and a second time window 680 indicate the time in which the network response can be sent Additionally, the first random access response window 620 and the second random access response window 650 indicate the amount of time the UE listens for the RAR from the network. Further, time block 695 is illustrated and includes a first portion 695a, indicating when the downlink (DL) is expected to be on, and a second portion 695b, indicating when the DL is expected to be off.

[0109] For a UE to receive a RAR from the network, the network ensures that the UE receives the RAR within the first random response window 620 during the first potion 695a of the time block 695 when the DL is expected to be on. In the examples shown in FIG. 6, the network is able to begin providing the RAR to the first UE 610 during the first random access response window 620 since the RAR will be received during the first potion 695 a of the time block 695 when the DL is expected to be on, as illustrated by the first random access response window 692. However, for the second UE 640, it may be problematic depending on whenduring the second time window 680 the network provides the RAR . More particularly, if the network provides the RAR at or near the beginning of the second time window 680, it can successfully be received by the UE while the beam is switched on. However, if the network provides the RAR at or near the end of the second time window 680, it may not be successfully received by the UE because part of the second random access response window 630 is within the second portion 695b of the time block 695, which indicates that the beam is expected to be off. Moreover, while not explicitly shown, a UE that selects a fifth random access occasion will have even less time to receive the requested RAR from the network.

[0110] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating an example of a UE transmitting a RA preamble, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, is shown. As explained further below, this method allows a UE to receive a RAR from the network when it has been determined that the time period for receiving a RAR from the network is sufficient based on a remaining time period of a current active time period of the beam transmitted by the network apparatus.

[0111] Initially, the UE transmits, to a network, a RA preamble, indicated as operation 700 in FIG. 7. Next, as indicated by operation 710, the UE determines whether the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam. This determination is based on the random access response window configuration, the estimated RTT (UE timing advance and KMAC), CORESET and Search Spaces configurations, the configuration of when the cells are on and off, and / or other configurations of the network and UE.

[0112] As shown by arrow 720, if, during the operation 710, it is determined that the random access response window is not outside of the current DL active time period of the beam, the UE will proceed with normal operation and receive the RAR from the network during the current active time period of the beam, which is indicated by operation 730.

[0113] Alternatively, if, during the operation 710, it is determined that at least a portion of the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam, as indicated by arrow 740, the operation 730 will not be implemented.

[0114] In such cases, and in accordance with disclosed embodiments, the UE may implement an optional step, which is indicated by operation 750 in FIG. 7. In the operation 750, the UE and the network calculate how much time of the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam. In embodiments, the calculations are made based on the random access response window configuration, the estimated RTT (UEtiming advance and KMAC), CORESET and Search Spaces configurations, the configuration of when the cells are on and off, and / or other configurations of the network and UE.

[0115] The UE compares this value to a threshold value, which may be configured by the network or hard-coded in specifications, and may be a given amount of time or a percentage of time available for the random access response from the network, for instance.

[0116] If the amount of time the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam is shorter than the threshold value, as indicated by arrow 760, the UE will receive the RAR from the network during the current active time period of the beam, which is indicated by the operation 730.

[0117] If the amount of time the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam is greater than the threshold value, as indicated by arrow 770, the UE will not proceed with the operation 730. Here, the UE selects either a first option, operation 780, or a second option, operation 790. The selection of the first option or the second option can be predefined or configurable by the network, for instance. When the UE chooses the first option, operation 780, the start of the random access response window is postponed until the next available active period of the beam such that an entirety, or at least the threshold amount, of the RAR can be received by the UE during the active time period of the beam. When the UE chooses the second option, operation 790, the RAR is initiated during the current active period of the beam. Here, if, as calculated, the UE does not receive the RAR within the current active period of the beam, the UE suspends its monitoring of the random access response window when the beam goes inactive, and then resumes monitoring the random access response window in the subsequent active period of the beam.

[0118] In embodiments where the optional step (i.e., the operation 750) is not utilized, after determining that at least a portion of the random access response window is outside of the current DL active time period of the beam, as indicated by the arrow 740, the UE will proceed to the arrow 770 where the UE is configured to select either the first option, the operation 780, or the second option, the operation 790. As noted above, the selection of the first option or the second option can be predefined or configurable by the network, for instance.

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram of another embodiment illustrating a network providing beams is shown. The diagram of FIG. 8 illustrates NR cells that are provided through a wide S-beam (e.g., an umbrella cell), with a relatively wide coverage area, and beams that are provided through narrow S-beams. In FIG. 8, the periodicity is 160ms, and the network provides a wide S-beam 810, a first narrow S-beam 820, a second narrow S-beam 830, a third narrow S-beam 840, and a fourth narrow S-beam 850. The final block 860 in the graphrepresents a gap where none of the cells are transmitted. The implementation of the final block 860 is desired in some instances.

[0120] With continued reference to FIG. 8, this embodiment also includes a dedicated random access search space 870 for UEs in the first narrow S-beam 810, and a common random access search space 880. As described below, the addition of the common random access search space 880 adds more flexibility to the network scheduler and load management, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0121] In this embodiment, the network and the UE determine whether the random access response window is within the current active time period of the beam (such as by utilizing the steps described with regard to FIG. 7). If the random access response window is within the current active time period of the beam, the UE will proceed with its normal operation. If, however, the random access response window is not within the current active time period of the beam, the UE will use the common random access search space 880 to allow for more time to receive the RAR from the network.

[0122] In one implementation of this embodiment, the UE is configured to monitor the common random access search space 880 only if the dedicated random access search space 870 would not fit within the current active time of the beam. Here, the UE can be configured to either: skip the dedicated random access search space 870 and only utilize the common random access search space 880; monitor both the dedicated random access search space 870 and the common random access search space 880; or monitor a postponed version of the dedicated random access search space 890 and the common random access search space 880.

[0123] In another implementation of this embodiment, the UE is configured to monitor the common random access search space 880 only for a particular duration of time. In embodiments, this duration of time is the amount of time from the dedicated random access search space 870 that is missed from the original configuration due to non-overlap with the current active period of the beam.

[0124] The examples included in FIGS. 4-8 are merely illustrative, and variations and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0125] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a block diagram of example components of a UE or a network apparatus. The apparatus includes an electronic storage (e.g., non-transitory processor-readable medium) 910, a processor 920, a memory 950, and a network interface 940. The various components may be communicatively coupled with each other. The processor 920 may be and may include any type of processor, such as a single-core central processing unit (CPU), a multi-core CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),a System-on-Chip (SoC), or any other type of processor. The memory 950 may be a volatile type of memory, e.g., RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, e.g., NAND flash memory. The memory 950 includes processor-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 920 to cause the apparatus to perform various operations, including those mentioned herein, such as the operations of FIGS. 3-8.

[0126] The electronic storage 910 may be and include any type of electronic storage used for storing data, such as hard disk drive, solid state drive, and / or optical disc, among other types of electronic storage. The electronic storage 910 stores processor-readable instructions for causing the apparatus to perform its operations and stores data associated with such operations, such as storing data relating to 5G NR standards, among other data. The network interface 940 may implement wireless networking technologies such as 5G NR and / or other wireless networking technologies.

[0127] The components shown in FIG. 9 are merely examples, and persons skilled in the art will understand that an apparatus includes other components not illustrated and may include multiples of any of the illustrated components. Such and other embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] Further embodiments of the present disclosure include the following examples. In the following, any “means” may be implemented by at least one processor and processorexecutable instructions, unless the context indicates otherwise. Any “means” for receiving or transmitting may be implemented by a transceiver. The notation Example n.x refers to any Example having a value for n and a value for x.

[0129] Further embodiments of the present disclosure include the following examples.

[0130] Example 1.1. A method in a user equipment (UE), comprising:transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble;receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam;determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; andbased on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving the random access response from the network apparatus during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam orreceiving the random access response from the network apparatus during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0131] Example 1.2. The method of Example 1.1, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period comprises utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0132] Example 1.3. The method of Example 1.1 or Example 1.2, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period comprises comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0133] Example 1.4. The method of any one of Examples 1.1-1.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0134] Example 1.5. The method of any one of Examples 1.1-1.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0135] Example 1.6. The method of any one of Examples 1.1-1.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0136] Example 1.7. The method of Example 1.6, wherein the threshold amount includes an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0137] Example 1.8. The method of Example 1.6 or Example 1.7, wherein the threshold amount includes a percentage of time relative to an amount of time available for the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0138] Example 1.9. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.8, wherein the threshold amount is preconfigured in the UE.

[0139] Example 1.10. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.9, wherein the threshold amount is included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0140] Example l.il. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.10, wherein the threshold amount is hardcoded in a specification.

[0141] Example 1.12. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0142] Example 1.13. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0143] Example 1.14. The method of any one of Examples 1.6-1.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0144] Example 1.15. The method of Example 1.14, further comprising: receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0145] Example 1.16. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 1.1-1.15.

[0146] Example 1.17. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 1.1-1.16.

[0147] Example 1.18. A method in a network apparatus, comprising:receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble;transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam;determining whether an entirety of a time period for transmitting a random access response is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; andbased on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for transmitting the random access response is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, transmitting the random access response to the UE during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam or transmitting the random access response to the UE during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0148] Example 1.19. The method of Example 1.18, wherein the determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE comprises comparing an amount of time in an active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0149] Example 1.20. The method of Example 1.18 or Example 1.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE, the network apparatus transmits, to the UE, a random access response during a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0150] Example 1.21. The method of Example 1.18 or Example 1.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0151] Example 1.22. The method of Example 1.18 or 1.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0152] Example 1.23. The method of Example 1.22, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0153] Example 1.24. The method of any one of Examples 1.18-1.23, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be receivedby the UE within a remaining duration of the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0154] Example 2.1. A user equipment (UE), comprising:means for transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble; means for receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam;means for determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; andbased on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam or receiving the random access response from the network apparatus during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0155] Example 2.2. The user equipment (UE) of Example 2.1, wherein the means for determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period comprises means for utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0156] Example 2.3. The user equipment (UE) of Example 2.1 or Example 2.2, wherein the means for determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period comprises means for comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0157] Example 2.4. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.1-2.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0158] Example 2.5. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.1-2.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time periodof the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0159] Example 2.6. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.1-2.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, means for determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0160] Example 2.7. The user equipment (UE) of Example 2.6, wherein the threshold amount includes an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0161] Example 2.8. The user equipment (UE) of Example 2.6 or Example 2.7, wherein the threshold amount includes a percentage of time relative to an amount of time available for the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0162] Example 2.9. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.8, wherein the threshold amount is preconfigured in the UE.

[0163] Example 2.10. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.9, wherein the threshold amount is included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0164] Example 2.11. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.10, wherein the threshold amount is hardcoded in a specification.

[0165] Example 2.12. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0166] Example 2.13. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response at a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0167] Example 2.14. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 2.6-2.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remainingduration of the current active time period, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0168] Example 2.15. The user equipment (UE) of Example 2.14, further comprising: means for receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0169] Example 2.16. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 2.1-2.15.

[0170] Example 2.17. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 2.1-2.16.

[0171] Example 2.18. A network apparatus, comprising:means for receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble;means for transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a plurality of active time periods of a beam;means for determining whether an entirety of a time period for transmitting a random access response is within a remaining time period of a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam; andbased on the determination whether the entirety of the time period for transmitting the random access response is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, means for transmitting the random access response to the UE during the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam or transmitting the random access response to the UE during a subsequent active time period of the beam.

[0172] Example 2.19. The network apparatus of Example 2.18, wherein the means for determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE comprises means for comparing an amount of time in an active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0173] Example 2.20. The network apparatus of Example 2.18 or Example 2.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window isavailable to the UE, the network apparatus transmits, to the UE, a random access response during a current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0174] Example 2.21. The network apparatus of Example 2.18 or Example 2.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, means for transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0175] Example 2.22. The network apparatus of Example 2.18 or 2.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, means for transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0176] Example 2.23. The network apparatus of Example 2.22, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during a subsequent active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0177] Example 2.24. The network apparatus of any one of Examples 2.18-2.23, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within a remaining duration of the current active time period of the plurality of active time periods of the beam.

[0178] Example 3.1. A method in a user equipment (UE), comprising:transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble;receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam.

[0179] Example 3.2. The method of Example 3.1, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0180] Example 3.3. The method of Example 3.1 or 3.2, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0181] Example 3.4. The method of any one of Examples 3.1-3.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0182] Example 3.5. The method of any one of Examples 3.1- 3.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0183] Example 3.6. The method of any one of Examples 3.1-3.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0184] Example 3.7. The method of Example 3.6, wherein the threshold amount includes an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0185] Example 3.8. The method of Example 3.6 or 3.7, wherein the threshold amount includes a percentage of time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0186] Example 3.9. The method of Examples 3.6-3.8, wherein the threshold amount is preconfigured in the UE.

[0187] Example 3.10. The method of Examples 3.6-3.9, wherein the threshold amount is included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0188] Example 3.11. The method of Examples 3.6-3.10, wherein the threshold amount is hardcoded in a specification.

[0189] Example 3.12. The method of Examples 3.6-3.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least the threshold amount of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0190] Example 3.13. The method of Examples 3.6-3.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0191] Example 3.14. The method of Examples 3.6-3.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access during the current active time period of the beam.

[0192] Example 3.15. The method of Example 3.14, further comprising: receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0193] Example 3.16. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 3.1-3.15.

[0194] Example 3.17. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 3.1-3.16.

[0195] Example 3.18. A method in a network apparatus, comprising:receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble; transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a dedicated current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entire random access response window is available to the UE.

[0196] Example 3.19. The method of Example 3.18, wherein the determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE comprises comparing an amount of time in the dedicated current active time period of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0197] Example 3.20. The method of Example 3.18 or 3.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated current active time period of the beam.

[0198] Example 3.21. The method of Example 3.18 or 3.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0199] Example 3.22. The method of Examples 3.18-3.21, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0200] Example 3.23. The method of Example 3.22, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0201] Example 3.24. The method of Examples 3.18-3.23, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within at least one of the current active period of the beam or the common active timer period of the beam.

[0202] Example 4.1. A user equipment (UE), comprising:means for transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble; means for receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; andmeans for determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam.

[0203] Example 4.2. The user equipment (UE) of Example 4.1, wherein the means for determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises a means for utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

[0204] Example 4.3. The user equipment (UE) of Example 4.1 or 4.2, wherein the means for determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises means for comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0205] Example 4.4. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 4.1-4.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0206] Example 4.5. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 4.1- 4.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for means for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0207] Example 4.6. The user equipment (UE) of any one of Examples 4.1-4.3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for means for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, means for determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

[0208] Example 4.7. The user equipment (UE) of Example 4.6, wherein the threshold amount includes an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0209] Example 4.8. The user equipment (UE) of Example 4.6 or 4.7, wherein the threshold amount includes a percentage of time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

[0210] Example 4.9. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.8, wherein the threshold amount is preconfigured in the UE.

[0211] Example 4.10. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.9, wherein the threshold amount is included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

[0212] Example 4.11. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.10, wherein the threshold amount is hardcoded in a specification.

[0213] Example 4.12. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, atleast the threshold amount of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

[0214] Example 4.13. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0215] Example 4.14. The user equipment (UE) of Examples 4.6-4.11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, means for receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access during the current active time period of the beam.

[0216] Example 4.15. The user equipment (UE) of Example 4.14, further comprising: means for receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0217] Example 4.16. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of Examples 4.1-4.15.

[0218] Example 4.17. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of claims Examples 4.1-4.16.

[0219] Example 4.18. A network apparatus, comprising:means for receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble;means for transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a dedicated current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and means for determining whether an entire random access response window is available to the UE.

[0220] Example 4.19. The network apparatus of Example 4.18, wherein the means for determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE comprises a means for comparing an amount of time in the dedicated current active time period of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

[0221] Example 4.20. The network apparatus of Example 4.18 or 4.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE, means for transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated current active time period of the beam.

[0222] Example 4.21. The network apparatus of Example 4.18 or 4.19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, means for transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0223] Example 4.22. The network apparatus of Examples 4.18-4.21, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

[0224] Example 4.23. The network apparatus of Example 4.22, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

[0225] Example 4.24. The network apparatus of Examples 4.18-4.23, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within at least one of the current active period of the beam or the common active timer period of the beam.

[0226] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of the present disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0227] The phrases “in an aspect,” “in aspects,” “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different aspects in accordance with this present disclosure. The phrase “a plurality of’ may refer to two or more.

[0228] The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments” may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “Aor B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C) ”

[0229] Any of the herein described methods, programs, algorithms or codes may be converted to, or expressed in, a programming language or computer program. The terms “programming language” and “computer program,” as used herein, each include any language used to specify instructions to a computer, and include (but is not limited to) the following languages and their derivatives: Assembler, Basic, Batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, metalanguages which themselves specify programs, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or further generation computer languages. Also included are database and other data schemas, and any other meta-languages. No distinction is made between languages which are interpreted, compiled, or use both compiled and interpreted approaches. No distinction is made between compiled and source versions of a program. Thus, reference to a program, where the programming language could exist in more than one state (such as source, compiled, object, or linked) is a reference to any and all such states. Reference to a program may encompass the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[0230] While aspects of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method in a user equipment (UE), comprising:transmitting, to a network apparatus, a random access preamble;receiving, from the network apparatus, information indicating a current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entirety of a time period for receiving a random access response from the network apparatus is within a remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises utilizing a random access occasion (“RO”) offset time.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the determining whether the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam comprises comparing a duration the time period for receiving the random access response to the duration of the current active time period of the beam.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus is not within the remaining time period of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: based on a determination that the entirety of the time period for receiving the random access response from the network apparatus will not fit within the remaining duration of the current active time period, determining whether a threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the threshold amount includes an absolute value in time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the threshold amount includes a percentage of time required to receive the random access response from the network apparatus.

9. The method of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the threshold amount is preconfigured in the UE.

10. The method of any one of claims 6-9, wherein the threshold amount is included in a system information block (SIB) received from the network apparatus.

11. The method of any one of claims 6-10, wherein the threshold amount is hardcoded in a specification.

12. The method of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus can be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period of the beam, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least the threshold amount of the random access response during the current active time period of the beam.

13. The method of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.3614. The method of any one of claims 6-11, further comprising: based on a determination that the threshold amount of the random access response from the network apparatus cannot be received by the UE within the remaining duration of the current active time period, receiving, from the network apparatus, at least a portion of the random access during the current active time period of the beam.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving, from the network apparatus, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

16. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of claims 1-15.

17. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform a method as in any one of claims 1-16.

18. A method in a network apparatus, comprising:receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a message including a random access preamble; transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a dedicated current active time period of a beam, and information indicating a common active time period of a beam; and determining whether an entire random access response window is available to the UE.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the determining whether the entire random access response window is available to the UE comprises comparing an amount of time in the dedicated current active time period of the beam to an amount of time the network apparatus takes to process the message from the UE and an expected amount of time it takes for the UE to connect with the network apparatus.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is available to the UE,transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated current active time period of the beam.

21. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: based on a determination that the entire random access response window is not available to the UE, transmitting, to the UE, a random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

22. The method of any one of claims 18-21, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a portion of the random access response during the dedicated common active time period of the beam.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a remainder of the random access response during the common active time period of the beam.

24. The method of any one of claims 18-23, further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a system information block (SIB) including system information relating to a threshold amount of a random access response that can be received by the UE within at least one of the current active period of the beam or the common active timer period of the beam.

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