Bandwidth Part Selection for Random Access Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heavy load scenarios, the increased number of user equipment (UEs) competing for random access in 5G networks leads to a higher probability of random access failures due to limited PRACH resource capacity, causing access failures.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting a first bandwidth part (BWP) from multiple configured BWPs and determining a corresponding physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, allowing the UE to transmit a random access preamble on the selected BWP, thereby alleviating PRACH resource capacity limitations and improving random access success rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple UEs access the network through a single initial BWP in heavy load scenarios, then the network can accommodate more users, but the random access failure rate increases due to limited PRACH resource capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of UEsVSAvoidrandom access success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the initial BWP into multiple sub-BWPs, each with dedicated PRACH resources. This segmentation allows UEs to be distributed across different sub-BWPs, reducing contention on any single PRACH resource and improving random access success rates while accommodating more users overall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension by creating multiple sub-BWPs within the initial BWP structure. This dimensional expansion provides more PRACH resource options for UEs, transforming the single-resource bottleneck into a multi-resource system that can handle heavier loads with improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single initial BWP is used for random access, then the system configuration is simple, but the PRACH resource capacity is limited and cannot handle heavy load scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBWP configuration complexityVSAvoidrandom access capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The initial BWP is segmented into multiple sub-BWPs, each containing dedicated PRACH resources. This segmentation increases random access capacity to handle heavy loads while maintaining relatively simple configuration through standardized sub-BWP structures and UE-based selection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

UEs autonomously select appropriate sub-BWPs based on pre-configured criteria and measurements, eliminating the need for complex network-controlled BWP management. This self-service approach increases access capacity while keeping system complexity manageable through distributed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12120751B2Random access method, user equipment, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

A random access method and a related apparatus are provided in implementations of the present disclosure and are applicable to a user equipment (UE). The method includes the following. A first bandwidth part (BWP) is selected from multiple BWPs, where the multiple BWPs are configured by a network device. A first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource corresponding to a first synchronization signal block (SSB) is determined. A random access preamble is transmitted on the first BWP based on the first PRACH resource.