Combined RAR and RMSI Signaling for Faster Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently combining random access response (RAR) and remaining minimum system information (RMSI) transmissions, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies in initial access procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving combined random access response (RAR) and remaining minimum system information (RMSI) communications between user equipment (UE) and network nodes, utilizing physical random access channels (PRACH) and system information block 1 (SIB1) to streamline the initial access process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If RAR and RMSI are transmitted separately through different procedures, then the transmission can be performed using existing standardized protocols, but the initial access delay increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RAR and RMSI into a single downlink transmission message, where the downlink message includes both a RAR portion and an RMSI portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate random access procedure and system information acquisition procedure, directly reducing initial access delay while maintaining manageable complexity through structured message organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The downlink message serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a random access response (providing uplink timing alignment, power control, and resource allocation) and as system information broadcast (providing RMSI). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate procedures needed for initial access.
2Productivity
If RAR and RMSI are transmitted in separate messages, then each message can be optimized for its specific purpose, but the overall transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging RAR and RMSI into a single downlink message transmitted in one go, the patent eliminates the sequential transmission overhead and reduces the time required for the UE to complete both random access and system information acquisition, thereby improving overall transmission efficiency.
3Productivity
If combined RAR and RMSI transmission is implemented, then initial access efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing systems may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combined downlink message into distinct RAR portion and RMSI portion, allowing existing systems to parse and process each portion according to their existing protocols. This segmentation maintains compatibility while enabling the benefits of combined transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined downlink message acts as an intermediary structure that bridges existing RAR and RMSI protocols. The message includes fields that map to existing RAR formats while also carrying RMSI, allowing gradual system evolution and maintaining compatibility with existing UEs and network nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may transmit, to a network node, a physical random access channel (PRACH) communication. The UE may receive, from the network node and based at least in part on the PRACH communication, a random access response (RAR) communication and a system information block 1 (SIB1) communication that includes remaining minimum system information (RMSI). Numerous other aspects are described.