Coordinating Wireless Device for UL Random Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current random access procedures in wireless communications networks are resource-consuming and lead to delays and interference due to the high number of UE attempts, making it difficult for network nodes to optimally assign resources, especially in scenarios with a large number of users.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Sidelink (SL) resources to coordinate and schedule uplink transmissions among groups of wireless devices, reducing collision probability and resource overhead by reusing PRACH resources and enabling faster access with fewer retransmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional random access procedure is used with many UEs attempting access simultaneously, then network coverage is maintained, but resource consumption increases and collisions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom access success rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the random access process by introducing a coordinating wireless device that groups multiple UEs together. Instead of all UEs accessing the network node independently and simultaneously, the coordinating device manages access for a group of UEs, reducing the number of simultaneous access attempts and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining access reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinating wireless device acts as an intermediary between the UEs and the network node. It receives configuration information from the network node and transmits access information to UEs, mediating the random access process. This intermediary role allows the system to manage resource allocation more efficiently and reduce collisions among UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional random access procedure is used with many UEs attempting access simultaneously, then network coverage is maintained, but latency increases due to delays and retransmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom access success rateVSAvoidaccess latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coordinating wireless device performs preliminary actions by receiving configuration information from the network node in advance and preparing access information for UEs before they need to access the network. This allows UEs to have their access parameters pre-configured, reducing the time required for actual access attempts and minimizing latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the coordinating wireless device receives configuration information from the network node and uses this feedback to manage access for UEs. The coordinating device can adjust access parameters based on network conditions, optimizing access timing and reducing retransmissions that would cause latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional random access procedure is used with many UEs attempting access simultaneously, then network coverage is maintained, but resource overhead increases making optimal resource assignment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidresource management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource management function by introducing a coordinating wireless device that handles access coordination for a specific group of UEs. This segmentation reduces the complexity at the network node by organizing UEs into manageable groups, each with dedicated coordinating devices that handle resource allocation locally, making optimal resource assignment feasible even with many UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinating wireless device performs multiple functions: it receives configuration information from the network node, transmits access information to UEs, manages random access for the group, and coordinates resource allocation. This multi-functionality consolidates complex resource management tasks into a single component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240430937A1A Coordinating Wireless Device, A Network Node, A Wireless Device and Methods Therein for Enabling Uplink, UL, Transmissions in a Wireless Communications Network

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a coordinating wireless device (121) and a coordinating wireless device for enabling a group of wireless devices (131) to perform uplink, UL, transmissions towards a network node (110) in a wireless communications network (100) is provided. The coordinating wireless device receives, from the network node, information configuring the coordinating wireless device to handle Random Access, RA, using Sidelink, SL, resources towards wireless devices in the group of wireless devices. Also, the coordinating wireless device transmits, to the wireless devices in the group of wireless devices on SL resources, information for use by the wireless devices in the group of wireless devices to perform RA using SL resources towards the coordinating wireless device. Corresponding methods performed by a network node and a wireless device (122), as well as, a network node and a wireless device are also provided.