Dynamic PRACH Resource Selection for Lower Base Station Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in reducing energy consumption of network devices while maintaining terminal device experience, particularly due to the need for frequent updates of PRACH resources and system information, which leads to unnecessary signal sending.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for resource indication that allows a network device to dynamically indicate M PRACH resources to a terminal device, specifying N PRACH resources for random access through first indication information, thereby reducing the frequency of system information updates and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the base station frequently updates system information to notify terminals of PRACH resource changes, then the terminal can access the network timely, but the base station energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal network access timeVSAvoidbase station energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PRACH resource adjustment where the base station can switch between sparse and dense PRACH resources based on load conditions. The first indication information dynamically selects between M PRACH resources, allowing the system to adapt resource density to actual needs rather than using a fixed configuration, thus reducing unnecessary signaling during low load periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides PRACH resources into multiple segments (M PRACH resources) with different densities. The first indication information selectively activates N PRACH resources from this segmented set based on current load conditions. This segmentation allows the system to provide dense resources when needed while maintaining sparse resources for normal operation, reducing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the base station uses sparse PRACH resources to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but terminal device access experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase station energy consumptionVSAvoidterminal device access experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts PRACH resource density based on base station load conditions. When load increases, the first indication information can activate denser PRACH resources to maintain good terminal access experience. This dynamic adjustment ensures that energy efficiency is optimized during low load while access experience is preserved during high load periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of PRACH resource density by selecting different configurations from the M available resources. The first indication information modifies the effective PRACH resource set by indicating N resources out of M, thereby changing the density parameter adaptively to balance energy consumption and access experience requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the base station sends always on signals like SSB and SIB1 to ensure terminal detection and access, then terminal access reliability is maintained, but unnecessary signal sending increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal network access reliabilityVSAvoidbase station energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of always sending all PRACH resources and associated system information, the base station sends only the necessary subset (N out of M PRACH resources) indicated by the first indication information. This partial action approach maintains access reliability by ensuring sufficient PRACH resources are available while avoiding the energy waste of transmitting unnecessary signals during low load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250227772A1Resource indication method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application provides a resource indication method and an apparatus, to reduce energy consumption of a network device, and relates to the field of wireless communication technologies. In the method, a terminal device receives first signaling, where the first signaling indicates M physical random access channel (PRACH) resources. The terminal device receives first indication information, where the first indication information indicates N PRACH resources in the M PRACH resources, M is an integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M. The terminal device sends a preamble on a first random access channel occasion (RO) in the N PRACH resources, or sends a preamble on a first RO in (M-N) PRACH resources. Therefore, a quantity of times that a base station sends system information can be reduced, and energy consumption of the base station can be effectively reduced.