IAB Random Access Preamble Sets for Low-Overhead Node Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio access networks face challenges in managing resources and node behavior for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, particularly in scenarios where land-bound connections are impractical, requiring new approaches for handling downlink timing and resource sharing with terminals and other nodes.

Innovation Solution

A method and radio node are disclosed for managing random access preambles, allowing selection of at least two sets of preambles for different use cases, with signaling indicating these sets to accommodate various conditions, including synchronisation and broadcast signaling, and enabling improved selection with low signaling overhead and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single set of random access preambles is used for all nodes, then the system is simple to manage, but it cannot accommodate different use cases and contexts (e.g., UE vs. IAB node requirements)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different use casesVSAvoidpreamble management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single set of random access preambles into multiple distinct sets, where each set is specifically designed for different use cases (e.g., one set for UEs, another set for IAB nodes). This segmentation allows the system to accommodate different requirements without increasing overall management complexity, as each set can be independently configured and managed based on its specific use case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different preamble characteristics (such as sequence length, cyclic shift, or other parameters) to different sets of preambles based on the specific requirements of each use case. For example, IAB nodes may use preambles with different properties than UEs, allowing optimized performance for each local context while maintaining a unified overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of random access preambles are provided for different use cases, then adaptability improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access preamble selection flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple sets of random access preambles with different characteristics before the actual random access procedure begins. The network node prepares these distinct sets in advance, each optimized for specific use cases, so that when a node needs to perform random access, it can directly select from the pre-configured sets without requiring extensive real-time signaling or configuration, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of random access preambles are configured, then different node types can be accommodated, but the complexity of managing and selecting appropriate preambles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for UE and IAB node random accessVSAvoidpreamble selection and management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the transmitting node (whether UE or IAB node) to autonomously determine which set of random access preambles to use based on its own identity and the specific scenario. The node can self-select the appropriate preamble set without requiring complex external coordination or management, thereby supporting multiple node types while keeping the selection and management process relatively simple through decentralized decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12500802B2Random access for integrated access and backhaul nodes
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US12500802B2 patent drawing
  • US12500802B2 patent drawing
  • US12500802B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of operating a radio node (10, 100, 200) in a wireless communication network, the method comprising receiving signaling indicating at least two sets of random access preambles available to access the same cell and/or communication connection; transmitting a random access preamble from one of the sets of random access preambles. The disclosure also pertains to related methods and devices.