Random Access Repetition and Window Configuration for MTC Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting coverage enhancement for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) user equipment (UEs), particularly in deep indoor environments, due to limitations in existing random access procedures and power consumption, which affect the coverage and operational efficiency of MTC UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for performing a random access procedure in wireless communication systems, where a user equipment determines and performs repetitions for uplink transmissions based on a required amount, and configures a communication window for low-cost MTC UEs to optimize coverage enhancement, thereby reducing unnecessary resource waste and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repetitions are performed for uplink transmissions to enhance coverage for MTC UEs, then coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of repetition count dynamically based on coverage enhancement requirements. The network configures different repetition counts (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8 repetitions) depending on the UE's coverage needs, allowing the system to adapt the transmission parameters to achieve reliable communication while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of repetitions based on real-time coverage requirements and channel conditions. The network can reconfigure repetition counts during operation, and the UE adapts its transmission behavior accordingly, making the system flexible rather than static.
2Device complexity
If a unified communication window is used for all UEs, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource waste occurs for low-cost MTC UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces differentiated communication windows tailored to specific UE types. Low-cost MTC UEs are assigned longer communication windows suitable for their coverage enhancement needs, while other UEs use standard windows. This localized optimization ensures each UE type receives appropriate resources without affecting overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication window concept is segmented into different types: standard communication windows for regular UEs and extended communication windows for low-cost MTC UEs requiring coverage enhancement. This segmentation allows the system to handle different UE categories with appropriate resources while maintaining a unified overall framework.
3Reliability
If coverage enhancement is provided for all UEs uniformly, then coverage is improved, but unnecessary resource allocation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The network dynamically changes transmission parameters including repetition counts, communication window lengths, and power levels based on the specific UE's coverage requirements. This parameter adaptation ensures resources are allocated efficiently - providing enhanced coverage only when and where needed rather than uniformly to all UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static uniform resource allocation to dynamic adaptive allocation. The network monitors UE conditions and adjusts resource allocation in real-time, configuring different repetition counts and communication window parameters based on actual coverage needs, thereby eliminating unnecessary resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system is provided. In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) determines a required amount of repetitions for uplink transmissions during a random access procedure, and performs repetitions for uplink transmissions based on the determined required amount of repetitions for uplink transmissions. The uplink transmissions may include transmission of preambles which are grouped. In another embodiment, a UE configures a communication windows for lost-cost machine-type communication (MTC) UE, and performs a random access procedure through the configured communication window.