mTRP PRACH Transmission via TAG ID Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing network services and improving data rate, latency, reliability, and mobility, especially with the increasing demand for radio access in next-generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for a multi-transmission and reception point (mTRP)-based operation in wireless communication networks, where a user equipment (UE) receives a serving cell configuration including timing advance group (TAG) identities associated with serving and non-serving cells, and transmits a physical random access channel (PRACH) based on downlink control information (DCI) indicating the associated TAG ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE transmits PRACH to multiple TRPs simultaneously, then system throughput is improved, but timing alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing advance management by introducing separate TAG IDs (first TAG ID and second TAG ID) for different TRPs. Each TAG ID independently manages timing alignment for its associated TRP, allowing the UE to maintain separate timing relationships with multiple TRPs simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-TRP transmission while preserving timing alignment accuracy through independent management of each TRP's timing parameters.
2Device complexity
If a UE uses a single TAG ID for multiple TRPs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different TRP configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal TAG management mechanism where each TAG ID can be flexibly associated with different TRPs based on configuration. The DCI format is designed to universally indicate which TAG ID corresponds to which TRP, allowing the same mechanism to adapt to various TRP configurations (single TRP, multiple TRPs, serving and non-serving cells) without requiring device-specific modifications. This provides both simplicity and adaptability.
3Speed
If a UE transmits PRACH to a non-serving cell, then mobility performance is improved, but signal reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the serving cell as an intermediary in the random access process. When the UE needs to access a non-serving cell for mobility purposes, it transmits the PRACH to the non-serving cell but receives the RAR through the serving cell. This intermediary mechanism allows the UE to benefit from mobility performance by accessing non-serving cells while maintaining signal reliability by receiving responses through the reliable serving cell connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a UE for an mTRP-based operation is provided. The method receives, from a serving cell, a serving cell configuration including a first TAG ID associated with a first PCI of the serving cell and a second TAG ID associated with a second PCI of a non-serving cell. The method receives, from the serving cell, DCI for initiating an RA procedure, the DCI including a field indicating that a PRACH is associated with the first TAG ID or the second TAG ID. The method then transmits, based on the field, the PRACH to the serving cell or the non-serving cell.