Multi-Channel Random Access in Unlicensed Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing unlicensed bands due to congestion and delays in the random access process, particularly in 5G communication systems, where the random access process and DL HARQ feedback transmission are often performed in a single carrier, leading to communication delays and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves using multiple channels in a wireless communication system supporting an unlicensed band, employing listen-before-talk (LBT) for transmitting random access preambles and responses, and dynamically selecting control channels based on priority and availability to ensure successful communication, even when some channels are congested.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple channels are used for random access in unlicensed band, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the random access process into multiple independent channels (first control channel and second control channel), allowing UEs to attempt access through different channels simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the impact of congestion on any single channel and improves overall communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension for random access by utilizing multiple control channels with different priority levels. UEs can select channels based on priority requirements, adding a dimensional aspect to the random access process that enhances reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If listen-before-talk is performed on multiple control channels, then access success rate is improved, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess success rateVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection where UEs can adaptively choose between first and second control channels based on current channel conditions and priority requirements. The base station dynamically assigns UEs to different channels, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and minimize delays while maintaining high access success rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary LBT assessments on multiple control channels before actual transmission. By evaluating channel availability in advance and selecting the most suitable channel, the system reduces the likelihood of transmission failures and retransmissions, thereby minimizing overall transmission delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If high priority channels are allocated for random access, then access speed is improved, but channel congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidchannel congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different quality characteristics to different control channels by implementing priority-based channel allocation. High priority UEs are directed to specific channels optimized for fast access, while other channels handle regular traffic. This local differentiation of channel qualities allows fast access for priority traffic without causing widespread congestion across all channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The base station acts as an intermediary that manages channel allocation between UEs with different priority requirements. It assigns UEs to appropriate control channels based on their priority levels, mediating the conflict between fast access needs and congestion prevention by distributing traffic across multiple channels with different characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11051337B2Communication method and apparatus using multiple channels in unlicensed band
Publication Date: 2021.06.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11051337B2 patent drawing
  • US11051337B2 patent drawing
  • US11051337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication method using a plurality of channels in a wireless communication system supporting an unlicensed band. The communication method includes: performing listen-before-talk (LBT) for transmitting a random access preamble on each of a plurality of control channels supported by a user equipment (UE), from among a plurality of control channels supported by a base station; transmitting a random access preamble through a control channel where the LBT succeeded from among the plurality of control channels where the LBT for transmitting the random access preamble is performed; and receiving a random access response (RAR) through a control channel determined according to a result of the LBT performed by the base station, from among the plurality of control channels supported by the UE, wherein a control channel is a channel through which a control signal and a data signal are transmitted and received.