Configurable Random Access Procedure Timelines for 5G NR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current random access channel procedures in wireless communication networks, particularly in 5G new radio (NR) technology, do not provide the desired level of speed or customization for efficient operation, leading to inefficiencies in network operations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable new radio (NR) random access procedure that allows for the selection of multiple timelines with varying durations between messages, enabling flexible timing variables based on user equipment, base station capabilities, and specific deployment scenarios, utilizing a common search space for control information and reference timing to account for misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed random access procedure timeline is used, then the procedure is simple to implement, but the speed and customization for efficient operation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic random access procedure timelines by allowing the network to configure multiple different timelines (first, second, third timelines) with varying message timing parameters. The gNB can select and switch between these timelines based on current network conditions, UE capabilities, and service requirements, transforming the static procedure into an adaptive system that optimizes access speed while managing complexity through structured configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key timing parameters of the random access procedure by defining multiple configurations with different values for message timing offsets (e.g., msg1-msg2, msg2-msg3, msg3-msg4 delays). This allows the system to adjust procedure duration and timing characteristics to match specific operational requirements, thereby improving productivity through parameter optimization rather than structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple random access timelines are configured, then customization and efficiency are improved, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access procedure into distinct timeline configurations (first, second, third timelines), each optimized for specific scenarios. By dividing the overall procedure into separable, independently configurable segments, the system achieves high adaptability for different service types while managing configuration complexity through modular design. Each timeline segment can be selectively activated based on requirements without reconfiguring the entire procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework that supports multiple timeline types through a common configuration mechanism. The gNB can configure and switch between different timelines using standardized parameters and procedures, allowing the same system infrastructure to serve diverse purposes (enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, massive machine-type communications) without requiring separate dedicated configurations for each scenario.
3Reliability
If longer timing durations are used between messages, then reliability is improved, but the overall procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic timing adjustment by selecting different timeline configurations based on service requirements. For reliability-critical services, the system can choose timelines with more conservative timing margins, while for latency-sensitive services, it selects optimized timelines with shorter durations. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt the timing duration to match the actual reliability needs of each transmission, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable new radio (NR) RACH procedure that may be executed by a UE and a base station is disclosed. A configuration to determine, by a user equipment, a random access procedure timeline, from multiple random access procedure timelines that each define a different duration between one or more messages that are communicated in a random access procedure can be determined or transmitted. A random access preamble can be received from the UE based on the random access procedure timeline, and a response to the random access preamble can be determined or transmitted based on the random access procedure timeline.