NR-U Random Access Resource Selection via RSRP Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently performing random access resource selection in New Radio Access Technology-unlicensed (NR-U) cells, particularly in unlicensed spectra, where channel quality and interference levels are not adequately considered, leading to delays and inefficiencies in access procedures.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a User Equipment (UE) selecting a Random Access Preamble transmission resource based on measured Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and other criteria such as RSRQ, RSSI, and channel occupancy, ensuring that the selected resource satisfies specific thresholds to optimize access in unlicensed spectra, thereby mitigating interference and improving access efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If random access resource selection is performed without considering channel quality and interference levels, then the access procedure is simpler, but access efficiency deteriorates and delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access procedure simplicityVSAvoidaccess efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the selection parameters from simple resource indexing to multi-criteria evaluation including RSRP thresholds, RSRQ measurements, and interference level assessments. This allows the UE to select PRACH resources based on channel quality metrics, improving access efficiency while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated measurements and comparisons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE measures channel quality indicators (RSRP, RSRQ) and interference levels, then uses this feedback information to make informed resource selection decisions. The system continuously monitors channel conditions and adjusts resource selection accordingly, creating a closed-loop control that improves access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If random access resource selection considers multiple criteria (RSRP, RSRQ, interference), then access efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidresource selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource selection process into distinct measurement phases (RSRP measurement, RSRQ measurement, interference assessment) and evaluation stages (threshold comparison, resource identification). This modular approach breaks down the complex selection process into manageable steps, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining comprehensive evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurements of channel quality indicators (RSRP, RSRQ) and interference levels before the actual resource selection decision. By pre-evaluating channel conditions and identifying suitable PRACH resources in advance, the system reduces the complexity of the final selection process and enables more efficient access procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If PRACH resources are selected based on RSRP thresholds and interference levels, then interference is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference levelVSAvoidchannel quality measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different measurement and evaluation criteria to different PRACH resources based on local channel conditions. Each resource is evaluated individually using RSRP thresholds and interference level assessments specific to its time-frequency location. This localized approach allows the system to make precise selection decisions for each resource while managing overall interference effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11234244B2Method and apparatus for performing random access resource selection in new radio access technology-unlicensed (NR-U) cells in a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US11234244B2 patent drawing
  • US11234244B2 patent drawing
  • US11234244B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus are disclosed. In an example from the perspective of a User Equipment (UE), a random access procedure in a cell controlled by a network node is initiated. A downlink signal is selected from amongst configured downlink signals. A measured Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value associated with the downlink signal satisfies a first criterion associated with a first threshold. A measurement result associated with the downlink signal satisfies a second criterion associated with a second threshold. A random access preamble transmission of the random access procedure is performed on a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) occasion associated with the downlink signal.