NR-U Random Access via New RAR Format

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing random access methods for New Radio (NR) systems in unlicensed frequency bands face challenges due to the need for Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanisms, leading to increased random access delay and power consumption, as the current RAR window length is not suitable for distinguishing between different UE transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A new RAR format is introduced that includes information such as an LBT category and frame information, allowing for more precise channel access and reducing the complexity of implementation by using a unified RAR format for both licensed and unlicensed carriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a new RAR format with LBT category and frame information is introduced for unlicensed carriers, then random access delay and power consumption are reduced, but device complexity and message format complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access delayVSAvoidmessage format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new RAR format that includes LBT category information and frame information as additional parameters. This allows the system to distinguish between different UE transmissions on unlicensed carriers, enabling more efficient random access procedures that reduce delay and power consumption while managing the increased information requirements through structured parameter inclusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the random access response by introducing different RAR formats tailored for different carrier types. The new format specifically for unlicensed carriers separates and organizes LBT-related information distinct from traditional random access parameters, allowing targeted optimization without affecting licensed carrier operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If Listen Before Talk mechanism is implemented on NR unlicensed frequency band, then fair coexistence with other systems is ensured, but random access delay and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefair coexistenceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device provides LBT category information and frame information to the UE through the new RAR format. This feedback enables the UE to adjust its channel access strategy, perform LBT more efficiently, and reduce power consumption while maintaining fair coexistence on unlicensed carriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The solution performs preliminary action by including LBT category information and frame information in advance within the RAR message. This allows the UE to prepare and execute LBT procedures more efficiently before actual data transmission, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring fair coexistence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a unified RAR format is used for both licensed and unlicensed carriers, then implementation complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide specific unlicensed carrier information is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidcarrier-specific information provision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a unified RAR format structure that can accommodate both licensed and unlicensed carriers. The format includes optional fields for LBT category information and frame information that are specifically relevant to unlicensed carriers, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple carrier types while providing enhanced functionality where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3911103B1Wireless communication method, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3911103B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3911103B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3911103B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Provided in embodiments of the present application are a wireless communication method, a terminal device, and a network device, which may achieve random access on NR unlicensed frequency bands. The wireless communication method comprises: a terminal device sends a first message during random access to a network device on an uplink licensed carrier or an uplink unlicensed carrier, the first message comprising a random access preamble; and the terminal device uses a first RAR format to detect a first RAR for the first message, the first RAR format targeting the unlicensed carrier.