On-Demand Random Access Resource Activation for Feature Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently managing Random Access (RA) resources, particularly in providing early indication of features like Coverage Enhancement, Reduced Capability NR devices, Small Data Transmission, and Non-Terrestrial Networks, due to limitations in preamble partitioning and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-demand RA resource system where UEs can activate additional RA resources by transmitting an activation preamble, allowing for dynamic scaling of RA resources based on demand and enabling early indication of new features without wasting resources when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RA resources are allocated for multiple features using traditional preamble partitioning, then early indication of features is provided, but RA resources are wasted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RA resource allocation where the network can activate or deactivate specific RA resources based on real-time demand. The network receives indications from UEs about which features they support and activates only the necessary RA resources, transforming the static resource allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing requirements, thereby eliminating resource waste while maintaining reliable feature indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameter of RA resources from permanently allocated to dynamically activated. By introducing activation/deactivation states and controlling transitions between them based on UE feature indications, the system optimizes resource utilization. This parameter change allows the same physical resources to serve multiple purposes at different times, resolving the contradiction between reliable feature indication and resource efficiency.
2Reliability
If traditional preamble partitioning is used for feature indication, then early indication is achieved, but resource flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static preamble partitioning with dynamic resource activation. Instead of dedicating specific preambles to specific features, the system dynamically activates RA resources based on which features are actually needed. This dynamic approach provides both reliable feature indication and high resource flexibility, as the same resources can be adapted to different feature requirements over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes RA resources universal by allowing them to serve multiple feature indication purposes through dynamic activation. Rather than having dedicated resources for each feature, a single pool of RA resources can be activated for different features as needed, increasing versatility while maintaining the ability to provide reliable early indication of supported features.
3Reliability
If dedicated RA resources are allocated for each feature, then feature support is reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feature-specific RA resources into a single unified resource pool. Instead of managing separate dedicated resources for each feature, the network maintains one pool and selectively activates subsets based on UE requirements. This consolidation reduces device complexity by simplifying resource management while maintaining reliable feature support through the activation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces activation state as a new parameter that controls resource availability. By changing the state parameter of RA resources from always-active to conditionally-active, the system reduces complexity. The network manages fewer active resources at any given time, simplifying both network and device complexity while maintaining reliable feature indication when resources are activated.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for early indication for multiple features are provided. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for early indication of features includes: determining to use an on-demand Random Access (RA) resource; transmitting, to a network node, an activation preamble to activate the on-demand RA resource; and transmitting, to the network node, a preamble on the on-demand RA resource. Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. The amount of RA resources can be made larger when there is demand for it. If no User Equipment (UE) is interested in using the on-demand RA resource, those radio resources can be used by the network for other purposes, e.g., dynamic scheduling of user data on Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The amount of RA resources hence scales with the demand without tying up and wasting resources when not used.