PRACH Resource Configuration via Downlink Signal Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently configuring physical random access channel (PRACH) resources due to the high number of configuration bits required, which limits flexibility and scalability in supporting deep coverage and a large number of connections.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using the association between downlink signals and other signaling parameters to identify PRACH resources, reducing the number of configuration bits needed and enabling more flexible random access configurations and wider network implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PRACH resource configuration methods are used, then complete coverage of random access resources is achieved, but the number of configuration bits increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The downlink signal index serves multiple functions: it identifies both the downlink signal itself and the associated PRACH resources and preamble indexes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate configuration bits for PRACH resources, as the same index that selects the downlink signal also determines the random access parameters through predefined association rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the configuration of downlink signals and PRACH resources into a unified structure where both are identified through the same downlink signal index. By merging these previously separate configuration elements into a single indexing system with predefined associations, the total number of configuration bits is reduced while maintaining complete resource coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more PRACH resources and preamble indexes are configured to support deeper coverage and more connections, then system capacity increases, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predefined association rules between downlink signal indexes and PRACH resources/preamble indexes before actual random access occurs. These rules are configured in advance, allowing the system to support multiple PRACH resources and preamble indexes for deep coverage scenarios without requiring dynamic signaling for each resource selection. The associations are predetermined, reducing real-time signaling overhead.
3Measurement precision
If separate configuration bits are used for PRACH resources and preamble indexes, then resource identification is explicit, but signaling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access configuration into multiple groups, where each group is associated with a specific downlink signal index. Within each group, PRACH resources and preamble indexes are organized separately but linked through the common index. This segmentation allows explicit identification of resources while reducing overall signaling bits, as the group-level indexing replaces individual resource configuration bits.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods, devices and systems for addresses efficient signalling of the association between downlink signals (e.g. SS/PBCH (synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel) blocks (SSBs) or CSI-RS (channel-state information reference signal)) and physical random access channel (PRACH) resources. In some embodiments, the “number of SSBs per PRACH resource” parameter value is associated with the number of frequency multiplexed PRACH resources and/or the number of symbols in the PRACH preamble format. Embodiments of the disclosed technology enable more flexible random access configurations and allow a wider range of network implementations.