PRACH Repetition Beam Configuration for 5G Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The random access procedure in future radio communication systems, such as 5G and beyond, lacks a definite configuration for PRACH repetition, leading to uncertain communication throughput and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A terminal and base station configuration that includes a receiving section for PRACH configuration and a control section to determine resources for repetition accompanied by the same beam, enhancing coverage by optimizing PRACH resources and repetition patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PRACH repetition is implemented to improve coverage, then coverage is improved, but communication throughput may be reduced due to indefinite procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidcommunication throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by configuring specific repetition numbers (e.g., 2, 4, or 8 repetitions) for PRACH transmissions based on coverage requirements. The terminal determines resources for repetition accompanied by the same beam, transforming the indefinite repetition procedure into a defined parameter-based approach that balances coverage improvement with throughput maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If PRACH repetition with same beam is determined, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoverageVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary action by providing advance configuration information about PRACH repetition to the terminal before the actual random access procedure. This includes pre-defining repetition numbers and resource allocations, which simplifies the terminal's processing during execution and reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250008566A1Terminal, radio communication method, and base station
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US20250008566A1 patent drawing
  • US20250008566A1 patent drawing
  • US20250008566A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving section that receives a configuration related to repetition of a physical random access channel, and a control section that determines a plurality of resources for the repetition accompanied by a same beam. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve coverage in a random access procedure.