PRACH Starting RO Selection for Beam-Aligned Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in wireless communication networks is determining valid random access channel occasions (ROs) for multiple PRACH transmissions, particularly in scenarios where collisions and beamforming issues lead to inefficient or failed PRACH procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining a set of starting ROs for PRACH transmissions based on valid ROs, independent of collision handling rules, and configuring RO groups for multiple PRACH transmissions, ensuring proper beam alignment and reducing transmission failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple PRACH transmissions are performed using traditional RO selection methods, then transmission opportunities increase, but collision probability and beam misalignment increase leading to failed procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines a set of candidate starting ROs before actual PRACH transmission occurs. By pre-identifying valid ROs that satisfy beam alignment conditions and are independent of collision handling rules, the system prepares multiple reliable transmission opportunities in advance, ensuring that when transmissions occur, they are more likely to succeed rather than fail due to misalignment or collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RO selection process into distinct stages: identifying candidate starting ROs independent of collision rules, then selecting from these candidates for actual transmissions. This segmentation allows the system to separate the beam alignment validation from the collision handling logic, ensuring that each transmission opportunity is pre-validated for beam correctness before being used.
2Productivity
If RO selection is based on collision handling rules, then transmission coordination is simplified, but the number of valid ROs for multiple PRACH transmissions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the collision handling rules from the candidate starting RO determination process. By removing the dependency on collision handling rules when identifying candidate starting ROs, the system expands the pool of valid ROs that can be used for multiple PRACH transmissions. The collision handling is then applied only during the final selection stage, not during the candidate identification stage.
3Reliability
If traditional RO determination methods are used, then implementation is straightforward, but beam alignment and transmission reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam alignment validation when determining candidate starting ROs. By checking beam alignment conditions in advance during the candidate identification phase, the system ensures that only ROs with proper beam alignment are considered for PRACH transmissions, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustments during transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a user device in a wireless network, at least one starting random access channel occasion (RO), wherein each of the at least one starting RO is a first valid RO of an RO set for a physical random access (PRACH) transmission with preamble repetitions, wherein the determining the at least one starting RO is based at least on valid ROs; determining, by the user device, an RO set for the PRACH transmission with preamble repetitions based on the determined at least one starting RO, the determined RO set including one of the at least one starting RO; and transmitting, by the user device to a network node, the PRACH transmission with preamble repetitions using the determined RO set.