Preferred Beam Indication for Low-Latency 5G NR Random Access

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially in 5G NR networks, devices face challenges in efficiently performing random access procedures due to uncertainty in accessing shared radio frequency spectrum and directional beamforming, which can lead to higher latency and suboptimal signal strength.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving multiple synchronization signal block (SSB) signals from a base station, each beamformed based on a different directional beam, selecting a signature from the signature space of a first acceptable SSB, and transmitting a random access message that includes an indicator of a preferred SSB with stronger signal properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a device performs random access based on the first acceptable SSB with the strongest signal, then the random access procedure can be initiated quickly, but the device cannot indicate a preferred SSB with even stronger signal properties, resulting in suboptimal signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom access latencyVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary evaluation of multiple SSB signals before initiating random access, identifying both the first acceptable SSB for immediate access and a preferred SSB with superior signal properties. This preliminary action enables the device to indicate the preferred SSB in the random access message, allowing the network to switch to the optimal beam for subsequent communications, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick access initiation and optimal signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the device uses directional beamforming with multiple SSB signals, then signal strength can be improved, but uncertainty in accessing shared radio frequency spectrum increases, leading to higher latency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidaccess latency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary evaluation of multiple SSB signals before initiating random access, identifying both the first acceptable SSB for immediate access and a preferred SSB with superior signal properties. This preliminary action enables the device to indicate the preferred SSB in the random access message, allowing the network to switch to the optimal beam for subsequent communications, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick access initiation and optimal signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12348982B2Techniques for indicating a preferred beam in wireless communication random access

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects described herein relate to receiving multiple synchronization signal block (SSB) signals from a base station, wherein the multiple SSB signals are each beamformed based on a different directional beam, selecting a signature from a signature space of a first SSB of the multiple SSB signals, and transmitting, based on the signature, a random access message to the base station, wherein the random access message includes an indicator of a preferred SSB of the multiple SSB signals.