Dynamic RACH Configuration for IAB Network Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in efficiently communicating new Random Access Channel (RACH) configurations to IAB nodes, which affects the synchronization and performance of wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from an IAB node, determining a new RACH configuration based on the message, and initiating a random access procedure using the new configuration. This includes determining scaling factors, frame-based offsets, and slot/subframe-based offsets to adjust existing RACH configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing RACH configurations are used in IAB networks, then basic random access functionality is maintained, but synchronization performance and wireless communication efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization performanceVSAvoidwireless communication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic RACH configuration where parameters such as periodicity, frame offset, and slot offset are adjusted based on network conditions and IAB node requirements. The network can update RACH configurations through RRC reconfiguration messages, allowing the system to adapt to changing synchronization needs and traffic patterns, thereby improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key RACH parameters including periodicity (scaling factor), frame-based offset, and slot/subframe-based offset to optimize performance. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed configurations, the system achieves better synchronization reliability while maintaining high wireless communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If new RACH configurations are implemented dynamically, then synchronization and performance improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidconfiguration management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network monitors RACH usage and synchronization performance, then adjusts configurations accordingly. The network sends RRC reconfiguration messages based on observed performance metrics, creating a closed-loop system that improves synchronization while managing complexity through intelligent, data-driven configuration updates rather than exhaustive parameter searching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB nodes autonomously apply received RACH configurations and perform self-adjustment based on network instructions. The nodes independently manage their own random access procedures using the configured parameters, reducing the need for complex centralized control and simplifying overall system management while maintaining high synchronization reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12336018B2Random access channel configuration in an integrated access and backhaul network

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, systems, apparatus, and computer programs for communicating new random access channel (RACH) configurations for a node in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the IAB node; determining, based on the RRC message, a new random access channel (RACH) configuration; and in response to determining the new RACH configuration, initiating a random access procedure with the IAB node using the new RACH configuration.