RACH Resource Pool Configuration for 5G Uplink Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G communication system faces challenges in efficiently providing RACH resource partitioning information for various feature combinations, leading to issues with load balancing and performance, as not all possible combinations are supported due to a lack of RACH resources and the complexity of managing numerous feature combinations in a single cell.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining RACH-related parameters to be jointly applied to multiple feature combinations and exclusively to one feature combination, allowing for efficient UE information provision on RACH partitioning, reducing signaling and processing loads, and utilizing SIB1 to determine the appropriate random access procedure based on uplink configuration parameters such as RSRP thresholds for PRACH and PUSCH repetitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RACH resources are divided for each feature combination to achieve load balancing, then load balancing performance is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase due to managing numerous feature combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a common RACH resource pool that serves multiple feature combinations (e.g., NR-RedCap, NR-Non-RedCap, NR-U) simultaneously. Instead of dedicating separate RACH resources to each feature combination, a single unified RACH resource configuration handles random access for all features, reducing signaling overhead and management complexity while maintaining load balancing capabilities through feature-specific parameters within the common pool
2Reliability
If separate RACH resources are allocated for each feature combination, then random access performance for each feature is improved, but the quantity of RACH resources required increases beyond available network capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feature-specific RACH resources into a single common RACH resource pool. Different feature combinations (NR-RedCap, NR-Non-RedCap, NR-U) share the same RACH occasions, preambles, and time-frequency resources. Feature differentiation is achieved through logical parameters rather than physical resource separation, thereby maintaining reliable random access for each feature while significantly reducing the total quantity of RACH resources required
Solution Approach 2:
The unified RACH resource configuration serves multiple feature combinations simultaneously, making the RACH resources universal rather than dedicated. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical resources to handle random access for different features by applying feature-specific parameters and filtering mechanisms, optimizing resource utilization without sacrificing access performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RACH resource configurations are provided for different feature combinations, then adaptability to various features is improved, but signaling overhead and information provision complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts feature-specific parameters from the common RACH resource configuration and applies them selectively based on the UE's feature combination. Instead of providing separate complete RACH configurations for each feature, the network provides a single base RACH configuration and extracts or overlays feature-specific parameters (e.g., access barring parameters, power control parameters) only where needed, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing signaling overhead
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to enhance uplink coverage is provided. Method for enhancing uplink coverage includes receiving a SIB1 and performing a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure for SI request. The SIB1 comprises a set of parameters related to uplink configuration. The set of parameters related to uplink configuration comprises one or more sets of parameters related to RACH, a set of parameters related to PUSCH, a parameter indicating a threshold for PUSCH repetition and one or more parameters indicating one or more thresholds for PRACH repetition. The first random access procedure is performed in case that random access resource for PRACH repetition is configured and RSRP of downlink pathloss reference is less than at least one of the one or more thresholds for PRACH repetition. The second random access procedure is performed in case that random access resource for PRACH repetition is not configured, random access resource for PUSCH repetition is configured and RSRP of downlink pathloss reference is less than the threshold for PUSCH repetition.