Random Access Carrier Selection for LTE-NR Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks where LTE and NR systems coexist, there is a need to improve random access performance and reduce delay under multiple carrier configurations, as existing methods face challenges in managing random access across different carriers, leading to increased collisions and coverage issues for cell edge UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow terminal devices to selectively perform random access in multiple carriers based on configuration information from network nodes, enabling fallback to a lower frequency carrier upon predefined events or conditions, such as high failure rates or low signal quality, to enhance random access success and reduce delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple carriers are configured as candidate random access carriers, then the random access success possibility is improved, but the device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic random access management by allowing the network to configure different sets of candidate carriers for different terminal devices based on their specific conditions (coverage enhancement needs, cell edge status, etc.). The terminal device dynamically selects from configured candidate carriers rather than using a fixed approach, enabling adaptive random access management that balances success probability with management complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple carriers are configured for random access, then coverage for cell edge UEs is improved, but the random access delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different random access configurations to different terminal devices based on their specific conditions. Cell edge UEs receiving coverage enhancement configurations get access to multiple candidate carriers with appropriate parameters, while other UEs use standard configurations. This localized optimization ensures that only UEs needing extended coverage experience the multi-carrier approach, minimizing overall delay while improving coverage where needed.
3Productivity
If carrier sharing between LTE and NR systems is implemented, then resource utilization is improved, but the random access performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access resource configuration by providing separate, dedicated configurations for different carrier types (NR carriers, LTE-NR shared carriers, LTE carriers). Each carrier type has its own random access parameters, preamble formats, and resource allocations configured independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain optimal random access performance on each carrier type while still utilizing multiple carriers for overall resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communications is proposed. The method may comprise obtaining configuration information from a network node. The configuration information may indicate random access configurations in two or more carriers comprising a first carrier and a second carrier. The second carrier may have a lower carrier frequency than the first carrier. The method may further comprise determining whether to perform a random access in the second carrier based at least in part on the configuration information.