Random Access Channel Power Offsets for IAB Contention Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contention-based random access channel (RACH) processes, especially in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, there is a high probability of contention failure due to communication devices using the same resources, leading to undecodable signals and increased connection delays, as they adapt their transmission parameters based on similar signal-to-interference-and-noise ratios (SINR).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power offset for certain communication devices, such as relay nodes, and using successive interference cancellation (SIC) at the base station to decode messages transmitted using the same resources, while adapting the RACH process based on the decoding status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication devices use contention-based RACH with random resource selection, then connection establishment is enabled for multiple devices, but contention probability increases leading to signal interference and decoding failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power offset configurations to different device types (UE versus IAB node) transmitting on the same RACH resources. By making the transmission power locally adaptive to device type, the system enables multiple devices to share contention-based resources while maintaining distinguishable signal qualities that facilitate successful decoding at the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter based on device type by applying specific power offsets. UEs use one power offset while IAB nodes use a different power offset, transforming the homogeneous contention scenario into a heterogeneous one where signals have different power levels, thereby enabling successful decoding through power-based differentiation.
2Ease of operation
If communication devices transmit with similar power levels based on similar SINR, then transmission parameters are simplified, but signal interference prevents successful decoding at the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces device-type-specific power offsets that create local quality differences in transmission power. While the overall procedure remains simple, the receiver can exploit the known power offset differences between UE and IAB node signals to successfully decode messages even when they share the same time-frequency resources.
3Productivity
If multiple communication devices select the same RACH resources, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but contention probability increases causing interference and connection delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter based on device type to resolve contention while maintaining resource sharing. By assigning different power offsets to UEs and IAB nodes, the system allows multiple devices to use the same resources simultaneously without severe contention, reducing retransmissions and connection delays while maintaining high resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station detects the device type based on received signal power characteristics and provides appropriate responses. This feedback loop enables the system to handle contention scenarios efficiently by identifying device types and managing their access accordingly, reducing unnecessary retransmissions and connection delays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces contention probability and connection delays by ensuring successful decoding of signals, minimizing the need for automatic repeat request (ARQ)-based retransmissions and reducing implementation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the serving base station applies an advanced decoding scheme, such as successive interference cancellation (SIC), to decode the message and any other message that was transmitted using the same resources
Data Source
AI summary
Performing random access process. In one aspect, there is a method performed by a network function. The method comprises the network function generating system information and the network function broadcasting the system information. The system information comprises i) first power information for use by at least a first set of communication devices and a second set of communication devices in determining a transmit power, and ii) second power information for use by the first set of communication devices, but not the second set of communication devices, in determining the transmit power.