Random Access Timing Pilot for Dormant AP Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous cellular networks with low-power access points, terminals often select APs providing coverage rather than optimal quality of service, leading to inefficient communication and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A terminal receives a timing pilot signal to select an access point capable of responding to a physical random access channel, determining the timing of the random access response and physical downlink control channel based on this signal, enabling selection of APs that may be in a dormant state for energy saving, thus ensuring high-quality service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals select APs providing coverage only from operating state APs, then the selection process is simple, but the quality of service cannot be ensured and communication efficiency is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The network side performs preliminary actions by having APs in dormant state pre-configure timing pilot signals and respond to PRACH. The terminal receives timing pilot signals from both operating and dormant APs, allowing it to evaluate and select the optimal AP (including dormant ones) based on timing information before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary configuration enables the terminal to make informed selection decisions without increasing its own complexity.
2Loss of energy
If terminals only access APs in operating state, then the access process is straightforward, but power and spectrum resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of APs based on service demand. APs can transition between operating and dormant states, with dormant APs still capable of responding to random access requests. The terminal dynamically selects among both operating and dormant APs based on real-time timing pilot signal measurements, enabling flexible resource utilization that reduces power and spectrum waste while maintaining access simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dormant APs are activated to respond to PRACH, then more APs are available for selection improving service quality, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing pilot signal serves as an intermediary that bridges the terminal and dormant APs. Dormant APs transmit timing pilot signals in response to PRACH, and the terminal uses these signals to evaluate and select the optimal AP. This intermediary mechanism allows dormant APs to participate in the random access process without requiring full operational complexity, as they only need to transmit timing pilots and respond to RAR messages rather than handling complete data transmission protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a random access method, an access control method, and a terminal, an access point and a storage medium. The random access method comprises: sending a physical random access channel (PRACH); receiving a timing pilot signal for responding to the PRACH, and detecting a random access response (RAR) message and a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for indicating the RAR message, wherein the timing of the RAR message and the PDCCH is determined on the basis of the timing of the timing pilot signal; and sending a third message according to the timing pilot signal, the RAR message and the PDCCH, wherein the third message is used for requesting access to a network.