Random Access Configuration via Historical Records in 5G Unlicensed Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of 5G NR technology into unlicensed frequency bands faces challenges with increased random access latency due to the listen before talk (LBT) mechanism, leading to low success rates and poor stability in random access processes, particularly when using different random access modes.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining a random access configuration of a terminal by receiving and sending historical random access records between the terminal and base station, allowing for adaptive selection between two-step and four-step random access modes based on reference signal receiving power thresholds and access history, to optimize random access success rates and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the listen before talk (LBT) mechanism is used in unlicensed frequency bands, then coexistence with other access technologies is ensured, but random access latency increases and success rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoexistence with other access technologiesVSAvoidrandom access latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the random access mode configurable and adaptable. The base station can dynamically select between two-step and four-step random access modes based on network conditions, and the terminal can be configured to use different modes via RRC signaling. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between latency (two-step) and reliability (four-step with LBT) depending on the operational context in unlicensed bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If different random access modes are used, then access flexibility is improved, but access stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidaccess stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors random access success rates and network conditions, then adjusts the random access mode configuration accordingly. The base station sends RRC messages to configure the terminal's random access mode based on observed performance, creating a closed-loop system that maintains stability while preserving flexibility. This feedback-driven approach prevents random switching between modes that would destabilize access performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If four-step random access mode is used with LBT, then access reliability is improved, but access latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess success rateVSAvoidaccess latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the random access mode dynamic rather than fixed. The system can switch between four-step mode (higher reliability with LBT) and two-step mode (lower latency) based on real-time network conditions, terminal capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic selection allows the system to achieve both reliability and low latency in different scenarios, rather than being constrained to one mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230232444A1Method and apparatus for determining random access configuration, communication device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.07.20 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • US20230232444A1 patent drawing
  • US20230232444A1 patent drawing
  • US20230232444A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining random access configuration of a terminal, performed by the terminal. The method includes: receiving an obtaining request, sent by a base station, for a historical random access record; and sending the historical random access record associated with the obtaining request to the base station.