Random Access Preamble Selection for Beam Refinement in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networking, particularly in 5G NR, user equipment (UE) devices face challenges in transmitting data during random access procedures due to power limitations, leading to insufficient signal strength and inefficient beam management, which affects connection reliability and data speed.
Innovation Solution
The UE apparatus is equipped with the capability to select a preamble indicating a request for additional time allocation during the random access procedure, allowing for beam refinement within the allocated time to switch from a broad beam to a narrower beam, enhancing transmission power and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the UE uses a broad beam for transmission, then the coverage area is increased, but the transmission power is insufficient for reliable communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access procedure into distinct phases: initial broad beam transmission for coverage, followed by beam refinement phases. The UE transmits MSG1 using a broad beam to ensure coverage, then performs beam refinement between MSG2 and MSG3 to concentrate power in a narrower beam direction, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE perform beam refinement procedures between MSG2 and MSG3 transmissions. This preliminary beam optimization allows the UE to identify a narrower, more powerful beam direction before the critical MSG3 transmission, ensuring sufficient transmission power while maintaining the initial broad coverage capability.
2Reliability
If the UE requests additional time allocation for beam refinement, then the transmission reliability is improved, but the latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allowing beam refinement only when necessary - the UE requests additional time allocation (excessive action) only when power limitations prevent reliable MSG3 transmission with the initial broad beam. This conditional approach improves reliability only when needed, minimizing unnecessary latency for cases where the initial transmission is already sufficient.
3Productivity
If the UE performs beam refinement between MSG2 and MSG3, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously perform beam refinement procedures using its own capabilities. The UE independently identifies suitable narrower beams and adjusts its transmission parameters without requiring complex network coordination, thus improving transmission efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity to what the UE can handle independently.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a user equipment apparatus that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment apparatus at least, for a random access procedure including a random access preamble (MSG1), a random access response (MSG2), and a scheduled transmission (MSG3), to transmit, to a network node apparatus, the MSG1 including a preamble selected among at least two usable preambles. The at least two usable preambles include a first preamble indicating a request for additional time allocation over a time allocation limit, between MSG2 and MSG3.