Random Access Preamble Selection Using Beam-Specific Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, the limited number of concurrent active beams and sweep blocks required to cover a cell area leads to inefficiencies in random access channel resource selection, increasing collision probability and overhead, especially in beam-formed systems where multiple beams overlap and require precise beam identification for optimal communication.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves detecting multiple signal beams, selecting beams based on signal strength and threshold criteria, and utilizing beam-specific parameters such as beam reception level offset, reference threshold, and preamble selection weight to expand the set of available preambles for random access channel resource selection, thereby reducing collision probability and improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of concurrent active beams is limited to reduce system complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the collision probability in random access channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for random access resource selection by enabling UEs to select preambles from multiple beams (both strongest and threshold-compliant beams) rather than only the strongest beam. This multi-dimensional preamble selection approach increases the available random access resources without requiring additional concurrent active beams, thereby resolving the contradiction between system complexity and random access reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection criterion parameter from exclusively choosing the strongest beam to including beams that meet a threshold condition. By modifying the parameter selection logic to consider multiple beams based on signal strength thresholds, the system increases random access capacity without increasing the number of concurrent active beams, thus maintaining device complexity while improving reliability
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sweep blocks are used to cover cell area to improve coverage, then coverage area is increased, but the overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes random access preambles universal across multiple beams by allowing UEs to select from preambles associated with both the strongest beam and threshold-compliant beams. This multi-functionality approach enables a single set of preambles to serve multiple beams, reducing the need for additional sweep blocks and thereby reducing system overhead while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the random access resource pools of multiple beams by allowing selection from preambles of both strongest and threshold-compliant beams. This combining approach consolidates random access resources across beams, reducing the total number of required sweep blocks and associated overhead while maintaining full cell coverage
3Reliability
If beam-specific parameters are considered for preamble selection to improve random access success, then random access reliability is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam measurements and identifies the strongest beam and threshold-compliant beams before the random access preamble selection process. By pre-processing beam identification and storing associated preamble information, the system reduces the processing complexity during actual random access while maintaining high reliability through beam-specific parameter consideration
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously selects preambles from beams that meet the threshold criterion based on its own measurements of signal strength, without requiring complex network coordination. This self-service approach allows the UE to independently make optimized preamble selections using beam-specific parameters, improving reliability while keeping processing complexity manageable at the device level
Data Source
AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from the appropriate selection of aspects of operation of the communication system. For example, certain wireless communication systems, such as fifth generation (5G), long term evolution advanced (LTE-A), and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication systems, may benefit from appropriate random access preamble selection. A method can include determining that a user equipment should consider at least one beam-specific parameter. The method can also include indicating to the user equipment to consider the at least one beam-specific parameter.