Random Access Preamble Segmentation for 5G Resource Allocation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, the existing random access procedures face challenges in efficiently handling contention-based and contention-free random access scenarios due to the complexity of resource allocation and synchronization across different bandwidth parts and numerologies, especially in scenarios where UEs have limited capabilities and operate within very high frequency ranges.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing random access preambles into different sets for contention-based and contention-free access, allowing the network node to transmit the random access response on specific downlink resources linked to the selected preamble, enabling the wireless device to monitor these resources accordingly, and managing bandwidth part timers to ensure seamless resource switching during the random access procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If random access preambles are divided into different sets for contention-based and contention-free access, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidpreamble management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides random access preambles into different sets (first set for contention-based access, second set for contention-free access) to enable differentiated resource allocation. This segmentation allows the network to efficiently manage different types of random access requests separately, improving overall resource allocation efficiency while maintaining clear device procedures for selecting and monitoring appropriate resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If specific downlink resources are linked to selected preambles for RAR transmission, then random access response reliability is improved, but synchronization complexity across bandwidth parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access response reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes predetermined linkages between random access preambles and specific downlink resources for RAR transmission before the actual random access occurs. The network node is configured to transmit RAR messages on specific downlink resources that are pre-associated with particular preambles, and the wireless device is pre-configured to monitor these specific resources after transmitting a selected preamble. This preliminary association simplifies the synchronization process during actual random access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If bandwidth part timers are managed during random access procedure, then resource switching seamlessness is improved, but timer management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource switching seamlessnessVSAvoidtimer management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic timer management for bandwidth parts during the random access procedure. The network node configures the wireless device with timers that control switching between active and inactive bandwidth parts. These timers are dynamically adjusted based on the random access procedure state, allowing seamless resource switching while providing clear termination conditions that simplify device implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If random access procedures support multiple numerologies and frequency ranges, then system adaptability is improved, but procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the random access procedure to universally support multiple numerologies and frequency ranges through a unified framework. The same basic procedure structure (preamble selection from divided sets, RAR monitoring on linked resources, bandwidth part timer management) applies across different numerologies (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz subcarrier spacings) and frequency ranges (sub-6GHz, mmWave). This universal approach allows the system to adapt to various 5G deployment scenarios while maintaining consistent device procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3711439B1Improvements related to random access in wireless communications
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3711439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3711439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3711439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a method, performed by a wireless device in a wireless communication system, for receiving a random access response, RAR, message from a network node. The method comprises transmitting (S11) a selected random access preamble to the network node, the selected preamble being linked to specific downlink, DL, resources to be used for communicating the RAR message from the network node to the wireless device, and receiving (S13) the RAR message from the network node on the specific DL resources. There is also provided a corresponding method performed by a network node, as well as wireless devices and network nodes and computer programs and corresponding carriers.