Random Access Procedure Configuration for Wireless Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In certain wireless communication networks, initial access channels have poor coverage, leading to inefficient transmission due to severe attenuation loss and the use of low gain wide beams, which limits the coverage of physical random access channel (PRACH) and Msg3 transmission.

Innovation Solution

Configuring user equipment (UE) to perform multiple PRACH preamble transmissions on multiple random access channel occasions, with optional Msg3 and MsgA repetition, using the same or different preambles associated with detected synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and adjusting subcarrier spacing and transmit power to enhance coverage and detection opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple PRACH preamble transmissions are performed on multiple random access channel occasions, then the coverage and detection opportunity of PRACH preamble is enhanced, but the device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePRACH preamble detection reliabilityVSAvoidrandom access procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The random access procedure is segmented into multiple independent transmission occasions, where each occasion can be configured with specific parameters (preamble, power, SCS). This segmentation allows the system to distribute the transmission across multiple opportunities without requiring complex coordination, thereby improving detection reliability while keeping individual transmission units simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic parameter adjustment across multiple PRACH occasions, including varying subcarrier spacing, transmit power, and preamble selection based on detected SSBs. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to changing channel conditions and coverage requirements without establishing complex permanent structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If Msg3 and MsgA repetition is performed, then the reliability of initial access procedures is improved, but the transmission time and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial access reliabilityVSAvoidaccess procedure latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Msg3 and MsgA transmissions are repeated periodically across multiple configured occasions. Each repetition follows a predetermined pattern defined by higher-layer parameters, allowing the system to achieve reliable delivery through periodic attempts while maintaining predictable timing behavior that can be optimized for latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes across repetitions, including varying transmit power, subcarrier spacing, and associated SSB indices for different Msg3/MsgA occasions. This parameter diversity improves reliability by adapting to different channel conditions while the configurable repetition count and timing allow optimization of the trade-off between reliability and latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If transmit power is adjusted for multiple PRACH transmissions, then the coverage is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink coverageVSAvoidtransmit energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Transmit power is dynamically adjusted across multiple PRACH occasions based on detected SSB indices and configured power parameters. The system can increase power for critical transmissions while using lower power for subsequent attempts, optimizing the balance between achieving sufficient coverage and minimizing total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different transmit power levels are configured for different PRACH occasions and associated SSBs. The network can indicate specific power adjustments through higher-layer parameters, allowing the UE to achieve necessary coverage for each transmission opportunity while avoiding excessive energy consumption through intelligent power management across multiple attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230371081A1Configuring random access procedures

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 EDGEWOOD IP

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for configuring random access procedures. One method includes receiving, at a user equipment, a first configuration from a network. The first configuration corresponds to performing a physical random access channel transmission on multiple random access channel occasions. The method includes receiving a second configuration from the network. The second configuration corresponds to performing Msg3 repetition, MsgA repetition, or a combination thereof. The method includes performing a random access procedure based on the first configuration and the second configuration.