Random Access Procedure Segmentation for Network Entry Speed

Solution Overview

Problem

Current random access procedures in mobile communication networks, such as the four-step RACH, are inefficient and delay-prone, necessitating a method to support both two-step and four-step random access procedures simultaneously while reducing time delays and improving service entry speed.

Innovation Solution

The network device configures independent or shared resources for two-step and four-step random access procedures, allowing terminals to select appropriate preambles and PRACH resources based on the procedure type, and determines the format of the random access response (RAR) to ensure correct message transmission and procedure execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a four-step random access procedure is used, then the network can ensure reliable connection establishment, but the time delay increases and service entry speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidrandom access time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The random access procedure is segmented into two distinct types: a two-step procedure for fast access and a four-step procedure for reliable access. The network device configures different preamble sets and PRACH resources for each procedure type, allowing terminals to select the appropriate procedure based on their needs. This segmentation enables simultaneous support for both fast and reliable access without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the random access procedure type based on terminal capabilities and network conditions. The network device determines whether to use two-step or four-step procedure by detecting MSG3 within a first time range after receiving MSG1, allowing flexible switching between procedures to optimize both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If a two-step random access procedure is used, then the random access time delay is reduced and service entry speed is improved, but the connection establishment reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom access time delayVSAvoidconnection establishment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The random access procedure is segmented into two distinct types: a two-step procedure for fast access and a four-step procedure for reliable access. The network device configures different preamble sets and PRACH resources for each procedure type, allowing terminals to select the appropriate procedure based on their needs. This segmentation enables simultaneous support for both fast and reliable access without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network device uses feedback mechanisms to determine the appropriate procedure type. By detecting whether MSG3 is received within a first time range after sending MSG2, the network can feedback-adjust the procedure selection, ensuring reliable connection establishment while maintaining fast access when possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network supports both two-step and four-step random access procedures, then the adaptability to different terminal needs is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure type adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The random access procedure is segmented into two distinct types: a two-step procedure for fast access and a four-step procedure for reliable access. The network device configures different preamble sets and PRACH resources for each procedure type, allowing terminals to select the appropriate procedure based on their needs. This segmentation enables simultaneous support for both fast and reliable access without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both two-step and four-step random access procedures using the same core components (preamble detection, MSG1/MSG2/MSG3 handling, RAR format determination). This universal design allows the network to support multiple procedure types without requiring entirely separate processing paths, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11997717B2Random access method and apparatus, network device, and terminal

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random access method and apparatus, a network device, and a terminal. The method includes a network device sending first configuration information corresponding to a preamble and second configuration information corresponding to a physical random access channel (PRACH) resource; the network device receiving MSG1, and determining the format of an RAR on the basis of at least one of the preamble corresponding to the MSG1, a PRACH resource corresponding to the MSG1, or whether MSG3 is detected within a first time range; and the network device sending MSG2 on the basis of the format of the RAR.