Non-Contention Random Access Resource Determination in 5G Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G NR networks, the limited uplink coverage due to high-frequency NR spectrum and limited uplink power results in challenges when determining a non-contention random access resource, especially when a terminal device has multiple uplink carriers, as current allocation methods do not specify which uplink carrier to use for random access.

Innovation Solution

A method is provided where a network device generates and sends indication information to a terminal device, including resource information for both uplink carriers, allowing the terminal device to determine the appropriate non-contention random access resource for use in the random access process, utilizing channel quality measurement reports and priority information to select the optimal carrier for improved coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a supplementary uplink (SUL) is introduced to improve uplink coverage, then uplink coverage is improved, but the terminal device cannot determine which uplink carrier to use for non-contention random access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink coverage areaVSAvoidcarrier selection information
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces indication information as an intermediary carrier that conveys carrier selection guidance from the network device to the terminal device. This indication information, transmitted via RRC signaling or PDCCH order, enables the terminal to correctly identify which uplink carrier (NR or SUL) should be used for non-contention random access, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the coverage improvement benefits of SUL

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the random access resource allocation by associating different non-contention random access resources with different uplink carriers (NR uplink carrier and SUL carrier). This segmentation allows the network to allocate specific resources on specific carriers and provide targeted indication information, enabling the terminal to select the appropriate carrier based on the indication rather than facing ambiguity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If non-contention random access resource is allocated without carrier indication, then allocation simplicity is maintained, but random access failure occurs when multiple uplink carriers are available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoidrandom access success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing carrier indication information (through RRC signaling or PDCCH order) before the terminal device performs non-contention random access. This advance indication ensures the terminal knows which carrier to use beforehand, preventing random access failures while maintaining allocation simplicity through standardized signaling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3703293B1Method for determining non-contention random access resource, network device and terminal device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3703293B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3703293B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Provided are a method for determining a non-contention random access resource, a network device and a terminal device. The method comprises: a network device generating indication information, the indication information indicating a first resource on a first uplink carrier and/or a second resource on a second uplink carrier used by the terminal device for non-contention random access, the frequency of the first uplink carrier and the frequency of the second uplink carrier being different; and the network device sending the indication information to the terminal device. According to the solutions of embodiments of the present invention, the network device sends the indication information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device, when there is the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier, can determine the non-contention random access resource .