Random Access Resource Allocation for Sub-PRB UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications systems face inefficiencies in handling random access procedures, particularly for devices with varying data traffic profiles, such as those in IoT applications, due to the need for different subcarrier allocations and resource management, which can lead to increased signaling overhead and power usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a scheduling message indicating a first set of radio resources for legacy UEs and a second set of resources with fewer subcarriers for sub-PRB capable UEs, allowing the infrastructure equipment to efficiently manage random access procedures by implicitly indicating the subcarriers for the second set through characteristics of the scheduling message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform allocation of subcarriers is used for all UEs in random access procedures, then legacy UEs can maintain compatibility and reliable connection, but sub-PRB capable UEs waste spectral resources and increase signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access procedure into two distinct paths: a first random access procedure for legacy UEs using conventional subcarrier allocation, and a second random access procedure for sub-PRB capable UEs using reduced subcarrier allocation. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate different UE types with their respective requirements while optimizing resource usage for each category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the system to switch between different random access procedures based on UE capability. The gNB can dynamically select which procedure to use based on the UE's sub-PRB capability, allowing the resource allocation to adapt to the specific needs of each UE type rather than using a fixed uniform approach.
2Productivity
If separate random access procedures are implemented for legacy and sub-PRB capable UEs, then spectral efficiency is improved, but system complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal random access framework where a single random access procedure structure serves multiple purposes: it supports both legacy UEs and sub-PRB capable UEs through different configurations. The same procedural steps are used, but the subcarrier allocation parameters differ, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without requiring entirely separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the subcarrier allocation parameter (number of subcarriers per PRB) based on UE capability. For legacy UEs, the conventional parameter is used, while for sub-PRB capable UEs, a reduced parameter is applied. This parameter change allows the system to optimize spectral efficiency without fundamentally altering the random access procedure structure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If reduced subcarrier allocation is used for sub-PRB capable UEs, then resource utilization is optimized, but compatibility with legacy UEs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE population into two distinct groups: legacy UEs that require conventional subcarrier allocation for reliable operation, and sub-PRB capable UEs that can utilize reduced subcarrier allocation. By segmenting the user base and providing differentiated resource allocation for each segment, the system optimizes resource utilization for advanced UEs while preserving full compatibility and reliability for legacy UEs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an infrastructure equipment in a wireless communications system to support first and second random access procedures is provided, wherein a number of subcarriers used for an uplink message of the second random access procedure is smaller than a number of subcarriers used for a corresponding uplink message of the first random access procedure. The method comprises transmitting, to at least one communications device, a scheduling message comprising an indication of a first set of radio resources comprising a plurality of subcarriers to be used for a random access procedure message for the first random access procedure, determining a second set of radio resources to be used for a random access procedure message for the second random access procedure, and monitoring for a random access procedure message from the at least one communications device on the second set of radio resources.