Random Access Resource Selection for Supplementary Uplink
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G NR communications is to improve random access efficiency by effectively utilizing both non-SUL and SUL resources, as NR uplink transmission on non-SUL resources can result in poor signal quality due to high frequencies and large path losses, leading to incorrect reception and coverage issues in LTE-NR co-site and non-co-site deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow terminal devices to select appropriate resources from non-SUL and SUL resources based on received configuration information and downlink measurement values, enabling optimal resource allocation for random access, which includes receiving SUL configuration information, determining the appropriate carrier resource for random access, and performing random access on the determined resource.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NR uplink transmission uses non-SUL resources on LTE carrier, then uplink resource sharing is achieved, but signal quality deteriorates due to high frequencies and large path losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between SUL and non-SUL resources based on frequency characteristics. SUL resources operate at lower frequencies (below 3 GHz) providing better signal quality for coverage-enhancing scenarios, while non-SUL resources operate at higher frequencies (above 3 GHz) providing higher data rates. The system dynamically selects between these resources based on the specific operational requirements, allowing each resource type to be optimized for its intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through dynamic resource selection mechanisms. The terminal device evaluates downlink measurement values and compares them against thresholds to dynamically determine whether to use SUL or non-SUL resources for random access. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to switch between resource types based on real-time channel conditions, ensuring optimal performance for each specific access scenario.
2Productivity
If random access uses fixed resource selection, then implementation is simple, but random access efficiency is insufficient in diverse coverage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring threshold values for downlink measurement values before the random access procedure. These pre-established thresholds enable the terminal device to automatically determine the appropriate resource type (SUL or non-SUL) based on measured downlink signal strength, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision algorithms while improving random access efficiency in diverse coverage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using downlink measurement values as the selection criterion. The terminal device measures the downlink signal strength and compares it against predefined thresholds to determine whether to select SUL or non-SUL resources. This parameter-based approach provides a simple yet effective mechanism for adaptive resource selection that improves random access efficiency without requiring complex processing.
3Reliability
If SUL resource is used for random access, then coverage is improved through lower frequency transmission, but access priority management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the random access resource pool into distinct SUL and non-SUL subsets. Each subset is managed separately with its own selection criteria and priority rules. The terminal device segments the available resources based on frequency characteristics and coverage requirements, then applies appropriate access priority management to each segment independently, simplifying the overall management complexity while maintaining improved coverage through SUL resources.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a random access method and an apparatus. The method includes: receiving SUL configuration information, where the SUL configuration information includes at least one first supplementary uplink SUL resource and at least one SUL selection threshold that are corresponding to a first SSB; and further, determining, based on a downlink measurement value of the first SSB and the at least one SUL selection threshold, a carrier resource used for random access, and performing random access on the determined carrier resource, where the carrier resource includes one of the at least one first SUL resource or includes a non-SUL resource corresponding to the first SSB. In the embodiments of this application, an appropriate resource can be selected from a non-SUL resource and at least one SUL resource to perform random access, thereby improving random access efficiency of a communications system.