Terminal Random Access Feedback for Two-Step Uplink Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in managing random access procedures, particularly in two-step random access procedures, due to issues such as interference, contention, and improper selection of uplink carriers, leading to suboptimal network performance and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for a terminal device that collects and analyzes random access information, including details on two-step random access procedures, to optimize these procedures by selecting appropriate carriers, managing contention, and adjusting network parameters based on real-time data from user equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If two-step random access procedure is used to reduce round-trips, then access speed is improved, but interference and contention issues worsen due to timing advance unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors random access success rates and timing advance information, then adjusts uplink grant configurations and cyclic prefix lengths dynamically. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and reduce interference while maintaining the speed benefits of two-step RA.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic parameters including variable cyclic prefix lengths, adjustable uplink grant timing, and flexible timing advance adjustments. These dynamic elements allow the two-step RA procedure to adapt to different cell sizes and channel conditions, reducing interference while maintaining fast access where conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If two-step random access procedure is used, then productivity is improved by reducing round-trips, but reliability worsens due to potential interference with other transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidaccess success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different cyclic prefix lengths for different regions of the cell, adjusting uplink grant timing based on local interference conditions, and implementing location-aware random access resource allocation. This localized optimization maintains high productivity in favorable areas while ensuring reliability in interference-prone regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters dynamically including cyclic prefix length, uplink grant timing offset, and power control adjustments based on observed access success rates and interference levels. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain both high productivity and reliability by adapting to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If MsgA is transmitted without timing advance, then access speed is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to interference with scheduled PUSCH transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring uplink grants with appropriate timing offsets before MsgA transmission, and pre-allocating random access resources with sufficient guard periods. This preliminary preparation prevents interference with scheduled PUSCH transmissions while maintaining the speed advantage of two-step RA.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network device provides timing advance commands in the random access response message, and uses uplink grant timing offsets as an intermediary parameter to coordinate MsgA transmission timing with scheduled PUSCH transmissions, thereby preventing interference while maintaining fast access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4136923B1Apparatus for a terminal device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4136923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4136923B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10
  • EP4136923B1 patent drawingFigure 11~12

AI summary

An apparatus, comprising at least one processor, and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a terminal device at least to: transmit a random access information to a network device, wherein the random access information characterizes a type of at least one random access procedure performed by the terminal device and comprises a reference signal power information related to a serving cell associated with the random access procedure and/or a timing advance of a random access response.