RedCap UE Type Indication in NR Random Access for Half-Duplex Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NR networks face challenges in efficiently supporting reduced capability (redcap) devices due to their lower bandwidth and half-duplex operation, which can lead to imbalances in power consumption, cost reduction, and network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques for redcap devices to explicitly identify themselves during a random access procedure, utilizing dedicated resources and early indications, such as repurposed system information blocks and PRACH resource sets, to balance power consumption, cost reduction, and network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If redcap devices operate with lower bandwidth and half-duplex mode to reduce cost and complexity, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but network performance and power consumption balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having redcap devices explicitly indicate their device type during the random access procedure (before connection is established) using dedicated indications in MSG1 or MSG3. This allows the network to proactively identify redcap devices and apply appropriate configurations, power saving modes, and resource allocations from the outset, rather than reacting after connection issues arise. The network can pre-configure suitable bandwidth parts, duplex modes, and power parameters based on the early device type indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting network configuration parameters based on redcap device identification. The network gNB can modify bandwidth part configurations, duplex operation modes, power consumption parameters, and resource allocation strategies specifically for redcap devices. This allows optimization of parameters like bandwidth width, subcarrier spacing, and power spectral density to match redcap device capabilities while maintaining network performance.
2Device complexity
If redcap devices use lower bandwidth configuration to reduce device complexity, then device cost is reduced, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling the network to dynamically adjust power-related parameters for redcap devices based on their identified capabilities. The gNB can optimize transmit power levels, power spectral density, bandwidth part configurations, and duty cycling parameters specifically for redcap devices. This ensures that redcap devices operate at optimal power efficiency points matched to their reduced hardware capabilities, rather than using generic power configurations designed for full-capability devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling redcap devices to autonomously indicate their device type and capability constraints during random access. Once identified, the network can autonomously configure appropriate power saving parameters, bandwidth allocations, and operational modes without requiring continuous device feedback or manual configuration. The system serves itself by using the initial device type indication to trigger automated power optimization routines.
3Productivity
If redcap devices transmit device type indication during random access procedure, then network can optimize resource allocation, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the device type indication mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same indication signal used to identify redcap devices during random access also enables subsequent optimization of resource allocation, power management, and configuration. This single indication triggers cascading benefits including appropriate bandwidth part selection, duplex mode configuration, and resource scheduling, making the signaling overhead worthwhile by preventing multiple separate configuration exchanges and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the device type indication transmitted early during the random access procedure (in MSG1 or MSG3) before the connection is fully established. This early indication allows the network to proactively configure all necessary parameters including resource allocation, power settings, and operational modes in advance, rather than requiring multiple subsequent configuration messages. The preliminary indication consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate signaling exchanges into a single early trigger.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive a system information block (SIB) from a base station and transmit an indication of a reduced capability (redcap) device type to the base station during a random access procedure, wherein the indication is associated with a UE configuration comprising one or more UE complexity reduction features.