Reduced Capability UE Random Access Configuration for System Information Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) with reduced capability faces challenges in accessing cells due to limited bandwidth and numerology, leading to difficulties in receiving system information and performing initial access procedures, especially when conventional system information blocks are not configured for these UEs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing a UE with reduced capability a dedicated system information block (SIB) and a separate random access configuration, allowing it to select an appropriate initial UL BWP and random access configuration based on its capabilities, and enabling the UE to request system information by determining specific RA association periods and occasions within the SI request-related configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional system information blocks are used for all UEs, then system information can be transmitted using standard configurations, but UEs with reduced capability cannot access cells due to limited bandwidth and numerology
Solution Approach 1:
The system information is segmented into different types: common SIBs (first SIB) that contain general system information accessible by all UEs, and dedicated SIBs (second SIB) that contain specific configuration information for reduced capability UEs. This segmentation allows each UE type to receive appropriate information without overwhelming complexity in the common messaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels of system information configuration are provided to different UE types. Reduced capability UEs receive simplified configurations with parameters adapted to their limited bandwidth and numerology capabilities, while full-capability UEs receive standard configurations. This local quality adjustment ensures each UE type operates optimally within its capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated random access configuration is provided for reduced capability UE, then initial access procedures can be optimized for their capabilities, but the system requires separate configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The random access configuration is segmented into common parameters applicable to all UEs and dedicated parameters specific to reduced capability UEs. The dedicated SIB contains separate configuration elements such as dedicated RACH occasions, preamble formats, and timing advance parameters tailored for reduced capability devices, allowing optimized access procedures without complicating the common configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated SIB acts as an intermediary configuration layer that bridges the gap between common system information and UE-specific requirements. It provides a structured format that includes both common parameters (inherited from first SIB) and dedicated parameters (specific to reduced capability UE), simplifying the configuration management by organizing information hierarchically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate SIB is provided for reduced capability UE, then specific bandwidth and numerology requirements can be met, but information overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first SIB and second SIB are merged in the sense that the dedicated SIB references and inherits common parameters from the first SIB, avoiding redundant transmission. The dedicated SIB only contains the specific parameters that differ for reduced capability UEs, such as dedicated RACH configurations and bandwidth-specific parameters, thereby reducing overall information overhead while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Common system information is transmitted first in the first SIB, establishing a baseline configuration. The dedicated second SIB is then provided with references to already-transmitted common parameters, allowing reduced capability UEs to efficiently acquire only the additional specific information needed for their operation, minimizing total information overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention a UE may receive a first system information block (SIB) including a system information (SI) request-related configuration including a physical random access channel configuration; transmit a random access (RA) preamble for an SI request based on the PRACH configuration; and receive, in response to the RA preamble, a second SIB different from the first SIB, wherein the SI request-related configuration may include first information related only to a first type UE with reduced capability to support a smaller bandwidth than a second type UE, and second information common for the first type UE and the second type UE, and the UE may be the first type UE and may perform the RA preamble transmission by determining an RA association period and an RA occasion based on both of the first information and the second information in the SI request-related configuration.