SBFD Random Access Channel Configuration for Reliable PRACH
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in communication systems supporting subband full-duplex (SBFD) is the need for an effective random access procedure to enhance cell throughput, reduce latency, and improve signal reliability and coverage, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for random access in SBFD systems, involving the configuration of legacy and additional random access channel occasions, determination of valid ROs, and power control for PRACH transmissions, allowing terminals to efficiently perform PRACH transmissions in valid ROs and adjust transmission power based on accumulated power ramp-up values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If subband full-duplex operation is implemented to improve cell throughput and reduce latency, then system capacity and efficiency are enhanced, but random access procedure complexity increases and signal reliability deteriorates due to interference between downlink and uplink transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system bandwidth into multiple subbands, with specific subbands allocated for downlink and uplink transmissions. This frequency-domain segmentation allows simultaneous full-duplex operation while isolating interference between directions, thereby maintaining signal reliability while improving throughput
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality requirements are applied to different frequency subbands. The patent configures specific subbands with full-duplex capabilities while maintaining traditional half-duplex operation in other subbands, allowing local optimization of throughput and reliability based on channel conditions and service requirements
2Productivity
If subband full-duplex operation is implemented to increase communication coverage, then signal reach is extended, but random access procedure reliability deteriorates due to interference in shared resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments random access resources into direction-specific subsets corresponding to different subbands. Uplink random access occasions are allocated in subbands designated for uplink transmission, isolating them from downlink interference and maintaining access reliability while extending coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces direction indication information as an intermediary mechanism that guides terminals to select appropriate random access resources based on transmission direction. This mediator ensures that random access transmissions occur in interference-free subbands, maintaining reliability while benefiting from extended coverage
3Productivity
If additional random access channel occasions are configured in SBFD resources to improve access efficiency, then random access throughput increases, but device complexity increases due to multiple configuration sets and validity determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified configuration framework where a single set of parameters can serve both legacy and SBFD-specific random access occasions. The direction indication information acts as a universal selector that directs terminals to the appropriate resource subset based on transmission direction, avoiding the need for completely separate configuration sets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of random access resources, pre-associating each occasion with a transmission direction through direction indication information. This preliminary organization allows terminals to quickly determine valid resources without complex real-time calculations, reducing device complexity while maintaining high access throughput
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a terminal may comprise: receiving, from a base station, configuration information for a legacy random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) and an additional RO; determining validity of an RO based on the configuration information; and performing a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission in a valid RO, wherein the legacy RO is configured in a non-subband full-duplex (N-SBFD) resource, and the additional RO is configured in an SBFD resource.