Shared RACH Occasion Adaptation for Two-Step and Four-Step Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation and latency due to static RACH occasion configurations, particularly affecting UEs with varying synchronization signal block-reference signal received power (SSB-RSP), leading to suboptimal service for both cell center and cell edge devices.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic adaptation and sharing of RACH occasions between two-step and four-step random access procedures, allowing additional RACH occasions to be activated or deactivated based on network needs, with flexible configurations for UEs with different SSB-RSP levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static RACH occasion configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RACH occasion configuration where the network can activate or deactivate specific RACH occasions based on current network conditions and UE requirements. This allows the system to adapt RACH resources dynamically rather than using static configurations, improving resource utilization efficiency while managing complexity through controlled dynamic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameters of RACH occasions by introducing indicators that specify whether additional RACH occasions are shared between two-step and four-step random access procedures. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes resource allocation for different UE types (cell center vs. cell edge) without requiring complete reconfiguration of the RACH structure.
2Reliability
If separate RACH occasions are allocated for cell center and cell edge UEs, then service quality for both types improves, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes RACH occasions universal by allowing them to serve multiple purposes - the same RACH occasion can be used for both two-step random access (optimized for cell center UEs) and four-step random access (optimized for cell edge UEs). The shared indication parameter enables a single RACH occasion to function for different UE types based on dynamic activation, reducing allocation complexity while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RACH procedure into two distinct types (two-step and four-step) that can be independently configured and activated. By segmenting the random access procedures and allowing selective activation of specific occasions for each type, the system can optimize service quality for different UE locations while managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional RACH occasions are dynamically activated, then adaptability to different network conditions improves, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the specific additional RACH occasions that are needed based on current network conditions, rather than activating all possible occasions. The network can choose to activate only certain RACH occasions with the shared indication set appropriately, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining necessary adaptability for different network scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to convey activation information efficiently. By modifying existing configuration parameters (such as the shared indication parameter) rather than introducing entirely new signaling messages, the system achieves dynamic activation of additional RACH occasions with minimized signaling overhead. This approach allows adaptability through parameter modification rather than extensive reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for the dynamic adaptation and sharing of random access channel (RACH) occasions in wireless communication networks for network energy savings (NES). A user equipment (UE) receives a configuration indicating whether a RACH occasion is shared between two-step and four-step random access. The UE receives information activating an additional RACH occasion, with an indication of whether it is shared. The UE transmits a two-step RACH preamble or a four-step RACH preamble in the additional RACH occasion based at least in part on the configuration or the information. The methods also include defining dedicated parameters for NES-capable UEs, dynamically indicating sharing properties of additional ROs, and allowing baseline ROs to adapt their sharing properties. Thus, the disclosed methods and apparatuses optimize resource utilization, reduce latency, and improve energy efficiency in wireless networks, ensuring efficient initial access and resource allocation while maintaining backward compatibility with non-NES capable UEs.