Sidelink Discovery Beacons via Two-Step Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sidelink discovery methods in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G, face challenges in efficiently facilitating peer discovery and pairing between user equipment (UEs) due to high complexity and time-consuming scanning procedures, especially in scenarios requiring high quality-of-service (QoS), such as industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT), which are not adequately addressed by current two-step random access procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-step random access procedure for sidelink discovery where UEs transmit a beacon signal including a random access preamble and payload, with network-controlled resources, to facilitate efficient discovery and pairing, utilizing modified msgA and msgB messages for enhanced sidelink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sidelink discovery methods are used, then peer discovery can be achieved, but the scanning procedure becomes highly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the random access preamble transmission with sidelink discovery message transmission into a single unified procedure. The UE transmits both the random access preamble and the sidelink discovery message together on the PRACH resource, eliminating the need for separate scanning procedures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining discovery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The PRACH resource is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a random access preamble carrier for uplink synchronization and a sidelink discovery message carrier for peer discovery. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of dedicated resources and procedures needed, thereby reducing complexity
2Reliability
If traditional sidelink discovery methods are used, then peer discovery can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the random access preamble and sidelink discovery message into a single transmission event, the patent eliminates the sequential timing requirements of separate procedures. The UE transmits both messages simultaneously in one uplink slot, and the gNB processes them together, significantly reducing the total discovery time while ensuring reliable peer identification
Solution Approach 2:
The gNB pre-configures the UE with sidelink discovery messages and associated PRACH resources before the actual discovery process begins. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to immediately transmit the discovery message with the random access preamble without additional setup delays, reducing overall procedure time
3Productivity
If two-step random access procedure is implemented for sidelink discovery, then discovery efficiency is improved, but network control and resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB acts as an intermediary that centralizes the management of sidelink discovery resources. It assigns specific PRACH resources to UEs for discovery message transmission, coordinates the two-step random access procedure, and processes both the preamble and discovery message together. This centralized mediation simplifies resource management by providing a single point of control rather than requiring distributed coordination between UEs
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects described herein relate to receiving a configuration defining resources for transmitting a first message in a two-step random access procedure, wherein the first message includes a random access preamble and a payload, generating a beacon signal for transmitting as the first message, where the beacon signal includes one or more parameters to facilitate discovery by other UEs for pairing in sidelink communications, and transmitting, based on the configuration, the beacon signal as the first message over the resources.