Configurable Slice-Based RACH Prioritization in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in configuring slice-based random access channels (RACH) to prioritize specific slices or slice groups for contention-based and contention-free random access procedures, limiting flexibility and efficiency in network access.
Innovation Solution
A signaling framework is introduced to enable RACH prioritization for specific slices or slice groups, allowing configuration of priority settings for RA procedures, including access identities, categories, and purposes, which can be applied to both 4-step and 2-step RA procedures, and both contention-based and contention-free access methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slice-specific separate RACH resource pool is configured per slice, then network access efficiency for specific slices is improved, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common RACH resource pool into slice-specific separate RACH resource pools, allocating dedicated resources to different network slices. This segmentation enables prioritized access for specific slices (e.g., ultra-reliable low-latency communication slices) while maintaining overall network efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction by improving productivity for critical slices without requiring complete resource isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different RACH configuration parameters (such as powerRampingStep, preambleReceivedTargetPower, and ra-ResponseWindow) to different slices based on their specific requirements. This local quality approach allows each slice to have optimized parameters tailored to its service characteristics, improving network access efficiency for specific slices while maintaining a unified overall configuration framework.
2Productivity
If RACH parameters prioritization is configured per slice, then access priority for specific slices is improved, but collision with legacy RA prioritization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for prioritization by adding slice identity (slice-ID) as an additional parameter alongside the existing access category (ac) and access identity (ai). This creates a multi-dimensional prioritization framework where slices can be prioritized independently from legacy access categories, avoiding collisions while maintaining backward compatibility with existing RA prioritization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new information element (IE) called Slice-specific RACH parameters that acts as an intermediary between the core network and the radio access network. This IE carries slice-specific prioritization information without modifying the existing legacy RA prioritization structure, enabling coexistence of legacy and slice-based prioritization mechanisms without collision.
3Device complexity
If unified RACH configuration is used for all slices, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility and prioritization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic RACH configuration mechanism where the network can flexibly switch between unified and slice-specific configurations based on service requirements. The gNB can dynamically allocate RACH resources and adjust parameters for different slices without requiring device reconfiguration, enabling prioritization capability while maintaining configuration simplicity through centralized network control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a unified RACH configuration framework that can serve multiple purposes: it can operate as a common pool for all slices when prioritization is not needed, or it can be divided into slice-specific pools when prioritization is required. This multi-functionality allows the same configuration structure to adapt to different network scenarios, maintaining simplicity while providing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for configurability of slice based random access channels (RACH) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes providing RACH configuration parameters for each of a plurality slices or groups of slices, the RACH configuration parameters being used to perform a random access (RA) procedure on a slice, and performing an RA procedure on a slice according to the RACH configuration parameters for the slice.