Supplementary Uplink Carrier Selection for 5G Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G new radio (NR) system experiences greater signal attenuation due to higher frequency bands, resulting in reduced cell coverage compared to 4G LTE systems. Additionally, the unbalanced transmit power between macro base stations and terminal devices leads to limited uplink coverage, especially at cell edges or when terminals are far from the base station.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a random access method that allows terminals to select a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier from a plurality of SULs configured by the network device. The terminal receives configuration information for the SULs, which includes parameters such as channel quality thresholds, priorities, loads, and available resource quantities, to dynamically choose an SUL for random access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single SUL carrier is configured for one cell, then the device complexity is reduced, but the network access capability for a large number of terminals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SUL resource pool into multiple separate SUL carriers (first SUL carrier, second SUL carrier, etc.), each with its own configuration parameters. This segmentation allows different terminals to access different SUL carriers, thereby enhancing the overall network access capability for a large number of terminals while managing complexity through structured division of resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal SUL configuration framework where multiple SUL carriers serve the same cell, allowing the system to handle diverse terminal access requirements through a unified multi-carrier approach. Each SUL carrier can be independently configured and selected based on terminal needs, providing multi-functionality for network access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SULs are configured for one cell, then the network access capability for a large number of terminals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic SUL carrier selection mechanisms where terminals can choose from multiple configured SUL carriers based on current network conditions, terminal capabilities, and access requirements. The network device dynamically assigns terminals to appropriate SUL carriers, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads and conditions while managing complexity through intelligent dynamic allocation rather than static rigid configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single SUL is used, then the configuration is simple, but it cannot meet the network access requirements of a dramatic increase in intelligent terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the SUL resource pool from a single-carrier dimension to a multi-carrier dimension, adding frequency resource diversity. By configuring multiple SUL carriers at different frequency points, the system creates additional dimensions for terminal access, enabling a much larger number of terminals to access the network simultaneously through frequency division, thereby meeting the network access requirements of dramatically increased intelligent terminals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a random access method and a terminal, applied to the communication field, to improve uplink coverage in high frequency band communication systems such as 5G and 6G communication systems. The method in embodiments of this application includes: A network device configures a plurality of SULs in one cell, where the plurality of SULs are used to supplement uplink coverage of the cell; the network device sends configuration information of the plurality of SULs to a terminal device; and after receiving the configuration information, the terminal device may select one SUL used for random access from the plurality of SULs based on the configuration information. In embodiments of this application, because the cell includes the plurality of SULs, a requirement that a large quantity of terminals in the cell can access a network can be met, and a success rate of uplink random access by the plurality of terminals is improved. Embodiments of this application further provide a terminal. The terminal is configured to select a first SUL used for random access from a plurality of SULs.