Time-Domain PRACH Resource Gaps for Reduced Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly those operating in the New Radio (NR) system beyond 52.6 GHz, face challenges in efficiently utilizing PRACH resources due to consecutive PRACH resource occasions (ROs), which can lead to blocking issues and inadequate resource allocation for high-capacity applications like IoT.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves determining time-domain PRACH resources with gaps between RACH resource occasions (ROs) to enable gap-based PRACH resource allocation. This is achieved by configuring the baseband processor of wireless user equipment (UE) to receive NR PRACH configurations, determine PRACH resources with gaps, and initiate PRACH procedures accordingly, thereby improving resource utilization and mitigating blocking issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If consecutive PRACH resource occasions (ROs) are used in time domain, then PRACH resource allocation is simplified, but PRACH resource blocking occurs due to earlier transmissions from other user equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The PRACH slot is segmented into multiple PRACH occasions (ROs) with configurable gaps between them. This segmentation allows the system to divide the continuous time domain resource into discrete, separable units, enabling selective activation of specific ROs based on LBT outcomes and reducing blocking effects from earlier transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The PRACH occasion configuration is made dynamic through RACH occasion presence pattern indicators that can be configured via higher layer signaling. This allows the network to dynamically adjust which ROs are present and active, enabling flexible resource allocation that adapts to varying traffic conditions and LBT requirements while maintaining reliable access.
2Productivity
If gap-based PRACH resource allocation is implemented, then PRACH resource utilization is enhanced for LBT operations, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The PRACH occasion presence pattern mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables gap-based resource allocation for LBT operations, provides flexible activation/deactivation of specific ROs, and maintains backward compatibility with existing PRACH configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same configuration framework to support both conventional and enhanced PRACH operations without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If PRACH occasions are configured without gaps, then resource density is maximized, but Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) operations cannot be performed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
PRACH occasions are configured with periodic gaps that create regular time intervals suitable for LBT operations. These periodic gaps allow user equipment to perform LBT procedures at predictable intervals while maintaining sufficient PRACH resource density through the presence pattern configuration, which determines which periodic ROs are actually activated.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining time-domain PRACH resources in wireless communication. A New Radio (NR) Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration comprising an indication of a time-domain PRACH resource type to determine when the UE is allowed to transmit a PRACH preamble and a type of preamble format may be received. Additionally, a PRACH resource based on the received PRACH configuration to transmit the PRACH preamble, wherein the PRACH resource includes RACH resource occasions (ROs) with gaps in between may be determined. Thereafter, a PRACH procedure may be initiated by transmitting the PRACH preamble on a RO based on the determined PRACH resource to a base station (BS).