2-Step Random Access Messaging With 4-Step RA Fallback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing latency and signaling overhead associated with traditional four-step random access procedures, particularly in newer standards like NR, where features for 2-step RA procedures such as configuration, message design, fallback, and retransmission are not well-defined.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a 2-step random access procedure with mechanisms for fallback to 4-step RA and retransmission, including optimized message designs for MsgA and MsgB, to reduce latency and signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a 4-step random access procedure is used, then reliability is maintained, but latency increases and signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access latencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple random access messages into fewer transmissions. Specifically, it merges the functionality of traditional 4-step RA messages into a 2-step procedure where MsgA contains preamble and uplink data, and MsgB contains downlink data and acknowledgment, thereby reducing the number of separate signaling exchanges while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the random access procedure into distinct phases: the 2-step RA procedure for low-latency scenarios, and the 4-step RA procedure as a fallback for reliability-critical scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate procedure based on channel conditions and service requirements, optimizing both latency and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a 2-step random access procedure is implemented, then latency is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate due to lack of defined fallback mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidrandom access success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection between 2-step and 4-step random access procedures based on channel conditions, service requirements, and previous transmission outcomes. The system can adaptively switch between procedures, making the random access mechanism flexible and responsive to changing network conditions, thereby maintaining both efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiving device sends acknowledgments and the transmitting device can detect failures. When a 2-step RA fails or channel conditions deteriorate, the system receives feedback to switch to the 4-step procedure, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining high efficiency under good conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If message content is expanded to include both preamble and uplink data, then signaling overhead is reduced, but message design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidmessage design
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes MsgA a multi-functional message that simultaneously carries preamble identification, uplink data, and scheduling information. This universal message design consolidates multiple functions into a single transmission, reducing the total quantity of signaling messages while the standardized structure manages the complexity through clear functional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate resources are allocated for 2-step and 4-step RA, then procedure differentiation is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure differentiationVSAvoidresource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating specific time-frequency resources and preamble sequences dedicated to 2-step RA procedures, distinct from those used in 4-step RA. This localized resource allocation allows clear differentiation between procedures in specific resource domains, while the overall resource management remains organized and manageable through standardized allocation rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3697167B12-step random access
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 APPLE INC
  • EP3697167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3697167B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3697167B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a wireless device to perform 2-step random access procedures. The disclosure identifies features of 2-step random access procedures including configuration (e.g., under what circumstances to use 2-step vs. 4-step random access), message design, fallback procedures, power ramping, backoff, and retransmission procedures.