2-Step Random Access Resource Validation in 5G Uplink

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems, conflicts often arise between uplink and downlink configurations, particularly during two-step random access procedures, making it challenging for user equipment (UE) to determine valid random access resources and data transmission resources.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the UE receives configurations for both 4-step and 2-step random access channels and physical uplink shared channels, identifying valid resources and transmitting random access preambles accordingly, ensuring non-overlap with existing resources to avoid conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the base station configures uplink resources for two-step random access, then random access capability is improved, but resource conflicts with downlink configurations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access capabilityVSAvoidresource conflicts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary validation of uplink resource configurations before allocating them for two-step random access. The configuration includes checking whether configured uplink resources overlap with downlink resources, and only allocating resources that are validated as non-conflicting. This preliminary action prevents resource conflicts before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that acts as a mediator between uplink random access resource configuration and downlink resource configuration. The base station uses this intermediary check to determine whether allocated uplink resources are valid (non-overlapping with downlink), thereby resolving the conflict between improving random access capability and avoiding resource conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the UE transmits random access preamble with data, then transmission efficiency is improved, but resource mapping complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource mapping complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource mapping process into distinct stages: first determining valid uplink resources through preliminary validation, then mapping random access preambles to these validated resources, and finally handling data transmission separately. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the complex resource mapping into manageable, sequential steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs preliminary validation of uplink resource configurations before the UE attempts to map random access preambles and data. By pre-validating resources and identifying those that are non-conflicting, the system reduces the complexity of the mapping process that the UE must perform, while still enabling efficient combined preamble and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4156832A1Method and device for transmitting random access signal
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4156832A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156832A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156832A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for 2-step random access, RA, performed by a terminal in a communication system. the method comprises receiving, from a base station, a first random access channel, RACH, configuration for 4-step RA, a second RACH configuration for the 2-step RA, and a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH, configuration; in case that a type of a random access is the 2-step RA, identifying a RA occasion for the 2-step RA; identifying a valid PUSCH resource based on the PUSCH configuration; and in case that a random access preamble in the RA occasion for the 2-step RA is not mapped to the valid PUSCH resource, transmitting, to the base station, the random access preamble in the RA occasion for the 2-step RA without a PUSCH transmission.