5G UE Random Access via Antenna Branch RSRP Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G cellular systems, the existing methods for determining physical random access channel (PRACH) resources are inefficient, particularly in selecting synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and preamble indices, which affect latency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method where a user equipment (UE) receives system information including PRACH configuration from a base station, selects an RSRP threshold based on the number of antenna branches, chooses an SSB based on measured RSRP values and the selected threshold, and selects a preamble index from the associated range, thereby optimizing random access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single RSRP threshold is used for SSB selection, then the configuration is simple, but the random access efficiency is insufficient for UEs with different antenna branch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different RSRP thresholds tailored to specific UE antenna branch configurations. Instead of using a uniform threshold for all UEs, the base station configures multiple thresholds corresponding to different antenna branch numbers, allowing each UE to select the threshold appropriate to its hardware capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing overall configuration simplicity for targeted optimization of random access efficiency for each UE type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling UEs to dynamically select both the RSRP threshold and SSB based on their antenna branch configuration. The UE determines its antenna branch number and uses this information to select from multiple configured thresholds, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that optimizes random access performance according to actual UE capabilities rather than using a static, one-size-fits-all approach.
2Speed
If SSB selection is performed without considering antenna branch configuration, then the selection process is fast, but the reliability of random access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple RSRP thresholds at the base station, each corresponding to a specific antenna branch configuration. This preparation is done in advance before actual SSB selection occurs, allowing UEs to quickly determine their antenna branch number and immediately select the appropriate threshold without complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining fast selection speed while improving reliability through configuration-aware threshold selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing antenna branch number as a key parameter in the SSB selection process. The RSRP threshold is changed from a single fixed value to multiple values selected based on the UE's antenna branch configuration. This parameter-based selection approach maintains computational efficiency while significantly improving random access reliability by matching thresholds to actual UE hardware capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple RSRP thresholds are configured for different antenna branch configurations, then the random access reliability is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional RSRP threshold configuration mechanism that serves multiple antenna branch configurations simultaneously. The base station configures multiple thresholds that can be universally applied to different UE types, and each UE universally selects from this shared set based on its specific antenna branch number. This approach improves reliability for all UE types while avoiding the need for separate dedicated configurations for each UE, thereby controlling signaling overhead.
4Ease of operation
If the RSRP threshold is selected without considering antenna branch number, then the selection process is simple, but the latency requirement cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the RSRP threshold selection process into distinct segments based on antenna branch configurations. Instead of using a single undifferentiated threshold selection method, the patent segments the threshold set into multiple groups corresponding to different antenna branch numbers. This segmentation allows UEs to quickly identify and select from the appropriate segment based on their hardware, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing latency through targeted selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method by a user equipment (UE) is described. The method includes receiving, from a base station, system information including physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration information, wherein the PRACH configuration information includes a list of preamble index ranges and one or more first reference signal received power (RSRP) thresholds, wherein each preamble index range is associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB); selecting, based on a quantity of antenna branch equipped for the UE, one first RSRP threshold from the one or more first RSRP thresholds; selecting, based on one or more synchronization signal (SS)-RSRP values of a set of SSBs and the selected first RSRP threshold, an SSB from the set of SSBs; selecting a preamble index from the first preamble index range associated with the selected SSB; selecting, for the UE, a non-coverage enhancement (CE) mode or a CE mode, at least based on the selected first RSRP threshold.