Uplink Access Method Reducing PRACH Complexity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current uplink access methods in high-frequency communication systems face complexity due to the lack of reciprocity between receive and transmit beams, limiting the applicability of existing methods that rely on this reciprocity for reducing multi-beam selection complexity.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a base station sending N signals and N pieces of physical random access channel (PRACH) resource indication information, allowing the user equipment to select and send a random access preamble sequence using PRACH resources indicated by the base station, thereby reducing the complexity of uplink access by configuring PRACH resources based on beam reciprocity status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If beam reciprocity is assumed for uplink access, then multi-beam selection complexity is reduced, but applicability is limited to systems with reciprocity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-beam selection complexityVSAvoidapplicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink access process by introducing multiple PRACH resources corresponding to different downlink beams. Each PRACH resource is associated with specific beam reciprocity conditions, allowing the system to handle different reciprocity scenarios separately rather than requiring a single universal approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the PRACH resource selection dynamic by allowing the base station to indicate different PRACH resources based on the actual beam reciprocity status. The system adapts the access configuration in real-time according to whether reciprocity exists between downlink and uplink beams, rather than using a static assumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If user equipment sends multiple random access preamble sequences for beam scanning, then uplink access reliability is improved, but uplink access complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink access reliabilityVSAvoiduplink access complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary configuration by pre-establishing the mapping relationship between downlink beams and PRACH resources. This preliminary action allows the user equipment to directly select the appropriate PRACH resource based on downlink beam measurement results, avoiding the need for exhaustive beam scanning and multiple preamble sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PRACH resource indication information as an intermediary that carries the mapping relationship between downlink beams and uplink access resources. This intermediary enables the base station to guide the user equipment to the correct PRACH resource without requiring the user equipment to perform complex beam scanning and selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3528574B1Uplink access method, base station and user equipment
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3528574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3528574B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3528574B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide an uplink access method, a base station, and user equipment. The method includes: sending, by a base station, N signals and N pieces of physical random access channel PRACH resource indication information, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and receiving, by the base station, a random access preamble sequence of the user equipment on PRACH resources indicated by the N pieces of PRACH resource indication information. Based on the foregoing solution, a quantity of random access preamble sequences sent by the user equipment is reduced, and uplink access complexity is reduced.