Uplink-Dense RACH Procedures for Uplink-Only Network Entity Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In uplink-dense wireless communications systems, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in connecting to network entities with uplink-only transmission capabilities when it is more advantageous to connect to entities with both uplink and downlink capabilities, as current RACH procedures are not defined for uplink-only TRPs.
Innovation Solution
The UE receives configuration signaling including an indication of a common or separate timing advance group (TAG) and quantity of beams for uplink-only network entities, allowing it to perform a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on signal strength thresholds and beam configurations, and adjusts transmit power and timing advance accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current RACH procedures are used, then connection to network entities with both uplink and downlink capabilities is maintained, but connection to uplink-only network entities is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the RACH procedure adaptive to different network entity types. The UE dynamically selects between different RACH procedures based on whether the target network entity is full-featured (with both uplink and downlink) or uplink-only, allowing the system to flexibly accommodate varying network configurations without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RACH procedure into distinct types: a first RACH procedure for full-featured network entities and a second RACH procedure for uplink-only network entities. This segmentation allows each procedure to be optimized for its specific use case, with the second procedure specifically designed to handle the limitations of uplink-only entities, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining procedural reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UE connects to uplink-only network entities, then uplink communication capability is improved, but downlink communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a full-featured network entity as an intermediary. The UE establishes a RACH connection with the uplink-only network entity for uplink transmission, while the full-featured network entity acts as a mediator that provides downlink communication capabilities. This allows the system to leverage the uplink capabilities of uplink-only entities while maintaining bidirectional communication through the intermediary full-featured entity.
3Ease of operation
If RACH procedure is performed without beam configuration, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring beams in advance before the RACH procedure is executed. The network entity pre-configures multiple beams and their associated RACH resources, allowing the UE to select an appropriate beam before transmission. This preliminary beam configuration reduces collision probability by spreading transmissions across multiple spatial paths while maintaining procedural simplicity through pre-established configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. For example, the described techniques provide for a user equipment (UE) to receive first signaling from a first network entity having uplink and downlink transmission capabilities, the first signaling including an indication of configuration information associated with a second network entity having uplink-only transmission capabilities. The UE may receive second signaling for performing a random access procedure with the second network entity and perform the random access procedure based on the first signaling and a threshold associated with the second signaling. The first signaling may include an indication of a common timing advance group (TAG) or a separate TAG for the first and second network entities. The first signaling may also include an indication of a quantity of beams associated with the second network entity, where the UE transmits one or more random access messages via the quantity of beams.