Wireless Network Access via SUL Carrier for Reduced-Capability Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing access method for terminals with reduced capability in the NR-light system, which only allows edge-of-cell terminals to access the supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier, fails to meet the uplink coverage requirements of new terminals with reduced capability, such as factory sensors, video surveillance equipment, and wearable devices, as they have reduced antennas, bandwidth, and processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine, based on the type of terminal, whether it is allowed to access the SUL carrier by considering parameters like antenna count, bandwidth, and signal strength, allowing terminals of specific types to access the SUL carrier under looser conditions, thereby improving uplink coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only edge-of-cell terminals are allowed to access the SUL carrier, then random access collision is reduced, but uplink coverage capability for reduced-capability terminals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating access permissions based on terminal location and terminal type. Edge-of-cell terminals are allowed to access the SUL carrier, while other terminals are restricted. This localized access control optimizes uplink coverage for specific terminal groups without causing system-wide random access collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the access parameter from a uniform restriction to a differentiated permission system based on terminal type and location. By introducing terminal type as a parameter for access determination, the system enables reduced-capability terminals to access the SUL carrier under specific conditions, thereby improving their uplink coverage capability.
2Reliability
If reduced-capability terminals access the SUL carrier under strict conditions, then random access collision is minimized, but access success rate for these terminals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring access permissions for different terminal types before random access occurs. The network device determines in advance which terminal types are allowed to access the SUL carrier, and this permission information is provided to terminals before they initiate random access, enabling them to select appropriate carriers without complex real-time decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the terminal population into different types (normal terminals and reduced-capability terminals) and applies different access rules to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to optimize access control for each group separately, improving access success rates for reduced-capability terminals without compromising overall system performance.
3Reliability
If all terminals are allowed to access the SUL carrier, then uplink coverage is maximized, but random access collision increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting SUL carrier access to specific terminal types (edge-of-cell terminals and reduced-capability terminals) rather than allowing all terminals to access. This localized permission system maintains uplink coverage benefits for vulnerable terminals while preventing system-wide random access collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terminal type determination as an intermediary mechanism between the terminal and the SUL carrier access. The network device acts as a mediator by determining which terminal types are permitted to access the SUL carrier, thereby controlling the flow of access requests and preventing excessive collisions while maintaining coverage for needy terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for accessing a wireless network are provided. In the method, it is determined, according to a type of a terminal, whether the terminal is allowed to access the wireless network over an SUL carrier.