EP4656001A1

EP4656001A1 - Preconfigured resources for data exchange in initial access

Info

Publication number: EP4656001A1
Application number: EP23708585.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Navin Hathiramani; Karri Markus Ranta-Aho
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2023-01-25
Filing date: 2023-01-25
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: WO2024158386A1; CN120660432A

Abstract

In example embodiments of the invention there is at least a methos and apparatus to perform detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; determining a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; identifying that a random-access response signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and based on the identifying, selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network. Further, to perform determining, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and based on the determining, performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

Description

PRECONFIGURED RESOURCES FOR DATA EXCHANGE IN INITIAL

ACCESS

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to establishing initial access with physical downlink shared channel decoding and, more specifically, relate to establishing initial access with physical downlink and uplink shared channel decoding and, more specifically, relate to establishing initial access with physical downlink and uplink shared channel decoding without a need of physical downlink control channel resources.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows:

BD: Blind Decodes

C-RNTI: Cell RNTI

CCE: Control Channel Element

CCH: Control Channel

CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check

CRS: Cell Reference Symbols

DCI: Downlink Control Information

DMRS: Demodulation Reference Symbol DSS: Dynamic Spectrum Sharing

MCS: Modulation and Coding Scheme

PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel

PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel

PRB: Physical Resource Block

PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

RACH: Random Access Channel

RAR: Random Access Response

RA-RANTI: Random Access -RNTI

RE: Resource Element

RNTI: Radio Network Temporary Identifier

SIB: System Information Block

SP: Semi-Persistent

TC-RNTI: Temporary C-RNTI

TRP: Transmission Point

UE: User Equipment

[0004] 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (NR) data exchange between the UE and a network is based on providing data scheduling messages (Downlink Control Information (DCI)) on a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduling each downlink and uplink data packet. The PDCCH channel is employed for dynamic scheduling of UEs in UL and DL data transmissions.

[0005] Operations for decoding the PDCCH include Blind decoding (BD). For more Blind decoding in a time unit the UE needs to support more PDCCH decoding hardware and consume more power per time unit in search of a potential PDCCH transmission.

[0006] Example embodiments of the invention work to improve at least these operations. SUMMARY:

[0007] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0008] In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non- transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: detect, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; determine a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; identify that a random-access response to the random-access carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and based on the identifying, select a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network.

[0009] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; determining a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; identifying that a random-access response signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and based on the identifying, selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi- persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network. [0010] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on the transmission and/or reception periodicity; beam information or modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble, wherein the information further comprises at least one of physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink control channel modulation or coding scheme or beam information properties, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, or modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties, wherein the information further comprises at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity, beam information or modulation and coding information for the semi-persistent configuration, wherein the user equipment is using at least one of a selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources for the data communication for at least a completion of the random-access procedure, wherein there is releasing at least one of the selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources based on one of: an expiration of the time window or a release message from the communication network, wherein the set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is for a randomaccess procedure, wherein the random-access procedure comprising the obtained set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is one of pre-determined by the user equipment or received from the communication network, wherein the identifying includes determining a random- access preamble in a random access channel occasion indicating the network a request to employ semi-persistent resources.

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0012] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; means for determining a random-access preamble for a randomaccess procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; means for identifying that a random-access signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi- persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and means, based on the identifying, for selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network.

[0013] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for detecting, determining, identifying and selecting comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer- readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0014] In an example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one non- transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and based on the determining, perform data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

[0015] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: determining, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and based on the determining, performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi- persistent configuration.

[0016] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties, wherein the information further comprises at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity, beam information or modulation and coding information for the semi-persistent configuration, wherein the information further comprises at least one of physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink control channel modulation or coding scheme or beam information properties, wherein the network node transmits to a user equipment configurations of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources, wherein the network node transmits a expiry timer for the configurations, wherein the randomaccess response signal is with an identification of a physical random-access channel occasion used for the random-access preamble and carries a pointer to one of a semi persistent physical downlink shared channel configuration or a semi-persistent physical uplink shared channel configuration, wherein there is determining the user equipment is using selected semi-persistent resources for the data communication; and releasing at least one of the semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel configuration resources and use dynamic scheduling, wherein in the release of the semi-persistent configuration resources is based on the allocation of a dynamic grant a release message, or expiry of a timer.

[0017] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0018] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for determining, by a network node of a communication network, a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and means, based on the determining, for performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi- persistent configuration.

[0019] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for determining, and performing comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0020] A communication system comprising the user equipment side apparatus and the network side apparatus performing operations as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0021] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart for the procedure for using SP-

PDSCH/PUSCH for initial access;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for timer-based release of the SP-

PDSCH/PUSCH resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for network-instructed release of the SP- PDSCH/PUSCH resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for network reconfiguration to continue data exchange using other resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention; and

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a random access configuration procedure with PDCCH decoding in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0029] Example embodiments of the invention provide an improved method and apparatus for at least establishing initial access with physical downlink and uplink shared channel decoding without a need of physical downlink control channel resources. [0030] As similarly stated above, the LTE and NR data exchange between the UE and the network is based on providing data scheduling messages (Downlink Control Information, DCI) on a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduling each downlink and uplink data packet. The PDCCH is transmitted on a specific control region known as Control Resource Set, CORESET in NR, and PDCCH region in LTE.

[0031] PDCCH (both 4G-LTE and 5G-NR):

[0032] The PDCCH channel is employed for dynamic scheduling of UEs in UL and DL. The PDCCH being a control channel is an overhead for the system and it should be minimized. A PDCCH is spread over 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 (in NR only) control channel elements, the larger number of CCEs (the larger the aggregation level) the more energy is transmitted per DCI, and thus the larger the coverage of the transmitted PDCCH, but also the larger the control channel resource consumption.

[0033] UE Blind decoding procedure for PDCCH (both LTE and NR)

[0034] A UE is typically configured with the time (symbols), frequency resources and slots (monitoring occasions) in which a PDCCH containing an UL or DL grant may be available for the UE. Every PDCCH monitoring occasion the UE has to perform blind decodes in the defined area where the PDCCH could be sent to determine whether something is sent or not. Each configured PDCCH candidate (a particular set of CCEs) is checked for the presence of a PDCCH (blindly assume that there is a PDCCH there, decode based on this assumption and see if the CRC check indicates that a valid message was decoded). From the network perspective the larger the number of blind decodes the UE can do the more flexible the PDCCH allocation can be, but the UE has to dimension its PDCCH decoding hardware so that it can perform the set number of PDCCH decodes within a monitoring occasion. The PDCCH BD process consumes UE power and the set upper limit also limits the network flexibility.

[0035] Overall, the number of blind decodes the UE needs to be able to go through in each monitoring occasion is a trade-off between the PDCCH scheduling flexibility and the UE’s ability to process the PDCCH candidates. The latter is called a PDCCH blind decoding (BD) budget, and the more BDs in a time unit the UE needs to support the more PDCCH decoding hardware it needs and the more power per time unit it consumes in search of a potential PDCCH transmission.

[0036] Random Access Response detection procedure as per current art (NR):

[0037] During the random-access procedure:

• MSG1: The UE selects a preamble index, transmits the preamble on a RACK occasion,

• MSG2: The UE attempts to detect a PDCCH carrying a DCI format l_0 scrambled with a RA-RNTI during a pre-determined time window (ra- ResponseWindow) associated with the used RACH occasion. At a high level if the UE detects a DCI 1 0 scrambled with the RA-RNTI associated with the RACH occasion the UE transmitted the preamble on, then the UE will proceed to decode the PDSCH indicated by the detected PDCCH (if one is detected),

• MSG3: The UE transmits an MSG3 PUSCH on the resources indicated in MSG2, and

• MSG4: The UE attempts to detect a PDCCH carrying a DCI format l_0 scrambled with a TC-RNTI provided in the MSG2 during a pre-determined time window (ra-ContetionResolutionWindow). At a high level if the UE detects a DCI l_0 scrambled with the TC-RNTI then the UE will proceed to decode the PDSCH indicated by the DCI (if one is detected). The MSG4 provides the UE with a dedicated C-RNTI that is used on the PDCCH for subsequent data scheduling (both UL and DL) for that UE.

[0038] After the random-access procedure is completed the UE proceeds to monitor the configured search spaces for dynamic scheduling unless it is configured to use UL configured grants (or Semi persistent grants) or DL semi persistent scheduling. [0039] The whole PDCCH blind decoding process is computationally intensive and additionally power hungry. As a matter of fact, a lot of the basic energy saving measures from UE side focus on optimizing the periods of time where the UE can avoid monitoring the PDCCH channel. The distribution of the PDCCH BD budget the UEs support between the different DCI formats the network needs to be able to use lead to a complicated optimization problem where there’s always too little BD budget from the network’s perspective and always too much required from the UE from HW and energy efficiency perspective.

[0040] There are certain transmissions such as the Random-Access Response for which the UE needs to be aware of only a few parameters in order to decode it properly, however, to obtain these parameters the UE has to perform the whole blind decoding procedure of the PDCCH.

[0041] Therefore, a problem exists in how can the burdening PDCCH in initial access procedure be reduced or eliminated?

[0042] However, before describing the example embodiments of the invention in further detail reference is made to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the exemplary embodiments may be practiced.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, a user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx, 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 may include a Access module 140 which is configured to perform the example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The Access module 150 may be implemented in hardware by itself of as part of the processors and/or the computer program code of the UE 110. The Access module 140 comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and/or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The Access module 140 may be implemented in hardware as Access module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The Access module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Access module 140 may be implemented as Access module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. Further, it is noted that the Access modules 140-1 and/or 140-2 are optional. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured, with the one or more processors 120, to cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with gNB 170 via a wireless link 111 and the LMF 200 via link 221.

[0044] The gNB 170 (NR/5G Node B or possibly an evolved NB) is a base station (e.g., for LTE, long term evolution) that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The gNB 170 includes a Access module 150 which is configured to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The Access module 150 may comprise one of or both parts 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The Access module 150 may be implemented in hardware by itself or as part of the processors and/or the computer program code of the gNB 170. Access module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152 [0045] The Access module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Access module 150 may be implemented as Access module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. Further, it is noted that the Access modules 150-1 and/or 150-2 are optional. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 may be configured to cause, with the one or more processors 152, the gNB 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176, 221, and 131. Two or more gNB 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 interface.

[0046] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195, with the other elements of the gNB 170 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the gNB 170 to the RRH 195.

[0047] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a gNB. That is, there can be multiple cells per gNB.

[0048] The wireless network 100 may include a NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF 190, which can comprise a network control element (NCE), and/or serving gateway (SGW) 190, and/or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and/or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and/or user data management functionality (UDM), and/or PCF (Policy Control) functionality, and/or Access and Mobility Management (AMM) functionality, and/or Session Management (SMF) functionality, and/or Authentication Server (AUSF) functionality and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet), and which is configured to perform any 5G and/or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standards operations at the time of this application. The NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF 190 is configurable to perform operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention in any of an LTE, NR, 5G and/or any standards based communication technologies being performed or discussed at the time of this application.

[0049] The gNB 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the NCE/MME/SGW 190 and via link 131 and link 225 tothe LMF 200. The link 131 or link 225 maybe implemented as, e.g., an SI interface. The NCE/MME/SGW 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the NCE/MME/SGW 190 to perform one or more operations. In addition, the NCE/MME/SGW 190, as are the other devices, is equipped to perform operations of such as by controlling the UE 110 and/or gNB 170 for 5G and/or NR operations in addition to any other standards operations at the time of this application.

[0050] The LMF 200 (NR/5G Node B, an evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a node including a location management function device (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such the eNB/gNB 170 and UE 10 of FIG. 6. The LMF 200 provides access to wireless devices such as the UE 10 to the wireless network 1. The LMF 200 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these TRANS 12D can include X2 and/or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 221 with the UE 110. The one or more memories MEM 12B and the computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 12A, the LMF 200 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The LMF 200 may communicate with the gNB or eNB 170 such as via link 225 and 131. Further, the link 221, 225, or 131and/or any other link may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further the link 221, 225, or Bland may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMF/SMF/LMF 14 device as in FIG. 6. The LMF 200 may perform functionalities of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as a User Plane Functionality, and/or an Access Management functionality for LTE and similar functionality for 5G.

[0051] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0052] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions and other functions as described herein to control a network device such as the UE 110, gNB 170, and/or NCE/MME/SGW 190 as in FIG. 6. [0053] It is noted that functionality(ies), in accordance with example embodiments of the invention, of any devices as shown in FIG. 6 e.g., the UE 110 and/or gNB 170 can also be implemented by other network nodes, e.g., a wireless or wired relay node (a.k.a., integrated access and/or backhaul (IAB) node). In the IAB case, UE functionalities may be carried out by MT (mobile termination) part of the IAB node, and gNB functionalities by DU (Data Unit) part of the IAB node, respectively. These devices can be linked to the UE 110 as in FIG. 6 at least via the wireless link 111 and/or via the NCE/MME/SGW 190 using link 199 to Other Network(s)/Internet as in FIG. 6.

[0054] In general, various embodiments of any of these devices can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0055] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0056] As similarly stated above, a problem exists in how can burdening PDCCH in initial access procedure be reduced or eliminated.

[0057] Example embodiments of the invention as further described below work to address at least these problems. [0058] Semi-persistent(SP) PDSCH configuration consists of all the information on where the PDSCH transmissions may be expected by the UE as well as how each PDSCH is to be received (including modulation and coding scheme as well as time and frequency resource allocation).

[0059] Semi-persistent(SP) PUSCH configuration consists of all the information on where the PUSCH transmissions may sent by the UE as well as how each PUSCH is to be transmitted (including modulation and coding scheme as well as time and frequency resource allocation).

[0060] Example embodiments of the invention provide a solution as discussed above where:

1. As part of the random access configuration the UE obtains a set of semi- persistent PDSCH and PUSCH configurations;

2. When the initial access procedure is triggered by the UE, it transmits a chosen RACK preamble on a chosen Random Access Occasion (RO) and searches for a random access response signal on the time window linked to the used RO, where in some embodiments of the invention the UE could select a preamble linked with certain SP resources to indicate to the network its preference for an SP configuration;

3. A detected random access response signal carries a pointer to one of the semi-persistent PDSCH and PUSCH configurations out of the set configured;

4. The UE transmits data on PUSCH using the indicated SP-PUSCH resource and receives data on PDSCH using the indicated SP-PDSCH resource; and

5. The UE releases the resources if one of the following conditions is met a. The network instructs the UE to release the SP- PDSCH/PUSCH resources, b. The UE runs out of the time it is allowed to keep the SP- PDSCH/PUSCH resources, c. The network overrides the use of the SP scheduling via the use of dynamic grants. This can be done only for UL or DL or for both UL and DL.

[0061] It is noted that in accordance to example embodiments of the invention beam information for an indicated semi-persistent configuration may be derived from and/or associated with the beam information of the random-access preamble or the random-access response signal used in the procedure. For example, beam information for the semi-persistent downlink shared channel configuration may be derived from the beam information of the random-access response signal’s beam information, and beam information for the semi-persistent uplink shared channel configuration may be derived from the beam information of the random-access preamble signal’s beam information.

[0062] Example embodiments of this invention propose a framework via which a UE can establish initial access without the need of PDCCH resources. This offloads the PDCCH capacity of a cell since common search space aggregation levels have to be very robust to allow for any UE in the cell to decode it. For the same reason the messages sent during initial access procedure use very robust coding schemes since UE CSI is not available to the gNB.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart for the procedure for using SP- PDSCH/PUSCH for initial access.

[0064] As shown in step 110 of FIG. 1 the UE obtains random access configuration including a set of SP-PDSCH/PUSCH resources. As shown in step 120 of FIG. 1 a random access procedure is triggered. In step 130 of FIG. 1 the UE picks a preamble and RO and transmits the chosen preamble on the chosen RO. The selection of a preamble and RO may be based on a desired configuration of SP-PDSCH/PUSCH resources. As shown in step 140 the UE searches for a response signal in the time window associated with the used RO. As shown in step 143 if not found the RA procedure fails. As shown in step 147 of FIG. 1 if found or validation fails the process goes to step 150 of FIG. 1 where the UE validates the received response signal. If validation succeeds, as shown in step 160 of FIG. 1 the UE selects the SP-configuration indicated with the response signal out of the configured set. Then as shown in step 170 of FIG. 1 the UE starts the selected SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources for data communication.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for timer-based release of the SP- PDSCH/PUSCH resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0066] As shown in step 210 of FIG. 2 the UE is using the selected SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources for data communication. As shown in step 220 of FIG. 2 there is checking the expiration timer. Based on the timer not being expired the process returns to step 210 of FIG. 2. Based on the timer being expired, as shown in step 230 of FIG. 2 there is releasing the SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for network-instructed release of the SP- PDSCH/PUSCH resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0068] As shown in step 310 of FIG. 3 the UE is using the selected SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources for data communication. As shown in step 320 of FIG. 3 there determining whether there is a release message received from the network. If No as in step 315 of FIG. 3, then the process returns to step 310. If yes as in step 325 of FIG. 3, then as shown in step 330 of FIG. 3 there is releasing the SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for network reconfiguration to continue data exchange using other resources in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0070] As shown in step 410 of FIG. 4 the UE is using the selected SP-PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources for data communication. As shown in step 420 of FIG. 4 the network determines whether to configure the UE to use other means for data communication. If no as shown in step 415 of FIG. 4, then the process returns to step 410 of FIG. 4. If yes as shown in step 425 of FIG. 4 then there is releasing the SP- PDSCH and/or SP-PUSCH resources and starting using the configured means for data communication.

[0071] One PDCCH-less initial access procedure in accordance with example embodiments of the invention is as follows:

0. As part of the random access configuration the UE obtains a set of semi- persistent PDSCH and PUSCH configurations:

- from specification, and/or from system information, and/or

- via earlier configuration signalling

1. When the initial access procedure is triggered by the UE, it transmits a chosen RACH preamble on a chosen Random Access Occasion (RO). The selection of a preamble and RO may be based on a desired configuration of SP-PDSCH/PUSCH resources;

2. The UE searches for a random access response signal on the time window linked to the used RO;

3- A detected random access response signal carries: a. a pointer to one of the semi-persistent PDSCH and/or PUSCH configurations out of the set configured in step 0, and the detected random access response signal may also carry at least one of: b. a pointer to the used PRACH /RO in step 1, or c. Information with regards to the PDSCH/PUSCH properties, such as MCS or beam information;

4. In response to one of step 3 a or step 3 b, based on the detected random access response signal indicating the preamble and RO the UE used in step 1 : a. The UE proceeds with transmitting data on PUSCH using an SP-PUSCH resource if indicated, b. The UE proceeds receiving data on PDSCH using an SP-PDSCH resource if indicated; and

5. The UE releases the resources if one of the following conditions is met: a. The network instructs the UE to release the SP-PDSCH/PUSCH resources (e.g. due to transaction being completed and both the UE and the network are out of data to send, or due to the UE being moved to operate on other resources for data transactions, such as dynamically scheduled PDSCH/PUSCH), b. The UE runs out ofthe time it is allowed to keep the SP-PDSCH/PUSCH resources, c. The network overrides the use of the SP scheduling via the use of dynamic grants. This can be done only for UL or DL or for both UL and DL.

[0072] Note the above scheme could be configured only for certain RACK preambles and different SP configurations can be configured for different sets of RACK preambles. [0073] FIG. 5 shows a random access configuration procedure between a UE 110 and gNB 170 with PDCCH decoding in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0074] As shown in step 510 of FIG. 5 the UE 110 in in an RRC_IDLE state. As shown in step 520 of FIG. 5 the gNB 170 sends towards the UE 110 an SI with RACK configuration. As shown in step 530 of FIG. 5 the gNB 170 sends towards the UE 110 an SI with SP-PDSCH and SP-PUSCH configurations. As shown in step 540 of FIG. 5 the UE 110 initiates a communication to the gNB 170 with a RACK preamble transmission. As shown in step 550 of FIG. 5 the gNB 170 sends towards the UE 110 PDCCH and PDSCH for RAR where the RAR contains a pointer to an SP configuration index. As shown in step 560 of FIG. 5 the UE 110 selects an SP configuration indicated in RAR. Then as shown in step 570 of FIG. 5 the UE proceeds to employ indicated SR configurations for uplink and downlink communication.

[0075] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[0076] FIG. 7A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device (e.g., the UE 110 as in FIG. 6). As shown in step 710 of FIG. 7A there is detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources. As shown in step 720 of FIG. 7A there is determining a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion. As shown in step 730 of FIG. 7A there is identifying that a random-access response signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set. Then as shown in step 740 of FIG. 7A there is, based on the identifying, selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the randomaccess response for data communication with the communication network.

[0077] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration.

[0078] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of the following: information on the transmission and/or reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble.

[0079] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the information further comprises at least one of physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel modulation or coding scheme or beam information properties.

[0080] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration.

[0081] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble.

[0082] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties

[0083] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the information further comprises at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity, beam information or modulation and coding information for the semi-persistent configuration.

[0084] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the user equipment is using at least one of a selected semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources for the data communication for at least a completion of the random-access procedure.

[0085] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, there is releasing at least one of the selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources based on one of: an expiration of the time window or a release message from the communication network.

[0086] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is for a random-access procedure.

[0087] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the random-access procedure comprising the obtained set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is one of pre-determined by the user equipment or received from the communication network.

[0088] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the identifying includes determining a random-access preamble in a random access channel occasion indicating the network a request to employ semi-persistent resources.

[0089] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 6) storing program code (Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2 as in FIG. 6), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0090] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for obtaining (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. ), by a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 6) of a communication network (Network 100 as in FIG. 6), a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; means for determining (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6) a random-access preamble for a randomaccess procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; means for identifying (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6) that a random-access response to the random-access procedure with an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and means, based on the identifying, for selecting (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6) a semi- persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network.

[0091] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, where at least the means for detecting, determining, identifying and selecting comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 6] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2 as in FIG. 6] executable by at least one processor [Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6]. [0092] FIG. 7B illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device (e.g., the eNB/gNB 170 as in FIG. 6 as in FIG. 6). As shown in step 750 of FIG. 7B there is determining, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment. As shown in step 760 of FIG. 7B, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure. Then as shown in step 770 of FIG. 7B there is, based on the determining, performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

[0093] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of the following: information on the transmission and/or reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble.

[0094] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the information further comprises at least one of physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel modulation or coding scheme or beam information properties.

[0095] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration.

[0096] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble.

[0097] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties

[0098] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the information further comprises at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity, beam information or modulation and coding information for the semi-persistent configuration.

[0099] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the network node transmits to a user equipment configurations of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources.

[00100] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the network node transmits a expiry timer for the configurations.

[00101] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the random-access response signal is with an identification of a physical random-access channel occasion used for the random-access preamble and carries a pointer to one of a semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel configuration or a semi-persistent physical uplink shared channel configuration.

[00102] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is determining the user equipment is using selected semi-persistent resources for the data communication; and release at least one of the semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel configuration resources and use dynamic scheduling. [00103] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, where in the release of the semi-persistent configuration resources is based on the allocation of a dynamic grant or a release message.

[00104] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 6) storing program code (Computer Program Code 123 and/or Access module 140-2 as in FIG. 6), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processor(s) 120 and/or Access module 140-1 as in FIG. 6) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[00105] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for determining (Remote radio head 195, Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Code 153 and/or Access module 150- 2, and Processor(s) 152 and/or Access module 150-1 as in FIG. 6), by a network node (gNB/eNB 170 as in FIG. 6) of a communication network, receiving (Remote radio head 195, Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Code 153 and/or Access module 150- 2, and Processor(s) 152 and/or Access module 150-1 as in FIG. 6) a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 6), wherein the determining comprises determining (Remote radio head 195, Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Code 153 and/or Access module 150-2, and Processor(s) 152 and/or Access module 150-1 as in FIG. 6) the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the randomaccess procedure; and means, based on the determining, for performing (Remote radio head 195, Memory(ies) 155, Computer Program Code 153 and/or Access module 150- 2, and Processor(s) 152 and/or Access module 150-1 as in FIG. 6) data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

[00106] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, where at least the means for determining, receiving, and performing comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 6] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 153 and/or Access module 150-2 as in FIG. 6] executable by at least one processor [Processor(s) 152 and/or Access module 150-1 as in FIG. 6].

[00107] Advantages in accordance with example embodiments of the invention include at least that:

• There is no need for common search-space type of PDCCH resource allocation and consuming PDCCH resources for this purpose;

• The UE can transmit data immediately after the MSG2 assigning the semi- persistent resources for data transactions;

• Reduced transmissions from gNB since PDCCH for RAR is not required, i.e., energy savings;

• Increased PDCCH capacity as no need to budget for the RAR, Msg3 or Msg4; and

• Simplification of the common PDCCH formats and common search spaces that complicate the PDCCH budgeting in LTE and NR.

[00108] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and/or field- programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[00109] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware; and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[00110] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[00111] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[00112] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[00113] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and nonlimiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[00114] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[00115] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: detect, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; determine a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; identify that a random-access response signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and based on the identifying, select a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response signal for data communication with the communication network.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the randomaccess preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on the transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration or an identification of the physical random-access channel occasion used for the preamble.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user equipment is using at least one of a selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources for the data communication for at least a completion of the randomaccess procedure.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory is storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: release at least one of the selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources based on one of: an expiration of the time window or a release message or a release indication or a reconfiguration message from the communication network.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is for a random-access procedure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the random-access procedure comprising the obtained set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is one of pre-determined by the user equipment or received from the communication network.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the identifying includes determining a random-access preamble in a random access channel occasion indicating the network a request to employ semi-persistent resources.

10. A method, comprising: detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi- persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; determining a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; identifying that a random-access response signal to the random-access preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and based on the identifying, selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pointer is to at least one of the random-access preamble, an identified random access occasion, or an identified random access occasion of the semi-persistent configuration.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical randomaccess channel occasion used for the preamble.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user equipment is using at least one of a selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources for the data communication for at least a completion of the randomaccess procedure.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory is storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: release at least one of the selected semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources based on one of: an expiration of the time window or a release message from the communication network.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is for the random-access procedure.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the random-access procedure comprising the obtained set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources is one of pre-determined by the user equipment or received from the communication network.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the identifying includes determining a random-access preamble in a random access channel occasion indicating the network a request to employ semi-persistent resources.

19. An apparatus, comprising: means for detecting, by a user equipment of a communication network, a set of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources; means for determining a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure for transmitting on a random-access occasion; means for identifying that a random-access response signal to the randomaccess preamble carries a pointer to a semi-persistent configuration associated with at least one semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel resources of the detected set; and means, based on the identifying, for selecting a semi-persistent configuration of the at least one semi-persistent configuration indicated by the random-access response for data communication with the communication network.

20. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and based on the determining, perform data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

21 . The apparatus of claim 20, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical randomaccess channel occasion used for the preamble.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the network node transmits to a user equipment configurations of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the network node transmits a expiry timer for the configurations.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the random-access response signal is with an identification of a physical random-access channel occasion used for the random-access preamble and carries a pointer to one of a semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel configuration or a semi-persistent physical uplink shared channel configuration.

26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory is storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: determine the user equipment is using selected semi-persistent resources for the data communication; and release at least one of the semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel configuration resources and use dynamic scheduling.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, where in the release of the semi-persistent configuration resources is based on the allocation of a dynamic grant or a release message.

28. A method, comprising: determining, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and based on the determining, performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the network node transmits to a user equipment configurations of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the network node transmits a expiry timer for the configurations.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the random-access response signal is with an identification of a physical random-access channel occasion used for the randomaccess preamble and carries a pointer to one of a semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel configuration or a semi-persistent physical uplink shared channel configuration.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory is storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: determine the user equipment is using selected semi-persistent resources for the data communication; and release at least one of the semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared channel configuration resources and use dynamic scheduling.

33. The method of claim 32, where in the release of the semi-persistent configuration resources is based on the allocation of a dynamic grant or a release message.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein in the random-access response signal provides at least one of: information on at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity; beam information, modulation and coding information for the indicated semi-persistent configuration, or an identification of the physical randomaccess channel occasion used for the preamble.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein in the random-access response signal provides information which further comprises at least one of semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel or physical uplink shared properties

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the information further comprises at least one of transmission periodicity, reception periodicity, beam information or modulation and coding information for the semi-persistent configuration.

37. An apparatus, comprising: means for determining, by a network node of a communication network, receiving a random-access preamble for a random-access procedure from a user equipment, wherein the determining comprises determining the use of a semi-persistent configuration indicated in a random-access response signal from the network node for the random-access procedure; and means, based on the determining, for performing data communication with the user equipment using semi-persistent physical downlink shared channel and physical uplink shared channel resources based on the semi-persistent configuration.