WO2024193186A1

WO2024193186A1 - Method and apparatus of data transmissions

Info

Publication number: WO2024193186A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/070812
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhi YAN; Hongmei Liu; Yuantao Zhang
Original assignee: Lenovo Beijing Ltd
Current assignee: Lenovo Beijing Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-05
Filing date: 2024-01-05
Publication date: 2024-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-05
Also published as: WO2024193186A9

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus of data transmission. An exemplary method performed by a UE includes: receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACK or a four-step RACH; and performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS OF DATA TRANSMISSIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to technologies of data transmissions, e.g., early data transmission (EDT) .

BACKGROUND

A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, such as base stations, which may support wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE) , or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like) . Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G) ) .

SUMMARY

An article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a, ” “at least one, ” “one or more, ” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” or “one or both of” ) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C) . Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may further include a UE for wireless communication, which includes: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to:receive a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step random access channel (RACH) or a four-step RACH; and perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a first two-step RACH with uplink data transmission on uplink data resources while without preamble transmission on random access resources, or is associated with a second two-step RACH with both preamble transmission on random access resources and uplink data transmission on uplink data resources.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the random access resources are associated with a coverage level, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the random access resources associated with the coverage level based on a reference signal receiving power (RSRP) threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or both of them.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the random access resources associated with the coverage level include a set of subcarriers, wherein the set of subcarriers are split into one or multiple groups for one or both of single-tone uplink data transmissions and multi-tone uplink data transmissions, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to: split each group for one or both of the single-tone uplink data transmissions and the multi-tone uplink data transmissions into a set of subgroups for the two-step RACH or the four-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the set of subgroups includes at least two subgroups, including: a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH; or a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and the four-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive higher layer signaling that indicates the set of subgroups.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the set of subgroups based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the uplink data resources are associated with a coverage level, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources associated with the coverage level based at least in part on a RSRP threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the distance threshold list is associated with a distance between the UE and a reference location of a serving cell.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources based at least in part on a rule that associates a respective preamble and a respective physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) occasion (PO) .

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the configuration indicates corresponding uplink data resources for each coverage level of a set of coverage levels associated with the two-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the configuration indicates corresponding uplink data resources for a single coverage level associated with the two-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine whether to perform the uplink data transmission via the first two-step RACH or the second two-step RACH based at least in part on a timer.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine, based at least in part on a threshold, whether to perform the uplink data transmission via the four-step RACH or the first two-step RACH or the second two-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, in response to attempting a first transmission with a first coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to a second transmission with a second coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission based on a following order: transmission schemes first and coverage levels second; or always to a two-step RACH with a lower coverage level than a coverage level associated with a currently attempted transmission in the case that the first transmission scheme is a two-step RACH; or always to a four-step RACH with a lower coverage level than a coverage level associated with a currently attempted transmission in the case that the first transmission scheme is a four-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, in response to attempting a two-step RACH with a coverage level up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to switch to a four-step RACH with a coverage level same as the two-step RACH, and then to a four-step RACH with a lower coverage level than the coverage level of the two-step RACH.

In some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein, in response to attempting a two-step RACH up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to switch to a four-step RACH with a coverage level determined by at least one of a RSRP threshold list or a distance threshold list or a threshold.

Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may further include a processor for wireless communication, which includes: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the at least one processor to:receive a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may further include a network equipment (NE) for wireless communication, which includes: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the NE to: transmit a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble reception on the random access resources, the uplink data reception on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may further include a method performed by a UE, which includes: receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 2a is an example of a two-step RACH using the first two-step RACH scheme in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 2b is an example of a two-step RACH using the second two-step RACH scheme in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is an example of splitting random access resources in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is another example of splitting random access resources in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is an example of splitting uplink data resources in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is another example of splitting uplink data resources in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is an example of a switching order in Scenarios 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is an example of a switching order in Scenarios 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of method performed by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 illustrates a flowchart of method performed by a NE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some wireless communications systems, such as 4G networks, a UE may support early data transmission (EDT) during a RACH procedure to support small data packet transmissions. For example, narrowband (NB) Internet-of-Things (IoT) UEs and LTE for machines (LTE-M) UEs may be configured to support EDT during a RACH procedure for handling infrequent small data packet transmissions. EDT may enable data transmissions respectively during the RACH procedure, for example, in a Message 3 (Msg3) and a Message 4 (Msg4) of a four-step RACH. In some cases, EDT may reduce an overhead associated with a connection procedure, such as the RACH procedure, and latency associated with the connection procedure. For example, in case an entirety of a data transmission is provided in Msg3, the UE may switch to radio resource control (RRC) idle state.

Additionally, EDT may decrease signaling overhead for an RRC release procedure. For example, since the uplink transmission via two-step RACH (with/without preamble transmission) enable uplink and downlink data transmissions in configured resource in idle mode (similar to uplink data transmission in Msg3 and downlink data in Msg 4 for legacy EDT) , UE will keep in idle mode and there is no need to switch from idle to connected mode and switch back, and the signaling overhead for RRC establishment and release can be reduced.

Thus, by enabling the UE to support EDT, latency associated with wireless communication (e.g., transmission, reception) and related operations and procedures may be reduced, and, as a result, the UE may also experience increased battery life. It may be desirable to further provide improvements for EDT during RACH procedures to support small data packet transmissions in other wireless communication systems, such as 5G networks, non-terrestrial network (NTN) networks. These further improvements may enable the other wireless communication systems to experience reduced signaling overhead for uplink and downlink, increased capacity, etc.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a technical solution for data transmission, for example, a method of and apparatus for EDT.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a network equipment (NE) , such as a base station (e.g., a gNB) may transmit, to a UE, a configuration that indicates resources for completion of an uplink data transmission by UE. The resources may include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof. The completion of uplink data transmission may be associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH. The UE may receive the configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission. In response, the UE may perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

A two-step RACH may correspond to one or multiple schemes. According to one scheme, a two-step RACH for completion of uplink data transmission may be a two-step RACH, in which a UE performs both preamble transmission on random access resources and uplink data transmission on uplink data resources (hereinafter referred to as a first two-step RACH scheme or two-step RACH with preamble transmission) . According to another scheme, a two-step RACH for completion of uplink data transmission may be a two-step RACH, in which a UE performs uplink data transmission on uplink data resources and does not perform (e.g., without) preamble transmission on random access resources (hereinafter referred to as a second two-step RACH scheme or two-step RACH without preamble transmission) . EDT includes Msg3 transmission without Msg1 and/or random access response (RAR) , and efficient delivery (reduced overhead) of Msg4 and/or RRCEarlyDataComplete or the like. The second two-step RACH scheme is a novel transmission scheme, and may be referred to as other terminologies. Thus, the protection scope of the present disclosure should not be unduly limited by the name of the two step RACH without preamble transmission.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more NE 102, one or more UE 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi) , IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) , IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA) , frequency division multiple access (FDMA) , or code division multiple access (CDMA) , etc.

The one or more NE 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN) , a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB) , a next-generation NodeB (gNB) , or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. ) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a NTN. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

The one or more UE 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an IoT device, an Internet-of-Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or network interface) . In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106. In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC) . An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs) .

The CN 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) , or a 5G core (5GC) , which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME) , an access and mobility management functions (AMF) ) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW) , a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) , or a user plane function (UPF) ) . In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc. ) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NE 102 associated with the CN 106.

The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an S1, N2, N2, or another network interface) . The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session) . The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106) .

In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers) ) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications) . In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures) . The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames) . Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols) . In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing) , a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz –7.125 GHz) , FR2 (24.25 GHz –52.6 GHz) , FR3 (7.125 GHz –24.25 GHz) , FR4 (52.6 GHz –114.25 GHz) , FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz –71 GHz) , and FR5 (114.25 GHz –300 GHz) . In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data) . In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies) . For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) , which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., μ=1) , which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) , which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies) . For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) , which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) , which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

Physical random access channel (PRACH) or RACH may be applied for the case that UE is in a RRC-connected active mode or in handover or UE transitions from a RRC inactive mode to the RRC-connected active mode. To enhance four-step RACH, two-step RACH (or two-step RACH procedure) is introduced in 3GPP Rel 16 new radio (NR) . A two-step RACH procedure is completed in two steps, wherein, step 1 (MsgA) for the two-step RACH procedure is a combination of step 1 (Msg1) and step 3 (Msg3) for a four-step RACH procedure, and step 2 (MsgB) for the two-step RACH procedure is a combination of step 2 (Msg2) and step 4 (Msg4) for the four-step RACH procedure.

Moreover, in IoT NTN, especially in NBIoT, although to complete the early data transmission, early data transmission based on NR two-step RACH like scheme can be considered, it is different from NR two-step RACH in various aspects.

For example, from a time point of view, an NB-IoT PRACH (NPRACH) transmission is defined as NRep repetitions of NPRACH preambles, in which an NPRACH preamble is defined as a set of P symbol groups. Exemplary P symbol group is defined in TS 36.211 Section 10.1.6.1, which defines a symbol group as a sequence of N identical symbols preceded by a cyclic prefix. From a frequency point of view, an NPRACH transmission is characterized by single-tone transmission with frequency hopping and a subcarrier spacing as defined in TS 36.211 Table 10.1.6.2-1. Each symbol group occupies a single subcarrier, following the frequency hopping pattern described in TS 36.211 Section 10.1.6.1, wherein, higher layer parameter SubcarrierOffset defines the frequency location of the first subcarrier allocated to NPRACH, and NumSubcarriers defines the total number of subcarriers allocated to NPRACH.

Both the NR PRACH and NPRACH can be used as implementations of the first two-step RACH scheme, and may be enhanced into implementations of the second two-step RACH scheme. In addition, although only uplink data transmission is illustrated herein, there are corresponding downlink feedback transmissions in accordance with both the first two-step RACH scheme and the second two-step RACH scheme.

Figure 2a is an example of a two-step RACH using the first two-step RACH scheme in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, and Figure 2b is an example of a two-step RACH using the second two-step RACH scheme in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In Figure 2a, the exemplary two-step RACH using the first two-step RACH scheme is an early data transmission with NR two-step RACH like scheme, and there is an association between respective uplink data resources, e.g., PUSCH occasion (PO) and respective random access resource, e.g., NPRACH occasion (RO) . In Figure 2b, the exemplary two-step RACH using the second two-step RACH scheme is enhanced based on an early data transmission with enhanced NR two-step RACH like scheme without preamble transmission, which may be referred to as an enhanced NPRACH or the like. There are only uplink data resources for uplink data transmission, e.g., PUSCH occasions, and no random access resources. Thus, there is no preamble transmission in Figure 2b.

Preamble (or random access preamble) transmission (s) before the uplink data transmission (s) may be used for uplink synchronization, which is important for uplink transmissions with orthogonal cover code (OCC) sequence in shared uplink data resources and will avoid potential orthogonality violation among different UEs for the completion of early data transmission, which is reflected in the first two-step RACH scheme. In the case that there is no preamble transmission in a RACH, e.g., a two-step RACH using the second two-step RACH scheme for the completion of early data transmission, the network side may configure a timer, e.g., referred to as an uplink synchronization validation timer for the UE to achieve uplink synchronization if the timer does not expire. An exemplary timer may be configured as the scaling factor of the preconfigured uplink resources (PUR) timer, e.g., a time alignment timer in the RRC idle mode as legacy.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, EDT or uplink data transmission associated with four-step RACH may be based on a set of coverage (CE) levels, e.g., 3 coverage levels, coverage level 0, coverage level 1 and coverage level 2 or a single coverage level, which is determined by the element number of configured RSRP threshold list, while EDT or uplink data transmission associated with two-step RACH may be based on a set of CE levels or a single coverage level or independent from any coverage level. Coverage level determination will also be enhanced. For simplification, in some cases, a RACH for completion of uplink data transmission based on coverage level or not may also be referred to as a RACH with (or associated with) a coverage level or not. Regarding how to determine the RACH type (early data transmission based on legacy four-step RACH, or early data transmission based on two-step RACH with preamble transmission or early data transmission based on two-step RACH without preamble, or even legacy four-step RACH without uplink data transmission) or scheme for uplink data transmission, how to determine or split (or divide or separate or the like) the random access resources for corresponding RACH transmission and how to determine or split (or divide or separate or the like) the uplink data resources for corresponding uplink data transmission, there are various manners in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed implementations of the present disclosure will be illustrated in the following. Although most implementations of the present disclosure are illustrated in view of UE side, persons skilled in the art would well know how to perform consistent operations in the network side due to the consistency between the network side and UE side.

First, regarding random access resources (e.g., PRACH resources) , it may be associated with a set of coverage levels or a single coverage level (e.g., a default one) . For example, in some cases the random access resources for preamble transmission associated with this four-step RACH or two-step RACH will be associated with a set of coverage levels, that is, the random access resources are configured per each coverage level of the set of coverage levels. In some cases, the random access resources for preamble transmission associated with this two-step RACH will be associated with a single coverage level (e.g., default one) in the first two-step RACH scheme.

UE will determine the random access resources associated with a coverage level (a coverage level associated with random access resources) for four-step RACH and the first-two-step RACH scheme, e.g., based on a RSRP threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or both of them. In the case that the RSRP threshold list or distance threshold list is not present or configured, UE will assume the coverage level as a default one, e.g., Level 0 or CE level 0. That is, there is only one coverage level.

An exemplary RSRP threshold list is a set of RSRP threshold values. For example, UE is configured with a RSRP threshold list of {100dBm, 90dBm} , and the corresponding coverage level range is {Level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , Level 1 (e.g., 90dbm<RSRP<=100dBm) , Level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . If the measured RSRP is 80dbm, then the corresponding coverage level is Level 2. An exemplary distance threshold list is a set of distance threshold values, which are distances between UE and reference locations of the serving cell, which may be based on the location information of UE or is configured by higher layer signaling. For example, is assumed that a distance threshold list is {200m 800m} , and the corresponding coverage level range is {Level 0 (e.g., distance<200m) , Level 1 (e.g., 200m<distance<=800m) , Level 2 (e.g., distance>800m) } . If the estimated distance between UE and the serving cell reference location is 600m, then the corresponding coverage level, e.g., of a RACH is Level 1. In some cases, UE is configured with a RSRP threshold list of {100dBm, 90dBm} and a distance threshold list of {200m 800m} , the corresponding coverage level range is {Level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm, and distance<200m) , Level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm and distance>800m) , and Level 1 (other cases) } .

The random access resources associated with a coverage level (e.g., coverage level 0) include a set of subcarriers. The set of subcarriers are split into one or multiple groups for one or both of single-tone (subcarrier) uplink data transmissions and multi-tone uplink data transmissions. Each group may be referred to as a preamble group only for clearness (may be referred to as other terms, e.g., subcarrier group) , and each subcarrier of a preamble group corresponds to a preamble. For example, a set of subcarriers for a NPRACH may be identified by the subcarrier index in the range: [SubcarrierOffset, SubcarrierOffset +NumSubcarriers -1] similar to that specified in TS 36.321. For a specific coverage level, the random access resources associated with the coverage level contain a set of subcarriers, NumSubcarriers, which can be split into one or two groups for single-tone Msg3 transmission and/or for multi-tone Msg3 transmission by SubcarrierMSG3-RangeStart and NumCBRA-StartSubcarriers. The parameter, subcarrierMSG3-RangeStart means a fraction for calculating starting subcarrier index for the range of NPRACH subcarriers reserved for indication of UE support for multi-tone Msg3 transmission, and the parameter, NumCBRA-StartSubcarriers means the number of starting sub-carriers allocated to contention based NPRACH random access. Exemplary preamble groups of a set of subcarriers may be a preamble group for single-tone Msg3 transmission and a preamble group for multi-tone Msg3 transmission, or may be a single preamble group for single-tone Msg3 transmission, or may be a single preamble group for multi-tone Msg3 transmission.

UE will further split each preamble group into a set of subgroups for the two-step RACH and the four-step RACH, which may include a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH, or include a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and the four-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH. The random access resources for the two-step RACH and those for the four-step RACH in the first subgroup are differenced by OCC sequences or the like.

Regarding how to determine the set of subgroups, there are also various manners. Since the set of subgroups are for two-step RACH or four-step RACH, whether a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH will be used will also be determined when determining a specific subgroup.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, UE may determine the set of subgroups based on a higher layer signaling, e.g., based on higher layer parameter, Subcarrier2step4step or the like in a RRC signaling or the like.

For example, it is assumed that UE is configured with a set of subcarriers with subcarrier indexes of [10, 10+30-1] for contention based preamble transmission, where SubcarrierOffset is 10 and NumCBRA-StartSubcarriers is 30. The set of subcarriers are split into two preamble groups respectively for single tone uplink data transmission, e.g., [10, 10+2/3*30-1] and multiple tone uplink data transmission, e.g., [10+2/3*30, 10+30-1] , where SubcarrierMSG3-RangeStart is one-third. Each preamble group is further split into two subgroups respectively for single tone uplink data transmission and multiple tone uplink data transmission based on a higher layer parameter, e.g., Subcarrier2step4step=1/2. Then, the two subgroups of RACH resource (e.g., preamble transmission) for a single tone uplink data transmission are a first subgroup [10, 10+1/2*2/3*30-1] , e.g., for two-step RACH and second subgroup [10+1/2*2/3*30, 10+2/3*30-1] , e.g., for four-step RACH. Similarly, the two subgroups of RACH resource (e.g., preamble transmission) for a multiple tone uplink data transmission will be determined.

In some other implementations of the present disclosure, UE may determine the set of subgroups based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof. The threshold or the threshold offset may be configured by a higher layer signaling, e.g., RRC signaling. An exemplary threshold is a RSRP threshold, e.g., rsrp-threshold -2step4step or the like, or a distance threshold, e.g., distance-threshold -2step4step or the like. An exemplary threshold offset is a RSRP threshold offset to elements of a RSRP threshold list, or a distance threshold offset to elements of a distance threshold list. The step of the threshold offset may be determined by the element number of the corresponding threshold list (e.g., RSRP threshold list or distance threshold list) or is a preconfigured or predefined value. For example, if the number of elements in a threshold list is two, then the step of the threshold offset is determined by the differential value of the two elements.

Referring to Figure 3, it is assumed that UE is configured with a RSRP threshold list of {Threshold 1 (e.g., 100dBm) , Threshold 2 (e.g., 90dBm) } , and the coverage level range is {CE level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , CE level 1 (e.g., 90dbm<RSRP<=100dBm) , CE level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . For each coverage level, UE is further configured with a threshold offset, the step of the threshold offset is determined by the differential value (or delta value) of the two elements in the RSRP threshold list, e.g., 100dBm-90dBm=10dBm. A threshold offset may be defined with respect to the lower threshold element (e.g., referred to as delta1) or with respect to the higher threshold element (e.g., referred to as delta2) in the threshold list. Multiple, e.g., 2 bit may be used for indicating the threshold offset, e.g., ‘00’ means 2.5dBm above the lower threshold element (e.g., delta1) or 7.5dBm below the higher threshold element (e.g., delta2) , ‘01’ means 5dBm above the lower threshold element (e.g., delta1) or 5dBm below the higher threshold element (e.g., delta2) , ‘10’ means 7.5dBm above the lower threshold element (e.g., delta1) or 2.5dBm below the higher threshold element (e.g., delta2) , and ‘11’ is reserved. For clearness and simplification, only the subgroups of random access resources associated with CE level 2 are illustrated in Figure 3. Persons skilled in the art should well know the subgroups of random access resources associated with CE level 0 and CE level 1 respectively under the disclosure of random access resources associated with CE level 2.

If the measured RSRP is 99dBm, UE will determine the coverage level of the random access resources (or RACH) to be CE level 1 based on the RSRP threshold list of {100dBm, 90dBm} . In the case of a threshold offset indicated to be { ‘00’ } , it means delta1 is 2.5dBm above the lower threshold element or delta2 is 7.5dBm below the higher threshold element. Accordingly, for CE level 1, the threshold for determining two-step RACH or four- step RACH will be 90+2.5dBm (Threshold 2+delta1) or 100-7.5dBm (Threshold 1-delta2) , both being 92.5dBm. Since the measured RSRP is larger than 92.5dBm, a subgroup of random access resources for two-step RACH with CE level 1 will be determined.

In some cases, random access resources for two-step RACH are associated with only one coverage level, e.g., default as Level 0. Then, a threshold for selecting two-step RACH or four-step RACH for completing the early data transmission is larger than the first one of the threshold list, e.g., higher than 100dBm for a RSRP threshold list {100dBm, 90dBm} .

Referring to Figure 4, it is assumed that a RSRP threshold list is {Threshold 1 (e.g., 100dBm) , Threshold 2 (e.g., 90dBm) } , and the coverage level range is {CE level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , CE level 1 (e.g., 90dBm<RSRP<=100dBm) , CE level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . UE is further configured with one RSRP threshold, e.g., Threshold-2step4step being 105dBm, which is larger than 100dBm. Then, UE will split the preamble group of CE level 0 for single-tone or multi-tone Msg3 transmission into two subgroups for two-step RACH (e.g., in the case of RSRP larger than 105dBm) and four-step RACH (e.g., in the case of 100dBm<RSRP<=105dBm) . If the measured RSRP is 110 dBm, UE will determines the uplink data resources for two-step RACH associated with CE level 0.

When a two-step RACH, rather than a four-step RACH is determined, UE may determine (or select or the like) a two-step RACH scheme, e.g., the first two-step RACH scheme or the second two-step RACH scheme based on a timer, e.g., the aforementioned uplink synchronization validation timer. In the case that the uplink synchronization validation timer is running (not expire) , UE will select the second two-step RACH scheme, e.g., for uplink data transmission; otherwise UE will select the first two-step RACH scheme, e.g., for uplink data transmission.

Regarding the uplink data resources, similarly, it may be associated with a set of coverage levels or a single coverage level (e.g., a default one) in some implementations of the present disclosure (e.g., in first and second two-step RACH schemes) . In some cases, uplink data resources for a two-step RACH associated with completion of uplink data transmission may be associated with a single coverage level. However, in some implementations of the present disclosure, uplink data resources for a two-step RACH associated with completion of uplink data transmission, e.g., a two-step RACH using the second scheme may not be associated with any coverage level, that is, the uplink data resources for two-step RACH associated with completion of uplink data transmission is independent from coverage level (s) .

In the case that there are preamble transmissions, e.g., a two-step RACH using the first two-step RACH scheme, UE may determine the uplink data resources based at least in part on a rule that associates a respective preamble and a respective PO. In the case of a four-step RACH, uplink data resource may be determined by the Msg2 RAR scheduling for the four-step RACH.

In the case that there are no preamble transmissions, e.g., a two-step RACH using the second two-step RACH scheme, the configuration from the network side may indicate corresponding uplink data resources for each coverage level of a set of coverage levels associated with the two-step RACH or for a single coverage level (the only one) associated with the two-step RACH. In the case that the two-step RACH is independent from coverage level (s) , the configuration from the network side may also indicate corresponding uplink data resources for the two-step RACH.

In addition, in the case that the uplink data resources are associated with a coverage level, UE will determine the uplink data resources associated with a coverage level and a RACH type in similar manners as those for random access resources associated with a coverage level.

For example, in some implementations of the present disclosure, UE will determine the uplink data resources associated with a coverage level based on a RSRP threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or both of them. For example, a RSRP threshold list is {100dBm, 90dBm} , and the coverage level range is {Level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , Level 1 (e.g., 90dBm<RSRP<=100dBm) , Level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . If the measured RSRP is 105dBm, the coverage level of uplink data resources (or a RACH) is Level 0.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, UE will further determine the uplink data resources associated with a coverage level for two-step RACH and four-step RACH based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.

Referring to Figure 5, the uplink data resources associated with a coverage level for two-step RACH and four-step RACH are determined by RSRP thresholds and a RSRP threshold list. It is still assumed that a RSRP threshold list is {Threshold 1 (e.g., 100dBm) , Threshold 2 (e.g., 90dBm) } , and the coverage level range is {CE level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , CE level 1 (e.g., 90dBm<RSRP<=100dBm) , CE level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . For each coverage level, a RSRP threshold is configured (or similar to Figure 3, a threshold offset is configured to determine the corresponding threshold) . For example, Threshold1-2step4step for CE level 1 is configured to be 95dBm. Based on the RSRP threshold, uplink data resource associated with CE level 1 for two-step RACH and four-step RACH will be further determined. For example, uplink data resources associated with a range {95dBm, 90dBm} is for four-step RACH and uplink data resources associated with a range {0100dBm 95dBm} is for two-step RACH. In the case that a measured RSRP is 99dBm, uplink data resources for two-step RACH associated with CE level 1 will be determined.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, the coverage level is a default one for splitting uplink data resources for two-step RACH and four-step RACH. For example, a coverage level is default as Level 0 in the case that a threshold for selecting two-step RACH or four-step RACH is larger than the first one of the threshold list, e.g., nearer than 500m for a distance threshold list {500m, 700m} .

Referring to Figure 6, it is still assumed that a RSRP threshold list is {Threshold 1 (e.g., 100dBm) , Threshold 2 (e.g., 90dBm) } , and the coverage level range is {CE level 0 (e.g., RSRP>100dBm) , CE level 1 (e.g., 90dBm<RSRP<=100dBm) , CE level 2 (e.g., RSRP<=90dBm) } . UE is further configured with a RSRP threshold, e.g., Threshold-2step4step being 105dBm, which is larger than 100dBm. Then, UE will only split the uplink data resources of CE level 0 for single or multi-tone Msg3 transmission into two subgroups for two-step RACH (e.g., in the case of RSRP larger than 105dBm) and four-step RACH (e.g., in the case of 100dBm<RSRP<=105dBm) . If the measured RSRP is 110 dBm, UE will determines the uplink data resources for two-step RACH associated with CE level 0.

Although a RACH, e.g., a two-step RACH or four-step RACH is firstly determined or selected for completion of uplink data transmission (a first transmission) as illustrated above, it may fail and be switched (or fall back) to another RACH scheme or to a next coverage level or grade (a second transmission) to further try the uplink data transmission or even to a four-step RACH without uplink data transmission (a normal four-step RACH without EDT) . In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, two scenarios are mainly considered, e.g., two-step RACH for completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a set of coverage levels as the same as four-step RACH (scenarios 1) ; and two-step RACH for completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a different number of coverage level from four-step RACH, e.g., associated with only one coverage level or independent from any coverage level (scenarios 2) .

Either in scenarios 1 or scenarios 2, the two-step RACH may use the first two-step RACH scheme or the second two-step RACH scheme, wherein the switching orders (or manners) are various. In the case that the first two-step RACH scheme is adopted, both the two-step RACH and four-step RACH share the same configuration parameters for the preamble transmission, e.g., preamble transmission repetition, power control, etc.

For example, in scenarios 1, in some implementations of the present disclosure (order 1-a) , in response to attempting a first transmission with a first coverage level for completion of uplink data transmission up to a maximal number (e.g., a configured or predefined number, e.g., 10) , UE may determine to switch to a second transmission with a second coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission based on an order of transmission schemes (e.g., RACH type) first and coverage levels second. The transmission schemes may include two-step RACH with EDT (also including with preamble transmission and without preamble transmission) , four-step RACH with EDT and four-step RACH without EDT etc.

In some implementations of the present disclosure (order 1-b) , the switching will be within the same RACH type. For example, in response to attempting a first transmission which is a two-step RACH with a first coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission up to a maximal number, UE may always determine switch to a two-step RACH with a lower coverage level than a previous coverage level (coverage level of the attempted one) . In response to attempting a first transmission which is a four-step RACH with a first coverage level for completion of uplink data transmission up to a maximal number, UE may always determine switch to a four-step RACH with a lower coverage level than the previous coverage level.

Referring to Figure 7, it is assumed that the measured RSRP or estimated distance is larger than Threshold-2step4step 1, and a two-step RACH with CE level 0 is the first transmission attempted for uplink data transmission.

In accordance with order 1-a, in response to attempting the two-step RACH with CE level 0 up to a maximal number, e.g., 10, UE will switch a four-step RACH with CE level 0. In response to attempting the four-step RACH with CE level 0 up to a maximal number, e.g., 10, UE will switch to a two-step RACH with CE level 1; and so on, until to a four-step RACH with CE level 2 if necessary.

In accordance with order 1-b, in response to attempting the two-step RACH with CE level 0 up to a maximal number, UE will switch a two-step RACH with CE level 1. In response to attempting the two-step RACH with CE level 1 up to a maximal number, UE will switch to a two-step RACH with CE level 2.

In scenarios 2, in some implementations of the present disclosure (order 2-a) , in response to attempting a first transmission, which is a two-step RACH with a first coverage level up to a maximal number, UE will determine to switch to a four-step RACH with the first coverage level, then to a four-step RACH with a next coverage level lower than the first coverage level, and so on if necessary. The four-step RACH with a next coverage level may be a four-step RACH with EDT or a legacy four-step RACH without EDT, so that the UE will establish connections with the network side and enter a connected mode to transmit the uplink data. This is especially adoptable for cases that UE is not configured with EDT.

Referring to Figure 8, it is assumed that the measured RSRP or estimated distance is larger than Threshold-2step4step 1, and the first transmission selected for uplink data transmission is a two-step RACH with CE level 0. In accordance with order 2-a, in response to attempting the two-step RACH with CE level 0 up to a maximal number, UE will determine to switch to a four-step RACH with CE level 0, then to a four-step RACH with CE level 1, and then to four-step RACH with CE level 2 if necessary.

In some implementations of the present disclosure (order 2-b) , in response to attempting a first transmission, which is a two-step RACH (with a coverage level or not) up to a maximal number, UE will determine to switch to a four-step RACH with a coverage level determined by at least one of a RSRP threshold list or a distance threshold list or a threshold, e.g., as illustrated above or to a predefined or preconfigured one.

In some implementations of the present disclosure (order 2-c) , in response to attempting a first transmission, which is a four-step RACH with a first coverage level up to a maximal number, UE will determine to switch to a four-step RACH with a next coverage level lower than the first coverage level, which is similar to order 1-b.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a UE 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, a controller 906, and a transceiver 908. The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry) . The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

The processor 902 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof) . In some implementations, the processor 902 may be configured to operate the memory 904. In some other implementations, the memory 904 may be integrated into the processor 902. The processor 902 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 904 to cause the UE 900 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

The memory 904 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 902 cause the UE 900 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 904 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

In some implementations, the processor 902 and the memory 904 coupled with the processor 902 may be configured to cause the UE 900 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 902, instructions stored in the memory 904) . For example, the processor 902 may support wireless communication at the UE 900 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The UE 900 may be configured to support a means for receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and a means for performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

The controller 906 may manage input and output signals for the UE 900. The controller 906 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 900. In some implementations, the controller 906 may utilize an operating system such as or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 906 may be implemented as part of the processor 902.

In some implementations, the UE 900 may include at least one transceiver 908. In some other implementations, the UE 900 may have more than one transceiver 908. The transceiver 908 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 908 may include one or more receiver chains 910, one or more transmitter chains 912, or a combination thereof.

A receiver chain 910 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 910 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA) ) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

A transmitter chain 912 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) . The transmitter chain 912 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM) , frequency modulation (FM) , or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) . The transmitter chain 912 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 912 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

Figure 10 illustrates an example of a processor 1000 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 1000 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 1000 may include a controller 1002 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 1000 may optionally include at least one memory 1004, which may be, for example, an L1/L2/L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 1000 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 1006. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses) .

The processor 1000 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1000) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) , read-only memory (ROM) , dynamic RAM (DRAM) , synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) , static RAM (SRAM) , ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) , magnetic RAM (MRAM) , resistive RAM (RRAM) , flash memory, phase change memory (PCM) , and others) .

The controller 1002 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 1000 to cause the processor 1000 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 1002 may operate as a control unit of the processor 1000, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 1000. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations.

The controller 1002 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 1004 and determine subsequent instruction (s) to be executed to cause the processor 1000 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 1002 may be configured to track memory address of instructions associated with the memory 1004. The controller 1002 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 1002 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 1000 to cause the processor 1000 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1002 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 1000. The controller 1002 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs) , and other functional units of the processor 1000.

The memory 1004 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 1000 or other memory, such RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 1004 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 1000) . In some other implementations, the memory 1004 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 1000) .

The memory 1004 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 1000, cause the processor 1000 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 1002 and/or the processor 1000 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1004 to cause the processor 1000 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 1000 and/or the controller 1002 may be coupled with or to the memory 1004, the processor 1000, the controller 1002, and the memory 1004 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 1000 may include multiple processors and the memory 1004 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

The one or more ALUs 1006 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 1006 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1000) . In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 1006 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 1000) . One or more ALUs 1006 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 1006 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 1006 be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 1006 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR) , not-OR (NOR) , and not-AND (NAND) , enabling the one or more ALUs 1006 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

The processor 1000 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The processor 1000 may be configured to or operable to support a means for receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and a means for performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of a NE 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The NE 1100 may include a processor 1102, a memory 1104, a controller 1106, and a transceiver 1108. The processor 1102, the memory 1104, the controller 1106, or the transceiver 1108, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

The processor 1102, the memory 1104, the controller 1106, or the transceiver 1108, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry) . The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

The processor 1102 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof) . In some implementations, the processor 1102 may be configured to operate the memory 1104. In some other implementations, the memory 1104 may be integrated into the processor 1102. The processor 1102 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1104 to cause the NE 1100 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

The memory 1104 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 1104 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 1102 cause the NE 1100 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such the memory 1104 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

In some implementations, the processor 1102 and the memory 1104 coupled with the processor 1102 may be configured to cause the NE 1100 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 1102, instructions stored in the memory 1104) . For example, the processor 1102 may support wireless communication at the NE 1100 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The NE 1100 may be configured to support a means for transmitting a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH; and a means for performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble reception on the random access resources, the uplink data reception on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.

The controller 1106 may manage input and output signals for the NE 1100. The controller 1106 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE 1100. In some implementations, the controller 1106 may utilize an operating system such as or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 1106 may be implemented as part of the processor 1102.

In some implementations, the NE 1100 may include at least one transceiver 1108. In some other implementations, the NE 1100 may have more than one transceiver 1108. The transceiver 1108 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1108 may include one or more receiver chains 1110, one or more transmitter chains 1112, or a combination thereof.

A receiver chain 1110 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 1110 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 1110 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA) ) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 1110 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 1110 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

A transmitter chain 1112 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) . The transmitter chain 1112 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM) , frequency modulation (FM) , or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) . The transmitter chain 1112 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 1112 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

Figure 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a UE as described herein. In some implementations, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the UE to perform the described functions.

At step 1201, the method may include receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH. The operations of step 1201 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1201 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 9.

At step 1203, the method may include performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof. The operations of step 1203 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1203 may be performed by a UE as described with reference to Figure 9.

It should be noted that the method described herein describes a possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible.

Figure 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method may be implemented by a NE as described herein. In some implementations, the NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the NE to perform the described functions.

At step 1301, the method may include transmitting a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources include random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step RACH or a four-step RACH. The operations of step 1301 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1301 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 11.

At step 1303, the method may include performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble reception on the random access resources, the uplink data reception on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof. The operations of step 1303 may be performed in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1303 may be performed by a NE as described with reference to Figure 11.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising:

at least one memory; and

at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to:

receive a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources comprise random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step random access channel (RACH) or a four-step RACH; and

perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.
The UE of claim 1, wherein, the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a first two-step RACH with uplink data transmission on uplink data resources while without preamble transmission on random access resources, or is associated with a second two-step RACH with both preamble transmission on random access resources and uplink data transmission on uplink data resources.
The UE of claim 1, wherein, the random access resources are associated with a coverage level, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the random access resources associated with the coverage level based on a reference signal receiving power (RSRP) threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or both of them.
The UE of claim 3, wherein the random access resources associated with the coverage level comprise a set of subcarriers, wherein the set of subcarriers are split into one or multiple groups for one or both of single-tone uplink data transmissions and multi-tone uplink data transmissions, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to:

split each group for one or both of the single-tone uplink data transmissions and the multi-tone uplink data transmissions into a set of subgroups for the two-step RACH or the four-step RACH.
The UE of claim 4, wherein the set of subgroups comprises at least two subgroups, comprising:

a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH; or

a first subgroup for the two-step RACH and the four-step RACH and a second subgroup for the four-step RACH.
The UE of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive higher layer signaling that indicates the set of subgroups.
The UE of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the set of subgroups based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.
The UE of claim 1, wherein the uplink data resources are associated with a coverage level, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources associated with the coverage level based at least in part on a reference signal receiving power (RSRP) threshold list, or a distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.
The UE of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources based at least in part on a threshold or a threshold offset associated with the RSRP threshold list or the distance threshold list, or a combination thereof.
The UE of claim 3 or 8 wherein the distance threshold list is associated with a distance between the UE and a reference location of a serving cell.
The UE of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the uplink data resources based at least in part on a rule that associates a respective preamble and a respective physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) occasion (PO) .
The UE of claim 8, wherein the configuration indicates corresponding uplink data resources for each coverage level of a set of coverage levels associated with the two-step RACH, or corresponding uplink data resources for a single coverage level associated with the two-step RACH.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine whether to perform the uplink data transmission via the first two-step RACH or the second two-step RACH based at least in part on a timer.
The UE of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine, based at least in part on a threshold, whether to perform the uplink data transmission via the four-step RACH or the first two-step RACH or the second two-step RACH.
The UE of claim 1, wherein in response to attempting a first transmission with a first coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to a second transmission with a second coverage level for the completion of uplink data transmission based on a following order:

transmission schemes first and coverage levels second; or

always to a two-step RACH with a lower coverage level than a coverage level associated with a currently attempted transmission in the case that the first transmission scheme is a two-step RACH; or

always to a four-step RACH with a lower coverage level than a coverage level associated with a currently attempted transmission in the case that the first transmission scheme is a four-step RACH.
The UE of claim 1, wherein, in response to attempting a two-step RACH with a coverage level up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to switch to a four-step RACH with a coverage level same as the two-step RACH, and then to a four-step RACH with a lower coverage level than the coverage level of the two-step RACH.
The UE of claim 1, wherein, in response to attempting a two-step RACH up to a maximal number, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to switch to a four-step RACH with a coverage level determined by at least one of a RSRP threshold list or a distance threshold list or a threshold.
A processor for wireless communication, comprising:

at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the at least one processor to:

receive a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources comprise random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step random access channel (RACH) or a four-step RACH; and

perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.
A network equipment (NE) for wireless communication, comprising:

at least one memory; and

at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the NE to:

transmit a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources comprise random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step random access channel (RACH) or a four-step RACH; and

perform, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble reception on the random access resources, the uplink data reception on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) , comprising:

receiving a configuration that indicates resources for completion of uplink data transmission, wherein indicated resources comprise random access resources associated with a preamble transmission, or uplink data resources associated with an uplink data transmission, or a combination thereof, where the completion of uplink data transmission is associated with a two-step random access channel (RACH) or a four-step RACH; and

performing, based at least in part on the configuration, the preamble transmission on the random access resources, the uplink data transmission on the uplink data resources, or a combination thereof.