TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to a User Equipment (UE), a network node and methods therein. In particular, they relate to handling an access to a wireless communications network.

BACKGROUND

In a typical wireless communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STA) and/or user equipments (UE), communicate via a Radio Access Network (RAN) to one or more core networks (CN). The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into service areas or cell areas, which may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group, with each service area or cell area being served by a radio network node such as a radio access node e.g., a Wi- Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be denoted, for example, a "NodeB" or "eNodeB". A service area or cell area is a

geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio network node. The radio network node communicates over an air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the radio network node.

A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation (3G) telecommunication network, which evolved from the second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) is essentially a RAN using wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) and/or High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) for user equipments. In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for third generation networks, and investigate enhanced data rate and radio capacity. In some RANs, e.g. as in UMTS, several radio network nodes may be connected, e.g., by landlines or microwave, to a controller node, such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), which supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural radio network nodes connected thereto. This type of connection is sometimes referred to as a backhaul connection. The RNCs and BSCs are typically connected to one or more core networks.

Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS), also called a Fourth

Generation (4G) network, have been completed within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and this work continues in the coming 3GPP releases, for example to specify a Fifth Generation (5G) network. The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN/LTE is a variant of a 3GPP radio access network wherein the radio network nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network rather than to RNCs. In general, in E-UTRAN/LTE the functions of an RNC are distributed between the radio network nodes, e.g. eNodeBs in LTE, and the core network. As such, the RAN of an EPS has an essentially "flat" architecture comprising radio network nodes connected directly to one or more core networks, i.e. they are not connected to RNCs. To compensate for that, the E-UTRAN specification defines a direct interface between the radio network nodes, this interface being denoted the X2 interface.

Multi-antenna techniques can significantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wireless communication system. The performance is in particular improved if both the transmitter and the receiver are equipped with multiple antennas, which results in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) communication channel. Such systems and/or related techniques are commonly referred to as MIMO.

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT) is a narrowband system developed for cellular internet of things by 3GPP in Release13. The system is based on existing LTE systems and addresses optimized network architecture and improved indoor coverage for a massive number of devices also referred to as UEs, with following characteristics:

• Low throughput devices, e.g. 2 kbps.

· Low delay sensitivity, -10 seconds.

• Ultra-low device cost, below 5 dollars,

• Low device power consumption, battery life of 10 years.

It is envisioned that each cell, which is about one square kilometer, in this system will serve thousands, about 50 thousand devices such as sensors, meters, actuators, and alike. In order to be able to make use of existing spectrum for e.g. GSM, a fairly narrow bandwidth of180 kHz, has been adopted for NB-loT technology which is the same bandwidth as one LTE Physical Resource Block (PRB). The entire NB-loT is contained within 180 kHz or one PRB, i.e. 12 subcarriers of 15 kHz each, in NB-loT this is referred to as one carrier or one PRB. For Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode of NB-loT, i.e. the transmitter and the receiver operate at different carrier frequencies, only half-duplex mode needs to be supported in the UE. In order to achieve improved coverage, data repetition is used both in Uplink (UL) and/or Downlink (DL). The lower complexity of the devices, e.g. only one transmission/receiver chain, means that some repetition may be needed also in normal coverage. Normal coverage herein means a coupling loss up to 144 dB from transmitter to receiver. Further, to alleviate UE complexity, cross-sub frame scheduling is used. That is, a transmission is first scheduled on a Narrowband Physical DL Control Channel

(NPDCCH) and then the first transmission of the actual data on the Narrowband Physical DL Shared Channel (NPDSCH) is carried out after the final transmission of the NPDCCH. Similarly, for UL data transmission, information about resources scheduled by the

Network (NW) and needed by the UE for UL transmission is first conveyed on the

NPDCCH and then the first transmission of the actual data by the UE on the Narrowband Physical UL Shared Channel (NPUSCH) is carried out after the final transmission of the NPDCCH. In other words, for both cases above, there is no simultaneous reception of control channel and reception/transmission of data channel from the UE's perspective.

The NB-loT initial network access, also referred to as the random access procedure, is also based on legacy LTE procedure. On a high level, the NB-loT UE accesses the eNB by sending a preamble, also known as MSG1 on a Narrowband Physical Random Access Channel (NPRACH) and awaits a Random Access Response, also known as RAR or MSG2, on the NPDSCH. In case of a positive RAR message, The UE then sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request message, also known as MSG3, awaits an RRC connection set up message, also known as MSG4, to carry out a contention resolution procedure, before knowing whether it may continue with a RRC connection setup complete message, also known as MSG5. See Figure 1 depicting an NB-loT Random Access procedure from idle mode on a high level. A high level when used herein means that the underlying physical layer message exchange on the control channel (NPDCCH) is omitted.

The sheer amount of UEs that an eNB needs to serve can easily lead to access collisions during initial NW access in a cell. As a result, it may take rather long time before a UE is served by the NW. Although this is perceived as one of the aspects of the NB-loT with low delay sensitivity of about ten seconds, in case of emergency. In NB-loT, there is still no emergency access specified as in legacy LTE. The closest to an emergency access is "exception reporting". Without any real behaviour defined in the specifications, or exception reporting, it is crucial that the UE can access the NW as soon as possible. Access collisions will also have a negative impact on device battery life since the total transmission and reception time will be prolonged.

SUMMARY

It is an object of embodiments herein to improve the performance of a wireless communications network 100.

According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a UE for handling an access to a wireless communications network. The UE initiates at the same time to the network node, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network on respective multiple resources. The UE then receives from the network node, one or more random access responses to respective one or more out of the initiated multiple random access procedures. Based on the one or more received random access responses the UE sets up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network. The connection is set up between the UE and the network node.

According to a second aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a network node for handling an access of a UE to a wireless communications network. The network node operates in the wireless communications network. The network node receives multiple random access procedures at the same time. The multiple random access procedures are for access to the wireless

communications network on respective multiple resources. The network node establishes that the same one UE is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures. The network node sends one or more random access responses to the UE. The one or more random access responses relate to respective one or more out of the multiple random access procedures. The network node then sets up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network, based on the one or more sent random access responses. The connection is between the established one UE and the network node. According to a third aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a UE for handling an access to a wireless communications network. The UE is configured to:

- Initiate at the same time to the network node, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network on respective multiple resources.

- Receive from the network node, one or more random access responses to respective one or more out of the initiated multiple random access procedures.

- Set up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network, based on the one or more received random access responses, which connection is set up between the UE and the network node.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a network node for handling an access of a UE to a wireless communications network. The network node is operable in the wireless communications network. The network node is configured to:

- Receive at the same time, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network on respective multiple resources.

- Establish that the same one UE is attempting to access to the wireless

communications network by initiating the multiple random access procedures.

- Send to the UE, one or more random access responses to respective one or more out of the multiple random access procedures.

- Set up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network, based on the one or more sent random access responses, which connection is between the established one UE and the network node. Since the same one UE initiates multiple random access procedures to access to the wireless communications network, the risk of access collisions and delay decreases. This is since the UE according to embodiments herein accesses the network on more random access resources than other UEs competing for one/same random access resource. This results in an improved the performance of the wireless communications network.

An advantage of embodiments herein is that a UE in need of fast access can receive network access and wireless resources fast in case of crowded cell of a wireless communications network. A further advantage of embodiments herein is that the UE based on received random access responses may choose among several resources and pick the resource(s) out of provided resource(s) on random access responses that are most suitable for transmitting MSG3, e.g. based on historical experience, the UE may know that transmission on certain resources are better received by the network than others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of embodiments herein are described in more detail with reference to attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating prior art.

Figure 2a is a schematic block diagram illustrating a prior art.

Figure 2b is a schematic block diagram illustrating Figure 2a of prior art.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a wireless

communications network.

Figure 4 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method in a UE.

Figure 5 is a flowchart depicting embodiments of a method in a network node.

Figure 6 sequence diagram illustrating embodiments of a method.

Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a UE.

Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating embodiments of a network node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As part of developing embodiments herein a problem will first be identified and discussed.

As mentioned above, in NB-loT, a UE starts its random access procedure by sending a preamble also referred to as MSG1 , as depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 2a and b depict NPRACH resources being configured in time domain via start time, periodicity, and repetitions; and configured in frequency domain via number of subcarriers and subcarrier offset, whereof Figure 2b is an enlargement of a part of the time and frequency domain of Figure 2a. The NB-loT resources used for random access such as the NPRACH resources are, as depicted in Figure 2a, configured in: - Time domain via a start time, periodicity, and number of repetitions for coverage enhancement, 1-128 repetitions, and in

- frequency domain via number of subcarriers also referred to as tones and subcarrier offset.

In order to send MSG1 , a UE randomly chooses a start tone for a first symbol group, from the set of resources broadcast by the NW. This is depicted in Figure 2b, where it is further shown that from the start tone, the UE carries out frequency hopping within 12 subcarriers, such as 12 tones at 3,5kHz (d) between four groups of symbols (a), Symbol group 0, Symbol group 1 , Symbol group 2, and Symbol group 3, where a group comprises a cyclic prefix and five symbols. The same groups of symbols, called a preamble sequence, is retransmitted (b), (c) on different tones according to a pseudo random hopping pattern based on start tone , repetition number, and the Physical Cell Identity (PCI).

Effectively based on the NWs configuration, up to 48 (180kHz / 3,75kHz = 48) preamble possibilities can be provided to the UEs per random access occasion. This might sound like a lot of possibilities for the UEs, but in a cell with many UEs there is a high probability that several UEs try to access the NW through the same start tone that then ends up in a Random Access (RA) collision. When two UEs end up in a RA collision, both UEs will try to send MSG3 using the same UL grant and thus the eNB can't receive both messages. It is likely that the MSG3 from the UE with the correct Timing Advance (TA) will be successfully received by the eNB and the other UE's MSG3 will be lost. When both UEs receive MSG4, one of the UEs will see that the random number in the message does not match what it sent in MSG3 and it will time out and retry the RA procedure. This results in delayed NW access, increased power consumption, and an unwanted result in case of an emergency access such as e.g. exception report.

Some embodiments herein e.g. relate to fast NW Access by NB-loT UEs, such as e.g. for Emergency Call and/or Emergency Access.

According to embodiments herein, a UE initiates multiple random access

procedures to access to a wireless communications network. This may be during cases in which immediate access is needed such as e.g. an emergency access. Since the same one UE initiates multiple random access procedures to access to the wireless communications network, the risk of access collisions and delay decreases. This is since the UE according to embodiments herein accesses the network on more random access resources than other UEs competing for one/same random access resource.

The UE initiated multiple random access procedures are responded to by a network 5 node, such as an eNB, and the UE then sets up one connection on a resource based on the one or more responses.

Further, the network node, such as the eNB, is able to detect the scenario and send only one MSG3 grant. Also in case the NW sees this behavior as an unwanted act from the UE side, through such detection it may disallow the UE access by not providing 10 grants.

A wireless communications network 100, in which embodiments herein may be implemented, is schematically illustrated in Figure 3.

The wireless communication network 100 comprises one or more RANs, e.g. a RAN

15 102, and one or more CNs, e.g. a CN 104. The wireless communications network 100 may be a cellular communications network, and may use a number of different technologies, such as Wi-Fi, LTE, LTE-Advanced, 5G, WCDMA, Global System for Mobile communications/enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), NB-loT, just to mention a few possible implementations. Embodiments herein relate to recent technology

20 trends that are of particular interest in a 5G context, however, embodiments are also

applicable in further development of the existing wireless communication systems such as e.g. WCDMA and LTE.

One or more network nodes such as a network node 110, operate in the wireless 25 communications network 100 such as e. in the RAN 102. The network nodes such as the network node 110 provide radio coverage over a geographical area, which may also be referred to as a cell 11 , a cluster, a beam or a beam group, of a first Radio Access Technology (RAT), such as 5G, LTE, W-Fi or similar. The network node 1 10 may be a transmission and reception point e.g. a radio access network node such as a Wireless 30 Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an

access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit capable of communicating with a UE 35 within the service area served by the network node 110 depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The network node 110 may be referred to as a serving radio network nodes and communicate with a UE 120 with Downlink (DL) transmissions to the UE 120 and Uplink (UL) transmissions from the UE 120. Other examples of the network node 110 are Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) nodes such as MSR BS, network controllers, Radio Network Controllers (RNCs), Base Station Controllers (BSCs), relays, donor nodes controlling relay, Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs), Access Points (APs), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Units (RRUs), Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), nodes in Distributed Antenna System (DAS) etc. In the wireless communication network 100, wireless devices e.g. a UE 120 and a second UE 122, each UE 120, 122 may be any of a mobile station, a non-Access Point (non-AP) STA, a STA, a user equipment and/or a wireless terminals, communicate via one or more RANs such as the RAN 102, to one or more CNs such as the CN 104. Thus, the UE 120 is operating in the wireless communications network 100.

It should be understood by the skilled in the art that "UE" is a non-limiting term which means any wireless device, terminal, communications device, wireless

communication terminal, user equipment, Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device, Device-to-Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets, an Internet-of-Things (loT) device, e.g. a Cellular loT (CloT) device or even a small base station communicating within a service area.

Please note the term user equipment used in this document also covers other wireless devices such as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, and loT devices even though they do not have any user.

In NB-loT, although the NPRACH transmission is carried out on one tone, the NPUSCH can either be transmitted with a single tone, Single-Tone (ST), e.g.3.75 kHz or 15 kHz, or with multiple tones transmitted simultaneously, Multi-Tone (MT), e.g. 3x15 kHz, 6x15 kHz or 12x15 kHZ. Further, the NB-loT standard is designed to handle both ST- and MT-capable UEs. The ST- vs MT-capability of a UE can be conveyed to the NW through partitioning of the NPRACH resources if the NW has chosen to partition the resources. Furthermore, the UE can provide this capability as part of MSG3. It is also possible to convey this capability in other messages when requested by the NW but not relevant for the present invention.

The UE 120 may e.g. be a UE with the following characteristics:

Low throughput devices, e.g. 2 kbps

· Low delay sensitivity, -10 seconds Ultra-low device cost, below 5 dollars

Low device power consumption, battery life of 10 years

The UE 120 may e.g. be a ST- and MT-capable UE.

Some actions in methods herein are performed by the network node 110. As an alternative, any Distributed network Node (DN) 130 and functionality, e.g. comprised in a cloud 140 may be used for performing these actions.

An example scenario herein relate to the UE 120 during e.g. an emergency access, simultaneously transmits on multiple random access resources, i.e. acting as several UEs at the same time, and continues the procedure where it finds reply from the network node 110.

Further, from the network node 110 perspective, in case the network node 1 10 detects misuse or in case the behavior is unwanted, embodiments herein provide ways to combat/discourage a UE's unwanted behavior.

Example embodiments of a method performed by a User Equipment, UE, 120 for handling an access to a wireless communications network 100 will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Figure 4. The method will first be described in a view seen from the UE 120 together with Figure 4, then in a view seen from the network node 1 10 together with Figure 5, followed more detailed explanations and examples.

The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Actions that are optional are presented in dashed boxes in Figure 4.

Action 401

Thus, the UE 120 may receive information from the network node 110, which information relates to whether or not a use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time is allowed.

At the same time when used herein means exactly at same time or at least partly in parallel. As pointed out in Fig 2, different PRACH resources may start at different points in time and the UE 120 according to embodiments herein using multiple PRACH resources may pick resources that are slightly shifted in time. The information may further relate to any one out of: A maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, and which out of a maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time.

The use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures, may be restricted by the network. Some UEs may be allowed to use and other may not be allowed to use it. This may be for special cases such as emergency, exception reporting, or alike. In some embodiments, the UE 120 may receive from the network node 110 through broadcast system information about allow and/or disallow use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures for all or various cases. In this case the UE 120 may receive from the network node 1 10 e.g. by broadcast, the maximum number of resources such as tones the UE 120 is allowed to use, e.g. allowed only for UEs in need to send an Exception Report or similar.

In some embodiments, a separate partitioning of NPRACH resources is introduced as part of a network configuration such that simultaneous access is only allowed on those resources. For example, the UE behaviour of using multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures of the present invention may be configured to be allowed for certain NPRACH resources or a subset of its time instances. Action 402

In order to avoid potential delays during e.g. an emergency access or similar, the UE 120 performs its random access procedure simultaneously on multiple tones acting like several UEs at the same time. This is performed by simultaneously transmitting on multiple random access resources, thereby the UE 120 is acting as several UEs at the same time. The UE 120 then continues the procedure where it finds reply from the network node 1 10. This results in that the risk of not being served as a result of collision with other UEs is lowered as mentioned above.

Thus, the UE 120 initiates at the same time to the network node 1 10, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources.

In some embodiments, each one of the multiple random access procedures is initiated by sending respective one or more preambles such as MSG1.

The initiated multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 may be interpreted by the network node 1 10 as received from multiple single-tone UEs. In some embodiments, the wireless communications network 100 may have partitioned the NPRACH resources such that the UE 120 indicates its capability through choice of resources being dedicated for initiating multiple random access procedures at the same time. Thereby the network node 1 10 is in this action implicitly informed about 5 the UE 120 capability to initiate multiple random access procedures at the same time. The UE 120 may choose such resources as well as other resources in order to minimize the risk for collisions and raise its chance for being assigned dedicated radio resources according to embodiments herein. However, such possible incorrect indication of capability may be rectified by capability indication in later steps, e.g. an indicator in MSG3, 10 see action 405 below. There are also dedicated messages UE CAPABILITY where the capabilities may be rectified.

Action 403

The UE 120 receives from the network node 110, one or more random access 15 responses, such as e.g. MSG2, to respective one or more out of the initiated multiple

random access procedures.

The network node 1 10 may still believe that the multiple initiated multiple random access procedures such as the multiple MSG1 were sent by multiple UEs and therefore sends several responses such as one or more MSG2.

20

Action 404

Depending on the response in action 404 above such as e.g. one or more MSG2, measurements and/or historical knowledge and/or capabilities connected to the resources picked for MSG1 , the UE 120 transmits on one or many resources for conveying its MSG3 25 potentially acting like several UEs.

Therefore, in some scenarios, the UE 120 sends at the same time to the network node 1 10, one connection requests for access to the wireless communications network 100 such as e.g. an MSG3, on a resources based on the received one or more random access responses. This is advantageous in scenarios wherein the UE 120 based on 30 historical information, e.g. historical success rate, prefers one of the provided resources over others. It is also advantageous in scenarios wherein the UE 120 among its choices sends on the one providing the correct UE capability or if one of the provided resources appears earlier in time than the others.

In some other scenarios, the UE 120 sends at the same time to the network node 35 1 10, multiple connection requests for access to the wireless communications network 100 such as e.g. MSG3, on respective multiple resources based on the received one or more random access responses. This is advantageous in scenarios wherein the UE 120 finds the provided resources equal and wants to lower the risk of collision at later step such as contention resolution of MSG4

5

Action 405

In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 is informed that the UE 120 seeming to be multiple single tone UEs is in fact one UE such as e.g. one multiple tone UE , i.e. that the initiated multiple random access procedures at the same time may be sent from

10 the same one UE 120. The UE 120 may e.g. inform the network node 1 10 at an earlier state of the method, that the UE 120 has capability to use multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, e.g. that the UE 120 is being MT-capable. This information may be conveyed in this action, at an earlier or later state and/or be recognized by the network node 1 10 itself. This may e.g. be sent as part

15 of MSG3 in action 405 above. It is also possible to convey this capability in other

messages when requested by the network node 1 10.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the UE 120 sends an indication to the network node 110, which indication indicates that the UE 120 has capability to use multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time,

20 such as e.g. that the UE 120 is MT-capable. In NB-loT, this may e.g. be performed by conveying the ST- or MT-capability of the UE 120 to the network node 1 10 through partitioning of the NPRACH resources if the wireless communications network 100 has chosen to partition the resources.

25 Action 406

The UE 120 sets up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network 100, based on the one or more received random access responses, which connection is set up between the UE 120 and the network node 110.

This may be based on the received random access response in the way that the UE 30 120 knows based on contention resolution which of the connections attempts that

succeeded, and may for example chose the one that provides correct UE capability to the wireless communications network 100.

This may be performed when the UE 120 has received an RRC connection set up message, e.g. a MSG 4 from the network node 1 10. When the set-up is complete, the UE 120 may send an RRC connection set up Complete message such as MSG 5 to the network node 1 10.

The setup of the connection on a resource for access to the wireless

communications network 100 according to the embodiments herein avoids delays and is faster.

Example embodiments of a method performed by the network node 1 10 for handling an access of the UE, 120 to a wireless communications network 100, will now be described in a view seen from the network node 1 10 together with reference to a flowchart depicted in Figure 5. As mentioned above, the network node 1 10 operates in the wireless communications network 100.

The method comprises the following actions, which actions may be taken in any suitable order. Actions that are optional are presented in dashed boxes in Figure 5.

Action 501

As mentioned above, the use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures, may be restricted by the network. Some UEs may be allowed to use and other may not be allowed to use it. This may e.g. be for special cases such as emergency, exception reporting, or alike. In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 may through broadcast system information allow and/or disallow the behaviour for using multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures for all or various cases. In this case the network node 1 10 may broadcast the maximum number of resources such as tones a UE is allowed to use, e.g. allowed only for UEs such as the UE 120, in need to send an Exception Report or similar.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the network node 110 sends information to the UE 120, which information relates to whether or not a use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time is allowed.

The information may further relate to any one out of: A maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, and which out of a maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time.

Action 502 The network node 1 10 receives at the same time, multiple random access procedures such as preambles, e.g. MSG1 , for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources. Each one of the multiple random access procedures may comprise respective one or more preambles.

The received multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 may be interpreted by the network node 1 10 as received from multiple single-tone UEs.

In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 may further receive a random access procedure such as preambles, e.g. MSG1 , initiated by a second UE 122. The network node 110 may not know which all these random access procedures are received from, which in reality are originating from the first UE 120 and second UE 122.

Action 503

The wireless communications network 100 such as the network node 110 may e.g. through estimation of timing advance derived from the initiated random access procedure such as e.g. MSG1 suspect that the very same UE is trying to access through multiple resources. It may hence adapt the contents of the response such as e.g. MSG2 such that the suspected UE e.g. the UE 120 is in need of fast access is served and/or favoured. However,

The network node 110 establishes that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures.

In some embodiments, it is further established that a fast access to a wireless communications network 100 is required by the UE 120.

Consequently, in some embodiments the establishing that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures is based on estimation on timing advance derived from the respective received multiple random access requests.

This establishment may be performed later on in the method after receiving such indications from the UE 120 e.g. in action 506 below.

Action 504

As mentioned above, the network node 1 10 may establish that the very same UE 120 is trying to access through multiple resources. It may hence adapt the contents of a response such as e.g. MSG2 such that the suspected UE e.g. the UE 120 is in need of fast access is served and/or favoured. The network node 110 may send to the UE 120, one or more random access responses, such as e.g. MSG2 to respective one or more out of the multiple random access procedures.

For the sake of simplicity consider an example scenario with two preambles, two UEs such as the UE 120 according to embodiments herein and the second UE 122, and a network node such as the network node 1 10 that only is capable of serving one UE at a time. If the network node 110 detects two preambles say Pa and Pb, and suspects through e.g. TA estimation or alike that the UE 120 is the UE behind both Pa and Pb and the second UE 122 is behind Pa, the wireless communications network 100 such as the network node 110 may then transmit a MSG2 such that only the UE 120 accessing through Pb is allowed to transmit MSG3. Another behaviour of the wireless

communications network 100 such as the network node 1 10 would be to first grant access to the UE 120 using Pb in MSG2 and then later, still within the RAR window, grant access to the second UE 122 using Pa in MSG2.

In some other embodiments where it is unwanted by the wireless communications network 100 that the UEs apply the use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures to gain advantage, the network node 110 may use any indication that multiple transmissions, seeming be from different UEs, are in fact from the same UE, to reject access to the UE or perform any other counter-measure to remove this UE behaviour. Such indication may for example be the similarity of timing advance for two simultaneous instances of MSG1 as described above. Reusing the previous example, the UE 120 would in this case be rejected and the second UE 122 will be granted to transmit MSG3.

In some other embodiments UE 120 may be enabled to send multiple random access procedures only after one or several failed connection attempts go for the multiple RA procedure. For example, a threshold would be used for this and may optionally be broadcasted from the wireless communications network 100 such as the network node 1 10 in system information alone or together with the previous mentioned control information broadcasted by the network node 110.

Action 505

In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 receives at the same time from the UE 120, one or multiple connection requests for access to the wireless communications network 100 such as e.g. MSG3, on respective multiple resources based on the received one or more random access responses. Action 506

In some embodiments, the network node 110 receives an indication from the UE 120. The indication indicates that the UE 120 has capability to use multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, such as e.g. the UE 120 is a multi-tone UE. This may be conveyed as part of MSG3 in action 505 above. It is also possible to receive this indication of capability in other messages by requesting it from the UE 120. Action 507

The network node 1 10 sets up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network 100, based on the one or more sent random access responses, which connection is between the established one UE 120 and the network node 1 10.

This may be performed by sending an RRC connection set up message, e.g. a MSG4 to the UE 120. When the set-up is complete, the network node 1 10 receives an RRC connection set up complete message such as MSG5 from the UE 120.

In some embodiments as mentioned above, the network node 1 10 further receives a random access procedure initiated by a second UE 122. when it is established that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures, The network node 1 10 may in these embodiments decide whether or not the set up the one connection to the UE 120 shall be performed before setting up any connection to the second UE 122. The setup of the connection on a resource for access to the wireless

communications network 100 according to the embodiments herein avoids delays and is faster. For the wireless communications network 100, this is e.g. beneficial if the access is related to emergency services, or if the feature is only available for operator specific UEs or alike, then this is a way to make sure that those specific connections have the highest chance to get through.

Embodiments herein will now be further described and exemplified. The text below is applicable to and may be combined with any suitable embodiment described above. Example embodiments herein relate to NB-lo. However, embodiments herein may further relate to other radio access technologies than NB-loT. In a general form, the UE 120 may act as several UEs when using common on contention-based resources to gain advantage. For example, for LTE, E-UTRAN, there are up to 64 preamble sequences, which unlike for NB-loT are different code sequences transmitted on the same time and frequency radio resources. The UE 120 may then in the same way choose to transmit multiple preamble sequences in MSG1 of the Random Access procedure and at first in a later step choose only one set of assigned dedicated resources assigned.

According to some embodiments herein and as mentioned above, in order to avoid the potential delays during e.g. an emergency access or alike, the MT-capable UE 120 performs its RA procedure simultaneously on multiple tones acting like several UEs at the same time and lowering the risk of not being served as a result of collision with other UEs. This is depicted in Figure 6 depicting an example of an NB-loT Random Access procedure from idle mode on a high level. The UE 120 transmits 601 on respective multiple resources such as several or all possible resources for initiating the random access procedure by e.g. conveying MSG1. Depending on the response 602 such as the Random Access Response (RAR) in MSG2, measurements and/or historical knowledge and/or capabilities connected to the resources picked for MSG1 , the UE 120 transmits 603 on one or many resources for conveying its MSG3 potentially acting like several UEs during thereof. The network node 110 sends 604 an RRC connection set up message, e.g. a MSG 4 to the UE 120. When the set-up is complete, the UE 120 sends 605 an RRC connection set up Complete message such as MSG 5 to the network node 110.

To perform the method actions for handling an access to a wireless communications network 100, the UE 120 may comprise the following arrangement depicted in Figure 7. The UE 120 comprises an input and output interface 700 configured to communicate, with one or more network nodes such as network node 110. The input and output interface 700 may comprise a receiver (not shown) and a transmitter (not shown).

The UE 120 being configured to, e.g. by means of an initiating module 710 configured to, initiate at the same time to the network node 110, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources.

In some embodiments, each one of the multiple random access procedures is adapted to be initiated by sending respective one or more preambles.

The initiated multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 may be adapted to be interpreted by the network node 1 10 as received from multiple single-tone UEs.

The UE 120 is further configured to, e.g. by means of an receiving module 720 configured to, receive from the network node 110, one or more random access responses to respective one or more out of the initiated multiple random access procedures.

The UE 120 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 720 configured to, receive information from the network node 110, which information relates to whether or not a use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time is allowed.

The information may further be adapted to relate to any one out of:

A maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, and which out of a maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time.

The UE 120 is further configured to, e.g. by means of an setting up module 730 configured to, set up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless

communications network 100, based on the one or more received random access responses, which connection is set up between the UE 120 and the network node 110.

The UE 120 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of a sending module 740 configured to, send at the same time to the network node 110, multiple connection requests for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources based on the received one or more random access responses.

The UE 120 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the sending module 740 configured to, send an indication to the network node 110, which indication is adapted to indicate that the UE 120 has capability to use multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, e.g. indicating that the UE 120 is a multi-tone UE. The embodiments herein for handling an access to a wireless communications network 100, may be implemented through one or more processors, such as a processor 760 of a processing circuitry in the UE 120 depicted in Figure 7, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the UE 120. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the UE 120.

The UE 120may further comprise a memory 770 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 770 comprises instructions executable by the processor 760.

The memory 770 is arranged to be used to store configuration information, feedback, data, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the UE 120.

In some embodiments, a computer program 780 comprises instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor 760, cause the at least one processor 760 to perform actions according to any of the Actions 401-406.

In some embodiments, a carrier 790 comprises the computer program 780, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer- readable storage medium.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the modules in the UE 120, described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in the memory 770, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processor 760 as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC). To perform the method actions for handling an access of the UE 120 to the wireless communications network 100, the network node 1 10 may comprise the following arrangement depicted in Figure 8. As mentioned above, the network node 110 is operable in the wireless communications network 100.

The network node 1 10 comprises an input and output interface 800 configured to communicate, with one or more UEs such as the UE 120 and any core network node. The input and output interface 700 may comprise a receiver (not shown) and a transmitter (not shown).

The network node 1 10 is configured to, e.g. by means of a receiving module 810 configured to, receive at the same time, multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources.

The network node 1 10 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 810 configured to, receive at the same time from the UE 120, multiple connection requests for access to the wireless communications network 100 on respective multiple resources based on the received one or more random access responses.

The network node 1 10 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 810 configured to, receive an indication from the UE 120. The indication is adapted to indicate that the UE 120 has capability to use multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time. The indication may be adapted to indicate the UE 120 is a multi-tone UE.

In some embodiments, each one of the multiple random access procedures is adapted to comprise respective one or more preambles.

The received multiple random access procedures for access to the wireless communications network 100 may be adapted to be interpreted by the network node 1 10 as received from multiple single-tone UEs.

The network node 1 10 is further configured to, e.g. by means of an establishing module 820 configured to, establish that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures. The network node 1 10 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the

establishing module 820 configured to, establish that the same one UE 120 is trying to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures, and in some embodiments that a fast access to a wireless communications network 100 is required by the UE 120.

The network node 1 10 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the

establishing module 820 configured to, establish that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures, based on estimation on timing advance derived from the respective received multiple random access requests.

The network node 1 10 is further configured to, e.g. by means of a sending module 830 configured to, send to the UE 120, one or more random access responses to respective one or more out of the multiple random access procedures.

The network node 1 10 may further be configured to, e.g. by means of the sending module 830 configured to, send information to the UE 120, which information relates to whether or not a use of multiple resources for initiating respective multiple random access procedures at the same time is allowed.

The information may further be adapted to relate to any one out of: A maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time, and which out of a maximum number of resources to be used for initiating the respective multiple random access procedures at the same time.

The network node 1 10 is further configured to, e.g. by means of an setting up module 840 configured to, set up one connection on a resource for access to the wireless communications network 100, based on the one or more sent random access responses, which connection is between the established one UE 120 and the network node 1 10.

In some embodiments, the network node 110 is further configured to, e.g. by means of the receiving module 810 configured to, receive at the same time, multiple random access procedures further by receiving a random access procedure initiated by a second UE 122.

When it is established that the same one UE 120 is attempting to access to the wireless communications network 100 by initiating the multiple random access procedures, decide whether or not a set up of the one connection to the UE 120 shall be performed before setting up any connection to the second UE 122.

The embodiments herein for handling an access of the UE 120 to the wireless 5 communications network 100, may be implemented through one or more processors, such as a processor 850 of a processing circuitry in the network node 110depicted in Figure 8, together with computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer 10 program code for performing the embodiments herein when being loaded into the core network node 110. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the network node 110.

15

The core network node 1 10 may further comprise a memory 860 comprising one or more memory units. The memory 860 comprises instructions executable by the processor 850.

The memory 860 is arranged to be used to store e.g. identifiers of any one or more 20 out of: configuration information, feedback, data, and applications to perform the methods herein when being executed in the network node 110.

In some embodiments, a computer program 870 comprises instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor 850, cause the at least one processor 850 to 25 perform actions according to any of the Actions 501-507.

In some embodiments, a carrier 880 comprises the computer program 870, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer- 30 readable storage medium.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the modules in the network node 110, described above may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and/or one or more processors configured with software and/or firmware, e.g. stored in the memory 35 860, that when executed by the one or more processors such as the processor 850 as described above. One or more of these processors, as well as the other digital hardware, may be included in a single Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry (ASIC), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

Abbreviation Explanation

CRS Cell Reference Symbols

CE Coverage Enhancement

FDD Frequency Division Duplex

LTE Long Term Evolution

MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency network

MIB Master Information Block

NB Narrowband

NB-loT NB Internet of Things

NDLSCH NB Downlink Shared Channel

NPBCH NB Physical Broadcast Channel

NPRACH NB Physical Random Access Channel

NPSS NB Primary Synchronization Signal

NRS NB Reference Symbols

NSSS NB Secondary Synchronization Signal

NW Network

SI System Information

SIB System Information Block

UE User Equipment

PO Paging occasion

PF Paging frame

PRB Physical resource block