HYBRID SECTOR-SWEEP-BASED INITIAL ACQUISITION PROCEDURES FOR MMWAVE CELLULAR RADIO ACCESS NETWORKS

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to United

States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/322,650 filed April 14, 2016 and entitled "A Hybrid (Tx & Rx) Sector Sweep Based Frame Structure & Initial Acquisition Procedure For A Standalone mmWave Cellular Radio Access Network (RAN)," and to United States Non-Provisional Application Serial Number 62/322,678, filed April 14, 2016 and entitled "An Enhanced Initial Acquisition Procedure With TDM-Based UE-RXSS / BCH / RACH And Optimal eNB Sector Selection," which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various wireless cellular communication systems have been implemented or are being proposed, including a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 3GPP LTE-Advanced system, and a 5th Generation wireless system / 5th Generation mobile networks (5G) system / 5th Generation new radio (NR) system.

[0003] Some proposed cellular communication systems may incorporate radio frequencies including one or more frequency bands between 30 gigahertz and 300 gigahertz. Corresponding with radio wavelengths from 10 mm to 1 mm, such communication systems may sometimes be referred to as millimeter wave (mmWave) systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The embodiments of the disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the disclosure. However, while the drawings are to aid in explanation and understanding, they are only an aid, and should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments depicted therein.

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates tier 1 and tier 2 transmit-and-receive sectors for an Evolved

Node-B (eNB) and a User Equipment (UE), in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. [0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a frame structure and a numerology for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures for millimeter-wave (mmWave) cellular Radio Access

Networks (RANs), in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates a timeline for Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS),

Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Broadcast Channel (BCH), Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), and Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for PSS, SSS, BCH, CRS, and RACH transmissions for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a timeline for dynamic RACH allocation over one or more subframes, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for dynamic RACH allocation, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 7 illustrates a timeline for Time-Division-Multiplexing (TDM) allocation of SSS, BCH, and RACH corresponding to sets of an eNB's tier-1 sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for TDM allocation of SSS, BCH, and RACH allocation corresponding to sets of an eNB's tier-1 sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 9 illustrates an eNB and a UE, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 10 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for an eNB for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 11 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for hybrid sector- sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 12 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for an eNB for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 13 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for dynamic, multistage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. [0018] Fig. 14 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for an eNB for time-division multiplexing of SSS, BCH, and RACH over multiple sets of transmit-and-receive sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 15 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for sector selection procedures during initial access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 16 illustrates methods for an eNB for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 17 illustrates methods for a UE for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 18 illustrates methods for an eNB for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 19 illustrates methods for a UE for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 20 illustrates methods for an eNB for time-division multiplexing of SSS,

BCH, and RACH over multiple sets of transmit-and-receive sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 21 illustrates methods for a UE for a UE for sector selection procedures during initial access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 22 illustrates example components of a UE device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Various wireless cellular communication systems have been implemented or are being proposed, including a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 3GPP LTE-Advanced system, and a 5th Generation wireless system / 5th Generation mobile networks (5G) system / 5th Generation new radio (NR) system.

[0028] Millimeter wave (mmWave) systems (or high frequency band systems, or extremely high frequency band systems) have a potential to provide enormous bandwidth. Due to the potential bandwidth, mmWave systems are a candidate for supporting future 5G systems. In some cases, mmWave small cells may be deployed in an LTE-assisted "anchor booster" mode. In other cases, mmWave small cells may be deployed to operate in a standalone manner (e.g., without assistance from an LTE macro cell).

[0029] High frequency band systems and/or mmWave systems may require directional beamforming on the part of both an Evolved Node-B (eNB) (or Access Point (AP)) and a User Equipment (UE) (or Station (STA)) in order to achieve a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) conducive to establishing a communication link. An initial acquisition procedure or access procedure may allow an eNB and a UE to determine best transmission (TX) and/or receiving (RX) beamforming directions (or beams) for establishing directional connections. Such acquisition procedures may therefore be advantageous in designing an mmWave system or other high frequency band system.

[0030] In such a system, the determination of desirable beamforming directions may advantageously facilitate the closing of a communication link. Meanwhile, large numbers of antenna elements may advantageously facilitate a desirable beamforming gain. A fully digital beamforming implementation for large numbers of antenna elements, with one Radio Frequency (RF) chain per antenna element, may improve overall acquisition delay performance, but may also undesirably impact power consumption and processing complexity.

[0031] A hybrid beamforming architecture may implement beamforming through combining both analog and digital processing steps. In a hybrid beamforming architecture, a limited number of RF chains may each feed a number of antenna elements. Initial access procedures for hybrid beamforming architectures may involve sequential scanning of possible different beamforming directions, as opposed to processing all beamforming directions simultaneously as might be done in a fully digital beamforming architecture. The speed of the overall beam scanning process may depend upon the number of RF chains that may be used to simultaneously evaluate potential scan directions.

[0032] Some initial access designs for hybrid beamforming architectures may employ an eNB Transmit Sector Sweep (TX-SS), which may be followed by a UE TX-SS procedure. In the eNB TX-SS procedure, an eNB may sweep across a set of narrow TX beams in different directions, and a UE may listen with an omnidirectional receiving (RX-Omni) mode to determine a best eNB TX beam for the link. In the UE TX-SS procedure, a UE may sweep across a set of TX beams in different directions, and an eNB may acquire a best UE TX beam for the link. The UE may also inform the eNB of the best eNB beam for the UE's reception in a UE TX-SS procedure.

[0033] Other initial access designs for hybrid beamforming architectures may employ a UE Receive Sector Sweep (RX-SS), which may be followed by an eNB RX-SS procedure. In the UE RX-SS procedure, an eNB may transmit in an omnidirectional transmitting (TX- Omni) mode (or possibly in a directional mode), and a UE may sweep across a set of RX beams in different directions to determine a best UE RX beam for the link. In the eNB RX- SS procedure, a UE may transmit in a TX-Omni mode (or possibly a directional mode), and an eNB may sweep across a set of RX beams in different directions to determine a best eNB RX beam for the link.

[0034] An eNB and/or a UE may be calibrated for directional reciprocity, in which case the best eNB TX beam may be the same as the best eNB RX beam, and the best UE TX beam may be the same as the best UE RX beam. As a result, if directional reciprocity exists, the best eNB TX beam identified by an eNB TX-SS procedure may be determined to be the best eNB RX beam without employing a corresponding eNB RX-SS procedure, and the best eNB RX beam identified by an eNB RX-SS procedure may be determined to be the best eNB TX beam without employing a corresponding eNB TX-SS procedure. Similarly, if directional reciprocity exists, the best UE TX beam identified by a UE TX-SS procedure be determined to be the best UE RX beam without employing a corresponding UE RX-SS procedure, and the best UE RX beam identified by a UE RX-SS procedure may be determined to be the best UE TX beam without employing a corresponding UE TX-SS procedure. Where directional reciprocity exists, a best transmit beam and a best receive beam may be the same beam, and may accordingly be referred to as a best transmit-and-receive beam, or a best receive-and-transmit beam. [0035] At the same time, allowing for multi-UE contention (e.g., random access) during an initial access procedure may advantageously reduce system overhead that might otherwise scale with the number of users in the system. However, UE contention may implicitly increase across many slots in either an eNB RX-SS procedure or a UE TX-SS procedure.

[0036] For various methods of minimizing or eliminating multi-UE contention, simulations suggest that the results may include a high probability of contention, or higher overhead due to the large number of slots reserved for directional random access that may be called for to achieve desirable levels of contention probability. UE transmission across several slots during random access may also result in power-consumption inefficiencies. As a result, identification of the best eNB TX/RX beams and UE TX/RX beams before UEs perform random access may advantageously focus random access transmissions in optimal directions by reducing transmission across many slots in various other directions over various slots of time.

[0037] Discussed below are frame structures and hybrid initial acquisition designs combining eNB TX-SS procedures and UE RX-SS procedures for optimized use of hybrid beamforming architectures. eNBs employing the hybrid initial acquisition designs may advantageously support stand-alone mmWave small cell operation without recourse to "anchor" system elements (e.g., LTE-based elements) for operation. UEs employing the hybrid initial acquisition designs may advantageously reduce power consumption while enabling mmWave operation.

[0038] Also discussed are random access phases to support flexible and dynamic access of random access channels. The described random access phases may advantageously accommodate multi-UE access while reducing multi-UE contention, which may in turn minimize the impact of directional random access.

[0039] In addition, initial acquisition designs are discussed for cases in which an eNB may not be able to conduct simultaneous sector-sweeps for all of its defined sectors.

[0040] In the following description, numerous details are discussed to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present disclosure. [0041] Note that in the corresponding drawings of the embodiments, signals are represented with lines. Some lines may be thicker, to indicate a greater number of constituent signal paths, and/or have arrows at one or more ends, to indicate a direction of information flow. Such indications are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the lines are used in connection with one or more exemplary embodiments to facilitate easier understanding of a circuit or a logical unit. Any represented signal, as dictated by design needs or preferences, may actually comprise one or more signals that may travel in either direction and may be implemented with any suitable type of signal scheme.

[0042] Throughout the specification, and in the claims, the term "connected" means a direct electrical, mechanical, or magnetic connection between the things that are connected, without any intermediary devices. The term "coupled" means either a direct electrical, mechanical, or magnetic connection between the things that are connected or an indirect connection through one or more passive or active intermediary devices. The term "circuit" or "module" may refer to one or more passive and/or active components that are arranged to cooperate with one another to provide a desired function. The term "signal" may refer to at least one current signal, voltage signal, magnetic signal, or data/clock signal. The meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0043] The terms "substantially," "close," "approximately," "near," and "about" generally refer to being within +/- 10% of a target value. Unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," and "third," etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0044] It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0045] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions.

[0046] For purposes of the embodiments, the transistors in various circuits, modules, and logic blocks are Tunneling FETs (TFETs). Some transistors of various embodiments may comprise metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors, which include drain, source, gate, and bulk terminals. The transistors may also include Tri-Gate and FinFET transistors, Gate All Around Cylindrical Transistors, Square Wire, or Rectangular Ribbon Transistors or other devices implementing transistor functionality like carbon nanotubes or spintronic devices. MOSFET symmetrical source and drain terminals i.e., are identical terminals and are interchangeably used here. A TFET device, on the other hand, has asymmetric Source and Drain terminals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other transistors, for example, Bi-polar junction transistors-BJT PNP/NPN, BiCMOS, CMOS, etc., may be used for some transistors without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0047] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases "A and/or B" and "A or

B" mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and/or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

[0048] In addition, the various elements of combinatorial logic and sequential logic discussed in the present disclosure may pertain both to physical structures (such as AND gates, OR gates, or XOR gates), or to synthesized or otherwise optimized collections of devices implementing the logical structures that are Boolean equivalents of the logic under discussion.

[0049] In addition, for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "eNB" may refer to an eNB, a 5G eNB, an mmWave eNB, an mmWave small cell, an AP, and/or another base station for a wireless communication system. For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "UE" may refer to a UE, a 5G UE, an mmWave UE, an STA, and/or another mobile equipment for a wireless communication system.

[0050] Various embodiments of eNBs and/or UEs discussed below may process one or more transmissions of various types. Some processing of a transmission may comprise demodulating, decoding, detecting, parsing, and/or otherwise handling a transmission that has been received. In some embodiments, an eNB or UE processing a transmission may determine or recognize the transmission's type and/or a condition associated with the transmission. For some embodiments, an eNB or UE processing a transmission may act in accordance with the transmission's type, and/or may act conditionally based upon the transmission's type. An eNB or UE processing a transmission may also recognize one or more values or fields of data carried by the transmission. Processing a transmission may comprise moving the transmission through one or more layers of a protocol stack (which may be implemented in, e.g., hardware and/or software-configured elements), such as by moving a transmission that has been received by an eNB or a UE through one or more layers of a protocol stack.

[0051] Various embodiments of eNBs and/or UEs discussed below may also generate one or more transmissions of various types. Some generating of a transmission may comprise modulating, encoding, formatting, assembling, and/or otherwise handling a transmission that is to be transmitted. In some embodiments, an eNB or UE generating a transmission may establish the transmission's type and/or a condition associated with the transmission. For some embodiments, an eNB or UE generating a transmission may act in accordance with the transmission's type, and/or may act conditionally based upon the transmission's type. An eNB or UE generating a transmission may also determine one or more values or fields of data carried by the transmission. Generating a transmission may comprise moving the transmission through one or more layers of a protocol stack (which may be implemented in, e.g., hardware and/or software-configured elements), such as by moving a transmission to be sent by an eNB or a UE through one or more layers of a protocol stack.

[0052] In the various embodiments discussed below, an eNB and/or a UE may be calibrated for directional reciprocity. Accordingly, the same beam (and/or sector) may be both a best TX beam (and/or sector) and a best RX beam (and/or sector), and may have substantially the same Angle of Departure and Angle of Arrival. Moreover, some embodiments discussed below may employ a Time-Division Duplex (TDD) scheme, but other embodiments may employ another scheme such as a Frequency -Division Duplex (FDD) scheme.

[0053] Fig. 1 illustrates tier 1 and tier 2 transmit-and-receive sectors for an eNB and a

UE, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An eNB 110 may have a plurality of tier-1 sectors 11 1 and a plurality of tier-2 sectors 1 12. Tier-1 sectors 11 1 may correspond to beamformed beams having relatively broad coverage. In comparison, tier-2 sectors 112 may correspond to beamformed beams having relatively narrower coverage than tier-1 sectors 11 1.

[0054] Although eNB 1 10 is depicted as having 8 tier-1 sectors 11 1 and 128 tier-2 sectors 112, eNB 110 may have other numbers of tier-1 sectors and tier-2 sectors. For example, eNB 110 may have 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, or 16 tier-1 sectors, and may have 64, 100, 120, or 125 tier-2 sectors. In various embodiments, eNB 1 10 may have a number of tier-1 sectors 11 1, and a greater number of tier-2 sectors 112. In addition, tier-1 sectors 1 11 may correspond to various sets of tier-2 sectors 112. [0055] eNB 110 may operate either on tier-1 sectors 111, or on tier-2 sectors 112.

Transmission along beams defined by tier-1 sectors 111 may be advantageous for low data- rate control message transmissions, such as Downlink Control Channel, Uplink Control Channel, Broadcast Channel (BCH), or Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions. In contrast, transmission along beams defined by tier-2 sectors 112 may be advantageous for high data-rate transmissions, such as Data Channel transmissions. Transmission along beams defined by tier-1 sectors 111 may improve link margin and/or cell coverage relative to omnidirectional transmission.

[0056] Similarly, UE 120 may have one or more tier-1 sectors 121 and a plurality of tier-2 sectors 122. Tier-1 sectors 121 may correspond to omnidirectional beams, whereas tier-2 sectors 122 may correspond to beamformed beams having relatively narrower coverage than tier-1 sectors 121.

[0057] Although UE 120 is depicted as having one tier-1 sector 121 and 128 tier-2 sectors 122, UE 120 may have other numbers of tier-1 sectors and tier-2 sectors. For example, UE 120 may have 3 or 4 tier-1 sectors, and may have 64, 100, 120, or 125 tier-2 sectors. In various embodiments, UE 120 may have a number of tier-1 sectors 121, and a greater number of tier-2 sectors 122. In addition, various tier-1 sectors 121 may correspond to various sets of tier-2 sectors 122.

[0058] UE 120 may operate either on tier-1 sectors 121 (e.g., in a TX-Omni / RX-

Omni mode, or possibly in a directional mode for some embodiments), or on tier-2 sectors 122.

[0059] Fig. 2 illustrates a frame structure and a numerology for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures for millimeter-wave (mmWave) cellular Radio Access

Networks (RANs), in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. (The frame structure and numerology may be compatible with legacy LTE systems and may thereby accommodate operation in an LTE-assisted "anchor booster" mode.) A frame structure 200 may comprise a series of superframes 210, a series of frames 220, a series of subframes 230, and a series of slots 240.

[0060] Frame structure 200 may be characterized by the parameters kl, k2, k3, k4, and t. Each superframe 210 may comprise a number kl of frames, each frame may comprise a number k2 of subframes, each subframe may comprise a number k3 of slots, and each slot may comprise a number k4 of symbols. In turn, each symbol may have a duration t. [0061] For example, is some embodiments, kl may be 20, k2 may be 25, k3 may be 2, k4 may be 50, and t may be 4 μβ. In such embodiments, a superframe 210 may comprise 20 frames 220, a frame 220 may comprise 25 subframes 230, a subframe 230 may comprise 2 slots 240, and a slot 240 may comprise 50 symbols. Accordingly, a superframe 210 may span 200 ms, a frame 220 may span 10 ms, a subframe may span 0.4 ms, and a slot may span 0.2 ms.

[0062] Alternatively, in some embodiments, kl may be 10, k2 may be 25, k3 may be

2, k4 may be 100, and t may be 4 us. In such embodiments, a superframe 210 may comprise 10 frames 220, a frame 220 may comprise 25 subframes 230, a subframe 230 may comprise 2 slots 240, and a slot 240 may comprise 100 symbols. Accordingly, a superframe 210 may span 200 ms, a frame 220 may span 20 ms, a subframe may span 0.8 ms, and a slot may span 0.4 ms.

[0063] Fig. 3 illustrates a timeline for Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS),

Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), BCH, Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), and RACH transmissions for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A timeline 300 comprises a first phase 310, a second phase 320, a third phase 330, a fourth phase 340, and a fifth phase 350. In timeline 300, PSS, SSS, BCH, CRS, and RACH may be allocated within a frame 305 to support a hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedure. For some embodiments of this disclosure, Beam Reference Signal (BRS) transmissions may be used instead of and/or in addition to CRS transmissions.

[0064] In first phase 310, an eNB may transmit PSS over its tier-2 sectors as part of an eNB TX-SS procedure, while a UE may listen over its tier-1 sector in an RX-Omni mode. (In some embodiments in which the UE has a plurality of tier-1 sectors, the UE may listen over its tier-1 sectors in a tier-1 sector receive (RX-Sector) mode.) As a result of the eNB TX-SS procedure, the UE may achieve DL synchronization, and may optionally identify a best eNB TX beam for the link.

[0065] In second phase 320, the eNB may transmit SSS over its tier-1 sectors in a tier-1 sector transmit (TX-Sector) mode, while the UE may listen over its tier-2 sectors as part of a UE RX-SS procedure. As a result of the UE RX-SS procedure, the UE may discover the cell and may identify a best UE RX beam for the link.

[0066] In third phase 330, the eNB may transmit BCH over its tier-1 sectors in a TX-

Sector mode, while the UE may listen over its best UE RX beam (a tier-2 beam) in a tier-2 sector receive (RX-Direct) mode. As a result of third phase 330, the UE may receive a Master Information Block (MIB), which may contain system configuration information pertaining to for initial access to a cell.

[0067] In an optional fourth phase 340, the eNB may transmit CRS over its tier-2 sectors as part of a second eNB TX-SS procedure, while the UE may listen in an RX-Direct mode. As a result of the second eNB TX-SS procedure, the UE may optionally identify a best eNB TX beam for the link.

[0068] PSS, SSS, BCH, and CRS may be persistently allocated within timeline 300, and the timing of PSS, SSS, BCH, and CRS within the frame may accordingly be fixed. Timeline 300 may be characterized by the parameters nl, n2, n3, n4, dl, d2, d3, d4, and T, where:

nl is a PSS-based eNB TX-SS interval (in units of symbols, e.g., 25 symbols);

n2 is an SSS-based UE RX-SS interval (in units of symbols, e.g., 25 symbols);

n3 is a BCH duration (in units of symbols, e.g., 25 symbols);

n4 is a CRS-based eNB TX-SS interval (in units of symbols, e.g., 25 symbols);

dl is a time offset for PSS (in units of subframes);

d2 is a time offset for SSS for the SSS-based UE RX-SS (in units of subframes);

d3 is a time offset for BCH (in units of subframes);

d4 is a time offset for CRS for the CRS-based eNB TX-SS (in units of subframes); and

T is a PSS period (in units of frames, e.g., 4 frames).

[0069] PSS, SSS, BCH, and CRS may persistently occupy the last nl, n2, n3, and n4 symbols of a subframe, respectively. The remainder of the subframe may be scheduled via Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for other uses. RACH may also be dynamically scheduled via PDCCH. Similar to legacy LTE systems, PDCCH may occupy the first few symbols of a subframe.

[0070] The allocated PSS might not contain Physical Cell Identification (PCI), and may be used primarily for Downlink (DL) synchronization. The allocated SSS may contain PCI, and may be used for a UE RX-SS procedure. The allocations of PSS, SSS, BCH, and CRS may repeat with a period of T frames. As a result, PSS and SSS may be allocated numerous times over a superframe, which may advantageously lower access latency and minimize disruption to scheduled data transmission.

[0071] Fig. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for PSS, SSS, BCH, CRS, and RACH transmissions for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Flow diagram 400 may comprise a first phase 410, a second phase 420, a third phase 430, a fourth phase 440, and a fifth phase 450.

[0072] In first phase 410, an eNB 401 may transmit PSS, and a UE 403 may perform

DL synchronization based upon the PSS. eNB 401 may transmit in a TX-SS mode over its tier-2 sectors, and UE 403 may receive over its tier-1 sector in an RX-Omni mode (or, in some embodiments, over its tier-1 sectors in an RX-Sector mode). The PSS might not be coded with control information (e.g., an eNB "beam index" or "frame timing"). UE 403 may determine a best eNB tier-2 sector based upon a timing of the best-received sector's transmission (for cases in which the timing is already known). For embodiments in which UE 403 is already DL synchronized (e.g., through an LTE "anchor"), PSS may be skipped.

[0073] In second phase 420, eNB 401 may transmit SSS, and UE 403 may perform an

RX-SS procedure based upon the SSS. eNB 401 may transmit in a TX-Sector mode over its tier-1 sectors, and UE 403 may receive over its tier-2 sectors in an RX-SS mode. UE 403 may accordingly determine a best UE tier-2 sector based upon the SSS.

[0074] In third phase 430, eNB 401 may transmit BCH comprising Master

Information Block (MIB), which may include information about frame timing and the basic system configuration. eNB 401 may transmit in a TX-Sector mode over its tier-1 sectors, and UE 403 may receive in an RX-Direct mode over its best UE tier-2 sector. BCH may carry a corresponding tier-1 eNB sector index. UE 403 may accordingly determine a best eNB tier-1 sector based upon the BCH.

[0075] In fourth phase 440, eNB 401 may transmit CRS. UE 403 may receive in an

RX-Direct mode over its best UE tier-2 sector to optionally determine a best eNB tier-2 sector, and may calculate a best eNB tier-2 sector index based upon the timing.

[0076] In fifth phase 450, UE 403 may perform random access via the best eNB tier-1 sector. UE 403 may issue a Random Access (RA) request, which may be uniquely identified by an RA preamble, an RA time slot, and/or the best eNB tier-1 sector. (If UE 403 is not calibrated for directional reciprocity, it may perform a TX-SS procedure over its selected UE tier-2 sectors across multiple RA slots.)

[0077] Accordingly, a hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedure may comprise an eNB TX-SS procedure to determine a best eNB tier-2 sector, a UE RX-SS procedure to determine a best UE tier-2 sector, and separate BCH transmission to deliver Master Information Block (MIB). [0078] Fig. 5 illustrates a timeline for dynamic RACH allocation over one or more subframes, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A multi-stage RACH allocation procedure may be beneficial for optimizing RACH performance. Discussed below are signal for dynamically setting up and flexibly allocating one or more RACH

opportunities.

[0079] A timeline 500 for a random access process may comprise various phases separated by DL / Uplink (UL) switching gaps (which may be, e.g., 1 symbol in duration). One RACH allocation may occupy one or more subframes, and may support one or more random access processes.

[0080] In timeline 500, an eNB may transmit PDCCH over a tier-1 sector in a

PDCCH phase 510, which may in turn be followed by the first contention interval and a contention resolution interval. The transmitted PDCCH may carry the parameters s, m, and nl, where:

s may indicate a usage of the subframe (e.g., s=0 for RACH);

m may optionally indicate a maximum length of RACH (in units of subframes); and nl may indicate a number of RA slots in a first contention interval.

The PDCCH may accordingly indicate that a subframe may be used for RACH, and that the next m-l subframes may also be used for RACH.

[0081] A duration of a contention interval may be set to n multiplied by TRA, where n may be a number of RA slots, and TRA may be a number of symbols per RA slot. A duration of the first contention interval may thus be set to nl multiplied by TRA. In contrast with the first contention interval, a duration of the contention resolution interval may vary depending upon a number of preambles successfully received in the contention interval. Moreover, a number of symbols required for RA-RSP, RRC -Conn- Setup, and RA-Complete may also vary.

[0082] The first contention interval may comprise a Random Access Request (RA-

REQ) phase 520, in which one or more UEs may transmit RA-REQ to the eNB. For example, in RA-REQ phase 520, both a UE 501 and a UE 502 may transmit RA-REQ to the eNB. UE 501 and UE 502 may randomly select an RA preamble, and then randomly select an RA slot to send RA-REQ to the eNB over its best UE TX beam in a tier-2 sector transmit (TX-Direct) mode (e.g., using the best tier-2 sectors determined by the hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedure). In the random access procedure, RACH preambles may be transmitted separately from RACH messages. [0083] The first contention resolution interval may comprise an RA Response (RA-

RSP) phase 530, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Request (RRC-Conn-REQ) phase 540, an RRC Connection Setup (RRC-Conn-Setup) phase 550, an RRC Connection Setup Complete (RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete) phase 560, and an RA Complete (RA- Complete) phase 570.

[0084] In RA-RSP phase 530, the eNB may act based upon whether it has received one or more RA-REQ transmissions. If the eNB successfully receives one or more RA-REQ transmissions, it will respond with an RA-RSP transmission. The RA-RSP transmission may carry an indicator of a number of RA-REQ transmissions (e.g., a number of preambles) it has received. For each received RA-REQ transmission, eNB may provide a RA Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI) to identify a UE based on one or more of an RA slot and an eNB tier-1 sector receiving the RA-REQ. An RA-RSP transmission may also carry timing advance information, the RA preamble for the corresponding RA-REQ, and an allocation information indicating a symbol at which the corresponding UE may send RRC-Conn-REQ (e.g., in RRC-Conn-REQ phase 540).

[0085] If the eNB does not successfully receive any RA preamble, it may decide to terminate RACH by indicating in an RA-RSP transmission that there are no more RA slots (e.g., n is equal to 0), at which point the random access procedure may end. Alternatively, the eNB may indicate that there are n RA slots in the next random access process, and then return to RA-REQ phase 520.

[0086] In RRC-Conn-REQ phase 540, if a UE finds its RA-RNTI in an RA-RSP, it may adjust its transmit time accordingly and transmit an RRC-Conn-REQ transmission. Otherwise, the UE may skip RRC-Conn-Setup phase 550 and RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete phase 560 and go to RA-Complete phase 570. The RRC-Conn-REQ transmission may carry information such as a UE identity and/or random number.

[0087] In RRC-Conn-Setup phase 540, if an RRC-Conn-REQ transmission has not been successfully received for one or more UEs, the eNB may return to RA-RSP phase 530 and may re-transmit an RA-RSP transmission. A re-transmitted RA-RSP may merely include UEs for which an RRC-Conn-REQ transmission has not been successfully received. When an RRC-Conn-REQ transmission has been successfully received for all UEs, or when a re-transmission limit (e.g., 3) has been reached, the eNB may transmit an RRC-Conn-Setup transmission (which may merely include UEs for which an RRC-Conn-REQ has successfully been received). [0088] In RA-Conn-Setup-Complete phase 550, a UE may send an RRC -Conn- Setup-

Complete transmission in response to the RRC-Conn-Setup transmission. The RRC-Conn- Setup-Complete transmission may carry an indicator of the best eNB tier-2 sector (as detected by the UE in the hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedure).

[0089] In RA-Complete phase 570, if an RA-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission has not been successfully received for one or more UEs, the eNB may return to RA-Conn-Setup- Complete phase 550 and may re-transmit an RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission. A re-transmitted RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission may merely include UEs for which an RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission has not been successfully received. When an RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission has been successfully received for all UEs, or when a re-transmission limit (e.g., 3) has been reached, the eNB may transmit an RA-Complete transmission (which may merely include UEs for which an RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete transmission has successfully been received) and indicate that the current RA process has ended. The RA-Complete transmission may indicate a number of RA slots in the next RA process, and the eNB may return to RA-REQ phase 520.

[0090] If there are no further RA for any UE, the greater RA process may end. If there are more RA, a second contention interval may follow the first contention resolution interval. A duration of the second contention interval may be set to n2 multiplied by TRA, where n2 may indicate a number of RA slots in the second contention interval. The second contention interval may comprise an RA-RSP phase 580, in which the eNB may transmit RA-RSP to any UEs with RA awaiting resolution.

[0091] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram for dynamic RACH allocation, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Flow diagram 600 may comprise a PDCCH phase 610, an RA-REQ phase 620, an RA-RSP phase 630, an RRC-Conn-REQ phase 640, an RRC- Conn-Setup phase 650, an RRC-Conn-Setup-Complete phase 660, and an RA-Complete phase 670. Flow diagram 600 may also comprise an RA-RSP phase 680 for resolution of random access not resolved as of RA-Complete phase 670. Phases 610 through 680 may be substantially similar to the similarly -named phases 510 through 580 of timeline 500.

[0092] As indicated in flog diagram 600, as an alternative procedure, if an RA-REQ transmission is capable of carrying additional control information, RRC-Conn-REQ phase 640 and RRC-Conn-Setup phase 650 may be skipped, which may advantageously reduce latency and improve system efficiency. In such cases, information carried in an RRC-Conn- REQ transmission (such as a UE identity and/or random number) of RRC-Conn-REQ phase 640 may be coded in the RA-REQ transmission in RA-REQ phase 620. Similarly, information carried in an RRC-Conn-Setup transmission of RRC-Conn-Setup phase 650 may be coded in the RA-RSP transmission in RA-RSP phase 630.

[0093] As discussed above, some initial access designs for hybrid beamforming architectures may employ an eNB TX-SS procedure followed by a UE TX-SS procedure. In such designs, UE TX-SS procedures may be embedded within a random access phase.

[0094] In comparison with such designs, simulations suggest that a hybrid sector- sweep initial acquisition procedure comprising an eNB TX-SS procedure and a UE-RX-SS procedure may advantageously reduce a number of RACH slots used for similar collision probabilities. For a system using 64 sectors, with 15 UEs per cell, the hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedure may reduce the total number of RACH slots used for similar collision probabilities by 50%, even when architectures employing a UE TX-SS procedure are optimized with various power control procedures.

[0095] In Table 1 and Table 2 below, the probability of collision may be a percentage of UEs that may collide and cannot pass contention. The data in Table 2 is from simulations having the same setup as in Table 1, averaged over 200 runs.

Table 1 :

Table 2:

According to Table 1, a collision rate of 12.95% for the first case corresponds with a total of 224 time slots dedicated to RACH with UE TX-SS. In comparison, according to Table 2, a collision rate of 11.62% corresponds with only 114 time slots dedicated to RACH with UE RX-SS.

[0096] While the hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures discussed above may not require an LTE "anchor booster" element and may work in a standalone mode, the procedures may also apply in the presence of an LTE "anchor booster," in which case contention-free RACH may be supported.

[0097] Notably, with reference to Fig. 3, the eNB may transmit over its tier-1 sectors in a TX-Sector mode in second phase 320 and third phase 330 (as well as in a subsequent random access procedure). In some embodiments, however, the eNB may not have enough RF chains or antennas to transmit in over all of its tier-1 sectors simultaneously. An eNB may have a total number of tier-1 sectors nl, but may have a smaller number of tier-1 sectors n2 over which it may transmit simultaneously.

[0098] Accordingly, in some embodiments, an eNB may transmit over its tier-1 sectors in sets of one or more sectors, repeating second phase 320, third phase 330, and subsequent random access procedures. The eNB may repeat these phases and procedures k times, where k is equal to nl divided by n2 (rounded up).

[0099] Moreover, tier-2 eNB TX-SS may be linked to the repeated phases and procedures on tier-1 sectors, such that tier-2 sectors whose directions may be best covered by a specific tier-1 direction may be scanned together, and may be coupled with corresponding SSS (for eNB RX-SS) / BCH / RACH transmissions on the tier-1 sector.

[00100] In various embodiments, tier-2 eNB sectors may be grouped based upon tier-1 eNB sectors that overlap the tier-2 eNB sectors. For example, an eNB may have 5 tier-1 sectors and 125 tier-2 sectors, and each tier-1 sector may overlap 25 tier-2 sectors.

[00101] For some embodiments in which n2 is smaller than nl, an eNB may perform second phase 320, third phase 330, and subsequent random access procedures on a first set of tier-1 sectors (and/or corresponding tier-2 sectors that the first set of tier-1 sectors overlaps). The eNB may then repeat these procedures on additional sets of tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors), until the eNB has performed the procedures a total of k times. In this way, the eNB may accordingly perform the procedures on all tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors).

[00102] To continue the previous example, the eNB having 5 tier-1 sectors and 125 tier-2 sectors may only be capable of simultaneously transmitting in accordance with the hybrid initial acquisition procedures over two tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors) at a time. Accordingly, the eNB may first transmit over 2 of its tier-1 sectors, then transmit over 2 of its remaining tier-1 sectors, then transmit over its last remaining tier-1 sector, for a total of three iterations (e.g., k equals 3). [00103] In scheduling the procedures, the eNB may begin with the set of tier-1 sectors that covers the highest number of tier-2 sectors currently in use. The eNB may accordingly begin with the set of tier-1 sectors covering the most tier-2 sectors that were indicated as being the best tier-2 eNB sectors for UEs served by the eNB, according to a most recently- completed eNB TX-SS procedure. This may advantageously facilitate the most rapid possible initial acquisition for the UEs being served by and eNB, for embodiments in which the eNB has more tier-1 sectors than the number of tier-1 sectors over which it may simultaneously transmit.

[00104] Linking tier-1 and tier-2 sectors in this manner may have additional advantages in other contexts. When selecting its best tier-2 sector, for example, a UE may request an eNB to sweep a subset of the eNB tier-2 sectors which are linked to the best eNB tier-1 sector, and may accordingly reduce a sector sweep overhead.

[00105] Fig. 7 illustrates a timeline for Time-Division-Multiplexing (TDM) allocation of SSS, BCH, and RACH corresponding to sets of an eNB's tier-1 sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A timeline 700 may comprise a first sector sweep 701, a second sector sweep 702, and a third sector sweep 703, and may also comprise one or more SSS phases 730, one or more BCH phases 740, and one or more RACH phases 750.

Timeline 700 may be characterized by the parameters d3 and d5, where:

d3 is a time offset for BCH (in units of subframes); and

d5 is a time offset for tier-l-based sector sweep of SSS / BCH (in units of subframes, or frames).

[00106] Continuing the previously-discussed example, in first sector sweep 701, an eNB may select a first set of two tier-1 sectors; in second sweep 702, the eNB may select a second set of two tier-1 sectors out of the remaining tier-1 sectors; and in in third sweep 703, the eNB may select the final remaining tier-1 sector. Then, BCH, random access, and SSS may be allocated for first sector sweep 701, second sector sweep 702, and third sector sweep 703.

[00107] A sector sweep may begin after an SSS allocation such as in second phase 320 of Fig. 3. The sector sweep may include a BCH allocation at an offset d3 from the SSS allocation in BCH phase 740 (which may be substantially similar to third phase 330 of Fig. 3), then a RACH phase 750 (which may be substantially similar to the dynamic RACH allocations discussed above), then an SSS phase 730 (which may be substantially similar to second phase 320 of Fig. 3). (Although not depicted in Fig. 7, some embodiments may include a CRS allocation substantially similar to fourth phase 340 of Fig. 3 in one or more sector sweeps.) The next sector sweep may begin at an offset d5 from the beginning of the current sector sweep.

[00108] In a first algorithm for scheduling the procedures, the eNB may in some embodiments schedule the tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors) in the same order for every eNB TX-SS allocation, for example under a round-robin algorithm. An advantage of a round-robin algorithm is that a UE may more easily track a UE RX-SS procedure, since an interval between two successive UE RX-SS procedures on the same tier-1 sector may be fixed. In other embodiments, the eNB may schedule the tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors) in a weighted round-robin algorithm.

[00109] In a second algorithm for scheduling the procedures, the eNB may in some embodiments employ a scheduling algorithm as discussed above, in which the eNB may schedule the various tier-1 sectors (and/or the corresponding tier-2 sectors) on the basis of which set of n2 tier-1 sectors correspond to the largest number of tier-2 sectors identified as best tier-2 eNB sectors in the previous complete eNB TX-SS procedure. An advantage of this algorithm is that an average initial acquisition latency for all UEs served by the eNB may be minimized. For example, if the eNB can simultaneously cover all tier-2 sectors identified by the previous UE RX-SS procedure, the initial acquisition procedure may conclude after merely one sector sweep.

[00110] However, an interval between two successive UE RX-SS procedures on the same tier-1 sector may vary. Accordingly, an eNB may explicitly indicate (e.g., in a Master Information Block (MIB) via BCH) how a UE RX-SS is allocated on each tier-1 sector in a superframe, using a combination of frame number and/or subframe number.

[00111] In other possible embodiments, an eNB may schedule the various tier-1 sectors in a predetermined, specific order designed for a given optimization objective. In such embodiments, the eNB may be configured with a predetermined, specific orders, which the eNB may then apply.

[00112] Fig. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for TDM allocation of SSS, BCH, and RACH allocation corresponding to sets of an eNB's tier-1 sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Flow diagram 800 may comprise a PSS phase 810, a first sector sweep 801, a second sector sweep 802, and a ML sector sweep 809 (where k may be equal to nl divided by n2, rounded up). [00113] An eNB may repeat a BCH phase, a RACH phase, and an SSS phase in first sector sweep 801 , then in second sector sweep 802, and so on as necessary through ML sector sweep 809. The eNB may schedule its nl tier-1 sectors based on the first algorithm discussed above (e.g., a round-robin algorithm), or based on the second algorithm discussed above (e.g., an algorithm to minimize initial acquisition latency), or based upon another algorithm for another optimization objective.

[00114] The eNB may include an indicator of the tier-1 eNB sector for the tier-1 eNB sector on which BCH is sent. If the eNB bases its scheduling on the second algorithm, it may optionally include an explicit indicator (e.g., in an MIB via BCH) of the location within a superframe of UE RX-SS allocations on the same tier-1 sector. Furthermore, a UE may perform a UE RX-SS procedure as many times as it may need to successfully select its best tier-2 UE sector.

[00115] Fig. 9 illustrates an eNB and a UE, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Fig. 9 includes block diagrams of an eNB 910 and a UE 930 which are operable to co-exist with each other and other elements of an LTE network. High-level, simplified architectures of eNB 910 and UE 930 are described so as not to obscure the embodiments. It should be noted that in some embodiments, eNB 910 may be a stationary non-mobile device.

[00116] eNB 910 is coupled to one or more antennas 905, and UE 930 is similarly coupled to one or more antennas 925. However, in some embodiments, eNB 910 may incorporate or comprise antennas 905, and UE 930 in various embodiments may incorporate or comprise antennas 925.

[00117] In some embodiments, antennas 905 and/or antennas 925 may comprise one or more directional or omni-directional antennas, including monopole antennas, dipole antennas, loop antennas, patch antennas, microstrip antennas, coplanar wave antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmission of RF signals. In some MIMO (multiple-input and multiple output) embodiments, antennas 905 are separated to take advantage of spatial diversity.

[00118] eNB 910 and UE 930 are operable to communicate with each other on a network, such as a wireless network. eNB 910 and UE 930 may be in communication with each other over a wireless communication channel 950, which has both a downlink path from eNB 910 to UE 930 and an uplink path from UE 930 to eNB 910. [00119] As illustrated in Fig. 9, in some embodiments, eNB 910 may include a physical layer circuitry 912, a MAC (media access control) circuitry 914, a processor 916, a memory 918, and a hardware processing circuitry 920. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other components not shown may be used in addition to the components shown to form a complete eNB.

[00120] In some embodiments, physical layer circuitry 912 includes a transceiver 913 for providing signals to and from UE 930. Transceiver 913 provides signals to and from UEs or other devices using one or more antennas 905. In some embodiments, MAC circuitry 914 controls access to the wireless medium. Memory 918 may be, or may include, a storage media/medium such as a magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes or magnetic disks), an optical storage media (e.g., optical discs), an electronic storage media (e.g., conventional hard disk drives, solid-state disk drives, or flash-memory-based storage media), or any tangible storage media or non-transitory storage media. Hardware processing circuitry 920 may comprise logic devices or circuitry to perform various operations. In some embodiments, processor 916 and memory 918 are arranged to perform the operations of hardware processing circuitry 920, such as operations described herein with reference to logic devices and circuitry within eNB 910 and/or hardware processing circuitry 920.

[00121] Accordingly, in some embodiments, eNB 910 may be a device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antenna ports, and an interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device.

[00122] As is also illustrated in Fig. 9, in some embodiments, UE 930 may include a physical layer circuitry 932, a MAC circuitry 934, a processor 936, a memory 938, a hardware processing circuitry 940, a wireless interface 942, and a display 944. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that other components not shown may be used in addition to the components shown to form a complete UE.

[00123] In some embodiments, physical layer circuitry 932 includes a transceiver 933 for providing signals to and from eNB 910 (as well as other eNBs). Transceiver 933 provides signals to and from eNBs or other devices using one or more antennas 925. In some embodiments, MAC circuitry 934 controls access to the wireless medium. Memory 938 may be, or may include, a storage media/medium such as a magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes or magnetic disks), an optical storage media (e.g., optical discs), an electronic storage media (e.g., conventional hard disk drives, solid-state disk drives, or flash-memory-based storage media), or any tangible storage media or non-transitory storage media. Wireless interface 942 may be arranged to allow the processor to communicate with another device. Display 944 may provide a visual and/or tactile display for a user to interact with UE 930, such as a touch-screen display. Hardware processing circuitry 940 may comprise logic devices or circuitry to perform various operations. In some embodiments, processor 936 and memory 938 may be arranged to perform the operations of hardware processing circuitry 940, such as operations described herein with reference to logic devices and circuitry within UE 930 and/or hardware processing circuitry 940.

[00124] Accordingly, in some embodiments, UE 930 may be a device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display.

[00125] Elements of Fig. 9, and elements of other figures having the same names or reference numbers, can operate or function in the manner described herein with respect to any such figures (although the operation and function of such elements is not limited to such descriptions). For example, Figs. 10-15 also depict embodiments of eNBs, hardware processing circuitry of eNBs, UEs, and/or hardware processing circuitry of UEs, and the embodiments described with respect to Fig. 9 and Figs. 10-15 can operate or function in the manner described herein with respect to any of the figures.

[00126] In addition, although eNB 910 and UE 930 are each described as having several separate functional elements, one or more of the functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements and/or other hardware elements. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the functional elements can refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements. Examples of software and/or hardware configured elements include Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more microprocessors, DSPs, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs), and so on.

[00127] An eNB may include various hardware processing circuitries discussed below

(such as hardware processing circuitry 1000 of Fig. 10, hardware processing circuitry 1200 of Fig. 12, and hardware processing circuitry 1400 of Fig. 14), which may in turn comprise logic devices and/or circuitry operable to perform various operations. For example, with reference to Fig. 9, eNB 910 (or various elements or components therein, such as hardware processing circuitry 920, or combinations of elements or components therein) may include part of, or all of, these hardware processing circuitries. [00128] In some embodiments, one or more devices or circuitries within these hardware processing circuitries may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements and/or other hardware elements. For example, processor 916 (and/or one or more other processors which eNB 910 may comprise), memory 918, and/or other elements or components of eNB 910 (which may include hardware processing circuitry 920) may be arranged to perform the operations of these hardware processing circuitries, such as operations described herein with reference to devices and circuitry within these hardware processing circuitries. In some embodiments, processor 916 (and/or one or more other processors which eNB 910 may comprise) may be a baseband processor.

[00129] A UE may include various hardware processing circuitries discussed below

(such as hardware processing circuitry 1 100 of Fig. 11, hardware processing circuitry 1300 of Fig. 13, and hardware processing circuitry 1500 of Fig. 15), which may in turn comprise logic devices and/or circuitry operable to perform various operations. For example, with reference to Fig. 9, UE 930 (or various elements or components therein, such as hardware processing circuitry 940, or combinations of elements or components therein) may include part of, or all of, these hardware processing circuitries.

[00130] In some embodiments, one or more devices or circuitries within these hardware processing circuitries may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements and/or other hardware elements. For example, processor 936 (and/or one or more other processors which UE 930 may comprise), memory 938, and/or other elements or components of UE 930 (which may include hardware processing circuitry 940) may be arranged to perform the operations of these hardware processing circuitries, such as operations described herein with reference to devices and circuitry within these hardware processing circuitries. In some embodiments, processor 936 (and/or one or more other processors which UE 930 may comprise) may be a baseband processor.

[00131] Various methods that may relate to eNB 910 and hardware processing circuitry 920 are discussed below. Although the actions in flowcharts 1600, 1800, and 2000 with reference to Figs. 16, 18, and 20 are shown in a particular order, the order of the actions can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments can be performed in a different order, and some actions may be performed in parallel. Some of the actions and/or operations listed in Figs. 16, 18, and 20 are optional in accordance with certain embodiments. The numbering of the actions presented is for the sake of clarity and is not intended to prescribe an order of operations in which the various actions must occur. Additionally, operations from the various flows may be utilized in a variety of combinations.

[00132] Moreover, in some embodiments, machine readable storage media may have executable instructions that, when executed, cause eNB 910 and/or hardware processing circuitry 920 to perform an operation comprising the methods of Figs. 16, 18, and 20. Such machine readable storage media may include any of a variety of storage media, like magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes or magnetic disks), optical storage media (e.g., optical discs), electronic storage media (e.g., conventional hard disk drives, solid-state disk drives, or flash-memory-based storage media), or any other tangible storage media or non-transitory storage media.

[00133] In some embodiments, an apparatus may comprise means for performing various actions and/or operations of the methods of Figs. 16, 18, and 20.

[00134] Various methods that may relate to UE 930 and hardware processing circuitry 940 are discussed below. Although the actions in the flowcharts 1700, 1900, and 2100 with reference to Figs. 17, 19, and 21 are shown in a particular order, the order of the actions can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments can be performed in a different order, and some actions may be performed in parallel. Some of the actions and/or operations listed in Figs. 17, 19, and 21 are optional in accordance with certain embodiments. The numbering of the actions presented is for the sake of clarity and is not intended to prescribe an order of operations in which the various actions must occur. Additionally, operations from the various flows may be utilized in a variety of combinations.

[00135] Moreover, in some embodiments, machine readable storage media may have executable instructions that, when executed, cause UE 930 and/or hardware processing circuitry 940 to perform an operation comprising the methods of Figs. 17, 19, and 21. Such machine readable storage media may include any of a variety of storage media, like magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes or magnetic disks), optical storage media (e.g., optical discs), electronic storage media (e.g., conventional hard disk drives, solid-state disk drives, or flash-memory-based storage media), or any other tangible storage media or non-transitory storage media.

[00136] In some embodiments, an apparatus may comprise means for performing various actions and/or operations of the methods of Figs. 17, 19, and 21.

[00137] Fig. 10 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for an eNB for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of eNB 910 (or another eNB or base station), which may be operable to communicate with one or more UEs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1000. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1000 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1005 operable to provide various

transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 1050). Antenna ports 1005 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1007 (which may be antennas 1005). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1000 may incorporate antennas 1007, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1000 may merely be coupled to antennas 1007.

[00138] Antenna ports 1005 and antennas 1007 may be operable to provide signals from an eNB to a wireless communications channel and/or a UE, and may be operable to provide signals from a UE and/or a wireless communications channel to an eNB. For example, antenna ports 1005 and antennas 1007 may be operable to provide transmissions from eNB 910 to wireless communication channel 1050 (and from there to UE 930, or to another UE). Similarly, antennas 1007 and antenna ports 1005 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 1050 (and beyond that, from UE 930, or another UE) to eNB 910.

[00139] With reference to Fig. 10, hardware processing circuitry 1000 may comprise a first circuitry 1010, a second circuitry 1020, and/or a third circuitry 1030. First circuitry 1010 may be operable to generate a plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS

transmissions. First circuitry 1010 may also be operable to generate a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. For some embodiments, the DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be SSS transmissions. An average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may correspond with tier-2 sectors as described above, and the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may correspond with tier-1 sectors as described above.

[00140] In some embodiments, both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be RF beamforming sectors. [00141] In some embodiments, second circuitry 1020 may be operable to process a

Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. In such embodiments, the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00142] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1010 may be operable to generate a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, SI transmissions may be BCH transmissions. For such embodiments, second circuitry 1020 may be operable to process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector. The best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00143] For some embodiments, first circuitry 1010 may be operable to generate the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00144] In some embodiments, second circuitry 1020 may be operable to process one or more RACH transmissions. In such embodiments, second circuitry may provide the one or more RACH transmissions to third circuitry 1030 via an interface 1025. Third circuitry 1030 may then be operable to determine one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions.

[00145] In some embodiments, a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may respectively correspond to a first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, and a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may respectively correspond to a second subset of the first eNB transmit sectors. The first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be larger than the second subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00146] For some embodiments, first circuitry 1010 may be operable to generate, for a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Data Channel transmissions. In some embodiments, the reference signal transmissions may be one of: CRS transmissions, or BRS transmissions. First circuitry 1010 may also be operable to generate, for a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of SI transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Control Channel transmissions. Second circuitry 1020 may be operable to process, for the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more UL Data Channel transmissions. Second circuitry 1020 may also be operable to process, for the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more RACH transmissions. In such embodiments, an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00147] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1010, second circuitry 1020, and third circuitry 1030 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1010, second circuitry 1020, and third circuitry 1030 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments.

[00148] Fig. 11 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for hybrid sector- sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of UE 930 (or another UE or mobile handset), which may be operable to communicate with one or more eNBs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1100. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1100 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1105 operable to provide various transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 1050). Antenna ports 1105 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1107 (which may be antennas 1025). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1100 may incorporate antennas 1107, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1100 may merely be coupled to antennas 1107.

[00149] Antenna ports 1105 and antennas 1107 may be operable to provide signals from a UE to a wireless communications channel and/or an eNB, and may be operable to provide signals from an eNB and/or a wireless communications channel to a UE. For example, antenna ports 1 105 and antennas 1 107 may be operable to provide transmissions from UE 930 to wireless communication channel 1050 (and from there to eNB 910, or to another eNB). Similarly, antennas 1 107 and antenna ports 1105 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 1050 (and beyond that, from eNB 910, or another eNB) to UE 930.

[00150] With reference to Fig. 11, hardware processing circuitry 1 100 may comprise a first circuitry 11 10, a second circuitry 1 120, and/or a third circuitry 1130. First circuitry 1 110 may be operable to process one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS

transmissions. First circuitry 1 110 may also be operable to process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors. For some embodiments, the DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be SSS transmissions. The first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may correspond with tier-2 sectors as described above, and the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may correspond with tier-1 sectors as described above. Second circuitry 1120 may be operable to evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. An average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00151] In some embodiments, the one or more UE receive sectors may be RF beamforming sectors. For some embodiments, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00152] In some embodiments, second circuitry 1 120 may be operable to evaluate the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. In such embodiments, third circuitry 1 130 may be operable to generate a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00153] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1 110 may be operable to process one or more System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, an SI transmission may be a BCH transmission, and may carry essential system information and/or eNB configuration information. In such embodiments, first circuitry 11 10 may provide the one or more SI transmissions to second circuitry 1 120 via an interface 11 15. Second circuitry 1120 may be operable to evaluate the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector. Meanwhile, third circuitry 1 130 may be operable to generate a transmission that identifies the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00154] In some embodiments, second circuitry 1 120 may provide the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator to third circuitry 1130 via an interface 1125. In such embodiments, third circuitry 1 130 may be operable to generate a RACH transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00155] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1010 may be operable to process, for one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL

synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. First circuitry 1010 may also be operable to process, for one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more SI transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors. In some embodiments, third circuitry 1030 may be operable to generate, for one or more of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more UL Data Channel transmissions. Third circuitry 1030 may also be operable to generate, for one or more of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more RACH transmissions. In such embodiments, an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00156] In some embodiments, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors. In such embodiments, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. [00157] In some embodiments, first circuitry 11 10, second circuitry 1 120, and third circuitry 1 130 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1110, second circuitry 1 120, and third circuitry 1 130 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments.

[00158] Fig. 12 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for an eNB for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of eNB 910 (or another eNB or base station), which may be operable to communicate with one or more UEs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1200. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1200 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1205 operable to provide various transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 950). Antenna ports 1205 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1207 (which may be antennas 905). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1200 may incorporate antennas 1207, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1200 may merely be coupled to antennas 1207.

[00159] Antenna ports 1205 and antennas 1207 may be operable to provide signals from an eNB to a wireless communications channel and/or a UE, and may be operable to provide signals from a UE and/or a wireless communications channel to an eNB. For example, antenna ports 1205 and antennas 1207 may be operable to provide transmissions from eNB 910 to wireless communication channel 950 (and from there to UE 930, or to another UE). Similarly, antennas 1207 and antenna ports 1205 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 950 (and beyond that, from UE 930, or another UE) to eNB 910.

[00160] With reference to Fig. 12, hardware processing circuitry 1200 may comprise a first circuitry 1210 and a second circuitry 1220. First circuitry 1210 may be operable to generate one or more DL Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The one or more DL Control Channel transmissions may carry one or more respectively corresponding RACH allocation indicators and one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators.

[00161] In some embodiments, the one or more RACH allocation indicators may specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval. For some embodiments, the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions may respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00162] For some embodiments, first circuitry 1210 may be operable to generate a

Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval. In some embodiments, second circuitry 1220 may be operable to process one or more Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00163] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1210 and second circuitry 1220 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1210 and second circuitry 1220 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments.

[00164] Fig. 13 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for dynamic, multistage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of UE 930 (or another UE or mobile handset), which may be operable to communicate with one or more eNBs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1300. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1300 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1305 operable to provide various transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 950). Antenna ports 1305 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1307 (which may be antennas 925). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1300 may incorporate antennas 1307, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1300 may merely be coupled to antennas 1307.

[00165] Antenna ports 1305 and antennas 1307 may be operable to provide signals from a UE to a wireless communications channel and/or an eNB, and may be operable to provide signals from an eNB and/or a wireless communications channel to a UE. For example, antenna ports 1305 and antennas 1307 may be operable to provide transmissions from UE 930 to wireless communication channel 950 (and from there to eNB 910, or to another eNB). Similarly, antennas 1307 and antenna ports 1305 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 950 (and beyond that, from eNB 910, or another eNB) to UE 930.

[00166] With reference to Fig. 13, hardware processing circuitry 1300 may comprise a first circuitry 1310, a second circuitry 1320, and a third circuitry 1330. For some

embodiments, first circuitry 1310 may be operable to process one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors. The one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be provided by first circuitry 1310 to second circuitry 1320 by an interface 1315. Second circuitry 1320 may be operable to evaluate the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and- receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. Second circuitry 1320 may also identify best UE transmit-and-receive sector to third circuitry 1330 by an interface 1325. First circuitry 1310 may be operable to process a DL Control Channel transmission carrying a RACH allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval. Third circuitry 1330 may be operable to generate, for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, an RA-REQ

transmission during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00167] For some embodiments, first circuitry 1310 may be operable to process an

RA-Complete transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00168] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1310 may be operable to process one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors. First circuitry 1310 may also be operable to process a DL Control Channel transmission carrying a RACH allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval. Third circuitry 1330 may be operable to generate, for the plurality of UE transmit- and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of RA-REQ transmissions during the contention interval.

[00169] For some embodiments, the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors may collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE. In some embodiments, the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions may be generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time. In some embodiments, first circuitry 1310 may be operable to process an RA-Complete transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00170] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1310, second circuitry 1320, and third circuitry 1330 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1310, second circuitry 1320, and third circuitry 1330 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments. [00171] Fig. 14 illustrates hardware processing circuitries or an eNB for time-division multiplexing of SSS, BCH, and RACH over multiple sets of transmit-and-receive sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of eNB 910 (or another eNB or base station), which may be operable to communicate with one or more UEs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1400. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1400 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1405 operable to provide various transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 950). Antenna ports 1405 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1407 (which may be antennas 905). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1400 may incorporate antennas 1407, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1400 may merely be coupled to antennas 1407.

[00172] Antenna ports 1405 and antennas 1407 may be operable to provide signals from an eNB to a wireless communications channel and/or a UE, and may be operable to provide signals from a UE and/or a wireless communications channel to an eNB. For example, antenna ports 1405 and antennas 1407 may be operable to provide transmissions from eNB 910 to wireless communication channel 950 (and from there to UE 930, or to another UE). Similarly, antennas 1407 and antenna ports 1405 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 950 (and beyond that, from UE 930, or another UE) to eNB 910.

[00173] With reference to Fig. 14, hardware processing circuitry 1400 may comprise a first circuitry 1410 and a second circuitry 1420. First circuitry 1410 may be operable to generate one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first DL

synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission, the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit- and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmission may be a PSS transmission. First circuitry 1410 may also be operable to generate one or more second sequences of DL transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission, the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The one or more second sequences of DL transmissions may be generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions.

[00174] For some embodiments, second circuitry 1420 may be operable to generate one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00175] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1410 and second circuitry 1420 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1410 and second circuitry 1420 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments.

[00176] Fig. 15 illustrates hardware processing circuitries for a UE for sector selection procedures during initial access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. An apparatus of UE 930 (or another UE or mobile handset), which may be operable to communicate with one or more eNBs on a wireless network, may comprise hardware processing circuitry 1500. In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1500 may comprise one or more antenna ports 1505 operable to provide various transmissions over a wireless communication channel (such as wireless communication channel 950). Antenna ports 1505 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1507 (which may be antennas 925). In some embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1500 may incorporate antennas 1507, while in other embodiments, hardware processing circuitry 1500 may merely be coupled to antennas 1507.

[00177] Antenna ports 1505 and antennas 1507 may be operable to provide signals from a UE to a wireless communications channel and/or an eNB, and may be operable to provide signals from an eNB and/or a wireless communications channel to a UE. For example, antenna ports 1505 and antennas 1507 may be operable to provide transmissions from UE 930 to wireless communication channel 950 (and from there to eNB 910, or to another eNB). Similarly, antennas 1507 and antenna ports 1505 may be operable to provide transmissions from a wireless communication channel 950 (and beyond that, from eNB 910, or another eNB) to UE 930.

[00178] With reference to Fig. 15, hardware processing circuitry 1500 may comprise a first circuitry 1510, a second circuitry 1520, a fourth circuitry 1540. First circuitry 1510 may be operable to process one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS

transmissions. First circuitry 1510 may also be operable to process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors. Second circuitry 1520 may be operable to evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit- and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. An average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The one or more UE transmit-and- receive sectors may be RF beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE. A plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors may be swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00179] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1510 may be operable to process, through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, at least one of: a BCH transmission, a CRS transmission, a BRS transmission, or a DL control channel transmission. For some embodiments, third circuitry 1530 may be operable to determine a best first eNB transmit- and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector. In some embodiments, third circuitry 1530 may also be operable to determine a best second eNB transmit-and- receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector. In some embodiments, fourth circuitry 1540 may be operable to generate an RA-REQ transmission for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00180] In some embodiments, first circuitry 1510, second circuitry 1520, third circuitry 1530, and fourth circuitry 1540 may be implemented as separate circuitries. In other embodiments, one or more of first circuitry 1510, second circuitry 1520, third circuitry 1530, and fourth circuitry 1540 may be combined and implemented together in a circuitry without altering the essence of the embodiments.

[00181] With respect to Figs. 10-15, in various embodiments, the generating of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions (which may be PSS

transmissions), or the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may comprise (which may be PSS transmissions), or the plurality SI transmissions (which may be BCH transmissions) may comprise, for example, multiplexing the transmissions into

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. In addition, the processing of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions (which may be PSS transmissions), or the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may comprise (which may be PSS transmissions), or the plurality SI transmissions (which may be BCH transmissions) may comprise, for example, demultiplexing or otherwise parsing the transmissions out of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols

[00182] Fig. 16 illustrates methods for an eNB for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 1600 may comprise a generating 1610, a generating 1615, a processing 1620, a generating 1630, a processing 1635, a generating 1640, a processing 1650, and/or a determining 1655. In generating 1610, a plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be generated. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS transmissions. In generating 1615, a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be generated. For some embodiments, the DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be SSS transmissions. An average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, both the plurality of first eNB transmit- and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be RF beamforming sectors.

[00183] In some embodiments, in processing 1620, a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be processed. In such embodiments, the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00184] For some embodiments, in generating 1630, a plurality of SI transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be generated. In some embodiments, SI transmissions may be BCH transmissions. In such embodiments, in processing 1635, a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be processed. The best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions. [00185] In some embodiments, in generating 1640, the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be generated.

[00186] For some embodiments, in processing 1650, one or more RACH transmissions may be processed. In such embodiments, in determining 1655, one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions may be determined.

[00187] In some embodiments, a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, and a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit sectors. The first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00188] Fig. 17 illustrates methods for a UE for hybrid sector-sweep initial acquisition procedures, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 1700 may comprise a processing 1710, a processing 1715, an evaluating 1720, an evaluating 1730, a generating 1735, a processing 1740, an evaluating 1745, a generating 1750, and/or a generating 1760. In processing 1710, one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be processed. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS transmissions. In processing 1715, one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, may be processed. For some embodiments, the DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be SSS transmissions. In evaluating 1720, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be evaluated to determine which of the one or more UE transmit- and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. An average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00189] For some embodiments, the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are

RF beamforming sectors. In some embodiments, in evaluating 1730, the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be evaluated to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmissions may be PSS transmissions. In generating 1735, a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be generated.

[00190] In some embodiments, in processing 1740, one or more SI transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be processed. In some embodiments, an SI transmission may be a BCH transmission, and may carry essential system information and/or eNB configuration information. In evaluating 1745, the one or more SI transmissions may be evaluated to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector. In generating 1750, a transmission that identifies the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be generated.

[00191] For some embodiments, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be simultaneously received by the UE. In some embodiments, in generating 1760, a RACH transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator may be generated.

[00192] Fig. 18 illustrates methods for an eNB for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 1800 may comprise a generating 1810, a generating 1820, and/or a processing 1830. In generating 1810, one or more DL Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be generated for an eNB. The one or more DL Control Channel transmissions may carry one or more respectively corresponding RACH allocation indicators and/or one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators.

[00193] In some embodiments, the one or more RACH allocation indicators may specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval. For some embodiments, the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions may respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00194] In generating 1820, an RA-Complete transmission carrying a number of

Random Access slots in a next contention interval may be generated. In processing 1830, one or more RA-REQ transmissions may be processed during the contention interval of the RACH protocol. [00195] Fig. 19 illustrates methods for a UE for dynamic, multi-stage random access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 1900 may comprise a processing 1910, an evaluating 1915, a processing 1920, a generating 1925, a processing 1930, a processing 1950, a processing 1955, a generating 1960, and/or a processing 1970.

[00196] In some embodiments, in processing 1910, one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, may be processed for a UE. In evaluating 1915, the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions may be evaluated to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit- and-receive sector. In processing 1920, a DL Control Channel transmission carrying a RACH allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval may be processed. In generating 1925, a RA-REQ transmission may be generated for the best UE transmit-and- receive sector during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00197] For some embodiments, in processing 1930, an RA-Complete transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval may be processed.

[00198] In some embodiments, in processing 1950, one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, may be processed. In processing 1955, a DL Control Channel transmission carrying a RACH allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval may be processed. In generating 1960, for the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of RA- REQ transmissions may be generated during the contention interval.

[00199] For some embodiments, the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors may collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE. In some embodiments, the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions may be generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time. In processing 1970, a RA-Complete transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval may be processed.

[00200] Fig. 20 illustrates methods for an eNB for time-division multiplexing of SSS,

BCH, and RACH over multiple sets of transmit-and-receive sectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 2000 may comprise a generating 2010, a generating 2015, and/or a generating 2020. [00201] In generating 2010, one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first DL synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission may be generated. The one or more first sequences of DL transmissions may respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. In some embodiments, the DL synchronization control signal transmission may be a PSS transmission. In generating 2015, one or more second sequences of DL transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission may be generated. The one or more second sequences of DL transmissions may respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. The one or more second sequences of DL transmissions may be generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions.

[00202] In some embodiments, one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00203] Fig. 21 illustrates methods for a UE for a UE for sector selection procedures during initial access, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. A method 2100 may comprise a processing 2110, a processing 2115, an evaluating 2120, a processing 2130, a determining 2140, a determining 2150, and/or a generating 2160. In processing 21 10, one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively

corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be processed. In processing 21 15, one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors may be processed. In evaluating 2120, the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions may be evaluated to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector. An average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors may be less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00204] In some embodiments, the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors may be RF beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE. For some embodiments, a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors may be swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00205] For some embodiments, in processing 2130, at least one of: a BCH

transmission, a CRS transmission, a BRS transmission, or a DL control channel transmission may be processed through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector. In some embodiments, in determining 2140, a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector. For some embodiments, in determining 2150, a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector may be determined through the best UE transmit- and-receive sector. In some embodiments, for generating 2160, a RA-REQ transmission may be generated for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00206] Fig. 22 illustrates example components of a UE device 2200, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the UE device 2200 may include application circuitry 2202, baseband circuitry 2204, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 2206, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 2208, a low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR), and one or more antennas 2210, coupled together at least as shown. In some embodiments, the UE device 2200 may include additional elements such as, for example, memory /storage, display, camera, sensor, and/or input/output (I/O) interface.

[00207] The application circuitry 2202 may include one or more application processors. For example, the application circuitry 2202 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) may include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors may be coupled with and/or may include memory /storage and may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory /storage to enable various applications and/or operating systems to run on the system.

[00208] The baseband circuitry 2204 may include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 2204 may include one or more baseband processors and/or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 2206 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 2206. Baseband processing circuity 2204 may interface with the application circuitry 2202 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 2206. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 2204 may include a second generation (2G) baseband processor 2204A, third generation (3G) baseband processor 2204B, fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 2204C, and/or other baseband processor(s) 2204D for other existing generations, generations in development or to be developed in the future (e.g., fifth generation (5G), 6G, etc.). The baseband circuitry 2204 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 2204A-D) may handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 2206. The radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 2204 may include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and/or constellation mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments, encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 2204 may include convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoder/decoder functionality. Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and may include other suitable functionality in other embodiments.

[00209] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 2204 may include elements of a protocol stack such as, for example, elements of an EUTRAN protocol including, for example, physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and/or RRC elements. A central processing unit (CPU) 2204E of the baseband circuitry 2204 may be configured to run elements of the protocol stack for signaling of the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and/or RRC layers. In some

embodiments, the baseband circuitry may include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 2204F. The audio DSP(s) 2204F may be include elements for compression/decompression and echo cancellation and may include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry may be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 2204 and the application circuitry 2202 may be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC).

[00210] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 2204 may provide for communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 2204 may support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and/or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 2204 is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[00211] RF circuitry 2206 may enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 2206 may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 2206 may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 2208 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 2204. RF circuitry 2206 may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry to up- convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 2204 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 2208 for transmission.

[00212] In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 2206 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the RF circuitry 2206 may include mixer circuitry 2206A, amplifier circuitry 2206B and filter circuitry 2206C. The transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 2206 may include filter circuitry 2206C and mixer circuitry 2206A. RF circuitry 2206 may also include synthesizer circuitry 2206D for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path may be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 2208 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 2206D. The amplifier circuitry 2206B may be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 2206C may be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals may be provided to the baseband circuitry 2204 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals may be zero-frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path may comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00213] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the transmit signal path may be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 2206D to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 2208. The baseband signals may be provided by the baseband circuitry 2204 and may be filtered by filter circuitry 2206C. The filter circuitry 2206C may include a low-pass filter (LPF), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00214] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 2206A of the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers and may be arranged for quadrature down-conversion and/or up-conversion respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 2206A of the transmit signal path may include two or more mixers and may be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 2206A may be arranged for direct down-conversion and/or direct up-conversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 2206A of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 2206A of the transmit signal path may be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[00215] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals may be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals may be digital baseband signals. In these alternate embodiments, the RF circuitry 2206 may include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 2204 may include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 2206.

[00216] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry may be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00217] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 2206D may be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+l synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers may be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 2206D may be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[00218] The synthesizer circuitry 2206D may be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 2206A of the RF circuitry 2206 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 2206D may be a fractional N/N+l synthesizer.

[00219] In some embodiments, frequency input may be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement. Divider control input may be provided by either the baseband circuitry 2204 or the applications processor 2202 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) may be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 2202.

[00220] Synthesizer circuitry 2206D of the RF circuitry 2206 may include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some embodiments, the divider may be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator may be a digital phase accumulator (DP A). In some embodiments, the DMD may be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+l (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL may include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements may be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[00221] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 2206D may be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency may be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency may be a LO frequency (fLO). In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 2206 may include an IQ/polar converter.

[00222] FEM circuitry 2208 may include a receive signal path which may include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 2210, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 2206 for further processing. FEM circuitry 2208 may also include a transmit signal path which may include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 2206 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 2210.

[00223] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 2208 may include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 2206). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 2208 may include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 2206), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 2210.

[00224] In some embodiments, the UE 2200 comprises a plurality of power saving mechanisms. If the UE 2200 is in an RRC_Connected state, where it is still connected to the eNB as it expects to receive traffic shortly, then it may enter a state known as Discontinuous Reception Mode (DRX) after a period of inactivity. During this state, the device may power down for brief intervals of time and thus save power.

[00225] If there is no data traffic activity for an extended period of time, then the UE

2200 may transition off to an RRC Idle state, where it disconnects from the network and does not perform operations such as channel quality feedback, handover, etc. The UE 2200 goes into a very low power state and it performs paging where again it periodically wakes up to listen to the network and then powers down again. Since the device might not receive data in this state, in order to receive data, it should transition back to RRC Connected state.

[00226] An additional power saving mode may allow a device to be unavailable to the network for periods longer than a paging interval (ranging from seconds to a few hours). During this time, the device is totally unreachable to the network and may power down completely. Any data sent during this time incurs a large delay and it is assumed the delay is acceptable.

[00227] Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may," "might," or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is only one of the elements. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. [00228] Furthermore, the particular features, structures, functions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, a first embodiment may be combined with a second embodiment anywhere the particular features, structures, functions, or characteristics associated with the two embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

[00229] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications and variations of such embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing description. For example, other memory architectures e.g., Dynamic RAM (DRAM) may use the

embodiments discussed. The embodiments of the disclosure are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as to fall within the broad scope of the appended claims.

[00230] In addition, well known power/ground connections to integrated circuit (IC) chips and other components may or may not be shown within the presented figures, for simplicity of illustration and discussion, and so as not to obscure the disclosure. Further, arrangements may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the disclosure, and also in view of the fact that specifics with respect to implementation of such block diagram arrangements are highly dependent upon the platform within which the present disclosure is to be implemented (i.e., such specifics should be well within purview of one skilled in the art). Where specific details (e.g., circuits) are set forth in order to describe example embodiments of the disclosure, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure can be practiced without, or with variation of, these specific details. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

[00231] The following examples pertain to further embodiments. Specifics in the examples may be used anywhere in one or more embodiments. All optional features of the apparatus described herein may also be implemented with respect to a method or process.

[00232] Example 1 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: generate a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generate a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00233] In example 2, the apparatus of example 1 , wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors; wherein the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of first eNB transmit-and receive sectors; and wherein the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00234] In example 3, the apparatus of either of examples 1 or 2, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00235] In example 4, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 3, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit- and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00236] In example 5, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 4, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00237] In example 6, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 5, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions; and determine one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions.

[00238] In example 7, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 6, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00239] In example 8, an eNB device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antenna ports, and an interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, the eNB device including the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 7.

[00240] Example 9 provides a method comprising: generating a plurality of Downlink

(DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generating a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00241] In example 10, the method of example 9, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors; wherein the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of first eNB transmit-and receive sectors; and wherein the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00242] In example 11 , the method of either of examples 9 or 10, the operation comprising: processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and- receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00243] In example 12, the method of any of examples 9 through 11, the operation comprising: generating a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00244] In example 13, the method of any of examples 9 through 12, the operation comprising: generating the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00245] In example 14, the method of any of examples 9 through 13, the operation comprising: processing one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions; and determining one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions.

[00246] In example 15, the method of any of examples 9 through 14, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the first eNB transmit sectors; wherein the first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00247] Example 16 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 9 through 15.

[00248] Example 17 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: means for generating a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and means for generating a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00249] In example 18, the apparatus of example 17, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors; wherein the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of first eNB transmit-and receive sectors; and wherein the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00250] In example 19, the apparatus of either of examples 17 or 18, the operation comprising: means for processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00251] In example 20, the apparatus of any of examples 17 through 19, the operation comprising: means for generating a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and means for processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit- and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00252] In example 21 , the apparatus of any of examples 17 through 20, the operation comprising: means for generating the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00253] In example 22, the apparatus of any of examples 17 through 21 , the operation comprising: means for processing one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions; and means for determining one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions.

[00254] In example 23, the apparatus of any of examples 17 through 22, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the first eNB transmit sectors; wherein the first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00255] Example 24 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: generate a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generate a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00256] In example 25, the machine readable storage media of example 24, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors; wherein the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of first eNB transmit-and receive sectors; and wherein the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are generated to sweep in time over the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00257] In example 26, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 24 or

25, the operation comprising: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmissions.

[00258] In example 27, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 24 through 26, the operation comprising: generate a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit- and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00259] In example 28, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 24 through 27, the operation comprising: generate the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. [00260] In example 29, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 24 through 28, the operation comprising: process one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions; and determine one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the RACH transmissions.

[00261] In example 30, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 24 through 29, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the first eNB transmit sectors; wherein the first subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00262] Example 31 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: process one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00263] In example 32, the apparatus of example 31 , wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00264] In example 33, the apparatus of either of examples 31 or 32, wherein the one or more processors are further to: evaluate the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generate a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. [00265] In example 34, the apparatus of any of examples 31 through 33, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process one or more System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; and evaluate the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00266] In example 35, the apparatus of any of examples 31 through 34, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00267] In example 36, the apparatus of any of examples 31 through 35, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00268] In example 37, a UE device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display, the UE device including the apparatus of any of examples 31 through 36.

[00269] Example 38 provides a method comprising: processing one or more Downlink

(DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; processing one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00270] In example 39, the method of example 38, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00271] In example 40, the method of examples 38 or 39, the operation comprising: evaluating the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generating a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. [00272] In example 41 , the method of any of examples 38 through 40, the operation comprising: processing one or more System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; evaluating the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively

corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and- receive sector.

[00273] In example 42, the method of any of examples 38 through 41 , wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00274] In example 43, the method of any of examples 38 through 42, the operation comprising: generating a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00275] Example 44 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 38 through 43.

[00276] Example 45 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: means for processing one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; means for processing one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and means for evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00277] In example 46, the apparatus of example 45, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00278] In example 47, the apparatus of examples 45 or 46, the operation comprising: means for evaluating the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and means for generating a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector. [00279] In example 48, the apparatus of any of examples 45 through 47, the operation comprising: means for processing one or more System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; means for evaluating the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00280] In example 49, the apparatus of any of examples 45 through 48, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00281] In example 50, the apparatus of any of examples 45 through 49, the operation comprising: means for generating a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00282] Example 51 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: process one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00283] In example 52, the machine readable storage media of example 51, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00284] In example 53, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 51 or

52, the operation comprising: evaluate the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generate a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00285] In example 54, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 51 through 53, the operation comprising: process one or more System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; evaluate the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00286] In example 55, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 51 through 54, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00287] In example 56, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 51 through 55, the operation comprising: generate a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00288] Example 57 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: generate, for a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more Downlink (DL) Data Channel transmissions; generate, for a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Control Channel transmissions; process, for the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and process, for the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00289] In example 58, the apparatus of example 57, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00290] In example 59, the apparatus of either of examples 57 or 58, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmission or the plurality of reference signal transmissions.

[00291] In example 60, the apparatus of any of examples 57 through 59, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00292] In example 61 , the apparatus of any of examples 57 through 60, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00293] In example 62, the apparatus of any of examples 57 through 61 , wherein the one or more processors are further to: determine one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the one or more RACH transmissions.

[00294] In example 63, the apparatus of any of examples 57 through 62, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00295] In example 64, an eNB device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antenna ports, and an interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, the eNB device including the apparatus of any of examples 57 through 63.

[00296] Example 65 provides a method comprising: generating, for an Evolved Node-

B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE), for a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit- and-receive sectors, a plurality of reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more Downlink (DL) Data Channel transmissions; generating, for a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Control Channel

transmissions; processing, for the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and processing, for the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00297] In example 66, the method of example 65, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00298] In example 67, the method of examples 65 or 66, the operation comprising: processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmission or the plurality of reference signal transmissions.

[00299] In example 68, the method of examples 65 through 67, the operation comprising: processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit- and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00300] In example 69, the method of any of examples 65 through 68, the operation comprising: generating the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors. [00301] In example 70, the method of any of examples 65 through 69, the operation comprising: determining one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the one or more RACH transmissions.

[00302] In example 71, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 65 through 70, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein the first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00303] Example 72 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 65 through 71.

[00304] Example 73 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: means for generating for a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more Downlink (DL) Data Channel transmissions; means for generating, for a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of System Information (SI)

transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Control Channel transmissions; means for processing, for the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and means for processing, for the plurality of second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00305] In example 74, the apparatus of example 73, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00306] In example 75, the apparatus of examples 73 or 74, the operation comprising: means for processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and- receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmission or the plurality of reference signal transmissions.

[00307] In example 76, the apparatus of examples 73 through 75, the operation comprising: means for processing a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions.

[00308] In example 77, the apparatus of any of examples 73 through 76, the operation comprising: means for generating the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00309] In example 78, the apparatus of any of examples 73 through 77, the operation comprising: means for determining one or more RACH allocations respectively

corresponding to the one or more RACH transmissions.

[00310] In example 79, the apparatus readable storage media of any of examples 73 through 78, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein the first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions. [00311] Example 80 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: generate, for an Evolved Node-B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE), for a plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more Downlink (DL) Data Channel transmissions; generate, for a plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: a plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, a plurality of System Information (SI) transmissions respectively corresponding to the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more DL Control Channel transmissions; process, for the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and process, for the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00312] In example 81, the machine readable storage media of example 80, wherein both the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors and the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00313] In example 82, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 80 or

81, the operation comprising: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of DL synchronization control signal transmission or the plurality of reference signal transmissions.

[00314] In example 83, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 80 through 82, the operation comprising: process a Random Access transmission from the UE that identifies one of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors as being a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector, wherein the best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector is determined on the basis of the plurality of SI transmissions. [00315] In example 84, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 80 through 83, the operation comprising: generate the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions for simultaneous transmission over at least two of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00316] In example 85, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 80 through 84, the operation comprising: determine one or more RACH allocations respectively corresponding to the one or more RACH transmissions.

[00317] In example 86, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 80 through 85, wherein a first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a first subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein a second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponds to a second subset of the second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; wherein the first subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is larger than the second subset of the second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and wherein the second subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions is generated for transmission subsequent to the transmission of the first subset of the plurality of DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00318] Example 87 provides a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: process, for one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process, for one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more System Information transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; generate, for one or more of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and generate, for one or more of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors.

[00319] In example 88, the apparatus of example 87, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00320] In example 89, the apparatus of either of examples 87 or 88, wherein the one or more processors are further to: evaluate one of the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions or the one or more reference signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generate a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00321] In example 90, the apparatus of any of examples 87 through 89, wherein the one or more processors are further to: evaluate the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00322] In example 91 , the apparatus of any of examples 87 through 90, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00323] In example 92, the apparatus of any of examples 87 through 91 , wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00324] In example 93, the apparatus of any of examples 87 through 92, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, and wherein the one or more processors are further to: evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00325] In example 94, a UE device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display, the UE device including the apparatus of any of examples 87 through 93.

[00326] Example 95 provides a method comprising: processing, for a User Equipment

(UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node-B (eNB), for one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; processing, for one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, or one or more System Information transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; generating, for one or more of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and generating, for one or more of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00327] In example 96, the method of example 95, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00328] In example 97, the method of examples 95 or 96, the operation comprising: evaluating one of the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions or the one or more reference signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generating a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00329] In example 98, the method of any of examples 95 through 97, the operation comprising: evaluating the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00330] In example 99, the method of any of examples 95 through 98, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00331] In example 100, the method of any of examples 95 through 99, the operation comprising: generating a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00332] In example 101, the method of any of examples 95 through 100, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, to the operation comprising: evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00333] Example 102 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 95 through 101.

[00334] Example 103 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: means for processing, for a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node-B (eNB), for one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; means for processing, for one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more System Information transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; means for generating, for one or more of the plurality of first eNB transmit- and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and means for generating, for one or more of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00335] In example 104, the apparatus of example 103, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00336] In example 105, the apparatus of examples 103 or 104, the operation comprising: means for evaluating one of the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions or the one or more reference signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and means for generating a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00337] In example 106, the apparatus of any of examples 103 through 105, the operation comprising: means for evaluating the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00338] In example 107, the apparatus of any of examples 103 through 106, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00339] In example 108, the apparatus of any of examples 103 through 107, the operation comprising: means for generating a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00340] In example 109, the apparatus of any of examples 103 through 108, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, comprising: means for evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00341] Example 110 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: process, for a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node-B (eNB), for one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more reference signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process, for one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, or one or more System Information transmissions respectively corresponding to the one or more second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors; generate, for one or more of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, one or more Uplink (UL) Data Channel transmissions; and generate, for one or more of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, at least one of: one or more UL Control Channel transmissions, or one or more Random Access Channel (RACH) transmissions, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors. [00342] In example 111, the machine readable storage media of example 110, wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio-Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors.

[00343] In example 112, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 110 or 111, the operation comprising: evaluate one of the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions or the one or more reference signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector; and generate a transmission that identifies the best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00344] In example 113, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 110 through 112, the operation comprising: evaluate the one or more SI transmissions to determine which of the one or more respectively corresponding second eNB transmit-and- receive sectors is a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector.

[00345] In example 114, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 110 through 113, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions have been simultaneously received by the UE.

[00346] In example 115, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 110 through 114, the operation comprising: generate a Random Access Channel (RACH) transmission carrying a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector indicator.

[00347] In example 116, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 110 through 115, wherein the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions are received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors, to the operation comprising: evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00348] Example 117 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: generate one or more Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions carry one or more respectively corresponding Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicators and one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators. [00349] In example 118, the apparatus of example 117, wherein the one or more

RACH allocation indicators specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval.

[00350] In example 119, the apparatus of either of examples 117 or 118, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00351] In example 120, the apparatus of any of examples 117 through 119, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate a Random Access Complete (RA- Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00352] In example 121, the apparatus of any of examples 117 or 120, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process one or more Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00353] Example 122 provides an Evolved Node B (eNB) device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antenna ports, and an interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, the eNB device including the apparatus of any of examples 117 through 121.

[00354] Example 123 provides a method comprising: generating, for an Evolved Node

B (eNB), one or more Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions carry one or more respectively corresponding Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicators and one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators.

[00355] In example 124, the method of example 123, wherein the one or more RACH allocation indicators specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval.

[00356] In example 125, the method of examples 123 or 124, wherein the one or more

DL Control Channel transmissions respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00357] In example 126, the method of any of examples 123 through 125, the operation comprising: generating a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval. [00358] In example 127, the method of any of examples 123 through 126, the operation comprising: process one or more Random Access Request (RA-REQ)

transmissions during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00359] Example 128 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 123 through 127.

[00360] Example 129 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: means for generating, for an Evolved Node B (eNB), one or more Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions carry one or more respectively corresponding Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicators and one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators.

[00361] In example 130, the apparatus of example 129, wherein the one or more

RACH allocation indicators specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval.

[00362] In example 131, the apparatus of examples 129 or 130, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00363] In example 132, the apparatus of any of examples 129 through 131, the operation comprising: means for generating a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00364] In example 133, the apparatus of any of examples 129 through 132, the operation comprising: means for process one or more Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00365] Example 134 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: generate, for an Evolved Node B (eNB), one or more Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions carry one or more respectively corresponding Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicators and one or more respectively corresponding duration indicators. [00366] In example 135, the machine readable storage media of example 134, wherein the one or more RACH allocation indicators specify an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval.

[00367] In example 136, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 134 or 135, wherein the one or more DL Control Channel transmissions respectively comprise one or more simultaneous RACH allocations over a plurality of eNB transmit-and-receive sectors.

[00368] In example 137, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 134 through 136, the operation comprising: generate a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00369] In example 138, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 134 through 137, the operation comprising: process one or more Random Access Request (RA- REQ) transmissions during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00370] Example 139 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: process one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; evaluate the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector; process a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generate, for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00371] In example 140, the apparatus of example 139, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00372] Example 141 provides a User Equipment (UE) device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display, the UE device including the apparatus of either of examples 139 or 140.

[00373] Example 142 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: process one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors; process a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generate, for the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval.

[00374] In example 143, the apparatus of example 142, wherein the one or more processors are further to: wherein the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions are generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time.

[00375] In example 144, the apparatus of either of examples 142 or 143, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00376] Example 145 provides a User Equipment (UE) device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display, the UE device including the apparatus of any of examples 142 through 144.

[00377] Example 146 provides a method comprising: processing, for a User

Equipment (UE), one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit- and-receive sectors; evaluating the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector; processing a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generating, for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, a Random Access Request (RA- REQ) transmission during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00378] In example 147, the method of example 146, the operation comprising:

process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval. [00379] Example 148 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to either of examples 146 or 147.

[00380] Example 149 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: means for processing one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and- receive sectors; means for evaluating the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit- and-receive sector; means for processing a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and means for generating, for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00381] In example 150, the apparatus of example 149, the operation comprising: means for process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00382] Example 151 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: process, for a User Equipment (UE), one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; evaluate the one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector; process a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generate, for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission during the contention interval of the RACH protocol.

[00383] In example 152, the machine readable storage media of example 151, the operation comprising: process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval. [00384] Example 153 provides a method comprising: processing one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and- receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors; processing a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generating, for the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of Random Access Requests (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval.

[00385] In example 154, the method of example 153, the operation comprising:

wherein the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions are generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time.

[00386] In example 155, the method of either of examples 153 or 154, the operation comprising: processing a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00387] Example 156 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 153 through 155.

[00388] Example 157 provides of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: means for processing one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors; means for processing a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and means for generating, for the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of Random Access Requests (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval.

[00389] In example 158, the apparatus of example 157, the operation comprising: wherein the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions are generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time. [00390] In example 159, the apparatus of either of examples 157 or 158, the operation comprising: means for processing a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00391] Example 160 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: process one or more eNB sector-sweep transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors; process a Downlink (DL) Control Channel transmission carrying a Random Access Channel (RACH) allocation indicator specifying an initiation of a RACH protocol comprising both a contention interval and a subsequent contention resolution interval; and generate, for the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors, a respectively corresponding plurality of Random Access Requests (RA-REQ) transmissions during the contention interval.

[00392] In example 161, the machine readable storage media of example 160, the operation comprising: wherein the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein the plurality of RA-REQ transmissions are generated to sweep the plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors in time.

[00393] In example 162, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 160 or 161, the operation comprising: process a Random Access Complete (RA-Complete) transmission carrying a number of Random Access slots in a next contention interval.

[00394] Example 163 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: generate one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission, the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generate one or more second sequences of DL

transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission, the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions are generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions. [00395] In example 164, the apparatus of example 163, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00396] Example 165 provides an Evolved Node B (eNB) device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antenna ports, and an interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, the eNB device including the apparatus of any of examples 163 through 164.

[00397] Example 166 provides a method comprising: generating one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission, the one or more first sequences of DL

transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generating one or more second sequences of DL transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission, the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions are generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions.

[00398] In example 167, the machine readable storage media of example 166, the operation comprising: generating one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00399] Example 168 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to either of examples 166 or 167.

[00400] Example 169 provides an apparatus of an Evolved Node B (eNB) operable to communicate with a User Equipment (UE) on a wireless network, comprising: means for generating one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission, the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit- and-receive sectors; and means for generating one or more second sequences of DL transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission, the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions are generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions.

[00401] In example 170, the apparatus of example 169, the operation comprising: means for generating one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00402] Example 171 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: generate one or more first sequences of DL transmissions comprising a first Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmission, a first DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a first DL system information channel transmission, the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; and generate one or more second sequences of DL transmissions comprising a second DL synchronization control signal transmission, a second DL cell discovery control signal transmission, and a second DL system information channel transmission, the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, wherein the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions are generated subsequent to the transmission of the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions.

[00403] In example 172, the machine readable storage media of example 171, the operation comprising: generate one or more control message transmissions carrying one or more indicators specifying allocations in time and frequency for the one or more first sequences of DL transmissions and the one or more second sequences of DL transmissions.

[00404] Example 173 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: one or more processors to: process one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the one or more UE transmit- and-receive sectors are Radio Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors are swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00405] In example 174, the apparatus of example 173, wherein the one or more processors are further to: process, through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, at least one of: a Broadcast Channel (BCH) transmission, a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) transmission, a Beam Reference Signal (BRS) transmission, or a DL control channel transmission.

[00406] In example 175, the apparatus of either of examples 173 or 174, wherein the one or more processors are further to: determine a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00407] In example 176, the apparatus of any of examples 173 through 175, wherein the one or more processors are further to: determine a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00408] In example 177, the apparatus of any of examples 173 through 176, wherein the one or more processors are further to: generate a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00409] Example 178 provides a User Equipment (UE) device comprising an application processor, a memory, one or more antennas, a wireless interface for allowing the application processor to communicate with another device, and a touch-screen display, the UE device including the apparatus of any of examples 173 through 177.

[00410] Example 179 provides a method comprising: processing one or more

Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; processing one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit- and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors are swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00411] In example 180, the method of example 179, the operation comprising:

processing, through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, at least one of: a Broadcast Channel (BCH) transmission, a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) transmission, a Beam Reference Signal (BRS) transmission, or a DL control channel transmission.

[00412] In example 181, the method of either of examples 179 or 180, the operation comprising: determining a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00413] In example 182, the method of any of examples 179 through 181 , the operation comprising: determining a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00414] In example 183, the method of any of examples 179 through 182, the operation comprising: generating a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00415] Example 184 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform a method according to any of examples 179 through 183.

[00416] Example 185 provides an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with an Evolved Node B (eNB) on a wireless network, comprising: means for processing one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; means for processing one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and means for evaluating the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors are Radio Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein a plurality of UE transmit- and-receive sectors are swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00417] In example 186, the apparatus of example 185, the operation comprising: means for processing, through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, at least one of: a Broadcast Channel (BCH) transmission, a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS)

transmission, a Beam Reference Signal (BRS) transmission, or a DL control channel transmission.

[00418] In example 187, the apparatus of either of examples 185 or 186, the operation comprising: means for determining a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00419] In example 188, the apparatus of any of examples 185 through 187, the operation comprising: means for determining a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00420] In example 189, the apparatus of any of examples 185 through 188, the operation comprising: means for generating a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00421] Example 190 provides machine readable storage media having machine executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: process one or more Downlink (DL) synchronization control signal transmissions respectively corresponding one or more first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; process one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions respectively

corresponding to one or more second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors, as received through one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors; and evaluate the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions to determine which of the one or more UE transmit-and-receive sectors is a best UE transmit-and-receive sector, wherein an average beamwidth of the plurality of first eNB transmit-and-receive sectors is less than an average beamwidth of the plurality of second eNB transmit-and-receive sectors; wherein the one or more UE transmit- and-receive sectors are Radio Frequency (RF) beamforming sectors that collectively span a beamwidth surrounding the UE; and wherein a plurality of UE transmit-and-receive sectors are swept in time to process at least one of: the one or more DL synchronization control signal transmissions, or the one or more DL cell discovery control signal transmissions.

[00422] In example 191, the machine readable storage media of example 190, the operation comprising: process, through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector, at least one of: a Broadcast Channel (BCH) transmission, a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) transmission, a Beam Reference Signal (BRS) transmission, or a DL control channel transmission.

[00423] In example 192, the machine readable storage media of either of examples 190 or 191 , the operation comprising: determine a best first eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00424] In example 193, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 190 through 192, the operation comprising: determine a best second eNB transmit-and-receive sector through the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00425] In example 194, the machine readable storage media of any of examples 190 through 193, the operation comprising: generate a Random Access Request (RA-REQ) transmission for the best UE transmit-and-receive sector.

[00426] In example 195, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 7, 17 through 23,

31 through 36, 45 through 50, 57 through 63, 73 through 79, 87 through 93, 103 through 109, 1 17 through 121 , 129 through 133, 139 through 140, 142 through 144, 149 through 150, 157 through 159, 163 through 164, 169 through 170, 173 through 177, and 185 through 189, wherein the one more processors comprise a baseband processor.

[00427] In example 196, the apparatus of any of examples 1 through 7, 17 through 23,

31 through 36, 45 through 50, 57 through 63, 73 through 79, 87 through 93, 103 through 109, 1 17 through 121 , 129 through 133, 139 through 140, 142 through 144, 149 through 150, 157 through 159, 163 through 164, 169 through 170, 173 through 177, and 185 through 189, comprising a transceiver circuitry for generating transmissions and processing transmissions.

[00428] An abstract is provided that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.