Patent Description:
In accordance with the present disclosure, one or more devices and/or methods for facilitating provision of access to an uplink carrier are provided.

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion.

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Such embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof.

One or more computing devices and/or techniques for facilitating provision of access to one or more uplink carriers are provided. For example, a user equipment (UE) may connect to a (e.g., wireless communication) network via a base station (BS) of the network. The UE may have one or more cells. For example, the one or more cells may comprise a primary service cell and/or one or more secondary service cells. The primary service cell may be used to receive and/or send (e.g., secure) parameters and/or nonaccess stratum (NAS) mobility features. The one or more secondary service cells may be used to provide data service for the UE. Each cell may comprise a downlink carrier, and one or more cells may comprise an uplink carrier, but in some implementations, one or more cells may not comprise an uplink carrier. Thus, in such implementations, there may be more downlink carriers than uplink carriers, and systems that may use an uplink frequency band more than downlink frequency bands may be limited with (e.g., low) data rates, efficiency, etc. Thus, in accordance with one or more of the techniques presented herein, the provision of access to uplink carriers may be facilitated in a manner that allows for one or more cells of the UE to (e.g., each) have one (e.g., or more) downlink carrier and one or more (e.g., a plurality) of uplink carriers, and thus support scenarios in which uplink carriers of the UE (e.g., and/or of a cell of the UE) outnumber downlink carriers of the UE (e.g., and/or of a cell of the UE).

An example method <NUM> of facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from a first wireless node to a second wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node is a user equipment (UE) and the second wireless node may be a network and/or base station (BS). The first wireless node may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, at <NUM>, the first wireless node receives information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., from the second wireless node). An uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers is selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, at <NUM>, the first wireless node selects the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The information corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers allows the first wireless node to determine which uplink carrier of the plurality of uplink carriers, which the first wireless node can support, should be selected to be used for data transmission. The information (e.g., used to determine which uplink carrier to select) comprises an indication of a frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a bandwidth of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise an extra-spectrum leakage of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a priority of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a maximum transmission power. The information may comprise one or more configurations, such as a random access channel (RACH) common configuration, a physical random access channel (PRACH) common configuration, a physical control channel (PUCCH) configuration, a physical shared channel (PUSCH) configuration, a sounding reference signal (SRS) common configuration, an upstream loop length configuration, a time alignment (TA) timer common configuration, and/or other information.

The first wireless node (e.g., then) requests to access the uplink carrier. Thus, at <NUM>, the first wireless node may transmit a request to access the uplink carrier to the second wireless node. The first wireless node may transmit the request (e.g., to the second wireless node) using an (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier which the first wireless node may have already accessed. The first wireless node may transmit (e.g., to the second wireless node) a data packet comprising the request.

The request may comprise an indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a confirmation message (e.g., to the first wireless node), corresponding to the request, indicating that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The confirmation message may comprise a second indication of the uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise a second identification of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the confirmation message may comprise the configuration of the first wireless node on the uplink carrier (e.g., such as a RACH resource, PUSCH information, a PUCCH configuration, an SRS configuration, an uplink power exclusive configuration, a channel quality indicator (CQI) configuration, a scheduling request (SR) configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information.

Upon the first wireless node receiving the confirmation message (e.g., from the second wireless node), the first wireless node may access the uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node accesses the uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if the second wireless node configures an exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate a (e.g., non-competitive) random access to the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node does not configure the exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate random access to the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node directly configures the first wireless node for the uplink carrier, the first wireless node may directly access the uplink carrier.

Upon the first wireless node accessing the uplink carrier, the first wireless node may transmit a completion message (e.g., to the second wireless node). The first wireless node may transmit the completion message via the uplink carrier. Upon the first wireless node transmitting the completion message, the first wireless node may use the uplink carrier for transmission of (e.g., further) data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In response to determining that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a rejection message (e.g., to the first wireless node), corresponding to the request, indicating that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The rejection message may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier and/or a cause of the rejection. In response to receiving the rejection message, the first wireless node may use the (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier for transmission of data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In some examples, rather than transmitting the request (e.g., to the second wireless node) prior to accessing the uplink carrier, the first wireless node may access the uplink carrier in response to selecting the uplink carrier, and/or prior to transmitting the request. The first wireless node may (e.g., then) transmit the request to the second wireless node via the uplink carrier. The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access).

In some examples, the first wireless node may have a transmission problem. For example, the first wireless node may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using the uplink carrier. When the transmission problem occurs and/or is detected (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node), the second wireless node may (e.g., directly) indicate a second (e.g., alternative) uplink carrier to the first wireless node by transmitting uplink carrier indication information (e.g., associated with the second uplink carrier) to the first wireless node.

The second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in a radio resource control (RRC) message. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) message. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message.

The uplink carrier indication information may comprise a frequency of the second uplink carrier and/or a configuration of the second uplink carrier. Upon receiving the uplink carrier indication information, the first wireless node may access the second uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node accesses the second uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if the second wireless node configures an exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate a (e.g., non-competitive) random access to the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node directly configures the first wireless node for the second uplink carrier, the first wireless node may directly access the second uplink carrier.

Alternatively and/or additionally, when the transmission problem occurs, the first wireless node may select the second uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the transmission problem occurs and the first wireless node selects the second uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a random access preamble (e.g., from MAC layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit a second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node. Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a data packet (e.g., from radio link control (RLC) layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node. Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made that the uplink carrier is out of step (e.g., in association with a TA timer timeout), the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node.

An example method <NUM> of facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from a first wireless node to a second wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node may be a UE and the second wireless node may be a network and/or BS. The first wireless node may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, the first wireless node may receive information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., from the second wireless node) comprising a first uplink carrier and a second uplink carrier. The information may comprise first information corresponding to the first uplink carrier and/or second information corresponding to the second uplink carrier.

The first wireless node may determine a first priority of the first uplink carrier based on the first information. The first information (e.g., used to determine the first priority) may comprise an indication of a frequency of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first information may comprise a bandwidth of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first information may comprise an extra-spectrum leakage of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first information may comprise a maximum transmission power of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first information may comprise the first priority of the first uplink carrier. The first information may comprise one or more configurations, such as a RACH common configuration, a PRACH common configuration, a PUCCH configuration, a PUSCH configuration, an SRS common configuration, an upstream loop length configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information.

The first wireless node may determine a second priority of the second uplink carrier based on the second information. The second information (e.g., used to determine the second priority) may comprise an indication of a frequency of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second information may comprise a bandwidth of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second information may comprise an extra-spectrum leakage of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second information may comprise a maximum transmission power of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second information may comprise the second priority of the second uplink carrier. The second information may comprise one or more configurations, such as a RACH common configuration, a PRACH common configuration, a PUCCH configuration, a PUSCH configuration, an SRS common configuration, an upstream loop length configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information).

The first priority may be determined based upon the frequency of the first uplink carrier and/or the second priority may be determined based upon the frequency of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first priority may be determined based upon a load of the first uplink carrier and/or the second priority may be determined based upon a load of the second uplink carrier.

At <NUM>, the first wireless node may select the first uplink carrier from amongst the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier, based upon the first priority and the second priority. The first wireless node may select the first uplink carrier based upon an application of the first priority and/or the second priority to one or more (e.g., defined) rules (e.g., stored on the first wireless node). For example, the first wireless node may select the first uplink carrier based upon a comparison of the first priority to the second priority.

Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node selects the first uplink carrier based upon a comparison of the first priority to the second priority are contemplated. For example, the first wireless node may select the first uplink carrier based upon a comparison of the first priority and the second priority, wherein the first priority is based upon the frequency of the first uplink carrier and the second priority is based upon the frequency of the second uplink carrier. Here, the frequency of the first uplink carrier may be lower than the frequency of the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first wireless node may select the first uplink carrier based upon a comparison of the first priority and the second priority, wherein the first priority is based upon the load of the first uplink carrier and the second priority is based upon the load of the second uplink carrier. Here, the load of the first uplink carrier may be lighter than the load of the second uplink carrier.

The first wireless node may (e.g., then) request to access the first uplink carrier. Thus, at <NUM>, the first wireless node may transmit a request to access the first uplink carrier to the second wireless node. The first wireless node may transmit the request (e.g., to the second wireless node) using an (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier which the first wireless node may have already accessed. The first wireless node may transmit (e.g., to the second wireless node) a data packet comprising the request.

The request may comprise an indication of the first uplink carrier. The indication of the first uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the first uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the first uplink carrier.

The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the first uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). In response to determining that the first uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a confirmation message (e.g., to the first wireless node), corresponding to the request, indicating that the first uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The confirmation message may comprise a second indication of the first uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise a second identification of the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the confirmation message may comprise the configuration of the first wireless node on the first uplink carrier (e.g., such as a RACH resource, PUSCH information, a PUCCH configuration, an SRS configuration, an uplink power exclusive configuration, a CQI configuration, a SR configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information).

Upon the first wireless node receiving the confirmation message (e.g., from the second wireless node), the first wireless node may access the first uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node accesses the first uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if the second wireless node configures an exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate a (e.g., non-competitive) random access to the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node does not configure the exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate random access to the first uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node directly configures the first wireless node for the first uplink carrier, the first wireless node may directly access the first uplink carrier.

Upon the first wireless node accessing the first uplink carrier, the first wireless node may transmit a completion message (e.g., to the second wireless node). The first wireless node may transmit the completion message via the first uplink carrier. Upon the first wireless node transmitting the completion message, the first wireless node may use the first uplink carrier for transmission of (e.g., further) data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In response to determining that the first uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a rejection message (e.g., to the first wireless node), corresponding to the request, indicating that the first uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The rejection message may comprise the frequency of the first uplink carrier and/or a cause of the rejection. In response to receiving the rejection message, the first wireless node may use the (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier for transmission of data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In some examples, rather than transmitting the request (e.g., to the second wireless node) prior to accessing the first uplink carrier, the first wireless node may access the first uplink carrier in response to selecting the first uplink carrier, and/or prior to transmitting the request. The first wireless node may (e.g., then) transmit the request to the second wireless node via the first uplink carrier. The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the first uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access).

In some examples, a change of the load of the first uplink carrier and/or a change of the frequency of the first uplink carrier may cause the first priority to change. For example, the first priority may be changed (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node) in response to receiving an indication of a change of the frequency of the first uplink carrier (e.g., from the second wireless node and/or the first wireless node). Alternatively and/or additionally, the first priority may be changed (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node) in response to receiving an indication of a change of the load of the first uplink carrier (e.g., from the second wireless node and/or the first wireless node). When a change of the first priority occurs and/or is determined (e.g., detected) (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node), the second wireless node may transmit third information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node). Upon receiving the third information, a third uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected (e.g., by the first wireless node) to be used for data transmission. In some examples, the third information may comprise a selection threshold used in selecting the third uplink carrier.

Various scenarios wherein the selection threshold is used in selecting the third uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if a received signal quality (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)) measured by the first wireless node (e.g., and/or associated with a downlink carrier) is below the selection threshold, the first wireless node selects an uplink carrier with a low frequency. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the received signal quality (e.g., RSRP) measured by the first wireless node is above the selection threshold, the first wireless node selects an uplink carrier with a high frequency. In some examples, the selection threshold is based upon a load of the third uplink carrier and/or the received signal quality (e.g., RSRP). The selection threshold may alternatively and/or additionally be based upon an offset value (e.g., received from the second wireless node), where the offset value may be modified (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node) to modify the selection threshold. In some examples, the selection threshold is based upon a combination, such as a sum, of the received signal quality (e.g., RSRP) and/or the offset value.

In some examples, the first wireless node has a transmission problem. For example, the first wireless node may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using the first uplink carrier. When the transmission problem occurs and/or is detected (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node), the second wireless node may (e.g., directly) indicate a fourth (e.g., alternative) uplink carrier to the first wireless node by transmitting uplink carrier indication information (e.g., associated with the second uplink carrier) to the first wireless node.

The second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in an RRC message. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in a PDCCH message. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second wireless node may transmit the uplink carrier indication information in a MAC CE message.

The uplink carrier indication information may comprise a frequency of the fourth uplink carrier and/or a configuration of the fourth uplink carrier. Upon receiving the uplink carrier indication information, the first wireless node may access the fourth uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node accesses the fourth uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if the second wireless node configures an exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate a (e.g., non-competitive) random access to the fourth uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node directly configures the first wireless node for the fourth uplink carrier, the first wireless node may directly access the fourth uplink carrier.

Alternatively and/or additionally, when the transmission problem occurs, the first wireless node may select the fourth uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the transmission problem occurs and the first wireless node selects the fourth uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a random access preamble (e.g., from MAC layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit a second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the fourth uplink carrier to the second wireless node and/or may lower the priority of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the offset value may be lowered by (e.g., at least) one step (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node), where the step may be configured (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node). Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a data packet (e.g., from RLC layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the fourth uplink carrier to the second wireless node. Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made that the fourth uplink carrier is out of step (e.g., in association with a TA timer timeout), the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node.

An example method <NUM> of facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from a first wireless node to a second wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node may be a UE and the second wireless node may be a network and/or BS. The first wireless node may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, the first wireless node receives information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., from the second wireless node). An uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The first wireless node may (e.g., then) request to access the uplink carrier. Thus, at <NUM>, the first wireless node may transmit a request to access the uplink carrier to the second wireless node, wherein the request comprises an indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

An example method <NUM> of facilitating transmission of information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers from a second wireless node to a first wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node may be a UE and the second wireless node may be a network and/or BS. The second wireless node may (e.g., be required to) receive one or more data packets from the first wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, at <NUM>, the second wireless node transmits information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node). The first wireless node may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information transmitted.

The information corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers may allow the first wireless node to determine which uplink carrier of the plurality of uplink carriers, which the first wireless node can support, should be selected to be used for data transmission. The information (e.g., used to determine which uplink carrier to select) may comprise an indication of a frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a bandwidth of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise an extra-spectrum leakage of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a priority of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a maximum transmission power. The information may comprise one or more configurations, such as a RACH common configuration, a PRACH common configuration, a PUCCH configuration, a PUSCH configuration, an SRS common configuration, an upstream loop length configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information.

An example method <NUM> of a second wireless node responding to a request to access an uplink carrier transmitted by a first wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node may be a UE and the second wireless node may be a network and/or BS. The second wireless node may (e.g., be required to) receive one or more data packets from the first wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly the second wireless node transmits information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node). The first wireless node may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information transmitted.

The second wireless node may, at <NUM>, receive a request to access the uplink carrier, wherein the request comprises an indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

The second wireless node may receive the request (e.g., from the first wireless node) using an (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier which the first wireless node may have already accessed. The second wireless node may receive (e.g., from the first wireless node) a data packet comprising the request.

The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). At <NUM>, the second wireless node may generate a response based upon whether the uplink carrier is available. For example, in response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may generate a confirmation message, corresponding to the request.

At <NUM>, the second wireless node may transmit the response to the first wireless node. For example, the second wireless node may transmit the confirmation message (e.g., to the first wireless node) indicating that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The confirmation message may comprise a second indication of the uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise a second identification of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the confirmation message may comprise the configuration of the first wireless node on the uplink carrier (e.g., such as a RACH resource, PUSCH information, a PUCCH configuration, an SRS configuration, an uplink power exclusive configuration, a CQI configuration, a SR configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information).

Upon the second wireless node transmitting the confirmation message (e.g., to the first wireless node), the first wireless node may access the uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the first wireless node accesses the uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, if the second wireless node configures an exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate a (e.g., non-competitive) random access to the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node does not configure the exclusive RACH resource for the first wireless node, the first wireless node may initiate random access to the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, if the second wireless node directly configures the first wireless node for the uplink carrier, the first wireless node may directly access the uplink carrier.

In response to determining that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may generate a rejection message, corresponding to the request. The second wireless node may (e.g., then) transmit the rejection message (e.g., to the first wireless node) indicating that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). The rejection message may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier and/or a cause of the rejection. In response to receiving the rejection message, the first wireless node may use the (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier for transmission of data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

Alternatively and/or additionally, when the transmission problem occurs, the first wireless node may select the second uplink carrier. Various scenarios wherein the transmission problem occurs and the first wireless node selects the second uplink carrier are contemplated. For example, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a random access preamble (e.g., from MAC layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit a second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node. Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made that the first wireless node transmits a data packet (e.g., from RLC layer) to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times, the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node. Alternatively and/or additionally, when a determination is made (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node) that the uplink carrier is out of step (e.g., in association with a TA timer timeout), the first wireless node may transmit the second request (e.g., from RRC layer) to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node.

The information corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers may allow the first wireless node to determine which uplink carrier of the plurality of uplink carriers, which the first wireless node can support, should be selected to be used for data transmission. The information (e.g., used to determine which uplink carrier to select) may comprise an indication of the uplink carrier. Thus, when the first wireless node receives the information, at <NUM>, the first wireless node may identify the indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise a frequency of the uplink carrier and/or an identification of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a bandwidth of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise an extra-spectrum leakage of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a priority of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the information may comprise a maximum transmission power. The information may comprise a RACH resource, PUSCH information, a PUCCH configuration, an SRS configuration, uplink power exclusive configuration, a CQI configuration, a SR configuration, a TA timer common configuration and/or other information.

The first wireless node may (e.g., then) request to access the uplink carrier. Thus, at <NUM>, the first wireless node may transmit a request to access the uplink carrier, based upon the indication of the uplink carrier, to the second wireless node. The request may comprise a second indication of the uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

The first wireless node may transmit the request (e.g., to the second wireless node) using an (e.g., previously) accessed uplink carrier which the first wireless node may have already accessed. The first wireless node may transmit (e.g., to the second wireless node) a data packet comprising the request.

At <NUM>, the first wireless node may access the uplink carrier in response to identifying the indication of the uplink carrier, and/or prior to transmitting a request to access the uplink carrier.

The first wireless node may (e.g., then) transmit the request to the second wireless node via the uplink carrier. The request may comprise a second indication of the uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

The second wireless node may (e.g., then) determine whether the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access). In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a confirmation message (e.g., to the first wireless node). Upon the first wireless node receiving the confirmation message, the first wireless node may transmit a completion message (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In response to determining that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node to access), the second wireless node may transmit a rejection message (e.g., to the first wireless node). In response to receiving the rejection message, the first wireless node may (e.g., cease accessing the uplink carrier and/or) use an initial uplink carrier which the first wireless node may have already (e.g., previously) accessed, for transmission of data (e.g., to the second wireless node).

An example method <NUM> of facilitating transmission of an indication of an uplink carrier from a second wireless node to a first wireless node is illustrated in <FIG>. The first wireless node may be a UE and the second wireless node may be a network and/or BS. The second wireless node may (e.g., be required to) receive one or more data packets from the first wireless node using an uplink carrier. Accordingly the second wireless node transmits information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node). The first wireless node may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information transmitted.

In some examples, the first wireless node may have a transmission problem. For example, the first wireless node may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using the uplink carrier. At <NUM>, the second wireless node may transmit an indication of a second uplink carrier to the first wireless node. For example, when the transmission problem occurs and/or is determined (e.g., detected) (e.g., by the first wireless node and/or the second wireless node), the second wireless node may (e.g., directly) indicate the second (e.g., alternative) uplink carrier to the first wireless node by transmitting uplink carrier indication information (e.g., associated with the second uplink carrier) to the first wireless node.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from a first wireless node <NUM> (e.g., UE) to a second wireless node <NUM> (e.g., network and/or BS). The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node <NUM> using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, the first wireless node <NUM> receives information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>). The information may comprise first information <NUM> corresponding to a first uplink carrier, second information <NUM> corresponding to a second uplink carrier and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to a third uplink carrier, wherein the first uplink carrier, the second uplink carrier and/or the third uplink carrier are comprised within the plurality of uplink carriers. An uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The information corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers may allow the first wireless node <NUM> to determine which uplink carrier of the plurality of uplink carriers, which the first wireless node <NUM> can support, should be selected to be used for data transmission. Accordingly, the first information <NUM>, the second information <NUM> and/or the third information <NUM> may comprise an indication of a frequency, a bandwidth, an extra-spectrum leakage, a priority, a maximum transmission power and/or one or more configurations. The first wireless node <NUM> may then select the uplink carrier based upon the first information <NUM>, the second information <NUM> and/or the third information <NUM>.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) request to access the uplink carrier. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access the uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>, wherein the request <NUM> comprises an indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

The first wireless node <NUM> may transmit the request <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>) using an initial uplink carrier which the first wireless node <NUM> may have already (e.g., previously) accessed. The first wireless node <NUM> may transmit (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>) a data packet comprising the request <NUM>. The second wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) determine whether the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node <NUM> using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, the first wireless node <NUM> receives information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>). The information may comprise first information <NUM> corresponding to a first uplink carrier, second information <NUM> corresponding to a second uplink carrier and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to a third uplink carrier, wherein the first uplink carrier, the second uplink carrier and/or the third uplink carrier are comprised within the plurality of uplink carriers. An uplink carrier from amongst the first uplink carrier, the second uplink carrier and/or the third uplink carrier may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The information corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers may allow the first wireless node <NUM> to determine which uplink carrier of the plurality of uplink carriers, which the first wireless node <NUM> can support, should be selected to be used for data transmission. Accordingly, the first information <NUM>, the second information <NUM> and/or the third information <NUM> may comprise an indication of a frequency, a bandwidth, an extra-spectrum leakage, a priority, a maximum transmission power and/or one or more configurations.

The first wireless node <NUM> may determine a first priority of the first uplink carrier based on the first information <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may determine a second priority of the second uplink carrier based on the second information <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may determine a third priority of the third uplink carrier based on the third information <NUM>. Accordingly, the first wireless node <NUM> may determine that the third uplink carrier has a higher priority than the first uplink carrier and/or the first uplink carrier has a higher priority than the second uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) select the third uplink carrier.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) request to access the third uplink carrier. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access the third uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>, wherein the request <NUM> comprises an indication of the third uplink carrier. The indication of the third uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the third uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the third uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the third uplink carrier.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., be required to) transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless node <NUM> using an uplink carrier. Accordingly, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the uplink carrier from a plurality of uplink carriers. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) request to access the uplink carrier. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access the uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>, wherein the request <NUM> comprises an indication of the uplink carrier. The indication of the uplink carrier may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the indication of the uplink carrier may comprise an identification of the uplink carrier.

In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>), corresponding to the request <NUM>, indicating that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access). The confirmation message <NUM> may comprise a second indication of the uplink carrier. The second indication may comprise the frequency of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second indication may comprise a second identification of the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the confirmation message <NUM> may comprise the configuration of the first wireless node <NUM> on the uplink carrier.

Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>), the first wireless node <NUM> may access the uplink carrier.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access an uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>), corresponding to the request <NUM>, indicating that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access).

Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>), the first wireless node <NUM> may access <NUM> the uplink carrier. Upon accessing <NUM> the uplink carrier, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>). Upon the first wireless node <NUM> transmitting the completion message <NUM>, the first wireless node <NUM> may use the uplink carrier for transmission of (e.g., further) data (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>).

In some examples, when the first wireless node <NUM> is using the uplink carrier for transmission of data, the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The information may comprise first information <NUM> corresponding to a first uplink carrier, second information <NUM> corresponding to a second uplink carrier and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to a third uplink carrier, wherein the first uplink carrier, the second uplink carrier and/or the third uplink carrier are comprised within the plurality of uplink carriers. A second uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the second uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) request to access the second uplink carrier. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>, wherein the request <NUM> comprises an indication of the second uplink carrier.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access an uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>).

In some examples, when the first wireless node <NUM> is using the uplink carrier for transmission of data, a load change <NUM> occurs (e.g., in association with the uplink carrier). The load change <NUM> may cause a change in a priority of the uplink carrier. When a change of the priority occurs and/or is determined (e.g., detected) (e.g., by the first wireless node <NUM> and/or the second wireless node <NUM>), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>).

The information may comprise first information <NUM> corresponding to a first uplink carrier, second information <NUM> corresponding to a second uplink carrier and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to a third uplink carrier, wherein the first uplink carrier, the second uplink carrier and/or the third uplink carrier are comprised within the plurality of uplink carriers. A fourth uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) request to access the fourth uplink carrier. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access the fourth uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>.

Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>), the first wireless node <NUM> may access <NUM> the uplink carrier. Upon accessing <NUM> the uplink carrier, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>).

In some examples, when the first wireless node <NUM> is using the uplink carrier for transmission of data, the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The information may comprise first information <NUM>, second information <NUM> and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers. A second uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the second uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) transmit a second request <NUM> to access the second uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>. In response to determining that the second uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>), the first wireless node <NUM> may access <NUM> the uplink carrier. Upon accessing <NUM> the uplink carrier, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. In some examples, the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The information may comprise first information <NUM>, second information <NUM> and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers. An uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) access <NUM> the uplink carrier. In some examples, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating random access to the uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may then transmit a request <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM>, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>).

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) access <NUM> the uplink carrier. In some examples, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating random access to the uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may then transmit a request <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is not available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a rejection message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). In response to receiving the rejection message <NUM>, the first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., cease accessing the uplink carrier and/or) use an initial uplink carrier which the first wireless node <NUM> may have already (e.g., previously) accessed, for transmission of data <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node).

In some examples, the first wireless node <NUM> may have a transmission problem <NUM>. For example, the first wireless node <NUM> may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using the uplink carrier. The second wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) (e.g., directly) indicate a second (e.g., alternative) uplink carrier to the first wireless node by transmitting uplink carrier indication information <NUM> (e.g., associated with the second uplink carrier) to the first wireless node.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) (e.g., directly) access <NUM> the second uplink carrier. In some examples, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating random access to the second uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating non-competitive random access to the second uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) transmit a second completion message <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. In some examples, the first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., be determined to) have a transmission problem <NUM>. For example, the first wireless node <NUM> may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using an uplink carrier. In some examples, the transmission problem <NUM> occurs when the first wireless node <NUM> transmits a random access preamble to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times. Alternatively and/or additionally, the transmission problem <NUM> occurs when the first wireless node <NUM> transmits a data packet to the uplink carrier a threshold (e.g., maximum) number of times. Alternatively and/or additionally, the transmission problem <NUM> occurs when the uplink carrier is out of step (e.g., in association with a TA timer timeout). In response to determining the transmission problem <NUM>, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a request <NUM> to access a second uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The second wireless node <NUM> may transmit information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The information may be transmitted using a downlink carrier. The information may comprise first information <NUM>, second information <NUM> and/or third information <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of uplink carriers. An uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers may be selected to be used for data transmission. Thus, the first wireless node <NUM> may select the uplink carrier, from the plurality of uplink carriers, based upon the information received.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) transmit a request <NUM> to access the uplink carrier to the second wireless node <NUM>. The request <NUM> may be transmitted using an initial uplink carrier that was (e.g., previously) accessed. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The confirmation message <NUM> may be transmitted using the downlink carrier. Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., from the second wireless node <NUM>), the first wireless node <NUM> may access <NUM> the uplink carrier. The accessing <NUM> may be associated with the downlink carrier, the initial uplink carrier and/or the uplink carrier. Upon accessing <NUM> the uplink carrier, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>). The completion message <NUM> may be transmitted using the uplink carrier.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) access <NUM> the uplink carrier. In some examples, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating random access to the uplink carrier. The accessing <NUM> may be associated with the downlink carrier and/or the uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may then transmit a request <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The request <NUM> may be transmitted using the uplink carrier. In response to determining that the uplink carrier is available (e.g., for the first wireless node <NUM> to access), the second wireless node <NUM> may transmit a confirmation message <NUM> (e.g., to the first wireless node <NUM>). The confirmation message <NUM> may be transmitted using the downlink carrier. Upon the first wireless node <NUM> receiving the confirmation message <NUM>, the first wireless node <NUM> may transmit a completion message <NUM> (e.g., to the second wireless node <NUM>). The completion message <NUM> may be transmitted using the uplink carrier.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a system <NUM> for facilitating transmission of a request to access an uplink carrier from the first wireless node <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., be determined to) have a transmission problem <NUM> associated with an initial uplink carrier that was (e.g., previously) accessed. For example, the first wireless node <NUM> may be unable to transmit data, at a desired rate, using the initial uplink carrier. The second wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) (e.g., directly) indicate an (e.g., alternative) uplink carrier to the first wireless node <NUM> by transmitting uplink carrier indication information <NUM> (e.g., associated with the second uplink carrier) to the first wireless node <NUM>. The uplink carrier indication information <NUM> may be transmitted using a downlink carrier.

The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) (e.g., directly) access <NUM> the second uplink carrier. The accessing <NUM> may be associated with the downlink carrier, the initial uplink carrier and/or the uplink carrier. In some examples, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating random access to the uplink carrier. Alternatively and/or additionally, the accessing <NUM> comprises initiating non-competitive random access to the uplink carrier. The first wireless node <NUM> may (e.g., then) transmit a completion message <NUM> to the second wireless node <NUM>. The completion message <NUM> may be transmitted using the uplink carrier.

<FIG> presents a schematic architecture diagram <NUM> of a base station <NUM> (e.g., a node) that may utilize at least a portion of the techniques provided herein. Such a base station <NUM> may vary widely in configuration and/or capabilities, alone or in conjunction with other base stations, nodes, end units and/or servers, etc. in order to provide a service, such as at least some of one or more of the other disclosed techniques, scenarios, etc. For example, the base station <NUM> may connect one or more user equipment (UE) to a (e.g., wireless) network (e.g., which may be connected and/or include one or more other base stations), such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, etc. The network may implement a radio technology, such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), CDMA13000, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>, Flash-OFDM, etc. The base station <NUM> and/or the network may communicate using a standard, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE).

The base station <NUM> may comprise one or more (e.g., hardware) processors <NUM> that process instructions. The one or more processors <NUM> may optionally include a plurality of cores; one or more coprocessors, such as a mathematics coprocessor or an integrated graphical processing unit (GPU); and/or one or more layers of local cache memory. The base station <NUM> may comprise memory <NUM> storing various forms of applications, such as an operating system <NUM>; one or more base station applications <NUM>; and/or various forms of data, such as a database <NUM> and/or a file system, etc. The base station <NUM> may comprise a variety of peripheral components, such as a wired and/or wireless network adapter <NUM> connectible to a local area network and/or wide area network; one or more storage components <NUM>, such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state storage device (SSD), a flash memory device, and/or a magnetic and/or optical disk reader; and/or other peripheral components.

The base station <NUM> may comprise a mainboard featuring one or more communication buses <NUM> that interconnect the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or various peripherals, using a variety of bus technologies, such as a variant of a serial or parallel AT Attachment (ATA) bus protocol; a Uniform Serial Bus (USB) protocol; and/or Small Computer System Interface (SCI) bus protocol. In a multibus scenario, a communication bus <NUM> may interconnect the base station <NUM> with at least one other server. Other components that may optionally be included with the base station <NUM> (though not shown in the schematic diagram <NUM> of <FIG>) include a display; a display adapter, such as a graphical processing unit (GPU); input peripherals, such as a keyboard and/or mouse; and/or a flash memory device that may store a basic input/output system (BIOS) routine that facilitates booting the base station <NUM> to a state of readiness, etc..

The base station <NUM> may operate in various physical enclosures, such as a desktop or tower, and/or may be integrated with a display as an "all-in-one" device. The base station <NUM> may be mounted horizontally and/or in a cabinet or rack, and/or may simply comprise an interconnected set of components. The base station <NUM> may comprise a dedicated and/or shared power supply <NUM> that supplies and/or regulates power for the other components. The base station <NUM> may provide power to and/or receive power from another base station and/or server and/or other devices. The base station <NUM> may comprise a shared and/or dedicated climate control unit <NUM> that regulates climate properties, such as temperature, humidity, and/or airflow. Many such base stations <NUM> may be configured and/or adapted to utilize at least a portion of the techniques presented herein.

<FIG> presents a schematic architecture diagram <NUM> of a user equipment (UE) <NUM> (e.g., a node) whereupon at least a portion of the techniques presented herein may be implemented. Such a UE <NUM> may vary widely in configuration and/or capabilities, in order to provide a variety of functionality to a user. The UE <NUM> may be provided in a variety of form factors, such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone); a desktop or tower workstation; an "all-in-one" device integrated with a display <NUM>; a laptop, tablet, convertible tablet, or palmtop device; a wearable device, such as mountable in a headset, eyeglass, earpiece, and/or wristwatch, and/or integrated with an article of clothing; and/or a component of a piece of furniture, such as a tabletop, and/or of another device, such as a vehicle or residence. The UE <NUM> may serve the user in a variety of roles, such as a telephone, a workstation, kiosk, media player, gaming device, and/or appliance.

The UE <NUM> may comprise one or more (e.g., hardware) processors <NUM> that process instructions. The one or more processors <NUM> may optionally include a plurality of cores; one or more coprocessors, such as a mathematics coprocessor or an integrated graphical processing unit (GPU); and/or one or more layers of local cache memory. The UE <NUM> may comprise memory <NUM> storing various forms of applications, such as an operating system <NUM>; one or more user applications <NUM>, such as document applications, media applications, file and/or data access applications, communication applications, such as web browsers and/or email clients, utilities, and/or games; and/or drivers for various peripherals. The UE <NUM> may comprise a variety of peripheral components, such as a wired and/or wireless network adapter <NUM> connectible to a local area network and/or wide area network; one or more output components, such as a display <NUM> coupled with a display adapter (optionally including a graphical processing unit (GPU)), a sound adapter coupled with a speaker, and/or a printer; input devices for receiving input from the user, such as a keyboard <NUM>, a mouse, a microphone, a camera, and/or a touch-sensitive component of the display <NUM>, and/or environmental sensors, such as a GPS receiver <NUM> that detects the location, velocity, and/or acceleration of the UE <NUM>, a compass, accelerometer, and/or gyroscope that detects a physical orientation of the UE <NUM>. Other components that may optionally be included with the UE <NUM> (though not shown in the schematic architecture diagram <NUM> of <FIG>) include one or more storage components, such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state storage device (SSD), a flash memory device, and/or a magnetic and/or optical disk reader; a flash memory device that may store a basic input/output system (BIOS) routine that facilitates booting the UE <NUM> to a state of readiness; and/or a climate control unit that regulates climate properties, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow, etc..

The UE <NUM> may comprise a mainboard featuring one or more communication buses <NUM> that interconnect the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or various peripherals, using a variety of bus technologies, such as a variant of a serial or parallel AT Attachment (ATA) bus protocol; the Uniform Serial Bus (USB) protocol; and/or the Small Computer System Interface (SCI) bus protocol. The UE <NUM> may comprise a dedicated and/or shared power supply <NUM> that supplies and/or regulates power for other components, and/or a battery <NUM> that stores power for use while the UE <NUM> is not connected to a power source via the power supply <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may provide power to and/or receive power from other client devices.

<FIG> is an illustration of a scenario <NUM> involving an example non-transitory computer readable medium <NUM>. The non-transitory computer readable medium <NUM> may comprise processor-executable instructions <NUM> that when executed by a processor <NUM> cause performance (e.g., by the processor <NUM>) of at least some of the provisions herein. The non-transitory computer readable medium <NUM> may comprise a memory semiconductor (e.g., a semiconductor utilizing static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) technologies), a platter of a hard disk drives, a flash memory device, or a magnetic or optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), and/or floppy disk). The example non-transitory computer readable medium <NUM> stores computerreadable data <NUM> that, when subjected to reading <NUM> by a reader <NUM> of a device <NUM> (e.g., a read head of a hard disk drive, or a read operation invoked on a solid-state storage device), express the processor-executable instructions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions <NUM>, when executed, cause performance of operations, such as at least some of the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, the example method <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the example method <NUM> of <FIG>, for example. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions <NUM> are configured to cause implementation of a system and/or scenario, such as at least some of the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, the example system <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the example system <NUM> of <FIG>, for example.

As used in this application, "component," "module," "system", "interface", and/or the like are generally intended to refer to a computerrelated entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers (e.g., nodes(s)).

Unless specified otherwise, "first," "second," and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second object generally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, "example" is used herein to mean serving as an instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". In addition, "a" and "an" as used in this application are generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that "includes", "having", "has", "with", and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer (e.g., node) to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computerreadable device, carrier, or media. Of course, many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Various operations of embodiments and/or examples are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described herein should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment and/or example provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments and/or examples.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a user equipment, UE, comprising:
receiving information corresponding to a plurality of uplink carriers, wherein the information comprises a random access channel, RACH, common configuration, a time alignment, TA, timer common configuration, and an indication of a frequency of an uplink carrier;
selecting an uplink carrier from the plurality of uplink carriers based upon the information,
wherein the selecting the uplink carrier is based on comparing a Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, of a downlink carrier, measured by the user equipment, to a threshold,
wherein the selected uplink carrier has a low frequency in response to the RSRP being below the threshold,
wherein the selected uplink carrier has a high frequency in response to the RSRP being above the threshold, and
wherein the user equipment, UE, re-selects an appropriate uplink carrier in response to a transmission problem with a current uplink carrier; and
performing random access using the selected uplink carrier.