Patent ID: 8374150

Claim:
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: at least one processor configured to send a random access preamble for random access by a user equipment (UE), to receive a random access response including a Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), to use the Temporary C-RNTI as a C-RNTI for the UE if a valid C-RNTI is not already available, and to discard the Temporary C-RNTI and use the valid C-RNTI if available; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to send the random access preamble for timing synchronization update when the valid C-RNTI is available, and to discard the Temporary C-RNTI and continue to use the valid C-RNTI.