Abstract: Access to a wireless network is attempted by sending on a random access channel RACH at a first transmit power a first preamble comprising a signature sequence that is randomly selected from a set of signature sequences. After the access attempt from sending the first preamble is determined unsuccessful, access to the wireless network is re-attempted by sending on the RACH at a second transmit power a second preamble comprising a signature sequence, in which the second transmit power is no greater than the first transmit power. Embodiments variously combine different options: the signature sequences of the first and second preambles are each randomly selected separately, or the signature sequence of the first preamble is re-used in the second preamble; the first and second transmit powers are each equal to an initial transmit power, or the second transmit power is the initial power and less than the first transmit power.

Abstract: Access to a wireless network is attempted by sending on a random access channel RACH at a first transmit power a first preamble comprising a signature sequence that is randomly selected from a set of signature sequences. After the access attempt from sending the first preamble is determined unsuccessful, access to the wireless network is re-attempted by sending on the RACH at a second transmit power a second preamble comprising a signature sequence, in which the second transmit power is no greater than the first transmit power. Embodiments variously combine different options: the signature sequences of the first and second preambles are each randomly selected separately, or the signature sequence of the first preamble is re-used in the second preamble; the first and second transmit powers are each equal to an initial transmit power, or the second transmit power is the initial power and less than the first transmit power.