Rach-less fallback to two-step or four-step rach with ul grant

Abstract

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform at least receiving, by a network device of a communication network, information providing an indication to connect to a network node of the communication network using a Random Access Channel (RACH)-less) signaling procedure; determining that connecting to the network node using the RACH-less signaling procedure has failed; and based on the RACH-less signaling procedure failing, using at least one alternative signaling procedure for connecting to the network node using uplink (UL) resources from RACH-less procedure. Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform based on a RACH-less signaling procedure from a network device failing to connect to a network node, receiving, by the network node, at least one alternative signaling procedure from the network device for the connecting; and establishing a connection with the network device based on the at least one alternative signaling procedure from the network device using the UL resources from RACH-less procedure.