When a UE needs to access to the network it uses RACH to begin the process.

RACH is a shared channel on the uplink used by all UE, therefore may encounte r contention (collision) during multiple user access attempts and interfere with each other. Each UE must estimate the amount of power to use on the access attempt since no feedback from the NodeB exists as it does on the dedicated channel. The purpose of open loop power control is to minimize the chance of collision and minimize the initial UE transmit power to reduce interference to other UE. Initial UE transmit power = Primary_CPICH_Power CPICH_RSCP + UL_Interferrnce + c onstant_Value_Cprach Instead of sending the whole message, a test (preamble) is sent. Wait for answer from NodeB. If no answer from NodeB increase the power. Try and try until succeed or timeout