Goal-Oriented Random Access (GORA)

Abstract: We propose Goal-Oriented Random Access (GORA), where transmitters jointly optimize what to send and when to access the shared channel to a common access point, considering the ultimate goal of the information transfer at its final destination. This goal is captured by an objective function, which is expressed as a general (not necessarily monotonic) function of the Age of Information. Our findings reveal that, under certain conditions, it may be desirable for transmitters to delay channel access intentionally and, when accessing the channel, transmit aged samples to reach a specific goal at the receiver.