5G Core NTN Cell Support for Paging and Handover Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in managing mobility and resource allocation due to the large satellite coverage footprints and overlapping areas of geostationary and non-geostationary satellites, leading to excessive signaling overhead and inefficient network resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined networking architecture with enhanced information elements and policies to manage non-terrestrial network cells, including expanded tracking area identity lists and target identifiers, to optimize paging and handover processes, and align UE and network capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite coverage footprints are made large to provide ubiquitous connectivity, then coverage area is improved, but signaling overhead increases due to overlapping coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite network into distinct GSO and NGSO satellite systems with separate tracking area identities. By dividing the coverage management into separate segments for different satellite types, the system can track UE mobility more efficiently without requiring excessive signaling when coverage areas overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary tracking area identity assignment for NTN cells before UE enters coverage. The AMF pre-configures TAI lists specific to NTN cells, enabling the UE to proactively report mobility events between GSO and NGSO satellites without triggering excessive paging or handover signaling.
2Measurement precision
If tracking area identity lists are expanded to include NTN cells, then mobility tracking precision is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing 3GPP TAI list mechanism to serve dual purposes: traditional terrestrial cell tracking and NTN satellite cell tracking. By making the TAI list multi-functional rather than creating entirely new tracking mechanisms, the system achieves precise NTN mobility tracking while reusing existing network configuration frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism between NTN cell identities and TAI list entries. This intermediary layer allows the network to track UE mobility across GSO and NGSO satellites with high precision while shielding the core network from the full complexity of satellite-specific cell management.
3Reliability
If paging is enabled for all UEs in NTN coverage, then connectivity reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to excessive paging signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial paging action by configuring the AMF to send paging messages selectively only when necessary for NTN UEs. Instead of paging all UEs in NTN coverage areas, the system uses TAI list matching to determine when paging is actually required, reducing unnecessary paging signaling while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its TAI list and mobility events to the AMF. This feedback allows the network to adjust paging behavior dynamically, sending paging messages only when the UE's current location and TAI list indicate actual connectivity needs, thereby optimizing network resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A core network (CN) of a wireless network such as a 5G (5th generation) network is adapted to provide support for non-terrestrial network (NTN) types to optimize signaling for effective resource and mobility management. The CN uses signaling with a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) to determine when user equipment (UE) and network capabilities are mismatched with regard to supported satellite types (including geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) types) to ensure that unnecessary paging is not implemented. The CN is further arranged to utilize an expanded tracking area identity (TAI) list that enables a unique tracking area code (TAC) to be defined and utilized for specific NTN cells. The CN is further arranged to utilize a target identifier (ID) used in handovers involving an NTN cell.