5G Core Coverage Management for Dynamic Satellite Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in managing dynamic satellite coverage, leading to discontinuities that affect mobility management and terminal battery life, with current solutions causing network overload and high integration costs due to proprietary interfaces with satellite systems.
Innovation Solution
A centralized coverage management network function (CMNF) integrated into the 5G network core, which collects and processes satellite coverage information in real time, and provides it to other network functions, including satellite coverage, the CMNF collects satellite coverage information, and provides real-time satellite coverage information to other network functions, such as the CMNF, which operates in the service-based architecture (SBA) to adapt mobility management and optimize battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite systems are integrated into 5G networks to provide coverage, then coverage area is improved, but coverage discontinuity occurs due to satellite maintenance and partial failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coverage area information that is continuously updated in real-time based on satellite positions and coverage status. The network function dynamically adjusts mobility management parameters according to current coverage conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing satellite availability rather than relying on static coverage assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the network function continuously monitors satellite coverage status and uses this information to adjust mobility management procedures. Coverage area information is fed back to the network core, enabling real-time optimization of terminal mobility management based on actual coverage conditions.
2Loss of information
If proprietary interfaces are used to interface with satellite systems, then satellite coverage information can be obtained, but integration cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network function that can obtain satellite coverage information through standardized 3GPP interfaces. This network function serves multiple purposes: providing coverage information to mobility management, supporting multiple satellite systems, and enabling various mobility management strategies. The universal interface approach eliminates the need for proprietary integrations while maintaining comprehensive coverage information capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary network function that acts as a mediator between the satellite system and the 5G core network. This intermediary translates satellite coverage information into standardized formats that can be consumed by existing 5G network functions, eliminating the need for direct proprietary interfaces while preserving full access to coverage information.
3Reliability
If terminals continuously search for satellite coverage, then coverage availability is improved, but terminal battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing terminals with advance coverage area information before they actually need to search for coverage. The network function predicts future coverage areas based on satellite trajectories and provides this information to terminals in advance, allowing terminals to prepare for coverage transitions without continuous searching, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining coverage availability.
4Loss of information
If frequent location updates are performed in satellite coverage areas, then coverage tracking is improved, but network overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location update strategies that adapt to satellite coverage characteristics. Instead of fixed update intervals, the system dynamically adjusts update frequency based on terminal mobility patterns, coverage stability, and network load conditions. This dynamic approach maintains accurate coverage tracking while preventing network overload by reducing unnecessary updates in stable coverage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coverage management network function integrated in a fifth-generation network core configured to operate in collaboration with a satellite system having dynamic coverage, the network core collaborating with an access network (RAN), said coverage management network function responding to the requirements defined for a service-based architecture for a network function, this coverage management network function being further configured to collect coverage information by the satellite system, to process this coverage information according to at least one geographical area defined by another network function of the core network, also satisfying the requirements defined for a service-based architecture, in order to generate access network availability information in real time and provide it to this other network function of the core network. Other embodiments are disclosed.