5G NTN Transport Routing for Continuous LEO Satellite Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP standards do not adequately address the dynamic reconfiguration needs of non-terrestrial cellular networks, particularly in LEO and MEO satellite constellations, due to satellite movement, leading to temporary coverage and communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile satellite infrastructure with a distributed NG-RAN architecture, utilizing a transport network with MPLS routing and a resource management control center for dynamic reconfiguration, ensuring continuous communication by managing satellite movement and temporary coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed 5G NR cell on the ground is served by a LEO satellite, then communication service is provided, but the satellite movement causes temporary coverage and communication disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the gNB separation interface routing based on real-time satellite visibility. The system continuously monitors satellite positions and dynamically adjusts the Feeder link routing through the mesh network to maintain continuous communication as satellites move, transforming a static satellite-cell assignment into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control function that manages the gNB separation interface and coordinates routing through the satellite mesh network. This intermediary entity monitors satellite visibility and dynamically switches routing paths, acting as a mediator between the ground-based gNB and the moving satellites to ensure continuous service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gNB is separated into distributed and base units on satellite, then network flexibility is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gNB into distributed units (DU) on the satellite and base units (BU) on the ground, connected through a standardized separation interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit and enables flexible reconfiguration of the satellite network without affecting ground infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gNB separation interface with universal protocols that can operate across different satellite platforms and ground configurations. The standardized interface enables the same architectural pattern to be applied regardless of specific satellite characteristics, reducing overall system complexity through uniformity.
3Reliability
If satellite constellation provides continuous coverage, then communication availability improves, but the number of satellites and ground stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple satellite links through a mesh network topology, allowing data to be routed through intermediate satellites. This combining of multiple paths enables continuous coverage through coordinated handovers between satellites, reducing the need for as many simultaneous ground station connections as would be required in a non-mesh architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
This Infrastructure (1) comprises: an IP/MPLS type transport network (3) including a satellite network (20) and a terrestrial network, connected by a feed link; a 5G NTN network (2), including a base station disaggregated on either side of an F1 interface, associating an edge unit (RU, DU), in the payload of a satellite (21) connected to an edge router (210) of the satellite network, and a ground unit (CU) connected to a ground router (260) of the terrestrial network; the transport network establishing a path between the ground router and the edge router; and, a control center (50) to command a configuration of the transport network resources.