Anchor Node Mobility Management in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility management techniques in non-terrestrial networks, such as those using high-speed satellites, face challenges with frequent handovers and resource-intensive processing due to rapidly changing satellite positions, leading to potential data interruptions and high overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a communication node maintains its role as an anchor node for user equipment devices across time periods, even as satellites change connections, by establishing and maintaining communication links between core networks and user equipment devices without frequent changes in security keys or processing overhead, using a split architecture with regenerative or transparent satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mobility management techniques are applied in non-terrestrial networks with high-speed satellites, then satellite coverage and service availability are improved, but processing overhead and resource consumption increase significantly due to frequent handovers and security key changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mobility management function by introducing a mobility anchor point that remains stationary while satellites move. This separates the anchoring function from the satellite, allowing the anchor point to maintain stable UE contexts and security keys while satellites change, thereby reducing processing overhead associated with frequent handovers
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility anchor point acts as an intermediary between the core network and moving satellites. It absorbs the complexity of mobility management by maintaining stable connections and contexts, shielding the core network from frequent satellite changes and reducing overall system processing overhead
2Reliability
If frequent handovers are performed to track moving satellites, then service continuity is maintained, but data interruptions and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility anchor point pre-establishes UE contexts and security keys before satellites move out of range. This preliminary setup allows for smoother transitions and reduces data interruptions during handover events, as the anchor point is already prepared to maintain connections
3Reliability
If security keys are frequently changed to match satellite movements, then security is maintained, but processing overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security management function by keeping security keys anchored at the mobility anchor point rather than changing them with each satellite transition. This separation allows security to be maintained while avoiding the processing overhead of frequent key changes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing security keys to follow satellite movements, the patent inverts the approach by keeping keys stationary at the anchor point while satellites move. This reversal eliminates the need for frequent key changes and associated processing overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for mobility management in non-terrestrial networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first communication node, includes: during a first time period, communicating with a non-terrestrial communication node utilizing a first communication link, wherein the non-terrestrial communication node provides at least one geographic cell in which a user equipment device (UE) is present during the first time period; during a second time period, communicating with a second communication node utilizing a second communication link, wherein a third communication link is established between the non-terrestrial communication node and the second communication node and the first communication link is no longer utilized during the second time period; and determining to maintain the first communication node as an anchor node for communications between a core network and the UE during both the first and second time periods.