Assisted Non-Terrestrial Network Selection Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks, particularly Next Generation (NG) wireless networks like 5G NR, face challenges in establishing and maintaining connectivity between end devices and wireless networks, especially due to performance differences between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks such as satellite networks, which are resource-intensive and taxing on battery life, with limited bandwidth and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An assisted non-terrestrial network selection and access service that provides end devices with configurable criteria to automatically or manually search for non-terrestrial networks when terrestrial networks are unavailable, using NTN assistance information including location and channel data to optimize connectivity, reducing the need for blind searches and improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end devices perform blind searches for non-terrestrial networks, then network connectivity options are explored, but resource consumption and battery usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring search criteria and obtaining assistance information about NTN locations and characteristics before actual network selection. The end device receives NTN assistance information that includes location data and search criteria, allowing it to perform targeted searches rather than blind searches, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining connectivity options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the network search to specific local conditions. Instead of searching all possible networks uniformly, the system filters and prioritizes NTN searches based on location-specific assistance information and configured criteria, making the search process more efficient and less energy-intensive while adapting to local network availability.
2Reliability
If end devices manually search for non-terrestrial networks, then connectivity is established, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically performing network selection based on pre-configured criteria and assistance information. The end device autonomously determines when to search for NTN, what criteria to use, and how to interpret search results, eliminating manual intervention and reducing the time required for connectivity establishment while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides assistance information about NTN availability and characteristics, and the end device reports search results and connectivity status. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize future searches based on actual network conditions, reducing search time and improving connectivity establishment efficiency.
3Reliability
If terrestrial networks are prioritized, then connectivity is maintained, but coverage is limited in areas where NTN is the only option
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the network selection strategy adaptive rather than static. The end device dynamically switches between preferring terrestrial networks and searching for NTN based on real-time conditions such as terrestrial network unavailability, location information, and configured criteria. This dynamic approach maintains connectivity reliability while expanding coverage to areas where only NTN is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying search and selection parameters based on current network conditions. The system changes parameters such as search priority, criteria thresholds, and network preference settings according to whether terrestrial networks are available, the device location, and other configured parameters, enabling flexible adaptation to different coverage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are described in relation to an assisted non-terrestrial network selection and access service. The assisted non-terrestrial network selection and access service include providing non-terrestrial network assistance information to end devices. The end devices may use the non-terrestrial network assistance information to perform searching, accessing, and connecting to non-terrestrial networks. The end devices may provide feedback information regarding the validity or invalidity of the non-terrestrial network assistance information after searches and connection procedures are performed.