Terrestrial Base Station Coordination With Non-Terrestrial Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terrestrial wireless communication networks face challenges with coverage gaps due to uneven user distribution, geographical obstructions, and network outages, while non-terrestrial networks introduce dynamic topology changes that complicate configuration and handover processes between terrestrial and non-terrestrial base stations.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a satellite receiver or terminal with terrestrial base stations to establish direct or indirect communication links with non-terrestrial base stations, enabling coordination through transport network addresses and radio links for efficient handover and interference management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If terrestrial base stations use static configuration and manual planning, then configuration effort and complexity are low, but network coverage and resilience are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic neighbor relationship configuration. Base stations autonomously discover neighboring cells and establish handover configurations without manual intervention. The network automatically updates neighbor relationships as satellites move, eliminating the need for continuous manual reconfiguration while maintaining optimal network performance and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static terrestrial base station configurations to dynamic hybrid configurations that automatically adapt to satellite movement. Neighbor relationships and handover parameters are continuously updated based on real-time satellite positions, enabling the network to dynamically respond to changing topology while maintaining low operational complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If non-terrestrial base stations are integrated into the network, then network coverage and resilience are improved, but the number of neighboring relationships and configuration difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic discovery and configuration of neighbor relationships between terrestrial and non-terrestrial base stations. The network autonomously identifies satellites entering coverage areas, establishes appropriate handover configurations, and updates neighbor lists without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism handles the complexity of integrating large numbers of satellite cells while expanding network coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation to satellite movement by continuously updating neighbor relationships as satellites enter and exit coverage areas. The system automatically adjusts handover configurations based on real-time satellite positions and visibility, enabling seamless integration of non-terrestrial base stations across large geographic areas without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If LEO satellites are used, then network coverage and mobility are improved, but neighborhood relationships change frequently requiring frequent reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesatellite mobilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and preparing handover configurations as satellites approach coverage areas. Neighbor relationships are established in advance before satellites become visible, and handover parameters are pre-configured based on predicted satellite trajectories. This preliminary preparation eliminates reconfiguration delays when satellites rapidly move through coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining persistent neighbor relationships and handover configurations throughout satellite passes. The system continuously monitors satellite positions and maintains ready-to-execute handover configurations, eliminating gaps or interruptions in service during satellite movement. This continuous operation prevents service degradation despite frequent changes in satellite visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4701096A1Methods, computer programs, and apparatuses for a non-terrestrial base station and a terrestrial base station, communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4701096A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701096A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4701096A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples relate to methods, computer programs, and apparatuses for a non-terrestrial base station and a terrestrial base station. The method (10) for a terrestrial base station (300) of a mobile communication system (500) comprises communicating (11) radio signals with user equipment, UE (62;(64)), located in one or more radio cells covered by the terrestrial base station (300) and receiving (12) a signal transmitted by a non-terrestrial base station (400) of the mobile communication system (500). The method (10) further comprises determining (13) one or more parameters of a radio cell generated by the non-terrestrial base station (400) based on the received signal.