Beam Hopping Configuration for Satellite Communication Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial communication networks like satellite communication systems, managing beam distribution in a beam hopping scenario is challenging, especially due to satellite motion and beam splitting or combination, leading to inefficiencies and increased signaling overheads.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method where a communication apparatus obtains beam configuration information, determines a beam hopping pattern, and communicates based on this pattern, using RRC messages for flexible beam pattern adjustments and reduced signaling overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam hopping is used to reduce single-satellite load and improve resource utilization, then satellite system resource utilization is improved, but beam distribution management becomes more complex and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam hopping patterns where beams are dynamically allocated to different time slots and frequency resources. The beam hopping configuration allows the system to adapt beam assignments in real-time based on traffic demands and satellite position, transforming static beam management into a dynamic resource allocation system that improves utilization while managing complexity through structured dynamic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic beam hopping patterns where beams systematically cycle through different time slots and frequency resources in predetermined sequences. This periodic structure provides regularity to the beam management process, making it easier to track and manage beam distributions while still achieving high resource utilization through systematic beam sharing across multiple satellites and time periods.
2Ease of operation
If conventional beam configuration methods are used, then beam management is straightforward, but signaling overhead increases and flexibility to adapt to satellite motion and beam changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates beam hopping configuration parameters into dedicated RRC message elements, isolating the complex beam hopping management from general system configuration. By extracting specific beam hopping parameters (such as hopping patterns, time slot assignments, and frequency resource mappings) into separate configurable elements, the system reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining straightforward management of beam hopping-specific operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-based beam hopping configuration where beam assignments are controlled by configurable parameters in RRC messages. By changing parameters such as hopping patterns, cycle periods, and resource offsets, the system can adapt to satellite motion and beam changes without requiring complete reconfiguration, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining flexibility through parameter adjustments rather than structural changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam hopping patterns are frequently adjusted to accommodate satellite motion and beam splitting/combination, then adaptability to satellite dynamics is improved, but signaling overhead and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary beam hopping configuration where RRC messages pre-define beam hopping patterns, time slot assignments, and frequency resource mappings before satellite motion or beam changes occur. By preparing and configuring beam hopping parameters in advance, the system can quickly adapt to satellite dynamics without requiring frequent real-time signaling adjustments, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining high adaptability through pre-planned beam hopping sequences.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a wireless communication method and apparatus. In the method, a first communication apparatus obtains first beam configuration information, determines a first beam hopping pattern based on the first beam configuration information, and communicates with a second communication apparatus based on the first beam hopping pattern. According to the technical solutions of this application, the first communication apparatus can obtain a beam distribution status, and perform communication based on the beam distribution status. This ensures normal communication in a beam hopping scenario.