Broadcast Signaling to Differentiate Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signaling techniques for terrestrial networks are not suitable for non-terrestrial networks, leading to inefficiencies and potential power wastage for UEs attempting to synchronize with incorrect cell types.
Innovation Solution
Differentiate terrestrial and non-terrestrial cells through distinct broadcast signaling formats, including different resource element mappings, sequences, scramblings, and time locations to enable UEs to identify the correct network type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional signaling techniques for terrestrial networks are used in non-terrestrial networks, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but signaling efficiency deteriorates and power is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast signaling into distinct formats for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. UEs are provided with separate broadcast signaling formats (e.g., different SIB types or dedicated message structures) that clearly indicate the network type. This segmentation allows UEs to quickly identify whether they are in an NTN or terrestrial network without attempting to process incompatible signaling, thereby preventing power wastage while maintaining network accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key signaling parameters between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, including different resource element mappings, sequence configurations, scrambling codes, and time locations for broadcast signaling. These parameter changes create distinguishable signaling characteristics that enable UEs to rapidly identify the network type and adjust their processing accordingly, improving energy efficiency while maintaining coverage.
2Reliability
If UEs attempt to synchronize with all cells regardless of type, then network access reliability is improved, but synchronization time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification mechanisms where UEs receive and process broadcast signaling that contains network type indicators before attempting full synchronization. This preliminary action allows UEs to determine whether a cell is terrestrial or non-terrestrial and select the appropriate synchronization procedure, preventing wasted time on incompatible cells while ensuring reliable access to the correct network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary broadcast signaling layer that mediates between the physical cell and the UE synchronization process. This intermediary contains explicit network type indicators and configuration information that guide UEs on how to proceed with synchronization, ensuring that UEs only attempt to synchronize with cells of the appropriate type, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing time consumption.
3Measurement precision
If distinct broadcast signaling formats are implemented for terrestrial and non-terrestrial cells, then network type identification accuracy is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network type identification function from the general broadcast signaling process and implements it as a separate, dedicated indicator within the signaling structure. This extracted indicator (such as a specific field in SIB or a dedicated message element) contains explicit information about network type, allowing UEs to identify the network type with high accuracy without needing to parse the entire broadcast signaling in detail, thereby managing complexity effectively.
4Use of energy by moving object
If broadcast signaling includes explicit network type indicators, then UE power efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by including only the essential network type indicator within the broadcast signaling, rather than transmitting complete network configuration information upfront. The signaling includes just enough information (a specific indicator or flag) for UEs to identify the network type and determine whether to continue synchronization, improving power efficiency while minimizing the increase in signaling overhead through selective information transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A base station may determine a terrestrial characteristic of a cell associated with the base station. A UE may perform a synchronization procedure with the cell and may receive, as part of the synchronization procedure, broadcast signaling associated with the cell. The broadcast signaling may identify the terrestrial characteristic of the cell. The base station may initiate communications with the UE based on the broadcast signaling including the indication of the terrestrial characteristic of the cell.