Cell Search Backoff in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial networks with discontinuous coverage pose challenges due to frequent handovers and energy consumption issues for user equipment, particularly for devices with limited power resources, as they constantly search for available satellite cells.
Innovation Solution
A user device for non-terrestrial network communication that determines the unavailability of a connection, obtains data on cell availability, calculates a backoff time based on this data, and initiates a subsequent search after the backoff time has expired, optimizing energy usage and balancing delay and power saving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user device continuously searches for available satellite cells in non-terrestrial networks, then connectivity and communication reliability are improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cell search instead of continuous search. The user device performs cell search operations at specific intervals determined by backoff timing, during which the search space is activated, and remains inactive during other periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate connectivity through strategic search intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network side provide advance information about cell availability through availability indicators. The user device uses this提前 provided information to determine optimal search timing, performing cell search just before or when coverage is expected to be available, rather than continuously searching. This reduces energy consumption while ensuring connectivity when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the user device implements backoff timing for cell search, then energy consumption is reduced, but connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides availability indicators about future cell availability to the user device. The user device uses this feedback information to optimize backoff timing, adjusting search intervals based on actual network conditions and availability patterns. This feedback loop enables the system to balance energy saving with connection establishment time by adapting to real-time network state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cell search timing adaptive rather than fixed. The backoff timing parameters are dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, availability indicators, and current operational state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between energy consumption and connection speed according to actual network availability patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments relate to a solution for non-terrestrial network communication. A user device for non-terrestrial network communication may be configured to determine that a connection to a non-terrestrial network having a discontinuous coverage is unavailable, the non-terrestrial network providing at least one cell serving the user device; obtain data relating to cell availability of the at least one cell; determine a backoff time associated with a subsequent non-terrestrial network search based at least partly on the data relating to cell availability; and initiate a cell search of the non-terrestrial network again after expiration of the backoff time.