CPRI Satellite Beam Control for Standard UE Global Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating with user equipment outside terrestrial cell tower coverage, particularly in areas like oceans, using low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for global cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication system comprising a base station and processing device that generates satellite beams based on control and signal information stored in memory, utilizing a CPRI interface to manage communication with standard compliant user equipment, including in-phase and quadrature component information for downlink and uplink channels, and supports beam handover and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a satellite communication system is implemented to provide global coverage, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the satellite communication functionality by separating baseband processing units from the satellite, with each baseband unit handling specific cells independently. This modular approach allows global coverage through multiple distributed units while reducing the complexity of any single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a CPRI interface as an intermediary standard between terrestrial base stations and satellite basebands. This interface acts as a mediator that enables standard-compliant user equipment to work with satellite communications without modification, simplifying the overall system integration.
2Productivity
If dynamic beam control is implemented for resource allocation, then resource management efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic beam control where the satellite can dynamically adjust beam directions and allocations based on real-time user needs. The baseband units dynamically allocate resources across different cells, enabling efficient resource management while distributing control complexity across multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in beamforming and resource allocation to improve efficiency. By dynamically changing beam parameters and allocation configurations based on user equipment location and requirements, the system achieves efficient resource management through standardized parameter modifications.
3Ease of operation
If standard compliant user equipment is supported without modification, then ease of operation is improved, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the satellite communication system to be compatible with standard cellular protocols. The CPRI interface and baseband unit architecture enable the system to serve both terrestrial and satellite communications using standard equipment, achieving multi-functionality without requiring UE modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a functional copy of terrestrial base station operations in the satellite domain. By replicating the base station functionality in distributed baseband units that communicate with satellites using standard interfaces, the system maintains compatibility with existing standard equipment while enabling new communication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) satellite communication system and corresponding method. The satellite communication system has, in one arrangement, a base station configured to communicate with standard compliant user equipment (UE) via a satellite having a field of view. The base station includes a plurality of base band units and a base station memory configured to store control information, downlink signal information and uplink signal information associated with a cell in the field of view. The system also includes a processing device configured to cause the satellite to generate a satellite beam in accordance with the control information, downlink signal information and uplink signal information stored in the base station memory.