Default Beam Switching for NTN Inactivity Timer Expiry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining reliable connectivity due to beam inactivity timers expiring, leading to inefficient beam switching and resource allocation, particularly in non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) and network entity to process location and beam geometry information to identify and switch to a new set of beams based on expired inactivity timers, utilizing inactivity timers and beam geometry information to optimize beam switching and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beam inactivity timers are used to manage beam resources, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but beam switching reliability deteriorates when timers expire
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing default beams in advance before the inactivity timer expires. The default beam is pre-configured and ready for immediate use, ensuring that when the timer expires, the UE can seamlessly switch to the default beam without interruption or loss of connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The default beam acts as an intermediary between the active beam and potential alternative beams. When the inactivity timer expires, the default beam serves as a bridge, allowing the UE to maintain connectivity while transitioning from the expired beam to a new beam, thus ensuring reliable beam switching.
2Productivity
If inactivity timers are implemented for beam management, then resource allocation is optimized, but communication continuity deteriorates upon timer expiration
Solution Approach 1:
The default beam is pre-established and configured before the inactivity timer expires. This preliminary action ensures that when the timer expires and beam switching is required, the UE can immediately transition to the default beam without interruption, maintaining communication continuity throughout the process.
3Productivity
If beam switching is performed after inactivity timer expiration, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates during the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The default beam serves as an intermediary during the beam switching process. When the inactivity timer expires, the UE switches to the default beam which maintains the connection, and then transitions to the new beam. This intermediary approach ensures that the connection remains reliable throughout the switching process.
Solution Approach 2:
The default beam is pre-configured and ready before switching is needed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when switching occurs after timer expiration, the connection can be maintained without interruption or reliability loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may determine an inactivity timer associated with a first set of one or more beams used for communicating with a network entity associated with a satellite has expired. The UE may identify location information corresponding to the location of the UE with respect to the network entity. The UE may identify beam geometry information for one or more beams associated with the network entity. For example, the UE may receive the beam geometry information from the network entity. The UE may process the location information and the beam geometry information to identify a second set of one or more beams, the second set different than the first set. The UE and the network entity may communicate according to the second set of one or more beams.