Dual-Mode Wireless Communication With Shared Resources for TN-NTN Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual mode wireless communication systems require separate resources for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in switching between networks, particularly with low earth orbit satellites that have short communication windows.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with a joint controller manages simultaneous inactive states for both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, using a shared set of resources such as a single antenna, transceiver, and memory, and switches modes efficiently to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate resources are used for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then network connectivity is ensured, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate terrestrial and non-terrestrial network resources into a unified shared resource pool. The network modem integrates both TN and NTN communication capabilities, while the controller manages a single set of hardware resources (antenna, transceiver, memory) that serves both network types, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal hardware resources that can function for both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The shared antenna, transceiver, and memory can be dynamically allocated to either TN or NTN operations based on connectivity requirements, making the hardware multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single network type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate resources are allocated for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then network switching is possible, but switching efficiency decreases due to resource allocation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the controller can rapidly switch the shared hardware resources between TN and NTN modes based on real-time connectivity requirements. This dynamic switching eliminates the static resource allocation overhead and enables efficient transitions between network types, particularly important for LEO satellites with short communication windows.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used for each network mode, then connection reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hardware resource sets for TN and NTN into a single shared pool, so that when one network mode is inactive, its hardware resources remain powered but unused rather than being completely active. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly switch to either network type when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is generally directed to a wireless device. In one example of the technology, the wireless device includes a network modem and a controller. The network modem may connect with a first network in a first network mode and connect with a second network in a second network mode. The controller may control a connected state and an inactive state of the first network mode and the second network mode. The controller may switch the first network mode from the inactive state to the connected state when the second network mode is in the inactive state and switch the second network mode from the inactive state to the connected state when the first network mode is in the inactive state.