Dynamic Buffer Release for Inter-Satellite Link Latency Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sudden changes in latency due to inter-satellite link (ISL) activation or deactivation in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) can cause communication service issues such as timeouts and unexpected behavior in user equipment (UE) due to unmanaged propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
The UE gradually adjusts the rate of releasing communications from a buffer between the start and end times of ISL activation or deactivation to manage latency transitions smoothly, avoiding sudden changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ISL activation or deactivation is performed suddenly in NTN, then network reconfiguration is achieved, but latency fluctuations cause communication service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying the UE in advance about upcoming ISL activation or deactivation events. The network provides indication messages containing timing information (e.g., offset values) that allow the UE to prepare for latency changes before they occur, enabling proactive adjustment of communication parameters and buffering strategies to maintain service reliability during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the release rate of buffered communications during ISL transitions. Instead of fixed-rate buffer release, the UE varies the release rate based on the transition timing and expected latency changes, creating a dynamic buffering mechanism that adapts to the changing network conditions while maintaining smooth communication service.
2Device complexity
If buffer release rate is kept constant during ISL transition, then processing is simplified, but latency fluctuations cause timeouts and unexpected behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer release rate is changed from a static constant value to a dynamic variable that adjusts during ISL transitions. The release rate is modulated based on the transition timing and duration, allowing the system to maintain reliability during latency changes while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through predefined adjustment rules rather than complex real-time optimization.
3Reliability
If buffer release rate changes during ISL transition, then latency fluctuations are minimized, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides preliminary indication messages with transition timing information (offset values, activation/deactivation times) that enable the UE to pre-calculate and prepare the buffer release rate adjustments. This preliminary information allows the UE to implement complex-looking rate changes using simple lookup tables or predefined formulas rather than requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer release rate parameter dynamically during ISL transitions based on provided timing parameters. By receiving indication messages with specific timing offsets and transition characteristics from the network, the UE can adjust the release rate using straightforward parameter substitution rather than complex control logic, thereby managing latency effectively while limiting complexity growth.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a wireless communication device may obtain, at an access stratum (AS) layer, an indication of an inter-satellite link (ISL) activation that is to take place at an activation time. The wireless communication device may receive communications. The wireless communication device may buffer the communications in a buffer at the AS layer. The wireless communication device may release the communications from the buffer to an upper protocol layer at a rate of release that is to change between a transition start time and the activation time. Numerous other aspects are described.