EPS Interworking for Non-LTE Satellite Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of LTE technology into satellite networks faces challenges due to limitations in frequency spectrum and compatibility issues with existing non-LTE access networks, which hinder the deployment of EPS services that require specific quality of service and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of EPS interworking functions and S1 interworking functions within the user equipment and access network gateway, respectively, enables seamless interoperability with the evolved packet core network by mapping and coordinating functionalities, adapting resource allocation, and managing quality of service parameters, thereby facilitating the deployment of EPS services over non-LTE access networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LTE standard procedures are used in satellite networks, then compatibility with EPC network is improved, but frequency spectrum limitations and resource allocation constraints worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with EPC networkVSAvoidfrequency spectrum availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies LTE protocol parameters specifically for satellite environments, including adjusting resource allocation patterns, modulation schemes, and coding rates to accommodate limited frequency spectrum while maintaining EPC network compatibility through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the network functionality by introducing separate access network and core network components, allowing LTE compatibility at the core while enabling customized resource allocation and spectrum utilization at the access network level through non-LTE radio access technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If non-LTE access network is deployed, then frequency spectrum utilization is improved, but interoperability with EPC network deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency spectrum utilizationVSAvoidinteroperability with EPC network

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an access network gateway as an intermediary component that bridges non-LTE access networks and EPC networks, performing protocol translation, mapping, and coordination functions to enable seamless interoperability while allowing independent optimization of spectrum utilization in the non-LTE access network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If LTE air interface is used, then standardized resource allocation is improved, but system capacity and flexibility worsen due to satellite environment constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized resource allocationVSAvoidsystem capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation mechanisms in the non-LTE access network that adapt to satellite link conditions, user traffic patterns, and network load, allowing the system to overcome the static nature of LTE resource allocation and achieve higher system capacity while maintaining flexibility for satellite environment constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10848238B1Evolved packet system over non-LTE radio access network

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A communication device includes a session and mobility management block configured to interface with a mobility management entity (MME) of an evolved packet core (EPC) of an evolved packet system (EPS). An access non-LTE air interface circuit is configured to communicate with an access network gateway. An EPS inter-working functional block including mapping and coordination logic is configured to map and coordinate a plurality of functionalities associated with the access non-LTE air interface circuit into corresponding functionalities associated with the session and mobility management block.