Feeder Link Switching for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial communications networks face challenges in seamlessly switching satellite links between ground stations without disrupting service to users on the ground, particularly due to factors like satellite movement and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that allows for the determination and initiation of a handover from one network node to another, enabling the establishment of a second feeder link with an airborne or orbital communication node to ensure seamless service continuity, using the NG-RAN logical architecture and SCTP associations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a satellite link is switched between ground stations, then maintenance requirements and satellite movement are addressed, but service interruptions occur to users on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feeder link switch indication messages that are transmitted in advance before the actual satellite link switching occurs. This preliminary notification allows the network to prepare for the handover, establish alternative feeder links, and coordinate ground station resources beforehand, thereby preventing service interruptions when the satellite moves or requires maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where feeder link status information is continuously monitored and reported between network nodes. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of feeder links and triggers appropriate handover procedures when link quality degrades or maintenance is needed, ensuring seamless service continuity
2Ease of manufacture
If feeder link switching is implemented, then network maintenance and traffic offloading are enabled, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary network nodes and standardized indication messages that mediate between the satellite, ground stations, and core network. These intermediaries abstract the complexity of feeder link management, providing a unified interface for link switching while handling the intricate coordination requirements behind the scenes, thus enabling maintenance and traffic offloading without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first network node (101) for enabling a second feeder link (132) to be established between a second network node (102) and an airborne or orbital communication node (110) in non-terrestrial communications network (100) to handle wireless devices (121) being served by the airborne or orbital communication node (110) is provided. The first network node (101) is handling the wireless devices (121) served by the airborne or orbital communication node (110) over a first feeder link (131) between the first network node (101) and the airborne or orbital communication node (110). The method comprises determining (701) that the wireless devices served by the airborne or orbital communication node (110) are to be handled by the second network node (102) over the second feeder link (132). Also, the method comprises initiating (702) the second feeder link (132) to be established between the second network node (102) and the airborne or orbital communication node (110). Further, a first network node (101) for enabling a second feeder link (132) to be established between a second network node (102) and an airborne or orbital communication node (110) in non-terrestrial communications network (100) to handle wireless devices (121) being served by the airborne or orbital communication node (110) is also provided. A second network node and a method therein, as well as, computer programs and carriers are further provided.