Fixed Cell Identification for Satellite Access Routing and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of supporting satellite wireless access in 5G networks is the difficulty in defining and managing fixed tracking areas and radio cells due to the large and moving coverage areas of satellite cells, which complicates services like emergency call routing and location determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fixed geographic areas, referred to as fixed cells, which are independent of satellite radio cells, allows network elements to derive benefits similar to terrestrial networks by using cell identifiers to support routing and location services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If satellite radio cells are used for coverage, then wireless access is provided over large areas, but fixed tracking areas and cells cannot be properly defined for routing and location services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite coverage area into multiple fixed tracking areas and fixed cells that are independent of the moving satellite radio cells. Each fixed cell is associated with a specific geographic location and remains stationary in the network topology, while satellite radio cells move and change over time. This segmentation allows the network to maintain stable routing and location information even as the satellite coverage areas change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixed tracking areas and fixed cells as intermediary structures between the satellite radio cells and the core network. These fixed cells act as mediators that translate the dynamic satellite coverage into stable network identifiers, enabling proper routing and location services without being directly affected by the moving nature of satellite radio cells.
2Reliability
If fixed tracking areas and cells are defined for routing, then emergency call routing and location determination are enabled, but the system complexity increases due to the need to manage both satellite radio cells and fixed cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fixed tracking areas and fixed cells serve multiple functions: they provide routing information for emergency calls, enable location determination, and maintain network topology stability. By making these fixed structures multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
3Area of moving object
If satellite coverage areas are made large to provide wide area access, then coverage is improved, but propagation delays increase and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large satellite coverage area into multiple smaller fixed cells, each associated with specific geographic locations. This segmentation allows the network to treat different regions independently, reducing the effective propagation distance for local communications while maintaining the large overall coverage area through the satellite network.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described to support call routing and location for a user equipment (UE) with satellite wireless access to a serving PLMN. The UE sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message to a network node, such as a P-CSCF, that includes an indication of satellite access for the UE. In response the network node sends a request to another network node for a cell ID for a fixed cell in which the UE is located. The fixed cell can be independent of satellite radio cells for the serving PLMN. The network node may receive the cell ID for the fixed cell and sends the SIP INVITE message to another network node (e.g., an E-CSCF or LRF) with the cell ID for the fixed cell. The other network node may use the cell ID to route the SIP INVITE message or obtain an approximate location of the UE.