Dual-Connectivity HARQ Feedback for TN-NTN Latency Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of HARQ stalling in multi-connectivity environments, particularly in terrestrial-Non-Terrestrial Network (TN-NTN) scenarios, due to latency issues and disparities between fixed-location terrestrial networks and rapidly moving satellite networks, is unresolved by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in dual connectivity (DC) environments, involving separate HARQ feedback channels for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, with extended physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) for NTN, allowing data splitting and retransmission management based on feedback information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate HARQ feedback channels are used for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, then HARQ stalling is prevented and reliability is improved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HARQ feedback mechanism by introducing separate feedback channels for terrestrial networks (PUCCH1) and non-terrestrial networks (PUCCH2). This segmentation allows independent management of HARQ processes for each network type, preventing HARQ stalling caused by NTN latency while maintaining terrestrial network efficiency. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, network-specific modules rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the extended PUCCH2 channel that specifically handles NTN HARQ feedback. This intermediary channel acts as a mediator between the high-latency NTN link and the HARQ protocol requirements, allowing NTN-specific latency characteristics to be accommodated without affecting terrestrial network HARQ processes. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of NTN latency management separately.
2Loss of time
If extended PUCCH channels are implemented for NTN, then latency is reduced and data transmission efficiency is improved, but network configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PUCCH channel is segmented into PUCCH1 for terrestrial networks and PUCCH2 (extended PUCCH) for non-terrestrial networks. This segmentation allows the extended PUCCH2 to be configured with NTN-specific parameters such as longer timing values and additional fields for HARQ feedback, thereby reducing NTN latency without imposing the same configuration complexity on terrestrial PUCCH1 channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring PUCCH2 with extended capabilities specifically tailored to NTN requirements, while keeping PUCCH1 configuration simpler for terrestrial networks. The extended PUCCH2 includes additional fields and timing adjustments localized to NTN contexts, thereby reducing NTN latency without unnecessarily complicating terrestrial network configurations.
3Productivity
If data is transmitted through both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks simultaneously, then throughput is improved and reliability is enhanced, but managing HARQ feedback across both networks becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments HARQ feedback management into network-specific processes: terrestrial HARQ feedback is handled through PUCCH1 while NTN HARQ feedback is handled through PUCCH2. This segmentation enables the terminal and network to independently manage HARQ processes for each network type, making it feasible to simultaneously transmit data through both networks without creating unmanageable feedback complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements separate feedback mechanisms where PUCCH1 carries terrestrial HARQ feedback and PUCCH2 carries NTN HARQ feedback. This dual feedback path allows the system to receive and process acknowledgment information from both networks independently, enabling effective management of simultaneous data transmissions while maintaining clear visibility into the status of each network's HARQ processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and a device for providing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a non-terrestrial network (NTN)-TN multiple connection environment. A method of a base station, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise the steps of: transmitting data to a terminal in a dual connectivity (DC) state, via a NTN and a base station; and receiving an uplink channel including first HARQ feedback information corresponding to the data transmitted to the terminal, and second HARQ feedback information corresponding to the data transmitted via the NTN.