Low-Latency Link Discovery in Multi-Satellite NTN
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTN), there is a need to discover and utilize low latency links in multi-connectivity environments to reduce HARQ feedback delays and congestion, as latency varies significantly among multiple base station and satellite connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for discovering low latency links by configuring and determining low latency links based on location and delay information of nodes in multi-NTN links, involving first and second NTN links with terminals, and exchanging link state information between base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple NTN links are established with different satellites for multi-connectivity, then communication reliability and service coverage are improved, but latency varies significantly causing HARQ feedback delays and congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiple NTN links into two categories: low latency links and non-low latency links. This segmentation allows the system to selectively use appropriate links for different types of traffic, particularly routing HARQ feedback through low latency links to minimize delays while maintaining multi-connectivity for reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and configuration of low latency links before actual data transmission. By pre-determining which links have lower latency characteristics based on satellite positions and link parameters, the system can proactively route time-sensitive control signals through these identified low latency paths
2Area of stationary object
If multiple base stations and satellites are utilized for multi-connectivity, then service coverage and capacity are improved, but link latency varies greatly from a few ms to several hundred ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different links based on their latency characteristics. Low latency links are specifically designated for control plane signaling and HARQ feedback, while other links can handle data plane traffic. This localized optimization ensures that time-critical functions always use the most appropriate paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of an intermediary identification mechanism that determines link characteristics based on satellite positions, terminal locations, and gateway configurations. This intermediary assessment layer enables the network to dynamically identify and select low latency links without requiring changes to the physical infrastructure
3Productivity
If all HARQ feedbacks are transmitted through multiple links, then load balancing is improved, but congestion occurs due to HARQ feedback delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts HARQ feedback traffic from the general data transmission paths and routes it separately through identified low latency links. This extraction prevents HARQ feedback from competing with data traffic for bandwidth, eliminating the congestion that would occur if all feedback was transmitted through standard multi-link paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of low latency links based on satellite positions and link parameters before HARQ feedback generation. This advance preparation ensures that when HARQ feedback needs to be transmitted, the appropriate low latency path is already identified and ready, preventing delays and congestion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for discovering a low latency link in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The method for a first base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise the steps of: if a second non-terrestrial network (NTN) link is established to a terminal via a second satellite while a first NTN link is established with the terminal via a first satellite, establishing the first NTN link as a temporary low latency link; acquiring first low latency link-related information for nodes of the first NTN link; acquiring second low latency link-related information for nodes of the second NTN link; determining a low latency link on the basis of the first low latency link-related information and the second low latency link-related information; and transmitting information of the determined low latency link to the terminal.