Non-Terrestrial Core Network Entity Store-and-Forward Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication networks with discontinuous connectivity, such as satellite networks with incomplete satellite constellations, face challenges in maintaining continuous data transmission due to intermittent coverage, leading to inefficiencies in data delivery and management of user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a store-and-forward operation in non-terrestrial core network entities, which buffer data during periods of disconnection and transmit it when connectivity is restored, using peer core network entities to manage user equipment context and timing for data delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If satellite networks use discontinuous connectivity with incomplete constellations, then device complexity and deployment cost are reduced, but data transmission reliability and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the non-terrestrial core network entity buffer data in advance during periods when connectivity is unavailable. This allows the entity to prepare and store data packets before the actual transmission opportunity arises, ensuring that data can be forwarded immediately when connectivity is restored, thus maintaining reliability without requiring continuous satellite coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by deploying a terrestrial core network entity that acts as a mediator between the non-terrestrial network and the data network. This terrestrial entity receives buffered data from satellites when they are in range and forwards it to the destination, enabling reliable data transmission even when satellites are not continuously connected to the core network
2Reliability
If data is buffered during disconnection periods, then data transmission reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to delayed delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by ensuring that the data buffering and forwarding process operates continuously without interruption. The non-terrestrial core network entity continuously monitors connectivity status and maintains a buffer ready for immediate data forwarding when connectivity is restored, eliminating idle time and ensuring that data transmission resumes as soon as possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the non-terrestrial core network entity to autonomously manage its own buffering and forwarding operations. The entity independently determines when to buffer data, when to forward it, and how to manage its buffer resources, reducing dependency on external control and minimizing delays associated with centralized coordination
3Ease of operation
If user equipment context is managed with store-and-forward indication, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional context management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of store-and-forward context management from the user equipment and concentrates it in the non-terrestrial core network entity. The UE only needs to indicate its capability to support store-and-forward operations, while the core network entity handles all the complex context management, buffering decisions, and forwarding logic, thereby maintaining ease of operation for the UE while centralizing complexity where it can be effectively managed
Data Source
AI summary
A non-terrestrial core network entity is provided. The non-terrestrial core network entity comprises: receiving data from a user equipment, wherein the data comprises Control Plane (CP) data or Non-Internet Protocol Delivery (NIDD) data; buffering the data during a time period in which the non-terrestrial core network entity is not connected to a terrestrial core network entity; when the non-terrestrial core network entity is connected to the terrestrial network entity, sending the data to the terrestrial core network entity.