Non-Terrestrial Network Handover Using Pre-Provisioned Coverage Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment connected to non-terrestrial networks experiences high battery drain due to frequent background public land mobile network searches and periodic network selection attempts when switching between networks.
Innovation Solution
Provide coverage parameter information to user equipment, indicating suitable frequencies for terrestrial networks, allowing direct connection without unnecessary searches by using coverage information from a base station entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment performs frequent background public land mobile network searches and periodic network selection attempts, then network switching capability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing coverage parameter information (frequencies, cell IDs, tracking area codes) to the user equipment in advance before network switching is needed. This pre-provisioned information allows the UE to perform targeted searches only in relevant frequencies and areas, rather than conducting broad periodic network selection attempts, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining network switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the coverage parameter information - that mediates between the user equipment and the terrestrial network. This intermediary information acts as a guide, enabling the UE to efficiently locate available terrestrial networks without exhaustive searching, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy consumption.
2Measurement precision
If user equipment conducts comprehensive network searches, then network selection accuracy is improved, but search time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specific coverage parameter information for local frequencies and cells where terrestrial network coverage is available. Instead of requiring the user equipment to search all possible frequencies and areas, the UE receives targeted information about local network conditions, enabling accurate network selection in reduced time.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-provisioning coverage parameter information including frequencies, cell identities, and tracking area codes, the system performs preliminary reconnaissance of available networks. This advance preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming comprehensive searches while maintaining accurate network selection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing communication services to a user equipment using an access network of or associated with a mobile communication network, wherein the access network is or at least comprises a part corresponding to or being a non-terrestrial network, wherein the user equipment is able to be connected to or served by a base station entity being part of that non-terrestrial network or that non-terrestrial network part of the access network, wherein the user equipment, while being located in or near a specific geographical coverage area, is able or has a high likelihood to be able to be connected to or to be served by at least one further base station entity, the at least one further base station entity being part of a terrestrial access network of or associated with a further mobile communication network or of or associated with the mobile communication network, wherein coverage information indicates the specific geographical coverage area of the at least one further base station entity or of the terrestrial access network, the coverage information comprising at least one piece of coverage parameter information, wherein, in order to provide communication services to the user equipment, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, while the user equipment being connected to or served by the base station entity and the base station entity having the coverage information, at least the coverage parameter information is transmitted, by the base station entity, to the user equipment, the coverage information and a location information of the user equipment being used to detect whether the user equipment is currently located or will subsequently be located in or near the specific geographical coverage area, -- in a second step, the user equipment changes or is changed from being connected to or served by the base station entity to being connected to or served by the at least one further base station entity or the terrestrial access network using the at least one piece of coverage parameter information.