Uplink Signal Timing Initialization for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently supporting diverse devices with varying data traffic profiles and latency tolerances, particularly in non-terrestrial networks, due to high propagation delays that disrupt the alignment of downlink and uplink frame timings.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining and initializing uplink signal characteristics based on a reference value known to both the communications device and the wireless communications network, allowing for accurate transmission and reception of signals, including the use of a Koffset value to adjust timing relationships in non-terrestrial networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If non-terrestrial networks are used to provide expanded coverage, then coverage area is improved, but propagation delay increases causing misalignment of downlink and uplink frame timings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the communications device determine and initialize uplink signal characteristics before actual uplink transmission. The device calculates timing adjustments and signal parameters in advance based on known reference values, ensuring that when the uplink signal is transmitted, it will be properly aligned with the network's expected reception timing despite the high propagation delays inherent in non-terrestrial networks.
2Reliability
If timing alignment is maintained in non-terrestrial networks, then communication reliability is improved, but processing time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs timing calculations and signal characteristic initializations in advance, before the actual uplink transmission occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that the device has sufficient processing time while maintaining reliable timing alignment, as the critical computations are completed during periods when the device is receiving downlink signals or in idle periods between transmissions.
3Measurement precision
If uplink signal characteristics are initialized with reference values, then timing alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the communications device autonomously determine its uplink signal characteristics using reference values that are either pre-configured or derived from downlink signals. The device independently calculates timing adjustments and initializes signal parameters without requiring complex network-side coordination or additional signaling overhead, thereby improving timing accuracy while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a communications device for transmitting signals to and/or receiving signals from a wireless communications network via a wireless access interface is provided. The method comprises determining that the communications device has uplink data to transmit to the wireless communications network, constructing an uplink signal comprising the uplink data by initialising one or more characteristics of the uplink signal, wherein the one or more characteristics of the uplink signal are associated with a reference value known to each of the communications device and the wireless communications network, and transmitting the uplink signal to the wireless communications network.