NTN Beam Identification for Narrow-Beam Satellite Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) where narrow and wide beams coexist, terminals face challenges in distinguishing between them, leading to communication delays and increased power consumption when transitioning from wide to narrow beams.
Innovation Solution
A terminal identifies its location within an NTN by receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) from multiple narrow beams, decoding system information (SI) to determine the narrow beam it is in, and initiates a random access channel (RACH) procedure using specific preamble sequences and resources associated with that beam, aided by GPS for precise location estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal receives SSB through a wide beam and then transitions to narrow beams, then the terminal can access the network, but the terminal experiences communication delays and increased power consumption due to inability to distinguish between wide beam and narrow beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam identification process by introducing distinct physical layer parameters for wide beams and narrow beams. Specifically, different subcarrier spacings (SCS) are assigned: a first SCS for wide beams and a second SCS for narrow beams. This segmentation allows the terminal to immediately identify beam type upon receiving the SSB, eliminating the need for additional beam searching and reducing communication delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring different SSB parameters (particularly subcarrier spacing) for wide beams and narrow beams before the terminal needs to identify the beam type. This preliminary differentiation enables the terminal to determine beam type immediately upon initial access, preventing subsequent communication delays and unnecessary beam re-searching.
2Reliability
If the terminal performs beam re-searching to distinguish between wide beam and narrow beam, then the terminal can identify the correct beam, but the terminal's power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring distinct SSB parameters for wide and narrow beams. The terminal can immediately identify the beam type from the received SSB parameters without performing additional beam re-searching operations, thereby significantly reducing terminal power consumption while maintaining reliable beam identification.
3Ease of operation
If the terminal accesses the network through a wide beam without beam distinction, then the terminal can initially connect, but the terminal cannot efficiently transition to narrow beam communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases with different SSB parameters: initial access phase using wide beams with one SCS, and subsequent narrow beam communication phase using narrow beams with a different SCS. This segmentation maintains ease of initial access while enabling efficient transition to narrow beam communication, improving overall communication productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a terminal may comprise: receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) from a satellite through a first beam including two or more narrow beams; receiving system information (SI) through the first beam based on the received SSB; identifying a first narrow beam in which the terminal is located among the two or more narrow beams based on first information included in the received SI; and initiating a random access channel (RACH) procedure based on initial access information of the first narrow beam included in the SI.