NTN Cell Signaling for Random Access Scheme Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), the large distance between satellites and the ground results in high signal transmission delay, making it difficult for terminal devices to perform random access using terrestrial network schemes, and there is a need to distinguish cell types for efficient access.

Innovation Solution

A network device indicates the type of cell through first signaling, allowing the terminal device to select an appropriate random access scheme based on the cell type, using explicit or implicit NTN configuration information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the terminal device uses a random access scheme for Terrestrial Networks (TN) to access an NTN cell, then the access procedure is simple, but the random access fails due to high signal transmission delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access procedure simplicityVSAvoidrandom access success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the access parameters by introducing a flag bit in system information to distinguish between TN and NTN cells. When the flag bit indicates an NTN cell, the terminal device switches from the TN random access scheme to an NTN-specific access scheme that accounts for high transmission delay, thereby maintaining access simplicity while improving success rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (flag bit in system information) that mediates between the terminal device and the network. This flag bit carries cell type information that enables the terminal to select the appropriate access scheme, resolving the contradiction by providing a simple indication mechanism that improves access reliability without complicating the overall procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the terminal device does not distinguish cell types, then the system information is simple, but the terminal cannot select the appropriate random access scheme

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information complexityVSAvoidaccess scheme selection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system information by introducing a specific flag bit within existing system information structures. This segmentation approach allows the network to indicate cell type (TN or NTN) without completely redesigning the system information framework, thus maintaining overall simplicity while enabling access scheme selection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by adding only the necessary flag bit information rather than introducing complete new system information structures. This minimal addition provides the exact information needed for cell type distinction and access scheme selection, avoiding excessive complexity while achieving the required adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4247062B1Wireless communication method, and terminal device and network device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4247062B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4247062B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4247062B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a wireless communication method, a terminal device, and a network device. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, first signaling transmitted by a network device, the first signaling being used to determine whether a target cell is a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) cell. The network device can indicate a type of a cell via first signaling, such that the terminal device can select an appropriate random access scheme to perform random access according to the type of the cell, thereby improving the success rate of the random access.