Non-Terrestrial Network Cell Change Signalling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobility techniques in non-terrestrial wireless communications networks are unsuitable for managing cell changes due to high peak rates of signalling and rapid cell coverage movement, particularly in scenarios with a large number of devices in close proximity, such as those involving satellites or airborne vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving a request from a communications device to enter a connected mode and selecting a second cell as the next serving cell, transmitting an indication of the second cell's identity to the device, thereby distributing mobility procedure signalling and reducing peak rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mobility techniques are used in non-terrestrial networks, then cell change procedures can be performed, but peak rates of mobility-related signalling become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-determines and provides to the device a list of candidate cells and associated timing information before the device needs to perform cell changes. This allows the device to execute cell changes at predetermined times without generating peak signalling rates, as the mobility decisions are made in advance by the network rather than being requested dynamically by the device.
2Reliability
If conventional mobility techniques are used, then device connectivity can be maintained, but the rapid movement of cell coverage creates signalling challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The network anticipates cell coverage movements and pre-provides candidate cell information with timing indicators before the device would otherwise need to request cell changes. This preliminary provision of mobility information ensures continuous connectivity while accommodating the rapid movement characteristics of non-terrestrial networks without generating excessive signalling.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is empowered to autonomously perform cell changes based on pre-provided candidate cell lists and timing information from the network, without needing to continuously request or negotiate cell changes. This self-service approach maintains reliable connectivity in rapidly moving non-terrestrial environments while minimizing signalling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an infrastructure equipment of a wireless communications network, the method comprising receiving a request to establish a connection from a communications device in a first cell; and in response to receiving the request, selecting a second cell to be a next serving cell for the communications device and transmitting an indication of an identity of the second cell to the communications device.