NTN Random Access via Country Area Identifier Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), the large coverage area of satellite-based base stations spans multiple countries, making it challenging to accurately determine the location of user equipment (UE) for applying country-specific policies, as relying on cell ID alone is insufficient due to the extensive coverage area.
Innovation Solution
The UE determines its country location using position information and maps it to a country area identifier or random access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) received from the NTN, which is then used to perform a random access procedure, allowing the network to apply appropriate policies for access to the 5G core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite-based base stations provide large coverage area spanning multiple countries, then network coverage is improved, but location determination accuracy for applying country-specific policies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area by introducing country area identifiers that divide the satellite's large coverage area into country-specific zones. Each country area identifier corresponds to a specific country, allowing the system to determine which country a user equipment is located in even though the overall coverage area spans multiple countries. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining large coverage while enabling precise country-level location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to location determination by using country area identifiers as an additional layer of information. Instead of relying solely on geographic coordinates or cell ID, the system incorporates country area identifiers that provide country-specific context. This dimensional addition allows the system to accurately determine country location for policy application while maintaining the satellite's large coverage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If country area identifier or RA-RNTI mapping information is broadcast to user equipment, then country-specific policy application is improved, but system information complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system information broadcast universal by using a standardized format that can accommodate multiple country area identifiers and their corresponding RA-RNTI mappings. The same system information structure serves all countries within the satellite's coverage area, allowing the network to support country-specific policies for multiple countries simultaneously without creating separate information systems for each country.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and broadcasting the mapping relationships between country area identifiers and RA-RNTIs before user equipment needs to access the network. This advance preparation allows user equipment to quickly determine the appropriate RA-RNTI for its location without complex real-time calculations, simplifying the access process while enabling country-specific policy application.
3Reliability
If user equipment performs random access procedure with country area identifier or RA-RNTI, then access policy compliance is improved, but access procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment to perform self-service by autonomously determining its own country area identifier or RA-RNTI based on the broadcast system information and its location. The user equipment independently selects the appropriate identifier for its country without requiring complex network authentication or manual configuration, thereby ensuring access policy compliance while keeping the access procedure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing user equipment to dynamically change the access parameter (RA-RNTI or country area identifier) based on its geographic location. When user equipment moves between countries, it changes the identifier parameter to match its current country, ensuring continuous compliance with local access policies without requiring fundamental changes to the access procedure structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for non-terrestrial networks. In some example embodiment, there may be provided a method including determining, based on position information, a country where the apparatus is located; receiving, from a non-terrestrial base station, a system information broadcast including mapping information, the mapping information including a country area identifier or a random access radio network temporary identifier; mapping the determined country into the received country area identifier or the received random access radio network temporary identifier; and performing, based on the received country area identifier or the received random access radio network temporary identifier, a random access procedure with the non-terrestrial base station.