NTN Downlink Time-Unit Repetition for Coverage-Limited Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The insufficient downlink coverage in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems due to limited satellite link budget hinders effective service provision, necessitating coverage enhancement to improve system performance.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that involves a terminal device receiving indication information from a network device to determine the repetition count and/or time units of downlink transmission, allowing for multiple reception occasions and extended transmission across time units, thereby enhancing coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If downlink transmission uses a single time unit, then transmission time is reduced, but downlink coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downlink transmission across multiple time units instead of confining it to a single time unit. The network device transmits downlink data in the first time unit and continues transmission in the second time unit, effectively dividing the transmission process into segments that extend coverage while managing time resources efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends downlink transmission from a single time unit dimension to multiple time units, adding a temporal dimension to the transmission process. This dimensional expansion allows the system to improve coverage by utilizing additional time resources without proportionally increasing total transmission time.
2Reliability
If downlink transmission repeats in one periodicity, then coverage is enhanced, but system resources are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic downlink transmission within a single periodicity, where the network device transmits downlink data repeatedly in different time units (first time unit and second time unit) before the next periodicity begins. This periodic action enhances coverage by providing multiple reception opportunities for terminals while efficiently utilizing available system resources within the constrained periodicity.
3Quantity of substance
If downlink transmission occupies multiple time units, then bit quantity increases, but transmission scheduling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic transmission scheduling where the network device adaptively allocates downlink transmission across different time units based on channel conditions and terminal requirements. The scheduling is flexible, allowing transmission to span the first time unit and second time unit when beneficial for coverage and bit quantity, while maintaining the ability to adjust to varying system conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This application provides a communication method and a related apparatus. The method includes: A terminal device receives indication information from a network device, where the indication information indicates a quantity of time units occupied by one time of downlink transmission and/or a repetition count of the downlink transmission in one periodicity; and the terminal device receives the downlink transmission from the network device based on the indication information. According to technical solutions provided in this application, downlink coverage of the downlink transmission can be improved.