Non-Terrestrial Network Communication Gateway for Seamless Terrestrial Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in providing cellular-based communications to mobile devices on board vehicles in transit, as they require extraneous infrastructure and can interfere with ground-based systems, and current solutions do not support native terrestrial features like roaming, texting, or simultaneous calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process communication requests from electronic devices connected to non-terrestrial networks by identifying subscription information and modifying requests to indicate this information, allowing seamless communication with terrestrial networks, enabling text- and voice-based communications as if the device were roaming in a cellular environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If on-board cellular base stations are installed to provide terrestrial features, then cellular communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that bridges the non-terrestrial network and terrestrial cellular networks. The gateway receives communications from mobile devices on the vehicle, translates them into appropriate terrestrial network protocols, and forwards them to terrestrial base stations. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex on-board cellular base stations while maintaining full cellular communication functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-board cellular base stations are installed to provide terrestrial features, then cellular communication capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is designed as a multi-functional device that not only translates communications but also provides network management, authentication, and routing functions. By consolidating multiple functions into a single gateway component rather than requiring dedicated on-board base stations, the system reduces overall deployment cost while maintaining full cellular communication capability including roaming, texting, and simultaneous calls.
3Reliability
If mobile devices increase transmission power to connect to ground-based systems, then connection reliability is improved, but harmful interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a controlled intermediary that receives communications from mobile devices at low power levels and then transmits to terrestrial networks through authorized channels. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for mobile devices to increase transmission power, thereby maintaining connection reliability while preventing harmful radio frequency interference with ground-based cellular systems.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If on-board cellular base stations are deactivated, then harmful interference is reduced, but cellular communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides a permanent, active solution for cellular communications that does not require on-board base stations to be activated or deactivated. The gateway continuously translates and forwards communications between the non-terrestrial network and terrestrial cellular networks, ensuring uninterrupted cellular service including voice calls, text messaging, and data services without any radio interference concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for facilitating text- and voice-based communications that originate from an electronic device connected to a non-terrestrial network. According to certain aspects, the electronic device can be previously registered with a data center and can have an active service or product with the data center. The electronic device initiates a communication request that is intended for a destination device. The data center examines the communication request to identify the electronic device, and modifies the communication request to indicate a subscription associated with the electronic device. The data center transmits the modified communication request to a service provider network for delivery to the destination device.