Non-Terrestrial Network Handover Timer Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G non-terrestrial networks face significant transmission delays, making existing terrestrial communication protocols and methods inadequate for efficient communication.

Innovation Solution

The method involves user equipment and base stations exchanging system information with parameters that differentiate between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, enabling the user equipment to determine the type of network and perform handovers based on timers and mobility information, optimizing communication procedures for non-terrestrial environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial communication protocols are used in non-terrestrial networks, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but transmission delays increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol adaptabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies communication parameters including timer values, handover thresholds, and random access parameters to adapt terrestrial protocols for non-terrestrial networks. These parameter changes enable the system to compensate for increased transmission delays while maintaining protocol functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic handover mechanisms with timers that allow user equipment to switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to varying network conditions and minimize transmission delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If non-terrestrial networks are deployed to meet 5G requirements, then coverage is extended, but transmission delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary handover preparation by setting timers and thresholds before network switching is needed. This allows the system to pre-configure handover parameters and identify suitable target networks in advance, reducing the impact of transmission delays during actual handover operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where user equipment reports network conditions and handover status to the network side. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization of communication parameters and timely adjustment of handover decisions to minimize transmission delays in non-terrestrial networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If handover mechanisms are implemented for network switching, then connectivity is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity maintenanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables user equipment to autonomously manage handover decisions by evaluating local network conditions and making self-determined switching choices. This self-service approach reduces the need for continuous network control and signaling, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic handover monitoring with timers that trigger handover evaluations at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces the frequency of handover operations and associated power consumption while still maintaining adequate connectivity through timely network switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250016706A1User equipment, base station and method for communication in non-terrestrial network
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • US20250016706A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016706A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016706A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to a user equipment, a base station and method for communication in non-terrestrial network. The base station broadcasts a system information which includes a parameter related with a non-terrestrial network. The user equipment receives the system information and determines whether the base station is a non-terrestrial base station based on the parameter. Further, for initializing handover procedure, the base station generates a timer and transmits a message of handover command with the timer to the user equipment. The user equipment receives the message and handovers from the base station to another base station when the timer expires.