NTN Measurement Gap Configuration for Reliable Neighbor Cell Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement gap configuration procedures for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are challenged by propagation delay and Doppler effects, leading to inefficient handover processes and unnecessary communication interruptions.
Innovation Solution
UEs and network devices indicate the need for measurement gaps based on NTN-specific conditions, allowing networks to configure appropriate gaps for neighbor cell measurements, thereby optimizing mobility and reducing unnecessary interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurement gap configuration procedures are applied in NTNs, then neighbor cell measurements can be performed, but propagation delay and Doppler effects cause inefficient handover processes and unnecessary communication interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of measurement gap configuration by introducing NTN-specific indicators (such as measurementGapForNTN and measurementObjectForNTN) that allow the network to distinguish between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network measurements. This enables differentiated gap configurations that account for NTN characteristics like propagation delay and Doppler effects, thereby improving handover reliability without causing unnecessary interruptions.
2Measurement precision
If measurement gaps are configured for all neighbor cell measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but communication interruptions increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring measurement gaps selectively based on the specific characteristics of each neighbor cell. Instead of applying a uniform measurement gap configuration to all cells, the network can identify which neighbor cells are NTN cells and apply NTN-specific measurement gap configurations only to those cells, while using standard configurations for terrestrial cells. This localized approach ensures measurement accuracy where needed while maintaining communication continuity elsewhere.
3Reliability
If NTN-specific measurement gap configurations are implemented, then mobility reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling UEs to autonomously determine whether a neighbor cell is an NTN cell based on received signaling information (such as SSB or CSI-RS parameters). The UE can then self-configure appropriate measurement gap requirements and report them to the network, reducing the need for complex network-side configuration management while ensuring proper measurement execution for NTN cells.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE) includes transmitting a first message indicating whether a first neighbor cell measurement is supported without a first measurement gap, when the first neighbor cell and/or a serving cell comprise a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell. The method also includes receiving a measurement gap configuration for the first neighbor cell measurement, based on the first message indicating the first neighbor cell measurement is supported with a measurement gap.