NTN Polarization Mode Configuration for Interference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE and NR technologies were developed for terrestrial cellular networks and adapting them to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) poses challenges, including issues with cell planning and intercell interference due to the association of cells with specific polarization configurations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for informing user equipment (UEs) of polarization modes used for serving various cells in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), such as a 3GPP NTN that utilizes LTE or NR radio access technologies. This is achieved by transmitting an indication of the polarization modes to UEs, allowing them to determine and use the appropriate polarization modes for transmitting and receiving signals in each cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE and NR technologies are adapted to non-terrestrial networks (NTN), then coverage and connectivity are extended to mobile broadband and machine type communication, but cell planning and intercell interference management become problematic due to polarization configuration associations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarization mode indication by cell ID, where each cell can be independently configured with its own polarization mode (vertical, horizontal, or circular). This segmentation allows flexible cell planning in NTN scenarios without requiring complex system-wide polarization management, as each cell operates independently with its designated polarization mode indicated through RRC signaling.
2Reliability
If cells are associated with specific polarization configurations in NTN, then signal transmission and reception can be optimized, but intercell interference management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different polarization modes to different cells based on their specific characteristics and interference environments. Each cell's polarization mode is independently configured and indicated to UEs, allowing optimization of signal transmission for that specific cell while managing interference with neighboring cells through differentiated polarization assignments.
3Measurement precision
If polarization modes are explicitly indicated to UEs for each cell, then accurate signal reception and mobility management are improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by configuring polarization modes through RRC signaling before UE connection and data transmission begins. The polarization mode indication is provided in advance in system information or dedicated RRC messages, allowing UEs to properly configure their receivers before actual signal reception, thereby avoiding the need for continuous polarization negotiation and reducing overall signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for operating a network node in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Such methods include transmitting, to one or more user equipment (UEs), a first indication of at least one polarization mode configured for use in a first cell of the NTN and a second indication of at least one polarization mode configured for use in a second cell of the NTN. The polarization mode(s) configured for use in the first cell includes right-hand circular polarization and the polarization mode(s) configured for use in the second cell includes left-hand circular polarization. Alternately, the polarization mode(s) configured for use in the first cell includes left-hand circular polarization and the polarization mode(s) configured for use in the second cell includes right-hand circular polarization. Other embodiments include complementary methods for UEs, as well as network nodes and UEs configured to perform such methods.