NTN Random Access Beam Positioning Using SSB Sweep Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random access technologies in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) often result in failures due to incorrect determination of beam positions in satellite communication systems integrated with 5G networks, leading to inefficiencies and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the terminal device receiving synchronization signal block (SSB) sweeping periodicity information, allowing the network device to accurately determine the real beam position of the terminal device, thereby reducing random access failures. This is achieved by utilizing existing information, such as frame numbers or random access response messages, to minimize information transmission and reduce overheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing random access technologies are used in NTN systems, then the system can operate with standard protocols, but random access failures occur due to incorrect beam position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs preliminary actions by determining sweeping periodicity information before the random access procedure. The terminal device identifies the SSB burst set sequence number and frame number in advance, uses this information to calculate the actual beam position, and prepares the correct beam position information before initiating random access. This preliminary determination of beam position based on sweeping periodicity prevents incorrect beam selection during random access, thereby improving random access success rate while maintaining standard protocol operation.
2Measurement precision
If sweeping periodicity information is transmitted explicitly, then beam position determination accuracy is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves itself by autonomously determining sweeping periodicity information using existing system information. Instead of requiring the network to explicitly transmit sweeping periodicity information, the terminal device independently calculates the actual beam position by combining the SSB burst set sequence number and frame number that are already available in the system. This self-service approach achieves accurate beam position determination without increasing information transmission overhead.
3Measurement precision
If additional information is sent to determine beam position, then random access accuracy is improved, but information transmission and interaction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeping periodicity information determination mechanism serves multiple functions within the existing random access framework. The same SSB burst set sequence number and frame number used for synchronization also serve to determine the actual beam position. This multi-functional approach allows accurate beam position determination without requiring separate dedicated signaling or additional information exchange, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining improved random access accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a random access method, an apparatus, and a system, and is applied to the field of communication technologies. The random access method provided in this application includes: receiving a synchronization signal block SSB; obtaining sweeping periodicity information, where the sweeping periodicity information includes a sequence number of an SSB burst set to which the SSB belongs; and sending the sweeping periodicity information. A network device may determine a real beam position of a terminal device based on the sweeping periodicity information of the terminal device, to resolve a problem of a random access failure caused by incorrect determining of the beam position of the terminal device.