NTN Random Access Timing Using Propagation Delay Offsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication, the long propagation delay between a terminal device and a communications satellite causes issues with interactive information loss during the random access procedure, which is not effectively addressed by terrestrial cellular network communication methods.

Innovation Solution

A random access method is implemented where a terminal device determines a target time based on an offset related to the propagation delay, aligning the transmission of random access requests with the network's configured reception time, thereby ensuring timely and effective interaction between the terminal and network devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial cellular network random access procedure is applied to NTN, then communication service can be provided, but interactive information is lost due to long propagation delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of random access procedureVSAvoidintegrity of interactive information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary timing adjustment by determining a target time based on propagation delay offset before transmitting the random access request. This preliminary action ensures that the request arrives at the network device at the expected reception time, preventing information loss due to timing mismatch in NTN environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If random access request is transmitted without timing adjustment, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but reception timing alignment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of transmissionVSAvoidreception timing alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device changes the transmission timing parameter by calculating a target time that compensates for propagation delay. This parameter adjustment maintains timing alignment between transmission and reception without requiring complex protocol modifications, achieving both simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If offset-based timing adjustment is implemented, then reception timing alignment is achieved, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereception timing alignmentVSAvoidtiming calculation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an offset value as an intermediary parameter that simplifies the timing calculation. Instead of directly calculating complex timing adjustments, the terminal device uses the pre-defined offset to determine the target time, reducing computational complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12375165B2Random access method, terminal device, network device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a random access method, including: determining, by a terminal device, a target time according to an offset which is a time parameter related to a propagation delay between the terminal device and a network device; and transmitting, by the terminal device, a random access request to the network device based on the target time. Further disclosed are another five random access methods, a terminal device, a network device and a storage medium.