Adaptive NTN Reference Signal Measurement Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), particularly satellite networks, the challenges of moving satellites and long propagation delays complicate the configuration of measurement mechanisms for reference signals, affecting mobility management and power consumption in devices.

Innovation Solution

The network nodes and terminal nodes adaptively adjust the measurement configuration of reference signals by determining the optimal configuration based on satellite types, ephemeris data, and the number of satellites involved, ensuring that the occupied time length of measurement periodicities remains within a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If measurement configuration is performed with standard periodicity in NTN, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device power consumption increases and mobility management becomes inefficient due to long propagation delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice power consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement periodicity adaptive rather than fixed. The network node determines the measurement periodicity based on real-time factors including satellite type (LEO/GEO/MEO), satellite ephemeris data, and current network conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between power consumption and measurement accuracy according to the specific NTN environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of measurement periodicity based on satellite characteristics and network conditions. By adjusting the periodicity parameter dynamically according to satellite type, ephemeris data, and measured characteristics, the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy for mobility management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If measurement periodicity is reduced to improve mobility management response time, then mobility management efficiency improves, but device power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement periodicity based on actual network conditions and satellite characteristics. Rather than using a fixed short periodicity that continuously consumes power, the system extends periodicity when conditions allow, reducing power consumption while maintaining efficiency when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network node receives feedback about measurement characteristics and uses this information to adjust the measurement periodicity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize the balance between response time for mobility management and power consumption based on actual measurement quality and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If measurement configuration is optimized for specific satellite types, then measurement efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node implements a universal measurement configuration mechanism that handles multiple satellite types (LEO, GEO, MEO) through a single adaptive framework. By using satellite type identification and ephemeris data as inputs to the periodicity determination algorithm, the system achieves type-specific optimization without requiring separate configuration mechanisms for each satellite type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250159528A1Methods for configuring a terminal node with a measurement configuration of a reference signal in a non-terrestrial (NTN) network, a network node, a terminal node and computer readable storage means

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method (100) in a network node for configuring a terminal node with a measurement configuration of a type of reference signal in a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN. The measurement configuration includes at least one of an SMTC configuration and a MG configuration. The method (100) includes: determining (s110) the measurement configuration based on an occupied time length of SMTC or MG in one measurement periodicity being not higher than a threshold; and informing (s120) the terminal node of the determined measurement configuration to be used for performing a measurement procedure of the type of reference signal. Corresponding methods at the terminal node, the network node, terminal nodes, and computer readable medium are also provided.