NTN Timing Advance Estimation From Free-Space Path Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining timing advance (TA) in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) rely on terminal positioning capabilities, which are not available in all terminals, leading to the inability to determine TA values and affecting uplink synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining TA based on free-space path loss between a terminal and a satellite, using reference signal measurements and path loss assistance values to estimate TA without requiring positioning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If terminal positioning capabilities are used to determine TA, then TA determination accuracy is improved, but terminal device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning capability requirement from the terminal device and relocates it to the network device side. The network device determines TA based on uplink signal reception time without requiring the terminal to have positioning capabilities, thus reducing terminal complexity while maintaining TA determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the network device as an intermediary that performs TA determination. Instead of the terminal using its own positioning capabilities to calculate TA, the network device receives uplink signals and determines TA based on signal arrival time, acting as a mediator between the terminal and the timing synchronization requirement.
2Reliability
If positioning modules are integrated into terminals, then TA determination capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the positioning module requirement from terminal devices, extracting this functionality from the terminal and placing it in the network device. This allows terminals to be manufactured without expensive positioning modules while the network device, which is already complex, handles the TA determination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs self-service by determining TA based on its own measurement of uplink signal arrival time. The terminal simply transmits uplink signals without needing to calculate or determine TA, allowing the network device to serve itself in maintaining timing synchronization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If terminals without positioning capabilities are excluded from NTN access, then uplink synchronization is ensured, but network coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not requiring terminals to determine TA themselves. Instead of terminals using positioning capabilities to calculate TA and ensure synchronization, the network device determines TA based on signal arrival time, allowing any terminal to access the network while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the TA determination mechanism universal by removing the positioning capability requirement. The network device's TA determination method based on signal arrival time works for all terminals regardless of their positioning capabilities, making the system more versatile and expanding network coverage to include low-cost terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for determining a first TA. The method may be applicable to a terminal device. The method includes: determining a first TA based on a free-space path loss between a terminal and a satellite, and the first TA includes a TA for a service link, wherein the TA for the service link is acquired based on the free-space path loss between the terminal and the satellite.