Non-Terrestrial Network Timing Advance With Koffset Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in managing timing advance and offset values for uplink transmissions in non-terrestrial networks (NTN), particularly due to the high altitudes and varying distances of satellites, leading to large round trip delays and complex synchronization requirements.
Innovation Solution
User equipment (UE) calculates timing advance based on satellite and gateway positions, using ephemeris data to determine propagation delays, and applies Koffset values for precise uplink and downlink synchronization with NTN networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If timing advance is calculated based on satellite position and UE position, then transmission synchronization is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-calculates and provides reference timing advance values to UEs through system information or dedicated signaling. UEs use these pre-provided reference values along with position information to determine their specific timing advance, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference timing advance value that mediates between the network's timing requirements and the UE's position-based calculation. This reference value simplifies the UE's calculation process while ensuring alignment with network timing, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If Koffset values are applied for uplink timing adjustment, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Koffset values selectively based on local conditions - specifically, different Koffset values are applied to different UEs or different uplink channels based on their specific timing requirements. This localized application improves synchronization accuracy where needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead for UEs or channels that don't require adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The Koffset parameter is dynamically adjusted based on UE position, satellite position, and timing requirements. By changing this parameter adaptively rather than using fixed values, the system achieves high synchronization accuracy while efficiently managing signaling overhead through targeted updates.
3Loss of time
If full timing advance compensation is calculated using satellite and gateway positions, then round trip delay compensation is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-calculates the timing advance component related to satellite-gateway distance and provides it to UEs as a reference value. UEs only need to calculate their own position-based offset from this reference, significantly reducing their computational load while maintaining full round trip delay compensation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing advance calculation is segmented into two parts: a network-calculated component (satellite-gateway distance) and a UE-calculated component (UE-satellite distance). This segmentation allows the network to handle the computationally intensive parts centrally while UEs perform simpler local calculations, reducing overall computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling communication between a user equipment (UE) and a non-terrestrial network (NTN), is described. The UE may be able to calculate a timing advance compensation. The timing advance compensation may be a differential or full timing advance compensation. An offset value, Koffset, may be indicated to the UE. The Koffset value may be used for timing relationships.