Timing Offset Selection in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in non-terrestrial networks, face challenges in accurately accounting for propagation delays, which can lead to misalignment between downlink and uplink communications, affecting causality and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting either a cell-specific timing offset or an updated timing offset, indicated after initial access, to account for propagation delays between a base station and user equipment in non-terrestrial networks, allowing for precise synchronization of uplink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed cell-specific timing offset is used for all uplink communications, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but propagation delay variations cause misalignment between downlink and uplink communications, worsening reliability and increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static cell-specific timing offset to a dynamic timing offset selection mechanism. The UE selects between cell-specific and UE-specific timing offsets based on communication conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying propagation delays while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized selection criteria defined in technical specifications.
2Reliability
If UE-specific timing offsets are used to account for propagation delays, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing UE-specific timing offset parameters that are determined based on propagation delay measurements. The system changes the timing offset parameter dynamically according to the specific UE's distance from the gNB, allowing precise synchronization without requiring complex manual configuration, as the parameters are automatically determined through standardized procedures.
3Reliability
If timing offsets are frequently updated to maintain synchronization, then communication reliability is improved, but processing resources and signaling overhead are consumed, worsening productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing timing offset updates at specific intervals and under specific conditions rather than continuously. The system performs timing offset determination during initial access and updates based on periodic measurements or specific triggering events, maintaining synchronization reliability while minimizing unnecessary processing and signaling overhead through this structured periodic approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) entity, a message that is associated with an uplink grant. The UE may select, based at least in part on the message, either a cell-specific offset or an updated offset that is indicated after initial access, as a timing offset that accounts for a propagation delay between a base station of the NTN and the UE. The UE may transmit, to the NTN entity, an uplink communication using the timing offset. Numerous other aspects are described.