Control Apparatus for NTN-TN Resource Reservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) face challenges in providing resources for end-to-end communication paths due to their sparse and localized constellations, leading to difficulties in resource reservation for paths that traverse both NTN and terrestrial networks (TNs).
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that allow for provisional acceptance of resource reservations in NTNs without waiting for actual resource allocation, enabling the establishment of links and resource reservation for partial paths, and subsequent concatenation with previously reserved paths in TNs to complete the end-to-end resource reservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If general resource reservation techniques are used for NTN paths, then resource reservation process is simple, but resource reservation fails due to unavailability of resources in NTN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the resource reservation request to be processed and accepted before actual resource allocation occurs. The control apparatus can accept reservation requests for NTN paths even when resources are not immediately available, as long as they will be allocated by the communication start time. This enables the reservation process to proceed in advance while ensuring resources are ready when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the resource reservation process into distinct phases: request reception, provisional acceptance, and actual resource allocation. The control apparatus receives reservation requests, makes provisional acceptances without immediate resource allocation, and then completes the reservation by actually allocating resources when needed. This segmentation allows the system to handle NTN resource reservations differently from traditional immediate-allocation approaches.
2Reliability
If resource reservation waits for actual resource allocation, then resource availability is ensured, but communication setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary acceptance of resource reservation requests before actual resource allocation. This allows the system to prepare and confirm reservation intentions in advance, then complete the actual resource allocation closer to the communication start time, thereby reducing overall setup time while ensuring resources are available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic handling of resource reservations where the control apparatus can change its state from provisional acceptance to actual allocation based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the reservation process to accept requests early, then completes allocation when resources become available or are needed, optimizing both time and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NTN constellation is sparse and localized, then coverage is limited, but resource reservation becomes difficult for end-to-end paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end-to-end communication path into segments that can traverse both NTN and TN (terrestrial network) portions. The control apparatus handles resource reservation for different path segments differently, allowing NTN segments to use provisional acceptance while TN segments use traditional reservation methods. This segmentation enables resource reservation for end-to-end paths even when NTN coverage is sparse and localized.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary that coordinates between NTN and TN resource reservation systems. It receives reservation requests, makes provisional acceptances for NTN portions, and coordinates with TN systems to complete the end-to-end path. This intermediary role enables resource reservation capability even when NTN constellation is sparse, by bridging the gap between NTN and TN reservation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus receives a request for a resource reservation in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) for a path from a first node to a second node that passes through a terrestrial network (TN) and the NTN. In response to the request, the control apparatus transmits a response indicating acceptance of the resource reservation without waiting for resources of a first partial path in the NTN to actually be reserved for the path. After one or more links have been established in the NTN and the resources for the first partial path have been reserved, the control apparatus controls the concatenation of the first partial path with a second partial path for which resources have previously been reserved in the TN.