NTN Coverage Enhancement Through UE Channel Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) face challenges in providing seamless coverage due to signal obstruction and interference, leading to poor communication quality, especially in remote areas or emergency scenarios, necessitating improved coverage optimization and user guidance for better connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Wireless communication devices in NTN send indications to higher layers about poor channel conditions, triggering popup notifications for users to move to better coverage areas, utilizing signal strength thresholds, detection windows, and assistance information to optimize coverage based on UE assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If NTN uses satellite communication for remote area coverage, then coverage area is expanded, but signal strength and communication quality deteriorate due to obstructions and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the UE detect and report poor channel conditions before complete communication failure occurs. The UE monitors downlink signals (synchronization signals, MIB, SIB) and proactively reports when signal strength falls below thresholds or detection fails, enabling the network to take corrective actions before total loss of connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE continuously monitors channel conditions and provides feedback to the network about poor signal quality. This feedback includes measurements of signal strength, detection failures of critical signals, and recommendations for better coverage areas, enabling the network to adjust resource allocation and provide user guidance.
2Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed coverage information and detection parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the detection and measurement requirements to specific local conditions. Rather than uniformly applying complex detection to all scenarios, the patent specifies different detection criteria for different signal types (synchronization signals, MIB, SIB) and different coverage scenarios (initial access, connected state, DRX), optimizing the balance between measurement precision and device complexity for each local case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing detection and measurement only where and when necessary. The UE performs detailed signal detection during specific phases (initial access, connection establishment, periodic coverage optimization) rather than continuously monitoring all possible signals. This selective approach reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for effective coverage optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are systems and methods for coverage enhancement in non-terrestrial network (NTN). A wireless communication device (e.g., UE) may send a first indication to a higher layer to indicate the that poor a channel condition is poor. The higher layer can comprise at least one of: a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, an application layer, or other layer higher than a physical layer. The first indication can comprise at least one of: a measured signal strength, an indicator of signal strength, poor an indicator of that a signal is poor, or other information including the recommended position.