NTN Uplink Gap Configuration for Non-GEO Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The predefined uplink gaps in NB-IoT networks are not suitable for non-geostationary earth orbit (non-GEO) scenarios in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) due to varying wireless channel conditions and signal transmission delays caused by satellite movement, leading to inaccurate time alignment and frequency offset compensation.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of uplink gaps is dynamically adjusted by the network device for individual terminal devices in NTN networks, allowing for tailored TA pre-compensation and adjustment to adapt to changing wireless conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predefined uplink gap configuration is used in NB-IoT networks, then simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to non-GEO NTN scenarios deteriorates due to varying wireless channel conditions and satellite movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static predefined uplink gap configuration to dynamic configuration that adapts to changing wireless conditions. The network device determines uplink gap configuration information based on terminal device conditions and channel characteristics, allowing the system to respond to satellite movement and varying propagation conditions in non-GEO NTN scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of uplink gap configuration (time length, insertion interval) from fixed predefined values to dynamically adjustable parameters. The network device configures these parameters based on terminal device identification, channel quality, and propagation conditions, enabling adaptation to different non-GEO satellite orbital characteristics and terminal scenarios.
2Device complexity
If predefined uplink gap configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of timing advance compensation deteriorates in non-GEO scenarios with varying transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device measures or estimates propagation conditions and terminal device conditions, then uses this information to determine appropriate uplink gap configuration. This feedback loop enables accurate timing advance compensation by adapting the uplink gap parameters to actual channel conditions in non-GEO NTN scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of uplink gap configuration information by the network device before uplink transmission based on predicted or estimated propagation conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compensate for timing advances in non-GEO scenarios where transmission delays vary due to satellite movement, improving synchronization accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If uniform uplink gap configuration is applied to all terminal devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of uplink transmission deteriorates due to different wireless channel change rules for terminals at different geographic positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring uplink gap parameters specifically for each terminal device or group of terminal devices based on their individual conditions, geographic positions, and channel characteristics. Instead of uniform configuration, each terminal receives tailored uplink gap settings that account for local propagation conditions, satellite geometry, and terminal mobility patterns in non-GEO NTN scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into different terminal device groups or individual terminals, each receiving customized uplink gap configuration information. The network device determines and manages separate configuration parameters for different terminals based on their identification, geographic position, and channel conditions, allowing differentiated treatment to improve overall system reliability in non-GEO scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wireless communication method, a terminal device, and a network device. The method includes: obtaining configuration information of an uplink gap; and transmitting, based on the configuration information of the uplink gap repeatedly, uplink information on an uplink channel. The uplink gap is used for a terminal device to perform downlink synchronization and frequency offset compensation on the uplink gap, to adapt to a non-geostationary earth orbit (GEO) scenario in a non-terrestrial network (NTN).