NTN Uplink Timing Control for Satellite Beam Handover Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in non-terrestrial networks face challenges in efficiently initiating uplink transmissions due to the unique propagation delays and beam management complexities introduced by satellite-based communication, which can lead to suboptimal performance and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing specific mechanisms for timing advance adjustments and beam management strategies tailored for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including adaptive timing advance procedures and beam training protocols, to optimize uplink transmissions and mitigate propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional uplink transmission mechanisms are used in NTNs, then device complexity is reduced, but propagation delays cause transmission inefficiency and connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing beam training and timing advance adjustments before actual uplink transmission. The gNB conducts downlink beam training to identify optimal beams, and timing advance values are calculated in advance to compensate for propagation delays. This preparatory work ensures that when uplink transmission occurs, the correct beams and timing are already established, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors uplink transmission quality and adjusts beam configurations and timing advance values accordingly. The network entity receives feedback about transmission performance and uses this information to optimize beam management parameters dynamically. This feedback loop improves uplink transmission efficiency while managing complexity through adaptive optimization rather than static complex configurations.
2Measurement precision
If timing advance adjustments are made for satellite propagation delays, then transmission timing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to autonomously apply timing advance adjustments received from the gNB without requiring complex centralized coordination. The gNB calculates the appropriate timing advance based on propagation delay measurements and provides this value to the UE, which then self-adjusts its transmission timing. This distributes the complexity burden from the network to the individual device, improving timing accuracy while managing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If beam training protocols are implemented for satellite communication, then connection reliability improves, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beam training where the gNB performs downlink beam training at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains connection reliability by regularly updating beam configurations while minimizing the time spent on beam training activities. The periodic nature allows the system to balance between maintaining reliable connections and preserving transmission time for actual data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing beam training during initial connection establishment and before critical data transmissions. By establishing optimal beams in advance during less time-critical phases, the system ensures reliable connections are ready when needed without incurring beam training delays during urgent transmissions. This preliminary beam setup resolves the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device receives, from a satellite, a system information block comprising one or more configuration parameters indicating: a first time for determining transmission of an uplink signal via a cell, and a second time when the cell stops serving an area that the wireless device is located. Based on the configuration parameters, the wireless device does not transmit, via the cell, the uplink signal between the first time and the second time.