PRACH Signal Delay for Non-Terrestrial Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional random access procedures for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) face challenges such as propagation delays, limited bandwidth, interference, and the need to manage large numbers of users simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and potential overloading of base station resources.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) receives a configuration message from a network node, decodes it to obtain a delay parameter, and determines a delay value based on this parameter and attributes associated with the UE. The UE then delays the transmission of a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) signal by this delay value, ensuring that each UE transmits its PRACH signal at a unique time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional random access procedures are used in NTNs, then user equipment can establish connection with the network, but base station resources become overloaded due to simultaneous access attempts from large numbers of users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having user equipment calculate and apply a delay value before transmitting the PRACH signal. The delay is computed based on the UE's geographic location and the satellite's orbital parameters, spreading out access attempts over time before they reach the base station. This prevents simultaneous access attempts from multiple UEs, thereby reducing base station resource overload while maintaining connection establishment capability.
2Ease of operation
If PRACH signals from multiple UEs are transmitted simultaneously, then network access is achieved, but signal contention increases reducing access efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each UE's delay value unique based on its specific geographic location and the satellite's orbital characteristics. This location-specific delay calculation ensures that UEs in different positions transmit at different times, eliminating simultaneous transmissions and signal contention while preserving network access capability for all users.
3Speed
If the transmission timing is not delayed, then PRACH signals are transmitted immediately, but signals from different UEs arrive at the base station at the same time causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the transmission timing parameter (delay value) for each UE based on its location and satellite orbital parameters. This changes the arrival time of PRACH signals at the base station, spreading them out in time to avoid simultaneous arrivals and resulting interference, while maintaining relatively fast access compared to conventional delayed protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is generally directed to a method for communication by a user equipment (UE) and a network node of a non-terrestrial network. In one example of the technology, the method may include receiving by the UE a configuration message from the network node and decoding by the UE the configuration message to obtain a delay parameter. The method further includes determining a delay value based on the delay parameter and a set of attributes associated with the UE. The set of attributes includes at least one attribute uniquely identifying the UE. The method further includes generating a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) signal at the UE and delaying transmission of the PRACH signal by the UE to the network node based on the delay value. The PRACH signal is processible by the network node to establish a connection between the UE and the network node.