Inter-Node Communication Using Proxy-Based NTN Configuration Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications systems, the presence of multiple moving network nodes results in significant overhead and complexity due to frequent updates of configuration information, leading to increased signaling load and processing demands on the access and mobility management function (AMF).

Innovation Solution

Introduce a proxy node that manages configuration information for a group of NTN nodes, distributing and updating this information efficiently to reduce signaling overhead and complexity by acting as an endpoint for multiple nodes, thereby simplifying the communication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If configuration information is frequently updated for multiple moving NTN nodes, then communication performance is maintained, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A proxy node is introduced as an intermediary between the AMF and multiple NTN nodes. The proxy node receives configuration information from the AMF and distributes it to multiple NTN nodes, thereby reducing the signaling burden on the AMF while maintaining effective configuration updates across all nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration distribution function is segmented from the AMF and assigned to a dedicated proxy node. This segmentation allows the AMF to focus on core network functions while the proxy node handles the complex task of distributing configuration information to multiple moving NTN nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration information is distributed to multiple third nodes, then communication coverage is expanded, but processing demands on the AMF increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidprocessing demands
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy node serves as a mediator that handles the distribution of configuration information to multiple third nodes (NTN nodes). This intermediary approach expands communication coverage without directly increasing the processing demands on the AMF, as the proxy node assumes this responsibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy node creates and distributes copies of configuration information to multiple third nodes. This copying mechanism allows the configuration to be efficiently replicated across the network without requiring the AMF to process each individual distribution separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving network nodes are supported, then network flexibility is improved, but configuration management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy node acts as a dedicated intermediary for configuration management, handling the complexity of managing multiple moving network nodes. This allows the network to maintain flexibility in supporting mobile NTN nodes while the proxy node centralizes the configuration management tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy node performs preliminary actions by receiving configuration information from the AMF before distributing it to multiple third nodes. This preliminary receipt and processing of configuration information simplifies the overall management process by preparing and organizing the configuration data in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250310819A1Inter-node communication
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20250310819A1 patent drawing
  • US20250310819A1 patent drawing
  • US20250310819A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first node may receive, from a second node, configuration information associated with a configuration of the second node. The first node may provide, for at least one third node, at least a portion of the configuration information, such that the at least the portion of the configuration information is distributed to a plurality of third nodes that are associated with the second node. Numerous other aspects are described.