Relay Timing Offsets for NTN Beam and Resource Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of a Network Controlled Repeater (NCR) in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) leads to timing issues with beam control and resource instructions due to significant delays, and existing specifications do not account for NCR-related expansions.

Innovation Solution

A relay device (NCR) applies a specific time offset for beam control and resource instructions when routing via NTN, determining suitable application timings using MAC-CE and DCI commands, and controls UL and DL operations differently based on subcarrier spacing (SCS).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial network provisions are applied to NTN for beam control and resource instruction timing, then the system can operate with standard timing protocols, but the NTN cannot operate normally due to very large delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork operation compatibilityVSAvoidnormal operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the timing parameter by introducing a specific time offset for NTN operations. The control unit applies a different timing offset for NTN compared to terrestrial network, allowing the system to adapt to the large propagation delays inherent in satellite communications while maintaining protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If standard terrestrial network timing is used for NTN, then implementation is straightforward, but beam control and resource instruction notifications cannot be applied at suitable timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidnotification application timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit determines the application timing of notifications in advance by calculating the appropriate time offset based on whether the notification is received via NTN or terrestrial network. This preliminary timing adjustment ensures that beam control and resource instructions are applied at suitable times despite the large propagation delays in NTN

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If NCR is introduced in NTN to reduce UE power consumption, then UE can transmit with lower power to reach NCR, but timing issues arise due to large delays in NTN

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE power consumptionVSAvoidNTN delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The NCR acts as an intermediary between the UE and the satellite, allowing the UE to transmit with lower power to the ground-based NCR instead of directly to the satellite. The control unit at the NCR then applies the appropriate time offset to compensate for the NTN delay, ensuring proper timing for beam control and resource instructions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4712683A1Relay device and wireless communication method

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 NTT DOCOMO INC

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AI summary

A relay device receives a notification related to at least one of beam control or a resource instruction, applies a specific time offset in a case of routing via a non-terrestrial network as compared to a case of routing via a terrestrial network, and determines a timing to start or stop application of a notification.