Satellite Access Method Using Timer-Based Service Link Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), especially in earth fixed cell scenarios, existing methods for Service Link Switch (SLS) face challenges in ensuring service continuity due to the mobility of satellites, as UE needs to switch to a new satellite, but privacy and security concerns arise from reporting position information, and traditional signal intensity-based methods are not applicable due to the large cell radius of NTN.
Innovation Solution
An access method where User Equipment (UE) receives auxiliary information from the network to determine time information for accessing a target satellite without reporting its position, using ephemeris information of the target satellite, thus protecting privacy and security, and determining access time based on self-position and auxiliary information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE reports position information to switch satellites, then service continuity is maintained, but privacy and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the position information from the SLS triggering mechanism. Instead of using actual UE position data, the system uses a timer-based approach where the timer value is pre-configured to account for satellite mobility. This extraction eliminates the privacy and security risks associated with position reporting while maintaining service continuity through timer-expired triggering of SLS procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional signal intensity-based methods are used for SLS, then implementation is simple, but accuracy is insufficient due to large cell radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the triggering parameter from signal intensity (which is imprecise in large-cell NTN environments) to a timer-based parameter. The timer value is carefully configured to predict when the UE will leave the current satellite's coverage area, providing accurate SLS triggering without relying on imprecise signal measurements. This parameter transformation maintains ease of implementation while dramatically improving accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UE determines access time without position reporting, then privacy is protected, but additional auxiliary information processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the UE autonomously determines its access time to the target satellite using a pre-configured timer and auxiliary information, without needing to report position data to the network. The timer is automatically triggered when the current satellite's coverage is lost, and the UE independently calculates the access time based on the timer value and auxiliary information from the target satellite. This self-service approach protects privacy while managing complexity through automated local processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An access method, which is performed by a UE, includes: receiving auxiliary information for a UE to access an NTN; and according to position information of the UE and the auxiliary information, determining time information of accessing to a target satellite.