Satellite Beam Indication via Random Access Parameter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terrestrial communication systems are unable to support beam sweeping in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication due to the limited number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) available, which restricts beam selection and reporting, leading to increased handover frequencies and resource wastage in satellite communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows multiple satellite beams to share the same SSB by incorporating beam parameters such as Doppler offset values or index numbers into the random access information, enabling the differentiation of beams and reducing the number of SSBs required for beam selection and reporting, thereby increasing the number of supported beams and reducing handover frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one SSB is used to broadcast on one beam in NTN communication, then beam selection can be implemented, but the limited quantity of SSBs (maximum 64) cannot support beam sweeping when a satellite has tens or hundreds of beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam identification process into two parts: SSB index and beam parameter. The SSB provides coarse synchronization while the beam parameter (such as Doppler offset value or index number) provides fine beam differentiation. This segmentation allows multiple beams to share the same SSB resource, enabling support for tens or hundreds of beams without increasing the SSB quantity beyond 64.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional dimension to beam identification by introducing beam parameters (Doppler offset values or index numbers) that work in conjunction with SSB indices. This dimensional extension transforms the single-dimension SSB-based identification into a two-dimension identification system, dramatically increasing the total number of distinguishable beams while keeping SSB quantity limited.
2Measurement precision
If more SSBs are used to support beam sweeping for numerous satellite beams, then beam selection accuracy improves, but the system exceeds the maximum supported SSB quantity of 64
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides beam identification into hierarchical levels: SSB index for initial access and beam parameters for precise differentiation. This segmentation enables accurate beam selection among tens or hundreds of beams without requiring a proportional increase in SSB quantity, maintaining beam selection accuracy while respecting the 64 SSB limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam parameters as intermediary elements that mediate between the limited SSB resources and the large number of satellite beams. These parameters act as a bridge, allowing the system to identify numerous beams through the combination of SSB indices and beam-specific parameters without exceeding SSB quantity constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coverage area is divided into more cells to support more beams, then beam capacity increases, but handover frequency between cells increases and air interface resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SSB resource universal by allowing one SSB to serve multiple satellite beams through the introduction of beam parameters. This multi-functionality enables a single cell to support a larger number of beams without requiring cell division, thereby reducing handover frequency and conserving air interface resources while maintaining high beam capacity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If beam parameters are added to random access information, then multiple beams can share the same SSB, but the complexity of random access information processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments random access information into distinct components: SSB index and beam parameter. This segmentation allows the terminal and network to process each component independently and systematically, reducing the overall processing complexity compared to handling a single complex identification parameter. The segmented structure enables modular processing and simplifies the mapping between random access information and beam identification.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides beam indication methods and apparatuses One example method includes that a terminal device determines first random access information associated with a first synchronization broadcast block (SSB) and associated with a beam parameter of a satellite beam, where the beam parameter is used to distinguish the satellite beam. The terminal sends a preamble to a satellite based on the first random access information. The satellite receives the preamble from the terminal, and determines the first random access information. The satellite determines the first SSB and the beam parameter of the satellite beam that are associated with the first random access information.