Satellite Cell Handover via Network Node Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The movement of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites poses challenges for communication networks due to frequent handovers, requiring efficient mechanisms to switch client devices between satellite cells without the need for additional antenna beams.
Innovation Solution
A network node device and satellite system that identifies client devices needing to switch from one satellite cell to another, provides a new cell via the second satellite, and then switches it to be served by the first satellite, using inter-satellite or inter-gNB links, and informs client devices of new satellite parameters to ensure seamless handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional antenna beams are deployed to serve client devices during satellite handovers, then communication continuity is improved, but satellite complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node device as an intermediary between the satellite and client devices. This ground-based or space-based network node handles the complex task of managing handovers and serving client devices, allowing the satellite to maintain its original antenna configuration without adding complexity while ensuring communication continuity during handovers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the network into distinct functional segments: the satellite provides basic signal transmission, the network node device handles client device management and handover coordination, and client devices communicate through this structured hierarchy. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If additional antenna beams are deployed to serve client devices during satellite handovers, then communication continuity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node device acts as an intermediary that handles the energy-intensive tasks of client device management and handover coordination on the ground or in space, allowing the satellite to operate with reduced power consumption while maintaining communication continuity through efficient resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic handover operations where the satellite switches between serving different client devices at scheduled intervals. This periodic action allows the satellite to optimize its antenna beam usage, activating additional beams only when needed for handovers rather than maintaining them continuously, thus reducing overall power consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If frequent handovers are implemented due to LEO satellite movement, then communication coverage is improved, but handover management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node device serves as an intermediary that centralizes handover management functions. It receives handover requests, coordinates the switching between satellites, and manages client device connections, thereby simplifying the overall handover process despite the high frequency of handovers required in LEO satellite constellations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring handover parameters, predicting satellite positions, and preparing handover procedures in advance. This allows the network to manage frequent handovers more efficiently by reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making and execution during actual handover events.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, a network node device is configured to when the network node device is connected to a first satellite of a non-terrestrial network, identify at least one client device needing to be served by the network node device, wherein the at least one client device is currently served by a second network node device via a first cell provided by a second satellite of the non-terrestrial network; in response to identifying that the at least one client device needs to be served by the network node device, provide a second cell to at least one the client device via the second satellite; and after the at least one client device has performed a handover from the first cell to the second cell, switch the second cell to be provided by the first satellite.