Satellite Cell Location Indication Reducing NTN Signaling Overhead
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), frequent updates of satellite cell location information are required due to the movement of satellites, leading to increased signaling overhead during cell handovers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to receive satellite ephemeris information, satellite cell reference location information, or satellite identification from a network device, enabling the determination of a relative locational relationship between the UE and the satellite cell, which remains fixed with the satellite's movement, thus reducing the need for frequent updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite cell location information is frequently updated to track satellite movement, then location accuracy for cell handover is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite cell location information into two components: satellite ephemeris information (which changes with satellite movement) and satellite cell reference location information (which remains fixed). By separating these components, the system can maintain location accuracy without frequently updating all location information, thus reducing signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces satellite cell reference location information as an intermediary that provides a stable reference frame. This intermediary allows the system to determine relative locational relationships between UE and satellite cell without needing to continuously update the reference location itself, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of energy
If satellite cell reference location information is made fixed to reduce updates, then signaling overhead is reduced, but adaptability to satellite movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location information into fixed reference location components and dynamic ephemeris components. The fixed reference location information reduces signaling overhead, while the ephemeris information maintains adaptability to satellite movement. Together they resolve the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing different parts of the location information to have different update characteristics. The satellite cell reference location information remains static to reduce overhead, while the satellite ephemeris information is updated dynamically to maintain adaptability to satellite movement. This selective dynamic approach resolves the contradiction.
3Loss of time
If relative locational relationship is determined based on fixed reference location, then update frequency is reduced, but handover responsiveness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the satellite cell reference location information and ephemeris information before handover occurs. The UE determines the relative locational relationship based on this pre-available information, eliminating the need for last-minute updates and maintaining both low update frequency and high handover responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the network device provides location information to the UE, and the UE determines relative locational relationships based on this feedback. This feedback loop ensures that the UE has the necessary information for timely handover decisions without requiring continuous updates, thus maintaining responsiveness while reducing update frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for indicating a location of a satellite cell, a user equipment (UE), a network device, and a storage medium, which belong to the technical field of communications. The method can include receiving information indicated by a network device, wherein the information comprises at least one of following: satellite ephemeris information, satellite cell reference location information, or a satellite identification corresponding to a satellite cell, and determining a relative locational relationship between the UE and a satellite cell reference location according to the information indicated by the network device.