5G Satellite Access Country Verification Using Dynamic Cell Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently determining the location and country of user equipment (UE) to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and minimize disruption, particularly due to the moving coverage areas of low and medium Earth orbit satellites.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a satellite NodeB (gNB) determines the location and country of a UE by receiving periodic positioning identifiers (PIDs) from multiple radio cells and combining them with UE measurements, ensuring accurate verification before allowing access to a 5G core network (5GCN).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellites in low and medium earth orbits are used to provide wide coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the radio access by UEs becomes subject to interruption due to moving coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic handover mechanisms that allow UEs to switch between satellites as they move in and out of coverage areas. The network dynamically manages satellite assignments and handover parameters based on UE location and satellite motion, ensuring continuous service despite the moving coverage characteristics of LEO/MEO satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs prediction algorithms that forecast future satellite positions and coverage areas. Based on these predictions, the network proactively prepares handover procedures and configures appropriate satellites before the UE actually needs to switch, preventing service interruption rather than reacting to it after it occurs.
2Measurement precision
If the gNB determines country location using multiple UE measurements from moving radio cells, then the location accuracy is improved, but the time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage location determination approach. First, the gNB quickly determines country location using limited measurements (partial action) to enable basic regulatory compliance. Only when higher precision is required does the system perform additional measurements and calculations (excessive action), balancing accuracy needs with time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores satellite ephemeris data, orbital parameters, and coverage area information. When location determination is needed, the gNB can quickly query these pre-prepared data structures rather than performing complex real-time calculations, significantly reducing determination time while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If the PID is changed periodically to prevent spoofing, then the security is improved, but the signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic PID changes at predetermined intervals (e.g., every few seconds or after certain events). This periodic refresh prevents spoofing attacks while maintaining a predictable pattern that allows UEs and gNBs to efficiently synchronize and process the changing identifiers without constant random updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The gNB and UE are pre-configured with PID change schedules, timing information, and associated radio cell identifiers. This preliminary configuration allows both parties to anticipate and prepare for PID changes, reducing the processing burden during actual changes and minimizing signaling overhead compared to reactive or random change approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Satellite access to a PLMN with a Fifth Generation (5G) core network (5GCN) is supported by a serving satellite NodeB (gNB). The gNB determines or verifies the country in which a user equipment (UE) is located to ensure that the UE is located in the same country as the PLMN. The gNB may determine the country of the UE based on UE measurements from broadcast satellite signals and a positioning ID (PID) broadcast for each radio cell. The PID frequently changes to prevent spoofing. The gNB may use multiple UE measurements from a moving radio cell over a period of time to generate a more accurate location for the UE. The gNB may indicate to a 5GCN whether the country of the UE has been verified. The 5GCN will determine the location and country of the UE if the gNB indicates that the country is not fully verified.