Satellite Discovery via Sequential Beam Scanning for Network Entry

Solution Overview

Problem

Ground equipment in wireless communications systems faces challenges in initiating registration or network entry without prior knowledge of satellite positions or network information, especially during startup or when relocating.

Innovation Solution

The system employs initial network entry techniques that include satellite discovery, random access channel (RACH) resource allocation, and authentication processes to enable user terminals to register with the communications system and establish communication links with satellites, even without prior knowledge of satellite positions or frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ground equipment registers with the communications system via satellite, then the ground equipment receives resource allocation information and can transmit and receive communications, but the ground equipment requires prior knowledge of satellite positions or network information which it does not have at startup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication registration reliabilityVSAvoidsatellite position information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the ground equipment autonomously discover satellite positions and network information through initial satellite discovery procedures before formal registration. The equipment scans for satellite signals, acquires ephemeris data, and builds network knowledge base proactively, eliminating the need for pre-provided satellite position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground equipment serves itself by autonomously performing satellite discovery, acquiring network information, and determining appropriate satellites for registration without requiring external provision of satellite position data. The equipment independently manages its own registration process by selecting from discovered satellites and exchanging identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ground equipment autonomously discovers satellites and performs registration without prior network information, then the equipment can enter the network without pre-configured data, but the registration process takes longer time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork entry flexibilityVSAvoidregistration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the ground equipment autonomously discover satellite positions and network information through initial satellite discovery procedures before formal registration. The equipment scans for satellite signals, acquires ephemeris data, and builds network knowledge base proactively, eliminating the need for pre-provided satellite position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground equipment serves itself by autonomously performing satellite discovery, acquiring network information, and determining appropriate satellites for registration without requiring external provision of satellite position data. The equipment independently manages its own registration process by selecting from discovered satellites and exchanging identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ground equipment simultaneously attempt to register with the same satellite, then the satellite can serve multiple users, but conflicts arise regarding resource allocation and communication rights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesatellite multi-user capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the ground equipment autonomously discover satellite positions and network information through initial satellite discovery procedures before formal registration. The equipment scans for satellite signals, acquires ephemeris data, and builds network knowledge base proactively, eliminating the need for pre-provided satellite position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The registration process incorporates feedback mechanisms where the satellite responds to ground equipment identification information with authorization decisions and resource allocation instructions. The equipment receives feedback in the form of registration responses containing communication rights and resource assignments, enabling reliable conflict resolution and coordinated access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250183997A1Initial network entry to a communications system

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method includes generating an initial network entry request. The method further includes in response to the initial network entry request, finding, via a user terminal, a satellite based on a search of a sky. The search of the sky comprises sequentially changing a beam pointing direction of the user terminal. The satellite is assigned to downlink to a geographic cell associated with the user terminal. The method includes generating an uplink radio frame associated with the initial network entry request at a particular portion of the uplink radio frame for the satellite.