Satellite Feeder Link Timing Adjust for Non-Terrestrial Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-terrestrial wireless communication networks face timing glitches due to asynchronous timing between feeder links and changes in propagation delay when satellites switch between ground networks, affecting user equipment connectivity and quality.
Innovation Solution
A common timing adjust command is broadcast to user equipment to synchronize timing adjustments when switching between feeder links, ensuring seamless communication by accounting for changes in propagation delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellites switch between ground networks, then connectivity coverage is improved, but timing synchronization deteriorates due to asynchronous timing between feeder links
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity proactively provides timing adjustment information to user equipment before the satellite feeder link switch occurs. This preliminary action allows the UE to pre-adjust its timing, preventing timing glitches and maintaining synchronization during the transition between ground networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity monitors feeder link timing characteristics and provides timing adjustment commands to user equipment. This closed-loop feedback ensures that timing synchronization is maintained despite asynchronous transitions between different ground networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If feeder link switching is implemented, then network adaptability is improved, but communication quality deteriorates due to timing glitches and propagation delay changes
Solution Approach 1:
Timing adjustment information is provided to user equipment in advance of the feeder link switch, allowing the UE to pre-adjust its transmission timing. This prevents timing glitches that would otherwise degrade communication quality during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes timing parameters (timing adjustment values) based on the specific feeder link configuration and propagation delay characteristics. By adjusting these parameters proactively, the system maintains communication quality despite changes in the network topology during feeder link switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous timing between feeder links is accommodated, then network flexibility is improved, but timing synchronization for user equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity acts as an intermediary between the asynchronous ground networks and the user equipment. It receives timing information from different ground networks, processes the timing differences, and provides unified timing adjustment commands to the UE, thereby mediating the timing synchronization issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes timing parameters based on the specific feeder link being used. When the satellite switches between ground networks with different timing characteristics, the network entity calculates and provides appropriate timing adjustment values to the UE, allowing the system to accommodate asynchronous timing while maintaining synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects relate to adjusting communication timing in response to a switch from one feeder link to another feeder link in a non-terrestrial network. For example, when a satellite moves out of the coverage area of a first ground network entity (or if the first ground network entity is turned off), the satellite switches to a second ground network entity. The resulting switch from a first feeder link for the first ground network entity to a second feeder link for the second ground network entity may cause a timing glitch that adversely affects the UEs under the coverage of the satellite. The disclosure relates in some aspects to sending an indication of the switch and/or a common timing adjust command to all of the UEs affected by the feeder link switch.