Inter-Satellite Data Forwarding for Low-Latency NTN Paging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems experience high service latency due to the store-and-forward operation mode, where the service link and feeder link are not simultaneously available, leading to delayed data transmission to terminals.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a data transmission method that forwards data between satellites via inter-satellite links, allowing timely delivery of data to terminals by using anchor-like and relay satellites to manage data routing and paging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If store-and-forward operation mode is used in NTN, then satellite can serve users without continuous feeder link availability, but service latency increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesatellite service availabilityVSAvoidservice latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the first satellite forward data to the second satellite in advance before the terminal actually needs it. The second satellite stores this data temporarily and pages the terminal when it enters the coverage area, eliminating the need to wait for feeder link availability and significantly reducing service latency while maintaining store-and-forward operation mode benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If data is stored at satellite until feeder link is available, then network operation flexibility is maintained, but data transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operation flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by forwarding data ahead of time to the serving satellite before the terminal becomes available or before feeder link constraints arise. This allows the satellite to have data ready for immediate transmission via service link, maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating transmission delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first satellite acts as an intermediary by receiving data from the second satellite and forwarding it to terminals in its coverage area. This intermediary mechanism enables direct service link transmission without waiting for feeder link availability, reducing delay while maintaining the store-and-forward architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4697620A1Data transmission method and satellite
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4697620A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4697620A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4697620A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a data transmission method and a satellite. The method includes the following. A first satellite receives data for a first terminal from a second satellite. The first satellite sends the data for the first terminal to the first terminal paged. In embodiments of the disclosure, the data for the first terminal is forwarded between satellites, so that the data can be timely forwarded to the first terminal paged, thereby reducing service latency.