5G Satellite Gateway Timing Compensation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite systems for mobile terminals lack interoperability and are expensive, limiting their use to niche markets, and existing 5G technologies are not designed to handle satellite propagation channels or dynamic network topologies, making it difficult to implement 5G communication effectively via satellite constellations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system for 5G communication that includes a satellite, a base station, and a gateway, with a compensation device to align uplink and downlink service frames using a buffer module and pre-compensation module to manage temporal differences, allowing the 5G interface time reference point to be moved and reducing the need for direct compensation by the mobile terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If 5G communication is implemented via satellite constellation, then coverage area is improved, but propagation delay and timing synchronization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-compensating for propagation delays in the timing advance mechanism. The base station predicts the round-trip delay based on satellite ephemeris data and user equipment position, then pre-adjusts the timing advance value before transmission, compensating for the significant propagation delay inherent in satellite communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the timing advance mechanism adaptive to the moving satellite constellation. The system continuously updates timing advance values based on real-time satellite position changes, user equipment mobility, and dynamic propagation conditions, allowing the network to handle the time-varying characteristics of LEO satellite communication.
2Reliability
If satellite-specific equipment is used, then communication reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the base station to perform multiple functions: it operates as a conventional terrestrial base station for ground users while simultaneously functioning as a satellite gateway for LEO satellite connections. This multi-functionality allows the same equipment to serve dual purposes, reducing the need for separate satellite-specific infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the base station as a gateway between the LEO satellite constellation and the 5G core network. The base station handles satellite protocol conversion, timing synchronization, and data routing, acting as an intermediate node that bridges the satellite and terrestrial networks without requiring end-user equipment to be satellite-specific.
3Manufacturing precision
If timing advance is increased for satellite distance, then uplink synchronization is improved, but interference management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the uplink transmission timeline into distinct regions: a protected guard period following the downlink transmission, and a timing advance-adjusted uplink transmission window. This segmentation ensures that uplink signals from different users and satellites are time-separated, preventing interference while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station continuously monitors uplink signal arrival times, timing errors, and interference levels, then dynamically adjusts timing advance values for different user equipment. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise uplink synchronization while adapting to changing propagation conditions and minimizing interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a 5G communication system (1) between at least one mobile terminal (UE) and a core network (CN), said communication system (1) comprising at least one satellite (SAT), an access network comprising a plurality of base stations (gNB), and a gateway (Gate) disposed between said satellite (SAT) and one of the base stations (gNB). Said satellite (SAT) and said gateway (Gate) being capable of exchanging service frames comprising uplink service frames (UE UL) and downlink service frames (UE DL), said uplink service frames (UE UL) being time-aligned with said downlink service frames (UE DL) around a time reference point.