Satellite Network Relocation Guidance for User Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment connected to satellite-based networks face challenges in efficiently re-locating to earth-based networks due to lack of assisting broadcast information and high power consumption during search attempts, especially when switching between different frequency bands and technologies, leading to battery drainage and potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the satellite-based network retrieves and stores an earth-based service preference indicator for user equipment, evaluates available earth-based networks based on the user's position and capabilities, and sends a relocation indication to perform a directed search for suitable earth-based networks, optimizing the connection change and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user equipment performs regular HPLMN search procedures while connected to satellite-based network, then the device can potentially find earth-based networks, but the search process consumes excessive battery power and takes several minutes due to scanning multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite-based network performs preliminary actions by evaluating available earth-based networks in advance and providing directed search information to the UE. This includes pre-identifying suitable frequency bands and networks based on UE position and service preferences, so the UE does not need to perform exhaustive band-by-band scanning when re-location is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite-based network acts as an intermediary that bridges the UE and earth-based networks. It receives and processes HPLMN search requests, evaluates available earth-based networks using its own resources and information, then provides targeted search assistance back to the UE, reducing the UE's search burden and power consumption.
2Reliability
If the user equipment performs exhaustive search of all frequency bands to find HPLMN, then complete network coverage is ensured, but the search time extends to several minutes causing service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite-based network performs preliminary evaluation of earth-based network availability and identifies suitable target networks before the UE needs to search. This advance preparation includes checking which earth-based networks are available in the UE's current position and providing this information to guide the UE's search, eliminating the need for time-consuming exhaustive scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the satellite-based network continuously monitors earth-based network availability and UE position, then provides updated search guidance to the UE. This feedback loop ensures the UE searches only in relevant frequency bands and directions, significantly reducing search time while maintaining reliable connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user equipment switches technology modes during search attempts, then compatibility with different networks is improved, but the complexity of the search process increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite-based network serves as an intermediary that handles technology mode selection complexity. Instead of the UE independently managing multiple technology modes and search procedures, the satellite network evaluates which earth-based networks are compatible with the UE's capabilities and provides targeted search guidance, simplifying the UE's search procedure while maintaining technology compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to assist an user equipment re-location to an earth-based network while the user equipment is connected to a satellite-based network or camps on a satellite-based network, said method comprising the steps of, for the satellite-based network, at the time of registration of the user equipment to the satellite-based network, retrieving and storing an earth-based service preference indicator for the user-equipment. Then, when the user equipment at a given position proceeds to a subsequent action with the satellite-network it is connected to or it is camping on, receiving, from the user equipment, with the action-related exchanges, the user equipment position, reading the earth-based service preference indicator by the re-location function of satellite-based network, evaluating available earth-based networks, in case, while considering the earth-based service preference indicator, suitable earth-based network for setting up service relation for said user equipment is available at the given user equipment position, sending to the user equipment an indication to perform a re-direction attempt to said suitable earth-based network.