Satellite NR Random Access Timing Advance Segmentation

The patent segments the timing advance adjustment into two distinct components: a common timing advance value applied to all user equipment in the satellite cell, and a UE-specific timing advance value for individual frame alignment. This segmentation allows the system to handle the large propagation delay collectively while maintaining precise individual frame alignment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and alignment precision.

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by separating timing advance into common and UE-specific components across different layers of the protocol stack. The common timing advance operates at the physical layer for all UEs, while UE-specific timing advance operates at the MAC layer for individual frame alignment, effectively adding a hierarchical dimension to timing management that resolves the precision-reliability tradeoff.

The patent segments timing advance compensation into a common component that handles the bulk propagation delay for all UEs, and a UE-specific component that fine-tunes individual time slot alignment. This segmentation enables the system to compensate for large satellite propagation delays while maintaining precise time slot alignment within the random access procedure.

The patent applies preliminary timing advance adjustment at the common level before UE-specific adjustments are made. The common timing advance value is established first to compensate for the dominant propagation delay, then UE-specific values are applied to achieve precise time slot alignment, effectively performing preliminary action to resolve the contradiction.