Satellite Feeder Link Paging Consistency During Base Station Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
During feeder link switch in satellite communication, the change in broadcast information between source and target cells disrupts paging, causing UEs to lose connection, especially when the switch occurs at the junction of multiple Tracking Areas, leading to inconsistent paging and prolonged switch durations due to delayed UE measurement initiation.
Innovation Solution
The source base station notifies the target base station of the paging requirements for UEs, ensuring consistent paging by transmitting a feeder link switch request that includes UE identities and configuration information, allowing the target base station to page UEs based on these requirements, and notifies UEs to perform cell measurements in advance, shortening the switch duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feeder link switch is performed in satellite communication, then the satellite can maintain connection with ground network, but broadcast information changes cause paging inconsistency and UE connection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station performs preliminary actions by determining paging requirements for UEs before the feeder link switch occurs, and transmits this information to the target base station in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that the target base station has all necessary paging information ready before the switch, preventing any loss of paging continuity despite changes in broadcast information like Tracking Area identifiers.
2Productivity
If traditional feeder link switch procedure is used, then satellite can switch gateways, but UE measurement initiation is delayed prolonging switch duration
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station notifies UEs of the upcoming feeder link switch and provides target cell configuration information in advance, allowing UEs to initiate measurements before the actual switch occurs. This preliminary notification eliminates waiting time during the switch, as UEs are already prepared with measurement results when the target base station needs them, significantly reducing overall switch duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the source base station receives measurement reports from UEs about the target cell before the feeder link switch. This feedback loop allows the network to verify measurement completion and coordinate the switch timing optimally, ensuring smooth transition without prolonged interruption.
3Loss of information
If source base station notifies target base station of paging requirements in advance, then paging consistency is maintained, but additional signaling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The solution makes the feeder link switch request message multi-functional by embedding both the switch request information and the paging requirements for UEs within the same signaling message. This approach transmits multiple pieces of information simultaneously, maintaining paging consistency without proportionally increasing signaling overhead, as the additional paging information is carried within an existing message framework rather than requiring separate dedicated signaling.
Data Source
AI summary
A paging method and apparatus for satellite communication, a computer-readable storage medium and a base station are provided. The paging method includes: receiving a feeder link switch request, wherein the feeder link switch request includes a paging requirement of at least one UE expected to be paged in a target cell; and transmitting a paging message for the at least one UE based on the paging requirement.