Inactive-to-Active Satellite RAN Beams for Low-Demand Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP RAN systems are too expensive to provide full cellular network coverage in remote areas, leading to a need for cost-effective satellite radio access network (Sat RAN) solutions that can cover areas with low demand and no existing terrestrial network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid Sat RAN approach using inactive and active cells, where inactive wider beams are formed by GSM for initial access, transitioning to active spot beams as needed, and dynamically managing resources to balance demand, utilizing GSM's narrow band and higher power for efficient coverage without modifying standard smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If 3GPP RAN systems are deployed to provide full cellular network coverage in remote areas, then coverage is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite communication infrastructure with existing GSM device capabilities to provide coverage in remote areas. By combining satellite-based radio access network with standard GSM smartphones, the system achieves broad coverage without requiring expensive modifications to end-user devices, thus reducing overall deployment cost while expanding coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes standard GSM smartphones multi-functional by enabling them to communicate with satellite-based radio access networks in addition to their traditional terrestrial network capabilities. This universality allows the same device to operate in both covered and uncovered areas, eliminating the need for separate satellite phone infrastructure and reducing deployment costs.
2Area of stationary object
If satellite radio access network resources are allocated to cover remote areas with low demand, then coverage is improved, but operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource management in the satellite radio access network where resources are allocated based on real-time demand. The system can dynamically activate or deactivate satellite beam resources depending on whether users are present in remote areas, allowing the network to maintain coverage capability while minimizing operational expenses during periods of low or no demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the satellite network such as beam power, bandwidth allocation, and resource block assignment based on detected user presence and service demand. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains coverage in remote areas while optimizing energy consumption and reducing operational expenses when demand is low.
3Area of stationary object
If inactive wider beams are used for initial access in satellite RAN, then coverage area is improved, but resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite beam coverage into inactive wider beams for initial access and active narrower beams for data transmission. The wide beams provide broad coverage for initial device discovery and random access, while subsequent communication is switched to more resource-efficient narrow beams, thus achieving both wide coverage and resource efficiency through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wide beams for preliminary initial access functions such as device discovery, synchronization, and random access preamble detection. Once a device establishes initial contact through the wide beam, the system transitions to narrow beam communication for actual data transmission, performing the coverage-providing function first and then optimizing resource efficiency for the remaining communication phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A Satellite Radio Access Network includes a base station for communicating with standard compliant user equipment (UE) via a satellite having a field of view. A network broadcasting signal is provided via an inactive or access beam covering a plurality of cells in the field of view. An access request is detected from a user device, such as a smartphone, within an area covered by the inactive beam. In response to the access request, a beam is transitioned from inactive to active to provide network access to the user device. Once the user device is out of range, the active beam is transitioned back to an inactive beam. An inactivity timer is used to detect an idle active cell that should be transitioned to an inactive cell.