Satellite Switching Timing Advance Calculation in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, such as 5G NR, face challenges in improving data rate, latency, reliability, and mobility, particularly in non-terrestrial networks where satellite switching is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method for satellite switching in non-terrestrial networks involves a User Equipment (UE) acquiring configurations from a cell, performing downlink synchronization with a satellite based on timestamp and time information, and calculating timing advances to ensure seamless switching between satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite switching is performed in non-terrestrial networks, then communication coverage and mobility are improved, but switching complexity and time delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures the UE with satellite switching parameters and timing advance values before the actual satellite switch occurs. The UE performs downlink synchronization and calculates timing advances in advance, so that when satellite switching is triggered, the UE can immediately apply the pre-calculated parameters without computation delay, thus reducing switching complexity while maintaining coverage continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical satellite switching mechanisms with signal-based timing synchronization. Instead of physically switching connections, the system uses downlink synchronization signals and timing advance calculations to seamlessly transition between satellites, reducing mechanical complexity while improving coverage adaptability.
2Reliability
If downlink synchronization is performed with satellite, then connection reliability is improved, but time delay and switching efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs downlink synchronization and calculates timing advance values before the satellite switch is executed. By preparing synchronization parameters in advance during the configuration phase, the actual switching operation can proceed quickly without performing complex synchronization calculations at the moment of switch, thus maintaining connection reliability while reducing time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously calculates its own timing advance values based on received synchronization signals and satellite configuration parameters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for network-controlled timing adjustment during switching, reducing signaling overhead and switching time while ensuring reliable synchronization.
3Measurement precision
If timing advance calculation is performed, then uplink synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex iterative timing advance adjustment algorithms with direct calculation methods based on pre-received synchronization signals and configuration parameters. The UE calculates timing advance using straightforward formulas derived from downlink signal measurements, achieving high uplink synchronization accuracy without requiring complex processing or multiple adjustment iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE uses copied timing advance values from previously synchronized satellite configurations as initial estimates for new satellite connections. By reusing and adjusting existing timing parameters rather than calculating from scratch, the system achieves accurate uplink synchronization with reduced computational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for satellite switching performed by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method acquires, from a cell, a first configuration related to a first satellite. The first configuration includes a timestamp and time information. The method performs, based on the time information, a downlink (DL) synchronization with the first satellite, starting from a time indicated by the timestamp. The method then re-acquires, from the first satellite, a second configuration related to the first satellite and calculates a common timing advance and a UE-specific timing advance based on the re-acquired second configuration related to the first satellite.