Satellite Radio Access Network Timer Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE and NR designs are not suitable for satellite communications due to reliance on fixed timing, which is inadequate for satellite systems with round-trip delays ranging from tens of milliseconds to over 500 ms, leading to low capacity and potential timer timeouts or broken functionality.
Innovation Solution
Adapting timers in satellite-based radio access networks by using a Round-Trip Time (RTT) parameter to offset, extend, or scale critical timers, such as those for random access procedures and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processes, to accommodate the long propagation delays inherent in satellite communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed timing parameters from terrestrial LTE/NR designs are used in satellite-based radio access networks, then the system can leverage existing terrestrial wireless access technologies and ecosystem, but the system experiences timer timeouts and broken functionality due to long propagation delays ranging from tens of milliseconds to over 500 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting timer values based on the calculated propagation delay. The base station determines the propagation delay between itself and the satellite, then uses this delay value to configure appropriate timer parameters for satellite communication operations, ensuring timers remain functional despite the extended round-trip times inherent in satellite-based networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making timer configurations adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically calculates propagation delay and adjusts timer values accordingly, allowing the network to adapt to varying satellite positions and orbital characteristics while maintaining reliable timer-based protocols
2Productivity
If fixed timing parameters are used in satellite-based radio access networks, then device complexity remains low with standard timer configurations, but network capacity is reduced due to premature timer timeouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes timer parameters from fixed standard values to dynamically adjusted values based on propagation delay calculations. This enables the network to maintain higher capacity by preventing premature timer timeouts while the complexity is managed through automated delay-based configuration rather than manual setup
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from propagation delay measurements to automatically configure appropriate timer values. The base station calculates the delay and uses this information to set timer parameters, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes capacity without requiring complex manual configuration
3Ease of operation
If standard timer values from terrestrial networks are applied to satellite communications, then ease of operation is maintained with standard protocols, but the system experiences broken functionality due to inadequate timer durations for extended propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies timer parameters by multiplying standard timer values by a factor derived from the propagation delay ratio. This maintains the simplicity of using standard timer definitions while ensuring the actual timer durations are sufficient for satellite communication round-trip times, preventing broken functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adapting a timer(s) for a satellite-based radio access network are disclosed. Embodiments of a method performed by a wireless device and corresponding embodiments of a wireless device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining a value to be used to offset, extend, and/or scale one or more timers related to the satellite-based radio access network relative to values for non-satellite-based radio access networks. The method further comprises utilizing the value to offset a start of one or more timers, extend one or more timers, and/or scale one or more timers and performing one or more actions based on the one or more offset timers, the one or more extended timers, and/or the one or more scaled timers. Embodiments of a method performed by a base station and corresponding embodiments of a base station are also disclosed.