NTN Timing Advance Estimation with Auxiliary Ephemeris Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTN) like 5G communication systems with satellite or aircraft relays, determining the timing advance amount for terminal devices is challenging due to the long propagation distances and varying round-trip times, which existing methods struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The terminal device determines a timing advance amount based on various auxiliary parameters, including location information and satellite ephemeris, and receives adjustments from the network device to minimize power consumption and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the terminal device frequently reads system messages to obtain timing advance amounts, then the accuracy of timing advance determination is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device pre-calculates and provides auxiliary parameters (such as reference point location, satellite ephemeris data, and initial timing advance values) to the terminal device in advance. This allows the terminal to determine timing advance amounts without frequently reading system messages, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device autonomously calculates the timing advance amount using the provided auxiliary parameters and its own location information, rather than relying on frequent system message readings. This self-service approach reduces the need for continuous network communication and lowers power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the terminal device uses complex calculation methods with multiple auxiliary parameters, then the accuracy of timing advance determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential auxiliary parameters needed for timing advance calculation from the complete set of available data. By selecting and providing only the necessary parameters (such as reference point location and satellite ephemeris), the terminal device can achieve accurate timing advance determination without processing unnecessary information, thus reducing computational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the network device sends detailed auxiliary parameters to the terminal device, then the timing advance determination accuracy is improved, but transmission resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device extracts and transmits only the essential auxiliary parameters required for timing advance calculation, rather than sending complete datasets. This selective transmission approach maintains timing advance determination accuracy while minimizing the use of transmission resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing a subset of available parameters that are sufficient for accurate timing advance determination. This avoids the excessive transmission of all possible parameters, optimizing the balance between accuracy and resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to communication methods and apparatus, which are particularly applied to a non-terrestrial network. In one example method, a terminal device determines a first duration, and determines a timing advance amount based on the first duration, where the timing advance amount is used for communication between the terminal device and a network device.