Satellite Communication UE Timer Control for Discontinuous Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems do not adequately account for discontinuous coverage in satellite communications, leading to issues such as increased power consumption and degraded performance in user equipment (UEs) due to inefficient handling of active timers, power savings modes, and data buffering in the context of satellite fly-over times.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining communication parameters based on discontinuous coverage parameters, including satellite fly-over time and remaining time before fly-over, to manage UE modes such as Mobile Initiated Connection Only (MICO) and Power Savings Mode (PSM), and maintaining UEs in connected mode for extended periods using subscription parameters and fly-over times to optimize power usage and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UEs use traditional power savings modes without considering satellite fly-over times, then power consumption is reduced during terrestrial coverage, but power is wasted during satellite coverage periods when communication should be active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts UE operational modes based on satellite fly-over timing information. The network configures different active timers and power savings mode parameters depending on whether the UE is in satellite coverage or terrestrial coverage, allowing the system to adapt between power-saving and communication-active states according to the current coverage context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key communication parameters including active timer values, power savings mode configurations, and data buffering settings based on satellite fly-over time parameters. By modifying these parameters dynamically according to satellite availability, the system optimizes both power consumption and communication reliability for satellite-connected UEs.
2Reliability
If UEs remain in connected mode during entire satellite fly-over periods, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily during periods when data transmission is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary configuration of active timers and power savings modes based on predicted satellite fly-over times before the actual fly-over occurs. This allows UEs to be proactively prepared for upcoming satellite coverage periods, transitioning to connected mode in advance to ensure seamless communication availability while avoiding premature power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of UE operational states synchronized with satellite fly-over cycles. By aligning connected mode activation and deactivation with the periodic satellite pass-over events, the system ensures communication availability during each fly-over while minimizing power consumption during inter-fly-over periods.
3Device complexity
If traditional active timers are used without satellite fly-over time consideration, then timer management is simplified, but data transmission fails or experiences delays during satellite coverage gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different timer management strategies locally based on the UE's coverage context. Separate active timer configurations are maintained for satellite coverage scenarios versus terrestrial coverage scenarios, allowing optimized timer values for each context without requiring complete redesign of the overall timer management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary that translates satellite fly-over time information into appropriate active timer configurations for UEs. By processing satellite ephemeris data and converting it into UE-specific timer parameters, the network mediates between complex satellite orbital mechanics and simplified UE-side timer management.
4Use of energy by moving object
If UEs transition between connected and idle modes frequently to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases during satellite fly-over periods
Solution Approach 1:
The network proactively extends active timer durations before anticipated satellite fly-over periods, keeping UEs in connected mode in advance of actual data transmission needs. This preliminary connection establishment eliminates latency that would otherwise occur from mode transitions during the fly-over, while the extended timer ensures UEs don't transition to idle mode unnecessarily before the fly-over begins.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. According to an embodiment, the method comprises identifying one or more parameters associated with discontinuous coverage: determining, based on the one or more parameters associated with discontinuous coverage, a user equipment (UE) out-of-coverage period; and in case of determining the UE-out-of-coverage period, transmitting to the UE a signal including an extended connected time parameter, wherein the UE is maintained in a connected mode for the extended connected time parameter.