Soft Satellite Switching for Seamless NTN Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in supporting seamless satellite switching procedures for user equipment (UEs) due to the lack of specific operations for soft satellite switching, particularly in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), including processes for random access channel initiation, network awareness of RACH-less switching, timing advance determination, and radio resource management during satellite transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for UE to perform soft satellite switching by receiving network configuration messages for hard or soft switching decisions, determining synchronization with target satellites, and selecting between RACH-based or RACH-less access based on network configuration, timing advance status, and propagation delay thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hard satellite switching is implemented, then switching speed is improved, but communication continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs measurements and prepares switching information in advance during the soft switching period, allowing the network to make informed switching decisions without interrupting ongoing communications. This preliminary preparation enables faster switching while maintaining continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary that coordinates the switching process between source and target satellites. The network receives measurement information from the UE, determines the optimal switching time, and provides configuration messages to both satellites, ensuring seamless handover.
2Reliability
If soft satellite switching is implemented, then communication continuity is improved, but switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching procedure is segmented into distinct phases: measurement phase where the UE monitors both source and target satellites, decision phase where the network determines switching timing, and execution phase where the actual handover occurs. This segmentation simplifies the overall complex process by breaking it into manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The network pre-configures the UE with measurement parameters and target satellite information before switching occurs. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity during the actual switching moment, as the UE already has the necessary information prepared.
3Reliability
If RACH-based access is used for target satellite, then access reliability is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs random access procedures and obtains timing advance information in advance during the soft switching period. This preliminary action allows the UE to have timing synchronization ready before the actual handover, reducing the access time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between RACH-based and RACH-less access methods based on the specific switching scenario, target satellite conditions, and network configuration. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between access reliability and access time for each individual case.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for a soft satellite switching procedure. A method for a user equipment (UE) in communication with a source satellite to switch to a target satellite includes the following operations: receiving a signal from the source satellite; and determining whether to switch to the target satellite based upon a hard switch or a soft switch.