Spaceborne gNB Identification in Mixed Satellite-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems lack mechanisms to differentiate between gNBs carried by satellites and those on the ground, particularly in mixed deployments involving regenerative payload architectures, leading to issues with longer NG interface delays, connectivity variations, and limited NGAP functions due to space-related constraints.
Innovation Solution
Facilitate identification of spaceborne gNBs through node-level signaling, including pre-configuration with specific IDs and information exchange during NGAP connection setup, and UE-related signaling to indicate satellite-based gNBs, allowing the 5GC to recognize and manage NG connections accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spaceborne gNBs are deployed in mixed networks with terrestrial gNBs, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but differentiation and management of spaceborne versus terrestrial gNBs become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of 'Color changes' by introducing distinctive identification markers (analogous to color coding) that enable visual differentiation between spaceborne and terrestrial gNBs. Specifically, the system uses satellite identification information, cell global identifiers (CGI), and NGAP signaling messages to 'label' spaceborne gNBs, allowing the network to easily distinguish and manage them separately from terrestrial gNBs without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the 'Intermediary (Mediator)' principle by introducing intermediate identification elements between the physical gNB and the core network. These intermediaries include satellite ID fields in signaling messages, CGI extensions, and NGAP information elements that carry spaceborne gNB status information, enabling the 5GC to differentiate and manage spaceborne gNBs without direct physical modification to the gNB hardware
2Productivity
If regenerative payload architectures are used on satellites, then communication capabilities are enhanced, but NG interface delays and connectivity variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Preliminary action' principle by having the spaceborne gNB proactively signal its identity and status to the 5GC before connectivity issues arise. Through pre-configuration of satellite identification information and proactive NGAP signaling, the system prepares the network in advance for the unique timing characteristics of spaceborne connections, enabling the 5GC to anticipate and compensate for NG interface delays and connectivity variations specific to regenerative payload architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the 'Dynamics' principle by enabling the NGAP connection management to dynamically adapt to the varying connectivity conditions of spaceborne gNBs. The system uses dynamic signaling to convey satellite ephemeris information, orbital parameters, and real-time connectivity status, allowing the 5GC to adjust its handling of NG interface communications based on the current orbital position and link conditions of the satellite
3Measurement precision
If satellite-based gNBs are identified through detailed signaling, then management accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Segmentation' principle by dividing the identification and signaling process into distinct, modular components. Rather than using a single complex signaling mechanism, the system segments identification information into multiple fields distributed across different signaling layers: satellite ID in initial setup messages, CGI extensions in measurement reports, and NGAP information elements in connection management. This segmentation allows for accurate identification while distributing processing requirements across multiple lightweight, standardized protocol layers
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one embodiment, a method of operating a Next Generation (NG) Node B (gNB) on board a non-terrestrial satellite includes: establishing a physical layer connection to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway for an NG Application Protocol (NGAP) connection; establishing a transport layer protocol connection to a 5G core network (5GC) for the NGAP connection; determining that the NGAP connection is to become nonoperational or unavailable; and, in response to the determination, transmitting a message to indicate that the NGAP connection is to become nonoperational or unavailable.