Terminal Device Timer Management for NTN GNSS Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications, existing technologies face challenges in maintaining continuous data transmission and reducing power consumption during GNSS measurements and satellite switches, as these operations can trigger unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments and transitions to idle states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for performing operations based on timers, where a terminal device pauses or stops timers related to RLF detection and data inactivity during GNSS measurements and satellite switches, preventing premature RRC connection re-establishments and idle state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device performs GNSS measurements and satellite switches in NTN communications, then the device can obtain positioning information and maintain satellite connectivity, but unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments and idle state transitions are triggered, causing data transmission interruptions and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs the first operation on the first timer in advance based on first time information related to GNSS measurement and/or satellite switch before the actual measurement or switch occurs. This preliminary action prevents the timer from expiring during these critical operations, thereby avoiding unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments and maintaining continuous data transmission while reducing power consumption from idle state transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by modifying timer behavior in anticipation of GNSS measurements and satellite switches. The terminal device adjusts timer operations based on predicted time information for these events, creating a protective buffer that prevents timer expiration and the subsequent harmful effects of connection re-establishment and idle state transition during these operations
2Reliability
If timers for RLF detection and data inactivity monitoring are allowed to run during GNSS measurements and satellite switches, then the timers can detect actual connection issues, but they may expire prematurely and trigger unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs the first operation on the first timer in advance based on time information related to GNSS measurement and/or satellite switch before these operations begin. This preliminary adjustment prevents the timer from expiring during the measurement or switch, avoiding false detection of connection failures and unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments while maintaining accurate connection status monitoring
3Productivity
If the terminal device maintains RRC connected state during GNSS measurements and satellite switches, then data transmission can continue without interruption, but power consumption increases due to maintaining active connections
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs the first operation on the first timer in advance based on first time information related to GNSS measurement and/or satellite switch. This prevents timer expiration that would otherwise force unnecessary RRC connection re-establishments or idle state transitions, allowing the device to maintain connected state only when truly needed rather than due to false timer expirations, thus optimizing the balance between data transmission continuity and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for performing operations based on timers. The method is applicable to a terminal device, and the method includes: performing a first operation on a first timer based on first time information; wherein the first time information is time information related to a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurement and/or a satellite switch.