Terrestrial Relay Offloading for Non-Terrestrial Uplink Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in managing varying RAN resource loads and power consumption demands from mobile devices, particularly in non-terrestrial communication scenarios, where signal strength and error rates can fluctuate, impacting the efficient delivery of non-terrestrial traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for user equipment to facilitate the offloading of non-terrestrial traffic to terrestrial radio network nodes based on signal strength, error rate, and battery charge criteria, establishing a connection with terrestrial nodes to relay uplink traffic and control information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If user equipment directly communicates with non-terrestrial network nodes, then communication coverage is extended, but signal strength deteriorates and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces terrestrial radio network nodes as intermediary relay points between user equipment and non-terrestrial network nodes. The service class relaying indication message enables the terrestrial network to act as a mediator that forwards traffic, improving signal reliability while maintaining extended coverage through the non-terrestrial path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment maintains connection to non-terrestrial network nodes, then communication capability is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic delivery mechanisms where the service class relaying indication message enables flexible switching between direct non-terrestrial communication and terrestrial relaying. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption by selecting the most efficient path based on current conditions while maintaining communication capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If terrestrial radio network nodes relay non-terrestrial traffic, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the service class parameter through the service class relaying indication message to control traffic delivery behavior. By modifying this parameter, the system enables or disables terrestrial relaying functionality, allowing power consumption optimization without permanently increasing device complexity - the complexity is activated only when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication session between a non-terrestrial network node and a user equipment may comprise non-terrestrial uplink and downlink traffic. A terrestrial radio network node may indicate a service class to the user equipment indicative that the terrestrial node is enabled to relay non-terrestrial uplink traffic that has been disaggregated from the communication session. Based on an error rate or a signal strength corresponding to the user equipment transmitting the non-terrestrial uplink traffic to the non-terrestrial node or based on a battery charge level or transmit power level corresponding to the user equipment, a determination may be made to offload delivery of some of, or all of, the non-terrestrial uplink traffic for relaying by the terrestrial node. Indication of the service class in a connection establishment request transmitted by the user equipment to the terrestrial node may result in the terrestrial node relaying the offloaded non-terrestrial uplink traffic.