Time Offset Scheduling for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks, the large round-trip time due to long distances in wireless communications poses challenges for valid scheduling of transmissions, particularly in 5G-new radio systems, as existing solutions lack flexibility across different numerologies and bandwidth parts, leading to inefficiencies in scheduling timing offsets.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that configures and signals timing offsets based on numerology or bandwidth part, using a numerology-agnostic timing offset value or scaling factors to determine specific offsets for each numerology or bandwidth part, ensuring consistent scheduling across various configurations, including carrier aggregation scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed time offset is used for scheduling in non-terrestrial networks, then the scheduling simplicity is maintained, but the scheduling accuracy and validity deteriorate due to varying propagation delays across different numerologies and bandwidth parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the time offset configurable based on numerology and bandwidth part. Instead of using a fixed time offset, the system dynamically adjusts the time offset parameter according to the specific numerology (subcarrier spacing) and bandwidth part being used, thereby maintaining scheduling accuracy across different communication configurations in non-terrestrial networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static, fixed time offset to a dynamic, configurable time offset that adapts to different numerologies and bandwidth parts. This allows the scheduling mechanism to respond to varying propagation delays and communication conditions in real-time, improving timing accuracy without excessive complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If time offset is configured separately for each numerology and bandwidth part, then scheduling accuracy is improved, but configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a configurable time offset mechanism that serves multiple purposes across different numerologies and bandwidth parts. The same configuration framework can accommodate various numerologies (e.g., 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz subcarrier spacing) and bandwidth parts, providing a universal solution that reduces the need for separate configurations for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the time offset configuration into distinct components associated with specific numerologies and bandwidth parts. This allows the system to manage complexity by organizing configurations in a structured manner, where each segment (numerology-BWP combination) can be configured independently but follows a unified framework, reducing overall configuration burden
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing scheduling solutions are used in non-terrestrial networks, then backward compatibility is maintained, but scheduling validity deteriorates due to large round-trip times and varying propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the time offset parameter to account for large round-trip times in non-terrestrial networks. The configurable time offset adapts to the specific propagation delays introduced by satellite or aerial communications, ensuring scheduling validity while maintaining compatibility with existing 5G NR framework and core network protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving at least one time offset for scheduling non-terrestrial communications. The at least one first time offset is configured according to a numerology and/or a bandwidth part (BWP). The UE communicates in accordance with the time offset(s). The time offset may be a single time offset that applies across all numerologies or may be multiple time offsets, each specific to a particular numerology or bandwidth part (BWP). The time offset may be a single time offset scaled based on a current numerology configured for communications. The time offset may apply across different bandwidth parts (BWPs) or across multiple component carriers from which the UE is receiving downlink data.