Timing Offset Selection in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in non-terrestrial networks, face challenges in accurately selecting timing offsets to account for propagation delays, which can lead to misalignment between downlink and uplink communications, affecting causality and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting either a cell-specific offset or an updated offset, indicated after initial access, to determine a timing offset that accounts for propagation delays between a base station and user equipment in non-terrestrial networks, allowing for optimal uplink communication timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed cell-specific offset is used for timing alignment, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot accurately account for varying propagation delays in non-terrestrial networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing offset selection by allowing the UE to switch between cell-specific offset and updated offset based on received messages. The timing offset is no longer static but adapts according to network conditions and propagation delay variations, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity by making the system dynamically responsive rather than statically fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing offset parameter from a fixed cell-specific value to an adjustable value that can be updated based on propagation delay measurements. The network can provide updated offset values that reflect current propagation conditions, allowing the system to maintain high timing accuracy while managing complexity through parameter adaptation rather than structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If timing offset updates are provided frequently to maintain accuracy, then timing alignment precision improves, but signaling overhead and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing timing offset updates only when necessary rather than continuously. The network can selectively send updated offset values based on changing propagation conditions, achieving sufficient timing alignment precision without the excessive signaling overhead of continuous updates. This resolves the contradiction by applying just enough correction to maintain accuracy while conserving resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network monitors propagation delay conditions and provides timing offset updates based on actual network state. This feedback-driven approach ensures timing precision is maintained only when needed, avoiding unnecessary signaling and processing. The system responds to actual conditions rather than operating at fixed intervals, optimizing the balance between precision and resource consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) entity, a message that is associated with an uplink grant. The UE may select, based at least in part on the message, either a cell-specific offset or an updated offset that is indicated after initial access, as a timing offset that accounts for a propagation delay between a base station of the NTN and the UE. The UE may transmit, to the NTN entity, an uplink communication using the timing offset. Numerous other aspects are described.