Network Preference Signaling for TN- NTN Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing operations between terrestrial networks (TNs) and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) due to latency and real-time constraints, which impact user experience, especially in mixed deployment configurations where TNs may have limited coverage or be damaged.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow user equipment (UE) to transmit an indication of network preference to either a TN or NTN based on specific applications, enabling the network to optimize load balancing and transition the UE to the preferred network, thereby improving user experience and traffic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UE communicates with NTN for coverage extension, then coverage area is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between NTN and TN based on real-time conditions including application requirements, UE mobility state, and network load. The network entity receives UE assistance information indicating application type and determines optimal network selection, allowing the system to adapt between satellite and terrestrial connections rather than using a static approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of network selection by introducing UE assistance information that includes application type indicators. Based on this information, the network entity adjusts network selection parameters - preferring TN for real-time applications and NTN for non-real-time applications - thereby optimizing both coverage and latency based on service requirements.
2Loss of time
If UE prefers TN for real-time applications, then latency is reduced, but coverage availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of network preference based on application type. For real-time applications, the network entity determines TN preference to minimize latency. For non-real-time applications, NTN is preferred to utilize satellite coverage. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize for different service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity dynamically determines network preference based on UE assistance information including application type, UE mobility state, and current network conditions. This dynamic selection ensures real-time applications use low-latency TN while maintaining coverage availability through NTN for other applications.
3Loss of time
If network optimizes for real-time applications on TN, then latency is reduced, but network load on TN increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments traffic based on application type requirements. Real-time applications are routed through TN to minimize latency, while non-real-time applications are routed through NTN. This segmentation divides the network load between two access types, preventing TN from being overwhelmed by all traffic types.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity changes network selection parameters based on application type indicated in UE assistance information. By parameterizing network selection according to service requirements, the system optimizes TN utilization for time-sensitive traffic while offloading other traffic to NTN, thereby managing overall network load effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for a configuration for optimizing operations between TNs and NTNs. The apparatus transmits, to a first network connected to the UE, an indication of a network preference for a second network based on at least an application at the UE. The apparatus communicates with the first network or the second network after sending the indication. The apparatus may switch to the second network automatically in response to transmission of the indication. The apparatus may measure a signal corresponding to the second network to determine a coverage quality of the second network. The apparatus may receive a transition indication to transition to a cell associated with the second network in response to the indication of the network preference for the second network.