TN-NTN Interference Management Using UE Location and Spectrum Coverage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks face interference issues due to spectrum overlap and coexistence, leading to out-of-band emissions that affect communication quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for managing interference by determining UE location, assessing potential interference between TN and NTN based on spectrum band coverage, and acting on UE connections or requests to mitigate interference through deregistration, rejection, or maintaining connections, using Mobility Management and Session Management procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spectrum bands are shared between TN and NTN, then resource utilization is improved, but interference between networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing location-specific interference management. The system determines the geographic location of user equipment and applies different spectrum allocation strategies based on whether the UE is in TN coverage area, NTN coverage area, or overlapping coverage areas. This allows spectrum bands to be shared in regions where interference is minimal while preventing interference in regions where it would occur, thus achieving both high resource utilization and interference avoidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic spectrum management by continuously monitoring UE location and network conditions, then dynamically adjusting spectrum allocation and connection decisions. The system can dynamically switch between TN and NTN connections, adjust spectrum band assignments, and update coverage information in real-time based on current conditions, enabling adaptive resource utilization that maximizes productivity while minimizing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If spectrum overlap is allowed between TN and NTN, then frequency resource efficiency is improved, but communication quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency resource efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing location-specific interference management. The system determines the geographic location of user equipment and applies different spectrum allocation strategies based on whether the UE is in TN coverage area, NTN coverage area, or overlapping coverage areas. This allows spectrum bands to be shared in regions where interference is minimal while preventing interference in regions where it would occur, thus achieving both high resource utilization and interference avoidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring communication quality metrics, interference levels, and UE location information. The system uses this feedback to adjust spectrum allocation decisions, connection management actions, and coverage information updates. This closed-loop approach ensures that frequency resource efficiency is maximized while communication quality remains above acceptable thresholds by dynamically responding to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If interference assessment and connection management actions are implemented, then interference is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing interference assessment proactively before connection establishment or spectrum allocation decisions. The system pre-determines spectrum band coverage information, assesses potential interference scenarios in advance, and prepares connection management actions beforehand. This prevents interference issues rather than reacting to them, reducing the need for complex real-time intervention systems while maintaining effective interference control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12621791B2Terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) interference management

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 BOOST SUBSCRIBERCO LLC

AI summary

Technologies for managing interference between terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) are disclosed. An example method includes determining a location of a user equipment (UE), assessing potential interference between TN and NTN based on the determined UE location and spectrum band coverage information of TN and NTN, acting on the UE's connection to the NTN or a request from the UE for connection to the NTN based on the assessed potential interference, and updating the spectrum band coverage information of TN and NTN.