Timing Handling for Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications is hindered by the significant difference in propagation delays, particularly due to the higher altitude of satellites in NTN, which affects timing handling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A timing handling mechanism is proposed to compensate for the propagation delays in NTN communications by using location information from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and pre-compensating common and differential delays, allowing for seamless integration with TN communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If NTN communications are integrated with TN communications using the same communication architecture and waveform, then development cost of terminals and base stations is reduced, but propagation delay difference causes timing handling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting timing parameters specifically for NTN communications. The network configures different timing advance values, uplink timing offsets, and scheduling delays for NTN compared to TN, allowing the system to maintain unified architecture while compensating for propagation delay differences through parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the timing handling mechanism by introducing separate timing adjustment parameters for NTN and TN communications. Instead of using a single timing mechanism for both networks, the system divides timing management into network-specific parameters, allowing independent optimization for each network type while maintaining overall system integration.
2Area of stationary object
If satellites in NTN are positioned at higher altitudes to provide global coverage, then coverage area is expanded, but propagation delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for propagation delay in the timing configuration. The network calculates and configures timing advance values and uplink timing offsets in advance, based on the known satellite altitude and position, so that the UE can transmit uplink signals at the correct time without experiencing delay-induced timing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes timing parameters to compensate for the increased propagation delay. By configuring larger timing advance values and adjusting uplink timing offsets specifically for high-altitude satellites, the system maintains proper timing alignment despite the longer signal travel time caused by higher satellite positions.
3Measurement precision
If timing handling mechanisms are optimized for TN communications, then timing precision is improved, but the mechanism fails to accommodate NTN propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by creating a timing handling mechanism that serves both TN and NTN communications through a unified framework. The system uses a common timing advance mechanism that can be configured with different parameter values depending on the network type, allowing the same basic mechanism to handle both terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making timing parameters adjustable and adaptive based on the communication scenario. The network can dynamically configure different timing advance values, uplink timing offsets, and scheduling delays depending on whether the UE is communicating with TN or NTN, allowing the system to adapt to varying propagation conditions while maintaining a single timing handling framework.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes schemes, techniques, designs and methods pertaining to timing handling for integration of terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications. Communications between a user equipment (UE) and a TN node and communications between the UE and an NTN node are established. The UE compensates for a first propagation delay in the communications between the UE and the NTN node, and the UE is able to obtain a second propagation delay between the UE and the NTN node.