User Equipment Cell Reselection for Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation wireless communication systems, such as 5G NR, face challenges in improving radio access and cell reselection procedures, particularly in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) where signal strength variations are minimal, making it difficult for User Equipment (UE) to trigger cell reselection and maintain optimal network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method for handling cell reselection in UE, involving the reception of information about cell reselection procedures, determination of frequency ranges, and performing measurements based on this information to select suitable cells, with prioritization of Terrestrial Network (TN) cells over NTN cells to ensure higher data throughput and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cell reselection is based on signal strength measurements in NTN, then the UE can maintain connectivity, but the UE cannot trigger cell reselection effectively due to minimal signal strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for cell reselection from signal strength to signal quality metrics (such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) and introduces network-configured thresholds and priorities. This allows the UE to make informed cell reselection decisions based on multiple parameters including signal quality, network configuration, and service requirements, thereby resolving the issue of minimal signal strength variations in NTN environments.
2Reliability
If the UE performs frequent measurements to select suitable cells, then the UE can maintain optimal network connectivity, but the measurement process consumes energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cell reselection measurements based on network-configured parameters and triggers measurements only when necessary (e.g., when entering new coverage areas or when signal quality deteriorates). This periodic approach with conditional triggers reduces unnecessary continuous measurements, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining optimal network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-configuring measurement parameters, thresholds, and priorities through network signaling before the UE needs to perform measurements. The UE also prioritizes measurements based on pre-established criteria (such as measuring higher priority frequencies first), which optimizes the measurement process and reduces the time and energy required for cell selection.
3Productivity
If the UE prioritizes TN cells over NTN cells, then the UE achieves higher data throughput and lower latency, but the UE may lose connectivity in NTN coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cell selection by allowing the UE to adjust its preferred network type based on real-time conditions. The UE continuously monitors signal quality, coverage availability, and network configuration to dynamically switch between prioritizing TN cells (for high throughput) and NTN cells (for coverage reliability). This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal performance while maintaining connectivity in various NTN coverage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE and a method for handling a cell reselection procedure are provided. The method receives, from a camped cell, information related to the cell reselection procedure. The method determines whether the camped cell operates on a first frequency range for a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) operation. The method performs a measurement, for the cell reselection procedure for selecting a suitable cell, based on the information related to the cell reselection procedure after determining that the camped cell operates on the first frequency range for the NTN operation.