UE-Centric Beam Transition Configuration for Non-Terrestrial Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile wireless communication networks using non-geo-stationary satellites face challenges in consistently illuminating a fixed target coverage area due to complex beam adjustments, leading to potential beam failures, significant latency, and increased signaling overhead during reactive beam switching.
Innovation Solution
A user-equipment-centric approach is adopted to determine and implement beam transition cycle configuration information using satellite diversity, optimizing spectral efficiency and reducing latency by proactively managing beam transitions based on UE feedback reports, while respecting constraints such as maximum interference and transmission power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reactive measurement-based beam switching is used, then beam failure recovery is achieved, but signaling overhead and latency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE proactively report beam measurement information and constraints before beam failures occur. The network node uses this advance information to configure BTC parameters and select appropriate beams in advance, eliminating the need for reactive measurement-based procedures and reducing latency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through UE reports containing beam measurement information and constraints, which are used by the network node to configure BTC parameters. This feedback mechanism enables proactive beam management rather than reactive correction, reducing signaling overhead and latency while maintaining connection robustness.
2Reliability
If reactive measurement-based beam switching is used, then beam failure recovery is achieved, but signaling overhead increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces signaling overhead by performing beam measurement and constraint reporting in advance during UE initialization or reconfiguration, rather than continuously during operation. The network node uses this preliminary information to configure BTC parameters once, eliminating the need for continuous reactive signaling while maintaining beam failure recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements efficient feedback by having the UE report beam measurement information and constraints periodically or event-triggered, which the network node uses to configure BTC parameters. This selective feedback approach reduces signaling overhead compared to continuous reactive measurement procedures while maintaining reliable beam failure recovery.
3Reliability
If non-geo-stationary satellites use earth-fixed beam deployment, then fixed target coverage area illumination is achieved, but beam adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the network node to dynamically adjust beam directions based on UE feedback reports containing beam measurement information and constraints. This dynamic adaptation allows non-geo-stationary satellites to maintain fixed target coverage area illumination while managing beam adjustment complexity through UE-centric configuration rather than satellite-centric control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by configuring BTC parameters such as beam direction, switching timing, and selection criteria based on UE feedback. This allows the system to adapt beam adjustment parameters to specific UE requirements and constraints, reducing overall beam adjustment complexity while maintaining reliable coverage illumination.
4Productivity
If UE-centric BTC configuration is implemented, then spectral efficiency is optimized, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring BTC parameters specifically for each UE based on its unique beam measurement information and constraints. This UE-specific configuration optimizes spectral efficiency for each user while managing complexity through individualized rather than universal configuration approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting BTC parameters such as beam direction, switching timing, and selection criteria to optimize spectral efficiency for each UE. The network node modifies these parameters based on UE feedback reports, achieving optimized spectral efficiency while managing configuration complexity through systematic parameter adjustment rather than ad-hoc configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to implementations, a UE may obtain measurements for signals received over different elevation angles. Subsequent to obtaining the measurements, the UE may transmit a feedback report including at least one of indications of the measurements, indications of UE capabilities as well as indications regarding constraints on beam directions. Upon receipt of feedback reports from a plurality of UEs, a network node may configure a UE-centric BTC for each UE in the plurality of UEs and then transmit UE-centric BTC configuration information to each UE for communicating at least one of physical signals and physical channels.