UE Power Saving Configuration for Discontinuous NTN Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
User Equipment (UE) in discontinuous non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage faces challenges in mobility management and timely power saving configurations due to unpredictable satellite coverage, leading to unnecessary power consumption and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The UE and network entities negotiate power saving configurations before out-of-NTN coverage, using mechanisms like Power Saving Mode (PSM), Mobile Initiated Connection Only (MICO), and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), based on ephemeris data and network assistance, to reduce power consumption during out-of-coverage periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE continuously monitors for RAN coverage, then connectivity is maintained, but power consumption increases during out-of-coverage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity predicts the upcoming out-of-coverage period using ephemeris data and proactively configures power saving parameters (such as PSM, MICO, or eDRX) with the UE before the coverage discontinuity occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to enter low-power states during the predicted out-of-coverage period without attempting unnecessary connectivity, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity when coverage is available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE attempts to connect to RAN during out-of-coverage periods, then connectivity opportunities are explored, but unnecessary power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity uses ephemeris data to predict coverage discontinuities and provides feedback to the UE in the form of power saving configurations. The UE applies these configurations during the predicted out-of-coverage periods, avoiding unnecessary connection attempts. The system continuously monitors and adjusts power saving parameters based on actual coverage conditions, optimizing the balance between connectivity opportunities and power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If power saving configuration is delayed until out-of-coverage occurs, then accurate power saving can be applied, but timing is too late to optimize power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity calculates the predicted out-of-coverage period using ephemeris data and configures power saving parameters with the UE before the coverage discontinuity occurs. This advance configuration ensures that the UE can immediately enter low-power states when coverage is lost, optimizing power saving efficiency without any delay. The timing is precisely coordinated based on the predicted coverage schedule.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE and a network entity negotiate a power saving configuration for the UE shortly before the UE is temporary out-of-NTN coverage. The UE and/or the network entity detect that an out-of-NTN coverage period is upcoming based on NTN-coverage information, UE location information, and an indication as to whether the UE is to remain at a currently serving NTN. The UE transmits UE-suggested power saving parameters to the network entity, and the network entity then provides, to the UE, a power saving configuration for applying a power-saving mechanism to be applied during the out-of-NTN coverage period, in response to the UE-suggested power saving parameters.