UE Processing Time Alignment in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial network communications, user equipment (UE) faces challenges in processing times due to differences in scheduling offsets and timing advance values compared to terrestrial networks, leading to potential communication disruptions and energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The UE obtains a first value associated with transmitting an uplink communication based on a downlink communication received in a non-terrestrial network and compares it to a second value, selectively transmitting or processing the communication based on the comparison to ensure alignment with terrestrial processing times, thereby improving communication reliability and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE uses standard terrestrial network processing times for NTN communications, then the communication process is simple, but the processing time requirements are not met leading to communication disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary calculations to determine the actual processing time available for NTN communications by comparing the scheduling offset against a threshold value that accounts for NTN-specific timing characteristics. This preliminary assessment allows the UE to proactively adjust its processing approach before actual communication occurs, ensuring reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE dynamically adjusts its processing time management by selectively applying different processing approaches based on the calculated timing relationship. When the scheduling offset exceeds the threshold, the UE uses extended processing time; otherwise, it uses standard processing time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed.
2Reliability
If the UE extends processing time to meet NTN requirements, then communication reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE applies extended processing time only partially - specifically when the scheduling offset exceeds the NTN-specific threshold. In cases where the offset is sufficient, the UE uses standard processing time, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. This partial application of the extended processing approach maintains reliability when needed while minimizing energy waste when not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE changes the processing time parameter dynamically based on the scheduling offset value. By comparing the offset against the threshold and adjusting the processing time accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between reliability and energy consumption, using more processing time only when the communication parameters warrant it.
3Reliability
If the UE uses NTN-specific processing times, then processing time requirements are met, but compatibility with terrestrial network standards decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE dynamically selects between terrestrial and NTN-specific processing times based on the scheduling offset comparison. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the UE to adapt to NTN requirements when necessary while maintaining compatibility with terrestrial standards when the offset allows, thus resolving the contradiction between requirement compliance and network compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling offset threshold comparison acts as an intermediary mechanism that determines which processing time standard to apply. This intermediary assessment layer allows the UE to bridge between terrestrial and NTN requirements, selecting the appropriate processing approach based on actual communication conditions rather than being locked into a single standard.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may obtain a first value associated with transmitting an uplink communication that corresponds to a downlink communication received in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The UE may compare the first value to a second value. The UE may selectively transmit the uplink communication, or selectively process the downlink communication, based at least in part on a result of comparing the first value to the second value. Numerous other aspects are described.