Wireless Device Reachability in Non-Terrestrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular technologies face challenges in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) due to moving satellites, long propagation delays, and large Doppler shifts, leading to discontinuous coverage and reduced device reachability.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive monitoring of downlink control channels and power saving modes are implemented to adjust to network coverage gaps, using replacement paging occasions prior to or after coverage gaps, and configuring multiple discontinuous reception cycles to minimize the impact of coverage gaps on device reachability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If discontinuous reception cycles are used to save battery life, then energy consumption is reduced, but device reachability deteriorates during coverage gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing replacement paging occasions before coverage gaps occur. The network predicts coverage gaps based on satellite ephemeris information and proactively schedules alternative paging occasions in advance, ensuring the device can be reached before the actual coverage gap impacts communication. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reachability during energy-saving periods without requiring continuous monitoring.
2Reliability
If paging occasions are monitored continuously to maintain reachability, then device reachability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paging occasion into multiple components: primary paging occasions for normal coverage and replacement paging occasions for coverage gap scenarios. This segmentation allows the device to monitor only the relevant paging occasions based on predicted coverage patterns, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reachability when needed. The device can skip monitoring during predicted coverage gaps without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If coverage gaps are anticipated and replacement paging occasions are configured, then device reachability during gaps is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network receives device location information and coverage gap predictions from the device, then adjusts paging occasion configurations accordingly. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically configure replacement paging occasions based on actual device conditions, improving reachability during coverage gaps while managing network complexity through adaptive, device-specific configurations rather than rigid universal rules.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device comprises adapting monitoring of a downlink control channel based on a gap in network coverage overlapping a paging occasion configured for the wireless device. Adapting monitoring of the downlink control channel comprises monitoring the downlink control channel during a replacement paging occasion.