Apparatus and method for efficient handover for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems
US10104594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for satellite to satellite handover of a user terminal in a satellite communications network is provided. The UT receives an initial handover message, from a RAN node, including a target frequency for receiving downlink transmissions from the RAN node via a target satellite and a timing correction, and reconfigures its receiver for receipt of the downlink transmissions via the target frequency. The UT decodes the downlink transmissions to determine allocations for a PRACH of the target satellite provided by the downlink transmissions, and transmits a reply handover message to the RAN node, via the PRACH channel, using the timing correction. The UT receives a flow assignment message from the RAN. The UT reactivates hand-over data flows for the target satellite, and transmits a channel configuration complete message to the RAN node, via the PRACH channel, using the timing correction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.