METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE STRATUM PROCEDURE WITHOUT SATELLITE ACCESS IN STORE-AND-FORWARD MODE

Description

1 / 28 METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE STRATUM PROCEDURE WITHOUT SATELLITE ACCESS IN STORE-AND-FORWARD MODE Cross-referencing to related patent applications.

[0001] This disclosure is part of a non-provisional application claiming the priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 497,765, filed April 24, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to mobile communications and, more particularly, to enhancements in non-access stratum (NAS) procedures with a satellite in store-and-forward (S&F) mode of operation. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior techniques to the claims listed below and are not admitted as prior techniques by inclusion in this section.

[0004] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Version 17, the non-terrestrial network (NTN) is presented as a direct terminal-satellite communication technology based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR) interface. With the integration of the satellite network and the terrestrial cellular network (e.g., 4th / 5th generation (4 / 5G) network), NTN can provide ubiquitous coverage without being restricted by terrain and landforms. Based on altitudes located above the Earth's surface, satellites can be categorized into geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Figure 1 illustrates different satellite orbits in satellite communication. GEO satellites are typically positioned approximately 35,786 kilometers (km) above the surface. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 15 / 56 2 / 28 terrestrial. LEO satellites typically orbit at or below 2,000 km above the Earth's surface. MEO satellites typically orbit at altitudes higher than LEO but lower than GEO, ranging from about 2,000 km to 35,786 km above the Earth's surface.

[0005] A constellation generally refers to a group of satellites orbiting at a specific altitude. For example, a sparse LEO constellation may include dozens of satellites to provide a certain level of satellite coverage, but it may not offer continuous connectivity via the satellites to ground stations (GS). To address the lack of continuous connectivity, 3GPP discusses that a satellite in a sparse LEO constellation may be equipped with base station (BS) and core network (CN) elements, allowing the satellite to offer a user equipment (UE) partial CN services and uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) data services, for example, by implementing a store-and-forward (S&F) type functionality on the satellite.However, a challenge for S&F operation is that, for security and / or capacity reasons, the satellite cannot perform all network functions, such as home subscriber server (HSS) functions to manage subscriber information and / or security functions to establish NAS / AS security between the UE and the network. As a result, the S&F solution will impact existing NAS procedures, such as the initial registration procedure in 5G and the connection procedure in 4G, due to incomplete network functions on the satellite. Consequently, how to enhance NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode has become an important question for newly developed wireless communication systems.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide suitable schemes and designs to solve this problem. SUMMARY Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 56 3 / 28

[0007] The following summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary is provided to present concepts, highlights, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Selected implementations are described in more detail below in the detailed description. Therefore, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed object, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed object.

[0008] One objective of this disclosure is to propose solutions or schemes that address the aforementioned issue regarding improvements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode.

[0009] In one aspect, a method may involve an apparatus transmitting a request message to initiate a NAS procedure to a network node of a wireless network, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite. The method may also involve the apparatus receiving a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure from the network node, wherein the reply message comprises at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the apparatus in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0010] In one aspect, an apparatus may comprise a transceiver that, during operation, communicates wirelessly with a network node of a wireless network. The apparatus may also comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor, during operation, may perform operations comprising transmitting, via the transceiver, a request message to initiate a NAS procedure to the network node, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite. The processor may also perform operations comprising receiving, via the transceiver, Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 56 4 / 28 of a response message corresponding to the network node's NAS procedure, wherein the response message comprises at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the device in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may involve a network node receiving a request message to initiate a NAS procedure from an appliance, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite. The method may also involve the network node transmitting a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure to the appliance, wherein the reply message comprises at least one of the following: a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the appliance in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0012] It is worth noting that, although the description provided here may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks and network topologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5th Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), as well as 5G (B5G) and 6th Generation (6G), the concepts, schemes proposed and any variations / derivatives thereof may be implemented in, for and by other types of radio access technologies, networks and network topologies. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated into and form part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It is important Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 56 5 / 28 It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, as some components may be shown as disproportionate to the size of the actual implementation, in order to clearly illustrate the concept of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram that describes different satellite orbits in satellite communication.

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram that describes an illustrative scenario of a communication environment in which various solutions and schemes according to the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0016] Figures 3A and 3B show a diagram describing an exemplary scenario of an enhanced NAS procedure with a satellite in S&F operating mode according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is a diagram that describes an exemplary scenario of an evolved packet system (EPS) or 5G mobility management (5GMM) information element (IE) for carrying retry assistance information according to an implementation of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another exemplary process according to an implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0021] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed objects are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments and implementations disclosed are merely Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 19 / 56 6 / 28 illustrative of the claimed objects, which may be embodied in various forms. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations presented herein. Instead, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that the description of the present disclosure is complete and thorough and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description below, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments and implementations presented. Overview

[0022] The implementations described in this disclosure refer to various techniques, methods, schemes and / or solutions relating to improvements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode. According to this disclosure, various possible solutions can be implemented separately or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination or another.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary scenario 200 of a communication environment in which various solutions and schemes, according to the present disclosure, can be implemented. Scenario 200 involves a UE 210 communicating wirelessly with a network 220 (e.g., a wireless network including an NTN and a TN) via a terrestrial network node 222 (e.g., an evolved Node-B (eNB), a Next Generation Node-B (gNB), or a transmit / receive point (TRP)) and / or a non-terrestrial network node 224 (e.g., a satellite). The UE 210 can be an IoT device, such as an NB-IoT UE or an eMTC UE (e.g., a low-complexity (BL) UE with reduced bandwidth or a UE of Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 20 / 56 7 / 28 coverage enhancement (CE)). The non-terrestrial network node 224 can operate in S&F operation mode to form a satellite cell for wireless communication with UE 210 via the feed link to the GS, for example, the terrestrial network node 222. In some implementations, the non-terrestrial network node 224 may include one or more satellites from a constellation (sparse LEO), and each satellite may be equipped with some eNB / gNB and CN functions / elements (e.g., without the HSS functions to manage subscriber information and / or the security functions to establish NAS / AS security between UE 210 and the 220 network) to offer UE 210 partial CN services and UL and DL data service implementing the S&F type of functionality on the satellite.In this communication environment, UE 210, network 220, terrestrial network node 222, and non-terrestrial network node 224 can implement various schemes relating to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode, according to this disclosure, as described below. It is worth noting that, although the various proposed schemes can be described individually or separately below, in real implementations, some or all of the proposed schemes may be used or implemented together. Of course, each of the proposed schemes can be used or implemented individually or separately.

[0024] In this disclosure, NTN refers to a network that uses radio frequency (RF) and information processing resources transmitted by high, medium, and low Earth orbit satellites or other high-altitude communication platforms to provide communication services to UEs. Depending on the satellite's payload capacity, there are two typical scenarios, namely: transparent payload and regenerative payload. In transparent payload mode, the satellite does not process the signal and waveform in the communication service, but only acts as an RF amplifier to forward data. In regenerative payload mode, the satellite does not process the signal and waveform in the communication service, but only acts as an RF amplifier to forward data. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 21 / 56 With an 8 / 28 regenerative payload, the satellite, in addition to RF amplification, also has modulation / demodulation processing, encoding / decoding, switching, routing, and other capabilities.

[0025] Since the satellite may not perform all network functions, some impacts on existing NAS procedures may occur. For example, if a new subscriber (e.g., a UE) is performing an initial registration / connection procedure with a satellite that currently does not have GS access, the initial registration / connection procedure would need to be divided into two or more phases. In the first phase (e.g., first flyover), the UE can initiate the initial registration / connection procedure with the satellite by identifying the UE. In the second phase (e.g., a second flyover after the UE information is loaded onto the satellite), the UE can initiate the initial registration / connection procedure again to complete the procedure. However, in 3GPP, the details of NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode have not yet been fully discussed.

[0026] In view of the foregoing, this disclosure proposes a series of schemes relating to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operation mode. According to the schemes in this disclosure, a UE can transmit a request message (e.g., an ATTACHMENT REQUEST message or a REGISTRATION REQUEST message) to initiate a NAS procedure (e.g., an attachment procedure in the LTE system or an initial registration procedure in the NR system) to a network node of a wireless network, wherein the network node includes a satellite operating in S&F operation mode. The UE can then receive a response message corresponding to the NAS procedure from the network node, wherein the response message includes at least one of the following: an initial indication (e.g., a reason for rejection) of Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 22 / 56 9 / 28 that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the UE in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure. After that, the UE can suspend / terminate the NAS procedure based on the first indication and retry / resume the NAS procedure based on the second indication. On the other hand, for a network node that includes a satellite operating in S&F operation mode, it can receive the request message to initiate the NAS procedure from the UE. Then, the network node can transmit the response message corresponding to the NAS procedure to the UE, where the response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and the second indication to assist the UE in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.Consequently, by applying the schemes of this disclosure, NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode can be improved to allow NAS procedures to be properly handled and successfully completed.

[0027] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary scenario 300 of an enhanced NAS procedure with one satellite in S&F operation mode, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Scenario 300 involves a UE in wireless communication with a multi-satellite NTN (IoT). It is assumed that initially the UE is connected and needs to register on the network, but the UE's public terrestrial mobile network (PLMN) is not found and the UE initiates a search for a satellite cell. In step 301, the first satellite (named SAT#i) enters the UE's communication range, i.e., the SAT#i cell is detected by the UE. The UE can acquire, among others, the PLMN and the two-line element sets (TLEs) of multiple satellites in the constellation (e.g., from the type 32 system information block (SIB32)). The UE can also learn from the system information block type 31 (SIB31) or SIB32 that the cell Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 23 / 56 Satellite 10 / 28 is operating in S&F operation mode. In step 302, the UE initiates the initial registration / connection procedure by transmitting a REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT REQUEST message. In one example, within the REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT REQUEST message, the UE may include its capability information, indicating its ability to handle S&F operations (e.g., via a Supported S&F Capability flag).

[0028] In step 303, the first satellite rejects the initial registration / attachment procedure because the UE signature data, such as the E-UTRAN Authentication Vector (AV), is missing on board the satellite due to the lack of an active feed link to the GS for signature data retrieval during this satellite pass. Specifically, the first satellite rejects the initial registration / attachment procedure by transmitting a REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT REJECTION message to the UE, and the REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT REJECTION message includes at least one new rejection cause (e.g., to indicate that the NAS procedure was not completed due to the S&F operation) and a retry assistance information (i.e., an indication to assist the UE in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure).In this scenario, the retry assistance information includes a timer value to indicate when the UE is allowed to retry or resume the NA procedure.

[0029] In step 304, the UE suspends / terminates the initial registration / attachment procedure and starts the timer with the value, and the UE is not allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure before the timer expires. Then, in step 305, the second satellite (designated as SAT#j) enters the UE's communication range. Similar to the first satellite described in step 303, the second satellite is assumed to be operating in S&F mode and does not have any signature information (e.g., E-UTRAN AVs) onboard to be able to attempt [the second satellite]. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 56 11 / 28 again / resume attachment registration with the UE. Upon detecting the second satellite cell, the UE can identify that this satellite cell belongs to the same PLMN as the cell where it previously attempted the initial registration / attachment procedure and learn, from the transmission system information, that the second satellite is operating in S&F mode. In this scenario, the UE does not trigger the retry or resumption of the initial registration / attachment procedure because the second satellite is operating in S&F mode and the timer has not yet expired.

[0030] At step 306, the timer expires on the UE. From this point, the UE knows that the initial registration / attachment procedure can be retried or resumed on any satellite cell near the PLMN. Subsequently, at step S307, the third satellite (designated SAT#k) enters the UE's communication range. At step 308, in response to the detection of the third satellite cell after the timer expires, the UE retries or resumes the initial registration / attachment procedure on the third satellite, since the timer has already expired. Specifically, the UE retries or resumes the initial registration / attachment procedure by transmitting a REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT REQUEST message. It is assumed that, at some point before step 308, the first satellite connects to the GS via the feed link, so that the first satellite can exchange information with the ground network to obtain the UE's signature information (e.g., E-UTRAN AVs).Furthermore, it is assumed that, at some point before step 308, the third satellite will also connect to the GS via the feed link and the subscriber / UE's E-UTRAN AVs will also be sent to the third satellite, as the third satellite is expected to fly over the area where the UE can retry / resume the initial registration / attachment procedure after the timeout expires.

[0031] In step 309, the authentication and processes Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 25 / 56 12 / 28 security configurations are performed and completed successfully, provided the third satellite possesses the UE signature information. In step 310, the third satellite accepts the initial registration / attachment procedure, transmitting a REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT ACCEPTANCE message to the UE. In step 311, the UE responds to the third satellite with a REGISTRATION / ATTACHMENT ACCEPTANCE COMPLETED message, and the initial registration / acceptance procedure is successfully completed. After this, the UE is able to obtain NTN multi-satellite UL / DL data services (IoT).

[0032] In some implementations, the retry assistance information may include / indicate at least one of the following: (i) a timer value to indicate when the UE is allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure; (ii) a number of sequential satellites that the UE needs to wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure; and (iii) a satellite identifier (ID) to indicate on which satellite the UE is allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure. In one example, if the retry assistance information indicates a number of sequential satellites that the UE will need to wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure, the UE may determine to retry or resume the NAS procedure only on a satellite with the number of satellites closest to the satellite where the NAS procedure is rejected.For example, if the EMM / 5GMM IE indicates the value 1, this means that the next satellite can serve the UE to complete the NAS procedure; if the EMM / 5GMM IE indicates the value 3, it means that the third satellite after the current satellite can serve the UE to complete the NAS procedure; or if the EMM / 5GMM IE indicates the value 4, it means that the UE should retry or resume the NAS procedure when the fourth satellite after the current satellite becomes available. In another example, if the retry assistance information includes a satellite ID indicating one... Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 26 / 56 13 / 28 satellite that can serve the EU to complete the NAS procedure, the EU may determine the satellite ID of a detected / available satellite based on satellite assistance information (e.g., ephemeris data or information on satellite coverage or non-coverage) in the transmission system information of the detected / available satellite, and only retry or resume the NAS procedure when the satellite ID in the satellite assistance information matches the satellite ID in the retry assistance information. The transmission system information may include at least one SIB31, one narrowband SIB31 (SIB31-NB), one SIB32, and one SIB32NB.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary scenario 400 of an EMM / 5GMM IE for carrying retry assistance information, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Scenario 400 involves a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) timer IE (re)used to carry retry assistance information. Part (A) of Figure 4 describes the format of the GPRS timer IE, which includes 2 octets in total. Part (B) of Figure 4 describes the representations of the encoded bit values ​​in the second octet of the GPRS timer IE. As shown in Part (B) of Figure 4, in the case where the retry assistance information includes a timer value, bits 6 to 8 in the second octet of the GPRS IE timer define the timer value unit for the GPRS timer, and bits 5 to 1 in the second octet of the GPRS IE timer can be encoded to provide the retry assistance information.Alternatively, in cases where the retry assistance information indicates a number of satellites or includes a satellite ID, the entire second octet of the GPRS IE timer may be encoded to provide the retry assistance information. For example, if octet 2 of the GPRS timer... Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 27 / 56 14 / 28 If the IE (or other corresponding timer) is set to '0000 0111' (i.e., equal to the decimal value 7), the UE may retry / resume the NAS procedure with the 7th satellite (in sequence) that becomes available at the UE's location. In another example of retry assistance information, including a satellite ID, if octet 2 of the GPRS IE timer (or other corresponding IE timer) is set to '0111 0101' (i.e., equal to the decimal value 117), the UE may retry / resume the NAS procedure when it is within coverage of satellite number 117.

[0034] It should be noted that although in Figure 4 the GPRS timer IE is used as an exemplary EMM / 5GMM IE to carry the retry assistance information, other EMM / 5GMM IEs, such as a new IE or another existing IE, may be used to carry the retry assistance information, and this disclosure is not limited to that. Illustrative Implementations

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary 500 communication system, with an exemplary 510 communication device and an exemplary 520 network device, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Each of the 510 communication and 520 network devices can perform various functions to implement schemes, techniques, processes and methods described herein, relating to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode, including scenarios / schemes described above, as well as the 600 and 700 processes described below.

[0036] The 510 communication device can be part of an electronic device, which can be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the 510 communication device can be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, a Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 28 / 56 15 / 28 Electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet, laptop, or notebook. The 510 communication device can also be part of a machine-type device, which can be an IoT, NB-IoT, IIoT, BL, or CE UE, such as a stationary or fixed device, a residential device, a roadside unit (RSU), a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the 510 communication device can be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control hub.Alternatively, the 510 communication device may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) processors. The 510 communication device may include at least some of the components shown in Figure 5, such as a 512 processor, for example. The 510 communication device may also include one or more other components not relevant to the proposed scheme of this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such components of the 510 communication device are not shown in Figure 5 nor described below, for reasons of simplicity and brevity.

[0037] The 520 network device can be part of an electronic device, which can be a network node, such as a satellite, a base station, a small cell, a router, or an NTN (IoT) gateway. For example, the 520 network device can be implemented on a satellite operating in S&F mode. Alternatively, the 520 network device can be implemented Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 29 / 56 16 / 28 in the form of one or more integrated circuit chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. The 520 network device may include at least some of the components shown in Figure 5, such as a 522 processor, for example. The 520 network device may also include one or more other components not relevant to the proposed scheme of this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such component(s) of the 520 network device are not shown in Figure 5 nor described below in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0038] In one aspect, each of the 512 and 522 processors may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term “a processor” is used herein to refer to the 512 and 522 processors, each of the 512 and 522 processors may include multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor in other implementations, according to the present disclosure. In another aspect, each of the 512 and 522 processors may be implemented in the form of hardware (and optionally firmware) with electronic components including, for example and without limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactors that are configured and arranged to achieve specific purposes, according to the present disclosure.In other words, in at least some implementations, each of the 512 and 522 processors is a special-purpose machine specifically designed, organized, and configured to perform specific tasks, including enhancements to NAS procedures with a satellite in the mode of. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 30 / 56 17 / 28 S&F operation, in a UE (e.g., as represented by communication device 510) and a network node (e.g., as represented by network device 520) according to various implementations of this disclosure.

[0039] In some implementations, the communication device 510 may also include a transceiver 516 coupled to the processor 512 and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, the transceiver 516 may be capable of wirelessly communicating with different types of UEs and / or wireless networks of different radio access technologies (RATs). In some implementations, the transceiver 516 may be equipped with a plurality of antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, the transceiver 516 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communications. In some implementations, the network device 520 may also include a transceiver 526 coupled to the processor 522. The transceiver 526 may include a transceiver capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.In some implementations, the 526 transceiver may be able to communicate wirelessly with different types of UEs from different RATs. In some implementations, the 526 transceiver may be equipped with a plurality of antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, the 526 transceiver may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for MIMO wireless communications.

[0040] In some implementations, the communication device 510 may also include a memory 514 coupled to the processor 512 and capable of being accessed by the processor 512 and storing data therein. In some implementations, the network device 520 may also include a memory 524 coupled to the processor 522 and capable of being accessed by the processor 522 and storing data therein. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 31 / 56 18 / 28 in it. Each of the 514 and 524 memories may include a type of random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of the 514 and 524 memories may include a type of read-only memory (ROM), such as mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of the 514 and 524 memories may include a type of non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase-change memory.

[0041] Each of the 510 communication devices and the 520 network device can be a communication entity capable of communicating with each other using various schemes proposed in accordance with this disclosure. For illustrative purposes and without limitation, a description of the capabilities of the 510 communication device, as a UE (for example, an IoT UE, such as an NB-IoT UE or a BL / CE UE), and of the 520 network device, as a network node (for example, a satellite), is provided below.

[0042] In certain proposed schemes, according to the present disclosure, with respect to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode, processor 512 of communication device 510 may transmit, via transceiver 516, a request message to initiate a NAS procedure to network device 520, wherein network device 520 includes a first satellite. Subsequently, processor 512 may receive, via transceiver 516, a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure from network device 520, wherein the reply message comprises at least one of the following: a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist communication device 510 in subsequent retries or resumptions of the procedure. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 32 / 56 19 / 28 NAS procedure.

[0043] In some implementations, processor 512 may also suspend or terminate the NAS procedure based on the first indication and retry or resume the NAS procedure based on the second indication.

[0044] In some implementations, the first indication may be a cause for rejection.

[0045] In some implementations, the first satellite may be operating in an S&F operating mode.

[0046] In some implementations, the second indication may include a timer value to indicate when the 510 communication device can retry or resume the NAS procedure. Additionally, the 512 processor may also start the timer with a value responsive to receiving the reply message, where the NAS procedure is retryed or resumed after the timer expires.

[0047] In some implementations, the second indication may indicate a number of satellites in sequence that the 510 communication device needs to wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure. In addition, the 512 processor may also determine a second satellite with the number of satellites closest to the first satellite, where the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed if a second satellite is available at a location of the 510 communication device.

[0048] In some implementations, processor 512 can also receive transmission system information from network device 520, wherein the transmission system information includes satellite assist information and the second satellite is determined based on the satellite assist information.

[0049] In some implementations, the transmission system information may include a SIB31, a SIB31-NB, a SIB32, or a SIB32-NB.

[0050] In some implementations, the support information Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 33 / 56 20 / 28 via satellite may include ephemeris data or information about satellite coverage or lack thereof.

[0051] In some implementations, the second indication may include a satellite ID to indicate which 510 satellite communication device is authorized to retry or resume the NAS procedure, and the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite associated with the satellite ID is available at a 510 communication device location.

[0052] In certain proposed schemes, according to the present disclosure, with respect to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode, the processor 522 of the network device 520 may receive, via transceiver 526, a request message to initiate a NAS procedure from the communication device 510, wherein the network device 520 includes a first satellite. Then, the processor 522 may transmit, via transceiver 526, a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure to the communication device 510, wherein the reply message includes at least one of the following: a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the communication device 510 in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0053] In some implementations, the first satellite may be operating in an S&F operating mode.

[0054] In some implementations, the first indication may be a cause for rejection, and the second indication may include at least one of the following: (i) a timer value to indicate when the 510 communication device is allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure; (ii) a sequential number of satellites that the 510 communication device must wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure; and (iii) a satellite ID to indicate in Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 34 / 56 21 / 28 Which 510 satellite communication device is allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure?

[0055] In some implementations, processor 522 can also transmit, via transceiver 526, transmission system information to communication device 510, wherein the transmission system information includes satellite assistance information.

[0056] In some implementations, transmission system information may include a SIB31, a SIB31-NB, a SIB32 or a SIB32-NB, and / or satellite assistance information may include ephemeris data or information on satellite coverage or lack thereof. Illustrative Processes

[0057] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary process 600, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 600 may be an example of implementing the above scenarios / schemes, partially or completely, with respect to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode. Process 600 may represent an aspect of the implementation of communication device features 510. Process 600 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by one or more of blocks 610 and 620. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, several blocks of process 600 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 600 may be executed in the order shown in Figure 6 or, alternatively, in a different order.Process 600 can be implemented by or on communication device 510 or on any suitable UE or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 600 is described below in the context of communication device 510 as a UE and network device 520 as a network node. Process 600 can start on block 610. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 35 / 56 22 / 28

[0058] In 610, process 600 may involve processor 512 of communication device 510 transmitting, via transceiver 516, a request message to initiate a NAS procedure to network device 520, wherein network device 520 includes a first satellite. Process 600 may proceed from 610 to 620.

[0059] In 620, process 600 may involve processor 512 receiving, via transceiver 516, a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure of network device 520, wherein the reply message includes at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist communication device 510 in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0060] In some implementations, process 600 may also involve processor 512 suspending or terminating the NAS procedure based on the first indication, and retrying or resuming the NAS procedure based on the second indication.

[0061] In some implementations, the first indication may be a cause for rejection.

[0062] In some implementations, the first satellite may be operating in an S&F operation mode.

[0063] In some implementations, the second indication may include a timer value to indicate when the communication device 510 can retry or resume the NAS procedure. Additionally, process 600 may also involve processor 512 starting the timer with the value responsive to receiving the reply message, where the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed after the timer expires.

[0064] In some implementations, the second indication may indicate a number of satellites in sequence that the 510 communication device needs to wait for before trying again or Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 36 / 56 23 / 28 resume the NAS procedure. Furthermore, process 600 may also involve processor 512 determining a second satellite with the number of satellites closest to the first satellite, where the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed if a second satellite is available at a location of the communication device 510.

[0065] In some implementations, process 600 may also involve processor 512 receiving, via transceiver 516, information from the transmission system of the network device 520, wherein the transmission system information includes satellite assistance information and the second satellite is determined based on the satellite assistance information.

[0066] In some implementations, the transmission system information may include a SIB31, a SIB31-NB, a SIB32, or a SIB32-NB.

[0067] In some implementations, satellite assistance information may include ephemeris data or information about whether or not there is satellite coverage.

[0068] In some implementations, the second indication may include a satellite ID to indicate which 510 satellite communication device is authorized to retry or resume the NAS procedure, and the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite associated with the satellite ID is available at a 510 communication device location.

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary 700 process, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The 700 process may be an example of implementing the above scenarios / schemes, partially or completely, with respect to enhancements in NAS procedures with a satellite in S&F operating mode. The 700 process may represent an aspect of the implementation of 520 network appliance features. The 700 process may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as illustrated by Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 37 / 56 24 / 28 one or more of the 710 and 720 blocks. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, several blocks of process 700 can be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 700 can be executed in the order shown in Figure 7 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 700 can be implemented by or on the 520 network device, as well as any variations thereof. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 700 is described below in the context of the 510 communication device as a UE and the 520 network device as a network node. Process 700 can start in block 710.

[0070] On 710, process 700 may involve processor 522 of network device 520 receiving, via transceiver 526, a request message to initiate a NAS procedure from communication device 510, in which network device 520 includes a first satellite. Process 700 may proceed from 710 to 720.

[0071] In 720, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting, via transceiver 526, a response message corresponding to the NAS procedure to the communication device 510, wherein the response message includes at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the communication device 510 in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

[0072] In some implementations, the first satellite may be operating in an S&F operating mode.

[0073] In some implementations, the first indication may be a cause for rejection.

[0074] In some implementations, the second indication may include a timer value to indicate when the 510 communication device is allowed to retry or resume the NAS procedure. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 38 / 56 25 / 28

[0075] In some implementations, the second indication may indicate a number of satellites in sequence that the 510 communication device needs to wait for before trying again or resuming the NAS procedure.

[0076] In some implementations, process 700 may also involve processor 522 transmitting, via transceiver 526, transmission system information to communication device 510, wherein the transmission system information includes satellite assistance information.

[0077] In some implementations, transmission system information may include a SIB31, a SIB31-NB, a SIB32 or a SIB32-NB, and / or satellite assistance information may include ephemeris data or information on satellite coverage or lack thereof.

[0078] In some implementations, the second indication may include a satellite ID to indicate on which 510 satellite communication device is authorized to retry or resume the NAS procedure. Additional Notes

[0079] The object described here sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected to, different other components. It should be understood that such represented architectures are merely examples and that, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively associated in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved. Therefore, any two components combined here to achieve a specific functionality can be seen as associated with each other in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of the architectures or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components thus associated can also be seen as Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 39 / 56 26 / 28 operationally connected or operationally coupled to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being thus associated can also be seen as operationally coupleable to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operationally coupleable components include, but are not limited to, physically coupleable and / or physically interactive components and / or wireless interactive components and / or logically interactive components.

[0080] Furthermore, with regard to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those knowledgeable in the art may translate from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

[0081] Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims, for example, the bodies of the appended claims, are generally conceived as “open” terms, for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to”, etc. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim mention is intended, such intention will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such mention, such intention will not be present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim indications.However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 40 / 56 27 / 28 The introduction of a claim by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any specific claim containing such an introduced claim to implementations containing only one of these claims, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "a or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an," for example, "a" and / or "an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"; the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claims. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim is explicitly mentioned, those skilled in the art will recognize that such mention should be interpreted as meaning "at least the number mentioned," for example, the mere mention of "two mentions," without other modifiers, means "at least two mentions," or "two or more mentions."Furthermore, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such a construction is generally intended in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention, for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C would include, but not be limited to, systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc."It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood as contemplating the possibility of including any one of the terms. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 41 / 56 28 / 28 terms or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood as including the possibilities of "A or "B" or "A and B."

[0082] From the foregoing, it should be understood that various implementations of this disclosure have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Consequently, the various implementations disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 42 / 56

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. A method, characterized in that it comprises: transmitting, by a processor of an apparatus, a request message to initiate a non-access stratum (NAS) procedure to a network node of a wireless network, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite; and receiving, by the processor, a response message corresponding to the NAS procedure from the network node, wherein the response message comprises at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the apparatus in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: suspending or terminating, by the processor, the NAS procedure based on the first indication; and retrying or resuming, by the processor, the NAS procedure based on the second indication.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first indication is a cause for rejection.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first satellite is operating in a store-and-forward mode of operation.

5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second indication comprises a timer value to indicate when the device can retry or resume the NAS procedure, and the method further comprises: the processor starting the timer with the value responsive to receiving the reply message, wherein the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed after the timer expires.

6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 43 / 56 2 / 5 by the fact that the second indication indicates a number of satellites in sequence that the device needs to wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure, and the method further comprises: determining, by the processor, a second satellite with the number of satellites close to the first satellite, where the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite is available at a location of the device.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, information from the network node's transmission system, wherein the transmission system information comprises satellite assistance information which includes ephemeris data or information about satellite coverage or lack thereof, and wherein the second satellite is determined based on the satellite assistance information.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second indication comprises a satellite identifier (ID) to indicate on which satellite the device is permitted to retry or resume the NAS procedure, and the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite associated with the satellite ID is available at a device location.

9. Apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a transceiver which, during operation, communicates wirelessly with a network node of a wireless network; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver such that, during operation, the processor performs operations comprising: transmitting, through the transceiver, a request message to initiate a No Access Stratum (NAS) procedure to the network node, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite; and receiving, through the transceiver, a reply message corresponding to the NAS procedure from the network node, wherein the reply message comprises at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the apparatus in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that, during operation, the processor also performs operations comprising: suspending or terminating the NAS procedure based on the first indication; and retrying or resuming the NAS procedure based on the second indication.

11. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first indication is a cause for rejection.

12. Apparatus, according to claim 9, characterized in that the first satellite is operating in a store-and-forward mode of operation.

13. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second indication comprises a timer value to indicate when the device can retry or resume the NAS procedure and, during operation, the processor further performs operations comprising: starting the timer with the value responsive to receiving the reply message, wherein the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed after the timer expires.

14. Device, according to claim 9, characterized in that the second indication shows a number of satellites in sequence that the device needs to wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure and, during the operation, the processor also performs operations comprising: determining a second satellite with the number of satellites closest to the first satellite, wherein the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite is available at a location of the device.

15. Apparatus, according to claim 14, characterized in that, during operation, the processor further performs operations comprising: receiving, through the transceiver, information from the network node's transmission system, wherein the transmission system information comprises satellite assistance information comprising ephemeris data or information on satellite coverage or non-coverage, and wherein the second satellite is determined based on the satellite assistance information.

16. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second indication comprises a satellite identifier (ID) to indicate on which satellite the device is permitted to retry or resume the NAS procedure, and the retry or resumption of the NAS procedure is performed in an event where a second satellite associated with the satellite ID is available at a device location.

17. Method, characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by a network node processor, a request message to initiate a non-access stratum (NAS) procedure from a device, wherein the network node comprises a first satellite; and transmitting, by the processor, a response message corresponding to the NAS procedure to the device, wherein the response message comprises at least one of a first indication that the NAS procedure was not completed and a second indication to assist the device in subsequent retries or resumptions of the NAS procedure.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the first satellite is operating in a store-and-forward mode of operation.

19. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that the first indication is a cause for rejection and the second indication comprises at least one of the following: a timer value to indicate when the device can retry or resume the NAS procedure; a number of sequential satellites that the device must wait for before retrying or resuming the NAS procedure; and a satellite identifier (ID) to indicate on which satellite the device is authorized to retry or resume the NAS procedure.

20. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, information from the transmission system to the device, wherein the information from the transmission system comprises satellite assistance information which includes ephemeris data or information on satellite coverage or lack thereof. Petition 870250090496, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 47 / 56

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