Geopositional Measurement Gaps

Description

Geopositional Measurement Gaps TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to a communication network and, more specifically, to geolocation measurement gaps in that network. BACKGROUND

[0002] A non-terrestrial network (NTN) is a network that uses an aerial or space vehicle to carry a relay node of transmission equipment or a base station. A satellite, for example, is a space vehicle that carries a curved tube payload or a regenerative payload telecommunications transmitter, for example, placed in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Using such an aerial or space vehicle, an NTN can provide communication service over a larger area of ​​the Earth than a terrestrial network, for example, so that the service is more location-independent.

[0003] However, an NTN exhibits a greater propagation delay than a terrestrial network. For a curved tube satellite network, the round-trip delay can vary, for example, from tens of milliseconds (ms) in the case of LEO satellites to several hundred ms for GEO satellites. By comparison, round-trip delays in terrestrial networks are typically less than 1 ms.

[0004] Due to the long propagation delay in an NTN, the timing advance (TA) that a communication device uses for its uplink transmissions needs to be much greater than in terrestrial networks so that the uplink and downlink are temporally aligned. When accessing the NTN, the communication device Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 246 / 404 2 / 124 performs a random access (RA) procedure to achieve this timing advance. But even the initial message that the communication device transmits as part of the random access procedure, known as the random access preamble, needs to be transmitted with a timing advance to allow for a reasonable size of the random access preamble reception window. The TA that the communication device uses for transmitting the RA preamble in an NTN is called the pre-compensation TA. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments presented in this document include a method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network. The method comprises performing a geolocation measurement during a geolocation measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. The method also comprises obtaining a geolocation correction of the communication device using a result of the geolocation measurement.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises receiving, from the communication network, signaling that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap due to the expiration of a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0007] In some modes, each time a validity period expires for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 247 / 404 3 / 124 is triggered by the expiration of this validity period.

[0008] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0009] In some embodiments, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a communication device timing advance is valid. In some embodiments, the timing advance validity duration expires after the expiration of the geolocation correction validity duration for which a communication device geolocation correction is valid.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises receiving, from the communication network, a measurement gap configuration that sets up the geolocation measurement gap. In some embodiments, the measurement gap configuration includes an initial gap offset time indicating an offset between a time when the measurement gap begins and a time when the validity period expires.

[0011] In some modalities, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered to start at a time that is offset from a time when the validity period expires.

[0012] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0013] In some modalities, the method comprises Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 248 / 404 4 / 124 additionally receive, from the communication network, a signal indicating that an initial validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid should be extended, and the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period.

[0014] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises reporting to the communication network the validity period as defined from a reference time. In some embodiments, the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In some embodiments, the reference point is a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other embodiments, the reference point is an offset from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0016] In some forms, the method additionally includes reporting to the communication network an absolute expiration time of the validity period.

[0017] In some modalities, the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN. In some modalities, the geoposition measurement is a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, measurement. In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap, and the geoposition correction is a positioning correction. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 249 / 404 5 / 124 of GNSS.

[0018] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered while the communication device is in the resource control connected state, RRC.

[0019] Other modalities described in this document include a method performed by a network node in a communication network. The method comprises transmitting, to a communication device, a signal that configures or activates the triggering of a geolocation measurement gap by expiring a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. The method also comprises receiving, from the communication device, a report stating the validity period.

[0020] In some modes, according to the signaling, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0021] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0022] In some modes, the signaling includes a measurement gap configuration that sets the geoposition measurement gap. In some modes, the measurement gap configuration sets the timing of the geoposition measurement gap in Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 250 / 404 6 / 124 function of the expiration time of the validity period. In some modes, the measurement gap setting includes a gap start offset time that indicates an offset between a time when the measurement gap begins and a time when the validity period expires.

[0023] In some embodiments, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a communication device timing advance is valid. In some embodiments, the timing advance validity duration expires after the expiration of the geolocation correction validity duration for which a communication device geolocation correction is valid.

[0024] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0025] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates that an initial validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid must be extended, and the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period.

[0026] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0027] In some modalities, the reported validity period is defined from a reference time. In some modalities, the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 251 / 404 7 / 124 In some modes, the reference point is a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other modes, the reference point is an offset from a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0028] In some forms, the reported validity period is an absolute expiration time of the validity period.

[0029] In some modes, the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN. In some modes, the geoposition measurement is a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, measurement. In some modes, the geoposition measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap, and the geoposition correction is a GNSS positioning correction.

[0030] Other embodiments described in this document include a communication device configured for use on a communication network. The communication device is configured to perform a geolocation measurement during a geolocation measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. The communication device is also configured to obtain a geolocation correction from the communication device using a result of the geolocation measurement.

[0031] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to perform the steps described above for a communication device configured for use on a communication network.

[0032] Other modalities described in this document include a node Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 252 / 404 Network node 8 / 124 configured for use in a communication network. The network node is configured to transmit, to a communication device, signaling that configures or activates the triggering of a geolocation measurement gap upon expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. The network node is also configured to receive, from the communication device, a report indicating the validity period.

[0033] In some embodiments, the network node is configured to perform the steps described above for a network node in a communication network.

[0034] In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the steps described above for a communication device configured for use on a communication network.

[0035] In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, causes the network node to perform the steps described above for a network node in a communication network.

[0036] In some embodiments, a carrier containing the computer program is an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer-readable storage medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary non-terrestrial network.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture of a satellite network with bent tube transponders. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 253 / 404 9 / 124

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary satellite orbit, including a set of parameters,

[0040] Figure 4 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to some modalities.

[0041] Figure 5 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0042] Figure 6 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0043] Figure 7 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0044] Figure 8 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0045] Figure 9 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0046] Figure 10 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0047] Figure 11 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0048] Figure 12 is a logical flowchart of a method. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 254 / 404 10 / 124 performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other modes.

[0049] Figure 13 is a logical flowchart of a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other modalities.

[0050] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some modalities.

[0051] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a network node according to some modalities.

[0052] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a communication system according to some modalities.

[0053] Figure 17 is a block diagram of a UE according to some modalities.

[0054] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a network node according to some modalities.

[0055] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some modalities. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] A communication device can determine a pre-compensation timing advance (TA) from a geopositional correction of the communication device, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) correction. The communication device can, for example, deduce the pre-compensation TA based on the difference between the communication device's geopositional correction and a reference position in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell for which the communication device has a reference TA. Regardless, after the communication device acquires a Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 255 / 404 11 / 124 geolocation correction, it starts a validity timer. During the period that the validity timer is running, the geolocation correction will be valid and the communication device will be able to access the NTN, establishing, re-establishing, or resuming a connection with the NTN. Once the validity timer expires, the communication device must reacquire its geolocation correction.

[0057] Problematically, if the validity timer expires while the communication device is connected to the NTN, the communication device must reacquire its geolocation correction, even though data still needs to be transmitted to or from the communication device. If the communication device uses the same set of radio frequency (RF) circuits to access the NTN and perform geolocation measurements, the communication device requires a time gap during which the NTN avoids scheduling data transmissions to the communication device, so that the communication device can perform geolocation measurements during this gap using its shared set of radio frequency (RF) circuits.However, if the time gaps during which NTN schedules geolocation measurement gaps for the communication device are not strictly matched to the time gaps during which the communication device actually needs to perform geolocation measurements, this time misalignment compromises geolocation measurement performance and / or NTN system performance, for example, by reducing data throughput, increasing data latency, and / or reducing perceived quality of experience. This threat of time misalignment is exacerbated if the communication device is allowed to autonomously decide the duration during which its correction is needed. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 256 / 404 The 12 / 124 geolocation decision is valid because this autonomous decision threatens the synchronization between the communication device and the communication network when the geolocation correction validity period expires.

[0058] According to some embodiments described in this document, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of a communication device is valid. In one embodiment, for example, each time a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period. That is, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the validity period, rather than being triggered by signaling from a communication network.With a geolocation measurement gap triggered in this way, some modalities effectively link or associate a geolocation measurement gap with the expiration of the validity period for a geolocation correction or timing advance, for example, so that the expiration of the validity period is an event that triggers a geolocation measurement gap.

[0059] Some modalities effectively align the timing of a geolocation measurement gap with the expiration of a geolocation correction or timing advance validity period, at least within a certain offset between them. Furthermore, some modalities effectively synchronize the communication device's understanding of when the geolocation measurement gap occurs with the communication network's understanding of when the geolocation measurement gap occurs, even in modalities where the device... Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 257 / 404 13 / 124 communication autonomously decides the duration of the geoposition correction or timing advance. Some modalities, for example, synchronize the communication device's understanding of when the geoposition correction or timing advance duration expires with the communication network's understanding of when the geoposition correction or timing advance duration expires. Since a geoposition measurement gap is linked to or associated with the expiration of the validity duration, this synchronization has the effect of synchronizing the communication device's understanding of when the geoposition measurement gap occurs with the communication network's understanding of when the geoposition measurement gap occurs.

[0060] More specifically, Figure 1 shows a non-terrestrial network (NTN) 10 according to some embodiments. The NTN 10, as shown, includes a satellite 12 (e.g., a communications satellite) and a terrestrial gateway 14 that connects the satellite 12 to a base station or core network. The satellite 12, potentially in cooperation with the terrestrial gateway 14, provides communication coverage to serve a communication device 18, for example, by means of a point beam or cell 16.

[0061] In this context, communication device 18 is capable of acquiring a geopositional correction 20 from communication device 18. The geopositional correction 20 represents a geographic position of communication device 18. Communication device 18 can, for example, perform one or more geopositional measurements 38 and update its geopositional correction 20 using the result(s) of the geopositional measurement(s) 38. As shown, for example, communication device 18 acquires its geopositional correction 20 by means of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 258 / 404 14 / 124 comprises several GNSS satellites 22. The communication device 18, in this case, performs geopositional measurement(s) 38 on GNSS signals 36 received from GNSS satellites 22, to derive the geopositional correction 20 in the form of a GNSS geopositional correction. The communication device 18 in these and other modes is capable of acquiring its geopositional correction 20 separately from access to NTN 10, i.e., the acquisition of the geopositional correction 20 does not depend on access to NTN 10.

[0062] According to the modalities presented in this document, however, communication device 18 uses the same set of radio frequency (RF) circuits to access NTN 10 and perform the geopositional measurements 38. This means that communication device 18 requires a time gap 50 during which NTN 10 avoids scheduling data transmissions to communication device 18, so that communication device 18 can perform the geopositional measurement(s) 38 during this gap 50, using its shared set of RF circuits. This gap 50 is therefore referred to in this document as the geopositional measurement gap 50.

[0063] In some embodiments, the communication device 18 is configured to exploit its geoposition correction 20 to determine a pre-compensation timing advance (TA). The communication device 18 can then perform a random access channel transmission (not shown) using the pre-compensation TA, as part of accessing NTN 10, for example, establishing, re-establishing, or resuming a connection with NTN 10. In these and other embodiments, the geoposition correction 20 is a prerequisite for the communication device 18 to access NTN 10. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 259 / 404 15 / 124

[0064] According to the modalities presented in this document, however, the geopositional correction 20 of the communication device or its timing advance (TA) is valid only for a certain period, called validity duration 40. The communication device 18, therefore, considers its geopositional correction 20 or its TA as valid for a certain duration of time 40 after having acquired the geopositional correction 20 or TA. Here, the validity of the geopositional correction 20 may mean that the geopositional correction 20 additionally represents a geographic position of the communication device 18 with at least a certain level of accuracy or performance, i.e., that the geopositional correction 20 has not yet become obsolete.Similarly, TA validity can mean that the TA still provides uplink time alignment with at least a certain level of accuracy or performance, i.e., that the TA has not yet become obsolete. Communication device 18 may, for example, initiate a validity timer 24 upon acquiring geoposition correction 20 or the TA, where validity timer 24 may be a geoposition correction validity timer or a TA validity timer. In this case, while validity timer 24 is running, communication device 18 considers geoposition correction 20 or TA as valid. When validity timer 24 expires, however, communication device 18 considers geoposition correction 20 or TA as invalid.This can occur even if the validity timer 24 expires while the communication device 18 is in a connected state (e.g., a radio resource control, RRC, connected state) with an established connection to the NTN 10. When the geopositional correction 20 or TA becomes invalid due to the expiration of the duration. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 260 / 404 16 / 124 validity 40, the communication device 18 must reacquire its geoposition correction 20 or TA to access or continue accessing the NTN 10, which means that the communication device 18 needs another geoposition measurement gap 50 during which it can perform the geoposition measurement(s) 38.

[0065] According to some modalities described in this document, a geopositional measurement gap 50 is triggered by the expiration of the validity duration 40 for which the geopositional correction 20 or TA is valid. In fact, in one modality, each time a validity duration 40 for which the geopositional correction 20 or TA expires, a geopositional measurement gap 50 is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration 40. That is, the expiration of the validity duration is, in itself, a trigger 34 that fires a geopositional measurement gap 50, for example, as opposed to the NTN 10 signal being what triggers the geopositional measurement gap 50. The geopositional measurement gap 50 in some modalities may be triggered automatically and / or periodically by the expiration of the validity duration, for example, as specified in advance by a rule or configuration in the communication device 18 and / or NTN 10.In some modalities, then, a geopositional measurement gap 50 triggered by the expiration of the validity duration 40 differs from an aperiodic geopositional measurement gap by the NTN 10 by means of a command or other signaling sent to the communication device 10. Regardless, with a geopositional measurement gap 50 triggered in this way by the expiration of the validity duration 40, some modalities effectively link or associate a geopositional measurement gap 50 with the expiration of the validity duration 40 for geopositional correction 20 or TA, for example, so that. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 261 / 404 17 / 124 the expiration of the validity period is an event that triggers a geopositional measurement gap of 50.

[0066] Some modes effectively align the timing of a geopositional measurement gap 50 with the expiration of the geopositional correction or the timing advance validity duration 40, at least within a certain offset between them. As shown in Figure 1, the expiration of the validity duration 40 at an expiration time TE triggers the start of a geopositional measurement gap 50, with a time offset 42 between the expiration time TE and the start of the geopositional measurement gap 50. In one mode, the offset 42 is zero, so the geopositional measurement gap 50 starts exactly when the validity duration 40 expires. In another mode, the offset 42 is greater than zero, so the geopositional measurement gap 50 starts at some defined time after the end of the validity duration 40.In yet another embodiment, the offset 42 is less than zero, so that the geopositional measurement gap 50 begins at some defined time before the end of the validity period 40. The offset 42 can therefore indicate how long before the expiration time TE or how long after the expiration time TE the geopositional measurement gap 50 begins. Although Figure 1 shows embodiments in which the beginning of the geopositional measurement gap 50 is defined in relation to the expiration time of the validity period 50, other embodiments may define a different reference point of the geopositional measurement gap 50 in relation to the expiration time of the validity period 40, for example, where the reference point may be the beginning, the end or the middle of the geopositional measurement gap 50. Generally, then, in these and other embodiments, the communication device 18 and / or NTN 10. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 262 / 404 18 / 124 can determine when the geolocation measurement gap 50 occurs, based on when the validity period 40 expires.

[0067] In fact, some modalities effectively synchronize the communication device's understanding of when the geopositional measurement gap 50 occurs with the NTN's understanding of when the geopositional measurement gap 50 occurs, even in modalities where the communication device 18 autonomously decides the validity duration 40. Some modalities, for example, synchronize the communication device's understanding of when the validity duration 40 expires with the NTN's understanding of when the validity duration 40 expires. Since a geopositional measurement gap 50 is linked to or associated with the expiration of the validity duration, this synchronization has the effect of synchronizing the communication device's understanding of when the geopositional measurement gap 50 occurs with the NTN's understanding of when the geopositional measurement gap 50 occurs.

[0068] In some embodiments, the communication device 18 is pre-configured to understand that the expiration of the validity duration 40 triggers a geolocation measurement gap 50. The triggering of a geolocation measurement gap 50 whenever the validity duration 40 expires can, for example, be specified by the 3GPP standards, with the communication device 18 being pre-configured to operate according to these 3GPP standards. In this case, the 3GPP standards can specify not only that a geolocation measurement gap 50 is triggered by the expiration of the validity duration 40, but also when the geolocation measurement gap 50 occurs relative to the expiration of the validity duration 40, for example, by specifying an offset 42 between the expiration time of the validity duration 40 and the start of the geolocation measurement gap. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 263 / 404 19 / 124 50.

[0069] In other modes, NTN 10 transmits signal 28 (e.g., RRC signal or MAC signal) that configures the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap 50 upon expiration of validity duration 40. Signal 28 may, for example, configure whether a geopositional measurement gap 50 should be triggered upon expiration of validity duration 40; for example, signal 28 may include a Boolean field or an optional field for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, signal 28 may configure when a geopositional measurement gap 50 triggered by expiration of validity duration 40 should occur, depending on when validity duration 40 expires. Signal 28 may, for example, configure a start time or an end time for the geopositional measurement gap 50 depending on when validity duration 40 expires, for example, by configuring the offset 42.

[0070] In other embodiments, NTN 10 signal 28 activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap 50 upon expiry of the validity duration 40, for example, in this case, signal 28 may be MAC signaling or physical layer signaling. In this case, communication device 18 may receive another signal (e.g., RRC signaling) that provides a setting for triggering a geopositional measurement gap 50 upon expiry of the validity duration 40, but communication device 18 does not use this setting until it is activated by signal 28 (e.g., MAC signaling).

[0071] Consider now some modalities exemplified in a context where communication device 18 is a New Radio (NR) Internet of Things (IoT) user equipment (UE), NTN 10 is specified by 3GPP, and geolocation correction 20 is exemplified as a Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 264 / 404 20 / 124 GNSS positioning correction, the geopositional measurement gap of 50 is exemplified as a GNSS measurement gap, and the validity duration of 40 is exemplified as a GNSS validity duration.

[0072] In particular, some embodiments described in this document are applicable to NTNs, as specified in 3GPP. In one or more embodiments, a satellite radio access network may include the following components: (i) a satellite which refers to a space platform; (ii) a ground gateway which connects the satellite to a base station or core network, depending on the choice of architecture; (iii) a feeder link which refers to the link between a gateway and a satellite; (iv) an access link which refers to the link between a satellite and a user equipment (UE).

[0073] Depending on its orbital altitude, a satellite, in some modalities, can be categorized as a low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite. LEO typically has altitudes ranging from 250 to 1,500 km, with orbital periods ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. MEO typically has altitudes ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 km, with orbital periods ranging from 3 to 15 hours. And GEO typically has an altitude of about 35,786 km, with an orbital period of 24 hours.

[0074] In some forms, an NTN can have one of two basic architectures, depending on the functionality of the satellites in the system.

[0075] An architecture has a transparent payload, also known as a curved tube architecture. In this case, the satellite forwards the received signal between the terminal and the ground network equipment, with only amplification and a change from the uplink frequency to the downlink frequency. When applied to the general architecture and terminology of 3GPP, transparent payload architecture means that Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 265 / 404 21 / 124 gNB is located on land and the satellite forwards signals / data between gNB and UE.

[0076] The other architecture has a regenerative payload. The satellite includes onboard processing to demodulate and decode the received signal and regenerate the signal before sending it back to Earth. When applied to the general 3GPP architecture and terminology, the regenerative payload architecture means that the gNB is located on the satellite.

[0077] Figure 2 shows an example of a satellite network architecture with curved tube transponders (i.e., transparent payload architecture). In this case, satellite 12 forwards signals between communication device 18 and the ground network equipment, with only amplification and a frequency shift from uplink to downlink frequency. Network node 30 in Figure 1 is shown as a base station (BS) 30, for example, in the form of a gNB, located on the ground with a gateway 14, and satellite 12 forwards signals / data between base station 30 and device 18 via an access link and a feeder link. Base station 30 can be integrated into gateway 14 or connected to it via a terrestrial connection (wire, fiber optic, wireless link).

[0078] In some modes, a communications satellite generates multiple beams over a given area. The footprint of a beam may be elliptical in shape, which can be considered a cell, but cells consisting of the coverage footprint of multiple beams are not excluded. A beam footprint may also be called a point beam. A beam footprint may move across the Earth's surface with the movement of the satellite or may be fixed to the Earth with a beam steering mechanism used by the satellite to compensate for its movement. The size of a point beam depends on the system design, which can range from tens of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 266 / 404 22 / 124 kilometers to several thousand kilometers.

[0079] Propagation delay is an aspect of satellite communications that differs from the expected delay in a terrestrial mobile system. For a curved tube satellite network, the round-trip delay can, depending on the orbital altitude, vary from tens of ms in the case of LEO satellites to several hundred ms for GEO satellites. By comparison, round-trip delays in terrestrial cellular networks are typically less than 1 ms.

[0080] The distance between the UE and a satellite can vary significantly depending on the satellite's position and therefore the elevation angle ε seen by the UE. Assuming circular orbits, the minimum distance is achieved when the satellite is directly above the UE (ε = 90°), and the maximum distance when the satellite is at the lowest possible elevation angle. Table 1 shows the distances between the satellite and the UE for different orbital altitudes and elevation angles, along with the one-way propagation delay and the maximum propagation delay difference (the propagation delay difference at ε = 90°). Note that this table assumes a regenerative payload architecture. For the transparent payload case, the propagation delay between the gateway and the satellite also needs to be considered, unless the base station corrects for this. Table 1: Propagation delay for different orbital altitudes and elevation angles. Orbital altitude Elevation angle Distance UE <-> satellite One-way propagation delay Propagation delay difference 600 km 90° 600 km 2.0 ms — 30° 1075 km 3.6 ms 1.6 ms 10° 1932 km 6.4 ms 4.4 ms 1200 km 90° 1200 km 4.0 ms ___ Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 267 / 404 23 / 124 Orbital altitude Elevation angle Distance UE <-> satellite One-way propagation delay Propagation delay difference 30° 1999 km 6.7 ms 2.7 ms 10° 3131 km 10.4 ms 6.4 ms 35786 km 90° 35786 km 119.4 ms ___ 30° 38609 km 128.8 ms 9.4 ms 10° 40581 km 135.4 ms 16.0 ms

[0081] Propagation delay can also be highly variable due to the high speed of LEO and MEO satellites and change on the order of 10 to 100 ps per second, depending on orbit altitude and satellite speed.

[0082] For non-terrestrial networks using 3GPP technology, particularly 5G / NR, the long propagation delay means that the timing advance (TA) that the UE uses for its uplink transmissions needs to be much greater than in terrestrial networks so that the uplink and downlink are temporally aligned in gNB, as is the case in NR and LTE. One of the purposes of the random access (RA) procedure is to provide the UE with a valid TA (which the network can subsequently adjust based on the reception time of the UE's uplink transmission).However, even the random access preamble (i.e., the UE's initial message in the random access procedure) has to be transmitted with a timing advance to allow a reasonable size of the AR preamble reception window in gNB (and to ensure that the cyclic offset of the Zadoff-Chu sequence of the preamble cannot be so large that it makes the Zadoff-Chu sequence, and therefore the preamble, appear as another Zadoff-Chu sequence, and therefore preamble, based on the same Zadoff-Chu root sequence). But this TA does not have to be as precise as the TA that the UE uses later for other uplink transmissions. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 268 / 404 24 / 124 The TA that the EU uses for transmitting the AR preamble in NTN is called the pre-compensation TA.

[0083] Some of the modalities described in this document for updating geoposition correction are applicable to support any of the multiple alternatives for determining the pre-compensation TA. All of these alternatives may involve information originating from both gNB and UE. In particular, some modalities described in this document for updating geoposition correction are applicable to support a first pre-compensation TA alternative that broadcasts a common TA valid at a given reference point, for example, a central point in the cell. The UE calculates how its own pre-compensation TA deviates from the common TA, based on the difference between the UE location and the reference point, along with the satellite position.In this document, the UE acquires its own position using GNSS measurements, and the UE obtains the satellite's position using orbital data from the satellite (including the satellite's position at a given time) transmitted via broadcast over the network.

[0084] Some modalities described in this document for updating geoposition correction are alternatively or additionally applicable to a second pre-compensation TA alternative, in which the UE autonomously calculates the propagation delay between the UE and the satellite, based on the respective positions of the UE and the satellite, and the network / gNB transmits the propagation delay on the feeder link, i.e., the propagation delay between the gNB and the satellite. In this document, the UE acquires its own position using GNSS measurements and the UE obtains the satellite's position using orbital data from the satellite (including the satellite's position at a given time) transmitted by the network. The pre-compensation TA is then Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 269 / 404 25 / 124 is twice the sum of the propagation delay on the feeder link and the propagation delay between the satellite and the UE.

[0085] Some methods described in this document for updating geoposition correction are alternatively or additionally applicable to a third pre-compensation TA alternative, in which gNB transmits a timestamp (in SIB9), which UE compares with a reference timestamp acquired from GNSS. Based on the difference between these two timestamps, UE can calculate the propagation delay between gNB and UE, and the pre-compensation TA is twice that propagation delay.

[0086] In some embodiments, for example, according to 3GPP TR 38.821 v16.1.0, ephemeris data are provided to the UE, for example, to assist in directing a directional antenna (or an antenna beam) towards the satellite and to calculate the correct Timing Advance (TA) and Doppler shift. Transmission of ephemeris data in the system information is an option.

[0087] In some modes, a satellite's orbit is completely described by a set of parameters, for example, using 6 parameters. The user can decide exactly which set of parameters will be chosen; many different representations are possible. For example, a parameter choice frequently used in astronomy is the set (a, ε, i, Ω, ω, t). Here, the semi-major axis a and the eccentricity ε describe the shape and size of the orbital ellipse; the inclination i, the right ascension of the ascending node Ω, and the argument of periapsis ω determine its position in space, and the epoch t determines a reference time (e.g., the time at which the satellites move through periapsis). This set of parameters is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0088] As an example of a different parameterization, the Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 270 / 404 26 / 124 sets of two-line elements (TLEs) use the mean motion nea mean anomaly M instead of ae t. A completely different set of parameters is the position and velocity vector (x, y, z, vx, vy, z) of a satellite. Sometimes these vectors are called orbital state vectors. They can be derived from orbital elements and vice versa, since the information they contain is equivalent. All these formulations (and many others) are possible choices for the format of ephemeris data to be used in the NTN.

[0089] In addition, ephemeris data can be accompanied by information about the possible coverage area or time information that the satellite will serve a given geographic area on Earth.

[0090] To handle time and frequency synchronization in an NR or LTE-based NTN, the device may be equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The GNSS receiver allows the device to estimate its geographic position. The UE can then determine the propagation delay, delay variance, Doppler shift, and its rate of change based on its own location information and satellite location information.

[0091] Different levels of GNSS chip integration can be foreseen in a 3GPP cellular modem. A UE can support GNSS, but not use this support during Connected RRC mode to obtain time and frequency correction.

[0092] In some modes, a UE can estimate and pre-compensate for time and frequency offset with sufficient accuracy for UL transmission.

[0093] In some modes, the simultaneous operation of GNSS and NTN NB-IoT / eMTC is not assumed. In fact, in some modes, the UE may Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 271 / 404 27 / 124 sharing parts of its radio frequency (RF) architecture between the cellular modem and the GNSS chip. One solution is to use the same antenna to receive the GNSS reference signal and to receive and transmit an LTE or NR signal. A switch determines whether the antenna should be connected to the cellular RF frontend or the GNSS RF frontend. The switch provides the necessary isolation between the cellular transmitter and the GNSS receiver, but also prevents simultaneous GNSS and cellular operation.

[0094] Some of the features contained in this document are applicable under the following conditions, assumptions and / or settings, for example, consistent with the following 3GPP agreements.

[0095] In TR 36.763 V17.0.0, the impact of GNSS position correction on the battery life of an NTN UE IoT was documented. In addition, several aspects related to GNSS operation, such as gaps in GNSS measurements, were also studied and documented in TR 36.763 V17.0.0.

[0096] After GNSS acquisition, a UE will autonomously determine its GNSS validity period from an agreed set of values ​​and report it to the network. When the GNSS validity period expires during the RRC_CONNECTED state, a UE is expected to return to inactive mode to update its GNSS position; that is, GNSS acquisition during connected mode is not supported.

[0097] For sporadic short transmission, the UE in RRC_CONNECTED must return to idle mode and reacquire a GNSS position correction if the GNSS becomes outdated.

[0098] The UE autonomously determines its GNSS X validity period and reports information associated with that validity period to the network via RRC signaling. X = {10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 272 / 404 28 / 124 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, infinite}

[0099] Instead of following the standard Rel-17 procedure, where an UE in RRC_CONNECTED mode returns to RRC_IDLE mode after GNSS expiration, an enhanced UE behavior is under discussion that allows the UE to reacquire its GNSS position during the RRC_CONNECTED state. Additionally, another objective is to reduce the number of GNSS positions a UE may need during RRC_CONNECTED mode in order to reduce UE power consumption.

[0100] Closed-loop time and frequency correction, with potential improvements, for IoT-NTN is considered to reduce the need for the UE to update the GNSS position during long connection times.

[0101] At least for the case where the frequency error is within the frequency error requirements, some mechanisms and conditions may allow UL transmission after the expiration of the original GNSS validity period without GNSS reacquisition for some period.

[0102] At least the following options can be considered in connected GNSS measurement for potential improvements in GNSS operations: • Option 1: UE reacquires GNSS position correction during RLF procedure • Option 2: UE reacquires GNSS position with a new gap.

[0103] Some modes allow the eNB to trigger the UE at least aperiodically to make GNSS measurements.

[0104] If the eNB periodically triggers the UE to take GNSS measurements, a MAC CE will be used.

[0105] For GNSS measurement in connected RRC, if the eNB periodically triggers the connected UE to perform GNSS measurement, the UE may reacquire the GNSS position correction with a gap. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 273 / 404 29 / 124

[0106] The UE can autonomously reacquire GNSS (when configured by the network) if the UE does not receive the eNB trigger to perform the GNSS measurement.

[0107] When the GNSS measurement gap begins, which is triggered aperiodically by the eNB with MAC CE, the start time can be n + X, where n is the end of the MAC CE receive subframe / slot. In this document, X can be a predefined or configured value. Alternatively, the start time can be based on the current GNSS validity period, with or without delay.

[0108] Regarding the GNSS measurement gap duration, which is triggered aperiodically by the eNB, the gap duration can be equal to or greater than the most recent GNSS position correction time reported by the UE. The gap duration can be configured by the eNB, or it can be equal to the most recent GNSS position correction time reported.

[0109] The GNSS assistance information that the EU reports to the eNB consists of at least: • GNSS position correction time for measurement • GNSS validity period.

[0110] When the eNB triggers the UE to make GNSS measurements, the UE reacquires the GNSS position correction.

[0111] The UE reports the GNSS position correction time duration for measurement at least during the initial access stage.

[0112] In connected mode, the UE can report the GNSS validation duration with the MAC CE.

[0113] The UE reports only one GNSS position correction time duration for GNSS measurement, at least when switching to the RRC connected state. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 274 / 404 30 / 124

[0114] The following alternatives can be considered to inform the eNB of the success of the GNSS measurement on the UE side after the GNSS measurement on the connected RRC. In one alternative, the UE will report the new GNSS validity period. In another alternative, the eNB will receive any UL transmission from the UE after the GNSS measurement.

[0115] In some modes, the UE autonomously determines its GNSS validity period when acquiring a GNSS position and reports it to the network. In addition, the network can also send a GNSS measurement trigger to a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state, for example, when its GNSS validity period is about to expire.

[0116] As the validity period is determined autonomously by the UE while the GNSS gap is configured by the network, some modes allow the UE and the network to have full knowledge of when the GNSS duration will end and a new GNSS gap will start / end in the UE.

[0117] Some modalities therefore meet the need for methods and signaling to support a common understanding (between eNB and UE) of the timetable of GNSS-related actions performed in an IoT NTN UE.

[0118] Some modes link the GNSS validity period to the GNSS gap configuration, in order to ensure that the UE and the eNB are synchronized in time with respect to the start / end of GNSS-related actions performed by the UE. In particular, some modes link the GNSS configuration to the GNSS validity period, introduce support for the above using time alignment timers and / or introduce signaling to provide information to the network, informing the exact schedule of one or more GNSS-related actions performed on the UE. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 275 / 404 31 / 124

[0119] Certain modalities may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. Some modalities advantageously ensure that the UE and the eNB know the exact start time of GNSS-related actions performed by the UE, such as the GNSS measurement gap and the GNSS validity period.

[0120] Note 1: The modalities described below are described primarily in terms of LTE-based NTNs (including IoT), but are equally applicable to an NR technology-based NTN (including IoT).

[0121] Note 2: The term network is used in the solution description to refer to a network node, which will typically be an eNB (e.g., in an LTE-based NTN, coma IoT NTN), but could also be a gNB (e.g., in an NR-based NTN), or a base station or access point in another type of network, or any other network node with the ability to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE.

[0122] Note 3: An example of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the American Global Positioning System (GPS), but there are also other similar systems that can provide the functionality used in the modalities described in this document, for example, the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the Chinese BeiDou Satellite Navigation System and the European Galileo.

[0123] Note 4: The terms connected mode, state RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_CONNECTED mode are used interchangeably in this document.

[0124] Note 5: In the following embodiments, the terms aperiodic, event-based and periodic GNSS measurement events are used as follows: periodic GNSS measurement event means that the UE performs GNSS measurements periodically over time, in accordance with Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 276 / 404 32 / 124 a GNSS measurement command and the configuration sent in that command; event-based GNSS measurement means that the UE performs one or more measurements according to a GNSS measurement command and the configuration sent in that command, so that the occurrence of those measurements is linked to an event (e.g., the expiration of the GNSS validity period with or without a given time offset).

[0125] Note 6: Unless otherwise indicated, the term periodic may refer to both periodic GNSS measurements and event-based GNSS measurements. If a more detailed distinction between the two types is desired, the terms “periodic GNSS measurement” and “event-based GNSS measurement” are used.

[0126] Note 7: When a signaling message or parameter, or a UE behavior, is specified in a pattern, it is called standardized, specified, or specified in a pattern. That is, these expressions / terms are equivalent.

[0127] Note 8: The term / expression “GNSS position correction time duration” refers to the time the UE needs to perform a GNSS position correction (i.e., a successful GNSS position measurement), which may vary, for example, depending on the UE’s GNSS state (often referred to as “hot”, “warm” and “cold” state, or “hot initialization”, “warm initialization” and “cold initialization”). Linking a GNSS measurement gap configuration to the expiration of the GNSS validity period.

[0128] In some modalities, a GNSS measurement gap may be linked to or associated with the expiration of the UE GNSS validity, regardless of its duration. In this document, a GNSS measurement gap is exemplified by gap 50 in Figure 1, and the UE GNSS validity is exemplified by Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, p. 277 / 404 33 / 124 the validity 40 in Figure 1. This association may be that the GNSS measurement gap always begins exactly at the expiration of the GNSS validity, at a certain time period X before the expiration of the GNSS validity, or at a certain time period X after the expiration of the GNSS validity. In this document, X is an example of the offset 42 in Figure 1. When configured / specified, this GNSS measurement gap would occur whenever the UE's GNSS validity expired. If the UE always used the same GNSS validity, this association between the GNSS measurement gap and the expiration of the GNSS validity would result in a recurring GNSS measurement gap.However, it should be noted that a UE is free to change its validity period (which is reported to the network by the UE), but the association between the GNSS measurement gap and the expiration of the GNSS validity period remains unchanged, regardless of changes in the GNSS validity period (i.e., in such cases, the GNSS measurement gap will not occur periodically).

[0129] The association between the GNSS measurement gap and the expiration of the GNSS validity period can be specified in a standard or configured by the network (e.g., an eNB), or partially standardized and partially configured by the network. This can be seen as a trade-off between configuration flexibility and minimization of signaling overhead. Zero signaling overhead can be achieved if the complete configuration of the GNSS measurement gap, including the details of its association with the expiration of the GNSS validity period, is specified in the standard, and the standard also states that the GNSS measurement gap is always present as specified, and the network is obliged to honor it by not scaling the UE during the gap. With this option, the network cannot choose not to configure the GNSS measurement gap.

[0130] As another option, the properties of the GNSS measurement gap, Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 278 / 404 34 / 124, including details of its association with the expiration of the GNSS validity period, are standardized, while the network has the flexibility to configure whether the GNSS measurement gap should be used (i.e., present). With this option, the configuration can be signaled (e.g., in an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message), for example, using a BOOLEAN field or an optional ENUMERATE field with a single possible value (where the presence of the field indicates that the GNSS measurement gap should be used, while the absence of the field indicates that the GNSS measurement gap should not be used, i.e., it is not configured). This signaling of the configuration is an example of signaling 28 in Figure 1.

[0131] As another option, the pattern specifies two or three of the three association variants described above (i.e., that the GNSS measurement gap begins exactly at a time period X before or a time period X after the expiration of the GNSS validity period). With this option, the GNSS measurement gap can be configured (for example, in an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) using an ENUMERATED field with a value for each of the two or three association variants. As another option, the configuration can include a value of X. This configuration signaling is another example of signaling 28 in Figure 1.

[0132] As another option, the standard specifications could establish that the association between the GNSS measurement gap and the expiration of the GNSS validity period is governed by a configurable parameter, X, which indicates the time difference (or offset) between the expiration of the GNSS validity period and the start of the GNSS measurement gap. With this option, the parameter X can be configured (for example, in an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) as 0 (zero), < 0 (negative), or > 0 (positive). This signaling of the parameter X is yet another example of signaling 28 in Figure Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 279 / 404 35 / 124 1.

[0133] There are different options for a configuration parameter (for example, included in an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) that defines the value of X in the description above. As one option, the parameter can be an ENUMERATED field with some selected values, where each value is expressed in, for example, slots, frames, or milliseconds. As another option, the parameter can be an INTEGER field indicating, for example, a number of slots, a number of frames, or a number of milliseconds.

[0134] In some modes, the GNSS measurement gap setting may include an indication of the number of times the GNSS measurement gap will occur, or the time period during which the setting is valid. This signaling of the number of times the GNSS measurement gap will occur, or the time period during which the setting is valid, is another example of signaling 28 in Figure 1.

[0135] Optionally, the occurrence of the GNSS measurement gap can be an implicit instruction for the UE to perform a GNSS measurement. This rule can be configurable (e.g., using a BOOLEAN field, for example, in an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) or specified in the standard.

[0136] Above, it is described how the beginning of a GNSS measurement gap can be associated with the expiration of the GNSS validity period. However, the method will work equally well if the end of the GNSS measurement gap is the reference point for the association, instead of the beginning of the GNSS measurement gap. Another alternative is to use the middle of the GNSS measurement gap as the reference point.

[0137] In some modes, a new MAC CE for TA adjustment is set to enable closed-loop TA control and the new MAC CE is still Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 280 / 404 36 / 124 is associated with a new Time Alignment Timer, i.e., a timing advance validity duration (which is configured with a finite value and can be called, for example, TimeAlignmentTimer2), and the reception of the new MAC CE indicates to the UE that it is allowed to transmit after the GNSS validity duration has expired, provided the new Time Alignment Timer is running. Optionally, the value of the new Time Alignment Timer can be explicitly indicated in the new MAC CE, or the indication to the UE whether it is allowed to transmit after the GNSS validity duration has expired can be explicitly indicated with a bit in the new MAC CE.If the new Time Alignment Timer (e.g., TimeAlignmentTimer2) described above is used and expires after the end of the GNSS validity period (as determined and reported by the UE), then, as an option, the start (or end) of the GNSS measurement gap associated with the expiration of the GNSS validity period is instead associated with the expiration of the new Time Alignment Timer (i.e., TimeAlignmentTimer2), and the same association relationship applies. Alternatively, if the new Time Alignment Timer (i.e., TimeAlignmentTimer2) is configured and expires after the end of the GNSS validity period (as determined and reported by the UE), the GNSS measurement gap associated with the expiration of the GNSS validity period (if configured (or specified)) is removed, i.e., unconfigured.Alternatively, the new MAC CE for TA adjustment (as described above) may include an indication of whether a GNSS measurement gap associated with the GNSS validity period should be removed (i.e., unconfigured) or associated with the expiration of the new Time Alignment Timer (i.e., TimeAlignmentTimer2).

[0138] Another possibility is to allow the network to instruct the EU to extend Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 281 / 404 37 / 124 the current GNSS validity period, for example, if the network determines that the UE transmission timing error (as detected by the network upon receiving the UE transmission) is small enough to allow the UE to continue using its most recent GNSS measurement for autonomous UE TA calculations beyond the time the UE GNSS validity period expires. If this possibility is specified and / or used in a network, any configured (or specified) GNSS measurement gap associated with the expiration of the GNSS validity period can be associated with the expiration of the extended GNSS validity period. Alternatively, a GNSS measurement gap associated with the expiration of the GNSS validity period is removed – i.e., unconfigured – if the GNSS validity period is extended via network instructions.Alternatively, the instruction to extend the GNSS validity period may include an indication of whether a GNSS measurement gap associated with the GNSS validity period should be removed (i.e., deactivated) or associated with the expiration of the extended GNSS validity period.

[0139] The signaling used for GNSS measurement gap configuration, as exemplified by signaling 28 in Figure 1, can be RRC signaling (e.g., an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) or MAC signaling. Another option is that the details of the GNSS measurement gap, including the configurable part(s) of its association with GNSS validity expiration, are configured using RRC signaling, but this configuration is activated (or deactivated) using MAC signaling. This MAC signaling is another example of the signaling in Figure 1.

[0140] To allow linking a recurring GNSS measurement gap to the expiration of the GNSS validity period (exactly on, slightly before, or slightly after expiration), the UE and the network need to be Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 282 / 404 38 / 124 synchronized with respect to when this happens. Some modalities achieve this by UE reporting the total duration of GNSS validity from a defined point in time, rather than the remaining duration of GNSS validity (which is susceptible to scaling uncertainties, HARQ retransmissions, etc.) or the total duration of GNSS validity with an uncertain starting point, such as a time when GNSS position correction occurred. As long as the reported GNSS validity duration is defined from a well-defined starting point, the eNB can determine how much of it remains at a given time. The defined point in time can be, for example, the start or end of the GNSS measurement gap during which the last GNSS measurement was performed. Alternatively, the expiration of the validity duration can be indicated as UTC (or optionally UTC + SFN + subframe to allow a coarser UTC to be used).

[0141] Another alternative is that the GNSS validity period starts at the time the UE reached the GNSS fixed position, and the UE indicates this initial time, for example, in the form of an offset from the start or end of the GNSS measurement gap where the GNSS fixed position was reached, to the network when the UE reports the total GNSS validity period.

[0142] In some embodiments, the mechanisms for setting up a recurring GNSS measurement gap that is linked to the expiration of the GNSS validity period are standardised along with mechanisms for setting up a single aperiodic GNSS measurement gap, preferably along with an instruction to the UE to perform a GNSS measurement.

[0143] The recurring GNSS measurement gap linked to the expiration of the GNSS validity period provides the UE with what it needs during normal operation, but in more exceptional cases, for example, if the UE Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 283 / 404 If 39 / 124 is moving exceptionally fast and the eNB realizes that the UL receive time error is about to exceed the cyclic prefix (CP) (even though a good portion of the GNSS validity period can be left as a safety margin), then the eNB can instruct the UE to perform a GNSS measurement and configure a single GNSS measurement gap to do so. (An alternative would be to keep the UL receive time error within the CP using timing advance command MAC CEs.)

[0144] Considering the modifications and variations presented in this document, Figure 4 illustrates a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to specific modalities. The method includes performing a geoposition measurement during a geoposition measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 400). The method also includes obtaining a geoposition correction of the communication device using a result of the geoposition measurement (Block 405).

[0145] In some embodiments, the method also includes independently determining the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 480).

[0146] In some forms, the method also includes reporting to the communication network the validity period as defined from a reference time (Block 455).

[0147] In some forms, the method also includes reporting to the communication network an absolute expiration time of the validity period (Block 460). Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 284 / 404 40 / 124

[0148] In some embodiments, the method also includes determining that the geolocation measurement gap is triggered, based on a rule or configuration (Block 410). The rule or configuration may, for example, specify that each time a validity duration for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving the rule or configuration from a communication network.

[0149] In some modalities, the method also includes determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires (Block 420).

[0150] In some modalities, the method also includes receiving, from the communication network, a measurement gap configuration that sets up the geopositional measurement gap.

[0151] In some modalities, the method also includes determining a pre-compensation timing advance from the geoposition correction (Block 470).

[0152] In some embodiments, the method also includes performing a random access channel transmission using the pre-compensation timing advance determined as part of the communication network access (Block 475).

[0153] In some embodiments, the method also comprises determining that the geolocation measurement gap is triggered, based on a rule or configuration that specifies that, each time a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a measurement gap of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 285 / 404 41 / 124 geolocation is triggered by the expiration of this validity period. In some modes, the communication device is pre-configured with the rule or configuration. In some modes, the method also involves receiving the rule or configuration from a communication network.

[0154] In some modes, each time a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0155] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0156] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that is repeated periodically several times, where the method additionally includes receiving signaling indicating the number of times from the communication network.

[0157] In some embodiments, the method also includes determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires. In some embodiments, determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs includes determining when a reference point for the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires. In some embodiments, the reference point for the geolocation measurement gap is a start time or an end time of the gap. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 286 / 404 42 / 124 Geopositional measurement. In some modalities, the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap is a midpoint of the geopositional measurement gap. In some modalities, the method also includes receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points of the geopositional measurement gap, the communication device should determine based on when the validity period expires. In some modalities, determining when the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs includes determining an expiration time as the time at which the validity period expires. In some modalities, determining when the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs includes determining the reference point by compensating for the expiration time with a displacement.In some modalities, the method also includes receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating the displacement. In some modalities, the displacement indicates how much time before the expiration time, or how much time after the expiration time, the reference point occurs. In some modalities, the method also includes receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating whether the displacement indicates how much time before the expiration time the reference point occurs or indicates how much time after the expiration time the reference point occurs.

[0158] In some embodiments, the method also comprises receiving, from the communication network, a measurement gap configuration that sets the geolocation measurement gap. In some embodiments, the measurement gap configuration sets whether or not the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a duration of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 287 / 404 43 / 124 validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. In some modes, the measurement gap setting configures the timing of the geolocation measurement gap depending on the expiration time of the validity period. In some modes, the measurement gap setting includes an initial gap offset time, which indicates an offset between a time when the measurement gap begins and a time when the validity period expires. In some modes, the measurement gap setting includes a validity time duration, which indicates the period during which the measurement gap setting is valid.

[0159] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0160] In some embodiments, the method also comprises receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating that an initial validity period for which a geoposition correction of the communication device is valid must be extended, and the geoposition measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period.

[0161] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0162] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid. In some modes, the validity duration of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 288 / 404 44 / 124 timing advance expires after the expiration of a geolocation correction validity period for which a communication device geolocation correction is valid.

[0163] In some embodiments, the method also comprises receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating that, or if, the expiration of a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid triggers a geoposition measurement gap.

[0164] In some embodiments, the method also comprises reporting to the communication network the validity period as defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In some embodiments, the reference point is a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other embodiments, the reference point is an offset from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0165] In some forms, the method also includes reporting to the communication network an absolute expiration time of the validity period. In some forms, the absolute time is a Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, value at which the validity period has expired.

[0166] In some modalities, the method also involves accessing the communication network using the geolocation correction obtained.

[0167] In some modalities, the method also includes Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 289 / 404 45 / 124 determine a pre-compensation timing advance from the geoposition correction. In some embodiments, the method also comprises performing a random access channel transmission using the determined pre-compensation timing advance as part of the communication network access.

[0168] In some modes, the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0169] Figure 5 illustrates a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes determining when a geopositional measurement gap occurs for the communication device based on the time at which the validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid expires (Block 500). The method also includes performing a geopositional measurement when a gap in the geopositional measurement occurs (Block 510). The method also includes updating the geopositional correction of the communication device using a result of the geopositional measurement (Block 520).

[0170] In some embodiments, the method also includes independently determining the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 530).

[0171] In some modalities, determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs involves determining when the geolocation measurement gap begins, based on when the validity period expires.

[0172] Figure 6 illustrates a method performed by a device Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 290 / 404 46 / 124 communication configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes receiving, from the communication network, signaling that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap due to the expiration of a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 600).

[0173] In some embodiments, the method also includes performing a geolocation measurement during a geolocation measurement gap triggered, according to the signaling, by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 610). In some embodiments, the method also includes obtaining a geolocation correction of the communication device using a geolocation measurement result (Block 620).

[0174] In some embodiments, the method also includes determining a pre-compensation timing advance from the geopositional correction position (Block 640). In some embodiments, the method also includes performing a random access channel transmission using the determined pre-compensation timing advance as part of the communication network access (Block 650).

[0175] In some embodiments, the method also includes independently determining the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 660).

[0176] In some modes, according to the signaling, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a gap of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 291 / 404 47 / 124 geolocation measurement is triggered by the expiration of this validity period.

[0177] In some modes, according to the signaling, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0178] In some modalities, according to the signage, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that is repeated periodically a certain number of times, where the signage indicates the number of times.

[0179] In some modalities, the signaling configures how the communication device should determine when the geopositional measurement gap occurs as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0180] In some modes, the signaling sets a start time or an end time for the geolocation measurement gap as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0181] In some modalities, the signaling configures which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points, should be defined based on the time at which the validity period expires. In other modalities, the signaling configures, alternatively or additionally, a displacement between a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap and an expiration time at which the validity period expires, where the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.

[0182] In some modes, the signaling is configured as a gap of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 292 / 404 48 / 124 geolocation measurement should or should not be triggered by the expiration of a validity period that has been extended.

[0183] In some modes, the signaling sets whether or not a geolocation measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid, which expired after the expiration of a geolocation correction validity duration for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0184] In some embodiments, the method also comprises performing a geoposition measurement during a geoposition measurement gap triggered, according to the signaling, by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. In some embodiments, the method also comprises obtaining a geoposition correction of the communication device using a result of the geoposition measurement. In some embodiments, the method also comprises accessing the communication network using the obtained geoposition correction. In some embodiments, the method also comprises determining a pre-compensation timing advance from the geoposition correction.In some embodiments, the method also comprises performing a random access channel transmission using the pre-compensation timing advance determined as part of the communication network access.

[0185] In some modes, the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0186] In some modalities, the signaling is control signaling. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 293 / 404 49 / 124 radio resource or access control signaling medium.

[0187] Figure 7 illustrates a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes reporting to the communication network a validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid, as defined from a reference time (Block 700). In some modalities, the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed by the communication device.

[0188] In some modalities, the reference point is a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other modalities, the reference point is an offset from the start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0189] In some embodiments, the method also includes independently determining the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 710).

[0190] Figure 8 illustrates a method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes reporting to the communication network an absolute expiration time of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid (Block 800).

[0191] In some modalities, absolute time is a value of Time Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 294 / 404 50 / 124 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for which the validity period has expired.

[0192] In some embodiments, the communication device is an Internet of Things (IoT) NTN user equipment.

[0193] In some embodiments, the communication device is in the connected state of radio resource control, RRC.

[0194] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered while the communication device is in the resource control connected state, RRC.

[0195] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurement. In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap, and the geoposition correction is a GNSS positioning correction.

[0196] In some embodiments, the method also includes independently determining the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 810).

[0197] Figure 9 illustrates a method performed by a network node in a communication network according to other specific modalities. In some modalities, the method includes transmitting to the communication device signaling indicating that, or if, the expiration of a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid triggers a geoposition measurement gap (Block 950).

[0198] In some embodiments, the method also includes transmitting to the communication device a measurement gap configuration that sets up the geopositional measurement gap (Block 940). Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 295 / 404 51 / 124

[0199] In some forms, the method also includes receiving, from the communication device, a report stating the validity period as defined from a reference time (Block 955).

[0200] In some modalities, the method also includes receiving, from the communication device, a report that reports an absolute expiration time of the validity period (Block 960).

[0201] In some embodiments, the method includes determining a geolocation measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of a communication device is valid (Block 900). In some embodiments, the method also includes determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires (Block 920).

[0202] In some modalities, the method also includes restricting the scheduling of transmissions to or from the communication device during the geolocation measurement gap (Block 905).

[0203] In some embodiments, the method also comprises determining that the geolocation measurement gap is triggered, based on a rule or configuration that specifies that, each time a validity duration for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration. In some embodiments, the communication device is pre-configured with the rule or configuration. In some embodiments, the method also comprises transmitting the rule or configuration to the communication device.

[0204] In some modalities, each time a validity period Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 296 / 404 52 / 124, for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0205] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0206] In some embodiments, the geolocation measurement gap is a periodic geolocation measurement gap that is repeated periodically several times. In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises transmitting, to the communication device, a signal indicating the number of times.

[0207] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires. In some embodiments, determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs comprises determining when a reference point of the geolocation measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires. In some embodiments, the reference point of the geolocation measurement gap is a start time or an end time of the geolocation measurement gap. In some embodiments, the reference point of the geolocation measurement gap is a midpoint of the geolocation measurement gap. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating which reference point of the geolocation measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points of the gap, Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 297 / 404 53 / 124 Geopositional measurement, the communication device must determine based on when the validity period expires. In some embodiments, determining when the geopositional measurement gap reference point occurs involves determining an expiration time as the time at which the validity period expires. In some embodiments, determining when the geopositional measurement gap reference point occurs involves determining the reference point by compensating for the expiration time with an offset. In some embodiments, the method further involves transmitting a signal indicating the offset to the communication device. In some embodiments, the offset indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating whether the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time the reference point occurs or indicates how long after the expiration time the reference point occurs.

[0208] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting to the communication device a measurement gap configuration that sets the geolocation measurement gap. In some embodiments, the measurement gap configuration sets whether or not the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid. In some embodiments, the measurement gap configuration sets the timing of the geolocation measurement gap as a function of the expiration time of the validity period. In some embodiments, the configuration of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 298 / 404 The 54 / 124 measurement gap setting includes an initial gap offset time, which indicates an offset between the time the measurement gap begins and the time the validity period expires. In some embodiments, the measurement gap setting includes a validity period, which indicates the period during which the measurement gap setting is valid.

[0209] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0210] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating that an initial validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid must be extended, and the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period.

[0211] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0212] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a communication device timing advance is valid, where the timing advance validity duration expires after a geoposition correction validity duration for which a communication device geoposition correction is valid expires.

[0213] In some embodiments, the method additionally comprises transmitting, to the communication device, signaling indicating Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 299 / 404 55 / 124 that, or if, the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid triggers a geolocation measurement gap.

[0214] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the communication device, a report stating the validity period, as defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In some embodiments, the reference point is a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other embodiments, the reference point is an offset from a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0215] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the communication device, a report that reports the absolute time of expiry of the validity period. In some embodiments, the absolute time is a value of Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, at which the validity period has expired.

[0216] In some modes, the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0217] Figure 10 illustrates a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes determining when a geolocation measurement gap occurs for a communication device based on the time validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 300 / 404 56 / 124 is valid and expires (Block 1000). The method also includes restricting the scheduling of transmissions to or from the communication device during the geolocation measurement gap (Block 1010).

[0218] In some modalities, determining when the geolocation measurement gap occurs involves determining when the geolocation measurement gap begins, based on when the validity period expires.

[0219] Figure 11 illustrates a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes transmitting, to a communication device, a signal that configures or activates the triggering of a geoposition measurement gap by expiring a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid (Block 1100).

[0220] In some modes, according to the signaling, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0221] In some modes, according to the signaling, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that occurs periodically each time a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0222] In some modalities, according to the signage, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that repeats periodically a certain number of times, in which the Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 301 / 404 57 / 124 indicates the number of times.

[0223] In some modalities, the signaling configures how the communication device should determine when the geopositional measurement gap occurs as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0224] In some modes, the signaling sets a start time or an end time for the geopositional measurement gap as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0225] In some modalities, the signaling configures which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points, should be defined based on the time at which the validity period expires. In other modalities, the signaling configures, alternatively or additionally, a displacement between a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap and an expiration time at which the validity period expires, where the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.

[0226] In some modes, the signaling determines whether or not a geolocation measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a validity period that has been extended.

[0227] In some modes, the signaling sets whether or not a geolocation measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid, which expired after the expiration of a geolocation correction validity duration for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0228] In some modes, the communication network is a non-communication network. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 302 / 404 58 / 124 terrestrial, NTN.

[0229] In some modes, the signaling is radio resource control signaling or medium access control signaling.

[0230] Figure 12 describes a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes receiving, from a communication device, a report that reports a validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid, as defined from a reference time (Block 1200).

[0231] In some modalities, the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed by the communication device.

[0232] In some modalities, the reference point is a start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed. In other modalities, the reference point is an offset from the start or end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0233] Figure 13 illustrates a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network according to other specific modalities. The method includes receiving, from a communication device, a report that reports the absolute expiration time of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid (Block 1300).

[0234] In some modalities, absolute time is a value of Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, at which the validity period has expired. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 303 / 404 59 / 124

[0235] In some embodiments, the communication device is an Internet of Things (IoT) NTN user equipment.

[0236] In some embodiments, the communication device is in the connected state of radio resource control, RRC.

[0237] In some modes, the geolocation measurement gap is triggered while the communication device is in the resource control connected state, RRC.

[0238] In some modalities, the geoposition measurement is a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, measurement. In some modalities, the geoposition measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap, and the geoposition correction is a GNSS positioning correction.

[0239] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to autonomously determine the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0240] The embodiments described in this document also include corresponding devices. The embodiments described in this document, for example, include a communication device 18 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for communication device 18.

[0241] The embodiments also include a communication device 18 comprising a set of processing circuits and a set of power supply circuits. The set of processing circuits is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 18. The set of power supply circuits is configured to supply power to Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 304 / 404 60 / 124 communication device 18.

[0242] The embodiments additionally include a communication device 18 comprising a set of processing circuits. The set of processing circuits is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 18. In some embodiments, the communication device 18 additionally comprises a set of communication circuits.

[0243] The embodiments additionally include a communication device 18 comprising a processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the communication device 18 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 18.

[0244] The embodiments additionally include a user equipment (UE). The UE comprises an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also comprises a set of radio front-end circuits connected to the antenna and the processing circuit set, and configured to condition the signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit set. The processing circuit set is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 18. In some embodiments, the UE also comprises an input interface connected to the processing circuit set and configured to allow information to be entered into the UE to be processed by the processing circuit set. The UE may comprise an output interface connected to the processing circuit set and configured to transmit Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 305 / 404 61 / 124 information from the UE that was processed by the processing circuitry. The UE may also comprise a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0245] The modes described in this document also include a network node 30 configured to perform any of the steps of any of the modes described above for network node 30.

[0246] The embodiments also include a network node 30 comprising a set of processing circuits and a set of power supply circuits. The set of processing circuits is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30. The set of power supply circuits is configured to supply power to the network node 30.

[0247] The embodiments additionally include a network node 30 comprising a set of processing circuits. The set of processing circuits is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30. In some embodiments, the network node 30 additionally comprises a set of communication circuits.

[0248] The embodiments additionally include a network node 30 comprising a processing circuitry and memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the network node 30 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 30.

[0249] More specifically, the devices described above can perform the methods described in this document and any other Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 306 / 404 62 / 124 processing, implementing any functional means, modules, units or circuits. In one embodiment, for example, the devices comprise respective circuits or sets of circuits configured to perform the steps shown in the figures of the method. The circuits or sets of circuits, in this case, may comprise circuits dedicated to performing a specific functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with memory. For example, the circuit may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), purpose-built digital logic and the like.The processing circuitry can be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. The program code stored in memory may include program instructions to perform one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols, as well as instructions to perform one or more of the techniques described in this document, in various embodiments. In embodiments employing memory, the memory stores program code that, when executed by one or more processors, performs the techniques described in this document.

[0250] Figure 14 illustrates, for example, a communication device 18 implemented according to one or more modes. As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a set of processing circuits 1410 and a set of communication circuits 1420. The set of communication circuits 1420 (e.g., a set of radio circuits) is configured to transmit and / or receive information from and Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 307 / 404 63 / 124 for one or more nodes, for example, by means of any communication technology. This communication can occur by means of one or more antennas internal or external to the communication device 1400. In some embodiments, the set of communication circuits 1420 is shared to perform geopositional measurements 38 and for access to the NTN 10. The set of processing circuits 1410 is configured to perform the processing described above, for example, in any of Figures 4 to 8, such as, for example, the execution of instructions stored in memory 1430. The set of processing circuits 1410, in this sense, can implement certain means, units or functional modules.

[0251] Figure 15 illustrates a network node 30 implemented according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the network node 30 includes a set of processing circuits 1510 and a set of communication circuits 1520. The set of communication circuits 1520 is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and from one or more nodes, for example, by means of any communication technology. The set of processing circuits 1510 is configured to perform the processing described above, for example, in any of Figures 9 to 13, such as, for example, executing instructions stored in memory 1530. The set of processing circuits 1510, in this sense, may implement certain means, units or functional modules.

[0252] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the modalities described in this document additionally include corresponding computer programs.

[0253] A computer program comprises instructions that, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform any of the respective processes described. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 308 / 404 64 / 124 above. A computer program, in this sense, may comprise one or more code modules corresponding to the means or units described above.

[0254] The embodiments additionally include a medium containing such a computer program. This medium may comprise an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0255] In this sense, the modalities described in this document also include a computer program product stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium (storage or recording) and comprising instructions that, when performed by a device's processor, cause the device to perform as described above.

[0256] The embodiments additionally include a computer program product comprising portions of program code to perform the steps of any of the embodiments described in this document when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. This computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0257] Figure 16 shows an example of a 1600 communication system according to some modalities.

[0258] In the example, the 1600 communication system includes a 1602 telecommunications network which includes an 1604 access network, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a 1606 core network, which includes one or more 1608 core network nodes. The 1604 access network includes one or more access network nodes, such as 1610a and 1610b network nodes (one or more of which may be generically referred to as 1610 network nodes), or any other similar access nodes of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or access points. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 309 / 404 65 / 124 non-3GPP access. Furthermore, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are provided and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it should be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or parts thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the 1602 telecommunications network includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the 1602 telecommunications network that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance or any similar organization) and may operate alone or in conjunction with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the 1602 telecommunications network, including one or more 1610 network nodes and / or 1608 core network nodes.

[0259] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), an intelligent RAN controller (near real-time or non-real-time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near real-time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real-time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective open designates support for an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification, for example, by supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an A1, F1, W1, E1, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Additionally, an ORAN access node may be a logical node on a physical node.Furthermore, an ORAN network node can be deployed in a virtualization environment (described later) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 310 / 404 For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface defined by the O-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The 1610 network nodes facilitate the direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as connecting the 1612a, 1612b, 1612c, and 1612d UEs (one or more of which may be generically referred to as 1612 UEs) to the 1606 core network via one or more wireless connections.

[0260] Examples of wireless communications via a wireless connection include the transmission and / or reception of wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information without the use of wires, cables, or other conductive materials. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the 1600 communication system may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in data and / or signal communication, whether via wired or wireless connections. The 1600 communication system may include and / or interact with any type of communication, telecommunications, data, cellular, radio, and / or other similar type of system.

[0261] UEs 1612 can be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes 1610 and other communication devices. Similarly, network nodes 1610 are arranged, capable, configured and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with UEs 1612 and / or with other nodes or equipment of the telecommunications network 1602 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 311 / 404 67 / 124 telecommunications network 1602.

[0262] In the example shown, core network 1606 connects network nodes 1610 to one or more hosts, such as host 1616. These connections can be direct or indirect through one or more intermediate networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. Core network 1606 includes one more core network node (for example, core network node 1608) which are structured with hardware and software components. The capabilities of these components may be substantially similar to those described in relation to UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, so their descriptions are generally applicable to the corresponding components of core network node 1608.Examples of core network nodes include functions from one or more of the following: Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Residential Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Signature Identifier Unmasking Function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or User Plane Function (UPF).

[0263] Host 1616 may be owned or controlled by a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 1604 and / or the telecommunications network 1602, and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. Host 1616 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more services. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieval and compilation of data on various environmental conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, functionality Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 312 / 404 68 / 124 analytics, social media, functions to control or otherwise interact with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other similar function performed by a server.

[0264] As a whole, the 1600 communication system in Figure 16 enables connectivity between UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In this sense, the communication system can be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal System for Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the 802.11 (WiFi) standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, LiFi and / or any low-power geographically distributed network (LPWAN) standards, such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0265] In some examples, the 1602 telecommunications network is a cellular network that implements standardized 3GPP attributes. Consequently, the 1602 telecommunications network can support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices connected to the 1602 telecommunications network. For example, the 1602 telecommunications network can provide Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs and / or Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive IoT services to other UEs.

[0266] In some examples, the UEs 1612 are configured for Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 313 / 404 69 / 124 transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a UE can be designed to transmit information to the 1604 access network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the 1604 access network. Additionally, a UE can be configured to operate in single or multiple RAT mode or in multi-pattern mode. For example, a UE can operate with any one or a combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio), and LTE, i.e., be configured for dual multi-radio connectivity (MR-DC), such as New Radio E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0267] In the example, hub 1614 communicates with access network 1604 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1612c and / or 1612d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 1610b). In some examples, hub 1614 may be a controller, router, content and analytics source, or any of the other communication devices described in this document in relation to UEs. For example, hub 1614 may be a broadband router that allows access to core network 1606 for UEs. As another example, hub 1614 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions can be received from UEs, 1610 network nodes, or via executable code, script, process, or other instructions on the 1614 hub. As another example, the 1614 hub can be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, can perform analysis or other processing of the data.As another example, the 1614 hub can be a content source. For instance, for a UE that is a VR headset, a monitor, a speaker, or another media distribution device, the 1614 hub can retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 314 / 404 70 / 124 related to sensory information via a network node, which the 1614 hub then provides to the UE directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In another example, the 1614 hub acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, particularly if one or more UEs are low-power IoT devices.

[0268] Hub 1614 can have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to network node 1610b. Hub 1614 can also allow a different communication scheme and / or scaling between hub 1614 and UEs (e.g., UE 1612c and / or 1612d) and between hub 1614 and core network 1606. In other examples, hub 1614 is connected to core network 1606 and / or to one or more UEs via a wired connection. Additionally, hub 1614 can be configured to connect to an M2M service provider via access network 1604 and / or to another UE via a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs can establish a wireless connection to network nodes 1610 while still connected via hub 1614, either through a wired or wireless connection. In some configurations, hub 1614 may be a dedicated hub – that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from UEs to / from network node 1610b.In other configurations, the 1614 hub may be a non-dedicated hub – that is, a device capable of routing communications between UEs and the 1610b network node, but which is also capable of operating as a starting and / or ending point of communication for certain data channels.

[0269] Figure 17 shows a UE 1700 according to some embodiments. As used in this document, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, organized and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of UEs include, but are not limited to, Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 315 / 404 71 / 124 smartphone, mobile phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback device, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless equipment on customer premises (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle-embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine-type communication (MTC) UE and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0270] A UE can support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing a 3GPP standard for side-link communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale or operation by a human user, but which may not be, or may not initially be, associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale or operation by an end user, but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart energy meter).

[0271] The UE 1700 includes a set of processing circuits 1702 which is operationally coupled via a bus 1704 to an input / output interface 1706, a power supply 1708, a memory Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 316 / 404 72 / 124 1710, a 1712 communication interface and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may use all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 17. The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. In addition, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0272] The 1702 processing circuitry is configured to process instructions and data and can be configured to implement any operational sequential state machine to execute stored instructions as machine-readable computer programs in memory 1710. The 1702 processing circuitry can be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the foregoing. For example, the 1702 processing circuitry may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0273] In the example, the 1706 input / output interface can be configured to provide one or more interfaces for an input device, an output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of output devices include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 317 / 404 73 / 124 capture information in the UE 1700. Examples of input devices include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional keyboard, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to detect user input. A sensor may be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide both an input and an output device.

[0274] In some embodiments, the 1708 power source is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a power cell, may be used. The 1708 power source may additionally include a power circuit assembly to deliver power from the 1708 power source itself and / or from an external power source to the various parts of the UE 1700 via an input circuit assembly or an interface, such as an electrical power cable. Power delivery may be, for example, for charging the 1708 power source. The power circuit assembly may perform any shaping, conversion, or other modification to the power from the 1708 power source to make the power suitable for the respective UE 1700 components to which the power is delivered.

[0275] Memory 1710 can be configured to include memories Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 318 / 404 74 / 124 as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, pen drives, and so on. In one example, memory 1710 includes one or more application programs 1714, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and the corresponding data 1716. Memory 1710 may store, for use by UE 1700, any one of a variety of operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0276] The 1710 memory can be configured to include various physical storage units, such as redundant independent disk array (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external in-line minidual memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smart card memory, such as a tamper-resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof.The UICC can be, for example, an embedded UICC (eUICC), an integrated UICC (iUICC), or a removable UICC, commonly known as a SIM card. Memory 1710 can allow UE 1700 to access instructions, application programs, and the like, stored in transient or non-transient memory media, to download or load data. A manufacturing article, such as... Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 319 / 404 75 / 124 one that uses a communication system, can be incorporated tangibly as or in memory 1710, which can be or comprise a storage medium readable by the device.

[0277] The processing circuitry 1702 can be configured to communicate with an access network or another network using the communication interface 1712. The communication interface 1712 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1722. The communication interface 1712 may include one or more transceivers used for communication, for example, communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1718 and / or a receiver 1720 suitable for providing network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth).Furthermore, the 1718 transmitter and the 1720 receiver can be coupled to one or more antennas (for example, the 1722 antenna) and can share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively, be implemented separately.

[0278] In the embodiment illustrated, the communication functions of the 1712 communication interface may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine a location, other similar communication functions, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in accordance with one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Access by Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 320 / 404 76 / 124 Code Division Multiplexing (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiplexing Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so on.

[0279] Regardless of the sensor type, a UE can provide an output of data captured by its sensors, via its 1712 communication interface, through a wireless connection to a network node. The data captured by the sensors of a UE can be communicated via a wireless connection to a network node through another UE. The output can be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if reporting detected temperature), random (e.g., to balance the reporting load from multiple sensors), in response to a trigger event (e.g., when humidity is detected, an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user-initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0280] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input, the states of the actuator, motor, or switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input, or a robotic arm that performs a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0281] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, can be a device for use in one or more application domains, Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 321 / 404 77 / 124 these domains including, but not limited to, urban wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an IoT device are a device that is or is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice-controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / humidity sensor, an electric lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system such as a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a climate monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smartwatch, a fitness tracker,A head-mounted display for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), a wearable device for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal or item tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any type of medical device, such as a heart rate monitor or a remotely controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an IoT device comprises a set of circuits and / or software depending on the intended application of the IoT device, in addition to other components, as described in relation to the UE 1700 shown in Figure 17.

[0282] As another specific example, in an IoT scenario, a UE can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE can, in this case, be Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 322 / 404 78 / 124 is an M2M device, which, in a 3GPP context, can be called an MTC device. As a specific example, the UE can implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE can represent a vehicle, such as a car, bus, truck, ship, or airplane, or other equipment capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0283] In practice, any number of UEs can be used together in relation to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated into a drone and provide the drone's speed information (obtained via a speed sensor) to a second UE, which is a remote controller that operates the drone. When the user makes changes to the remote controller, the first UE can adjust the drone's throttle (e.g., by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone's speed. The first and / or second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might understand the sensor and the actuator and manage data communication for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0284] Figure 18 shows an 1800 network node according to some embodiments. As used in this document, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, organized and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment in a telecommunications network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, B nodes, evolved B nodes (eNBs) and NR B nodes (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0285] Base stations can be categorized based on Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 323 / 404 79 / 124 The amount of coverage they provide (or, put another way, their transmission power level) and therefore, depending on the amount of coverage provided, they may be called femtobase stations, picobase stations, microbase stations, or macrobase stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node), and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes called Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). These remote radio units may or may not be integrated into an antenna as an antenna-integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be called nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0286] Other examples of network nodes include 5G multi-transmission point (multi-TRP) access nodes, multi-standard radio equipment (MSR) such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multicellular / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), operation and maintenance (O&M) nodes, operations support system (OSS) nodes, self-organized network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., evolved service mobile location centers (E-SMLCs)) and / or drive test minimization (MDTs).

[0287] The 1800 network node includes a set of 1802 processing circuits, 1804 memory, 1806 communication interface, and 1808 power supply. The 1800 network node may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a Node B component and an RNC component, or a BTS component and a component). Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 324 / 404 80 / 124 of BSC, etc.), which may have their own components. In certain scenarios where the 1800 network node comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among multiple network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple B Nodes. In this scenario, each unique B Node and RNC pair may, in some cases, be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the 1800 network node may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate 1804 memory for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same 1810 antenna may be shared by different RATs).The 1800 network node may also include multiple sets of the various components illustrated for different wireless technologies integrated into the 1800 network node, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same chip or a different set of chips and other components within the 1800 network node.

[0288] The 1802 processing circuitry may comprise a combination of one or more microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, central processing units, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or any other suitable computing device, feature, or combination of operable hardware, software, and / or coded logic to provide, alone or in conjunction with other 1800 network node components, such as 1804 memory, the functionality of the 1800 network node.

[0289] In some sports, the set of circuits of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 325 / 404 81 / 124 1802 processing includes a system-on-a-chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the 1802 processing circuitry includes one or more 1812 radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuits and 1814 baseband processing circuitry. In some embodiments, the 1812 radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry and the 1814 baseband processing circuitry may be on separate chips (or chip assemblies), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of the 1812 RF transceiver circuitry and the 1814 baseband processing circuitry may be on the same chip or chip assemblies, boards, or units.

[0290] 1804 memory may comprise any form of computer-readable volatile or non-volatile memory, including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a flash drive, a compact disc (CD), or a digital video disc (DVD)), and / or any other device-readable and / or computer-executable volatile or non-volatile, non-transient memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the 1802 processing circuitry.Memory 1804 can store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1802 and used by the network node 1800. Memory 1804 can be used to store... Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 326 / 404 82 / 124 any calculations performed by the processing circuitry 1802 and / or any data received through the communication interface 1806. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1802 and the memory 1804 are integrated.

[0291] The 1806 communication interface is used for wired or wireless signaling and / or data communication between a network node, an access network, and / or a UE. As illustrated, the 1806 communication interface comprises 1816 port(s) / terminal(s) for sending and receiving data, for example, to and from a network via a wired connection. The 1806 communication interface also includes a set of 1818 radio front-end circuits that can be coupled to the 1810 antenna or, in certain embodiments, a part thereof. The radio front-end circuit assembly 1818 comprises filters 1820 and amplifiers 1822. The radio front-end circuit assembly 1818 can be connected to an antenna 1810 and to the processing circuit assembly 1802. The radio front-end circuit assembly can be configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna 1810 and the processing circuit assembly 1802.The radio front-end circuit assembly 1818 can receive digital data that must be sent to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuit assembly 1818 can convert the digital data into a radio signal with the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1820 and / or amplifiers 1822. The radio signal can then be transmitted by antenna 1810. Similarly, upon receiving data, antenna 1810 can collect radio signals that are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuit assembly 1818. The digital data can be passed to the processing circuit assembly 1802. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different... Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 327 / 404 83 / 124 component combinations.

[0292] In certain alternative embodiments, network node 1800 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1818; instead, processing circuitry 1802 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to antenna 1810. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or part of RF transceiver circuitry 1812 is part of communication interface 1806. In other embodiments, communication interface 1806 includes one or more ports or terminals 1816, radio front-end circuitry 1818, and RF transceiver circuitry 1812 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and communication interface 1806 communicates with baseband processing circuitry 1814, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0293] The 1810 antenna may include one or more antennas, or arrays of antennas, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The 1810 antenna may be coupled to the 1818 radio front-end circuitry and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving wireless data and / or signals. In certain embodiments, the 1810 antenna is separate from the 1800 network node and may be connected to it via an interface or port.

[0294] Antenna 1810, communication interface 1806 and / or processing circuitry 1802 can be configured to perform any reception operations and / or certain acquisition operations described in this document as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals can be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 1810, communication interface 1806 and / or processing circuitry 1802 can be configured to perform Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 328 / 404 84 / 124 any transmission operations described in this document as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0295] The 1808 power source provides power to the various components of the 1800 network node in a format suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current level required for each component). The 1808 power source may further comprise, or be coupled to, a set of power management circuits to supply the components of the 1800 network node with power to perform the functionality described in this document. For example, the 1800 network node may be connected to an external power source (e.g., the mains power, an electrical outlet) via a set of input circuits or an interface, such as an electrical cable, through which the external power source supplies power to the power source circuitry of the 1808 power source.As a further example, the 1808 power source may comprise a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack that is connected to or integrated into the power source circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0296] The 1800 network node configurations may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 18 to provide certain aspects of the network node's functionality, including any of the functionalities described in this document and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described in this document. For example, the 1800 network node may include user interface equipment to allow information to be entered into the 1800 network node and information to be output from the network node. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 329 / 404 85 / 124 1800. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the 1800 network node.

[0297] Figure 19 is a block diagram illustrating a 1900 virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some modalities can be virtualized. In the present context, virtualization means creating virtual versions of appliances or devices, which may include virtualization hardware platforms, storage devices, and network resources. As used in this document, virtualization can be applied to any device described in this document, or components thereof, and refers to an implementation in which at least some of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described in this document may be implemented as virtual components running on one or more virtual machines (VMs) deployed in one or more 1900 virtual environments hosted by one or more hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device operating as a network node, UE, core network node, or host.Furthermore, in modes where the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (for example, a core or host network node), the node can be fully virtualized. In some modes, the 1900 virtualization environment includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Orchestration and Management Framework via an O-2 interface.

[0298] 1902 applications (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual devices, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the Q400 virtualization environment to implement some of the attributes, functions and / or benefits of some of the modalities disclosed in this document. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 330 / 404 86 / 124

[0299] 1904 hardware includes a processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by the hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices, as described in this document, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more 1906 virtualization layers (also called hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide 1908a and 1908b VMs (one or more of which may be generically called 1908 VMs), and / or perform any of the functions, features, and / or benefits described in relation to some embodiments described in this document. The 1906 virtualization layer may present a virtual operating platform that resembles network hardware for the 1908 VMs.

[0300] VMs 1908 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual network or interface, and virtual storage, and may be implemented by a corresponding virtualization layer 1906. Different instance modes of a virtual device 1902 may be implemented in one or more VMs 1908, and implementations may be done in different ways. Hardware virtualization is, in some contexts, called Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate various types of network equipment into industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which may be located in data centers and on-premises equipment at the customer's site.

[0301] In the context of NFV, a 1908 VM can be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were running on a non-virtualized physical machine. Each of the VMs Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 331 / 404 87 / 124 1908 and the 1904 hardware portion that runs the VM, whether dedicated hardware for that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with other VMs, form separate virtual network elements. Also within the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for managing specific network functions that run on one or more 1908 VMs on 1904 hardware and correspond to the 1902 application.

[0302] 1904 hardware can be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. 1904 hardware can implement some functions through virtualization. Alternatively, 1904 hardware can be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., in a data center or CPE), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed by 1910 management and orchestration, which, among other things, oversees the lifecycle management of 1902 applications. In some embodiments, 1904 hardware is coupled to one or more radio units, each including one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that can be coupled to one or more antennas. The radio units can communicate directly with other hardware nodes through one or more appropriate network interfaces and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station.In some embodiments, some signaling may be provided using a 1912 control system, which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0303] Although the computing devices described in this document (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 332 / 404 88 / 124 components. It should be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software necessary to perform the tasks, attributes, functions, and methods disclosed in this document. The determination, calculation, obtaining, or similar operations described in this document may be performed by a set of processing circuits, which may process information, for example, by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained or converted information with the information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained or converted information and, as a result of this processing, making a determination.Furthermore, although the components are represented as single boxes located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned among separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described in this document, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of these components may be implemented in software or firmware, and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0304] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionalities described in this document may be provided by a set of processing circuits that execute instructions stored in memory, which, in certain embodiments, may be a product of a computer program in Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 333 / 404 89 / 124 form of a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as via a wired connection. In either of these specific embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry or other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole and / or by end users and by a wireless network in general.

[0305] Consider now an example of the contribution of 3GPP standards with the aim of discussing certain aspects disclosed in this document. INTRODUCTION

[0306] This document provides insights into enhanced GNSS operation for Internet of Things (IoT) NTN. Enhanced GNSS Operation for IoT NTN

[0307] The following subsections include various views on different aspects related to GNSS. 2.1 Closed-loop time and frequency correction

[0308] In previous RAN1 meetings, the following agreements were made regarding closed-loop timing and frequency correction. Agreement

[0309] Closed-loop timing and frequency correction, with potential improvements, for IoT-NTN is considered to reduce the need for Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 334 / 404 90 / 124 the EU update the GNSS position during long connection times. Agreement

[0310] At least for the case where the frequency error is within the frequency error requirements, study the mechanisms and conditions to allow UL transmission after the expiration of the original GNSS validity period without GNSS reacquisition for some period. • FFS: with legacy closed-loop timing correction or enhanced closed-loop timing correction • This mechanism is enabled / configured by eNB

[0311] In NTN, a UE can autonomously adjust its timing, provided it has a valid GNSS position. Closed-loop timing correction is already supported in NTN, as well as in terrestrial eMTC / NB-IoT. A key question is whether the existing timing advance (TA) maintenance procedure is sufficient to maintain the timing of a moving UE in NTN IoT. To address this, remember that the additional timing uncertainty in NTN arises from a) satellite motion and b) UE motion. An IoT NTN UE is expected to apply segmented uplink precompensation to account for the timing drift due to satellite motion. Therefore, for the sake of argument, let's assume a worst-case TA error due to satellite motion of 0.39 ps (i.e., 12*Ts where Ts = 32.55 ns) for an eMTC UE.We note that this value is an upper limit for the maximum possible TA error due to satellite motion at the end of an uplink transmission segment, assuming the UE is stationary and the satellite contributes to a worst-case TA deviation of 100 μs / s. We note that, for NTN NR, RAN4 relaxed the initial transmission timing error requirement from 12*Ts to 29*Ts to account for errors in satellite / UE positions. If we assume a... Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 335 / 404 91 / 124 similar relaxation for eMTC NTN (which has a minimum transmission timing error requirement of 12*Ts on terrestrial networks), the net timing error due to satellite / UE movement needs to be within 17*Ts for eMTC NTN. Assuming a worst-case TA error of 12*Ts due to satellite movement at the end of a transmission segment, there remain 5*Ts (0.16 ps) to account for the TA error due to UE mobility. In Table 2, we provide the time up to which the UE can meet the uplink transmission timing error budget for various UE speeds. The TA error rate due to UE mobility is estimated for LEO at 600 km and an elevation angle of 30 degrees. Table 2 Impact of EU mobility on timing error requirements for eMTC NTN. EU speed TA error rate due to EU mobility only TA error due to satellite motion only Time to reach 17*Ts timing error limit 3 km / h 0.00467 μs / s 0.39 ps 34.3 s 60 km / h 0.0967 μs / s 0.39 με 1.65 s 120 km / h 0.193 jtzs / s 0.39 ps 0.83 s

[0312] Without closed-loop timing correction, Table 2 shows that, at 3 km / h, the UE may need to correct its timing to compensate for the TA error due to UE mobility, either through a TA command (TAC) or by updating its GNSS after 34 s. At 120 km / h, such intervention will be necessary every 0.83 s. Note that in this analysis, we assume that the UE already corrects its timing on each segment to compensate for the TA error due to satellite movement. In conclusion, the existing closed-loop timing control mechanism is sufficient to handle the uncertainty in the UE's position.

[0313] Note 1 The existing TAC mechanism is sufficient for Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 336 / 404 92 / 124 resolve the timing error due to the incorrect position of the UE on the NTN lot. Improvements to enable UL transmission despite the expiration of the GNSS validity period.

[0314] Minor improvements to the closed-loop mechanism may be necessary to enable energy-efficient operation that avoids GNSS position correction. For example, the network should be able to indicate to the UE whether it can continue transmitting on the uplink even if the GNSS position validity has expired. This is essential because the function of the closed-loop timing control is to reduce the need for GNSS reacquisition – therefore, even if the GNSS position is invalid, the network can continue sending TACs to help the UE maintain its synchronization on the uplink. In line with the latest RAN1 agreement, we propose the following:

[0315] Proposal 1 eNB to indicate a time duration X for an NTN UE IoT in connected mode, so that the UE can continue its uplink transmission for a time duration X after the GNSS validity duration expires.

[0316] We note that it is up to RAN2 to develop specifications to support the above proposal, minimizing the impact of the specification. For example, this can be achieved by extending the validity period of GNSS and / or introducing a new validity period parameter during which the UE can transmit. UE-specific timing deviation

[0317] Furthermore, if the network relies exclusively on TACs to correct UE timing before or after the GNSS position validity expires, the signaling overhead could be very high due to the large timing deviation. A potential solution is to allow the UE Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 337 / 404 93 / 124 calculates its TA values ​​(until a new TAC is received) based on the service link and common TA deviation parameters, where parameters related to service link deviation can be tracked by the UE or indicated by the network. This semi-autonomous approach can help reduce signaling overhead, as fewer TACs will be needed; and the UE does not need to perform a GNSS position correction to correct its timing.

[0318] For IoT NTN, it is possible for a network to transmit deviation parameters for common TAs. If the network additionally indicates UE-specific timing deviation parameters for the TA to a UE in connected mode, it may allow the UE to update its TA values ​​appropriately (until a new TAC is received) to compensate for its inaccurate GNSS position.

[0319] Proposal 2 Network to optionally indicate UE-specific timing deviation parameters for an IoT NTN UE in connected mode.

[0320] Proposal 3 After the GNSS position expires in connected mode, an IoT NTN UE uses UE-specific deviation information (in addition to common TA parameters) to calculate TA values ​​before receiving the next TA command.

[0321] Unlike the closed-loop TA mechanism, the closed-loop frequency adjustment (FA) mechanism is not currently supported. Based on results reported by proponents of closed-loop FA, it appears that the frequency error in IoT NTN is comparable to that of terrestrial networks, except in some extreme cases. Therefore, we do not see a great need to design and introduce a new closed-loop FA signaling mechanism for IoT NTN. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 338 / 404 94 / 124

[0322] Proposal 4 The closed-loop frequency correction mechanism should not be specified unless absolutely necessary. 2.2 GNSS Acquisition in Connected Mode

[0323] In RAN1#109-e, it was concluded that an IoT NTN UE may need to reacquire a GNSS position during a long connection. Furthermore, RAN1 made the following agreements in this regard. Agreement

[0324] At least the following options can be considered in connected GNSS measurement for potential improvements in GNSS operations: • Option 1: UE reacquires GNSS position correction during RLF procedure • Option 2: UE reacquires GNSS position with a new gap.

[0325] Note: this does not imply that an IoT NTN UE Rel-18 is required to support one or both options. Agreement

[0326] Further study on whether there is a need for potential improvements in the following for long connection time • EU-triggered GNSS measurement. • GNSS measurement triggered by network. Agreement

[0327] Support for eNB to trigger the UE at least aperiodically to make GNSS measurements. Agreement

[0328] If the eNB periodically triggers the UE to take GNSS measurements, a MAC CE will be used. Agreement Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 339 / 404 95 / 124

[0329] For GNSS measurement in connected RRC, if the eNB periodically triggers the connected UE to perform GNSS measurement, the UE may reacquire GNSS position correction with a gap. • FFS details regarding gap configuration Agreement

[0330] The UE can autonomously reacquire GNSS (when configured by the network) if the UE does not receive the eNB trigger to perform the GNSS measurement. • Time-based FFS (Field Flight Simulator) Agreement

[0331] When the GNSS measurement gap begins, which is triggered aperiodically by the eNB with MAC CE, RAN1 can select one of the following alternatives: • Alt 1: the start time must be at n+ X, where n is the end of the MAC CE receiving subframe / slot or FFS: details of X, for example, predefined value or configured value.

[0332] Alt 2: the start time should be based on the validity period of the current GNSS with or without delay Agreement

[0333] With regard to the length of the GNSS measurement gap, which is triggered aperiodically by the eNB, the gap duration must be equal to or greater than the most recent GNSS position correction time duration reported by the UE.

[0334] FFS: whether the gap duration is set by the eNB or whether the gap duration is equal to the last reported GNSS position correction time duration. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 340 / 404 96 / 124 Aperiodic triggering of GNSS measurement

[0335] We believe it is up to RAN2 to judge the merits of using CE and / or RRC MAC signaling to trigger GNSS measurements. RAN1 has already agreed to use a CE MAC to trigger GNSS measurements. For example, a CE MAC that triggers the UE to perform GNSS measurements means that the UE will interrupt PUCCH / PUSCH transmission and PDCCH / PDSCH reception to instead perform a GNSS measurement. This is a major security risk: if an attacker sends this triggering CE MAC, the UE will interrupt communication and disappear from the network's point of view.

[0336] Note 2 Using MAC CE to trigger UEs to acquire GNSS position correction brings a great security risk.

[0337] Therefore, we should also allow RRC signaling to trigger the UE to initiate GNSS position acquisition for safety reasons – which will also increase the reliability of the signaling with only a small increase in delay compared to a MAC CE. The use of RRC also has the advantage that, when the report is ready to be transmitted, an SR / BSR will be triggered if the UE does not have a grant available – which would be a problem if the UE reported only via MAC CE.

[0338] Note 3 Using RRC to report GNSS validity duration and GNSS position correction time duration will trigger SR / BSR when reports are ready, whereas a MAC CE will not trigger SR / BSR. Additionally, RRC is more secure and can reuse existing IE gnssvalidityDuration for reporting.

[0339] We believe that RAN1 should also agree to support RRC signaling to facilitate an unbiased technical discussion in RAN2. Otherwise, the discussion in RAN2 will become ineffective due to RAN1's ​​agreement. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 341 / 404 97 / 124 on a topic that falls within the competence of RAN2. Therefore, we propose the following:

[0340] Proposal 5 If the eNB periodically triggers the UE to take GNSS measurements, RRC signaling will be used. GNSS measurement trigger time

[0341] RAN1 listed two alternatives for the GNSS gap trigger time. We believe Alt 1 should be agreed upon, where X can be a configurable value. As for Alt 2, we believe that once the timer-based mechanism is implemented, this will already be supported if no GNSS measurement gap trigger is received by the UE. GNSS measurement gap length

[0342] Before accessing the network, the UE already has a valid GNSS position. If the GNSS position correction is performed at least every 4 hours, it will normally correspond to a warm initialization. As a result, we need to focus primarily on warm initialization when specifying the possible values ​​for the GNSS gap duration. However, due to the UE's mobility, there may be scenarios where a warm initialization is necessary. Therefore, we present the following proposal.

[0343] Proposal 6 Network to configure the GNSS measurement gap duration from the following set of values: {1, 2, 5, X} seconds, where X is FFS. GNSS measurements during C-XRD

[0344] RAN1 has already agreed to support network-triggered GNSS measurements, which can be performed using GNSS measurement gaps. Additionally, it may be possible for a UE to obtain a fixed position during the connected-mode discontinuous reception idle mode (C-DRX). We believe it is more appropriate to conduct the discussion related to C-DRX on RAN2. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 342 / 404 98 / 124

[0345] Proposal 7 The discussion on support for GNSS measurements triggered by UE during C-DRX standby mode should be left for RAN2. 2.3 GNSS Assistance Information

[0346] In Rel-18 WI over loT NTN, RAN1 made the following agreements for GNSS assistance information. Agreement

[0347] The GNSS assistance information that the EU reports to the eNB consists of at least: • GNSS position correction time for measurement • GNSS validity period. Agreement

[0348] When the eNB triggers the UE to make GNSS measurements, the UE reacquires the GNSS position correction. • FFS signaling details • FFS as the UE reports GNSS assistance information after eNB triggering and detailed content • Note: discuss in more detail whether a UE is expected to handle all eNB triggers. Agreement

[0349] The UE reports the GNSS position correction time duration for measurement at least during the initial access stage. - Which message carries this information? Is it the responsibility of RAN2? Agreement

[0350] In connected mode, the UE can report the GNSS validation duration with the MAC CE. Agreement Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 343 / 404 99 / 124

[0351] The UE reports only one GNSS position correction time duration for GNSS measurement, at least when switching to the RRC connected state. Agreement

[0352] The following alternatives can be considered to inform the eNB of the success of the GNSS measurement on the UE side after the GNSS measurement on the connected RRC. • Alt-1: The UE will report the new GNSS validity period • Alt-2: Receipt of any UL transmission from the UE on the eNB after GNSS measurement [ 0353] When a UE reacquires GNSS position in connected mode, it must report GNSS assistance information, allowing RAN2 to decide whether to use MAC or RRC for signaling. At least the GNSS validity period must always be reported after GNSS reacquisition.

[0354] Proposal 8 A UE in connected mode must always report its GNSS validity period after GNSS reacquisition.

[0355] It is essential that the network knows the UE's most recent GNSS validity period so that it can properly set up a GNSS measurement gap. We expect the UE to report the GNSS validity period after each GNSS position correction, regardless of whether it changes or not. It is also a simple way to indicate the success of the GNSS measurement to the eNB.

[0356] Proposal 9 If the eNB receives the EU GNSS validity period, it concludes that the last EU GNSS measurement was successful.

[0357] Finally, we also need to discuss the reporting format for the GNSS measurement time duration. Before accessing the network, the UE already has a valid GNSS position. If the GNSS position correction is done by Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 344 / 404 100 / 124 minus every 4 hours, this corresponds to a warm start. As a result, we need to focus primarily on the warm start when specifying the GNSS measurement duration format for IoT NTN. However, due to EU mobility, there may be scenarios where a warm start is necessary. Therefore, we present the following proposal.

[0358] Proposal 10 EU to report the GNSS measurement time duration in connected mode using a 2-bit field from the following set of values: {1, 2, 5, X} seconds, where X is FFS.

[0359] We only support reporting one value for the GNSS position correction time duration. Otherwise, if multiple values ​​are reported by the UE, the eNB will not know which value to use when setting up a GNSS measurement gap for the UE.

[0360] Proposal 11 The UE reports only one value (from the set of possible values) for the GNSS measurement time duration in the connected RRC state. CONCLUSION

[0361] Based on the discussion in the previous section, we made the following observations:

[0362] Note 1 The existing TAC mechanism is sufficient to resolve the timing error due to the incorrect UE position in IoT NTN.

[0363] Note 2 Using MAC CE to trigger UEs to acquire GNSS position correction brings a great security risk.

[0364] Note 3 Using RRC to report GNSS validity duration and GNSS position correction time duration will trigger SR / BSR when reports are ready, whereas a MAC CE will not trigger SR / BSR. Additionally, RRC is more secure and can reuse existing IE gnssvalidityDuration for reporting. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 345 / 404 101 / 124

[0365] Based on the discussion in the previous sections, we propose the following:

[0366] Proposal 1 eNB to indicate a time duration X for an IoT NTN UE in connected mode, so that the UE can continue its uplink transmission for a time duration X after the GNSS validity duration expires.

[0367] Proposal 2 Network to optionally indicate UE-specific timing deviation parameters for an IoT NTN UE in connected mode.

[0368] Proposal 3 After the GNSS position expires in connected mode, an IoT NTN UE should use UE-specific deviation information (in addition to common TA parameters) to calculate TA values ​​before receiving the next TA command.]

[0369] Proposal 4 The closed-loop frequency correction mechanism should not be specified unless absolutely necessary.

[0370] Proposal 5 If the eNB periodically triggers the UE to take GNSS measurements, RRC signaling will be used.

[0371] Proposal 6 Network to configure the GNSS measurement gap duration from the following set of values: {1, 2, 5, X} seconds, where X is FFS.

[0372] Proposal 7 The discussion on support for GNSS measurements triggered by UE during C-DRX standby mode should be left for RAN2.

[0373] Proposal 8 A UE in connected mode must always report its GNSS validity period after GNSS reacquisition.

[0374] Proposal 9 If the eNB receives the EU GNSS validity period, it concludes that the last EU GNSS measurement was successful. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 346 / 404 102 / 124

[0375] Proposal 10 EU to report its GNSS measurement time duration in connected mode using a 2-bit field from the following set of values: {1, 2, 5, X} seconds, where X is FFS.

[0376] Proposal 11 EU reports only one value (from the set of possible values) for the duration of the GNSS measurement time in the connected RRC state.

[0377] The following are examples of MODALITIES, according to one or more aspects disclosed in this document.

[0378] A1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network, the method comprising: performing a geoposition measurement during a geoposition measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid; and obtaining a geoposition correction of the communication device using a result of the geoposition measurement.

[0379] A2. The method of modality A1, additionally comprising the determination that the geopositional measurement gap is triggered, based on a rule or configuration that specifies that, each time a validity duration for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration.

[0380] A3. The A2 modality method, in which the communication device is pre-configured with the rule or configuration.

[0381] A4. The method of modality A2, additionally comprising receiving the rule or configuration of a network of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 347 / 404 103 / 124 communication.

[0382] A5. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A4, in which each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0383] A6. The method of any of the A1-A5 modalities, wherein the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that repeats periodically each time a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0384] A7. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A5, wherein the geopositional measurement gap is a periodic geopositional measurement gap that is repeated periodically several times, wherein the method additionally comprises receiving signaling indicating the number of times from the communication network.

[0385] A8. The method of any of the modalities A1-A7, additionally comprising determining when the geopositional measurement gap occurs, based on when the validity period expires.

[0386] A9. The method of modality A 8, in which the determination of when the geopositional measurement gap occurs comprises determining when a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs, as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0387] A10. The method of modality A 9, in which the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap is a start time or an end time of the geopositional measurement gap.

[0388] A11. The method of modality A 9, in which the reference point Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 348 / 404 104 / 124 of the geolocation measurement gap is a means of the geolocation measurement gap.

[0389] A12. The method of any of the modalities A 9 to A11, additionally comprising receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points of the geopositional measurement gap, the communication device must determine based on when the validity period expires.

[0390] A13. The method of any of the modalities A 9 to A12, in which the determination of when the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs comprises: determining an expiration time as a time at which the validity period expires; and determining the reference point by compensating for the expiration time by an offset.

[0391] A14. The method of modality A1 3, additionally comprising receiving, from the communication network, signaling indicating the movement.

[0392] A15. The method of any of the A13-A14 modalities, in which the offset indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.

[0393] A16. The method of any of the modalities A13 to A15, further comprising receiving, from the communication network, signaling indicating whether the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time the reference point occurs or indicates how long after the expiration time the reference point occurs.

[0394] A17. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A16, further comprising receiving, from the communication network, a measurement gap configuration that configures the measurement gap of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 349 / 404 105 / 124 geolocation.

[0395] A18. The method of modality A17, in which the measurement gap configuration defines whether or not the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0396] A19. The method of modality A17, in which the measurement gap configuration configures the timing of the geoposition measurement gap as a function of the expiration time of the validity period.

[0397] A20. The method of any of the A17 to A19 modalities, wherein the measurement gap setting includes an initial gap offset time indicating an offset between a time when the measurement gap begins and a time when the validity period expires.

[0398] A21. The method of any of the embodiments A 17-A20, in which the measurement gap setting includes a validity time duration that indicates a length of time during which the measurement gap setting is valid.

[0399] A22. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A21, in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid.

[0400] A23. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A21, additionally comprising receiving, from the communication network, a signal indicating that an initial validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid should be extended, and in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered by Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 350 / 404 106 / 124 expiration of the extended validity period.

[0401] A24. The method of any of the A1-A21 modalities, in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0402] A25. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A21, wherein the geoposition measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a communication device timing advance is valid, wherein the timing advance validity duration expires after a geoposition correction validity duration for which a communication device geoposition correction is valid expires.

[0403] A26. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A25, further comprising receiving, from the communication network, signaling indicating that, or if, the expiry of a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid triggers a geopositional measurement gap.

[0404] A27. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A26, additionally comprising reporting, to the communication network, the validity period as defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed.

[0405] A28. The method of modality A27, where the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed; or an offset from a start time or an end time of the Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 351 / 404 107 / 124 measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0406] A29. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A28, additionally comprising reporting to the communication network an absolute expiry time of the validity period.

[0407] A30. The method of modality A29, where absolute time is a value of Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, in which the validity period has expired.

[0408] A31. The method of any of the modalities A1 to A30, additionally comprising access to the communication network using the obtained geolocation position.

[0409] A32. The method of any of the embodiments A1 to A31, further comprising: determining a pre-compensation timing advance from the geoposition correction; and performing a random access channel transmission using the determined pre-compensation timing advance as part of the communication network access.

[0410] A33. The method of any of the A1-A32 modalities, in which the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0411] AA1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network, comprising: determining when a gap occurs in the geolocation measurement for the communication device based on the time at which the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid expires; performing a geolocation measurement when the gap occurs; and updating the geolocation correction. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 352 / 404 108 / 124 of the communication device using a geolocation measurement result.

[0412] AA2. The method of modality A A1, in which the determination of when the geopositional measurement gap occurs comprises determining when the geopositional measurement gap begins, based on when the validity period expires.

[0413] AAA1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network, the method comprising: receiving, from the communication network, signaling that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap by expiring a validity duration for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0414] AAA2. The AAA1 modality method, in which, according to the signaling, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0415] AAA3. The method of any of the AAA1-AAA2 modalities, in which, according to the signaling, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that repeats periodically whenever a validity period for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0416] AAA4. The method of any of the AAA1-AAA3 modalities, where, according to the signaling, the geopositional measurement gap is a periodic geopositional measurement gap that repeats itself. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 353 / 404 109 / 124 periodically several times, where the signage indicates the number of times.

[0417] AAA5. The method of any of the AAA1-AAA4 modalities, in which the signaling configures how the communication device should determine when the geopositional measurement gap occurs as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0418] AAA6. The method of any of the AAA1-AAA5 modalities, in which the signaling sets a start time or an end time for the geopositional measurement gap as a function of the time the validity period expires.

[0419] AAA7. The method of any of the modalities AAA1 to AAA6, in which the signaling configures: which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points, should be defined based on when the validity period expires; and / or a displacement between a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap and an expiration time at which the validity period expires, where the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.

[0420] AAA8. The method of any of the AAA1-AAA7 modalities, in which the signaling configures whether or not a geolocation measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a validity period that has been extended.

[0421] AAA9. The method of any of the AAA1 to AAA8 modalities, in which the signaling configures whether or not a geolocation measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid, which expired after an expiration of a Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 354 / 404 110 / 124 validity period of geolocation correction for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0422] AAA10. The method of any of the embodiments AAA1 to AAA9, further comprising: performing a geoposition measurement during a geoposition measurement gap triggered, according to the signaling, by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid; and obtaining a geoposition correction of the communication device using a result of the geoposition measurement.

[0423] AAA11. The AAA10 modality method, additionally comprising access to the communication network using the obtained geoposition correction.

[0424] AAA12. The method of any of the AAA10AAA11 modalities, further comprising: determining a pre-compensation timing advance from the geoposition correction; and performing a random access channel transmission using the determined pre-compensation timing advance as part of the communication network access.

[0425] AAA13. The method of any of the AAA1AAA12 modalities, in which the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0426] AAA14. The method of any of the AAA1AAA13 modalities, wherein the signaling is radio resource control signaling or medium access control signaling.

[0427] AAAA1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network, comprising: reporting to the communication network a validity period for Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 355 / 404 111 / 124 which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid, as defined from a reference time, where the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional correction was last performed by the communication device.

[0428] AAAA2. The AAAA1 modality method, wherein the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed; or an offset from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0429] AAAAA1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use on a communication network, the method comprising: reporting to the communication network an absolute expiration time of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0430] AAAAA2. The AAAAA1 modality method, where absolute time is a Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, value at which the validity period has expired.

[0431] AA. The method of any of the Group A Modalities, in which the communication device is an Internet of Things (IoT) NTN user equipment.

[0432] AB. The method of any of the Group A Modes, in which the communication device is in the connected state of radio resource control, RRC.

[0433] AC. The method of any of the Modalities of Group A, where the geopositional measurement gap is triggered while the Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 356 / 404 The 112 / 124 communication device is in the resource control connected state, RRC.

[0434] AD. The method of any of the Modalities of Group A, in which the geopositional measurement is a measurement of the Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, in which the geopositional measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap and in which the geopositional correction is a GNSS positioning correction.

[0435] AE. The method of any of the Modalities of Group A, additionally comprising the autonomous determination of the validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0436] AF. The method of any of the Group A Modalities, in which the timing advance is a precompensation timing advance.

[0437] AG. The method of any of the preceding modalities, additionally comprising: providing user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer by means of transmission to a base station.

[0438] B1. A method performed by a network node in a communication network, the method comprising: determining a geolocation measurement gap triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of a communication device is valid; and restricting the scheduling of transmissions to or from the communication device during the geolocation measurement gap.

[0439] B2. The method of modality B1, additionally comprising determining that the geopositional measurement gap is Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 357 / 404 113 / 124 triggered, based on a rule or configuration that specifies that each time a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0440] B3. The B2 modality method, in which the communication device is pre-configured with the rule or configuration.

[0441] B4. The method of modality B2, additionally comprising the transmission of the rule or configuration to the communication device.

[0442] B5. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B4, in which, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0443] B6. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B5, wherein the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that repeats periodically each time a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0444] B7. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B5, wherein the geopositional measurement gap is a periodic geopositional measurement gap that is repeated periodically several times, wherein the method additionally comprises transmitting, to the communication device, a signal indicating the number of times.

[0445] B8. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B7, additionally comprising determining when the measurement gap occurs Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 358 / 404 114 / 124 geolocation, based on when the validity period expires.

[0446] B9. The method of modality B8, in which the determination of when the geopositional measurement gap occurs comprises determining when a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs, as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0447] B10. The method of modality B9, in which the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap is a start time or an end time of the geopositional measurement gap.

[0448] B11. The method of modality B9, in which the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap is a means of the geopositional measurement gap.

[0449] B12. The method of any of the modalities B9 to B11, additionally comprising transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points of the geopositional measurement gap, the communication device must determine based on when the validity period expires.

[0450] B13. The method of any of the modalities B9 to B12, in which the determination of when the reference point of the geopositional measurement gap occurs comprises: determining an expiration time as a time at which the validity period expires; and determining the reference point by compensating for the expiration time by an offset.

[0451] B14. The method of modality B13, additionally comprising transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating the movement.

[0452] B15. The method of any of the B13-B14 modalities, in which the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time, or Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pages 359 / 404 115 / 124 how long after the expiration time does the reference point occur.

[0453] B16. The method of any of the embodiments B13 to B15, further comprising transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating whether the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time the reference point occurs or indicates how long after the expiration time the reference point occurs.

[0454] B17. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B16, additionally comprising transmitting to the communication device a measurement gap configuration that configures the geopositional measurement gap.

[0455] B18. The method of modality B17, in which the measurement gap configuration defines whether or not the geolocation measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0456] B19. The method of modality B17, in which the measurement gap configuration sets the timing of the geoposition measurement gap as a function of the expiration time of the validity period.

[0457] B20. The method of any of the embodiments B17 to B19, in which the measurement gap setting includes an initial gap offset time indicating an offset between a time when the measurement gap begins and a time when the validity period expires.

[0458] B21. The method of any of the embodiments B17 to B20, where the measurement gap setting includes a validity time duration that indicates a length of time during which the measurement gap setting is valid. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 360 / 404 116 / 124

[0459] B22. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B21, in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered by expiring a validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid.

[0460] B23. The method of any of the embodiments B1 to B21, further comprising transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating that an initial validity period for which a geoposition correction of the communication device is valid must be extended, and in which the geoposition measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period.

[0461] B24. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B21, in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0462] B25. The method of any of the embodiments B1 to B21, wherein the geoposition measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a communication device timing advance is valid, wherein the timing advance validity duration expires after a geoposition correction validity duration for which a communication device geoposition correction is valid expires.

[0463] B26. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B25, additionally comprising transmitting to the communication device a signal indicating that, or if, the expiry of a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid triggers a geopositional measurement gap. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 361 / 404 117 / 124

[0464] B27. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B26, further comprising receiving, from the communication device, a report stating the validity period as defined from a reference time, where the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed.

[0465] B28. The method of modality B27, where the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed; or an offset from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geolocation measurement was last performed.

[0466] B29. The method of any of the embodiments B1 to B28, further comprising receiving, from the communication device, a report which reports an absolute expiry time of the validity period.

[0467] B30. The method of modality B29, where absolute time is a value of Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, at which the validity period has expired.

[0468] B31. The method of any of the modalities B1 to B30, where the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0469] BB1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, comprising: determining when a geolocation measurement gap occurs for a communication device based on the time at which the validity period for which a geolocation correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid expires; and restricting the scheduling of transmissions of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 362 / 404 118 / 124 or for the communication device during the geolocation measurement gap.

[0470] BB2. The BB1 ​​modality method, in which determining when the geopositional measurement gap occurs involves determining when the geopositional measurement gap begins, based on when the validity period expires.

[0471] BBB1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising: transmitting, to a communication device, signaling that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap by expiring a validity duration for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0472] BBB2. The BB1 ​​modality method, in which, according to the signaling, each time a validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device expires, a geopositional measurement gap is triggered by the expiration of that validity period.

[0473] BBB3. The method of any of the modalities BBB1 to BBB2, in which, according to the signaling, the geoposition measurement gap is a periodic geoposition measurement gap that repeats periodically whenever a validity duration for which a geoposition correction or timing advance of the communication device expires.

[0474] BBB4. The method of any of the BBB1-BBB3 modalities, in which, according to the signaling, the geopositional measurement gap is a periodic geopositional measurement gap that repeats periodically several times, in which the signaling indicates the number of times. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 363 / 404 119 / 124

[0475] BBB5. The method of any of the BBB1-BBB4 modalities, in which the signaling configures how the communication device must determine when the geopositional measurement gap occurs as a function of when the validity period expires.

[0476] BBB6. The method of any of the BBB1-BBB5 modalities, in which the signaling sets a start time or an end time for the geopositional measurement gap depending on when the validity period expires.

[0477] BBB7. The method of any of the modalities BBB1 to BBB6, in which the signaling configures: which reference point of the geopositional measurement gap, among multiple possible reference points, should be defined based on when the validity period expires; and / or a displacement between a reference point of the geopositional measurement gap and an expiration time at which the validity period expires, where the displacement indicates how long before the expiration time, or how long after the expiration time, the reference point occurs.

[0478] BBB8. The method of any of the BBB1-BBB7 modalities, in which the signaling configures whether or not a geopositional measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a validity period that has been extended.

[0479] BBB9. The method of any of the modalities BBB1 to BBB8, in which the signaling configures whether or not a geopositional measurement gap should be triggered by the expiration of a timing advance validity duration for which a timing advance of the communication device is valid, which expired after the expiration of a geopositional correction validity duration for which a correction of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 364 / 404 120 / 124 geolocation of the communication device is valid.

[0480] BBB10. The method of any of the BBB1-BBB9 modalities, in which the communication network is a non-terrestrial network, NTN.

[0481] BBB11. The method of any of the BBB1BBB10 modalities, in which the signaling is radio resource control signaling or medium access control signaling.

[0482] BBBB1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising: receiving, from a communication device, a report that reports a validity period for which a geopositional correction of the communication device is valid, as defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed by the communication device.

[0483] BBBB2. The method of modality BBBB1, in which the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed; or an offset from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap during which a geopositional measurement was last performed.

[0484] BBBBB1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising: receiving, from a communication device, a report that reports an absolute expiration time of a validity period for which a geolocation correction of the communication device is valid.

[0485] BBBBB2. The method of modality BBBBB1, in which absolute time is a value of Coordinated Universal Time, UTC, in which the duration of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 365 / 404 Validity 121 / 124 has expired.

[0486] BA. The method of any of the Group B Modalities, in which the communication device is an Internet of Things (IoT) NTN user equipment.

[0487] BB. The method of any of the Group B Modes, in which the communication device is in the connected state of radio resource control, RRC.

[0488] BC. The method of any of the Group B Modalities, in which the geopositional measurement gap is triggered while the communication device is in the resource control connected state, RRC.

[0489] BD. The method of any of the Modalities of Group B, in which the geopositional measurement is a measurement of the Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS, in which the geopositional measurement gap is a GNSS measurement gap and in which the geopositional correction is a GNSS positioning correction.

[0490] BE. The method of any of the Group B Modalities, in which the communication device is configured to autonomously determine the validity period for which a geopositional correction or timing advance of the communication device is valid.

[0491] BF. The method of any of the Group B Modalities, in which the timing advance is a precompensation timing advance.

[0492] BG. The method of any of the preceding modalities, additionally comprising: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a communication device. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 366 / 404 122 / 124

[0493] C1. A communication device configured to perform the method of any of the modes in Group A.

[0494] C2. A communication device comprising a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the embodiments of Group A.

[0495] C3. A communication device comprising: a set of communication circuits; and a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the embodiments of Group A.

[0496] C4. A communication device comprising: a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the Group A modes; and a set of power supply circuits configured to provide power to the communication device.

[0497] C5. A communication device comprising: a set of processing circuits and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the set of processing circuits, by means of which the communication device is configured to perform the method of any of the embodiments of Group A.

[0498] C6. The communication device of any of the C1-C5 modes, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

[0499] C7. A user equipment (UE) comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; a set of radio front-end circuits connected to the antenna and to the processing circuit set, and configured to condition the signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit set; the processing circuit set being configured to perform the method of any Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 367 / 404 123 / 124 one of the modalities of Group A; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow the input of information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0500] C8. A computer program comprising instructions that, when performed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any of the modes of Group A.

[0501] C9. A carrier containing the computer program of mode C7, wherein the carrier is an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or computer-readable storage medium.

[0502] C10. A network node configured to perform the method of any of the Group B modes.

[0503] C11. A network node comprising a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the Group B modes.

[0504] C12. A network node comprising: a set of communication circuits; and a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the Group B modes.

[0505] C13. A network node comprising: a set of processing circuits configured to perform the method of any of the Group B modes; a set of power supply circuits configured to provide power to the network node. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 368 / 404 124 / 124

[0506] C14. A network node comprising: a set of processing circuits and memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the set of processing circuits, by means of which the network node is configured to perform the method of any of the Group B modes.

[0507] C15. The network node of any of the C10-C14 modes, where the network node is a base station.

[0508] C16. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one network node processor, cause the network node to execute the method of any of the Group B modes.

[0509] C17. The computer program of the C16 mode, where the network node is a base station.

[0510] C18. A carrier containing the computer program of any of the C16-C17 embodiments, wherein the carrier is an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or computer-readable storage medium.

Claims

1. Method performed by a communication device (18) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method characterized in that it comprises: performing (400) a geoposition measurement (38) during a geoposition measurement gap (50) triggered by expiration of a validity duration (40) for which a geoposition correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid; and obtaining (405) a geoposition correction (20) from the communication device (18) using a result of the geoposition measurement (38).

2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises receiving, from the communication network (10), signaling (28) that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap (50) by expiry of a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid.

3. Method, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, each time a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) expires, a geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration (40).

4. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is a periodic geopositional measurement gap (50) that occurs periodically each time a validity duration (40) expires for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) expires. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 397 / 404 2 / 8 5. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a timing advance validity duration (40) for which a timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid, wherein the timing advance validity duration (40) expires after a geopositional correction validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid expires.

6. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises receiving, from the communication network (10), a measurement gap configuration that sets up the geopositional measurement gap (50), wherein the measurement gap configuration includes a gap start offset time that indicates an offset (42) between a time when the measurement gap (50) starts and a time when the validity duration (40) expires.

7. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered to start at a time that is offset (42) from a time when the validity duration (40) expires.

8. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid.

9. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises receiving, from the communication network (10), signaling (28) indicating that a duration of Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, page 398 / 404 3 / 8 initial validity (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid must be extended, and in which the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity duration (40).

10. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 5 to 9, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a validity duration (40) for which a timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid.

11. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises reporting, to the communication network (10), the validity period (40) as defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed, wherein the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed; or an offset (42) from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed.

12. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises reporting to the communication network (10) an absolute expiration time of the validity period (40).

13. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the communication network (10) is a non-terrestrial network, NTN, wherein the geopositional measurement (38) is a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS measurement, wherein the geopositional measurement gap (50) is a GNSS measurement gap, and wherein the geopositional correction (20) is a GNSS positioning correction.

14. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered while the communication device (18) is in the connected resource control state, RRC.

15. Method performed by a network node (30) in a communication network (10), the method characterized in that it comprises: transmitting (1100), to a communication device (18), signaling (28) that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap (50) by expiry of a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid; and receiving, from the communication device (18), a report, reporting the validity duration (40).

16. Method, according to claim 15, characterized in that, according to the signaling (28), each time a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) expires, a geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by the expiration of that validity duration (40).

17. Method, according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is a periodic geopositional measurement gap (50) that occurs periodically each time a validity duration (40) expires for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) expires. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 400 / 404 5 / 8 18. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the signaling (28) comprises a measurement gap configuration that configures the geopositional measurement gap (50), wherein the measurement gap configuration configures the geopositional measurement gap time (50) as a function of the validity duration expiration time (40).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the measurement gap configuration includes a gap start offset time that indicates an offset (42) between a time when the measurement gap starts and a time when the validity duration (40) expires.

20. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a timing advance validity duration (40) for which a timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid, wherein the timing advance validity duration (40) expires after a geopositional correction validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid expires.

21. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a validity period (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid.

22. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the signaling (28) indicates that an initial validity period (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) of the communication device (18) is valid must be extended, and in which the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by the expiration of the extended validity period (40).

23. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the geopositional measurement gap (50) is triggered by expiration of a validity duration (40) for which a timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid.

24. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the reported validity duration (40) is defined from a reference time, wherein the reference time is a reference point of a measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed, wherein the reference point is: a start time or an end time of the measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed; or an offset (42) from a start time or an end time of the measurement gap (50) during which a geopositional measurement (38) was last performed.

25. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the reported validity period (40) is an absolute expiration time of the validity period (40).

26. Method, according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that the communication network (10) is a non-terrestrial network, NTN, wherein the geopositional measurement (38) is a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS measurement, wherein the geopositional measurement gap (50) is a GNSS measurement gap, and wherein the geopositional correction (20) is a GNSS positioning correction. Petition 870250090974, dated 06 / 10 / 2025, pp. 402 / 404 7 / 8 27. Communication device (18) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (18) characterized in that it is configured to: perform a geoposition measurement (38) during a geoposition measurement gap (50) triggered by the expiration of a validity duration (40) for which a geoposition correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid; and obtain a geoposition correction (20) from the communication device (18) using a result of the geoposition measurement (38).

28. Communication device (18), according to claim 27, characterized in that it is configured to perform the method defined in any one of claims 2 to 14.

29. Network node (30) configured for use in a communication network (10), the network node (30) characterized in that it is configured to: transmit, to a communication device (18), signaling (28) that configures or activates the triggering of a geopositional measurement gap (50) by expiry of a validity duration (40) for which a geopositional correction (20) or timing advance of the communication device (18) is valid; and receive, from the communication device (18), a report reporting the validity duration (40).

30. Network node (30), according to claim 29, characterized in that it is configured to perform the method defined in any one of claims 16 to 26.

31. Computer program, characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when performed by at least one processor of a communication device (18), cause the communication device (18) to perform the method defined in any of claims 1 to 14.

32. Computer program, characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node (30), cause the network node (30) to execute the method defined in any one of claims 15 to 26.

33. Carrier containing the computer program defined in claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the carrier is an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal or computer-readable storage medium.

34. Product, process, system, kit, means or use, characterized in that it comprises one or more elements described in the descriptive report, claims, drawings, sequence listing, or summary of this application, when applicable.

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