Method for reducing beam scanning time of user equipment

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) including a transceiver and a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to: receive a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurements on a first set of beams of a first network access point and a second set of beams of a second network access point; receiving ephemeris information, wherein the ephemeris information comprises first ephemeris information corresponding to the first network access point and second ephemeris information corresponding to the second network access point; identifying a receive (Rx) beam in the first set of beams as a reference beam according to beam measurements performed for the first set of beams; identifying one or more target Rx beams based on the reference beam and based on the first ephemeris information or the second ephemeris information; and reporting the one or more target Rx beams to the network to receive downlink information via the second network access point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to wireless communication systems, including methods and implementations for reducing beam scanning time of user equipment (UE) relative to network devices (eg, network access points) deployed in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Art

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to transmit data between network devices (e.g., base stations, network access points, or repeaters) and wireless communication devices (e.g., user equipment (UE)). Wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs), commonly referred to within industry organizations as WLANs. ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols may use various radio access networks (RANs) to facilitate communication between network equipment (e.g., base stations, network access points, or relays) of the RAN (which may also sometimes be collectively referred to as RAN nodes, network nodes, or simply nodes) and wireless communication devices, known as user equipment (UEs). 3GPP RANs may include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN can use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to communicate between network equipment and UEs. For example, GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RATs, UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RATs or other 3GPP RATs, E-UTRAN implements LTE RATs (sometimes referred to herein as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RATs (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RATs, 5G NR RATs, or simply NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN may also implement NR RATs. In some deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RATs.

[0005] Network equipment used by a RAN (e.g., a base station, a network access point, or a relay) may correspond to the RAN. One example of a network device may be an E-UTRAN base station, which is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (often also referred to as an evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). Another example of a network device may be an NG-RAN base station, which is a next-generation Node B (sometimes also referred to as a gNode B or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services together with external entities through its connection with the Core Network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN can utilize the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), while NG-RAN can utilize the 5G Core Network (5GC). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, the most significant digit(s) in a reference number refers to the drawing number that first introduces that element.

[0008] Figure 1 A communication system including UEs and network devices deployed in an NTN is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 An example diagram is shown illustrating beam scanning time reduction or layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement based on beam tracking for multiple satellites in neighboring cells and based on reference receive (Rx) beam and ephemeris information, as described herein, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 An example diagram is shown illustrating a reduction in beam scanning time or Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement based on beam tracking of multiple satellites in neighboring cells and based on measurements and ephemeris information previously performed for a serving cell network device, as described herein, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 An example diagram illustrating beam scanning time reduction or layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement based on a subset of Rx beams and reduced beam scanning factor, as described herein, is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 An example method of wireless communication by a UE is shown in accordance with some embodiments, which may be used to reduce beam scanning time or for Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement, as described herein.

[0013] Figure 6Another example method of wireless communication by a UE is shown in accordance with some embodiments, which may be used to reduce beam scanning time or for Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement, as described herein.

[0014] Figure 7 An example method of wireless communication by a network device is shown according to some embodiments, which may be used to reduce beam scanning time or for layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement, as described herein.

[0015] Figure 8 An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 9 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various embodiments are described with respect to UE. However, reference to UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. The example embodiments can be used together with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic device. Similarly, various embodiments are described for network equipment, which can be a network access point (e.g., base station or repeater) deployed in a satellite or in a high altitude platform system (HAPS) (e.g., manned or unmanned aerial vehicle) located in a terrestrial network (TN) or NTN. The network equipment deployed in a satellite or HAPS may be referred to as NTN equipment in this article, and therefore the network equipment deployed in a satellite and / or HAPS may be referred to as being deployed in an NTN. A satellite or HAPS may orbit in a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and / or a non-geosynchronous orbit (N-GSO) in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The following description generally relates to one or more satellites, but some or all of the satellites mentioned in the following description may alternatively be HAPS.

[0018] In a scalable multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system, a 3GPP network (hereinafter referred to as “the network”) can transmit different downlink signals using different numbers of antenna ports at different times. The number of antenna ports used to transmit a particular downlink signal can be based on factors such as dynamic point selection (e.g., transmission and reception point (TRP) selection), interference management, and network power saving considerations. For example, a network device (which can be a network access point or base station in a TN, a satellite, or a HAPS) can transmit downlink (DL) information using a particular antenna beam of the network device to a particular antenna beam of a UE. The particular antenna beam of the UE can be referred to in this disclosure as a receive (Rx) beam of the UE. The Rx beam can be identified by the UE based on layer 3 measurements performed by the UE.

[0019] The UE can be mobile, and thus the Rx beam of the UE can change over time. In some embodiments, the network device can be deployed in a satellite, or deployed in a HAPS located in a TN or NTN. A network device deployed in a satellite or deployed in a HAPS located in a NTN can orbit in a GSO or N-GSO. A network device located in a NTN (and specifically in a N-GSO) can change its position relative to a UE at a very high rate. In other words, the Rx beam of the UE for receiving DL information from the network device can change very frequently. The Rx beam of the UE for receiving DL information from the network device can be identified using beam sweeping techniques and according to L3 measurements performed by the UE. Because the network device moves very fast compared to the UE, the Rx beam identified using currently known beam sweeping techniques and according to L3 measurements performed by the UE can not be an effective Rx beam or an ideal Rx beam. The following uses Figure 1 This particular scenario is described.

[0020] Figure 1 A communication system including a UE and a network device deployed in a NTN is shown. As an example, Figure 1 only one network device is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the communication system 100 can include a UE 106 having multiple antenna beams 108a-108e connected to a network device, which can be a base station, network access point, or relay deployed in a satellite or deployed in a HAPS located in a NTN, as Figure 1 shown. At time Tl 110, the satellite can be located at a first position, which is in Figure 1The network device’s antenna beam 104b, which is shown as 104a, and the network device’s antenna beam 104b to 104c can be the ideal beam to transmit DL information to the UE’s antenna beam 108c. The UE’s antenna beam 108c can be the ideal Rx beam for the UE. Thus, the antenna beam pair 108c and 104b can be used to transmit DL information to the UE 106 at time Tl 110. However, since the satellite moves at a very fast rate compared to the UE 106, at time T2 112, the satellite can be located at a second location, which is at a different angle from the UE 106 Figure 1 The network device’s antenna beam 104b, which is shown as 104a, and the network device’s antenna beam 104b to 104c can be the ideal beam to transmit DL information to the UE’s antenna beam 108c. The UE’s antenna beam 108c can be the ideal Rx beam for the UE. Thus, the antenna beam pair 108c and 104b can be used to transmit DL information to the UE 106 at time Tl 110. However, since the satellite moves at a very fast rate compared to the UE 106, at time T2 112, the satellite can be located at a second location, which is at a different angle from the UE 106 Figure 1 Thus, by the time the UE can perform various L3 measurements and report the ideal beam pair to the network, the ideal beam pair can no longer be the ideal beam pair for DL information transmission.

[0021] In other words, conventional beam sweeping techniques can not be able to track DL signals in time. For example, a UE with a beam sweeping factor of 8 and an SSB period of 160 ms can only have 1280 ms multiplied by a sharing factor of time to perform beam tracking using synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). The sharing factor can be based on sharing of measurement resources with other UE activities, including but not limited to Ll UE behaviors or activities such as uplink (UL) and / or DL transmissions or measurement gaps on different carriers, etc. Thus, the value of the sharing factor can be less than 1.

[0022] In current radio resource measurement (RRM) specifications, beamforming requirements or beam sweeping requirements for network devices, particularly deployed in NTNs for RRM layer 3 (L3) or RRM layer 1 (Ll) measurements, beam failure detection (BFD), candidate beam detection (CBD), L3 reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements, and / or transmission configuration indicator (TCI) switching, radio link monitoring (RLM), etc., are not described. Furthermore, RRM requirements for frequency bands above 10 GHz, such as Ka bands, and for communication with satellites in NTNs are different from network devices operating in frequency range 1 (FR1).

[0023] Various embodiments described herein provide solutions for L3 measurement enhancements for network devices deployed in NTNs, e.g., in satellites orbiting in N-GSO, and / or for Ka bands above 10 GHz.

[0024] Figure 2An example diagram illustrating beam scanning time reduction or layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement based on beam tracking for multiple satellites in neighboring cells and based on reference receive (Rx) beam and ephemeris information is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 2 The described embodiments correspond to reducing the L3 measurement time of a UE connected to multiple network access points (or network devices), which may include base stations, network access points, or repeaters deployed in satellites or deployed in HAPS located in TNs or NTNs. The HAPS may include one or more drones and manned or unmanned aerial vehicles. The HAPS or satellite may orbit in an N-GSO and may move at a relatively faster speed than the UE. In some embodiments, beam tracking information of one or more network devices deployed in one or more neighboring cells of the UE is derived by or provided to the UE based on the current serving cell in which the network device is located and provides service to the UE.

[0025] As shown in wireless communication system 200, at time T1, UE 206 may be served by a network device deployed in a first satellite (shown as 202). UE 206 may have multiple antenna beams (e.g., antenna beams 212a through 212e), and the network device deployed in first satellite 202 may also have multiple antenna beams (e.g., antenna beams 208a through 208c). The network device deployed in first satellite 202 may provide service to UE at time T1. Therefore, first satellite 202 may be the serving satellite for UE 206 at time T1.

[0026] As a non-limiting example, the UE 206 may use antennas 212 b and 208 c to receive DL information from the first satellite 202, and the antenna pair 212 b and 208 c may be identified by the UE 206 based on various L3 measurements, including but not limited to the strongest L3 measurement, such as RSRP measurement, reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurement, and / or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement. The beam associated with the antenna pair 212 b and 208 c may be referred to as a reference Rx beam.

[0027] The UE 206 may receive DL information using a reference Rx beam. The reference Rx beam may be determined by the UE 206 based on a configuration received by the UE 206 from a network. The network may include a RAN, a core network, a TN, an NTN, etc. Therefore, the configuration received by the UE may include information about performing L3 measurements on various network devices for one or more neighboring cells of the UE 206.

[0028] As a non-limiting example, the configuration received by the UE can include ephemeris information corresponding to network devices in a serving cell of the UE, and / or ephemeris information corresponding to one or more satellites in one or more serving cells of the UE 206. The ephemeris information can include values corresponding to various parameters such as elevation angle information of the one or more satellites, orbital velocity of the one or more satellites, trajectory information of the one or more satellites, distance between various satellites, and / or the like. The one or more satellites in the one or more neighboring cells can be identified based on the ephemeris information and a current location of the satellites of the serving cell of the UE 206. The current location of the satellites of the serving cell of the UE 206 can be determined based on the reference Rx beam.

[0029] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the target Rx beam corresponding to time T2 and associated with the second satellite 204 in the neighboring cell of the UE 206 can be identified or derived using the various parameters and their values included in the ephemeris information and from the reference Rx beam. For example, the target Rx beam can be identified as 210a of the three antenna beams 210a-c of the second satellite 204.

[0030] In some embodiments, the network can indicate to the UE 206 which one or more satellites can be located in the one or more neighboring cells of the UE 206 based on the serving satellite of the UE 206. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the reference Rx beam is determined based on a strongest L3 measurement such as a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurement, and / or a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement performed for a particular synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) index. The UE 206 can identify the target Rx beam corresponding to time T2 and associated with the second satellite 204 in the neighboring cell of the UE 206, the target Rx beam being associated with a particular SSB and / or CSI-RS index of the target Rx beam of the second satellite 204 in the neighboring cell of the UE 206.

[0031] In some embodiments, and as a non-limiting example, the UE 206 can be provided with information associating the SSB and / or CSI-RS index of the reference Rx beam with the SSB and / or CSI-RS index of the target Rx beam of the one or more satellites in the one or more neighboring cells of the UE 206. Accordingly, the reference Rx beam and / or the target Rx beam can be specific to a SSB and / or a reference signal (RS). The network can indicate to the UE 206 the association or mapping between the RS of the reference Rx and the respective RS of the one or more target Rx beams.

[0032] Figure 3Example diagrams illustrating reduction of beam sweep time or Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancements based on beam tracking of multiple satellites in neighboring cells and based on previous L3 measurements performed for a serving cell network device and ephemeris information, as described herein, are shown in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the use of Figure 3 The described embodiments correspond to reducing L3 measurement time for a UE connected with multiple network access points (or network devices). In some embodiments, based on previous L3 measurements performed for a serving satellite and / or one or more target satellites in one or more neighboring cells, beam tracking information for one or more network devices deployed in the one or more neighboring cells of the UE is derived by or provided to the UE.

[0033] As shown in wireless communication system 300, at time Tl, UE 306 can be served by a network device deployed in a first satellite (shown as 302). In some embodiments, and by way of non-limiting example, at time Tl, first satellite 302 can be a first target satellite for UE 306, rather than a serving satellite for UE 306. UE 306 can have multiple antenna beams (e.g., antenna beams 312a-312e), and the network device deployed in first satellite 302 can also have multiple antenna beams (e.g., antenna beams 308a-308c).

[0034] By way of non-limiting example, UE 306 can have identified that antenna beams 312b and 308c form an ideal Rx beam pair for receiving DL information at time Tl, as described herein in accordance with some embodiments. Antenna pair 312b and 308c can be identified by UE 306 based on various L3 measurements, including but not limited to strongest L3 measurements, such as RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, and / or SINR measurements. Thus, the beams associated with antenna pair 312b and 308c can be the reference Rx beams corresponding to time Tl.

[0035] The reference Rx beams can be determined by UE 306 based on a configuration received by UE 306 from a network. As described herein, the network can include a RAN, a core network, a TN, an NTN, etc. Thus, the configuration received by the UE can include information regarding performing L3 measurements for various network devices of one or more neighboring cells for UE 306.

[0036] As a non-limiting example, the configuration received by the UE may include ephemeris information corresponding to network equipment in the UE's serving cell and / or ephemeris information corresponding to one or more satellites in one or more serving cells or neighboring cells of the UE 206. The ephemeris information may include values ​​corresponding to various parameters, such as elevation information of one or more satellites, orbital velocity of the one or more satellites, trajectory information of the one or more satellites, and distances between various satellites. One or more satellites in one or more neighboring cells may be identified based on the difference in values ​​corresponding to various parameters included in the ephemeris information between time T1 (which is the last time the UE 306 performed an L3 measurement) and time T2. Time T2 may be the current time or a future time and is used in conjunction with a reference Rx beam corresponding to time T1. Therefore, in some embodiments, the various parameters and their values ​​included in the ephemeris information may be used to identify or derive a target Rx beam associated with a second satellite 304 in a neighboring cell of the UE 306 corresponding to time T2 based on the reference Rx beam.

[0037] In some embodiments, the network may indicate to the UE which one or more satellites may be located in one or more neighboring cells of the UE 306 at time T2 based on the reference Rx beam corresponding to time T1. The network may also indicate a threshold value of the time difference between time T2 and time T1, for which one or more satellites in one or more neighboring cells of the UE 306 as indicated by the network may be valid. Therefore, if the UE determines that the difference between time T2 (or the current time) and time T1 exceeds the threshold value provided by the network, the UE may discard the reference Rx beam used to determine the one or more target Rx beams. In addition, the threshold value provided by the network may be several seconds, or the threshold value may be determined based on the time period during which the satellite's transmit beam (Tx beam) may be valid.

[0038] As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the reference Rx beam may be determined based on the strongest L3 measurement (such as RSRP measurement, RSRQ measurement, and / or SINR measurement performed for a specific synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) index). The UE 306 may identify a target Rx beam corresponding to time T2 and associated with the second satellite 304 in a neighboring cell of the UE 306, the target Rx beam being associated with a specific SSB and / or CSI-RS index of the target Rx beam of the second satellite 304 in the neighboring cell of the UE 306.

[0039] In some embodiments, and by way of non-limiting example, the UE 306 can be provided information associating SSB and / or CSI-RS indexes of a reference Rx beam with SSB and / or CSI-RS indexes of a target Rx beam of one or more satellites in one or more neighboring cells of the UE 306. Thus, the SSB of the reference Rx beam can be SSB #1 and the corresponding SSB of the target Rx beam can be SSB #1 or SSB #2, etc. Thus, the reference Rx beam and / or the target Rx beam can be specific to a SSB and / or a reference signal (RS). The network can indicate to the UE 306 an association or mapping between the RS of the reference Rx and the respective RS of the one or more target Rx beams.

[0040] Figure 4 An example diagram is shown illustrating a reduction in beam sweep time based on a subset of Rx beams and a reduced beam sweeping factor and layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancements, as described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in the wireless communication system 400, the UE 406 can be served by network equipment deployed in a first satellite (shown as 402) at time Tl and served by network equipment deployed in a second satellite (shown as 404) at time T2. Thus, the satellite 402 can be a serving satellite or a first target satellite corresponding to time Tl and the satellite 404 can be a second target satellite corresponding to time T2.

[0041] Further, as Figure 4 shown, the first satellite 402 can have a plurality of beams 408a-408c and the second satellite 404 can have a plurality of beams 410a-410c. The UE 406 can have a plurality of beams 412a-412d. Although only three beams are shown here for the UE 406, the first satellite 402, and / or the second satellite 404, there can be more or less than three antenna beams at the UE 406, the first satellite 402, and / or the second satellite 404. By way of non-limiting example, the maximum number of antenna beams at the UE 406, the first satellite 402, and / or the second satellite 404 can be eight. In other words, for a UE 406, a first satellite 402, and / or a second satellite 404 having eight antenna beams, the beam sweeping factor (or Rx beam sweeping factor) can be eight. Thus, the UE 406 can need to perform L3 measurements for all eight antenna beams to determine a reference Rx beam and / or a target Rx beam.

[0042] In some embodiments, beam sweep time can be reduced by performing L3 measurements or beam sweep procedures for a smaller number of antenna beams. For example, L3 measurements or beam sweeps can be performed for a subset of antenna beams (3 out of a total of 8 antenna beams of a satellite). Additionally or alternatively, a subset of target Rx beams can be formed that includes multiple antenna beam pairs between antenna beams of the UE and antenna beams of the satellite. The subset of target Rx beams can include antenna beams of the UE and / or antenna beams of the satellite that are consecutive antenna beams. The UE can report the subset size as a UE capability to the network, and the network can provide information about SSBs, RSs, and / or CSI-RSs for multiple beams based on the subset size.

[0043] While various methods for reducing beam sweep time or reducing L3 measurement time are described in various embodiments, a person of skill in the art can combine methods of different embodiments to further reduce beam sweep time or L3 measurement time. Moreover, even though in various embodiments network devices are described as being deployed in satellites, the disclosure made herein does not limit the scope of the embodiments to network devices deployed in satellites, but rather the disclosure is also applicable to network devices deployed in TNs and / or HAPSs.

[0044] Figure 5An example method of wireless communication by a UE, which can be used to reduce beam sweep time or for Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement, in accordance with some embodiments, is shown. As shown in flowchart 500, at 502, the UE can receive, from a network, a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurements of a first set of (antenna) beams of a first network device and a second set of (antenna) beams of a second network device. As described herein, the first network device and / or the second network device can be a network access point, a base station, a relay, a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a gNB, or an eNB, etc. Further, the first network device and / or the second network device can be deployed in a satellite and / or in a HAPS located in a TN or NTN. The network device deployed in a HAPS can be deployed in a manned or unmanned aircraft, drone, etc. The HAPS and / or satellite in a NTN can be in orbit in a GSO or N-GSO. The beam measurement configuration can indicate SSB and / or CSI-RS indices to be used for performing a beam sweep procedure or L3 measurements for one or more beams of the first network device and / or the second network device. As described herein, the beam measurement configuration can include an association and / or mapping of SSB indices of one or more antenna beams of the first network device with SSB indices of one or more antenna beams of the second network device. Similarly, the beam measurement configuration can further include an association and / or mapping of CSI-RS indices or RSs of one or more antenna beams of the first network device with CSI-RS indices or RSs of one or more antenna beams of the second network device.

[0045] At 504, the UE can receive, from the network, ephemeris information including values corresponding to various parameters such as elevation angle information of one or more satellites, orbital velocity of the one or more satellites, trajectory information of the one or more satellites, distance between various satellites, etc. Accordingly, the ephemeris information can include a first set of ephemeris information corresponding to the first network device and a second set of ephemeris information corresponding to the second network device.

[0046] At 506, the UE can perform beam measurements or L3 measurements of the first set of (antenna) beams using the beam configuration received at 502. Based on the L3 measurement results (e.g., strongest results of RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR), the UE can determine a beam of the first set of beams as a Rx beam and use it as a reference beam.

[0047] At 508, the UE can identify one or more target Rx beams using the reference beam and the ephemeris information (e.g., the first set of ephemeris information and / or the second set of ephemeris information) received at 504. Thus, the one or more target Rx beams can be a subset of the second set of (antenna) beams of the second network device. The second network device can be located in a neighboring cell of the UE, which can be served by the first network device. Thus, the cell of the first network device can be referred to herein as a serving cell of the UE. The target Rx beams can be used as Rx beams at time T2, while the reference beam can be an Rx beam at time T1. Time T2 can be later than time T1. At 510, the UE can report the one or more target Rx beams to the network. As a non-limiting example, the UE can also report an SSB index and / or a CSI-RS index corresponding to each of the one or more target Rx beams to the network. Thus, the UE can receive DL information at time T2 via the one or more target Rx beams.

[0048] Figure 6 Another example method of wireless communication by a UE, which can be used to reduce beam sweep time or for Layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancements, in accordance with some embodiments, is shown. As shown in flowchart 600, at 602, the UE can receive, from a network, a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurements of a plurality of network devices. Each network device of the plurality of network devices can include a plurality of antenna beams. For example, a first network device of the plurality of network devices can have a first set of (antenna) beams, and a second network device of the plurality of network devices can have a second set of (antenna) beams. As described herein, the first network device and / or the second network device can be a network access point, a base station, a relay, a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a gNB, or an eNB, etc. Further, the first network device and / or the second network device can be deployed in a TN and / or a HAPS. A network device deployed in a HAPS can be deployed in a manned or unmanned aircraft, a drone, a satellite orbiting in GSO or N-GSO, etc. In some embodiments, the first network device and / or the second network device can operate in the same frequency band or different frequency bands.

[0049] In some embodiments, the beam measurement configuration can indicate SSB and / or CSI-RS indices to be used to perform a beam sweep procedure or L3 measurements for one or more beams of the first network device and / or the second network device. As described herein, the beam measurement configuration can include an association and / or mapping of SSB indices of one or more antenna beams of the first network device with SSB indices of one or more antenna beams of the second network device. Similarly, the beam measurement configuration can further include an association and / or mapping of CSI-RS indices or RSs of one or more antenna beams of the first network device with CSI-RS indices or RSs of one or more antenna beams of the second network device.

[0050] At 604, the UE can receive ephemeris information from the network, the ephemeris information including values corresponding to various parameters such as elevation angle information of one or more satellites corresponding to the plurality of network devices, orbital velocity of the one or more satellites, trajectory information of the one or more satellites, distance between various satellites, and the like. Thus, the ephemeris information can include a first set of ephemeris information corresponding to the first network device and / or a second set of ephemeris information corresponding to the second network device.

[0051] At 606, the UE can perform beam measurements or L3 measurements on the first set of beams using the beam configuration received at 602. Based on the L3 measurement results (e.g., strongest results of RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR), the UE can determine a beam of the first set of beams as a Rx beam corresponding to time T1 and use it as a reference beam.

[0052] The ephemeris information received by the UE at 604 can further include a threshold for a time difference, the threshold corresponding to a time of last performing L3 measurements and a current time. If the time difference between the time of last performing L3 measurements and the current time exceeds the threshold for the time difference included by the network in the ephemeris information, the UE can not use the reference beam to determine one or more target Rx beams, as described herein in accordance with some embodiments.

[0053] At 608, upon determining that the time of the last execution of the L3 measurement and the current time do not exceed the threshold of the time difference specified in the ephemeris information, the UE can identify one or more target Rx beams using the reference beam and the ephemeris information (e.g., the first set of ephemeris information and / or the second set of ephemeris information) received at 604. Thus, the one or more target Rx beams can be a subset of the second set of (antenna) beams of the second network device. The second network device can or can not be located in a neighboring cell of the UE, which can be served by the first network device. Thus, the cell of the first network device can be referred to herein as a serving cell of the UE. The target Rx beams can be used as Rx beams at time T2, while the reference beam can be the Rx beam at time T1. Time T2 can be later than time T1.

[0054] As a non-limiting example, the one or more target Rx beams can be a subset of the first set of (antenna) beams of the first network device relative to a location of the first network device at time T2. The location of the first network device at time T2 is different from the location of the first network device at time T1. The first network device can or can not be located in a different cell at time T2 than the first network device can be located in at time T1.

[0055] At 610, the UE can report the one or more target Rx beams to the network. As a non-limiting example, the UE can also report to the network an SSB index and / or a CSI-RS index corresponding to each of the one or more target Rx beams. Thus, the UE can receive DL information at time T2 via the one or more target Rx beams. In some embodiments, and as a non-limiting example, the reference Rx beam and the target Rx beams can each be associated with different frequency ranges or different carrier frequencies.

[0056] Figure 7An example method for wireless communication by a network device according to some embodiments is shown, which can be used to reduce beam scanning time or for layer 3 (L3) measurement enhancement, as described herein. As shown in flowchart 700, at 702, the network device may send a beam measurement configuration to a UE for performing beam measurement on multiple network devices including the network device. Each network device in the multiple network devices may include multiple antenna beams. For example, a first network device in the multiple network devices may have a first set of (antenna) beams, and a second network device in the multiple network devices may have a second set of (antenna) beams. As described herein, the first network device and / or the second network device may be a network access point, a base station, a repeater, a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a gNB, or an eNB, etc. In addition, the first network device and / or the second network device may be deployed in a TN and / or a HAPS. The network device deployed in a HAPS may be deployed in a manned or unmanned aerial vehicle, a drone, a satellite orbiting in a GSO or N-GSO, etc. In some embodiments, the first network device and / or the second network device may operate in the same frequency band or in different frequency bands.

[0057] In some embodiments, the beam measurement configuration may indicate SSB and / or CSI-RS indices to be used for performing a beam scanning process or L3 measurement for one or more beams of the first network device and / or the second network device. As described herein, the beam measurement configuration may include an association and / or mapping of SSB indices for one or more antenna beams of the first network device with SSB indices for one or more antenna beams of the second network device. Similarly, the beam measurement configuration may further include an association and / or mapping of CSI-RS indices or RSs for one or more antenna beams of the first network device with CSI-RS indices or RSs for one or more antenna beams of the second network device.

[0058] At 704, the network device may send ephemeris information to the UE, the ephemeris information including values ​​corresponding to various parameters corresponding to the plurality of network devices, such as elevation information of one or more satellites, orbital speeds of the one or more satellites, trajectory information of the one or more satellites, distances between various satellites, etc. Thus, the ephemeris information may include a first set of ephemeris information corresponding to the network device and / or a second set of ephemeris information corresponding to another network device among the plurality of network devices.

[0059] In some embodiments, and as a non-limiting example, the ephemeris information sent to the UE may further include a threshold value for a time difference, the threshold value corresponding to the time when the UE last performed an L3 measurement and the current time. As described herein, if the time difference between the time when the UE last performed an L3 measurement and the current time exceeds the threshold value for the time difference included in the ephemeris information, the UE may be required to determine one or more target Rx beams without using a reference beam, as described herein according to some embodiments.

[0060] At 706 , the network device may receive one or more target Rx beams corresponding to another network device among the plurality of network devices from the UE.

[0061] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus having means for performing one or more elements of methods 500, 600, or 700. In the context of methods 500 or 600, the apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein). In the context of method 700, the apparatus may be, for example, a network device, which may be a network access point or base station (such as network device 920 as a base station, as described herein).

[0062] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of methods 500, 600, or 700. In the context of methods 500 or 600, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as memory 906 of wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein). In the context of method 700, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as memory 924 of network device 920 as a base station, as described herein).

[0063] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus having logical components, modules, or circuitry for performing one or more elements of methods 500, 600, or 700. In the context of methods 500 or 600, the apparatus may be, for example, a UE (such as wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein). In the context of method 700, the apparatus may be, for example, a network device, which may be a base station or a network access point (such as network device 920 as a base station, as described herein).

[0064] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus having one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that use or store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of methods 500, 600, or 700. In the context of methods 500 or 600, the apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that is a UE (such as wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein). In the context of method 700, the apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that is a network device, which may be a network access point or base station (such as network device 920 as a base station, as described herein).

[0065] Embodiments contemplated herein include signals as described in or associated with one or more elements of methods 500 , 600 , or 700 .

[0066] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product having instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of method 500, 600, or 700. In the context of method 500 or 600, the processor may be a processor of a UE (such as processor 904 of wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein), and the instructions may be located, for example, in the processor and / or on a memory of the UE (such as memory 906 of wireless device 902 as a UE, as described herein). In the context of method 700, the processor may be a processor of a network device (such as processor 922 of network device 920 as a base station, as described herein), which may be a network access point or base station, and the instructions may be located, for example, in the processor and / or on a memory of the network device (such as memory 924 of network device 920 as a base station, as described herein).

[0067] Figure 8 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 800 according to the embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. The description provided below is for an example wireless communication system 800 operating in conjunction with the LTE system standard and / or the 5G or NR system standard provided in the 3GPP technical specifications.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, wireless communication system 800 includes UE 802 and UE 804 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UE 802 and UE 804 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0069] The UEs 802 and 804 can be configured to communicate using the cellular band spectrum, the unlicensed spectrum, the citiess spectrum, etc. In implementations, the UEs 802 and 804 can be configured to communicate using OFDM communication signals with the gNBs 812 and / or 814. The UEs 802 and 804 utilize connections 808 and 810, respectively, each of which comprises a physical communications interface. The connections 808 and 810 allow the UEs 802 and 804 to access the RAN 806. The connections 808 and 810 each comprise one or more carriers, where a carrier comprises a portion of the radio frequency spectrum (e.g., frequency band) used by UEs 802 and 804 to access the gNBs 812 and 814. Each carrier can be associated with one or more bandwidths (e.g., 200, 400, 900, 1800, 2200, 2550 MHz, etc.) and can be used to transmit one or more types of data (e.g., control signaling, user data, etc.). In some implementations, the connections 808 and 810 can be established via different frequency bands (e.g., high frequency (HF), very high frequency (VHF), ultra high frequency (UHF), etc.). In some implementations, the connections 808 and 810 can be established via different RATs (e.g., LTE, NR, GSM, 5G, 6G, etc.).

[0070] In this example, the connections 808 and 810 are air interfaces that implement at least one radio access technology (RAT) and comprise at least one directional link between the UEs 802 and 804 and the gNBs 812 and 814. Each connection 808 and 810 can be established using a suitable RAT, such as, for example, LTE and / or NR.

[0071] In some implementations, the UEs 802 and 804 can also communicate directly using a sidelink interface 816. The UE 804 is illustrated as being configured to access an access point (AP) 818 via connection 820. In this example, the AP 818 can include a router, a switch, a bridge, a hub, or the like, that can be configured to allow data to be transferred between at least two electronic devices. The connection 820 can be a physical interface between a local device and another device (e.g., a wired connection including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a FireWire interface, etc., or a wireless interface configured to transmit data between devices based on various protocols). In this example, the AP 818 can not be connected to another network (e.g., the Internet) through the CN 824.

[0072] In implementations, the UEs 802 and 804 can be configured to communicate using OFDM communication signals with the gNBs 812 and / or 814 according to various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which operates in the orthogonal frequency division modulation (OFDM) domain. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0073] In some embodiments, all or a portion of base station 812 or base station 814 can be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. Further, or in other embodiments, base station 812 or base station 814 can be configured to communicate with each other, via interface 822. In embodiments where wireless communication system 800 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 824 is an EPC), interface 822 can be an X2 interface. The X2 interface can be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC, and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. In embodiments where wireless communication system 800 is a NR system (e.g., when CN 824 is a 5GC), interface 822 can be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to the 5GC, between a base station 812 (e.g., gNB) and an eNB connected to the 5GC, and / or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC (e.g., CN 824).

[0074] RAN 806 is shown to be communicably coupled to CN 824. CN 824 can include one or more network elements 826 that are configured to provide various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UEs 802 and 804) that are connected to CN 824 via RAN 806. The components of CN 824 can be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices, including components to read and execute instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0075] In embodiments, CN 824 can be an EPC and RAN 806 can connect with the CN 824 via an S1 interface 828. In embodiments, the S1 interface 828 can split into two parts: the S1 user face (S1-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base stations 812 or 814 and a serving gateway (S-GW); and the S1-MME interface, which is a signaling interface between the base stations 812 or 814 and mobile management entity (MME).

[0076] In an embodiment, CN 824 may be a 5GC, and RAN 806 may be connected to CN 824 via an NG interface 828. In an embodiment, NG interface 828 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries traffic data between base station 812 or base station 814 and a user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between base station 812 or base station 814 and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0077] Generally speaking, the application server 830 may be an element that provides applications (e.g., packet-switched data services) that utilize Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN 824. The application server 830 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UE 802 and the UE 804 via the CN 824. The application server 830 may communicate with the CN 824 via an IP communication interface 832.

[0078] Figure 9 A system 900 for performing signaling 938 between a wireless device 902 and a network device 920 according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. System 900 can be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. Wireless device 902 can be, for example, a UE of the wireless communication system. Network device 920 can be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or gNB) of the wireless communication system. In some embodiments, network device 920 can be a network access point and / or a repeater. Network device 920 can be deployed in a TN, a high altitude platform system (HAPS), or a satellite. A HAPS can be a manned or unmanned aerial vehicle, or a drone. A satellite can orbit in a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) or a non-geosynchronous orbit (N-GSO), and thus orbit in an NTN or an eNTN.

[0079] The wireless device 902 may include one or more processors 904. The processor 904 may execute instructions to perform various operations for the wireless device 902, as described herein. The processor 904 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof, configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0080] The wireless device 902 can include memory 906. The memory 906 can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 908 (which can include, for example, instructions for execution by the processor 904). The instructions 908 can also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 906 can also store data used by the processor 904 and results produced by the processor.

[0081] The wireless device 902 can include one or more transceivers 910, which can include radio-frequency (RF) transmitter and / or receiver circuits that use antennas 912 of the wireless device 902 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 938) to and / or from the wireless device 902 with other devices (e.g., network devices 920) in accordance with a corresponding RAT.

[0082] The wireless device 902 can include one or more antennas 912 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antennas 912, the wireless device 902 can take advantage of the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 912 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resources. This behavior can be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting device and the receiving device to implement this aspect). MIMO transmissions by the wireless device 902 can be implemented according to precoding (or digital beamforming) applied to the wireless device 902 that multiplexes data streams between the antennas 912 according to known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received at an appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in space (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with the data stream). Certain embodiments can use single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams can be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in space).

[0083] In certain embodiments with multiple antennas, the wireless device 902 can implement analog beamforming techniques whereby the phase of signals transmitted by the antennas 912 are adjusted relatively so that the (joint) transmission by the antennas 912 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0084] The wireless device 902 may include one or more interfaces 914. The interfaces 914 may be used to provide input or output to the wireless device 902. For example, the wireless device 902 (UE) may include interfaces 914, such as a microphone, a speaker, a touch screen, and buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to provide input and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be composed of transmitters, receivers, and other circuits (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 910 / antenna 912 already described), which allow communication between the UE and other devices and may be performed according to known protocols (e.g., etc.) to perform the operation.

[0085] The wireless device 902 may include one or more L3 measurement enhancement modules 916. The L3 measurement enhancement modules 916 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the L3 measurement enhancement modules 916 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 908 stored in the memory 906 and executed by the processor 904. In some examples, the L3 measurement enhancement modules 916 may be integrated within the processor 904 and / or the transceiver 910. For example, the L3 measurement enhancement modules 916 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within the processor 904 or the transceiver 910.

[0086] From the perspective of the UE, the L3 measurement enhancement module 916 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 7 all aspects.

[0087] The network device 920 may include one or more processors 922. The processor 922 may execute instructions to perform various operations for the network device 920, as described herein. The processor 904 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0088] The network device 920 may include a memory 924. The memory 924 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 926 (which may include, for example, instructions to be executed by the processor 922). The instructions 926 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 924 may also store data used by the processor 922 and results calculated by the processor.

[0089] The network device 920 can include one or more transceivers 928, which can include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuits using antennas 930 of the network device 920 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 938) to and / or from the network device 920 with other devices (e.g., wireless devices 902) in accordance with the corresponding RAT.

[0090] The network device 920 can include one or more antennas 930 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments with multiple antennas 930, the network device 920 can perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as has been described.

[0091] The network device 920 can include one or more interfaces 932. The interfaces 932 can be used to provide input to and / or output from the network device 920. For example, the network device 920 (base station) can include interfaces 932 consisting of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to the transceivers 928 / antennas 930 already described) that enable the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, etc. to carry out operations, management, and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operatively connected with the base station.

[0092] The network device 920 can include one or more L3 measurement configuration modules 934. The L3 measurement configuration modules 934 can be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the L3 measurement configuration modules 934 can be implemented as processors, circuitry, and / or instructions 926 stored in the memory 924 and executed by the processor 922. In some examples, the L3 measurement configuration modules 934 can be integrated within the processor 922 and / or the transceivers 928. For example, the L3 measurement configuration modules 934 can be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor 922 or the transceivers 928.

[0093] From the network device perspective, the L3 measurement configuration modules 934 can be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, e.g., Figures 1 to 7 Aspects of the present disclosure.

[0094] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components described in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples described herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, or the like as described above in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples described herein.

[0095] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. In view of the above teachings, modifications and variations are possible or can be obtained from the practice of the various embodiments.

[0096] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations that may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). A computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic for performing the operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0097] It should be appreciated that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, separated into multiple systems, or otherwise divided or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described only in relation to one or more embodiments, and it should be appreciated that these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

[0098] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0099] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and the apparatus described herein. The embodiments of the present invention are therefore to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the specification is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: transceiver; and A processor configured to: receiving, from a network, a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurements on a first set of beams for a first network access point in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) and a second set of beams for a second network access point in the NTN; receiving ephemeris information from the network, the ephemeris information including first ephemeris information corresponding to a first network access point in the NTN and second ephemeris information corresponding to a second network access point in the NTN; identifying a receive (Rx) beam in the first set of beams as a reference beam based on the beam measurements performed on the first set of beams; identifying one or more target Rx beams based on the reference beam and based on the first ephemeris information or the second ephemeris information, the one or more target Rx beams being a subset of the second set of beams; as well as The one or more target Rx beams are reported to the network to receive downlink information via a second network access point.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The first network access point is a serving network access point located in a first satellite orbiting in a non-geosynchronous orbit (Non-GSO) at a first time T1; and At a first time T1, the second network access point is a target network access point located in a second satellite orbiting in the Non-GSO. 3 . The UE according to claim 2 , wherein the serving network access point or the target network access point operates in a frequency band higher than a 10 GHz frequency band. 4 . The UE of claim 2 , wherein the serving network access point is located in a first cell, and the target network access point is located in a second cell, the second cell being a neighboring cell of the first cell.

5. The UE of claim 2 , wherein the target network access point is indicated to the UE based on: Current serving network access point; and An elevation angle difference, where the elevation angle difference is included in the first ephemeris information and corresponds to the current serving network access point.

6. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the reference beam or the Rx beam in the first set of beams is determined based on the beam measurement corresponding to a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurement, or a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement for the serving network access point.

7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein the beam measurement corresponding to the RSRP measurement, the RSRQ measurement or the SINR measurement for the serving network access point is determined by a specific synchronization signal block (SSB) index or a specific channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) index of the reference beam or the Rx beam in the first set of beams.

8. The UE according to claim 7, wherein: The processor is configured to: Receiving an association between the SSB index or the specific CSI-RS index of the reference beam or the Rx beam in the first set of beams and the SSB index or CSI-RS index of the one or more target Rx beams from the network; as well as The SSB index or the CSI-RS index of the one or more target Rx beams corresponding to the SSB index or the specific CSI-RS index of the reference beam or the Rx beam in the first set of beams is derived or determined.

9. A user equipment (UE), comprising: transceiver; and A processor configured to: receiving, from a network, a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurements corresponding to a plurality of network access points deployed in a non-terrestrial network (NTN); receiving, from the network, ephemeris information corresponding to one or more of the plurality of network access points deployed in the NTN; determining a receive (Rx) beam in the first set of beams as a reference Rx beam based on beam measurements performed on a first set of beams of a first network access point among the plurality of network access points at a first time T1; as well as According to the reference Rx beam and according to a condition that a difference between a current time T2 and a first time T1 is satisfied, the current time T2 is later than the first time T1, Identify a target Rx beam corresponding to the current time T2, where the target Rx beam is a beam in the second set of beams of a second network access point among the multiple network access points or a beam in the first set of beams of the first network access point; as well as The target Rx beam is reported to the network to receive downlink information starting from the current time T2.

10. The UE according to claim 9, wherein: The first network access point is a serving network access point or a first target network access point located in a first satellite orbiting in a non-geosynchronous orbit (Non-GSO) at a first time T1; and The second network access point is a second target network access point located in a second satellite orbiting in the Non-GSO at the current time T2.

11. The UE according to claim 9, wherein: The first network access point operates in a first frequency band above the 10 GHz band; and The second network access point operates in a second frequency band higher than the 10 GHz frequency band. 12 . The UE according to claim 9 , wherein the reference Rx beam and the target Rx beam are associated with different carrier frequencies. 13 . The UE of claim 9 , wherein the first network access point is located in a first cell, and the second network access point is located in a second cell, and the second cell is or is not a neighboring cell of the first cell.

14. The UE according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to: According to the difference between the current time T2 and the first time T1 exceeding a threshold included in the ephemeris information, ignoring the Rx beam in the first set of beams from serving as the reference Rx beam for determining the target Rx beam in the second set of beams for the second network access point.

15. The UE of claim 9, wherein the reference Rx beam is determined based on the beam measurement corresponding to a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurement, or a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement performed for a first network access point.

16. The UE of claim 15, wherein the beam measurement corresponding to the RSRP measurement, the RSRQ measurement, or the SINR measurement for the first network access point is performed for a specific synchronization signal block (SSB) index or a specific channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) index of the reference Rx beam in the first set of beams.

17. The UE of claim 16, wherein the reference Rx beam and the target Rx beam are associated with different synchronization signal block (SSB) indices, and the ephemeris information includes a mapping between SSB indices of beams in the first set of beams and SSB indices of beams in the second set of beams.

18. A method comprising: receiving, at a user equipment (UE), from a network, a beam measurement configuration for performing beam measurement on a first set of beams of a first network access point and a second set of beams of a second network access point, and ephemeris information corresponding to the first network access point or the second network access point; identifying a reference receive (Rx) beam in the first set of beams based on the beam measurements performed for the first set of beams; identifying one or more target Rx beams corresponding to the reference Rx beam, the one or more target Rx beams being a subset of the second set of beams; as well as The one or more target Rx beams are reported to the network to receive downlink information via a second network access point. The method of claim 18 , wherein the one or more target Rx beams include fewer than eight beams.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network access point is deployed in a terrestrial network (TN) or a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and the second network access point is deployed in the TN or the NTN.

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