Electronic device supporting non-terrestrial network communication and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device (101) may comprise a memory (130) storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors (120, 510), cause the electronic device (101) to: confirm that criteria indicating that a non-terrestrial network is not used for at least a designated period of time are satisfied; requesting, via one or more communication modules (521, 522), a search for one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) of a terrestrial network to obtain a search result for the PLMNs of the terrestrial network; select a first PLMN from among the one or more PLMNs of the terrestrial network; request connection to the first PLMN via the one or more communication modules (521, 522); and cause the one or more communication modules (521, 522) to, on the basis of the request for connection to the first PLMN, carry out at least one operation for connection using a cell of the first PLMN.

Description

Electronic device supporting non-terrestrial network communication and its operating method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device supporting non-terrestrial network communication and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Recently, electronic devices supporting non-terrestrial network communications (e.g., satellite communications) are being actively introduced. For example, electronic devices can communicate with satellites operated by existing satellite communication companies by utilizing their frequencies and communication methods. For example, electronic devices can communicate with satellites using cellular frequencies based on the LTE (long-term evolution) standard (or 5G standard). Furthermore, electronic devices can also communicate with satellites based on the 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks) standard.

[0003] For example, when an electronic device performs communication with a non-terrestrial network based on the LTE standard, some of the frequencies defined in the LTE standard may be allocated to non-terrestrial communication. The electronic device may perform satellite communication using the protocol stack used for terrestrial communication, and an additional protocol stack for non-terrestrial communication may not be required. The electronic device may perform communication without distinguishing between non-terrestrial communication and terrestrial communication. For example, the electronic device may include an operation for performing a cell scan, camping on a cell that satisfies cell selection criteria, and accessing the network (for example, the operation may include camping on, a random access (RA) procedure, a connection establishment procedure, and / or attach (or registration)). The electronic device may perform an operation for camping on a cell that satisfies cell selection criteria and accessing the network without distinguishing between non-terrestrial communication and terrestrial communication. Accordingly, electronic devices can be prepared to perform non-terrestrial communications in substantially the same manner as terrestrial communications.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises at least one processor including a processing circuit; at least one communication module including a communication circuit; and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for at least a designated period of time after the electronic device accesses the non-terrestrial network using the at least one communication module is satisfied, and based on the satisfaction of the condition, request a search for at least one public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network to the at least one communication module to obtain a search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, wherein the at least one communication module is configured to provide the search result for the at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one processor based on the request for the search, select a first PLMN from the at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search result, and request a connection to the first PLMN to the at least one communication module, and the at least one communication module, based on the request for connection to the first PLMN, perform a connection using a cell of the first PLMN. Causes at least one action to be performed.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an operating method of an electronic device (101) including at least one processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit and at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit comprises: an operation in which the at least one communication module (521, 522) accesses a non-terrestrial network; an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) confirms, after accessing the non-terrestrial network, that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for at least a designated time period is satisfied; an operation in which the at least one processor (120; 510) requests the at least one communication module (521, 522) to search for at least one public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network based on the search request; an operation in which the at least one communication module (521, 522) provides a search result for at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one processor (120; 510) based on the search request; The method may include: an operation of obtaining the search result by the at least one processor (120; 510); an operation of selecting a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search result by the at least one processor (120; 510); an operation of requesting a connection to the first PLMN by the at least one communication module (521, 522); and an operation of performing at least one operation for connection using a cell of the first PLMN by the at least one communication module (521, 522) based on the request for connection to the first PLMN.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor including a processing circuit of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to: determine that a condition is satisfied indicating that the non-terrestrial network is unused for at least a specified period of time after the electronic device accesses the non-terrestrial network using the at least one communication module; based on the satisfaction of the condition, obtain a search result for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network; select a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network; and perform at least one operation for access using a cell of the first PLMN.

[0007] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device and a remote communication network environment according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the connection of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a non-terrestrial network system according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device according to a comparative example for comparison with one or more embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a user interface provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a screen provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a screen provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0026] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0027] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0028] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0029] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0030] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0031] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0032] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0033] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0034] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0035] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0036] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0037] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0038] The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0039] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0040] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0041] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0042] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0043] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0044] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0045] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0046] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device and a remote communication network environment according to one or more embodiments.

[0048] The electronic device (101) can transmit and / or receive data via a terrestrial network and / or a non-terrestrial network. The electronic device (101) may have the same configuration as the electronic device (101) presented in FIG. 1 or may include the configuration of the electronic device (101) presented in FIG. 1.

[0049] A terrestrial network may refer to a network capable of providing data communication via a terrestrial wireless communication device (210). For example, the terrestrial wireless communication device (210) may include a base station located on the ground (e.g., fixed to the ground). The terrestrial wireless communication device (210) may support at least one communication method among various communication methods that the electronic device (101) can support. For example, the terrestrial wireless communication device (210) may include an eNodeB (e.g., an LTE-based base station) or a gNodeB (e.g., a 5G (or NR)-based base station), but there is no limitation on the type thereof.

[0050] A non-terrestrial network may refer to a network capable of providing data communication via at least one non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220). For example, the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may include at least one of various communication devices such as a base station or repeater that are not located on the ground. For example, the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may include, but is not limited to, a satellite and / or an unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, the satellite may include a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, and / or a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite. For example, the satellite may include a mobile satellite and / or a geostationary satellite.

[0051] The non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) can support at least one of various wireless communication methods. For example, the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) can support the NR NTN (non-terrestrial network) defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). Alternatively, the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) can support at least one of communication methods based on various communication standards such as LTE, GSM (global system for mobile communications), or CDMA (code-division multiple access), but the type thereof is not limited.

[0052] The terrestrial network and non-terrestrial network may be independent networks. Alternatively, the terrestrial network and non-terrestrial network may be included in at least one interconnected network (e.g., a network provided by the same operator).

[0053] The electronic device (101) may perform wireless communication via a non-terrestrial network when communication with the terrestrial network is impossible or not smooth. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may perform wireless communication via a non-terrestrial network regardless of the status of communication with the terrestrial network, depending on the case.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a display module (160) (e.g., a display), a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a communication circuit), and / or an antenna module (197). For example, the processor (120) may be operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to the display module (160), the wireless communication module (192), and / or the antenna module (197).

[0055] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, instructions (e.g., a program (140) of FIG. 1) at least temporarily stored in a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIG. 1), and may perform various data processing or operations. According to one or more embodiments, the processor (120) may control overall operations related to terrestrial network communication and / or non-terrestrial network communication. For example, the processor (120) may include a communication processor (e.g., an auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1) related to terrestrial network communication and / or non-terrestrial network communication.

[0056] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101).

[0057] According to one or more embodiments, the display module (160) may display a user interface (UI) that represents information related to a terrestrial network and / or a non-terrestrial network. For example, a UI representing information related to a terrestrial network and / or a non-terrestrial network may include at least one of a UI representing information related to a type of network (e.g., cellular communication (3G, 4G, or 5G), short-range communication (e.g., BT, or WIFI), or satellite communication), a type of network service provider (e.g., a satellite service provider (e.g., Iridium), an emergency service provider (ESP)), a network signal strength (e.g., signal strength bars, RSSI, or RSRP), an orientation of a communication device (satellite) included in the network (e.g., orientation, elevation angle, azimuth angle), presence information, and / or a network communication status (e.g., idle, transmit, or receive).

[0058] According to one or more embodiments, the display module (160) may display a UI representing services related to a terrestrial network and / or a non-terrestrial network.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the terrestrial network and / or non-terrestrial network related service may include, for example, at least one of an emergency message transmission service, a messaging service, a voice call, a video call, a data communication service, a location-related service and / or an indicator-related service.

[0060] According to one or more embodiments, the emergency message transmission service may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a service providing SOS service status information (e.g., indicating SOS service availability), a service providing government office information, a service providing emergency contact information, a service providing common phrases that minimize text input by the user, or a service using questionnaires to quickly convey an emergency situation (e.g., a service providing options for the type of accident, the location of the injury, or medical information (e.g., age, gender, disease information, or medication information)).

[0061] According to one or more embodiments, the messaging service may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a small message service (SMS), a multimedia messaging service (MMS), or a rich communication suite (RCS) message.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments, the data communication service may include services through various applications (e.g., web browsers) that provide data communication.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments, the location-related service may include, but is not limited to, at least one of longitude / latitude coordinates, location-related map information of the non-terrestrial communication device (220), navigation, or street view.

[0064] According to one or more embodiments, the UI examples are not limited to the examples mentioned, and may also be provided through other output devices (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1).

[0065] According to one or more embodiments, the wireless communication module (192) may support various types of wireless communication bands supported by the electronic device (101). For example, the wireless communication bands supported by the electronic device (101) may include, but are not limited to, a short-range wireless communication band (e.g., BT or WiFi), a terrestrial network (e.g., cellular network) communication band, and / or a non-terrestrial network band.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may support a frequency band (e.g., n255 or n256) associated with non-terrestrial wireless communication. The electronic device (101) may perform non-terrestrial wireless communication using the frequency band associated with non-terrestrial wireless communication, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform non-terrestrial wireless communication using at least a portion of the frequency band associated with terrestrial wireless communication.

[0067] According to one or more embodiments, the antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device).

[0068] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform wireless communication with a non-terrestrial network using at least one antenna among a plurality of antennas included in the antenna module (197). The at least one antenna supporting non-terrestrial wireless communication may include a dedicated antenna and / or a dual-purpose antenna. The dedicated antenna may include an antenna supporting a non-terrestrial network. The dual-purpose antenna may include an antenna supporting both a different type of network and a non-terrestrial network. For example, the electronic device (101) may communicate with at least one satellite (e.g., a GNSS satellite or a satellite for an emergency message service) using at least one non-terrestrial network dedicated antenna. For example, the dual-purpose antenna may include an antenna supporting a short-range communication network (e.g., a Bluetooth network, a WiFi network) and / or a terrestrial network (e.g., a long term evolution (LTE) network). The electronic device (101) may support a non-terrestrial network using a plurality of antennas among the antennas supporting a terrestrial network.

[0069] Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a satellite is mainly mentioned as a non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220), and although it is mentioned that the satellite provides wireless communication using a specific radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., LTE) or a specific function (e.g., base station), this is only an example and the type is not limited.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the connection of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may be located within the coverage (315) of the terrestrial wireless communication device (210) (hereinafter, referred to as terrestrial wireless communication coverage (315)) and / or within the coverage (325) of the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) (hereinafter, referred to as non-terrestrial wireless communication coverage (325)). The non-terrestrial wireless communication coverage (325) may be relatively larger (e.g., 50 times larger) than the terrestrial wireless communication coverage (315). For example, the non-terrestrial wireless communication coverage (325) may cover an area that the coverage (315) of the terrestrial wireless communication device (210) does not cover, and thus, the electronic device (101) may perform communication even in an area where terrestrial wireless communication is not supported.

[0072] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform a cell scan within the terrestrial wireless communication coverage (315) and / or the non-terrestrial wireless communication coverage (325). As a result of performing the cell scan, the electronic device (101) may identify a cell provided by the terrestrial wireless communication device (210) and / or a cell provided by the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220). If there is a cell that satisfies the cell selection condition, the electronic device (101) may perform at least some of the operations for connecting to a network (e.g., a non-terrestrial network and / or a terrestrial network). Here, connecting to the network may include, but is not limited to, at least some of the preceding operations for registration to the network (e.g., camp on, or a connection procedure (e.g., a random access (RA) procedure)) and / or a registration operation to the network (e.g., attach, or registration). The electronic device (101) may perform at least some of the disconnection operations when disconnection from a network is required (e.g., moving to a different network). The disconnection operation from the network may include at least some of the following operations: detaching from the network, disconnecting the connection, and / or declaring a radio link failure (RLF), but is not limited to the listed operations.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may perform at least some of the following operations: cell scanning, disconnecting from a network, and / or connecting to a network, depending on movement (330, 335).

[0074] According to one or more embodiments, when the electronic device (101) is located within the terrestrial communication coverage (315) included in the non-terrestrial wireless communication coverage (325) or is located in the boundary area of ​​the terrestrial communication coverage (315), the electronic device (101) may perform access to the terrestrial network and / or the non-terrestrial network based on a policy (e.g., a priority policy) of the electronic device (101).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a non-terrestrial network system (400) according to one or more embodiments.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, a non-terrestrial network system (400) may include a non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220), a radio unit (415), a packet core (430), and / or a PDN (440).

[0077] According to one or more embodiments, the non-terrestrial network system (400) may be implemented, for example, in a regenerative manner. When implemented in a regenerative manner, at least one non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may include a base station (e.g., an eNode B). The non-terrestrial network system (400) may be implemented, for example, in a bent-pipe manner. The bent-pipe manner may include a passive relay method that performs frequency conversion and power amplification on a received signal. When the non-terrestrial network system (400) is implemented in a bent-pipe manner, at least one non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may include a relay that converts (e.g., amplifies) and transmits a signal. The implementation manner of the non-terrestrial network system (400) and the role of the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) described in FIG. 4 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0078] According to one or more embodiments, the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may include at least one satellite. The non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may perform communication with the electronic device (101) using, for example, a terrestrial network (e.g., a cellular network) band and / or a non-terrestrial network band. The terrestrial network band may be, for example, but is not limited to, an operating band supported by long term evolution (LTE) and / or new radio (NR). The non-terrestrial network band may include, but is not limited to, a band defined by 3GPP (e.g., n255 and / or n256 bands).

[0079] According to one or more embodiments, at least one radio unit (415) may receive a signal from a non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) and transmit it to a packet core (430). The radio unit (415) and the non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) may communicate using, for example, a non-terrestrial network band. The non-terrestrial network band may be different from the terrestrial network band, but may be set to be the same in some cases.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments, at least one packet core (430) may transmit and receive data associated with the electronic device (101) using the radio unit (415). Accordingly, the packet core (430) may process the data associated with the electronic device (101) and transmit it to a packet data network (PDN) (440) (e.g., the Internet). The packet core (430) may include, but is not limited to, at least a portion of an evolved packet core (EPC) and / or a 5G core (5GC). The packet core (430) may include a packet core associated with a non-terrestrial wireless communication device (220) operator and / or a packet core associated with a mobile network operator (MNO). The packet core (430) may be additionally connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (not shown) to transmit and receive data associated with the electronic device (101).

[0081] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include an application processor (510), a non-terrestrial communication module (521) (a non-terrestrial communication interface), and a terrestrial communication module (522) (a terrestrial communication interface). Here, the application processor (510) may be, for example, at least a part of the processor (120) of FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto. The processor (120) may be operatively connected to, for example, the non-terrestrial communication module (521) and the terrestrial communication module (522), and may transmit / receive data for operations of the non-terrestrial communication module (521) and the terrestrial communication module (522), respectively, to / from the non-terrestrial communication module (521) and the terrestrial communication module (522). The non-terrestrial communication module (521) and the terrestrial communication module (522) may be implemented as independent modules (or circuits) as illustrated in FIG. 5, but this is not limited thereto. For example, in another example, the non-terrestrial communication module (521) and the terrestrial communication module (522) may be implemented as one module (or circuit), and those skilled in the art will understand that the domain for non-terrestrial communication and the domain for terrestrial communication may be implemented independently within one module (or circuit).

[0083] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device according to a comparative example for comparison with one or more embodiments.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least some of the operations according to the comparative example of FIG. 6 may be performed according to one or more embodiments.

[0085] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) can, in operation 611, determine a transition to an IDLE state of the non-terrestrial network (e.g., RRC (radio resource control)_IDLE, but without limitation). For example, based on the expiration of an RRC inactivity timer, the RRC state can transition to an RRC connected state (RRC_connected state) RRC_IDLE state, but without limitation.

[0086] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) can, in operation 613, notify the application processor (510) of the IDLE state.

[0087] The application processor (510), in operation 615, may request any cell selection to the terrestrial network communication module (522) based on checking the IDLE state of the non-terrestrial network. For example, cells that the electronic device (101) may select may include a suitable cell and an acceptable cell. A suitable cell may refer to a cell that the electronic device (101) selects to receive normal network services. A suitable cell may be a cell belonging to a public land mobile network (PLMN) in which the electronic device (101) can register. An acceptable cell is a cell for the electronic device (101) to receive limited services rather than normal network services. Unlike a suitable cell, an acceptable cell may be a cell of a PLMN in which the electronic device (101) cannot register. An acceptable cell may be used for the purpose of providing emergency services such as emergency calls. Any cell selection may mean that the electronic device (101) may select not only a suitable cell but also an acceptable cell. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the electronic device (101) will connect to a suitable cell, but there is also a possibility that it will connect to an acceptable cell.

[0088] The ground network communication module (522) can perform operations for cell selection and connection in operation 617. As described above, when the ground network communication module (522) is requested to select a random cell, the ground network communication module (522) can perform cell selection, and while it is possible to select a suitable cell, it is also possible to select an acceptable cell.

[0089] The ground network communication module (522) can notify the application processor (510) of the connection in operation 619.

[0090] The application processor (510) may, in operation 621, instruct the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) to release non-terrestrial network communication based on confirmation of connection to the terrestrial network.

[0091] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may, in operation 623, perform at least one operation to release non-terrestrial network communication in response to an instruction.

[0092] Based on the release of the non-terrestrial network communication, the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may, in operation 625, notify the application processor (510) of the release of the communication.

[0093] As described above, depending on the selection of any cell, the electronic device (101) may access the terrestrial network based on an acceptable cell. In this case, even though message transmission and reception, call services, and / or data communication are possible via the non-terrestrial network, the electronic device (101) may access the terrestrial network based on an acceptable cell that only supports emergency services. Accordingly, access to the terrestrial network needs to be performed taking into account the supported services, and this will be described with reference to embodiments.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0095] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 701, perform at least one operation for connection to a non-terrestrial network.

[0096] The electronic device (101), in operation 703, may verify that a condition related to non-terrestrial network unused is satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer is satisfied. In one example, the electronic device (101) may verify that the RRC state for the non-terrestrial network has transitioned to the RRC idle state as satisfaction of the condition. For example, the RRC state may transition to the RRC idle state as an RRC inactivity timer expires due to non-terrestrial network communication not being performed. In one example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a packet through the non-terrestrial network has not been generated for a specified period of time or longer as satisfaction of the condition. In one example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a preset timer has expired after a request for PLMN discovery has occurred as satisfaction of the condition. There is no limitation on the type and / or number of conditions that indicate that a non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time, and detailed descriptions of each example are provided below.

[0097] The electronic device (101) can search for a PLMN of a terrestrial network based on the satisfaction of the condition in operation 705.

[0098] The electronic device (101) can, in operation 707, identify at least one PLMN based on the search results of the PLMN of the terrestrial network. For example, the at least one PLMN can be expressed as follows.

[0099] PLMN list [X, Y, Z, A, B, C, ... ]

[0100] For example, the electronic device (101) can distinguish between PLMNs that support normal services and PLMNs that only support limited services, and there is no limitation on the method of distinction. For example, the PLMNs that support normal services may be (E)HPLMN ((equivalent) home public land mobile network), RPLMN (registered public land mobile network), EPLMN (equivalent public land mobile network), and OPLMN (operator public land mobile network), but there is no limitation. The PLMNs that support limited services may be VPLMNs, but there is no limitation. In this case, information associated with the PLMN can be expressed as follows.

[0101] X: RPLMN -> PLMN normal

[0102] Y: HPLMN -> PLMN normal

[0103] Z: EPLMN -> PLMN normal

[0104] A: other PLMN -> PLMN limited

[0105] B: other PLMN -> PLMN limited

[0106] C: other PLMN -> PLMN limited

[0107] Alternatively, a PLMN supporting normal services and a PLMN supporting only limited services may be expressed as follows.

[0108] PLMN normal [X, Y, Z, ...]

[0109] PLMN limited [A, B, C,...]

[0110] Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may manage the presence of a PLMN providing normal services and / or the presence of a PLMN providing only limited services.

[0111] NORMAL_SERVICE_AVAILABLE: 0 or 1

[0112] LIMITED_SERVICE_AVAILABLE: 0 or 1

[0113] In the above, 0 may indicate, for example, the absence of a PLMN providing the normal service, and 1 may indicate, for example, the presence of a PLMN providing the normal service, but there are no limitations. In this case, since the electronic device (101) can perform a cell selection procedure after confirming the presence of a PLMN, as described above, only the presence of a PLMN providing normal service and / or the presence of a PLMN providing only limited service may be managed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0114] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 709, select one of at least one PLMN. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may select one PLMN from at least one PLMN supporting normal service or limited service as a first PLMN for connection. In one example, the electronic device (101) may confirm a user selection of one of the at least one PLMN. The electronic device (101) may provide a user interface (UI) for selecting one of the at least one PLMN (or some of the PLMNs). The electronic device (101) may select one PLMN based on the user selection through the UI. In one example, the electronic device (101) may automatically select one of the at least one PLMN without user selection. For example, the electronic device (101) may confirm the PLMN based on the priority of the confirmed PLMN, but there is no limitation, and various PLMN selection rules will be described later. The electronic device (101) may select a PLMN, for example, depending on the type of service supported by the non-terrestrial network.

[0115] The electronic device (101) can perform at least one operation for accessing a cell of the selected PLMN in operation 711.

[0116] As described above, the electronic device (101) can first select a terrestrial network PLMN and then connect to a cell of the selected PLMN. Accordingly, even if, for example, the non-terrestrial network supports text and call services, connection to an acceptable cell of the terrestrial network can be prevented.

[0117] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0118] According to one or more embodiments, the non-terrestrial communication module (521) may, in operation 811, determine a transition to an IDLE state. For example, the non-terrestrial communication module (521) may transition the RRC state from an RRC Connected state to an RRC Idle state based on the expiration of an RRC Inactivity Timer.

[0119] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may notify the application processor (510) of the IDLE state in operation 813.

[0120] The application processor (510) may, in operation 815, confirm the satisfaction of a condition associated with the non-terrestrial network's non-use. For example, the application processor (510) may confirm that the RRC state corresponding to the non-terrestrial network is an RRC idle state as a satisfaction of the condition.

[0121] The application processor (510), in operation 817, may request the terrestrial network communication module (522) to search for a terrestrial network PLMN based on the satisfaction of the condition.

[0122] The ground network communication module (522) may perform PLMN search in response to a request from the application processor (510) in operation 819.

[0123] The terrestrial network communication module (522) may, in operation 821, provide the PLMN search result to the application processor (510). For example, the PLMN search result may include, but is not limited to, identification information of at least one identified PLMN and / or the type of service supported by at least one PLMN.

[0124] The application processor (510) may, in operation 823, select one of the at least one PLMN identified based on the PLMN search result. In one example, the application processor (510) may confirm a user selection of one of the at least one PLMN. The application processor (510) may provide a UI for selecting one of the at least one PLMN (or some). The application processor (510) may select one of the PLMNs based on the user selection through the UI. In one example, the application processor (510) may automatically select one of the at least one PLMN without user selection. For example, the application processor (510) may identify the PLMN based on the priority of the identified PLMN, but there is no limitation, and various PLMN selection rules will be described later. The application processor (510) may also select a PLMN based on the type of service supported by the non-terrestrial network, for example.

[0125] The application processor (510) may, in operation 825, request a connection based on a cell of the selected PLMN to the terrestrial network communication module (522). That is, the application processor (510) may request a connection using a cell of the selected PLMN.

[0126] The ground network communication module (522) may, in operation 827, perform at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the selected PLMN in response to the request.

[0127] The ground network communication module (522) may, based on a successful connection, notify the application processor (510) of connection to the ground network in operation 829.

[0128] The application processor (510) may, in operation 831, instruct the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) to release non-terrestrial network communication based on confirmation of connection to the terrestrial network.

[0129] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may, in operation 833, perform at least one operation for releasing non-terrestrial network communication in response to receiving an instruction.

[0130] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) can, in operation 835, notify the application processor (510) of the release of non-terrestrial network communication.

[0131] As described above, the electronic device (101) can first select a terrestrial network PLMN and then connect to a cell of the selected PLMN. Accordingly, even if, for example, the non-terrestrial network supports text and call services, connection to an acceptable cell of the terrestrial network can be prevented.

[0132] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0133] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 901, perform at least one operation for connection to a non-terrestrial network.

[0134] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 903, verify that a condition related to non-terrestrial network unused is satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time is satisfied.

[0135] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 905, search for a PLMN in the terrestrial network based on the satisfaction of a condition, and may start a timer. The timer start event may be the satisfaction of a condition in operation 903, rather than the search for a PLMN in the terrestrial network.

[0136] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 907, determine that the search for the PLMN of the terrestrial network has failed. For example, the electronic device (101) may be located outside the coverage of the terrestrial network, in which case the search for the PLMN of the terrestrial network may fail, as in operation 907. For example, the timer started in operation 905 may be stopped (or reset) based on the search for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, and thus the timer may continue to progress without being stopped and may eventually expire.

[0137] The electronic device (101), in operation 909, may search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network and restart the timer based on the expiration of the timer. For example, the timer may be a timer for resuming the search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network. In one example, the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may provide information indicating an idle state to the application processor (510) when the timer expires while the idle state is maintained, and the application processor (510) may request the terrestrial network communication module (522) to search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network based on this. In this case, the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may reset and restart the timer after providing the information indicating the idle state to the application processor (510), and when the timer expires, may again provide information indicating the idle state to the application processor (510). Alternatively, the application processor (510) may request the terrestrial network communication module (522) to search for a PLMN after receiving information indicating an idle state from the non-terrestrial network communication module (521). After requesting the search for a PLMN, the application processor (510) may start a timer. If the timer expires while the PLMN list is not received, the application processor (510) may request the terrestrial network communication module (522) to search for a PLMN again. As described above, there is no limitation on the entity managing the timer.

[0138] The electronic device (101) can, in a 911 operation, identify at least one PLMN based on the search result of the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0139] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 913, select one of at least one PLMN. In one example, the electronic device (101) may confirm a user selection of one of the at least one PLMN. Alternatively, in one example, the electronic device (101) may automatically select one of the at least one PLMN without user selection.

[0140] The electronic device (101) may perform at least one operation for accessing a cell of the selected PLMN in operation 915.

[0141] As described above, the electronic device (101) can first select a terrestrial network PLMN and then connect to a cell of the selected PLMN. Accordingly, even if, for example, the non-terrestrial network supports text and call services, connection to an acceptable cell of the terrestrial network can be prevented.

[0142] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0143] According to one or more embodiments, the application processor (510) may, in operation 1001, determine that non-occurrence of a packet corresponding to a non-terrestrial network for a threshold period or longer is satisfied as a condition associated with non-use of the non-terrestrial network. For example, the application processor (510) may monitor, while connected to the non-terrestrial network, whether an uplink packet from a running application and / or a downlink packet to be provided to the running application is generated. Non-occurrence of an uplink packet and / or a downlink packet for a threshold period or longer may be determined as a satisfaction of a condition associated with non-use of the non-terrestrial network.

[0144] The application processor (510), in operation 1003, may request the terrestrial network communication module (522) to search for a terrestrial network PLMN based on the satisfaction of the condition. The terrestrial network communication module (522), in operation 1005, may perform PLMN search in response to the request from the application processor (510).

[0145] The terrestrial network communication module (522) may, in operation 1007, provide the PLMN search result to the application processor (510). For example, the PLMN search result may include, but is not limited to, identification information of at least one identified PLMN and / or the type of service supported by at least one PLMN.

[0146] The application processor (510) may, in operation 1009, select one of the at least one PLMN identified based on the PLMN search result. In one example, the application processor (510) may confirm a user selection of one of the at least one PLMN. In one example, the application processor (510) may automatically select one of the at least one PLMN without user selection.

[0147] The application processor (510) may, in operation 1011, request a connection based on a cell of the selected PLMN to the terrestrial network communication module (522).

[0148] The ground network communication module (522) may, in operation 1013, perform at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the selected PLMN in response to a request.

[0149] The ground network communication module (522) may, based on a successful connection, notify the application processor (510) of connection to the ground network in operation 1015.

[0150] The application processor (510) may, in operation 1017, instruct the non-terrestrial network communication module (521) to release non-terrestrial network communication based on confirmation of connection to the terrestrial network.

[0151] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) may, in operation 1019, perform at least one operation for releasing non-terrestrial network communication in response to receiving an instruction.

[0152] The non-terrestrial network communication module (521) can, in operation 1021, notify the application processor (510) of the release of non-terrestrial network communication.

[0153] As described above, the electronic device (101) can first select a terrestrial network PLMN and then connect to a cell of the selected PLMN. Accordingly, even if, for example, the non-terrestrial network supports text and call services, connection to an acceptable cell of the terrestrial network can be prevented.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a user interface provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0155] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may provide a user interface including a visual element (1101) for selecting an automatic mode and a visual element (1103) for selecting a manual mode. The visual element (1101) for selecting an automatic mode may include text indicating that connection to a terrestrial network is automatically permitted without user selection while using a non-terrestrial network. The visual element (1103) for selecting a manual mode may include text indicating that connection to a terrestrial network is permitted upon user selection while using a non-terrestrial network. For example, the electronic device (101) may determine a mode for switching to a terrestrial network based on a selection of either of the visual elements (1101, 1103).

[0156] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0157] One or more embodiments of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0158] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a screen provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0159] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 1201, perform at least one operation for connection to a non-terrestrial network.

[0160] The electronic device (101) can confirm, in operation 1203, that the non-terrestrial network supports text service and call service.

[0161] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1205, verify that a condition related to non-terrestrial network non-use has been satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time has been satisfied.

[0162] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1207, search for a PLMN of a terrestrial network that supports normal services. The normal services may include, but are not limited to, text messaging services, call services, and data messaging services. The PLMN supporting the normal services may be, but is not limited to, a PLMN in which the electronic device (101) can register based on a SIM connected to the electronic device (101) and / or a profile executed by the electronic device (101). For example, the PLMN supporting the normal services may be, but is not limited to, an EHPLMN, an RPLMN, an EPLMN, or an OPLMN. Since the non-terrestrial network supports text messaging services and call services, the electronic device (101) may be configured to search for a PLMN supporting the normal services rather than all PLMNs. If the search for a PLMN supporting normal services fails, the electronic device (101) can maintain the connection to the non-terrestrial network and, for example, perform a timer-expired PLMN re-search as described with reference to FIG. 9 . Alternatively, if the search for a PLMN supporting normal services fails and a PLMN supporting only limited services is searched, the electronic device (101) can inquire the user about whether to switch to a PLMN supporting only limited services. If a request to switch to a PLMN supporting only limited services is received from the user, the electronic device (101) can be implemented to perform a connection based on a cell of the PLMN supporting only limited services.

[0163] The electronic device (101) can, in operation 1209, identify at least one PLMN based on the search result of the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0164] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1211, select any one of at least one PLMN.

[0165] The electronic device (101) may perform at least one operation for accessing a cell of the selected PLMN in operation 1213.

[0166] For example, the electronic device (101) may be set to manual mode. In this case, the electronic device (101) may express that a switchover connection to a PLMN of a terrestrial network capable of providing normal services is possible, as in FIG. 13. For example, the electronic device (101) may express a pop-up (1310) indicating that a terrestrial network cell has been discovered and terrestrial network services are available. The pop-up (1310) may include text indicating that a terrestrial network cell has been discovered and terrestrial network services are available. The pop-up (1301) may include a visual object (1311) that causes a switchover connection to the terrestrial network. Based on the selection of the visual object (1311), the electronic device (101) may perform a connection based on a cell of a PLMN that supports normal services.

[0167] If multiple PLMNs capable of supporting normal services are identified, the electronic device (101) may provide a user interface (UI) that allows selection of one of the PLMNs capable of supporting multiple normal services. If one of the PLMNs capable of supporting multiple normal services is selected through the UI, the electronic device (101) may perform access based on the cell of the selected PLMN.

[0168] For example, the electronic device (101) may be set to automatic mode. In this case, the electronic device (101) may select one of at least one PLMN supporting normal service without user selection. For example, the electronic device (101) may select one of at least one PLMN supporting normal service based on the priority of the at least one PLMN supporting normal service. Those skilled in the art will understand that the selection based on the priority of the PLMN may be performed, for example, by the application processor (510) and / or by the terrestrial network communication module (522).

[0169] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0170] One or more embodiments of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0171] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a screen provided by an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0172] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 1401, perform at least one operation for connection to a non-terrestrial network.

[0173] The electronic device (101) can, in operation 1403, confirm that the non-terrestrial network supports text service and does not support call service.

[0174] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1405, verify that a condition related to non-terrestrial network non-use is satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time is satisfied.

[0175] The electronic device (101) can search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network in operation 1407. The electronic device (101) can search for PLMNs that support not only normal services but also limited services. Since emergency call services can be supported through limited services, access to limited PLMNs may be advantageous when the non-terrestrial network only supports text messaging services.

[0176] As described above, for example, PLMNs supporting normal services and PLMNs supporting only limited services can be managed separately as follows.

[0177] PLMN normal [X, Y, Z, ...]

[0178] PLMN limited [A, B, C,...]

[0179] Alternatively, if a PLMN supporting normal services is identified, the electronic device (101) may exclude PLMNs supporting only limited services from the selection list. In this case, if a PLMN supporting normal services is not identified, the electronic device (101) may include PLMNs supporting only limited services in the selection list, as examples of which are as follows.

[0180] PLMN normal [X, Y, Z, ...n]

[0181] Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may only express whether a PLMN supporting only limited services has been found when a PLMN supporting normal services is not identified, as follows.

[0182] LIMITED_SERVICE_AVAILABLE: 0 or 1

[0183] Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may only express whether a PLMN has been discovered as follows.

[0184] PLMN_FOUND: 0 or 1

[0185] The electronic device (101) can, in operation 1409, identify at least one PLMN based on the search result of the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0186] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1411, select any one of at least one PLMN.

[0187] The electronic device (101) may perform at least one operation for accessing a cell of the selected PLMN in operation 1413.

[0188] For example, the electronic device (101) may be set to manual mode. In this case, the electronic device (101) may express that a switch connection to a PLMN of a terrestrial network capable of providing a limited service is possible, as shown in FIG. 15. As described above, for example, if the electronic device (101) fails to search for a PLMN supporting a normal service and succeeds in searching for a PLMN supporting a limited service, the electronic device (101) may display a pop-up (1510) indicating that a terrestrial network cell has been searched and that the limited service is available. If the pop-up (1510) is selected, the electronic device (101) may perform a connection based on a cell of the PLMN supporting the limited service. If no other user operation is confirmed, the electronic device (101) may maintain the connection to the non-terrestrial network. Thereafter, if the user wishes to make an emergency call, a connection to a PLMN supporting the limited service may be performed based on a user operation on the electronic device (101).

[0189] If PLMNs capable of supporting multiple restricted services are identified, the electronic device (101) may provide a user interface (UI) that allows selection of one of the PLMNs capable of supporting multiple restricted services. Once one of the PLMNs capable of supporting multiple restricted services is selected through the UI, the electronic device (101) may perform a connection based on the cell of the selected PLMN. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic device (101) may also present a list of PLMNs capable of supporting both restricted services and normal services.

[0190] For example, the electronic device (101) may be set to automatic mode. In this case, the electronic device (101) may be implemented to select one of at least one PLMN supporting limited services without user selection. If the electronic device (101) is set to automatic mode and only PLMNs supporting limited services are searched, the electronic device (101) may be implemented to maintain connection to the non-terrestrial network.

[0191] A PLMN supporting normal services may be searched for. If the electronic device (101) is set to manual mode, the electronic device (101) may provide a UI, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 13, and perform cell-based access to a PLMN supporting normal services based on a user command via the UI. Alternatively, if the electronic device (101) is set to automatic mode, the electronic device (101) may select any one of the PLMNs supporting normal services.

[0192] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an operation method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0193] According to one or more embodiments, the electronic device (101) may, in operation 1601, perform at least one operation for connection to a non-terrestrial network.

[0194] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1603, obtain a search result for a PLMN of a terrestrial network. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to a frequency (or RF path) of the terrestrial network that is different from the frequency (or RF path) used for the non-terrestrial network. For example, the electronic device (101) may perform a search corresponding to the terrestrial network using an RB (resource block) that is not allocated for use in the non-terrestrial network.

[0195] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1605, verify that a condition related to non-terrestrial network unused is satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) may verify that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time is satisfied.

[0196] The electronic device (101) can, in operation 1607, identify at least one PLMN based on the search result of the PLMN of the terrestrial network, based on the satisfaction of the condition related to the non-use of the non-terrestrial network.

[0197] The electronic device (101) may, in operation 1609, select one of at least one PLMN. In one example, the electronic device (101) may confirm a user selection of one of the at least one PLMN. Alternatively, in one example, the electronic device (101) may automatically select one of the at least one PLMN without user selection.

[0198] The electronic device (101) may perform at least one operation for accessing a cell of the selected PLMN in operation 1611.

[0199] As described above, the electronic device (101) can first select a terrestrial network PLMN and then connect to a cell of the selected PLMN. Accordingly, even if, for example, the non-terrestrial network supports text and call services, connection to an acceptable cell of the terrestrial network can be prevented.

[0200] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (101) may include at least one application processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit, at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit, and a memory (130) storing instructions.

[0201] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine, by the at least one application processor (120; 510), that a condition is satisfied indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer after the electronic device (101) has accessed the non-terrestrial network based on the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0202] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to, based on satisfaction of the condition, request the at least one communication module (521, 522) to search for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network, thereby obtaining a search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, and the at least one communication module (521, 522) may, in response to the request, provide the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one application processor (120; 510).

[0203] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network by the at least one application processor (120; 510).

[0204] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to request, by the at least one application processor (120; 510), the at least one communication module (521, 522) for connection to the first PLMN.

[0205] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to perform, by the at least one communication module (521, 522), at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the first PLMN, in response to a request for connection to the first PLMN.

[0206] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select the first PLMN from the at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network, at least as part of the operation of selecting the first PLMN from the at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0207] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, as the first PLMN, one of the at least one PLMN supporting normal services based on the non-terrestrial network supporting text services and call services, at least as part of an operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network.

[0208] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the normal service may include at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN).

[0209] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify a user command that causes the electronic device (101) to select any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, at least as part of the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN.

[0210] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, based on the user command, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, at least as part of the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN.

[0211] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service, based on a priority of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service, at least as part of the operation of selecting, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

[0212] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to, at least as part of an operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network, select as the first PLMN any one of the at least one PLMN supporting normal service and / or the at least one PLMN supporting restricted service, based on the non-terrestrial network supporting text service and not supporting call service.

[0213] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the normal service may include at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN).

[0214] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the limited service may include a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).

[0215] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and / or the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, based on the identification of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, at least as part of the operation of selecting, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

[0216] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify a user command that causes the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN, at least as part of an operation of selecting one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, based on the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service being identified.

[0217] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, based on the user command, one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, at least as part of an operation of selecting one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, based on the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service being identified.

[0218] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service based on the identification of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, at least as part of an operation of selecting, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service based on a priority of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

[0219] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select, as the first PLMN, any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and / or the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, based on the non-terrestrial network supporting the text service and not the call service, based on a failure to verify the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and / or a user command to cause a connection to any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, based on a verification of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service being verified and the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service being verified.

[0220] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to, as at least part of an operation of determining that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer, determine that a radio resource control (RRC) state of the non-terrestrial network is an RRC idle state as a satisfaction of the condition.

[0221] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to, at least as part of an operation of determining that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for a specified period of time is satisfied, determine non-occurrence of a packet associated with the non-terrestrial network for a specified period of time or more as satisfaction of the condition.

[0222] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to periodically perform a repeat search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a failure in verification of the PLMN of the terrestrial network based on the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0223] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device (101) including at least one application processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit and at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit may be provided.

[0224] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation of the at least one application processor (120; 510) confirming that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not used for a specified period of time or longer is satisfied after the electronic device (101) accesses the non-terrestrial network based on the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0225] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) requests the at least one communication module (521, 522) to search for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network based on satisfaction of the condition, thereby obtaining a search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, and the at least one communication module (521, 522) provides the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one application processor (120; 510) in response to the request.

[0226] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) selects a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0227] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) requests connection to the first PLMN to the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0228] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one communication module (521, 522) performs at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the first PLMN in response to a request for connection to the first PLMN.

[0229] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network may include the operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a type of service supported by the non-terrestrial network.

[0230] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network may include the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting a normal service as the first PLMN based on the non-terrestrial network supporting a text service and a call service.

[0231] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the normal service may include at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN).

[0232] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN may include the operation of confirming a user command causing any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN.

[0233] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN may include an operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN based on the user command.

[0234] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN may include the operation of selecting any one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN based on a priority of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

[0235] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network may include the operation of selecting, as the first PLMN, any one of at least one PLMN supporting a normal service and / or at least one PLMN supporting a restricted service, based on the non-terrestrial network supporting a text service and not supporting a call service.

[0236] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the normal service may include at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN).

[0237] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one PLMN supporting the limited service may be a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).

[0238] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium storing computer-readable instructions may be provided.

[0239] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one application processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit of the electronic device (101), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine that a condition is satisfied indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer after the electronic device (101) has accessed the non-terrestrial network based on at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit.

[0240] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain a search result of a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network based on satisfaction of the condition.

[0241] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified according to a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0242] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the first PLMN. That is, the electronic device may control the at least one communication interface to perform at least one operation for connection using a cell of the first PLMN.

[0243] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (101) may include at least one application processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit, at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit, and a memory (130) storing instructions.

[0244] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain a search result for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network by requesting the at least one communication module (521, 522) to search for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, by the at least one application processor (120; 510), and the at least one communication module (521, 522) may provide the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one application processor (120; 510) in response to the request.

[0245] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine, by the at least one application processor (120; 510), that a condition is satisfied indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer after the electronic device (101) has accessed the non-terrestrial network based on the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0246] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network, based on satisfaction of the condition, by the at least one application processor (120; 510).

[0247] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to request, by the at least one application processor (120; 510), the at least one communication module (521, 522) for connection to the first PLMN.

[0248] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to perform, by the at least one communication module (521, 522), at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the first PLMN, in response to a request for connection to the first PLMN.

[0249] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device (101) including at least one application processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit and at least one communication module (521, 522) including a communication circuit may be provided.

[0250] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) requests the at least one communication module (521, 522) to search for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network, thereby obtaining a search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

[0251] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one communication module (521, 522) may provide a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one application processor (120; 510) in response to the request.

[0252] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation of the at least one application processor (120; 510) confirming that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not used for a specified period of time or longer is satisfied after the electronic device (101) accesses the non-terrestrial network based on the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0253] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) selects a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network based on satisfaction of the condition.

[0254] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one application processor (120; 510) requests connection to the first PLMN to the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0255] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method of operating the electronic device (101) may include an operation in which the at least one communication module (521, 522) performs at least one operation for connection based on a cell of the first PLMN in response to a request for connection to the first PLMN.

[0256] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium storing computer-readable instructions may be provided.

[0257] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one application processor (120; 510) of the electronic device (101), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain a search result for a public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network.

[0258] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to determine that a condition is satisfied indicating that the non-terrestrial network has not been used for a specified period of time or longer after the electronic device (101) has accessed the non-terrestrial network based on the at least one communication module (521, 522).

[0259] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to select a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on a search result for a PLMN of the terrestrial network, based on satisfaction of the condition.

[0260] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one application processor (120; 510), may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation for cell-based access of the first PLMN.

[0261] Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0262] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0263] The term "module" used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0264] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0265] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0266] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), At least one processor (120; 510) comprising a processing circuit; At least one communication module (521; 522) comprising a communication circuit; and Memory for storing instructions (130) , wherein the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to: After the electronic device (101) connects to the non-terrestrial network using the at least one communication module (521; 522), it is confirmed that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not used for at least a specified period of time is satisfied, Based on the satisfaction of the above conditions, by requesting a search for at least one PLMN (public land mobile network) of the terrestrial network to the at least one communication module (521; 522), a search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network is obtained, wherein the at least one communication module (521; 522) is configured to provide the search result for at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one processor (120; 510) based on the requesting the search, Selecting a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search results, and Requesting access to the first PLMN to at least one communication module (521, 522), and An electronic device (101) that causes at least one communication module (521; 522) to perform at least one operation for connection using a cell of the first PLMN based on a request for connection to the first PLMN.

2. In paragraph 1, The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to, at least as part of an operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network: An electronic device (101) further causing selection of the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to, at least as part of an operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network: Based on the above non-terrestrial network supporting text service and call service, causing at least one PLMN supporting normal service to be selected as the first PLMN, and At least one PLMN supporting the above normal service is an electronic device (101) including at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, at least as part of the operation of: Identify a user command that causes one of at least one PLMN supporting the above normal service to be selected as the first PLMN; An electronic device (101) further causing selection of one of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN based on the user command.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service as the first PLMN, at least as part of the operation of: An electronic device (101) further causing one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN based on a priority of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to, at least as part of an operation of selecting the first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network based on a service supported by the non-terrestrial network: Based on the above non-terrestrial network supporting text service and not supporting call service, further causing to select any one of at least one PLMN supporting normal service or limited service as the first PLMN, At least one PLMN supporting the above normal service includes at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN), a registered public land mobile network (RPLMN), an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN), or an operator public land mobile network (OPLMN), An electronic device (101) comprising at least one PLMN supporting the above-mentioned limited service, which includes a VPLMN (visited public land mobile network).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select, as at least part of an operation, one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service as the first PLMN: An electronic device (101) further causing one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN based on the identification of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select, as at least part of an operation, one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service as the first PLMN, based on the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service being identified: Identify a user command that causes selection of at least one PLMN supporting the above normal service as the first PLMN, and An electronic device (101) that causes one of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN based on the user command.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select, as at least part of an operation, one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service as the first PLMN, based on the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service being identified: An electronic device (101) further causing one of the at least one PLMN supporting the normal service to be selected as the first PLMN based on a priority of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to select, as at least part of the operation of selecting, as the first PLMN, one of at least one PLMN supporting the normal service or the restricted service, based on whether the non-terrestrial network supports the text service and does not support the call service: An electronic device (101) further causing selection of one of the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service as the first PLMN based on a user command causing connection to one of the at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service, based on a failure to verify at least one PLMN supporting the normal service and a verification of at least one PLMN supporting the restricted service.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least as part of an operation of: determining that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for at least a specified period of time is satisfied; An electronic device (101) that further causes the non-terrestrial network to confirm that the radio resource control (RRC) state is an RRC idle state as a satisfaction of the above condition.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least as part of an operation of: determining that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for at least a specified period of time is satisfied; An electronic device (101) further causing non-occurrence of packets associated with the non-terrestrial network for at least a specified time period to be confirmed as satisfaction of the condition.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120; 510), cause the electronic device (101) to: An electronic device (101) that causes a search for a PLMN of the terrestrial network to be performed repeatedly periodically based on a failure in verification of the PLMN of the terrestrial network based on the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network.

14. A method of operating an electronic device (101) comprising at least one processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit and at least one communication module (521; 522) including a communication circuit, An operation of connecting at least one communication module (521; 522) to a non-terrestrial network; An operation of at least one application processor (120; 510) confirming that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not in use for at least a specified period of time is satisfied after connecting to the non-terrestrial network; Based on satisfaction of the above conditions, the at least one processor (120; 510) requests the at least one communication module (521; 522) to search for at least one public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network; An operation in which the at least one communication module (521; 522) provides a search result for at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network to the at least one processor (120; 510) based on the search request; The above at least one processor (120; 510) performs an operation of obtaining the search result; An operation of selecting a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search result by the at least one processor (120; 510); An operation in which at least one processor (120; 510) requests connection to the first PLMN to at least one communication module (521, 522), and At least one communication module (521; 522) above, An operation of performing at least one operation for connection using a cell of the first PLMN based on a request for connection to the first PLMN. A method of operating an electronic device (101) including:

15. In a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor (120; 510) including a processing circuit of an electronic device (101), cause the electronic device (101) to: After the electronic device (101) connects to the non-terrestrial network using the at least one communication module (521; 522), it is confirmed that a condition indicating that the non-terrestrial network is not used for at least a specified period of time is satisfied, Based on the satisfaction of the above conditions, the search results for the public land mobile network (PLMN) of the terrestrial network are obtained, Selecting a first PLMN from at least one PLMN of the terrestrial network identified based on the search result for the PLMN of the terrestrial network, and A storage medium causing at least one operation to be performed for connection using a cell of the first PLMN.

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