Flexible band pairing for satellite communications

Abstract

This document describes techniques for flexible band pairing for satellite communications. In aspects, a non-terrestrial communication system uses multiple frequency bands for wireless links between user equipment (UE) and satellites of the non-terrestrial communication system. The non-terrestrial communication system determines (705) that a wireless link between a satellite and a UE utilizes two different frequency bands, which are defined by a managing entity. In response, the non-terrestrial communication system selects (710) a first defined frequency band for downlink communications from the satellite to the UE and a second defined frequency band for uplink communications from the UE to the satellite. The non-terrestrial communication system then instructs (715) the satellite and the UE to communicate via the wireless link by using the first defined frequency band for the downlink communications and the second defined frequency band for the uplink communications.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as satellite-based communication systems, offer flexibility to end users. For example, a single satellite acting as a relay can provide coverage to remote, inaccessible areas such as mountainous or marine regions with poor transportation. However, non-terrestrial communications also present challenges. For instance, satellite communications experience significant propagation loss, leading to poor signal quality and / or increased bit errors at the receiver. As another example, radio frequency (RF) bands allocated for non-terrestrial communications may have varying power density restrictions enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In some scenarios, these power density restrictions result in low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and poor signal quality at the receiver, such as when a UE is operating at the cell edge. With recent advancements in wireless communication systems, new technologies can be used to improve the quality and / or reliability of services provided by non-terrestrial communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This document describes a technique for flexible frequency band pairing for satellite communications. In some aspects, non-terrestrial communication systems use multiple frequency bands for the radio link between a user equipment (UE) and the satellite of the non-terrestrial communication system. The non-terrestrial communication system determines to utilize two different frequency bands (e.g., government-defined bands, standard-defined bands, or prescribed bands) for the radio link between the UE and the satellite. In response to determining to utilize the two different frequency bands, the non-terrestrial communication system selects a first defined frequency band (e.g., defined by a management entity, such as a government-defined band, standard-defined band, or prescribed band) for downlink communication from the satellite to the UE, and selects a second defined frequency band (e.g., defined by a management entity) for uplink communication from the UE to the satellite. The non-terrestrial communication system then instructs the satellite and the UE to communicate via the radio link using the first defined frequency band for downlink communication and the second defined frequency band for uplink communication.

[0003] In all aspects, the UE uses multiple frequency bands for the radio link between the UE and a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication system. The UE receives from the non-terrestrial communication system an instruction to use two different frequency bands (e.g., defined by a management entity, such as a government-defined band, a standard-defined band, or a prescribed band) for wireless communication transmitted via the radio link between the UE and the satellite. In response to receiving the instruction, the UE communicates with the satellite via the radio link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication and a second defined frequency band, different from the first defined frequency band, for uplink communication.

[0004] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and examples herein. This summary is provided to introduce the subject matter further described in the detailed description and drawings. Therefore, this summary should not be construed as describing essential features, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the described subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The following describes in detail one or more aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. The use of the same reference numerals in different instances in the description and figures may denote similar elements:

[0006] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example environment that can be used based on various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications;

[0007] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example device diagram of an entity that can realize various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications;

[0008] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example device diagram of an entity that can be used based on one or more aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications;

[0009] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of frequency bands defined and / or specified according to one or more aspects of flexible frequency band pairing for satellite communications;

[0010] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example environment that can be used based on various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications;

[0011] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates example signaling and control transactions that can be used to perform flexible band pairing for satellite communications.

[0012] Figure 7 The illustrations depict example methods that can be used to perform various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications; and

[0013] Figure 8 The illustration shows example methods that can be used to perform various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Communicating with user equipment (UE) on non-terrestrial communication systems (e.g., satellite communication systems) presents several challenges to UE mobility. As an example, satellite communications experience significant propagation loss due to any combination of free-space path loss, absorption, obstacles, fading, etc., resulting in poor signal quality at the receiver and consequently poor performance at the UE (e.g., increased bit errors, decreased reliability). Another example is the rules enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and / or the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regarding the use of certain spectrum. To illustrate, regulatory bodies can impose different power spectral density limits on various frequency bands (defined by the regulatory body) affecting wireless communication between satellites and UEs. As an example, power spectral density limits can result in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in downlink communication, leading to poor signal quality at the receiver, such as when the UE is operating at the cell edge.

[0015] To improve signal quality in satellite-based communications, non-terrestrial communication systems use multiple frequency bands for the radio link between the UE and the satellite operating within the non-terrestrial communication system. As an example, the ground station and / or satellite operating within the non-terrestrial communication system selects a first defined frequency band (e.g., defined by a regulatory agency and / or committee) for downlink communication from the satellite to the UE, and selects a second defined frequency band (e.g., defined by a regulatory agency and / or committee) for uplink communication from the UE to the satellite, wherein the first and second defined frequency bands are different from each other. A defined frequency band can correspond to a frequency band defined and / or specified by various entities, such as government-defined frequency bands, committee-defined frequency bands, standards-defined frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands defined by 5G New Radio (5G NR), 3GPP LTE, Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)), ITU-defined frequency bands, FCC-defined frequency bands, EU-defined frequency bands, IEEE-defined frequency bands, military-defined frequency bands, NATO-defined frequency bands, ISM-defined frequency bands, spectrum licensing authorities-defined frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands defined by the UK's Office of the Federal Communications Commission (OFCOM), and similar licensing authorities in other countries), and so on. In some aspects, the non-terrestrial communication system selects two different frequency bands based on a frequency band pairing setting requested by the UE, wherein the frequency band pairing setting requested by the UE indicates the requested frequency band pair. The non-terrestrial communication system then instructs the satellite and the UE to communicate via the radio link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication and a second defined frequency band for uplink communication.

[0016] In various aspects, non-terrestrial communication systems and / or UEs select different frequency bands based on power spectral density constraints. For illustration, a non-terrestrial communication system and / or UE selects a first-defined frequency band with a higher power spectral density constraint than a second-defined frequency band used for uplink communication for downlink communication. Different power spectral density constraints allow the satellite to increase the power level of downlink transmission to the UE (relative to downlink transmission in the same frequency band as uplink transmission). This improves the received signal quality at the UE, even when the UE is located at the edge of coverage, which improves system performance by reducing bit errors and increasing communication reliability.

[0017] While the features and concepts of the systems and methods for flexible band pairing for satellite communications described herein can be implemented in any number of different environments, systems, devices and / or various configurations, the various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications are described in the context of the following example devices, systems and configurations.

[0018] Operating environment

[0019] Figure 1 The illustration depicts an example environment 100, which includes a user equipment 110 (UE 110) that can communicate with a ground base station 120 (illustrated as ground base stations 121 and 122) via one or more wireless links 130 (wireless links 130), generally illustrated as wireless links 131 and 132. Alternatively or additionally, the UE 110 can communicate with one or more non-terrestrial communication platforms, illustrated as satellites 160 (e.g., satellites 161 and 162), via one or more of the wireless links 130, generally illustrated as wireless links 133 and 134. In some aspects, the non-terrestrial communication platform can provide ubiquitous coverage for UE communication using non-terrestrial flying or floating communication platforms (e.g., satellite communication systems, airborne vehicle platforms, aircraft-based communication platforms, unmanned aerial vehicle-based communication platforms). One of these non-terrestrial flying or floating communication platforms may be referred to as a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS).

[0020] For simplicity, UE 110 is implemented as a smartphone, but it can also be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, modem, cellular phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, smart home appliance, vehicle communication system, or Internet of Things (IoT) device such as sensors or actuators. Ground base station 120 (e.g., Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network Node B, E-UTRAN Node B, Evolved Node B, eNodeB, eNB, Next Generation Node B, gNodeB, gNB, ng-eNB, etc.) can be implemented in macro cells, micro cells, small cells, pico cells, distributed base stations, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0021] Ground base station 120 communicates with UE 110 using radio links 131 and / or 132, which can be implemented as any suitable type of radio link. Similarly, satellite 160 communicates with UE 110 using radio links 133 and / or 134. Sometimes, ground base station 120 communicates with satellite 160 using radio link 135. Radio links 131, 132, 133, 134, and / or 135 include control plane signaling and / or user plane data, such as downlinks of user plane data and control plane information transmitted from ground base station 120 to UE 110, downlinks of user plane data and control plane information transmitted from satellite 160 to UE 110, uplinks of other user plane data and control plane information transmitted from UE 110 to ground base station 120, uplinks of other user plane data and control plane signaling transmitted from UE 110 to satellite 160, downlink and uplink communication between the base station and the satellite, or any combination thereof. Radio link 130 may include one or more radio links (e.g., radio links) or bearers implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, or a combination of communication protocols or standards—such as 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), etc. Multiple radio links 130 may be aggregated in carrier aggregation or multi-connectivity technologies to provide higher data rates for UE 110. Multiple radio links 130 from multiple terrestrial base stations 120 may be configured for Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) or Dual Connectivity (DC) communication with UE 110.

[0022] Ground base station 120 forms a first wireless communication network, such as radio access network 140 (e.g., RAN, evolved general terrestrial radio access network, E-UTRAN, 5G NR RAN, NR RAN), wherein RAN 140 communicates with one or more terrestrial core networks 150 (core network 150). For illustration, ground base station 121 is connected to 5G core network 151 (5GC 151) at interface 102 via an NG2 interface for control plane signaling and an NG3 interface for user plane data communication. Ground base station 122 is connected to evolved packet core 152 (EPC 152) at interface 104 via an S1 interface for control plane signaling and user plane data communication. Alternatively or additionally, ground base station 122 is connected to 5GC 151 via an NG2 interface for control plane signaling and an NG3 interface (not shown) for user plane data communication. Therefore, some ground base stations 120 can communicate with multiple wireless core networks 150 (e.g., 5GC 151, EPC 152).

[0023] In addition to their connection to the core network, ground base stations 120 can communicate with each other. For example, ground base stations 121 and 122 communicate via the Xn interface at interface 105. In some aspects, ground base stations 120 coordinate with satellite 160 via radio link 135 and / or via a connection to the ground core network 150. As another example, the ground core network 150 coordinates with the non-ground core network 155 via interface 106, as further described.

[0024] Satellite 160 forms a second wireless communication network, which is generally designated as Satellite Access Network 170 (SAN 170) in environment 100. SAN 170 may alternatively or additionally be referred to as a satellite communication system. In all respects, UE 110 communicates with the satellite using radio links 133 and / or 134, which may be implemented using a common radio access technology (RAT) for communication with terrestrial base station 120 and / or a satellite RAT different from the RAT used for communication with terrestrial base station 120. As an example, the RAT used for communication with satellite 160 may operate according to frequencies and protocols that may be associated with Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), etc. Alternatively or additionally, UE 110 communicates with satellite 160 using one or more RATs for communication with terrestrial base station 120—such as LTE, 5G NR, 6G communication, etc.

[0025] Typically, satellites 161 and 162 represent non-terrestrial communication platforms and may be, for example, low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. Satellites 161 and 162 may include onboard processing to implement base station functions (e.g., gNodeB, distributed unit (DU)) and / or implement bend-pipe architectures in which the satellites act as transponder relays. Satellites 161 and 162 communicate with components of SAN 170 via one or more interfaces 180 (illustrated as interfaces 181, 182, and 183). Interface 181 supports an inter-satellite link (ISL) connecting satellites 161 and 162 and may be, for example, an optical interface, a laser interface, or a radio frequency (RF) interface. Interfaces 182 and 183 support Gateway Links (GWLs), which connect satellites 161 and 162 to a non-terrestrial core network 155 via one or more satellite ground stations 190 (e.g., terrestrial radio units, remote radio units (RRUs)) and interface 196, respectively. The non-terrestrial core network 155 may include and / or communicate with any combination of ground stations (e.g., satellite ground station 190), servers, routers, switches, control elements, etc. Ground station 190 may alternatively or additionally be referred to as a non-terrestrial base station. As shown, the non-terrestrial core network 155 communicates with the terrestrial core network 150 via interface 106 and with ground station 190 via interface 196 (e.g., N1, N2, and / or N3 interfaces). However, in different configurations, satellite ground station 190 may connect to the terrestrial core network via interface 108 (e.g., N1, N2, and / or N3 interfaces), or via different interfaces 193 (in... Figure 1 The interface (usually shown in the diagram) is connected to base station 120 via base station 122.

[0026] Example device

[0027] Figure 2 Figure 200 illustrates an example device UE 110 and base station 120 that can implement various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. UE 110 and / or base station 120 may include, for clarity, from... Figure 2 Additional features and interfaces omitted in the text.

[0028] UE 110 includes an antenna 202, a radio frequency front-end 204 (RF front-end 204), and one or more radio transceivers 210 (e.g., LTE transceivers, 5G NR transceivers, and / or 6G transceivers) for communicating with base station 120 in RAN 140 and / or satellite 160 in SAN 170. The RF front-end 204 of UE 110 can couple or connect the radio transceivers 210 to the antenna 202 to facilitate various types of wireless communication. The antenna 202 of UE 110 may include an array of multiple antennas configured in similar or different ways. Antenna 202 and RF front-end 204 can be tuned to and / or are capable of being tuned to one or more frequency bands defined by 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and 6G communication standards and / or various satellite frequency bands, such as L-band (1-2 GHz), S-band (2-4 GHz), C-band (4-8 GHz), X-band (8-12 GHz), Ku-band (12-18 GHz), K-band (18-27 GHz), and / or Ka-band (27-40 GHz), and are implemented by radio transceiver 210. In some respects, the satellite frequency bands overlap with those defined by 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and / or 6G. Furthermore, antenna 202, RF front-end 204, and / or radio transceiver 210 can be configured to support beamforming for transmission and reception of communications with base station 120 and / or satellite 160. As an example and not a limitation, antenna 202 and RF front end 204 can be implemented for operation and / or satellite communication (e.g., satellite bands) in sub-GHz, sub-6GHz and / or above-6GHz frequency bands as defined by 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, and 6G.

[0029] UE 110 also includes a processor 212 and a computer-readable storage medium 214 (CRM 214). The processor 212 may be a single-core or multi-core processor, and is constructed from various materials such as silicon, polysilicon, high-k dielectrics, copper, etc. The computer-readable storage medium described herein does not include propagating signals. CRM 214 may include any suitable memory or storage device that can be used to store device data 216 of UE 110, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. Device data 216 may include user data, sensor data, control data, automation data, multimedia data, beamforming codebooks, applications, and / or the operating system of UE 110, some of which are executable by one or more processors 212 to enable user plane data, control plane information, and user interaction with UE 110.

[0030] The CRM 214 of UE 110 includes a User Equipment Satellite Communication Manager 218 (UE Satellite Communication Manager 218). The UE Satellite Communication Manager 218 can be implemented wholly or partially as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of UE 110. Although shown as a single module in Figure 200, some implementations include the UE Satellite Communication Manager 218 within the UE protocol stack. Figure 2 (Not shown in the text) provides some or all of the functions. In some respects, the UE satellite communication manager 218 manages some or all of the UE-side aspects of the flexible band pairing as described herein.

[0031] like Figure 2 The illustrated device diagram of base station 120 includes a single network node (e.g., gNodeB). The functionality of base station 120 can be distributed across multiple network nodes or devices and can be distributed in any manner suitable for performing the functions described herein. This distributed base station functionality is a variation of terminology and includes terms such as Central Unit (CU), Distributed Unit (DU), Baseband Unit (BBU), Radio Unit (RU), Remote Radio Header End (RRH), and / or Remote Radio Unit (RRU). Base station 120 includes an antenna 252, a radio frequency front-end 254 (RF front-end 254), and one or more radio transceivers 260 (e.g., one or more LTE transceivers, one or more 5G NR transceivers, and / or one or more 6G transceivers) for communicating with UE 110 and / or satellite 160. The RF front-end 254 of base station 120 can couple or connect the radio transceivers 260 to antenna 252 to facilitate various types of wireless communication. The antenna 252 of base station 120 may include an array of multiple antennas configured in similar or different ways. Antenna 252 and RF front-end 254 can be tuned to and / or can be tuned to one or more frequency bands and / or various satellite frequency bands defined by 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, 6G communication standards, and are implemented via radio transceiver 260. Additionally, antenna 252, RF front-end 254, and radio transceiver 260 can be configured to support beamforming (e.g., massive MIMO) for transmission and reception of communications with UE 110 and / or satellite 160.

[0032] Base station 120 also includes processor 262 and computer-readable storage medium 264 (CRM 264). Processor 262 may be a single-core or multi-core processor, constructed from various materials such as silicon, polysilicon, high-k dielectric, copper, etc. CRM 264 may include any suitable memory or storage device that can be used to store device data 266 of base station 120, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. Device data 266 may include network scheduling data, radio resource management data, beamforming codebooks, applications, and / or the operating system of base station 120, which can be executed by processor 262 to enable communication with UE 110 and / or satellite 160.

[0033] CRM 264 optionally includes a base station satellite communication manager 268 (BS satellite communication manager 268). The BS satellite communication manager 268 can be implemented wholly or partially as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the base station 120. Although shown as a single module in Figure 200, some implementations include a BS protocol stack ( Figure 2 The BS Satellite Communication Manager 268 (not included in the four locations mentioned above) provides some or all of the functions. In some aspects, the BS Satellite Communication Manager 268 manages communication and / or coordination with non-terrestrial communication systems, such as reference... Figure 5 and 6 The description describes flexible frequency band allocation.

[0034] The CRM 264 of base station 120 also includes a base station manager 270 (BS manager 270), which controls various functions of base station 120. Alternatively or additionally, the BS manager 270 may be implemented as hardware logic or circuitry, integrated or separate from other components of base station 120, either integrally or in part. In at least some aspects, the BS manager 270 configures the radio transceiver 260 to communicate with UE 110, satellite 160, and / or core network (e.g., terrestrial core network 150, non-terrestrial core network 155). Base station 120 also includes an inter-base station interface 272, such as an Xn and / or X2 interface, which the base station manager configures to exchange user plane data, control plane information, and / or other data / information between other base stations to manage communication between base station 120 and UE 110 and / or satellite 160. Base station 120 includes a core network interface 274, which the base station manager 270 configures to exchange user plane data, control plane information, and / or other data / information with core network functions and / or entities.

[0035] Figure 3Figure 300 illustrates an example device 160 and ground station 190 (or non-terrestrial base station) that can realize various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. Satellite 160 and ground station 190 may include features for visual clarity from... Figure 3 Additional features and interfaces omitted in the text.

[0036] Satellite 160 may include onboard processing to enable a single network node (e.g., gNodeB). Alternatively or additionally, satellite 160 implements distributed base station functionality, such as a distributed unit (DU), which communicates with a central unit (CU) at ground station 190. In some aspects, satellite 160 implements a bend-pipe architecture, in which the satellite acts as a transponder relay. Satellite 160 includes one or more antennas 302, an radio frequency front-end 304 (RF front-end 304), and one or more radio transceivers 306 for wireless communication with base station 120, UE 110, another satellite 160, and / or ground station 190.

[0037] The antenna 302 of satellite 160 may include an array of multiple antennas configured in similar or different ways. Furthermore, antenna 302, RF front-end 304, and transceiver 306 may be configured to support beamforming for transmission and reception of communications with base station 120, UE 110, another satellite 160, and / or non-terrestrial core network 155. By way of example and not limitation, antenna 302 and RF front-end 304 may be implemented for operation in sub-GHz, sub-6GHz, and / or above 6GHz frequency bands. For illustration, antenna 302 and RF front-end 304 may be implemented for operation in any combination of satellite frequency bands (e.g., L-band, S-band, C-band, X-band, Ku-band, K-band, Ka-band). Therefore, antenna 302, RF front end 304 and transceiver 306 provide satellite 160 with the ability to receive and / or transmit communications with base station 120, UE 110, another satellite 160 and / or non-terrestrial core network 155.

[0038] Satellite 160 may optionally include one or more wireless optical transceivers 310 (wireless optical transceiver 310) that can be used to communicate with other devices. For illustration, a first instance of satellite 160 uses the wireless optical transceiver 310 as part of interface 181 to communicate with a second instance of satellite 160.

[0039] Satellite 160 includes a processor 314 and a computer-readable storage medium 316 (CRM 316). Processor 314 may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor implemented with homogeneous or heterogeneous core architectures. The computer-readable storage medium described herein does not include propagation signals. CRM 316 may include any suitable memory or storage device that can be used to store device data 318 of satellite 160, such as RAM, SRAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, or flash memory. Device data 318 includes user data, multimedia data, applications, and / or the operating system of satellite 160, which can be executed by processor 314 to enable various aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications, as further described.

[0040] CRM 316 includes a satellite communication manager 320. The satellite communication manager 320 can be implemented wholly or partially as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the satellite 160. Although shown as a single module in Figure 300, some implementations include a satellite protocol stack (…). Figure 3 The satellite communication manager 320 (not shown in the image) provides some or all of the functions. In some aspects, the satellite communication manager 320 manages aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications, such as reference... Figure 5 and 6 The description describes flexible frequency band allocation.

[0041] like Figure 3The illustrated equipment diagram of ground station 190 can implement a single network node (e.g., gNodeB). Sometimes, the functionality of ground station 190 can be distributed across multiple network nodes or devices, and can be distributed in any manner suitable for performing the functions described herein. This terminology for distributed base station functionality varies and includes terms such as Central Unit (CU), Distributed Unit (DU), Baseband Unit (BBU), Radio Unit (RU), Remote Radio Header End (RRH), and / or Remote Radio Unit (RRU). Ground station 190 includes antenna 352, radio frequency front-end 354 (RF front-end 354), and one or more radio transceivers 360 (e.g., one or more LTE transceivers, one or more 5G NR transceivers, and / or one or more 6G transceivers) for communicating with satellite 160. The RF front-end 354 of ground station 190 can couple or connect radio transceivers 360 to antenna 352 to facilitate various types of wireless communication. Antenna 352 of ground station 190 can include an array of multiple antennas configured in similar or different ways. Antenna 352 and RF front-end 354 can be tuned to and / or can be tuned to one or more satellite frequency bands and / or frequency bands defined by 3GPP LTE, 5G NR, 6G communication standards and / or various satellite frequency bands, and are implemented by radio transceiver 360. Furthermore, antenna 352, RF front-end 354, and radio transceiver 360 can be configured to support beamforming (e.g., massive MIMO) for transmitting and receiving communications with satellite 160.

[0042] Ground station 190 also includes processor 362 and computer-readable storage medium 364 (CRM 364). Processor 362 may be a single-core or multi-core processor, constructed from various materials such as silicon, polysilicon, high-k dielectric, copper, etc. CRM 364 may include any suitable memory or storage device that can be used to store device data 366 of ground station 190, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or flash memory. Device data 366 includes network scheduling data, radio resource management data, beamforming codebooks, applications, band pairing configurations, and / or the operating system of ground station 190, which can be executed by processor 362 to enable communication with satellite 160.

[0043] CRM 364 includes a ground station communication manager 368. The ground station communication manager 368 can be implemented wholly or partially as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the ground station 190. Although shown as a single module in Figure 300, some implementations include a ground station protocol stack (…). Figure 3The ground station communication manager 368 (not shown in the image) provides some or all of the functions. In some aspects, the ground station communication manager 368 manages aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications, such as reference... Figure 5 and 6 The description describes flexible frequency band allocation.

[0044] Ground station 190 may include a radio access network interface 376 (RAN interface 376) to provide an interface 193 to one or more base stations 120. In various respects, RAN interface 376 is similar to an Xn or X2 interface between ground base stations. Ground station may also include a core network interface 378 to provide an interface 196 or 108 that enables ground station to communicate with a core network of a non-terrestrial network or satellite communication network, or with a terrestrial core network.

[0045] Specified and / or defined frequency bands

[0046] In order to communicate in a wireless network, a first device transmits wireless signals to a second device according to various rules and / or standards adopted by the wireless network. By conforming to rules and / or standards, various devices operating in the wireless network can share air interface resources (e.g., spectrum) not only with other devices operating in the wireless network, but also with other technologies that utilize the spectrum. This is to illustrate that following rules and / or standards prevents transmission collisions and improves the reliability of the receiving device in successfully recovering the information and / or data included in the transmission.

[0047] Various regulatory bodies and / or committees (referred to herein as regulatory entities) contribute to the development of rules for allocating access to spectrum. These include wireless communication standards committees (e.g., 3GPP standards committees, 3GPP 5G NR standards committees, 3GPP LTE standards committees, MSS standards committees), national, regional, and / or federal regulatory bodies (e.g., FCC, ITU, EU, OFCOM), manufacturers (e.g., base station manufacturers, mobile phone manufacturers), and other regulatory entities (e.g., IEEE, NATO, ISM). In various respects, these different regulatory entities contribute to how wireless networks and subsequently, the devices operating within those networks, access the spectrum.

[0048] Figure 4 Example 400 illustrates a spectrum defined and / or specified according to one or more aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. Figure 4This includes: a first table 402 showing a first example of a defined and / or specified frequency range spanning 410MHz to 7125MHz (i.e., frequency range 1); and a second table 404 showing a second example of a defined and / or specified frequency range spanning 24.25GHz to 52.6GHz (i.e., frequency range 2). In other embodiments, the defined and / or specified frequency range spans alternative or additional frequencies. Similar to defined and / or specified frequency bands (often referred to as defined bands), defined and / or specified frequency ranges correspond to frequency ranges defined and / or specified by one or more administrative entities, such as government-defined frequency ranges, committee-defined frequency ranges, standard-defined frequency ranges (e.g., frequency ranges defined by 5G NR, 3GPP LTE, MSS), ITU-defined frequency ranges, FCC-defined frequency ranges, EU-defined frequency ranges, IEEE-defined frequency ranges, military-defined frequency ranges, NATO-defined frequency ranges, ISM-defined frequency ranges, etc. Each defined and / or specified frequency range (generally referred to as a defined frequency range) shown in Tables 402 and 404 includes one or more frequency bands that are also defined and / or specified by one or more administrative entities. In each respect, a defined frequency band is a part (or subrange) of a defined frequency range.

[0049] In some respects, multiple management entities help describe the various attributes and / or characteristics of defined frequency ranges and / or defined frequency bands. As an example, suppose a first management entity (e.g., the ITU) defines global regions for spectrum use, such that each global region manages how the spectrum is used within that region. A second management entity (e.g., the FCC) can then define or allocate portions of the spectrum to different technologies on a regional basis (e.g., within a specific region). To illustrate, the FCC allocates a first portion of the spectrum to cellular communications within the United States, a second portion to satellite communications within the United States, a third portion to television broadcasting within the United States, and so on. A third management entity (e.g., the 3GPP 5G NR Standards Committee) can then generate rules and / or standards for how various devices (e.g., base stations, UEs, satellites) use the portions of spectrum allocated to the respective technologies.

[0050] Table 402 includes defined frequency bands corresponding to frequency divisions within frequency range 1 (FR1). Table 402 also provides, for example, the frequency bands defined for frequency divisions within frequency range 1 (FR1). Figure 4The examples shown for each frequency band definition use the following rules: duplex mode (e.g., Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode, Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode, Supplemental Uplink (SUL) mode, Supplemental Downlink (SDL) mode), frequency identifier and / or alias for the defined frequency band, uplink allocation within the defined frequency band (e.g., uplink portion), downlink allocation within the defined frequency band (e.g., downlink portion), and allowed channel bandwidth. The usage rules shown in Table 402 may include those for visual simplicity. Figure 4 Additional usage rules not shown in the text.

[0051] To further illustrate the usage rules, assume that the base station instructs a UE operating in the wireless network to transmit and / or receive signals in a first (defined) frequency band—marked “n1” in Table 402—which has a frequency identifier and / or alias of 2100 MHz. To use frequency band “n1” in accordance with the usage rules shown in Table 402, the base station and the UE communicate with each other using FDD transmissions. In other words, one or more management entities classify and / or define the duplex mode of the “n1” frequency band as the FDD duplex mode for accessing the “n1” frequency band, and the base station and the UE communicate with each other using only FDD transmissions, which conforms to this usage rule. More specifically, and as shown in Table 402, this corresponds to using the 1920-1980 MHz frequency range for uplink transmissions and the 2110-2170 MHz frequency range for downlink transmissions, wherein uplink and / or downlink transmissions may use channel bandwidths of 5 MHz, 10 MHz, or 15 MHz. Here, one or more management entities defining and / or specifying the “n1” band will also classify and / or define the “n1” band as a bidirectional band supporting bidirectional communication (e.g., uplink and downlink transmissions) using partitioned access to the “n1” band (e.g., FDD bidirectional band). Therefore, for the “n1” band, partitioned access corresponds to an FDD duplex mode (e.g., government-defined duplex mode, standard-defined duplex mode, committee-defined duplex mode), which uses a first portion of the “n1” band for uplink transmission (as indicated by the usage rules) and a second portion of the “n1” band for downlink transmission (as indicated by the usage rules).

[0052] As another example of usage rules, assume that a base station instructs a UE operating in a wireless network to transmit and / or receive signals in a second (defined) frequency band, labeled “n36” in Table 402, which has a frequency identifier and / or alias of 2600 MHz. To use the “n36” frequency band in accordance with the usage rules shown in Table 402, the base station and the UE communicate with each other using time-division access (e.g., TDD), where uplink and / or downlink transmissions can use channel bandwidths of 5 MHz, 10 MHz, or 15 MHz. In other words, one or more management entities classify and / or define the duplex mode of the “n36” frequency band as a TDD duplex mode for accessing the “n36” frequency band, and the base station and the UE communicate with each other using only TDD transmissions, conforming to this usage rule. Although not shown in Table 402, usage rules specified by management entities can specify time-division usage rules indicating which time divisions can be used for uplink communication and which time divisions can be used for downlink communication. Therefore, one or more management entities that define and / or specify the “n36” band will also classify and / or define the “n36” band as a bidirectional band that supports bidirectional communication (e.g., uplink transmission and downlink transmission) using TDD (e.g., TDD bidirectional band).

[0053] In some respects, a management entity may define a frequency band as a unidirectional band that supports only downlink communication or only uplink communication. For example, one or more management entities may define and / or specify a third frequency band marked "n98" in Table 402 (with a frequency identifier and / or alias of 1900MHz) and classify the "n98" frequency band as a unidirectional band used to supplement uplink communication. Therefore, in order to comply with the usage rules shown in Table 402, devices transmitting in the "n98" frequency band will only transmit uplink communication using a channel bandwidth of 5MHz, 10MHz, or 15MHz. The channel bandwidth shown in Table 402 may include alternative or additional bandwidth for each defined frequency band ( Figure 4 (Not shown in Table 402). Although not shown in Table 402, alternative or additional frequency bands may be classified and / or defined (e.g., by the management entity) as unidirectional frequency bands for supplementing downlink (SDL) communications.

[0054] Similar to Table 402, Table 404 shows the usage rules (as defined by one or more management entities) for using one or more defined frequency bands within Frequency Range 2 (FR2). Each defined frequency band shown in Table 404 corresponds to a portion of the spectrum allocated to Frequency Range 2. For example, the first (defined) frequency band of Frequency Range 2—labeled “n257” in Table 404—corresponds to the first portion of Frequency Range 2 and is defined as 26.50–29.50 GHz, with an alias of 28 MHz. The usage rules shown in Table 404 also indicate that the “n257” frequency band corresponds to a bidirectional frequency band for uplink and / or downlink transmission using channel bandwidths of 50 MHz, 100 MHz, or 200 MHz. Similarly, the second (defined) frequency band, labeled “n258”, corresponds to the second portion of Frequency Range 2, and the third (defined) frequency band, labeled “n262”, corresponds to the third portion of Frequency Range 2. As shown in Table 404, the usage rules for the "n258" and "n262" frequency bands indicate that each frequency band is a bidirectional frequency band used for uplink and / or downlink transmissions using channel bandwidths of 50MHz, 100MHz, or 200MHz.

[0055] Defined frequency ranges and / or defined frequency bands provide usage rules for accessing the spectrum. By following these usage rules, various wireless networks and / or devices can share the spectrum in a way that prevents transmission collisions and improves the reliability of the receiving device in successfully recovering the information and / or data included in the transmission. In some cases, these access rules include different power spectral density limits for various defined frequency bands, which may result in low SNR in downlink communications, leading to poor signal quality at the receiver. To improve the signal quality of transmissions used in satellite-based communications, non-terrestrial communication systems use multiple frequency bands for the radio link between the UE and the satellite operating within the non-terrestrial communication system, such as defined frequency bands that allow the satellite to increase the power level of downlink transmissions to the UE (relative to downlink transmissions in the same frequency band as uplink transmissions). This improves the received signal quality at the UE, even when the UE is located at the edge of coverage, which improves system performance by reducing bit errors and increasing communication reliability.

[0056] Flexible band pairing for satellite communications

[0057] Satellite communication systems typically face numerous challenges, such as low SNR due to large propagation losses. Another challenge is that regulatory power spectral density limitations can severely restrict or weaken downlink SNR, such as when the UE is operating at the cell edge. To address these and other issues, the flexible band pairing aspect for satellite communications enables non-terrestrial communication systems to implement a radio link between the UE and the satellite using multiple defined frequency bands. As an example, a non-terrestrial communication system uses a first defined frequency band for downlink (DL) communication and a second defined frequency band for uplink (UL) communication, where the first and second defined frequency bands can have reference... Figure 4 The description includes different regulatory requirements and / or usage rules (e.g., power spectral density limits). Pairing different defined frequency bands for a wireless link (e.g., selecting two different defined frequency bands for uplink and downlink communication respectively) may include selecting two defined frequency bands from the same (defined) frequency range, selecting a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band across different defined frequency ranges (e.g., FR1 and FR2), and / or selecting two defined frequency bands with different bandwidths. Alternatively or additionally, pairing different defined frequency bands may include transitioning the use of an existing defined frequency band (e.g., currently used for a wireless link) from bidirectional to unidirectional by using only a portion of the existing defined frequency band and pairing the existing defined frequency band with a second, different defined frequency band.

[0058] Figure 5 The illustration depicts an example environment 500, in which aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications can be implemented. In this example, environment 500 includes a UE 110, a satellite 160, and a ground station 190, which may be similar to or different from a reference environment. Figure 1-4 This is implemented using the described UE, satellite, and ground station. Typically, UE 110 communicates with satellite 160 via radio link 133, while satellite 160 communicates with ground station 190 via interface 182. Figure 1 As shown, ground station 190 is connected to non-terrestrial core network 155, terrestrial core network 150, and / or base station 120 of the terrestrial core network. Figure 5 (Not shown in the image) Communication. In all aspects, satellite 160, ground station 190, and core network form a non-terrestrial communication system with which UE 110 communicates.

[0059] like Figure 5As shown, UE 110 is implemented using UE satellite communication manager 218, which includes UE band pairing module 502 and satellite auxiliary information 504 (auxiliary information 504). In various aspects, UE satellite communication manager 218 determines or generates auxiliary information 504, and UE band pairing module 502 uses at least some information included in auxiliary information 504 to determine the band pairing settings requested by the UE. For illustration, auxiliary information 504 includes and / or represents various metrics observed by the UE, such as the location of UE 110, the corresponding locations of satellite 160 or other satellites observed by the UE, the UE's movement characteristics (e.g., speed, heading, or orientation), the SNR of the corresponding satellite radio link, etc. Based on the information in auxiliary information 504, UE band pairing module 502 generates the requested band pairing settings for radio link 133 requested by the UE.

[0060] As an example, by analyzing auxiliary information, the UE band pairing module 502 identifies that the SNR of the satellite radio link has fallen below a threshold indicating an acceptable performance level and determines the band pairing settings requested by the UE to mitigate the SNR. The UE-requested band pairing settings may, for example, request the reuse of an existing bidirectionally defined band currently used for radio link 133 as a unidirectional band for uplink communication. Alternatively or additionally, the UE-requested band pairing settings may request the addition of additional, differently defined bands for downlink communication. In various respects, the UE band pairing module 502 selects additional, differently defined bands based on one or more usage rules (e.g., power spectral density limits) defined by the management entity. The UE-requested band pairing settings may request any combination of band pairings, such as the K band for UL and the L band for DL, the S band for UL and the L band for DL, the X band for UL and the L band for DL, the Ka band for UL and the X band for DL, the X band for both DL and UL, and so on. Other examples include any combination of requested defined bands, as referenced in [reference missing]. Figure 4 As described. In some aspects, after generating the frequency band pairing settings requested by the UE, the UE frequency band pairing module 502 includes the frequency band pairing settings requested by the UE in the auxiliary information 504.

[0061] Ground station 190 of non-terrestrial communication system via Figure 3The ground station communication manager 368 includes a ground station band pairing module 506 (GS band pairing module 506) for implementing various functions associated with flexible band pairing in the satellite communication system. In some cases, and in a manner similar to the UE band pairing module 502, the GS band pairing module 506 determines one or more band pairing configurations 508 for the radio link between the UE 110 and the satellite 160, wherein the ground station 190 optionally stores the band pairing configuration 508 on the CRM 364 as device data 366. Figure 5 (Not shown in the image). This may include determining the band pairing configuration 508 using metrics observed by the UE included in the auxiliary information and / or band pairing settings requested by the UE received from the UE 110 via satellite 160 and interface 182. Alternatively, in some aspects, the GS band pairing module 506 determines the band pairing configuration 508 without receiving auxiliary information from the UE 110 (via satellite 160) and / or band pairing settings requested by the UE.

[0062] In some respects, ground station 190 and / or satellite 160 receive requests from UE 110 for band pairing. For illustration, UE 110 implicitly sends the request by sending a band pairing setting requested by the UE to ground station 190 and / or satellite 160. As another example, UE 110 explicitly sends the request, for instance, through an RRC message (specifying the request for band pairing) with specified fields, flags, etc.

[0063] Typically, a band pairing configuration specifies two or more defined bands for the radio link between UE 110 and satellite 160. For illustration, band pairing configuration 508 specifies a first defined band for use as a unidirectional band for one-way downlink communication and a second defined band for use as a unidirectional band for one-way uplink communication. In some aspects, band pairing configurations indicate the use of a bidirectional band as a unidirectional band by indicating the use of only the uplink portion of the bidirectional band or only the downlink portion of the bidirectional band. This may include transitioning the use of an existing defined band from bidirectional to unidirectional. Alternatively, in some aspects, band pairing configuration 508 specifies (i) a bidirectional band for uplink and downlink communication between UE 110 and satellite 160, and (ii) a unidirectional band for supplementary uplink (SUL) or supplementary downlink (SDL) communication. Therefore, a frequency band pairing configuration can specify two unidirectional frequency bands (e.g., for unidirectional downlink communication and for unidirectional uplink communication) or a bidirectional frequency band combined with a unidirectional frequency band. A frequency band pairing configuration can specify defined frequency bands within the same defined frequency range or defined frequency bands within different frequency ranges.

[0064] In various aspects, satellite 160 optionally includes a satellite band pairing module 510 via satellite communication manager 320, which operates in a similar manner to that described with reference UE band pairing module 502 and / or GS band pairing module 506. In other aspects, satellite 160 uses interface 182 to relay band pairing communication between UE 110 and ground station 190. For illustration, satellite 160 relays auxiliary information and / or UE-requested band pairing settings from UE 110 to ground station 190, and relays band pairing configurations from ground station 190 to UE 110.

[0065] UE 110 and satellite 160 communicate via wireless link 133, which can be used as follows: Figure 5 Multiple defined frequency bands are implemented as shown. This can include dynamically modifying which defined frequency bands are used for radio link 133. For illustration, UE 110 and satellite 160 can initially establish radio link 133 using a single bidirectional frequency band. Based on various factors, such as observing signal degradation via one or more signal quality and / or link quality metrics or observing a need to increase downlink or uplink throughput, UE 110 and satellite 160 modify radio link 133 to use multiple defined frequency bands as further described. However, in some aspects, non-terrestrial communication systems may statically configure radio link 133 to use multiple defined frequency bands during establishment.

[0066] In some respects, and as Figure 5 As shown, multiple defined frequency bands paired with each other can be located in different defined frequency ranges. For example, satellite 160 uses a first defined frequency band 512 in a first frequency range 514 (e.g., FR1) for downlink communication to UE 110. UE 110 uses a second defined frequency band 516 in a second defined frequency range 518 (e.g., FR2) for uplink communication to satellite 160.

[0067] Flexible band pairing can be static (e.g., pre-configured) or dynamic. When band usage changes from bidirectional to unidirectional (e.g., the base station signals to the UE via broadcast, multicast, or unicast messages), the UE can (e.g., automatically or by default) switch to another pre-configured band for the other direction. Alternatively, ground station 190 dynamically specifies the band pairing configuration via broadcast, multicast, or unicast messages from satellite 160 to UE 110. Typically, UE 110, satellite 160, or ground station 190 can configure band pairing for uplink and downlink communication based on any suitable conditions or parameters—which may include UE location, satellite location, downlink SNR, UE battery level, UE transmission power, data or link QoS level, etc. In some cases, UE 110 can request a switch to another frequency range for uplink or downlink communication based on UE location, satellite location, UE battery level, UL power level, observed downlink SNR from the satellite communication system, etc., through a UE-requested band pairing setting.

[0068] Figure 6 The illustration depicts an example signaling and control transaction, Figure 600, which includes combinations of actions, signaling transactions, and / or control transactions that can be used to perform aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. The transactions described with reference to Figure 600 can be used with reference to... Figure 1-5 The various aspects described are executed. Optional transactions in Figure 600 are represented by dashed lines. Transactions can be executed by, for example... Figure 1 UE110, Figure 1 It is performed by a combination of devices such as satellite 160 and ground radio unit 602, wherein ground radio unit 602 may correspond to ground station 190 (e.g., in a bend-tube architecture in which satellite 160 acts as a transponder) or satellite 160 (e.g., when satellite 160 includes ground station functionality).

[0069] In section 605, UE 110 and satellite 160 communicate with each other using the same frequency band. For example, the UE and satellite can communicate using TDD or FDD schemes with a two-way frequency band.

[0070] At 610, the UE determines auxiliary information. For example, auxiliary information may include any combination of metrics observed by the UE, such as the UE's location, the observed SNR of one or more satellites, and the UE's mobility characteristics. In some aspects, as part of determining the auxiliary information, the UE 110 determines the requested band pairing settings based on the metrics observed by the UE and / or conditions at the UE—such as the UE's battery level, Received Strength Signal Indication (RSSI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), expected UE data throughput, the UE's available UL power, and the UE's RRC state.

[0071] At 615, UE 110 transmits auxiliary information directly or indirectly to the ground radio unit 602 of a non-terrestrial communication system. For example, in a bend-pipe architecture, when the ground radio unit 602 corresponds to ground station 190 and satellite 160 acts as a relay, UE 110 uses indirect communication (e.g., via satellite) to send auxiliary information to the ground station. As another example, when the ground radio unit 602 corresponds to satellite 160 (e.g., including gNB-DU functionality or a satellite with co-located base stations), UE 110 uses direct communication to send auxiliary information to satellite 160. In some aspects, as described, the auxiliary information includes a request to begin utilizing two differently defined frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands defined by one or more management entities) for a radio link between the UE and the satellite and / or includes frequency band pairing settings requested by the UE.

[0072] At 620, ground radio unit 602 determines a band pairing configuration (e.g., band pairing configuration 508) for the radio link between UE 110 and satellite 160. In some cases, ground radio unit 602 (e.g., via GS band pairing module 506 at ground station 190, or satellite band pairing module 510 at satellite 160) determines a band pairing configuration using different, defined bands for UL and DL communications based on metrics observed by the UE, included in auxiliary information (e.g., UE location, satellite location, UE-supported bands, RSSI, RSRP, and / or observed SNR provided by the UE). Alternatively or additionally, ground radio unit 602 uses other conditions at the UE (e.g., battery level, data throughput requirements) to determine the band pairing configuration. In all aspects, when ground radio unit 602 determines to switch the use of an existing defined band from bidirectional to unidirectional, ground radio unit 602 selects another defined band to pair with the existing defined band, as referenced. Figure 4 and 5 As described.

[0073] Typically, the band pairing modules of ground station 190, satellite 160, and / or UE 110 can determine the band pairing configuration for the radio link between UE 110 and satellite 160, which improves the UE's communication requirements. For example, when the measured UE DL SINR for a first band is low (e.g., below a DL SINR threshold), the corresponding band pairing module instructs the UE (e.g., via the band pairing configuration) to use a separate DL band to improve the DL SINR. In other cases, when the UL SINR observed by the satellite is low (e.g., below a UL SINR threshold), the band pairing module can instruct (e.g., command) the UE to switch to a separate UL band by updating (and transmitting) the band pairing configuration accordingly. Therefore, the band pairing module can determine when to change or update the band pairing configuration based on one or more parameters (e.g., included in auxiliary information, transmitted separately from auxiliary information, or generated), such as by comparing with corresponding thresholds, to improve the UE's communication performance.

[0074] At 625, ground radio unit 602 transmits band pairing configuration directly or indirectly to UE 110 and satellite 160. For example, in a bend-pipe architecture, ground radio unit 602 corresponds to ground station 190 and transmits band pairing information indirectly to the UE via satellite. As another example, when ground radio unit 602 corresponds to satellite 160 (e.g., including gNB-DU functionality or a satellite with co-located base stations), satellite 160 directly transmits the band pairing configuration to the UE. In some cases, ground radio unit 602 transmits the band pairing configuration to the UE via broadcast, multicast, or unicast messages. Ground radio unit 602 (e.g., as ground station 190) may also transmit the band pairing configuration to satellite 160 for downlink transmission to or from the UE.

[0075] At 630, the UE and satellite use a first-defined frequency band to transmit DL services based on a frequency band pairing configuration. For example, the UE and satellite can use the first-defined frequency band (e.g., FR1) as a unidirectional frequency band for downlink services (e.g., DL only). At 635, the UE and satellite use a second-defined frequency band to transmit UL services based on a frequency band pairing configuration, wherein the second-defined frequency band can be included within the first-defined frequency range or can be included within the second-defined frequency range (e.g., FR2). The UE and satellite can use the second-defined frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band for uplink services (e.g., UL only).

[0076] At 640, UE 110 may optionally update or re-determine the auxiliary information. For example, in response to changes in motion, atmosphere (e.g., weather), or SNR, UE 110 may reassess the conditions and determine an update to the current band pairing configuration and generate an updated UE-requested band pairing setting. At 645, UE 110 transmits the updated auxiliary information and / or the updated UE-requested band pairing setting directly or indirectly to terrestrial radio unit 602. For example, in a bend-tube architecture where terrestrial radio unit 602 corresponds to ground station 190 including base station functionality and satellite 160 acts as a relay, UE 110 may transmit the updated auxiliary information and / or the updated UE-requested band pairing setting in indirect communication to ground station 190 via satellite 160. As another example, when terrestrial radio unit 602 corresponds to satellite 160 (e.g., including gNB-DU functionality or a satellite with co-located base stations), UE 110 may transmit the updated auxiliary information and / or the updated UE-requested band pairing setting in direct communication with satellite 160.

[0077] At 650, ground radio unit 602 optionally updates the band pairing configuration of UE 110 and / or satellite 160 based on updated auxiliary information and / or updated band pairing settings requested by the UE. For example, ground radio unit 602 (e.g., via GS band pairing module 506 of ground station 190, via satellite band pairing module 510 of satellite 160) determines different band pairings for UL and / or DL ​​traffic based on UE location, satellite location, and / or observed SNR provided by the UE. These different band pairings may continue to use different defined bands, or the satellite and UE may be reverted to the same originally defined bands as at event 605 or another identical band. From operation 650, ground radio unit 602 may optionally return to operation 625 to send updated band pairing configurations to UE 110 and / or satellite 160 using incremental configuration changes or by sending a replacement full configuration for flexible band pairing.

[0078] Example Method

[0079] refer to Figure 7 and 8 Example methods 700 and 800 are described based on one or more aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications. Figure 7 An example method 700 for communication using multiple frequency bands in a non-terrestrial communication system is illustrated. In various aspects, the operation of method 700 is performed by devices in the non-terrestrial communication system, such as a ground station 190 and / or a satellite 160. As an example, the ground station communicates with the satellite and the satellite acts as a relay. Alternatively, the ground station and the satellite are integrated with each other and / or the satellite performs operations autonomously.

[0080] In 705, equipment in a non-terrestrial communication system determines to utilize two differently defined frequency bands for the radio link between the satellite and the UE in the non-terrestrial communication system. As an example, ground station 190 receives auxiliary information and / or frequency band pairing settings requested by the UE from UE 110 via satellite 160, such as... Figure 6 615 and reference Figure 5 As stated above, in each respect, two differently defined frequency bands correspond to frequency bands defined by one or more administrative entities (e.g., government-defined frequency bands, standard-defined frequency bands, and / or committee-defined frequency bands).

[0081] In 710, the equipment in the non-terrestrial communication system selects a first defined frequency band for downlink communication from satellite to UE and a second defined frequency band for uplink communication from UE to satellite. As an example, ground station 190 selects a first defined frequency band from a first defined frequency range and a second defined frequency band from a second defined frequency range different from the first defined frequency range, such as... Figure 6 620 places and references Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described. Alternatively, ground station 190 selects a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band from the same defined frequency range. In some respects, and in a manner similar to that of ground station 190, satellite 160 selects a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band. This may include selecting the first and / or second defined frequency bands based on auxiliary information and / or frequency pairing settings requested by the UE received from the UE.

[0082] In 715, equipment in a non-terrestrial communication system instructs the satellite and the UE to communicate via a radio link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication and a second defined frequency band for uplink communication. As an example, ground station 190 transmits an instruction to initiate communication via frequency band pairing by transmitting a frequency band pairing configuration to satellite 160 and UE 110, such as... Figure 6 As described in 625 places.

[0083] Figure 8 An example method 800 for using multiple frequency bands for a wireless link between a UE and a non-terrestrial communication system is illustrated. In each respect, the operation of method 800 is performed by a user equipment such as UE 110.

[0084] At 805, the UE receives from a device in a non-terrestrial communication system an indication of using two differently defined frequency bands for the radio link between the satellite and the UE. For illustration, the UE (e.g., UE 110) receives frequency band pairing configuration from ground station 190 and / or satellite 160, such as... Figure 6 625 places and references Figure 5As described. This may include an indication that communication is effective in a unidirectional manner on a bidirectional frequency band using only a portion of the bidirectional frequency band (e.g., downlink portion only, uplink portion only). In some aspects, UE 110 receives an indication to utilize two differently defined frequency bands in response to the transmission of auxiliary information to a non-terrestrial communication system (e.g., satellite 160 and / or ground station 190) and / or a frequency band pairing setting requested by the UE, such as Figure 6 As described in section 615. In each respect, two differently defined frequency bands correspond to frequency bands defined by one or more administrative entities (e.g., government-defined frequency bands, standard-defined frequency bands, and / or committee-defined frequency bands).

[0085] At 810, the UE wirelessly communicates with the satellite via a radio link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication and a second defined frequency band, different from the first defined frequency band, for uplink communication. As an example, UE110 uses a first defined frequency band from the first defined frequency range for downlink communication via a radio link (e.g., radio link 133) and a second defined frequency band from the second defined frequency range for uplink communication via the radio link, as shown below. Figure 6 As described at 630 and 635. Alternatively, UE 110 uses a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band from the same frequency range. In some aspects, UE 110 uses a bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band, such as by using only a portion of the bidirectional frequency band allocated to downlink communication or only a portion of the bidirectional frequency band allocated to uplink communication.

[0086] The order in which transaction diagrams and / or method blocks are described is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of described method blocks may be skipped or combined in any order to implement a method or alternative method. Generally, any components, modules, methods, and operations described herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), or any combination thereof. Some operations of the example methods may be described in the general context of executable instructions stored on computer-readable storage memory local and / or remote on a computer processing system, and implementations may include software applications, programs, functions, etc. Alternatively or additionally, any functionality described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components, such as, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0087] Although aspects of flexible band pairing for satellite communications have been described in language specific to features and / or methods, the subject matter of this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described. Rather, specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations of flexible band pairing for satellite communications, and other equivalent features and operations are intended to be within the scope of the described subject matter. It should be understood that each described aspect may be implemented independently or in combination with one or more other described aspects.

[0088] The following are some examples:

[0089] Example 1: A method performed by a device in a non-terrestrial communication system for using multiple defined frequency bands for a wireless link between a user equipment (UE) and a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication system, the method comprising: determining by the device to utilize two different defined frequency bands for the wireless link between the UE and the satellite, the two different defined frequency bands being defined by a management entity; selecting a first defined frequency band for downlink communication from the satellite to the UE and a second defined frequency band for uplink communication from the UE to the satellite; and instructing the device to instruct the satellite and the UE to communicate via the wireless link using the first defined frequency band for downlink communication and the second defined frequency band for uplink communication.

[0090] Example 2: The method described in Example 1, wherein determining the frequency band using two different definitions further includes: selecting a first defined frequency band from a first defined frequency range and selecting a second defined frequency band from a second defined frequency range different from the first defined frequency range; or, selecting a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band from the same defined frequency range.

[0091] Example 3: The method as described in Example 1 or Example 2, wherein instructing the satellite and the UE to communicate via a wireless link using a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band further includes instructing the satellite and the UE to use a frequency band classified as a bidirectional frequency band by the managed entity as a unidirectional frequency band.

[0092] Example 4: The method described in Example 3, wherein instructing the satellite and UE to use a frequency band classified as a bidirectional frequency band by the managed entity as a unidirectional frequency band further includes at least one of the following: instructing the satellite and UE to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band; or, instructing the satellite and UE to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band.

[0093] Example 5: The method described in any of the preceding examples, wherein instructing the satellite and the UE to use a first defined frequency band for downlink communication and a second defined frequency band for uplink communication for wireless communication further includes: transmitting a frequency band pairing configuration to the UE; or transmitting a frequency band pairing configuration update to the UE.

[0094] Example 6: The method of claim 4, wherein instructing the satellite and UE to use a frequency band classified as a bidirectional frequency band by the managed entity as a unidirectional frequency band further comprises one of the following: instructing the satellite and UE to use the downlink portion of the FDD bidirectional frequency band for unidirectional downlink communication and the uplink portion of the TDD bidirectional frequency band for unidirectional uplink communication; or, instructing the satellite and UE to use the downlink portion of the TDD bidirectional frequency band for unidirectional downlink communication and the uplink portion of the FDD bidirectional frequency band for unidirectional uplink communication.

[0095] Example 7: The method as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein determining to use two different defined frequency bands for the radio link further includes: (i) receiving a request from the UE for using two different defined frequency bands for the radio link; or, (ii) analyzing auxiliary information from the UE; and, in response to analyzing the auxiliary information, determining to use two different defined frequency bands.

[0096] Example 8: The method described in Example 7, wherein determining the use of two different defined frequency bands for the wireless link includes receiving a request from the UE, and wherein receiving the request from the UE further includes receiving frequency band pairing settings requested by one or more UEs from the UE.

[0097] Example 9: The method as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein instructing the satellite and the UE to use a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band for wireless communication further includes at least one of the following: instructing the satellite and the UE to use a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing downlink communication as the first defined frequency band; or, instructing the satellite and the UE to use a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing uplink communication as the second defined frequency band.

[0098] Example 10: A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for using multiple defined frequency bands for a radio link between the UE and a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication system, the method comprising: receiving from a device in the non-terrestrial communication system an indication of using two different defined frequency bands for a radio link between the UE and a satellite, the two different defined frequency bands being defined by a management entity; and communicating with the satellite via the radio link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication transmitted on the radio link and a second defined frequency band, different from the first defined frequency band, for uplink communication.

[0099] Example 11: The method as described in Example 10, wherein receiving an instruction to utilize two different defined frequency bands further includes: receiving an instruction to use a first defined frequency band from a first defined frequency range and a second defined frequency band from a second defined frequency range different from the first defined frequency range; or, receiving an instruction to use a first defined frequency band and a second defined frequency band from the same defined frequency range.

[0100] Example 12: The method as described in Example 10 or Example 11 further includes: receiving an indication to use a bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band.

[0101] Example 13: The method described in Example 12, wherein receiving an indication to use a bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band further includes: receiving an indication to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band; or, receiving an indication to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as a unidirectional frequency band.

[0102] Example 14: The method of any one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein receiving an indication to use two different defined frequency bands for a wireless link further comprises: transmitting a request to a device in a non-terrestrial communication system for using two different defined frequency bands for a wireless link; and, in response to the transmission request, receiving an indication to use two different defined frequency bands for a wireless link.

[0103] Example 15: The method of any one of Examples 10 to 14, wherein receiving an instruction to utilize two different defined frequency bands further comprises: receiving an instruction to utilize a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing downlink communication as a first defined frequency band; or, receiving an instruction to utilize a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing uplink communication as a second defined frequency band.

[0104] Example 16: A method performed by a satellite for using multiple defined frequency bands for a wireless link between a user equipment (UE) and a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication system, the method comprising: receiving from a device in the non-terrestrial communication system an indication of using two different defined frequency bands for the wireless link between the UE and the satellite, the two different defined frequency bands being defined by a management entity; and communicating with the UE via the wireless link using a first defined frequency band for downlink communication transmitted on the wireless link and a second defined frequency band, different from the first defined frequency band, for uplink communication.

[0105] Example 17: An apparatus comprising: a wireless transceiver; a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, instruct the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of Examples 1 to 16.

[0106] Example 18: A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that respond to a processor executing an instruction means to perform a method as described in any one of Examples 1 to 16.

Claims

1. A method performed by a device in a non-terrestrial communication system, the method comprising: Two different frequency bands, defined by the management entity, are determined to be used for the wireless link between the user equipment (UE) and the satellites of the non-terrestrial communication system. The first frequency band of the two different frequency bands is selected for downlink communication from the satellite to the UE. The first frequency band, classified as a bidirectional frequency band by the management entity, is used as a unidirectional frequency band and has a first power spectral density limit higher than the second power spectral density limit of the second frequency band of the two different frequency bands. The first power spectral density limit and the second power spectral density limit are specified by the management entity in the usage rules. The satellite and the UE are instructed to communicate via the wireless link using the first frequency band for downlink communication to the UE.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Instructing the satellite and the UE to communicate via the radio link using the first frequency band for the downlink communication also includes at least one of the following: The satellite and the UE are instructed to use only the downlink or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band as the unidirectional frequency band; or The satellite and the UE are instructed to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time-division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as the unidirectional frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive a request from the UE for utilizing the two different frequency bands for the wireless link, wherein determining to utilize the two different frequency bands is in response to receiving the request.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: Analyze the auxiliary information included in the request received from the UE. Specifically, the auxiliary information is determined based on the analysis of the two different frequency bands, wherein the auxiliary information represents at least one of the following: a metric observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the signal quality received by the UE, or a first frequency band and a second frequency band proposed by the UE.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Instructing the satellite and the UE to communicate via the radio link using the first frequency band for the downlink communication includes: The satellite and the UE are instructed to use a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing downlink communication as the first frequency band.

6. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for satellite communication via a radio link with a non-terrestrial communication system, the method comprising: Transmit a request to a device in the non-terrestrial communication system for the use of two different frequency bands defined by the management entity for the wireless link; The device in the non-terrestrial communication system receives an instruction to utilize two different frequency bands for the wireless link between the UE and the satellite, the instruction requiring the UE to utilize a first frequency band, defined as a bidirectional band, as a unidirectional band. This first frequency band has a first power spectral density limit higher than the second power spectral density limit of the second frequency band, the first and second power spectral density limits being specified by the management entity in usage rules. The satellite is communicated via the wireless link by using the first frequency band for downlink communication on the wireless link and using the second frequency band, which is different from the first frequency band, for uplink communication.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The receiving instruction also includes: Receive an indication that only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band is used as the unidirectional frequency band; or The receiver uses only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time-division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as an indication of the unidirectional frequency band.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The request includes auxiliary information, which represents at least one of the following: a metric observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the quality of the signal received by the UE, or a first frequency band and a second frequency band proposed by the UE.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Receiving the instruction also includes: The recipient receives an indication of using a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing uplink communication as the second frequency band.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The proposed first and second frequency bands for the UE are determined based on metrics observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the quality of signals received by the UE, and / or the UE's operating conditions.

11. An apparatus for a non-terrestrial communication system, comprising: Wireless transceiver; processor; as well as A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, instruct the device to perform an operation, the operation including: Two different frequency bands were determined for the wireless link between the user equipment (UE) and the satellites of the non-terrestrial communication system. The first frequency band of the two different frequency bands is selected for downlink communication from the satellite to the UE. The first frequency band, classified as a bidirectional frequency band by the management entity, is used as a unidirectional frequency band and has a first power spectral density limit higher than the second power spectral density limit of the second frequency band of the two different frequency bands. The first power spectral density limit and the second power spectral density limit are specified by the management entity in the usage rules. The satellite and the UE are instructed to communicate via the wireless link using the first frequency band used for the downlink communication.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, Instructing the satellite and the UE to communicate via the radio link using the first frequency band for the downlink communication includes: The satellite and the UE are instructed to use only the downlink or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band as the unidirectional frequency band; or The satellite and the UE are instructed to use only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time-division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as the unidirectional frequency band.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The operation also includes: The device is instructed to receive a request from the UE for using the two different frequency bands for the wireless link, wherein the device determines that using the two different frequency bands is in response to receiving the request.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The operation also includes: The device is instructed to analyze auxiliary information from the UE, wherein the device determines to utilize the two different frequency bands in response to the analysis of the auxiliary information, the auxiliary information representing at least one of the following: a metric observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the signal quality received by the UE, or a first frequency band and a second frequency band suggested by the UE.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, Instructing the satellite and the UE to communicate also includes: The satellite and the UE are instructed to use a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing downlink communication as the first frequency band.

16. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Wireless transceiver; processor; as well as A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, instruct the UE to perform operations to communicate with a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication system via a wireless link, the operations including: Transmit a request to a device in the non-terrestrial communication system for the use of two different frequency bands defined by the management entity for the wireless link; The device in the non-terrestrial communication system receives an instruction to utilize two different frequency bands for a wireless link between the UE and the satellite, the instruction requiring the UE to utilize a first frequency band, defined as a bidirectional band, as a unidirectional band. This first frequency band has a first power spectral density limit higher than the second power spectral density limit of the second frequency band, the first and second power spectral density limits being specified by the management entity in usage rules. The satellite is communicated via the wireless link by using the first frequency band for downlink communication on the wireless link and using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band for uplink communication.

17. The user equipment according to claim 16, wherein, Receiving the instruction also includes: Receive an indication that only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the frequency division duplex (FDD) bidirectional frequency band is used as the unidirectional frequency band; or The receiver uses only the downlink portion or uplink portion of the time-division duplex (TDD) bidirectional frequency band as an indication of the unidirectional frequency band.

18. The user equipment according to claim 16, wherein, The request includes auxiliary information, which represents at least one of the following: a metric observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the quality of the signal received by the UE, or a first frequency band and a second frequency band proposed by the UE.

19. The user equipment according to claim 16, wherein, Receiving the instruction also includes: The recipient receives an indication to use a frequency band classified by the management entity for supplementing uplink communication as a second frequency band.

20. The user equipment according to claim 18, wherein, The operation also includes: The proposed first and second frequency bands for the UE are determined based on metrics observed by the UE, the UE's mobility characteristics, the quality of signals received by the UE, and / or the UE's operating conditions.

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