Apparatus and methods for enhanced cell re-connection of client nodes in non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

Example embodiments provide signaling between a network node and a client node in a non-terrestrial network that supports optimizing energy consumption of the client node. The client node can adjust its power saving mode duration to end at a suitable time for transmission based on information about transmission opportunities computed by the network node. The network node can be a mobile network node operating at high altitudes, such as a satellite. Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to wireless communication systems. In particular, some example embodiments of the present application relate to enhancements for cell re-connection of client nodes, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, in non-terrestrial networks. BACKGROUND

[0002] Solutions for New Radio (NR) support of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are needed. In this context, NTN includes all networks or network segments that use airborne or spaceborne platforms as part of the network, such as satellites, high-altitude platforms, such as balloons, airplanes or drones. A drone can be any unmanned aircraft that can be navigated autonomously or remotely by a human outside of line of sight, without human control. Satellites can be classified according to their altitude from low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites. LEO satellites are deployed in large constellations and move relative to the earth’s surface. The advantage over traditional geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites is low-latency global high-speed communication. The movement of LEO satellites relative to the earth is one of the main challenges for LEO communication. SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Example embodiments can optimize the energy consumption of an electronic device. A client node can be configured to query a network for a transmission opportunity for adjusting a power saving mode of the client node based on a time of the transmission opportunity. Alternatively, the network can automatically inform the client node of the transmission opportunity based on a scheduled transmission time of the client node known to the network. This allows the client node to extend or shorten the set power saving time so that the client node is active for transmission at a suitable transmission time. The suitable transmission time can be based on a network availability of the client node determined by the network. Thus, battery power can be saved as the client node can be prevented from activating too early and having to wait for a transmission opportunity. Furthermore, additional information can be provided to the client node with the transmission opportunity to reduce the overhead of re-connection after the power saving mode. This can be achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are provided in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer code are configured together with the at least one processor to at least cause the apparatus to: receive information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the apparatus; and determine the duration of a power-saving mode of the apparatus based on the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory and computer code may further be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the device to: send a query to a network node for a transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the device, the at least one scheduled transmission time of the device being indicated in the query. According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, this information may include auxiliary parameters associated with the at least one transmission opportunity for reconnection after a power-saving mode.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the auxiliary parameters may include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, the available time may include an indication of the most suitable time or time slot for transmission by the device.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the first aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time may include the next transmission time, the next transmission time window, or the transmission time interval of the device for transmitting data.

[0010] According to a second aspect, an apparatus may include at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer code are configured together with the at least one processor to at least: obtain at least one scheduled transmission time for a client node; calculate at least one transmission opportunity for the client node based on network availability for the client node and at least one scheduled transmission time; and send information to the client node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time can be obtained based on a query for a transmission opportunity from a client node, and the transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission period, or transmission interval.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time can be obtained based on a time period between previous transmission times of the client node.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, at least one memory and computer code may also be configured, together with at least one processor, to enable the means to: calculate auxiliary parameters associated with the transmission opportunity for reconnection by a client node; and wherein the information includes the auxiliary parameters.

[0014] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the transmission opportunity can be calculated based on at least one of the following: the location of the client node or ephemeris data associated with the network node.

[0015] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, the auxiliary parameters may include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble.

[0016] According to an example embodiment of the second aspect, at least one memory and computer code may also be configured, together with at least one processor, to enable the device to: reserve at least one transmission opportunity for a client node.

[0017] According to the third aspect, a method may include receiving information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of a client node; and determining the duration of a power-saving mode of the client node based on the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0018] According to an example embodiment of the third aspect, the method may further include sending a query to a network node for a transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of a client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time of the client node being indicated in the query.

[0019] According to an example embodiment of the third aspect, the information may include auxiliary parameters associated with at least one transmission opportunity for reconnection by the client node after a power-saving mode.

[0020] According to an example embodiment of the third aspect, the auxiliary parameters may include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble.

[0021] According to an example embodiment of the third aspect, network availability time may include an indication of the most suitable time or time slot for transmission.

[0022] According to an example embodiment of the third aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time may include the next transmission time, the next transmission time window, or a transmission time interval of the client node for sending data.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, a method may include obtaining at least one scheduled transmission time for a client node; calculating at least one transmission opportunity for the client node based on network availability for the client node and the at least one scheduled transmission time; and sending information to the client node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity.

[0024] According to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time can be obtained based on a query for a transmission opportunity from a client node, and the transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission period, or transmission interval.

[0025] According to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect, at least one scheduled transmission time can be obtained based on a time period between previous transmission times of the client node.

[0026] According to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect, the method may include calculating auxiliary parameters associated with a transmission opportunity for reconnection by a client node; and wherein the information includes the auxiliary parameters.

[0027] According to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect, the transmission opportunity can be calculated based on at least one of the following: the location of the client node or ephemeris data associated with the network node.

[0028] According to an example embodiment of the fourth aspect, the auxiliary parameters may include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble.

[0029] According to the fifth aspect, the computer program can be configured, when executed by a processor, to cause the device to perform at least the following operations: receive information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the device; and determine the duration of a power-saving mode of the device based on the at least one transmission opportunity. The computer program may also include instructions for causing the device to perform any example embodiment of the method of the third aspect.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus may include a unit for receiving information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the apparatus; and determining the duration of a power-saving mode based on the at least one transmission opportunity. The apparatus may also include a unit for performing any example embodiment of the method of the third aspect.

[0031] According to the seventh aspect, a computer program may include instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations: obtaining at least one scheduled transmission time for a client node; calculating at least one transmission opportunity for the client node based on network availability for the client node and the at least one scheduled transmission time; and sending information to the client node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity. The computer program may also include instructions for causing the device to perform any example embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect.

[0032] According to the eighth aspect, an apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining at least one scheduled transmission time for a client node; a unit for calculating at least one transmission opportunity for the client node based on network availability for the client node and the at least one scheduled transmission time; and a unit for sending information to the client node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity. The apparatus may also include a unit for performing any example embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect.

[0033] Many additional features will be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the exemplary embodiments and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the specification, help to explain the exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 An example of satellite location before and after the user equipment's power-saving mode, according to an example embodiment, is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 An example signaling process between a user equipment and the network for adjusting the power-saving mode of a user equipment and obtaining cell information, according to an example embodiment, is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 An example message sequence diagram is shown for adjusting the duration of a power-saving mode for a user equipment according to an example embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 An example apparatus configured to implement one or more example embodiments is shown;

[0039] Figure 5 An example method for adjusting the duration of a power-saving mode for a user device, according to an example embodiment, is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 An example method for assisting in adjusting the duration of a power-saving mode for a user device, according to an example embodiment, is shown.

[0041] The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to indicate the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below, in conjunction with the drawings, is intended as a description of this example and not as representing the only form in which this example can be constructed or utilized. This description illustrates the functionality of the example and the possible sequences of operations for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functionality and sequences can be implemented through different examples.

[0043] The use cases for communication using satellite constellations are multifaceted. A primary driving factor is global coverage, particularly in areas without existing network coverage. One of the many use cases involves connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices via NTN networks. This is especially important in rural areas where alternative communication methods may be unavailable. It is estimated that by 2024, there could be 24 million IoT devices connected via satellite. IoT devices can be of various types, such as meters or sensors. In general, IoT refers to everyday devices, appliances, and other objects that can collect data via the internet and exchange data with other devices and systems, embedding computer chips and sensors.

[0044] Battery consumption is a major challenge for most IoT devices, especially when placed in remote areas. Many IoT devices send data periodically, but only occasionally. Therefore, when a device has no data to send, it enters a sleep / inactive mode to conserve energy. Sleep mode, or inactive mode, is a power-saving mode for electronic devices where the device can inform the network that it will enter a sleep state. For example, when a device determines it's time to transmit based on some logic or timer, it can wake up and enter an active mode for transmitting to the network. Afterward, the device can remain in a receiving (idle) mode for a predetermined idle window, making it available when needed. Because the device is in a sleep state during power-saving mode, its power consumption can be very low. In power-saving mode, power to unnecessary subsystems may be cut off, and random access memory (RAM) may be placed in a minimum power state, just enough to retain its data. In idle mode, where there is no active transmission, the device may use low power and may perform measurements to perform cell reselection. Reselection may not be performed during power-saving mode. Cell reselection may not require the device to become active, but may require measurements and reading information from the new cell. The device's measurement frequency can be reduced to conserve energy.

[0045] As mentioned above, one of the main challenges for LEO satellites is their motion relative to the Earth's surface. The connection time to a particular satellite decreases with its altitude. For LEO satellites, connection times can be on the order of minutes.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, satellites can be moved out of coverage when IoT devices are in power-saving mode. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the movement of satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D when user equipment (UE) 102 is in power-saving mode. Satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and UE 102 can be part of a non-terrestrial communication network 100, which includes network nodes and client nodes. The communication network 100 can include base stations such as gNBs or relay nodes, which can be hosted on satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, or other spaceborne or airborne vehicles. The communication network 100 can include a global satellite constellation. Satellites refer to low Earth orbit.

[0047] Spaceborne vehicles in LEO, MEO, GEO, or HEO orbits. The communication network 100 may also include one or more client nodes, which may also be referred to as IoT devices, user nodes, or UEs, such as UE 102. UE 102 can communicate with one or more base stations via one or more wireless radio channels. Satellite base stations can be interconnected using satellite-to-satellite communication channels. Communication between UE 102 and other network devices (such as satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D) can be bidirectional. Therefore, any device can be configured to operate as a transmitter and / or receiver.

[0048] exist Figure 1Before the power-saving mode at time T1, UE 102 can connect to satellite 104B. During UE 102's power-saving mode, satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D may have moved along their orbits. At time T2, UE 102 is within the coverage area of ​​the new satellite 104A. This means that when UE 102 wakes up from power-saving mode, it needs to reconnect, i.e., transition from inactive mode to active mode for transmission. The new satellite may mean a new cell or new cell parameters, such as timing or Doppler compensation offset. Furthermore, in sparse satellite networks, coverage may even be unavailable at the wake-up time of UE 102. Additionally, if multiple satellites pass by during power-saving mode, UE 102 may need to reconnect to all the cells that passed simultaneously. Reconnection incurs signaling and power consumption overhead, which can be critical for IoT devices. For example, UE 102 can perform cell reselection in idle mode, which includes time and frequency synchronization with all passed cells. In the case of NTN, this can be troublesome because the cells in an NTN can change within minutes.

[0049] The purpose of this disclosure is to address the problem of reconnection and reselection after a power-saving mode due to a mobile base station or relay. According to an example embodiment, a client node can determine the correct time to connect to a new cell based on transmission opportunities calculated by a network node. The network node can be configured to provide additional information associated with the transmission opportunities. This additional information can avoid a large number of reselections by the client node, making connections faster and cheaper from an energy perspective. The proposed procedure can be applied to devices with long power-saving modes, such as meters, with regular but less frequent transmissions. For example, the device can be configured to transmit every 5 minutes, every 15 minutes, once a day, or even less frequently.

[0050] As mentioned above, the overhead of reconnecting due to satellite movement should be reduced. An advantage of satellite networks is that satellite trajectories (i.e., orbits) are predictable. Therefore, the future position of a satellite can be calculated. Since IoT devices are likely to be very simple and require minimal power consumption, this calculation can be performed on the network side. In this disclosure, signaling is introduced to enable IoT devices (i.e., client nodes) to activate from power-saving mode at the correct time for data transmission.

[0051] In one embodiment, a client node can query the network for transmission opportunities within a specific future time window. Based on this time window, the network can determine network availability at that time (e.g., in the case of sparse satellite deployment). For example, the time window can be based on the client node's activity time. This time window can at least cover the start time of the client node's activity mode. In one embodiment, the network can determine additional information to assist the client node in reconnecting. This additional information may include, for example, Physical Cell ID (PCI), network availability time, or Random Access Control Channel (RACH) opportunity and / or preamble. With this information, the client node can adjust its power-saving mode to terminate at the optimal transmission opportunity. Furthermore, the client node may already know additional parameters for the situation after the power-saving mode based on the additional information. Moreover, during the power-saving mode, it may not be necessary to reconnect to all cells passing through the client node's location. Therefore, the overhead of reconnection and the power consumption of the client node can be reduced.

[0052] Figure 2 An example signaling procedure is illustrated between a client node and the network, according to an example embodiment, for adjusting the duration of the client node's power-saving mode and obtaining cell information. The client node may be UE 102. UE 102 may be an IoT device, such as a meter reader, sensor, etc. The network includes multiple network nodes, such as multiple satellites 104A and 104B.

[0053] UE 102 may send message 202 to query the network for a transmission opportunity. Since most devices have a regular mode for transmitting data, the upcoming transmission time for UE 102 may be known to UE 102. The transmission time may be a specific time or time window. Satellite 104A may determine at least one transmission opportunity based on the query, considering network availability (especially in the case of sparse satellite deployment) and / or information assisting UE 102 in reconnecting after power-saving mode. Assisting information may include parameters for reconnection, such as at least one of PCI, network availability time, RACH opportunity, or RACH preamble. Network availability time may include an indication of the most suitable time or time slot for UE 102 to transmit data. Satellite 104A may send message 204 to UE 102, which includes information about at least one transmission opportunity.

[0054] In one embodiment, UE 102 may notify the network of transmission intervals, or the transmission intervals may be known to the network. In one embodiment, a network node may observe the same period between multiple transmissions from UE 102 over a period of time. The network node may assume that the period will continue, and thus the network node can determine the transmission intervals of UE 102. The network node may send a schedule based on the transmission intervals of UE 102, which includes at least one transmission opportunity. Therefore, UE 102 may not need to query transmission opportunities between each power-saving mode period and active mode period, but the network may notify UE 102 of transmission opportunities independently, once per period, or by providing information about transmission opportunities over a longer time period.

[0055] In one embodiment, auxiliary information can be calculated based on the location of UE 102 (assuming UE 102 has not moved), ephemeris data, and the time of the requested transmission opportunity. For example, ephemeris data may include the location in a sky region and / or the speed of mobile network nodes (such as satellites).

[0056] Based on this information, UE 102 can adjust its power-saving mode according to the indications of one or more received transmission opportunities, so as to end the transmission at an appropriate time. Additionally, or alternatively, UE 102 can also store auxiliary information for reconnection. For example, a query may include an indication that UE 102 will transmit data within 15 minutes. UE 102 may receive an indication of the availability of the next cell from satellite 104A within 16-17 minutes. This information may also include additional information such as the cell ID (PCI x) and / or RACH information. Then, the UE...

[0057] 102 can adjust the duration of the power-saving mode from 15 minutes to 16 minutes so that it can connect to the next satellite 104B based on the indicated cell when an indicated transmission opportunity arises.

[0058] Figure 3 An example message sequence diagram for adjusting the power saving mode of UE 102 according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 3 The process can be performed between client nodes (such as UE 102) and network nodes (such as gNB 300) in non-terrestrial networks.

[0059] At 302, UE 102 transmits the current data. At 304, UE 102 continues to determine the next transmission time. The next transmission time can be determined by UE 102 based on the rule pattern of UE 102 used to transmit data. At 306, UE 102 can send a query to gNB 300 regarding transmission opportunities based on the next transmission time.

[0060] At 308, after receiving a query from UE 102 for the next transmission opportunity for the next transmission time, gNB 300 can be configured to calculate the next transmission opportunity. For example, the transmission opportunity can be determined based on the movement of the gNB relative to the UE 102. In one embodiment, gNB 300 can be configured to calculate parameters associated with the next transmission opportunity. At 310, gNB 300 can be configured to send the calculated transmission opportunity and / or parameters associated with the transmission opportunity to UE 102. At 312, gNB 300 can be configured to reserve the calculated transmission opportunity for UE 102, wherein a particular transmission opportunity may not be allocated to other UEs.

[0061] Upon receiving a transmission opportunity calculated by gNB 300, at 314, UE 102 can be configured to adjust the duration of its preset power-saving mode. In one embodiment, UE 102 can be configured to adjust connection parameters based on parameters associated with the transmission opportunity. The proposed process can reduce the power consumption of IoT devices that transmit periodically, even if the transmissions are infrequent. When an IoT device reconnects to the network, its power consumption can be reduced due to previous transmissions, as cell reselection in a non-terrestrial network can be avoided. This non-terrestrial network includes, for example, mobile network nodes, such as satellites, and other devices configured to communicate using spaceborne or airborne platforms.

[0062] Figure 4 An example device 400 configured to implement one or more example embodiments is shown. Device 400 may be a client node, such as UE 102. Device 400 may be a network node, such as a 5G node, such as gNB 300 and / or a 4G node eNB. The device may be a spaceborne or airborne vehicle, such as satellites 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, including, for example, a gNB.

[0063] The device 400 may include at least one processor 402. At least one processor 402 may include one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, dedicated computer chips, etc.

[0064] The device 400 may also include at least one memory 404. For example, the memory 404 may be configured to store computer program code 406, such as operating system software and application software. The memory 404 may include one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the memory 404 may be embodied as a magnetic storage device (such as a hard disk drive, magnetic tape, etc.), an optical storage device, or a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a random access memory (RAM), etc.).

[0065] Device 400 may also include one or more communication interfaces 408 configured to enable device 400 to send information to other devices and / or receive information from other devices. Communication interface 408 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G). However, communication interface 408 may be configured to provide one or more other types of connections, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) connections, such as connections standardized by the IEEE 802.11 series or the Wi-Fi Alliance; short-range wireless network connections, such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or RFID connections; wired connections, such as local area network (LAN) connections, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, or optical network connections; or wired internet connections. Communication interface 408 may include or be configured to be coupled to at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. One or more of the various types of connections may also be implemented as a separate communication interface, which may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to multiple antennas.

[0066] The device 400 may also include a user interface 410, which includes input devices and / or output devices. Input devices may take various forms, such as a keyboard, a touchscreen, or one or more embedded control buttons. Output devices may include, for example, a display, a speaker, a vibration motor, etc.

[0067] Not all components shown in the diagram are essential. Device 400 can be made from... Figure 4 The components shown can be implemented with more or fewer components.

[0068] When device 400 is configured to perform certain functions, some components of device 400 and / or

[0069] Alternatively, components, such as at least one processor 402 and / or memory 404, may be configured to implement this function. Furthermore, when at least one processor 402 is configured to implement certain functions, those functions may be implemented, for example, using program code 406 included in memory 404.

[0070] The functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more computer program product components (such as software components). According to one embodiment, device 400 includes a processor or processor circuitry, such as a microcontroller, configured by program code at execution to perform embodiments of the operations and functions described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include, but are 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), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0071] The apparatus 400 includes means for performing at least one method described herein. In one example, the apparatus includes at least one processor 402 and at least one memory 404 including program code 406 configured to cause the apparatus 400 to perform the method when executed by the at least one processor 402.

[0072] For example, device 400 may include computing devices such as base stations, network nodes, server devices, client nodes, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, etc. In one example, device 400 may include network equipment configured to communicate using an airborne or spaceborne platform, such as a satellite or an unmanned vehicle. Although device 400 is shown as a single device, it should be understood that, in any applicable circumstances, the functionality of device 400 may be distributed among multiple devices.

[0073] Client nodes can be configured to query transmission opportunities from network nodes. Network nodes can be configured to calculate transmission opportunities, for example, based on the client node's location, the trajectory of a mobile network node (such as a satellite) based on a mathematical model of the network node's and the Earth's motion, and / or the client node's requested transmission time. The requested transmission time can be based on the client node's regular transmission pattern. The network node can, for example, send one or more transmission opportunities to the client node in response to a query. Alternatively, or additionally, if the network node knows the client node's transmission pattern, it can send one or more transmission opportunities itself. Client nodes can be configured to change the length of their power-saving mode or keep it unchanged based on the transmission opportunity, the next transmission time, or the most suitable transmission time. Calculating transmission opportunities consumes power. Furthermore, storing trajectory data can require considerable memory space. Therefore, it is preferable for the network node to perform the calculations rather than the client node, as client nodes may have limited battery power and storage.

[0074] Figure 5An example method 500 for adjusting the duration of a power-saving mode of a client node, according to an example embodiment, is shown. Method 500 can be executed by the client node.

[0075] At 502, the method may include receiving information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of a client node. In one embodiment, the method may include sending a query to the network node for a transmission opportunity, wherein at least one scheduled transmission time is indicated in the query.

[0076] At 504, the method may include determining the duration of the power-saving mode based on at least one transmission opportunity.

[0077] Figure 6 An example method for assisting in adjusting the duration of a power-saving mode for a client node, according to an example embodiment, is shown.

[0078] At 602, the method may include obtaining at least one scheduled transmission time for the client node. In one embodiment, the network node obtains at least one scheduled transmission time based on a transmission time interval of the client node. The transmission time interval may be determined by the network node based on previous transmissions from the client node. In one embodiment, the network node obtains at least one scheduled transmission time based on a query for transmission opportunities received from the client node. The query may include at least one of the following: the client node's next transmission time, the next transmission time window, or a transmission time interval.

[0079] At 604, the method may include calculating at least one transmission opportunity for the client node based on network availability for the client node and at least one scheduled transmission time.

[0080] At 606, the method may include sending information to the client node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity.

[0081] As described in the appended claims and throughout the specification, further features of the method derive directly from the functionality and parameters of the apparatus and therefore will not be repeated here. Note that one or more operations of the method may be performed in different orders.

[0082] An apparatus, such as a network node, user node, or client node, may be configured to perform or cause to perform any aspect of the methods described herein. Furthermore, a computer program may include instructions for causing the apparatus to perform any aspect of the methods described herein when executed. Additionally, an apparatus may include units for performing any aspect of the methods described herein. According to an example embodiment, the units include at least one processor and a memory including program code, the at least one memory and the program code being configured to cause any aspect of the method to behave when executed by the at least one processor.

[0083] Any ranges or device values ​​given herein can be extended or modified without losing the desired effect. Furthermore, unless expressly prohibited, any embodiment can be combined with another embodiment.

[0084] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0085] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. Embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the described problems, or those that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages. It will be further understood that reference to "a" may refer to one or more of these items.

[0086] The methods described herein can be operated in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, individual blocks can be removed from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter herein. Aspects of any of the above embodiments can be combined with aspects of any other described embodiments to form further embodiments without losing the desired effects.

[0087] The term “comprising” is used herein to mean including the identified method, block or element, but such block or element does not include an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0088] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a circuit implementation that is purely hardware (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including digital signal processors), software, and memory, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions and (c) hardware circuitry and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, which requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim.

[0089] As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also encompasses, for example and if applicable to elements of a particular claim, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0090] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a particular degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A client node, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to at least enable the client node: Receive information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the client node, the client node including an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to operate alternately in a power-saving mode and an active mode, wherein the at least one scheduled transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission time window, or transmission time interval for transmitting data, during which the client node is in the active mode; and The duration of the power-saving mode of the client node is determined based on the at least one transmission opportunity. The at least one transmission opportunity is calculated based on network availability for the client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time, and information to assist the client node in reconnecting after power-saving mode. The auxiliary information includes parameters for reconnection, wherein the parameters include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble, and wherein the network availability time includes an indication of the most suitable time for the client node to perform the transmission. The auxiliary information is calculated based on the location of the client node, the ephemeris data associated with the network node, and the time of the requested transmission opportunity.

2. The client node of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the client node to: A query is sent to the network node for a transmission opportunity based on the at least one scheduled transmission time of the client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time of the client node being indicated in the query.

3. A communication apparatus, the apparatus being hosted on a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication network, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to at least enable the device to: At least one scheduled transmission time is obtained for a client node, the client node including an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to operate alternately in a power-saving mode and an active mode, wherein the at least one scheduled transmission time includes the client node’s next transmission time, next transmission time window, or transmission time interval for transmitting data, during which the client node is in the active mode; At least one transmission opportunity for the client node is calculated based on network availability for the client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time, and information to assist the client node in reconnecting after power-saving mode. The auxiliary information includes parameters for reconnection, wherein the parameters include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble, and wherein the network availability time includes an indication of the most suitable time for the client node to perform the transmission. The auxiliary information is calculated based on the location of the client node, the ephemeris data associated with the network node, and the time of the requested transmission opportunity; and Send information to the client node, the information including an indication of the at least one transmission opportunity.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one scheduled transmission time is obtained based on a query from the client node for the transmission opportunity, and the at least one scheduled transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission time period, or transmission time interval.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one scheduled transmission time is obtained based on a time period between previous transmission times of the client node.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one memory and the computer code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to: Calculate auxiliary parameters associated with the transmission opportunity for reconnection by the client node; and The information mentioned therein includes the parameters.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one memory and the computer code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to: The at least one transmission opportunity is reserved for the client node.

8. A method of communication, comprising: A client node receives information from a network node, the information including an indication of at least one transmission opportunity based on at least one scheduled transmission time of the client node, the client node including an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to operate alternately in a power-saving mode and an active mode, wherein the at least one scheduled transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission time window, or transmission time interval for transmitting data, during which the client node is in the active mode; and The duration of the power-saving mode of the client node is determined based on the at least one transmission opportunity. The at least one transmission opportunity is calculated based on network availability for the client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time, and information to assist the client node in reconnecting after power-saving mode. The auxiliary information includes parameters for reconnection, wherein the parameters include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble, and wherein the network availability time includes an indication of the most suitable time for the client node to perform the transmission. The auxiliary information is calculated based on the location of the client node, the ephemeris data associated with the network node, and the time of the requested transmission opportunity.

9. A method of communication performed by a device hosted on a satellite in a non-terrestrial communication network, comprising: At least one scheduled transmission time is obtained for a client node, including an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to operate alternately in a power-saving mode and an active mode. The at least one scheduled transmission time includes the client node's next transmission time, next transmission time window, or transmission interval for transmitting data, during which the client node is in the active mode. At least one transmission opportunity is calculated for the client node based on network availability for the client node, the at least one scheduled transmission time, and information to assist the client node in reconnecting after power-saving mode. The auxiliary information includes parameters for reconnection, wherein the parameters include at least one of the following: physical cell identifier, network availability time, random access control channel opportunity, or random access control channel preamble, and wherein the network availability time includes an indication of the most suitable time for the client node to perform the transmission. The auxiliary information is calculated based on the location of the client node, the ephemeris data associated with the network node, and the time of the requested transmission opportunity; and Send information to the client node, the information including an indication of the at least one transmission opportunity.

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