Signaling in communication network

Abstract

A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10) is disclosed. A communication device (12) sends signaling (20) to a network node (14) in a communication network (10). In some embodiments, the signaling (20) indicates at least whether a propagation loss of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by free space path loss (FSPL). In some embodiments, the signaling (20) indicates at least one or more values (20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to communication networks and, more particularly, to signaling in such networks. Background Art

[0002] The communication network performs link adaptation to adapt the configuration of the downlink for the communication device, e.g., depending on the channel conditions experienced by the communication device on the downlink. For example, the communication network may adapt the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or the channel bandwidth used on the downlink. Known methods rely on the communication device reporting channel state information (CSI) measurements to the communication network so that the communication network can perform link adaptation based on the reported CSI measurements.

[0003] However, there are challenges with known methods for link adaptation. CSI measurements require meaningful system capacity to request and report, thereby reducing the capacity available for other communication devices and / or user data. In addition, poor CSI reporting quality by communication devices can compromise the effectiveness of link adaptation. These challenges can prove particularly problematic in satellite communication networks, where link adaptation improvements are needed to enhance coverage and improve spectral efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to some embodiments herein, a communication device reports one or more parameters characterizing its receiver performance, such as gain, gain-to-noise temperature, noise figure, etc. The communication network can then utilize the report to estimate downlink signal quality and / or perform link adaptation. Some embodiments herein advantageously enable the communication network to estimate downlink signal quality with higher accuracy than known methods, thereby improving link adaptation, for example, for improving downlink spectrum efficiency and coverage.

[0005] More specifically, embodiments herein include methods performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network. The method includes sending signaling to a network node in the communication network. In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. Alternatively or additionally, the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0006] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters, the one or more parameters include a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver and / or one or more receiver G / T parameters (where the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters). In one or more of these embodiments where the one or more parameters include the receiver G / T of the receiver, the one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more receiver G / T parameters include an antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver, a system noise temperature (T), an antenna noise temperature (T) of an antenna connected to the receiver, ant ), noise figure (NF) and / or ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0007] In other embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter, or by reporting that the value has dropped below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0008] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL based on at least one of the one or more parameters. In one or more of these embodiments, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL by determining whether one or more of the system noise temperature, the noise power, and the downlink signal quality is above or below a configured threshold. Alternatively, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL by checking whether the estimated propagation loss between the communication device and the network node matches the calculated value of the FSPL at least within the configured threshold, wherein the estimated propagation loss is calculated as the difference between the transmitted signal power level and the received signal power level. In some embodiments, the calculated value of the FSPL is based on the distance between the communication device and the base station and based on the configured carrier frequency.

[0009] In some embodiments, the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.In one or more of these embodiments, the RRC message is an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message.

[0010] In some embodiments, the communication network is a satellite communication network and the network nodes are satellite access network nodes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates a distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device. In one or more of these embodiments, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance changing by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node. Alternatively, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance deviating by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance that would be expected if the communication device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth since the distance was last reported.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving from the network node a configuration of downlink transmission parameters adapted based on the signaling. In some embodiments, the downlink transmission parameters comprise a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a downlink transmission based on the received configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a request from a network node for reporting a timing advance TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises reporting the TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device to the network node in response to the request.

[0014] Other embodiments herein include methods performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network. The method includes receiving signaling from a communication device. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. In other embodiments, the signaling additionally or alternatively indicates at least one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0015] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters, the one or more parameters include a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver and / or one or more receiver G / T parameters (where the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters). In one or more of these embodiments where the one or more parameters include the receiver G / T of the receiver, the one or more receiver G / T parameters include an antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver, a system noise temperature (T), a noise temperature (T) of an antenna connected to the receiver, and / or a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver. ant ), noise figure (NF) and / or ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0016] In one or more embodiments in which signaling indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter, or by reporting that the value has fallen below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0017] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL.

[0018] In some embodiments, the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.In one or more of these embodiments, the RRC message is an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message.

[0019] In some embodiments, the communication network is a satellite communication network and the network nodes are satellite access network nodes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates a distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device. In one or more of these embodiments, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance changing by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node. Alternatively, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance deviating by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance that would be expected if the communication device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth since the distance was last reported.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a signal quality of the radio link based on the signaling. In one or more of these embodiments, the signal quality is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In some embodiments, determining the SNR comprises determining the SNR according to Equation 1 or Equation 2 below:

[0022]

[0023] or

[0024]

[0025] In one or more of these embodiments, the method further comprises performing link adaptation on the radio link based on the determined signal quality.In some embodiments, the determined signal quality is an estimate of an upper limit of achievable signal quality.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a configuration of downlink transmission parameters for the communication device based on the signaling. In some embodiments, the downlink transmission parameters include a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending the determined configuration to the communication device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a downlink transmission to the communication device based on the determined configuration.

[0027] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL. In some embodiments, the method also includes sending a request to the communication device for reporting the timing advance TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving a response to the request, the response reporting the TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining the signal quality of the radio link based on the signaling and the response.

[0028] Other embodiments herein include a communication device configured for use in a communication network. The communication device is configured to send signaling to a network node in the communication network. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to perform the steps described above for the communication device.

[0030] Other embodiments herein include a network node configured for use in a communication network. The network node is configured to receive signaling from a communication device. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the network node is configured to perform the steps described above for the network node.

[0032] In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by at least one processor of a communication device causes the communication device to perform the steps described above for the communication device. In some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by at least one processor of a network node causes the network node to perform the steps described above for the network node. In some embodiments, the carrier containing the computer program is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0033] Other embodiments herein include a communication device configured for use in a communication network. The communication device includes a communication circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to send signaling to a network node in the communication network. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processing circuit is configured to perform the steps described above with respect to the communication device.

[0035] Other embodiments herein include a network node configured for use in a communication network. The network node includes a communication circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signaling from a communication device. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL. In some embodiments, the signaling at least indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the processing circuit is configured to perform the steps described above with respect to the network node.

[0037] Other embodiments herein include a method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network. The method includes estimating an uplink path loss based on a measured uplink reference signal received power relative to a transmit EIRP used by a communication device. The method also includes comparing the uplink path loss with a calculated value of a free space path loss FSPL. The method also includes determining whether the uplink path loss is dominated by the FSPL based on the comparison.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes obtaining user data and forwarding the user data to a host or communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a communication network according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 2 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed for DL ​​SNR determination according to some embodiments herein.

[0041] Figure 3 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed for DL ​​SNR determination according to other embodiments herein.

[0042] Figure 4 is a call flow diagram for DL ​​SNR determination according to some embodiments herein.

[0043] Figure 5 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a communication device according to some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 6 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 7 is a logic flow diagram of a method performed by a network node according to other embodiments.

[0046] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments.

[0047] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

[0048] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments.

[0049] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0050] Fig.12 is a block diagram of a network node according to some embodiments.

[0051] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a host according to some embodiments.

[0052] Fig.14 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

[0053] Fig.15 is a block diagram of a host communicating with a UE via a network node over a partial wireless connection according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1A communication network 10 according to some embodiments is shown. The communication network 10 may be, for example, a non-terrestrial network (NTN), also referred to as a satellite communication network. In any case, the communication network 10 is configured to provide communication services to communication devices 12, such as user equipment (UE). In this regard, the communication network 10 includes a network node 14, which communicates with the communication device 12 via a radio link 16 (e.g., a downlink). In the case where the communication network 10 is an NTN, the network node 14 may be, for example, a satellite access network node.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the communication device 12 sends signaling 20 to the network node 14, for example, wherein the signaling 20 is a radio resource control (RRC) message (such as an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message) or is transmitted via an RRC message. In one embodiment, the signaling 20 includes a free space path loss (FSPL) indication 20A, which indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link 16 between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10 is dominated by the FSPL, for example, determined by the communication device 12. Alternatively or additionally, the signaling 20 indicates one or more values ​​20B of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of the receiver 12R of the communication device 12.

[0056] In some embodiments where the signaling 20 indicates one or more parameter values ​​20B, the one or more parameter values ​​20B may include a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver 12R. In one embodiment, the receiver G / T is a metric that characterizes receiver performance using the relationship between the antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver 12R and the system noise temperature (T). The receiver G / T may alternatively be referred to as the antenna G / T.

[0057] In other embodiments where the signaling 20 indicates one or more parameter values ​​20B, the one or more parameter values ​​20B may alternatively or additionally include one or more receiver G / T parameters, where the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters. That is, rather than indicating the receiver G / T itself, the signaling 20 indicates one or more receiver G / T parameters from which the receiver G / T may be calculated. In these embodiments, for example, the one or more receiver G / T parameters may include at least one of any one or more of the following: antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver 12R, system noise temperature (T), antenna noise temperature (T) of an antenna connected to the receiver 12R. ant ), noise figure (NF), and / or ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0058] In one embodiment where the signaling 20 indicates one or more parameter values ​​20B, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling 20 may indicate the value of the parameter by indicating the difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter. Alternatively, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling 20 may indicate the value of the parameter by reporting that the value has fallen below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0059] Note that in some embodiments, the communication device 12 may have more than one receiver and / or more than one antenna, such as one antenna per receiver (i.e., per antenna connector). In one such embodiment, the communication device 12 may, for example, send signaling 20 for each receiver and / or for each antenna, such that the signaling 20 is receiver-specific and / or antenna-specific. However, in another embodiment, the communication device 12 may send signaling 20 to represent a combination of the capabilities of multiple receivers in the communication device's receivers.

[0060] Regardless, in some embodiments, the network node 14 determines the signal quality of the radio link 16 based on the signaling 20. For example, where the signal quality is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the network node 14 may determine the downlink (DL) SNR according to the following equation:

[0061]

[0062] In this case, the signaling 20 may indicate G / T or one or more G / T parameters from which G / T may be calculated. Equation (1) expresses the DL SNR as a function of the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), the receiver antenna gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T), and signal attenuation, which in turn depends on free space path loss (FSPL), scintillation loss (SL), atmospheric loss (AL), shadowing fading (SF), and the Boltzmann constant k.

[0063] As another example, the network node 14 may determine the SNR according to the following equation:

[0064]

[0065] In this case, the signaling 20 may indicate the G / T or one or more G / T parameters from which the G / T may be calculated.

[0066] Regardless of how the network node 14 determines signal quality, in some embodiments the network node 14 performs link adaptation on the radio link 16 based on the determined signal quality. In one embodiment, the signal quality based on which link adaptation is performed is an estimate of an upper limit of achievable signal quality.

[0067] Some embodiments herein are applicable to the following example context in which the communication network 10 is a non-terrestrial network (NTN), such as a 5G NTN, and the network nodes are satellite access network nodes. In some embodiments, the communication device 12 is a user equipment (UE).

[0068] In this regard, some embodiments relate to expected downlink (DL) SNR in a satellite system using a signal bandwidth B. In some embodiments, the DL SNR may be determined as a function of transmitter equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), receiver antenna gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T), and signal attenuation, which in turn depends on free space path loss (FSPL), scintillation loss (SL), atmospheric loss (AL), shadowing fading (SF), and the Boltzmann constant k, as follows:

[0069]

[0070] Assumptions may be made on these parameters in the case of line-of-sight communication, which is typical for satellite communications, e.g. as specified in TR38.821 v16.1.0. The DL SNR is highly dependent on the satellite access node (SAN) EIRP, G / T, FSPL and signal BW, while SF, SL and AL are more or less negligible. Then, in other embodiments, a simplified calculation may be used to determine the DL SNR:

[0071]

[0072] In some embodiments, SAN EIRP and BW are under network control. FSPL depends on the distance d between the UE and the satellite carrying the SAN and the carrier frequency f c (FSPL = 32.45 + 20log 10 (f c )+20log 10 (d), where the distance d is in meters and the carrier frequency f c In GHz. In 5G New Radio (NR), the UE can be requested to report its location to the network (NW). Based on this information and the satellite ephemeris, the NW can calculate the distance from the satellite to the UE with high accuracy. The UE can also be configured to provide its timing advance, which is a measure of the UE to SAN round trip time and can be used to determine the distance from the satellite to the UE. The NW also knows the carrier frequency and can therefore also estimate the FSPL.

[0073] Then, according to some embodiments, one variable in one or more of the above equations that is hitherto unknown to NW is G / T, where G equals the UE receiver antenna gain G, and T=10log10(T sys ). sys is the system noise temperature corresponding to the measurable noise power N in the UE receiver. Over bandwidth B, the noise power N is equal to:

[0074] N = 10log10(kT sys B) (Equation 3)

[0075] T sys Depends on the ambient UE temperature T amb , UE antenna temperature T ant and the UE noise factor F, as follows:

[0076] T sys =T ant +(F-1)T amb (Equation 4)

[0077] The ambient temperature corresponds to about 290 K, while the antenna temperature corresponds to the noise level picked up by the antenna from its surroundings. It is determined by the antenna frequency selectivity, its radiation pattern, the pointing direction of the antenna and the temperature distribution around the antenna.

[0078] For devices with directional antennas, T ant is dominated by the temperature in the direction of the main receive beam. A UE with a highly directional antenna operating in NR frequency range 1 and pointing its antenna towards a satellite in a cold sky will measure T well below the ambient temperature. ant ITU-R Recommendation P.372-7 proposes measurements and models for estimating antenna temperature for different antenna pointing directions and frequencies.

[0079] In some embodiments, the UE's antenna temperature can be accurately estimated based on the measurements in P.372-7 and knowledge of the antenna pointing direction and receive antenna gain pattern. In some embodiments, knowledge of only the antenna gain G, rather than the complete antenna pattern, may be sufficient to make T ant Estimates.

[0080] In some embodiments, the UE noise figure NF is defined based on the noise factor F as follows:

[0081] NF = 10log10(F) (Equation 3)

[0082] In this context, some embodiments herein address the area of ​​DL link adaptation, which involves the NW's attempt to configure the DL to optimize the DL spectral efficiency. The configuration includes determining, for example, the modulation and coding scheme and the allocated channel bandwidth. Traditional NW attempts to determine these configurations based on UE channel state information (CSI) measurements and reports. In contrast, some embodiments herein leverage the characteristics of the radio link to enhance UE reporting to improve the NW's ability to efficiently configure DL transmission parameters. For example, some embodiments herein introduce support for signaling of UE receiver parameters (via signaling 20), which allows the NW to enhance its link adaptation. In particular, some embodiments herein introduce UE reporting of parameters related to UE receiver performance (such as UE antenna gain G, G / T, noise figure NF, and antenna temperature), for example via Figure 1 20 in signaling. This will advantageously reduce the NW's reliance on the quality of the UE CSI reports and also reduce the need to request CSI information from the UE, which will free up system capacity. The network can then use the reported information, for example, according to Equation 1, to estimate the DL SNR, and use the estimated SNR to perform robust link adaptation, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, by using the reported information in this manner, the NW can determine the DL SNR with high accuracy, which will allow the NW to perform efficient link adaptation to improve DL spectrum efficiency and coverage.

[0083] Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a first embodiment, the UE sends an indication ( ) to the network (NW), for example to a network node such as a SAN, that the Uu interface is operating under free space path loss (FSPL) conditions. Figure 2 Step 2). The instruction may be Figure 1 The UE may determine the status of the indication based on, for example, one or more of the measured system temperature, noise power, and DL SNR ( Figure 2 Step 1).

[0084] As an alternative, Figure 3 As shown, the UE signals the measured system temperature, noise power, DLSNR, BLER and / or channel quality indicator (CQI) to the NW, which uses this information to determine whether the radio link is operating under FSPL conditions ( Figure 3 Step 2). In this case, such signaling illustrates Figure 1 In addition, the network may determine the information based on the coverage enhancement level of the UE indicated by the PRACH configuration used by the UE during random access.

[0085] Operating under FSPL conditions here refers to a radio link state where the UE-to-SAN (and SAN-to-UE) path loss is dominated by the FSPL propagation conditions.

[0086] In some embodiments, the network (e.g., a network node such as a SAN) may also configure a first system temperature or noise power threshold to the UE. The UE then notifies the NW whether it has experienced a system temperature or noise level below the first threshold, which the NW regards as an indication of operating under FSPL conditions. When the UE has reported that the system temperature or noise power it has experienced is below the configured threshold, the network may configure the UE to notify the network whether the system temperature or noise power experienced by the UE is above a second threshold, where the second threshold is typically higher than or may be equal to the first threshold. If the UE reports that the system temperature or noise power it has experienced is higher than the second threshold, the network regards this as an indication of operating under non-FSPL conditions (e.g., conditions where the path loss is not dominated by FSPL). Both the first and second thresholds, as well as the behavior of the UE relative to the thresholds, may also be configured simultaneously.

[0087] In some embodiments, the network (eg, a network node such as a SAN) may also configure the UE to report its ambient temperature T amb Any significant change in , or any significant change in its system temperature or noise power due solely to a change in the UE's ambient temperature. To avoid the UE from interpretatively reporting any changes, the network may configure another threshold that triggers such a report.

[0088] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the network (e.g., a network node such as a SAN) estimates the UL path loss (PL) based on the measured UL reference signal received power (RSRP) relative to the transmit EIRP used by the UE. The NW compares the estimated PL with a calculated value of the FSPL based on the carrier frequency and the UE-to-satellite distance. If the estimated PL matches the calculated FSPL or the deviation is small enough (e.g., below a predetermined threshold), the NW can assume a FSPL condition.

[0089] In some cases, the network may experience FSPL conditions, but also have attenuation caused by other more satellite-specific factors, including atmospheric absorption (AL above), rain and cloud attenuation, ionospheric and tropospheric scintillation (SL components above). This attenuation is usually constant and depends, for example, on frequency, time of day, elevation angle, and longitude and latitude. In some embodiments of this case, the UE or the network may apply an offset to the above threshold. For example, assuming that the UE is requested to detect that it is operating under FSPL, the UE can detect whether it is operating under FSPL by comparing the measured SNR with the threshold. However, if the signal is attenuated by some additional known factor, the threshold is moved to take into account the factor. In contrast, in other embodiments, the threshold itself is adapted to determine whether the UE is under FSPL conditions. For example, the offset within the network or within the UE can be adapted, for example, according to time, the position of the UE represented by elevation angle or longitude and latitude.

[0090] In some embodiments, the NW may use the FSPL information to determine whether it can use default, measured or calculated values ​​for the SF, SL and AL components, for example according to Equation 2 or according to Equation 1, to make a robust and accurate estimate of the DL SNR.

[0091] In some embodiments, to allow the NW (e.g., a network node such as a SAN) to perform DL SNR estimation (e.g., according to Equation 1), the UE reports at least the antenna gain G. In one embodiment, the UE may report this in addition to its position (e.g., determined by GNSS measurements) or timing advance. Regardless, in some embodiments, the NW first calculates the FSPL based on the estimated distance between the UE and the SAN receiver on the satellite. The NW may then estimate the system temperature to evaluate G / T and calculate the DL SNR.

[0092] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the UE reports G / T or G and the system temperature representation T separately. In another alternative, the UE reports G in combination with antenna temperature and / or noise figure and / or ambient temperature. Based on this input, the NW calculates the DL SNR.

[0093] Note that in the case where the UE receiver is exposed to interference, the measured system temperature and the corresponding noise level N will capture the interference signal level. The NW calculation will then correspond to the SINR.

[0094] As an alternative to reporting its position, the UE may report its distance to the satellite based on the satellite ephemeris data and the UE's own measured position. This may be an advantageous alternative in situations where privacy issues prohibit disclosure of the UE's position to the network (such as when user consent is required but has not yet been given) or make such disclosure undesirable. As yet another alternative, the UE may report its position, but may do so with low accuracy in order to comply with privacy rules, where the accuracy may be such that the maximum error may be, for example, several kilometers, or as another example, may be tens of kilometers. Thus, the accuracy of the reported UE position may be a compromise between privacy and usefulness for FSPL and / or SNR estimation. Recognizing this tradeoff, the network (e.g., SAN or eNB) may configure or request the UE to report its position with a certain accuracy. The network (e.g., SAN or eNB) may base the selection of accuracy on this configuration or request based at least in part on the sensitivity of the distance calculation to the UE position error (i.e., how much error the UE position error will cause in the UE-to-satellite distance calculated based on the UE reported position). This may in turn depend on the elevation angle of the satellite (as seen from the UE's position or the UE's cell), which in turn may depend on, for example, the satellite orbit altitude and the length of time that the satellite serves the UE's position, and how much of that time has elapsed. As another option, the network may distinguish between horizontal and vertical accuracy when / if the accuracy of the UE's position to be reported is configured. Furthermore, the horizontal accuracy may be configured or required to be different in different horizontal directions, e.g., one horizontal accuracy for a direction parallel to the satellite's orbit, and another horizontal accuracy for a direction perpendicular to the projection of the satellite's orbit on the ground. If the UE reports its distance to a satellite, it may do so with high or low accuracy, where low accuracy may be used to further hide the UE's precise position (and slightly reduce the amount of data signaled).

[0095] If reporting of UE-to-satellite distance is used, the network (e.g., a network node such as a SAN or an eNB) may configure the UE to report its distance to a satellite when the distance has changed by a certain minimum amount exceeding a certain configured (or standardized) threshold since the last time the UE reported the distance. last_reported >Δ, the UE may report its distance D to the satellite (e.g., according to a configuration received from the network or according to a standard), where D last_reported is the last reported distance to the satellite by the UE, and Δ is a configured or standardized threshold parameter.

[0096] Another alternative is that, in the conditions for reporting the distance, the UE takes into account the motion of the satellite as indicated by the ephemeris data associated with the satellite (and also takes into account the motion of the UE's position relative to the satellite caused by the rotation of the Earth). To this end, a configured or standardized condition for reporting the UE's range to a satellite may be that, since the UE last reported the range to a satellite, the range has deviated by more than a configured threshold from the range that would have been expected if the UE had remained stationary relative to the surface of the Earth.

[0097] The above conditions for reporting based on changes or deviations in the UE's range to satellites may also be used as conditions for reporting the (accurate or inaccurate, eg completely accurate or not completely accurate) position of the UE.

[0098] If the UE reports not only its position but also its velocity (e.g. its velocity relative to the Earth's surface or the WGS 84 ellipsoid), including direction, the conditions concerning the deviation from the expected UE-satellite distance can be extended so as to take into account the UE-reported velocity when calculating the deviation from the expected UE-satellite distance (assuming the UE's velocity remains constant).

[0099] In one embodiment, the network indicates a reference value for one or more parameters to be reported using broadcast or dedicated signaling. The UE can then select an incremental value (from a list of predefined incremental values ​​specified in the standard for one or more specific parameters) to report its difference from the reference value in its response message. For example, a list of L incremental values ​​(x1, x2, ..., xL) is defined in the standard for the reference value of the parameter G / T, and a list of M incremental values ​​(y1, y2, ..., yM) for the incremental value of the parameter G / T is specified in the standard. The network can indicate a reference value x2 dB for the parameter G / T. The UE can select an incremental value y5 that best describes the UE's G / T (i.e., minimizes the error between the actual G / T experienced by the UE and the G / T calculated by the network based on x2 and y5).

[0100] In a sub-embodiment, the network may indicate updated reference values ​​for one or more parameters based on the differential values ​​reported by the UE to ensure accurate estimation of the parameter values. For example, if the UE reports the largest positive delta from the reference value (e.g., yM), the network may increase the G / T reference value.

[0101] The reporting of any of the above-mentioned parameters or information may be reported upon request from the network, or may be configured via broadcast or dedicated signaling. If configured via dedicated signaling, the network may, for example, configure the UE to report any of the above-mentioned parameters or information when a specific condition is met. The configuration may be performed via downlink control information (DCI) signaling (on a physical downlink control channel, PDCCH), medium access control (MAC) (e.g., MAC control element CE) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. If RRC signaling is used, the network (e.g., a network node such as a SAN or an eNB) may, for example, use an RRCSetup message or an RRCReconfiguration message in conjunction with an RRC connection establishment (i.e., when the UE transitions from an RRC_IDLE state to an RRC_CONNECTED state) or at any time after such an RRC connection establishment (while the UE is still in the RRC_CONNECTED state), or use an RRCResume message or an RRCReconfiguration message in conjunction with an RRC connection recovery (i.e., when the UE transitions from an RRC_INACTIVE state to an RRC_CONNECTED state) or at any time after such an RRC connection recovery (while the UE is still in the RRC_CONNECTED state).

[0102] Another option is that the UE is configured via broadcast system information to report any of the above-mentioned parameters or information when certain conditions are met or when certain events occur, such as when the UE enters the RRC_CONNECTED state, for example using the RRCSetupComplete message or the RRCResumeComplete message.

[0103] Yet another option is for the network to configure UE reporting of any of the above-mentioned parameters or information using an RRCRelease message when the UE switches from RRC_CONNECTED state to RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state. With this option, the UE may, for example, be configured to report any of the above-mentioned parameters or information in conjunction with its next transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state (e.g., using an RRCSetupComplete message or an RRCResumeComplete message).

[0104] When reporting any of the above mentioned parameters or information, the UE may use RRC signaling (as mentioned previously) or MAC signaling (eg, using MAC CE) or uplink control information (UCI) signaling (on the physical uplink control channel PUCCH).

[0105] In one example, a MAC Control Element (CE) request and response procedure is used. The network sends a request such as one of the above (G / T, G, T, etc.), and the UE responds with the requested information in a MAC CE. As another example, a MAC CE element is defined for reporting FSPL conditions, which is only sent when the UE receives a request to report its FSPL conditions.

[0106] In one embodiment, the UE may report any of the above mentioned parameters or information during the random access procedure. Figure 4 As shown, the network sends a request for UE Rx parameters in Msg2 of the random access procedure, and the UE reports the UE Rx parameters in Msg3 of the random access procedure (i.e., using the RRCSetupComplete message or the RRCResumeComplete message) based on previous measurements of system temperature and noise level, for example, in RRC idle or RRC inactive mode. In particular, Figure 4As shown, the network optionally performs beam scanning by sending K different synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) as SSB0 to SSBK (step 1). The UE eliminates noise and / or system temperature based on measurements in the RRC idle or RRC inactive state (step 2). The UE then performs contention-based random access (CBRA) and sends a random access preamble (Msg1) on the physical random access channel (PRACH) (step 3). The network responds to the random access channel with a random access response (RAR) (Msg2), which includes a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) and a request for UE Rx parameters (step 4). The UE then sends an RRCSetupRequest (or RRCResumeRequest) message (Msg3) along with the requested UE Rx parameters (step 5). The network estimates the DL SNR accordingly based on the UE Rx parameters, and generates an RRCSetup (or RRCResume) message based on the estimated DL SNR (step 6), for example, such that the RRCSetup (or RRCResume) is adapted to the estimated DL SNR. The network then sends RRCSetup (or RRCResume) to the UE (step 7). The UE responds with RRCSetupComplete (or RRCResumeComplete) (step 8).

[0107] In one embodiment, the network has default values ​​for the relevant RX parameters used to determine the DL SNR. This can be used by the network in the case where the UE fails to inform the network of the relevant RX parameters used to determine the DL SNR because it does not have the capability or the report is not correctly received by the network. This allows the network to still determine the DL SNR based on equation 1 as long as at least the distance from the UE to the satellite is known.

[0108] Any DL SNR value based on reasonable default values ​​for UE RX parameters may be used by the NW to assist in improving link level adaptation as a side input among all other inputs used in NW and UE link level management to determine the actual used MCS.

[0109] In view of the modifications and changes in this article, Figure 5A method according to a particular embodiment is depicted. The method is performed by a communication device 12 configured for use in a communication network 10. The method includes sending signaling 20 to a network node 14 in the communication network 10 (block 500). In some embodiments, the signaling 20 indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link 16 between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10 is dominated by the free space path loss FSPL (block 510). In other embodiments, the signaling 20 may alternatively or additionally indicate one or more values ​​20B of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of the receiver 12R of the communication device 12 (block 520).

[0110] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining, based on at least one of the one or more parameters, whether propagation loss of the radio link 16 between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10 is dominated by the FSPL (block 530).

[0111] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters, the one or more parameters include a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver and / or one or more receiver G / T parameters (where the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters). In one or more of these embodiments where the one or more parameters include the receiver G / T of the receiver, the one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters. In one or more of these embodiments, the one or more receiver G / T parameters include an antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver, a system noise temperature (T), an antenna noise temperature (T) of an antenna connected to the receiver, ant ), noise figure (NF) and / or ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0112] In other embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter, or by reporting that the value has dropped below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0113] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL based on at least one of the one or more parameters. In one or more of these embodiments, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL by determining whether one or more of the system noise temperature, the noise power, and the downlink signal quality is above or below a configured threshold. Alternatively, the method further comprises determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL by checking whether the estimated propagation loss between the communication device and the network node matches the calculated value of the FSPL at least within the configured threshold, wherein the estimated propagation loss is calculated as the difference between the transmitted signal power level and the received signal power level. In some embodiments, the calculated value of the FSPL is based on the distance between the communication device and the base station and based on the configured carrier frequency.

[0114] In some embodiments, the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.In one or more of these embodiments, the RRC message is an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message.

[0115] In some embodiments, the communication network is a satellite communication network and the network nodes are satellite access network nodes.

[0116] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates a distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device. In one or more of these embodiments, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance changing by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node. Alternatively, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance deviating by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance if the communication device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth since the distance was last reported.

[0117] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the network node, a configuration of downlink transmission parameters adapted based on the signaling (block 540). In some embodiments, the downlink transmission parameters comprise a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a downlink transmission based on the received configuration (block 550).

[0118] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL. In some embodiments not shown, the method further comprises receiving a request from a network node for reporting a timing advance TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in response to the request, reporting to the network node a TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device.

[0119] Figure 6 Methods according to other specific embodiments are depicted. The method is performed by a network node 14 configured for use in a communication network 10. The method includes receiving signaling 20 from a communication device 12 (block 600). In some embodiments, the signaling 20 indicates whether the propagation loss of a radio link 16 between the communication device 12 and the communication network 10 is dominated by a free space path loss FSPL (block 610). In other embodiments, the signaling 20 may alternatively or additionally indicate one or more values ​​20B of one or more parameters characterizing the performance of a receiver 12R of the communication device 12 (block 620).

[0120] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a signal quality of the radio link 16 based on the signaling 20 (block 630). In one or more such embodiments, the method may include performing link adaptation on the radio link 16 based on the determined signal quality (block 640).

[0121] For example, in some embodiments, the method further includes determining a configuration of downlink transmission parameters for the communication device based on the signaling (block 650). In some embodiments, the downlink transmission parameters include a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth. In some embodiments, the method further includes sending the determined configuration to the communication device (block 660).

[0122] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a downlink transmission to the communications device, eg, based on the determined configuration (block 670).

[0123] In some embodiments where the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters, the one or more parameters include a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver and / or one or more receiver G / T parameters (where the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters). In one or more of these embodiments where the one or more parameters include the receiver G / T of the receiver, the one or more receiver G / T parameters include an antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver, a system noise temperature (T), an antenna noise temperature (T) of an antenna connected to the receiver, and / or one or more receiver G / T parameters. ant ), noise figure (NF) and / or ambient temperature (Tamb ).

[0124] In one or more embodiments in which signaling indicates one or more values ​​of one or more parameters, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter, or by reporting that the value has fallen below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0125] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by the FSPL.

[0126] In some embodiments, the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.In one or more of these embodiments, the RRC message is an RRC setup request message or an RRC resume request message.

[0127] In some embodiments, the communication network is a satellite communication network and the network nodes are satellite access network nodes.

[0128] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates a distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device. In one or more of these embodiments, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance changing by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node. Alternatively, the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the distance deviating by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance if the communication device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth since the distance was last reported.

[0129] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a signal quality of the radio link based on the signaling. In one or more of these embodiments, the signal quality is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In some embodiments, determining the SNR comprises determining the SNR according to Equation 1 or Equation 2 below:

[0130]

[0131] or

[0132]

[0133] In one or more of these embodiments, the method further comprises performing link adaptation on the radio link based on the determined signal quality.In some embodiments, the determined signal quality is an estimate of an upper limit of achievable signal quality.

[0134] In some embodiments, the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL. In some embodiments, the method also includes sending a request to the communication device for reporting a timing advance TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving a response to the request, the response reporting a TA value or position of the communication device and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining the signal quality of the radio link based on the signaling and the response.

[0135] Figure 7 Methods according to other specific embodiments are depicted. The method is performed by a network node 14 configured for use in a communication network 10. The method includes estimating an uplink path loss based on a measured uplink reference signal received power relative to a transmit EIRP used by a communication device 12 (block 700). The method also includes comparing the uplink path loss with a calculated value of a free space path loss FSPL (block 710). The method also includes determining whether the uplink path loss is dominated by the FSPL based on the comparison (block 720).

[0136] The embodiments herein also include corresponding apparatuses. For example, the embodiments herein include a communication device 12 configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the communication device 12 .

[0137] Embodiments also include a communication device 12 that includes a processing circuit and a power supply circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the communication device 12.

[0138] Embodiments also include a communication device 12 that includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above with respect to the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the communication device 12 also includes a communication circuit.

[0139] The embodiment also includes a communication device 12 including a processing circuit and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the communication device 12 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the communication device 12.

[0140] In addition, embodiments include user equipment (UE). The UE includes an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals. The UE also includes a radio front-end circuit connected to the antenna and the processing circuit, and is configured to adjust the signal communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any steps of any embodiment described above for the communication device 12. In some embodiments, the UE also includes an input interface, which is connected to the processing circuit and is configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit. The UE may include an output interface, which is connected to the processing circuit and is configured to output information that has been processed by the processing circuit from the UE. The UE may also include a battery connected to the processing circuit and configured to power the UE.

[0141] The embodiments herein also include a network node 14 configured to perform any steps of any of the embodiments described above with respect to the network node 14 .

[0142] The embodiment also includes a network node 14, which includes a processing circuit and a power supply circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 14. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the network node 14.

[0143] The embodiment further comprises a network node 14 comprising a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above with respect to the network node 14. In some embodiments, the network node 14 further comprises a communication circuit.

[0144] The embodiment further comprises a network node 14 comprising a processing circuit and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the network node 14 is configured to perform any of the steps of any of the embodiments described above for the network node 14.

[0145] More specifically, the above-mentioned device can perform the method and any other processing in this article by implementing any functional device, module, unit or circuit. For example, in one embodiment, the device includes a corresponding circuit configured to perform the steps shown in the method figure. In this regard, the circuit may include a circuit dedicated to performing a specific functional process and / or one or more microprocessors combined with a memory. For example, the circuit may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and other digital hardware that may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute a program code stored in a memory, and the memory may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory, a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols, and instructions for executing one or more of the technologies described in this article. In an embodiment using a memory, the memory stores program code, which executes the technology described in this article when executed by one or more processors.

[0146] For example, Figure 8 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication device 12 implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the communication device 12 includes a processing circuit 810 and a communication circuit 820. The communication circuit 820 (e.g., a radio circuit) is configured to send information to and / or receive information from one or more other nodes, for example, via any communication technology. Such communication may occur via one or more antennas internal or external to the wireless communication device 800. The processing circuit 810 is configured to perform the above-described processing, such as by executing instructions stored in the memory 830, for example, in Figure 5 In this regard, the processing circuit 810 may implement specific functional devices, units or modules.

[0147] Fig. 9 1 shows a network node 14 implemented according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the network node 14 includes a processing circuit 910 and a communication circuit 920. The communication circuit 920 is configured to send information to and / or receive information from one or more other nodes, for example, via any communication technology. The processing circuit 910 is configured to perform the above-mentioned processing, such as by executing instructions stored in a memory 930, for example, according to Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 In this regard, the processing circuit 910 may implement specific functional devices, units or modules.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the embodiments herein also include corresponding computer programs.

[0149] A computer program includes instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform any one of the above-mentioned corresponding processes. In this regard, the computer program may include one or more code modules corresponding to the above-mentioned devices or units.

[0150] The embodiment also includes a carrier embodying such a computer program. The carrier may include one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0151] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable (storage or recording) medium and including instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform as described above.

[0152] The embodiments also include a computer program product, which includes a program code portion for performing the steps of any embodiment herein when the computer program product is executed by a computing device. The computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0153] Fig.10 An example of a communication system 1000 is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0154] In this example, the communication system 1000 includes a telecommunications network 1002 including an access network 1004 such as a radio access network (RAN) and a core network 1006 including one or more core network nodes 1008. The access network 1004 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 1010a and 1010b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 1010), or any other similar third generation partnership project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. The network nodes 1010 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 1012a, 1012b, 1012c, and 1012d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 1012) to the core network 1006 via one or more wireless connections.

[0155] Example wireless communications over wireless connections include sending and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transferring information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. In addition, in different embodiments, the communication system 1000 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals, whether via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The communication system 1000 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar types of systems.

[0156] UE 1012 may be any of a variety of communication devices, including wireless devices that are arranged, configured and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network node 1010 and other communication devices. Similarly, network node 1010 is arranged, capable, configured and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with UE 1012 and / or with other network nodes or devices in telecommunication network 1002 to enable and / or provide network access (such as wireless network access) and / or perform other functions (such as management in telecommunication network 1002).

[0157] In the depicted example, the core network 1006 connects the network node 1010 to one or more hosts, such as the host 1016. These connections may be direct or indirect connections via one or more intermediate networks or devices. In other examples, the network node may be directly coupled to the host. The core network 1006 includes one or more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 1008) constructed with hardware and software components. The features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UE, network nodes, and / or hosts, so that their descriptions are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 1008. The example core network node includes the functions of one or more of a mobile switching center (MSC), a mobility management entity (MME), a home subscriber server (HSS), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a subscription identifier de-hiding function (SIDF), a unified data management (UDM), a security edge protection proxy (SEPP), a network open function (NEF), and / or a user plane function (UPF).

[0158] The host 1016 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than the operator or provider of the access network 1004 and / or the telecommunications network 1002, and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The host 1016 may host various applications to provide one or more services. Examples of such applications include real-time and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services (such as retrieving and editing data about various environmental conditions detected by multiple UEs), analysis functions, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for alarm and monitoring centers, or any other such functions performed by a server.

[0159] As a whole, Fig.10 The communication system 1000 implements the connection between UE, network node and host. In this sense, the communication system can be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures such as specific standards, including but not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standards (e.g., 6G); Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, LiFi and / or any low power wide area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0160] In some examples, the telecommunication network 1002 is a cellular network implementing 3GPP standardized features. Thus, the telecommunication network 1002 can support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices connected to the telecommunication network 1002. For example, the telecommunication network 1002 can provide ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or providing massive machine type communication (mMTC) / massive IoT services to additional UEs.

[0161] In some examples, UE 1012 is configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from access network 1004, the UE can be designed to send information to access network 1004 according to a predetermined schedule. Additionally, the UE can be configured to operate in a single RAT or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, the UE can operate using any one or a combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio), and LTE, i.e., configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0162] In this example, the hub 1014 communicates with the access network 1004 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 1012c and / or 1012d) and a network node (e.g., network node 1010b). In some examples, the hub 1014 can be a controller, a router, a content source, and analysis, or any of the other communication devices described herein with respect to the UE. For example, the hub 1014 can be a broadband router that enables the UE to access the core network 1006. As another example, the hub 1014 can be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UE. The command or instruction can be received from the UE, the network node 1010, or received by an executable code, script, process, or other instruction in the hub 1014. As another example, the hub 1014 can be a data collector that acts as a temporary storage device for UE data, and in some embodiments, analysis or other processing of the data can be performed. As another example, the hub 1014 can be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, speaker, or other media delivery device, the hub 1014 can retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, and then the hub 1014 provides it to the UE directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In another example, the hub 1014 acts as a proxy server or coordinator for the UE, particularly when one or more of the UEs are low-energy IoT devices.

[0163] Hub 1014 can have constant / persistent or intermittent connection to network node 1010b. Hub 1014 can also allow different communication schemes and / or scheduling between hub 1014 and UE (e.g., UE 1012c and / or 1012d) and hub 1014 and core network 1006. In other examples, hub 1014 is connected to core network 1006 and / or one or more UE via wired connection. In addition, hub 1014 can be configured to be connected to M2M service provider and / or connected to another UE via direct connection through access network 1004. In some scenarios, UE can establish wireless connection with network node 1010, while still connected via hub 1014 via wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, hub 1014 can be a dedicated hub, that is, its main function is to route communication from network node 1010b to UE / route from UE to network node 1010b. In other embodiments, the hub 1014 may be a non-dedicated hub, that is, a device that is operable to route communications between UEs and network node 1010b, but is also capable of operating as a communications origin and / or endpoint for certain data channels.

[0164] Fig.11 UE 1100 according to some embodiments is shown. As used herein, UE refers to a device capable of, configured, arranged and / or operable to wirelessly communicate with a network node and / or other UEs. Examples of UEs include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablet computers, laptops, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless devices, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) UEs, machine type communications (MTC) UEs, and / or enhanced MTC (eMTC) UEs.

[0165] The UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communications, for example by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communications, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, the UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user owning and / or operating the associated device. Instead, the UE may represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user, but the device may not be associated with a particular human user, or may not initially be associated with that particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, the UE may represent a device that is not intended to be sold to or operated by an end user, but the device may be associated with a user or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart meter).

[0166] UE 1100 includes a processing circuit 1102, which is operatively coupled to an input / output interface 1106, a power supply 1108, a memory 1110, a communication interface 1112, and / or any other components, or any combination thereof, via a bus 1104. Some UEs may utilize Fig.11 All or a subset of the components shown in . The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another UE. In addition, some UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0167] The processing circuit 1102 is configured to process instructions and data, and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute instructions stored in the memory 1110 as a machine-readable computer program. The processing circuit 1102 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic and appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs), and appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 1102 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0168] In this example, the input / output interface 1106 can be configured to provide one or more interfaces to an input device, an output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of output devices include speakers, sound cards, video cards, displays, monitors, printers, actuators, transmitters, smart cards, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device can allow a user to capture information into the UE 1100. Examples of input devices include touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive displays, cameras (e.g., digital cameras, digital video cameras, web cameras, etc.), microphones, sensors, mice, trackballs, directional pads, trackpads, rollers, smart cards, etc. A presence-sensitive display can include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device can use an interface port of the same type as an input device. For example, a universal serial bus (USB) port can be used to provide input devices and output devices.

[0169] In some embodiments, the power supply 1108 is configured as a battery or a battery pack. Other types of power supplies may be used, such as an external power supply (e.g., an electrical socket), a photovoltaic device, or a power battery. The power supply 1108 may also include a power circuit for delivering power from the power supply 1108 itself and / or an external power supply to various parts of the UE 1100 via an input circuit or an interface such as a power cable. The delivered power may be used, for example, to charge the power supply 1108. The power circuit may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification to the power from the power supply 1108 so that the power is suitable for various components of the UE 1100 to which the power is supplied.

[0170] The memory 1110 may be or be configured to include a memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a hard disk, a removable tape cartridge, a flash drive, etc. In one example, the memory 1110 includes one or more application programs 1114, such as an operating system, a web browser application, a widget, a gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1116. The memory 1110 may store any of a variety of operating systems or a combination of operating systems for use by the UE 1100.

[0171] The memory 1110 may be configured to include a plurality of physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high-density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical drive, an internal hard drive, a Blu-ray optical drive, a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical drive, an external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), an external micro DIMM SDRAM, a smart card memory (such as a tamper-proof module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), including one or more user identity modules (SIMs), such as USIM and / or ISIM), other memories, or any combination thereof. The UICC may be, for example, an embedded UICC (eUICC), an integrated UICC (iUICC), or a removable UICC commonly referred to as a “SIM card”. The memory 1110 may allow the UE 1100 to access instructions, applications, etc. stored on a temporary or non-temporary storage medium to offload data or upload data. An article of manufacture, such as an article of manufacture utilizing a communication system, may be tangibly embodied as or in memory 1110, which may be or include a device-readable storage medium.

[0172] The processing circuit 1102 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using a communication interface 1112. The communication interface 1112 may include one or more communication subsystems and may include an antenna 1122 or be communicatively coupled to the antenna 1122. The communication interface 1112 may include one or more transceivers for communication, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or network node in the access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1118 and / or a receiver 1120 suitable for providing network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocation, etc.). In addition, the transmitter 1118 and the receiver 1120 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1122) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or may be implemented separately alternatively.

[0173] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functionality of the communication interface 1112 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, near field communication, location-based communication such as using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine location, another similar communication functionality, or any combination thereof. Communication may be implemented according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, new radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), QUIC, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and the like.

[0174] Regardless of the type of sensor, the UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensor via a wireless connection to a network node through its communication interface 1112. The data captured by the UE's sensor may be transmitted to the network node via another UE via a wireless connection. The output may be periodic (e.g., every 15 minutes if it reports a sensed temperature), random (e.g., in order to load balance reports from multiple sensors), in response to a trigger event (e.g., sending an alarm when moisture is detected), in response to a request (e.g., a user-initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0175] As another example, the UE includes an actuator, motor, or switch associated with a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input, the state of the actuator, motor, or switch can change. For example, the UE can include a motor that adjusts a control surface or rotor of a drone in flight based on the received input, or adjusts a robotic arm performing a medical procedure based on the received input.

[0176] When in the form of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a UE may be a device used in one or more application areas including, but not limited to, urban wearable technology, extended industrial applications, and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such IoT devices are the following devices or devices embedded in the following devices: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a television, connected lighting, an electric meter, a robotic vacuum cleaner, a voice-activated smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / humidity sensor, an electric door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system (such as a heat pump), an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a head-mounted display for augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), a wearable device for tactile enhancement or sensory enhancement, a sprinkler, an animal or item tracking device, a sensor for monitoring plants or animals, an industrial robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device (such as a heart rate monitor or a remotely controlled surgical robot). In addition to the description of Fig.11 In addition to the other components described for the UE 1100 shown in FIG. 1 , a UE in the form of an IoT device includes circuitry and / or software depending on the intended application of the IoT device.

[0177] As another specific example, in an IoT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and sends the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another UE and / or a network node. In this case, the UE may be an M2M device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, a UE may implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, bus, truck, ship, and airplane, or other device that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating status or capable of performing other functions associated with its operation.

[0178] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE may be or be integrated into a drone and provide the drone's speed information (obtained via a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller for operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g., by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the speed of the drone. The first and / or second UE may also include more than one of the above functions. For example, the UE may include a sensor and an actuator and handle the communication of data for the speed sensor and the actuator.

[0179] Fig.12A network node 1200 according to some embodiments is shown. As used herein, a network node refers to a device capable of, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or other network nodes or devices in a telecommunications network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), and NR Node Bs (gNBs)).

[0180] Base stations may be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, based on their transmit power level), and thus may be referred to as a femto base station, a pico base station, a micro base station, or a macro base station, depending on the amount of coverage provided. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU), which is sometimes referred to as a remote radio head (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna-integrated radio. Portions of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0181] Other examples of network nodes include a multi-transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access node, a multi-standard radio (MSR) device such as an MSR BS, a network controller such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), an operation and maintenance (O&M) node, an operation support system (OSS) node, a self-organizing network (SON) node, a positioning node (e.g., an evolved serving mobile positioning center (E-SMLC)) and / or a minimization of drive tests (MDT).

[0182] The network node 1200 includes a processing circuit 1202, a memory 1204, a communication interface 1206, and a power supply 1208. The network node 1200 may be composed of multiple physically separated components (e.g., a NodeB component and an RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), each of which may have its own corresponding components. In certain scenarios where the network node 1200 includes multiple separated components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separated components may be shared between several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered as a single separated network node in some cases. In some embodiments, the network node 1200 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such an embodiment, some components may be repeated (e.g., separate memories 1204 for different RATs), and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 1210 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1200 may also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, radio frequency identification (RFID), or Bluetooth wireless technologies, integrated into the network node 1200. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within the network node 1200.

[0183] The processing circuit 1202 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic that is operable to provide the functionality of the network node 1200 alone or in conjunction with other network node 1200 components (such as memory 1204).

[0184] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 1202 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, processing circuitry 1202 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1212 and baseband processing circuitry 1214. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1212 and baseband processing circuitry 1214 may be on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units, such as a radio unit and a digital unit. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1212 and baseband processing circuitry 1214 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0185] The memory 1204 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including but not limited to persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drive, compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data and / or instructions that can be used by the processing circuit 1202. The memory 1204 may store any suitable instructions, data or information, including computer programs, software, applications, including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables and / or other instructions that can be executed by the processing circuit 1202 and utilized by the network node 1200. The memory 1204 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuit 1202 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1206. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1202 and the memory 1204 are integrated.

[0186] The communication interface 1206 is used for wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network nodes, access networks and / or UEs. As shown in the figure, the communication interface 1206 includes one or more ports / terminals 1216, for example, sending data to the network and receiving data from the network through a wired connection. The communication interface 1206 also includes a radio front-end circuit 1218, which can be coupled to the antenna 1210, or in some embodiments is a part of the antenna 1210. The radio front-end circuit 1218 includes a filter 1220 and an amplifier 1222. The radio front-end circuit 1218 can be connected to the antenna 1210 and the processing circuit 1202. The radio front-end circuit can be configured to adjust the signal transmitted between the antenna 1210 and the processing circuit 1202. The radio front-end circuit 1218 can receive digital data to be sent to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuit 1218 can use a combination of a filter 1220 and / or an amplifier 1222 to convert the digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal can then be sent via the antenna 1210. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 1210 may collect radio signals, which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuit 1218. The digital data may be passed to processing circuit 1202. In other embodiments, the communication interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0187] In some alternative embodiments, the network node 1200 does not include a separate radio front end circuit 1218, but rather the processing circuit 1202 includes the radio front end circuit and is connected to the antenna 1210. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or part of the RF transceiver circuit 1212 is part of the communication interface 1206. In other embodiments, the communication interface 1206 includes one or more ports or terminals 1216, the radio front end circuit 1218, and the RF transceiver circuit 1212 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1206 communicates with the baseband processing circuit 1214 as part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0188] Antenna 1210 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 1210 may be coupled to radio front end circuit 1218 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 1210 is separate from network node 1200 and may be connected to network node 1200 via an interface or port.

[0189] Antenna 1210, communication interface 1206 and / or processing circuit 1202 may be configured to perform any receiving operation and / or certain acquisition operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network device. Similarly, antenna 1210, communication interface 1206 and / or processing circuit 1202 may be configured to perform any sending operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal may be sent to a UE, another network node and / or any other network device.

[0190] The power supply 1208 provides power to the various components of the network node 1200 in a form suitable for the various components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each respective component). The power supply 1208 may further include or be coupled to a power management circuit to supply power to the components of the network node 1200 for performing the functions described herein. For example, the network node 1200 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., a power grid, an electrical outlet) via an input circuit or interface such as a cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to the power circuit of the power supply 1208. As another example, the power supply 1208 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to the power circuit or integrated in the power circuit. If the external power source fails, the battery can provide backup power.

[0191] An embodiment of the network node 1200 may include Fig.12Additional components beyond those shown are used to provide certain aspects of the network node functionality, including any functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1200 may include a user interface device to allow information to be input into the network node 1200 and to allow information to be output from the network node 1200. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions of the network node 1200.

[0192] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a host 1300 according to various aspects described herein, and the host 1300 may be Fig.10 1016 of the embodiment of the host. As used herein, the host 1300 can be or include various combinations of hardware and / or software, including processing resources in a standalone server, a blade server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, a virtual machine, a container, or a server farm. The host 1300 can provide one or more services to one or more UEs.

[0193] Host 1300 includes processing circuitry 1302, which is operably coupled to input / output interface 1306, network interface 1308, power supply 1310, and memory 1312 via bus 1304. Other components may be included in other embodiments. The features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to previous figures (such as Fig.11 and Fig.12 ) so that its description is generally applicable to corresponding components of the host 1300.

[0194] The memory 1312 may include one or more computer programs, including one or more host applications 1314 and data 1316, which may include user data (e.g., data generated by the UE for the host 1300 or data generated by the host 1300 for the UE). An embodiment of the host 1300 may utilize only a subset or all of the components shown. The host application 1314 may be implemented in a container-based architecture and may provide support for video codecs (e.g., Versatile Video Coding (VVC), High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), Advanced Video Coding (AVC), MPEG, VP9) and audio codecs (e.g., FLAC, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), MPEG, and G.711), including code conversion for multiple different categories, types, or implementations of UEs (e.g., mobile phones, desktop computers, wearable display systems, head-up display systems). The host application 1314 may also provide user authentication and license checks, and may periodically report health status, routing, and content availability to a central node (such as a device in a core network or on the edge). Thus, the host 1300 can select and / or indicate different hosts for over-the-top services for the UE. The host application 1314 can support various protocols, such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, Real-time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Real-time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH), etc.

[0195] Fig.14 1400 is a block diagram showing a virtualized environment, in which the functions implemented by some embodiments can be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or equipment, which can include virtualizing a hardware platform, a storage device, and a network resource. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device or component thereof described herein, and relates to such an implementation, in which at least a portion of the function is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein can be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs), which are implemented in one or more virtual environments 1400 hosted by one or more hardware nodes (such as hardware computing devices operating as network nodes, UEs, core network nodes, or hosts). In addition, in embodiments where a virtual node does not require a radio connection (e.g., a core network node or a host), the node can be fully virtualized.

[0196] Application 1402 (which may alternatively be referred to as a software instance, a virtual appliance, a network function, a virtual node, a virtual network function, etc.) runs in a virtualized environment Q400 to implement some features, functions and / or benefits of some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0197] The hardware 1404 includes processing circuitry, memory storing software and / or instructions executable by the hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices described herein, such as network interfaces, input / output interfaces, etc. The software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1406 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1408a and 1408b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1408), and / or perform any of the functions, features, and / or benefits described in connection with some of the embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1406 may present a virtual operating platform that appears to be network hardware to the VMs 1408.

[0198] The VMs 1408 include virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1406. Different embodiments of instances of virtual devices 1402 may be implemented on one or more of the VMs 1408, and may be implemented in different ways. Virtualization of hardware is referred to in some contexts as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which may be located in data centers and customer premises equipment.

[0199] In the context of NFV, VMs 1408 may be software implementations of physical machines that run programs as if they were executed on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of VMs 1408 and the portion of hardware 1404 on which the VM executes, whether hardware dedicated to the VM and / or hardware shared by the VM with other VMs in the VM, form a separate virtual network element. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling a specific network function running in one or more VMs 1408 on top of hardware 1404 and corresponds to an application 1402.

[0200] Hardware 1404 can be implemented in a stand-alone network node with general or specific components. Hardware 1404 can implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1404 can be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., in a data center or CPE), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and coordination 1410, where management and coordination 1410 especially oversees the life cycle management of application 1402. In some embodiments, hardware 1404 is coupled to one or more radio units, each of which includes one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that can be coupled to one or more antennas. The radio unit can communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces, and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio capabilities to virtual nodes such as radio access nodes or base stations. In some embodiments, a control system 1412 can be used to provide some signaling, which can be alternatively used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0201] Fig.15 A communication diagram showing a host 1502 communicating with a UE 1506 via a network node 1504 over a partial wireless connection according to some embodiments. Fig.15 Describes the UE (such as Fig.10 UE 1012a and / or Fig.11 UE 1100), network nodes (such as Fig.10 The network node 1010a and / or Fig.12 network nodes 1200) and hosts (such as Fig.10 Host 1016 and / or Fig.13 An example implementation of host 1300).

[0202] Similar to the host 1300, an embodiment of the host 1502 includes hardware, such as a communication interface, a processing circuit, and a memory. The host 1502 also includes software stored in or accessible by the host 1502 and executable by the processing circuit. The software includes a host application that is operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE 1506 connected via an over-the-top delivery (OTT) connection 1550 extending between the UE 1506 and the host 1502. In providing services to the remote user, the host application can provide user data sent using the OTT connection 1550.

[0203] The network node 1504 includes hardware that enables it to communicate with the host 1502 and the UE 1506. The connection 1560 can be direct or through a core network (such as Fig.10The core network 1006 of the present invention) and / or one or more other intermediate networks, such as one or more public, private or managed networks. For example, the intermediate network can be a backbone network or the Internet.

[0204] UE 1506 includes hardware and software that is stored in or accessible by UE 1506 and can be executed by the processing circuit of UE. The software includes a client application, such as a web browser or an operator-specific "application", which is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via UE 1506 with the support of host 1502. In host 1502, the executing host application can communicate with the executing client application via an OTT connection 1550 that terminates at UE 1506 and host 1502. In the process of providing services to the user, the client application of the UE can receive request data from the host application of the host and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 1550 can transmit request data and user data. The client application of the UE can interact with the user to generate user data that it provides to the host application via OTT connection 1550.

[0205] The OTT connection 1550 may extend via a connection 1560 between the host 1502 and the network node 1504 and via a wireless connection 1570 between the network node 1504 and the UE 1506 to provide connectivity between the host 1502 and the UE 1506. The connection 1560 and the wireless connection 1570 over which the OTT connection 1550 may be provided are drawn abstractly to illustrate communications between the host 1502 and the UE 1506 via the network node 1504 without explicit reference to any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via those devices.

[0206] As an example of sending data via OTT connection 1550, in step 1508, host 1502 provides user data, which can be performed by executing a host application. In some embodiments, the user data is associated with a specific human user interacting with UE 1506. In other embodiments, the user data is associated with UE 1506, which shares data with host 1502 without explicit human interaction. In step 1510, host 1502 initiates a transmission carrying user data to UE 1506. Host 1502 may initiate the transmission in response to a request sent by UE 1506. The request may be caused by human interaction with UE 1506 or by operation of a client application executed on UE 1506. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, the transmission may be through network node 1504. Therefore, according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, in step 1512, network node 1504 sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by host 1502 to UE 1506. In step 1514 , UE 1506 receives the user data carried in the transmission, which may be performed by a client application executing on UE 1506 that is associated with a host application executed by host 1502 .

[0207] In some examples, UE 1506 executes a client application that provides user data to host 1502. The user data may be provided in reaction to or in response to data received from host 1502. Thus, in step 1516, UE 1506 may provide the user data, which may be performed by executing the client application. In providing the user data, the client application may further consider user input received from the user via the input / output interface of UE 1506. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, in step 1518, UE 1506 initiates transmission of the user data to host 1502 via network node 1504. In step 1520, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout the present disclosure, network node 1504 receives user data from UE 1506 and initiates transmission of the received user data to host 1502. In step 1522, host 1502 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by UE 1506.

[0208] One or more of the various embodiments improves the performance of OTT services provided to UE 1506 using OTT connection 1550 in which wireless connection 1570 forms the last leg.

[0209] In an example scenario, host 1502 may collect and analyze plant status information. As another example, host 1502 may process audio and video data that may have been retrieved from the UE for use in creating a map. As another example, host 1502 may collect and analyze real-time data to help control vehicle congestion (e.g., control traffic lights). As another example, host 1502 may store surveillance videos uploaded by the UE. As another example, host 1502 may store media content (such as video, audio, VR, or AR) that it may broadcast, multicast, or unicast to the UE, or control access to the media content. As other examples, host 1502 may be used for energy pricing, remote control of non-time-critical power loads to balance power generation demand, positioning services, presentation services (such as compiling charts based on data collected from remote devices, etc.), or any other function of collecting, retrieving, storing, analyzing, and / or sending data.

[0210] In some examples, a measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, delays, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. There may also be an optional network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1550 between the host 1502 and the UE 1506 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection may be implemented in the software and hardware of the host 1502 and / or the UE 1506. In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with other devices through which the OTT connection 1550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by supplying the values ​​of the monitored quantities illustrated above or supplying the values ​​of other physical quantities according to which the software can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1550 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc.; the reconfiguration does not require direct changes to the operation of the network node 1504. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurement may involve dedicated UE signaling, which facilitates the host 1502 to measure throughput, propagation time, delay, etc. The measurements may be achieved by software causing messages, particularly empty or "dummy" messages, to be sent using the OTT connection 1550 while monitoring propagation times, errors, etc.

[0211] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UE, network node, host) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may include computing devices with different combinations of components. It should be understood that these computing devices may include any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. The determination, calculation, acquisition or similar operations described herein may be performed by a processing circuit, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with the information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making a determination as a result of the processing. In addition, although the components are depicted as being located in a larger box or a single box nested in multiple boxes, in practice, the computing device may include multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and the functions may be divided between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any one of the components described herein, and / or the functions of the components may be divided between the processing circuit and the communication interface. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any such component may be implemented in software or firmware, and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0212] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be provided by a processing circuit that executes instructions stored in a memory, which in some embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functions may be provided by a processing circuit without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hardwired manner. In any of these specific embodiments, the processing circuit may be configured to perform the described functions, regardless of whether instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functions are not limited to the processing circuit itself or other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0213] Example embodiments of the techniques and apparatus described herein include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0214] Group A Embodiment

[0215] A1. A method performed by a communication device configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising:

[0216] Sending signaling to a network node in a communication network indicating at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0217] Whether the propagation losses of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network are dominated by the free space path loss (FSPL); and

[0218] One or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0219] A2. A method as described in Example A1, wherein the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters.

[0220] A3. The method of embodiment A2, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0221] a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver; and

[0222] One or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

[0223] A4. A method as described in Example A3, wherein the one or more parameters include a receiver G / T of the receiver.

[0224] A5. A method as described in any one of embodiments A3-A4, wherein the one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

[0225] A6. The method of any one of embodiments A3-A5, wherein the one or more receiver G / T parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0226] the antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver;

[0227] System noise temperature (T);

[0228] The antenna noise temperature (T ant );

[0229] Noise Figure (NF); and

[0230] Ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0231] A7. A method as described in any one of embodiments A2-A6, wherein, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating the difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter.

[0232] A8. A method as described in any one of embodiments A2-A6, wherein, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by reporting that the value has dropped below a first threshold or the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0233] A8. A method as described in any one of embodiments A1-A7, wherein the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL.

[0234] A9. The method as described in embodiment A8 also includes determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL based on at least one of the one or more parameters.

[0235] A10. The method as described in any one of embodiments A8-A9 further includes determining whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL by:

[0236] determining whether one or more of system noise temperature, noise power, and downlink signal quality is above or below a configured threshold; or

[0237] Check whether an estimated propagation loss between the communication device and the network node matches a calculated value of FSPL at least within a configured threshold, wherein the estimated propagation loss is calculated as the difference between a transmitted signal power level and a received signal power level, wherein the calculated value of FSPL is based on the distance between the communication device and a base station and on a configured carrier frequency.

[0238] A11. A method as described in any one of embodiments A1-A10, wherein the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.

[0239] A12. A method as described in Example A11, wherein the RRC message is an RRC establishment request message or an RRC recovery request message.

[0240] A13. A method as described in any one of embodiments A1-A12, wherein the communication network is a satellite communication network, and wherein the network node is a satellite access network node.

[0241] A14. A method as described in any one of embodiments A1-A13, wherein the signaling indicates the distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device.

[0242] A15. The method of embodiment A14, wherein the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to:

[0243] the distance has changed by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node; or

[0244] Since the distance was last reported, the distance has deviated by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance that would be expected if the communications device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth.

[0245] AA. The method as in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:

[0246] Provide user data; and

[0247] The user data is forwarded to the host via transmission to the base station.

[0248] Group B Example

[0249] B1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising:

[0250] Receiving signaling from a communication device indicating at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0251] Whether the propagation losses of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network are dominated by the free space path loss (FSPL); and

[0252] One or more values ​​of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver of the communication device.

[0253] B2. A method as described in Example B1, wherein the signaling indicates one or more values ​​of the one or more parameters.

[0254] B3. The method of embodiment B2, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0255] a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio (G / T) of the receiver; and

[0256] One or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

[0257] B4. A method as described in embodiment B3, wherein the one or more parameters include a receiver G / T of the receiver.

[0258] B5. A method as described in any one of embodiments B3-B4, wherein the one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

[0259] B6. The method of any one of embodiments B3-B5, wherein the one or more receiver G / T parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following:

[0260] the antenna gain (G) of an antenna connected to the receiver;

[0261] System noise temperature (T);

[0262] The antenna noise temperature (T ant );

[0263] Noise Figure (NF); and

[0264] Ambient temperature (T amb ).

[0265] B7. A method as described in any one of embodiments B2-B6, wherein, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by indicating the difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter.

[0266] B8. A method as described in any one of embodiments B2-B6, wherein, for each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling indicates the value of the parameter by reporting that the value has dropped below a first threshold or the value has risen above a second threshold.

[0267] B8. A method as described in any one of embodiments B1-B7, wherein the signaling indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link between the communication device and the communication network is dominated by FSPL.

[0268] B9. A method as described in any one of embodiments B1-B8, wherein the signaling is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message.

[0269] B10. The method as described in Example B11, wherein the RRC message is an RRC establishment request message or an RRC recovery request message.

[0270] B11. A method as described in any one of embodiments B1-B10, wherein the communication network is a satellite communication network, and wherein the network node is a satellite access network node.

[0271] B12. A method as described in any one of embodiments B1-B11, wherein the signaling indicates the distance between the communication device and a satellite serving the communication device.

[0272] B13. A method as described in embodiment B12, wherein the signaling indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to the following:

[0273] the distance has changed by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node; or

[0274] Since the distance was last reported, the distance has deviated by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance that would be expected if the communications device remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth.

[0275] B14. The method as described in any one of embodiments B1-A13 also includes determining the signal quality of the radio link based on the signaling.

[0276] B15. The method of embodiment B14, wherein the signal quality is a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), wherein determining the SNR comprises determining the SNR according to the following equation 1 or equation 2:

[0277]

[0278] or

[0279]

[0280] B16. The method as described in any one of embodiments B14-B15 also includes performing link adaptation on the radio link based on the determined signal quality, wherein the determined signal quality is an estimate of an upper limit of achievable signal quality.

[0281] BB1. A method performed by a network node configured for use in a communication network, the method comprising:

[0282] estimating an uplink path loss based on a measured uplink reference signal received power relative to a transmit EIRP used by the communications device;

[0283] comparing the uplink path loss with a calculated value of free space path loss FSPL; and

[0284] A determination is made based on the comparison whether the uplink path loss is dominated by FSPL.

[0285] BB. The method as described in any of the above embodiments, further comprising:

[0286] obtain user data; and

[0287] The user data is forwarded to a host or a communication device.

[0288] Group C Example

[0289] C1. A communication device configured to perform any steps of any one of the embodiments of Group A.

[0290] C2. A communication device comprising a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0291] C3. A communication device comprising:

[0292] communications circuits; and

[0293] A processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0294] C4. A communication device comprising:

[0295] A processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments; and

[0296] A power circuit is configured to supply power to the communication device.

[0297] C5. A communication device comprising:

[0298] A processing circuit and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the communication device is configured to perform any steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0299] C6. A communication device as described in any one of embodiments C1-C5, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

[0300] C7. A user equipment (UE), comprising:

[0301] an antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals;

[0302] a radio front end circuit coupled to the antenna and the processing circuit and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit;

[0303] The processing circuit is configured to perform any step of any one of the embodiments in Group A;

[0304] an input interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit;

[0305] an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information that has been processed by the processing circuit from the UE; and

[0306] A battery is connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0307] C8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0308] C9. A carrier containing the computer program of embodiment C7, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0309] C10. A network node configured to perform any steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0310] C11. A network node comprising a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0311] C12. A network node, comprising:

[0312] communications circuits; and

[0313] Processing circuitry configured to perform any of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0314] C13. A network node, comprising:

[0315] A processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments;

[0316] A power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the network node.

[0317] C14. A network node, comprising:

[0318] A processing circuit and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the network node is configured to perform any steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0319] C15. A network node as described in any one of embodiments C10-C14, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0320] C16. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node, cause the network node to perform the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0321] C17. A computer program as described in embodiment C16, wherein the network node is a base station.

[0322] C18. A carrier comprising the computer program of any one of embodiments C16-C17, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0323] Group D Examples

[0324] D1. A communication system comprising a host, the host comprising:

[0325] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0326] a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0327] The cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any steps of any one of the embodiments of group B.

[0328] D2. The communication system as described in the above embodiment further includes a base station.

[0329] D3. The communication system as described in the above two embodiments further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0330] D4. The communication system according to the above three embodiments, wherein:

[0331] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0332] The UE includes processing circuitry configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0333] D5. A method implemented in a communication system including a host, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0334] providing user data at the host; and

[0335] At the host, a transmission carrying the user data is initiated to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the base station performs any steps of any one of the embodiments of Group B.

[0336] D6. The method as described in the above embodiment also includes sending the user data at the base station.

[0337] D7. A method as described in the above two embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host by executing a host application, and the method further includes executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0338] D8. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform any one of the above three embodiments.

[0339] D9. A communication system comprising a host, the host comprising:

[0340] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0341] a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0342] The UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to perform any steps of any one of the embodiments of group A.

[0343] D10. The communication system as described in the preceding embodiment, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0344] D11. The communication system according to the above two embodiments, wherein:

[0345] The processing circuit of the host is configured to execute a host application to provide the user data; and

[0346] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0347] D12. A method implemented in a communication system including a host, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0348] providing user data at the host; and

[0349] At the host, a transmission carrying the user data is initiated to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any one of the embodiments of Group A.

[0350] D13. The method as described in the above embodiment also includes receiving the user data from the base station at the UE.

[0351] D14. A communication system comprising a host, the host comprising:

[0352] a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station,

[0353] The UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to perform any steps of any one of the embodiments of group A.

[0354] D15. The communication system as described in the above embodiment also includes UE.

[0355] D16. The communication system as described in the above two embodiments further includes the base station, wherein the base station includes a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by the transmission from the UE to the base station to the host.

[0356] D17. The communication system according to the above three embodiments, wherein:

[0357] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to execute a host application; and

[0358] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide the user data.

[0359] D18. The communication system according to any one of the preceding four embodiments, wherein:

[0360] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to execute a host application to provide the requested data; and

[0361] The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide the user data in response to the request data.

[0362] D19. A method implemented in a communication system including a host, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0363] At the host, user data transmitted from the UE to the base station is received, wherein the UE performs any steps of any one of the embodiments of group A.

[0364] D20. The method as described in the above embodiment also includes providing the user data to the base station at the UE.

[0365] D21. The method according to the above two embodiments further includes:

[0366] At the UE, executing a client application to provide user data to be transmitted; and

[0367] A host application associated with the client application is executed at the host.

[0368] D22. The method according to the above three embodiments further comprises:

[0369] executing a client application at the UE; and

[0370] receiving, at the UE, input data to the client application, the input data being provided at the host by executing a host application associated with the client application,

[0371] The user data to be sent is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0372] D23. A communication system comprising a host, the host comprising a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any step of any one of the embodiments of Group B.

[0373] D24. The communication system as described in the above embodiment also includes a base station.

[0374] D25. The communication system as described in the above two embodiments further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0375] D26. The communication system according to the above three embodiments, wherein:

[0376] The processing circuit of the host is configured to execute a host application;

[0377] The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data to be received by the host.

[0378] D27. A method implemented in a communication system including a host, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0379] At the host, user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from the UE is received from the base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0380] D28. The method as described in the preceding embodiment further includes receiving the user data from the UE at the base station.

[0381] D29. The method as described in the above two embodiments further includes initiating, at the base station, transmission of the received user data to the host.

[0382] References

[0383] 1. 3GPP TR 38.811 v16.0.0

[0384] 2. 3GPP TR 38.821 V16.1.0

[0385] 3. ITU-R Recommendation P.372-7

Claims

1. A method performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: Sending (500) signaling (20) to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); as well as One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates one or more values ​​(20B) of the one or more parameters.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: The one or more parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following: a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio G / T of the receiver (12R); and One or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein: The one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the one or more receiver G / T parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following: an antenna gain G of an antenna connected to the receiver (12R); System noise temperature T; The antenna noise temperature T of the antenna connected to the receiver (12R) ant ; Noise figure NF; and Ambient temperature T amb .

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: For each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling (20) indicates a value of the parameter by: indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter; or It is reported that the value has fallen below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Based on at least one of the one or more parameters, it is determined whether the propagation loss of the radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by the FSPL, and wherein the signaling (20) indicates whether the propagation loss of the radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by the FSPL.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Determining whether propagation loss of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by FSPL by: determining whether one or more of system noise temperature, noise power, and downlink signal quality is above or below a configured threshold; or Checking whether an estimated propagation loss between the communication device (12) and the network node (14) matches a calculated value of FSPL at least within a configured threshold, wherein the estimated propagation loss is calculated as the difference between the transmitted signal power level and the received signal power level, wherein the calculated value of FSPL is based on the distance between the communication device (12) and the base station and on the configured carrier frequency.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The signaling (20) is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message, wherein the RRC message is an RRC establishment request message or an RRC recovery request message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The communication network (10) is a satellite communication network (10), and wherein the network node (14) is a satellite access network node.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates a distance between the communication device (12) and a satellite serving the communication device (12), wherein the signaling (20) indicating the distance is sent based on and / or in response to: the distance has changed by at least a threshold amount since the distance was last indicated to the network node (14); or Since the distance was last reported, the distance has deviated by more than a threshold amount from an expected distance that would be expected if the communication device (12) remained stationary relative to the surface of the earth.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: receiving, from the network node (14), a configuration of downlink transmission parameters adapted based on the signaling (20), wherein the downlink transmission parameters include a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth; and A downlink transmission is received based on the received configuration.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates whether propagation loss of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by FSPL, wherein the method further comprises: receiving a request from the network node (14) for reporting a timing advance (TA) value or position of the communication device (12) and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device (12); and In response to the request, a TA value or location of the communication device (12) and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device (12) are reported to the network node (14).

13. A method performed by a network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the method comprising: Signaling (20) is received (600) from a communication device (12), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); as well as One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates one or more values ​​(20B) of the one or more parameters.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The one or more parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following: a receiver gain to noise temperature ratio G / T of the receiver (12R); and One or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the receiver G / T is a function of the one or more receiver G / T parameters.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The one or more parameters include the one or more receiver G / T parameters, wherein the one or more receiver G / T parameters include at least one of any one or more of the following: an antenna gain G of an antenna connected to the receiver (12R); System noise temperature T; The antenna noise temperature T of the antenna connected to the receiver (12R) ant ; Noise figure NF; and Ambient temperature T amb .

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: For each of at least one of the one or more parameters, the signaling (20) indicates a value of the parameter by: indicating a difference between the value of the parameter and a reference value for the parameter; or It is reported that the value has fallen below a first threshold or that the value has risen above a second threshold.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by FSPL.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The signaling (20) is an RRC message or is transmitted via an RRC message, wherein the RRC message is an RRC establishment request message or an RRC recovery request message.

20. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein: The communication network (10) is a satellite communication network (10), and wherein the network node (14) is a satellite access network node.

21. The method of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates the distance between the communication device (12) and a satellite serving the communication device (12).

22. The method of any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising: determining a signal quality of the radio link (16) based on the signaling (20); as well as Link adaptation on the radio link (16) is performed based on the determined signal quality, wherein the determined signal quality is an estimate of an upper limit of an achievable signal quality.

23. The method of any one of claims 13 to 22, further comprising: determining a configuration of downlink transmission parameters for the communication device (12) based on the signaling (20), wherein the downlink transmission parameters include a modulation and coding scheme and / or a channel bandwidth; sending the determined configuration to the communication device (12); and A downlink transmission is sent to the communication device (12) based on the determined configuration.

24. The method of any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein: The signaling (20) indicates whether propagation loss of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) is dominated by FSPL, wherein the method further comprises: sending a request to the communication device (12) for reporting a timing advance TA value or a position of the communication device (12) and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device (12); receiving a response to the request, the response reporting a TA value or location of the communication device (12) and one or more receiver parameters of the communication device (12); and A signal quality of the radio link (16) is determined based on the signaling (20) and the response.

25. A communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (12) being configured to: Sending signaling (20) to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); and One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

26. The communication device (12) of claim 25, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-12.

27. A network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the network node (14) being configured to: Signaling (20) is received from a communication device (12), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); and One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

28. The network node (14) according to claim 27, configured to perform the method according to any of claims 14-24.

29. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a communication device (12), cause the communication device (12) to perform the method of any one of claims 1-12.

30. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node (14), cause the network node (14) to perform the method of any of claims 13-24.

31. A carrier comprising a computer program as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein: The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

32. A communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10), the communication device (12) comprising: Communication circuit (820); as well as A processing circuit (810) configured to send signaling (20) to a network node (14) in the communication network (10), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); as well as One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

33. The communication device (12) of claim 32, the processing circuit (810) being configured to perform the method of any one of claims 2-12.

34. A network node (14) configured for use in a communication network (10), the network node (14) comprising: Communication circuit (920); as well as A processing circuit (910) configured to receive signaling (20) from a communication device (12), the signaling (20) indicating at least one of any one or more of the following: whether propagation losses of a radio link (16) between the communication device (12) and the communication network (10) are dominated by free space path loss (FSPL); as well as One or more values ​​(20B) of one or more parameters characterizing performance of a receiver (12R) of the communication device (12).

35. The network node (14) of claim 34, the processing circuit (910) being configured to perform the method of any one of claims 14-24.

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