Signal measurement in non-terrestrial networks with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to quasi-terrestrial fixed cells in which non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites use beamforming to fix the cell relative to the terrestrial, frequently switch from one beam to the next to emulate a terrestrial fixed beam or cell. Information is indicated to a user equipment (UE) regarding a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam handover, such as at least one of a beam fixed duration, a start of a beam residence period, or an estimate of a sudden decrease or increase in signal strength due to the quasi-terrestrial fixed beam handover. After the UE is notified of the information, the UE may use the information in different ways to compensate for or adjust its measurements, and actions resulting therefrom, if any.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 63 / 343,448, filed on May 18, 2022, entitled “Signal Measurement in Non-Terrestrial Networks with Quasi-Earth-Fixed Cells,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to signal measurements in non-terrestrial networks having quasi-terrestrial fixed cells. Background Art

[0004] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (such as base stations), which may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs), next generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device (such as a base station) may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. A wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system, such as time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, sub-time slots, mini-time slots, aggregated time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers). In addition, a wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies (RATs), including third generation (3G) RATs, fourth generation (4G) RATs, fifth generation (5G) RATs, and other suitable RATs other than 5G. In some cases, a wireless communication system may be a non-terrestrial network (NTN), which may support various communication devices for wireless communication in an NTN. For example, the NTN may include network entities on non-ground vehicles (such as satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high altitude platform systems (HAPS)), as well as network entities on the ground (such as gateway entities capable of long-distance transmission and reception).

[0005] Various types of cells can be supported in NTN, including low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, etc., collectively referred to as non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites. One type of cell is a ground mobile cell, which refers to a scenario in which the cell moves when the NGSO satellite is running in orbit. Another type of cell is a ground fixed cell, which refers to a scenario in which the NGSO satellite fixes the cell relative to the ground. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems for supporting signal measurements in non-terrestrial networks with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells. Quasi-terrestrial fixed cells refer to scenarios in which NGSO satellites use beamforming, fix cells relative to the ground, and frequently switch from one beam to the next to simulate terrestrial fixed beams / cells. The techniques discussed herein indicate to the UE information about quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching, such as at least one of the following: beam fixation duration, start of beam dwell period, or an estimate of a sudden decrease or increase in signal strength due to quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching. After the UE is notified of the information, the UE can use the information in different ways to compensate or adjust its measurements, and the resulting actions (if any). By utilizing the described techniques, the UE is able to indicate changes in signal quality measurements when the NGSO satellite switches from one beam to another.

[0007] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include wireless communication at a device (e.g., a UE), and the device receives first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell; and based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed, takes one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0008] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, taking one or more actions is to ignore an increase or decrease in the quality of a signal of a wireless cell within a threshold quality value. Additionally or alternatively, the device is further configured to: receive a second signaling indicating a value of a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; and wherein taking one or more actions is: if the signal measurement is earlier than the beam fixation duration, the signal measurement is considered outdated and discarded. Additionally or alternatively, the device is further configured to: receive a second signaling indicating a moment when a beam switch occurs; and wherein taking one or more actions is to ignore an increase or decrease in signal quality within a threshold amount of time after the moment. Additionally or alternatively, the first signaling indicates a quasi-co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type. Additionally or alternatively, taking one or more actions is: learning a signal quality pattern of the signal; and adjusting the signal quality measurement based at least in part on the signal quality pattern. Additionally or alternatively, taking one or more actions is: using the signal quality measurement without averaging consecutive signal quality measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus is further configured to: receive second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; and wherein taking one or more actions is using signal quality measurements without averaging the signal quality measurements over a window longer than the beam fixation duration. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0009] Some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein may include wireless communication at a device (e.g., a base station), and the device sending first signaling to a UE indicating that a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell is quasi-terrestrial fixed; and taking one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0010] In some implementations of the methods and apparatus described herein, taking one or more actions is sending a second signaling to the UE indicating a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell. Additionally or alternatively, taking one or more actions is sending a second signaling to the UE indicating a moment at which the beam switching occurs. Additionally or alternatively, the first signaling indicates a quasi-co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type. Additionally or alternatively, the device is also used to: receive a second signaling from the UE indicating a signal quality measurement; and wherein taking one or more actions is: in response to the signal quality measurement being performed before the latest quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance, the signal quality measurement is considered outdated and discarded. Additionally or alternatively, the device is also used to: send a second signaling to the UE indicating the configuration of multiple measurements and reports of the UE in each of a plurality of beam dwell periods; and wherein taking one or more actions is: receiving a third signaling from the UE indicating a signal quality measurement based on the configuration of the multiple measurements and reports. Additionally or alternatively, the UE is one of a plurality of UEs, and the apparatus is further configured to: receive second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from each of the plurality of UEs; and wherein taking one or more actions is using the signal quality measurements from the plurality of UEs to predict future signal quality measurements for one or more of the plurality of UEs. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus comprises a base station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various aspects of the present disclosure for signal measurement in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells are described with reference to the following drawings.The same reference numerals may be used throughout to refer to similar features and components shown in the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting signal measurement in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 2 An example of a terrestrial mobile cell is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 3 An example of a terrestrial fixed cell is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 An example of a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 5An example of signal strength variation as a result of beam switching is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 6 An example block diagram of components of a device (eg, UE) supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 7 Illustrated is an example block diagram of components of a device (eg, a base station) supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8-Figure 14 A flow chart of a method of supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An implementation of signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells is described. In practice, quasi-terrestrial fixed cells typically have limited beam angle resolution, so the satellite will fix the beam (e.g., angle) for a certain duration before switching to the next beam (e.g., next angle). Therefore, the terrestrial fixed cell can be implemented as a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell. Although this does not typically result in coverage loss or switching for most UEs, it may still affect the measurements performed by the UE. For example, if the UE adopts a sliding window scheme to combine multiple signal quality measurements of synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) blocks, channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc., then the satellite switching from one beam to another may cause a sudden change in signal strength, which may be on the order of multiple decibels (dB). Therefore, for example, if the UE is not aware of this phenomenon, the UE's estimate of signal strength may not be updated quickly enough.

[0021] In one or more implementations, the techniques discussed herein indicate to the UE information about the quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching, such as at least one of the following: beam fixation duration, start of beam dwell period, estimate of a sudden decrease or increase in signal strength due to the quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching, etc. After the UE is notified of the information, the UE can use the information in different ways to compensate or adjust its measurements, and corresponding subsequent actions.

[0022] In one or more implementations, the UE receives an indication that the cell mobility is of a quasi-terrestrial fixed type. The UE may also receive an indication of at least one of the following: a beam fixation duration, a start time of a beam dwell period, or an estimate of a sudden decrease or increase in signal strength due to a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switch. The UE then uses this information to adjust signal measurements and corresponding actions so that the UE indicates cell mobility.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in response to an indication that the cell mobility is of a quasi-terrestrial fixed type, the UE may not average over a window longer than the beam dwell period. Older signal quality measurements may be considered outdated and discarded, allowing the UE to avoid using signal quality measurements from previous beams.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the network or base station may configure multiple measurements for the UE during a beam dwell period to allow the network or base station to learn UE-specific patterns of signal quality changes. The network or base station may then use UE reports associated with the measurements to predict UE-specific patterns in future beam dwell periods and take appropriate actions.

[0025] Thus, by utilizing the above techniques, the UE is able to indicate changes in signal quality measurements when an NGSO satellite switches from one beam to another.

[0026] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communication system.Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams and flow charts related to signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells.

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 that supports signal measurement in a non-terrestrial network with a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 102, one or more UEs 104, a core network 106, and one or more non-terrestrial stations (NTS) 108, such as satellite access nodes. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 5G network, such as a new radio (NR) network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies other than 5G. In addition, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0028] One or more base stations 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the base stations 102 described herein may be, or include, or may be referred to as a base transceiver station, an access point, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a radio head (RH), a relay node, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or other suitable terms. The base station 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a communication link 110, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, the base station 102 and the UE 104 may perform wireless communication via an NR-Uu interface. One or more NTS 108 described herein may be, or include, any type of TRP (which may be carried on a geostationary and / or geosynchronous (GEO) satellite), a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a HAPS, a UAV, an aircraft, or any other aircraft that travels in the earth's atmosphere, orbits in outer space, etc. Any entity referred to as a non-terrestrial station (NTS) in this disclosure may refer to a satellite, a satellite access node, an NTN node, a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node, an NT-TRP, an NTN TP, an NTN RP, and similar types of entities. The NTS 108 and the UE 104 may communicate via a communication link 112, which may be a wireless connection via a transmit beam and / or a receive beam.

[0029] The base station 102 and / or NTS 108 may provide a geographic coverage area 114, and the base station 102 and / or NTS 108 may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, the base station 102 and the UE 104 may support wireless communications of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. Similarly, the NTS 108 and the UE 104 may support wireless communications of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the base station 102 may be mobile, such as when implemented as a gNB on a satellite associated with an NTN. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 114 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, and different geographic coverage areas 114 may be associated with different base stations 102 and / or NTS 108. The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0030] One or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area or coverage area 114 of the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a subscriber device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, etc. Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc. In some implementations, UE 104 may be stationary in the wireless communication system 100. In other implementations, UE 104 may be mobile in the wireless communication system 100, such as a ground station in motion (ESIM).

[0031] One or more UEs 104 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 104. UE 104 is capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as base stations 102, other UEs 104, NTS 108, or network devices (e.g., core network 106, relay devices, gateway devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, location servers implementing location management functions (LMF), or other network devices). Additionally or alternatively, UE 104 can support communication with other base stations 102 or UEs 104 (which can act as relays in the wireless communication system 100).

[0032] The UE 104 may also support wireless communications directly with other UEs 104 via a communication link 116. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular V2X deployments, the communication link 112 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communications directly with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0033] The base station 102 may support communication with the core network 106, or with another base station 102, or with both. For example, the base station 102 may be connected to the core network 106 via one or more backhaul links 118 (e.g., via S1, N2, or other network interfaces). The base stations 102 may communicate with each other via the backhaul links 118 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or another network interface). In some implementations, the base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., between base stations 102). In some other implementations, the base stations 102 and / or NTS 108 may communicate with each other indirectly (e.g., via the core network 106). In some implementations, one or more base stations 102 may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as remote radio heads, smart radio heads, gateways, transmission reception points (TRPs), and other network nodes and / or entities.

[0034] The core network 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management function (AMF)), and user plane entities that route packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., serving gateway (S-GW), packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more base stations 102 associated with the core network 106.

[0035] Depending on the implementation, as described herein, one or more of the UE 104, the base station 102, and / or the NTS 108 may be operable to implement various aspects of signal measurement in a non-terrestrial network with a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell. For example, the base station 102 (or the NTS 108) indicates to the UE 104 information about a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switch, such as at least one of the following: a beam fixation duration, a start of a beam dwell period, or an estimate of a sudden decrease or increase in signal strength due to a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switch. After the UE 104 is notified of the information, the UE's measurement manager 120 may use the information in different ways to compensate or adjust its signal quality measurements, and the resulting actions.

[0036] In various aspects of the present disclosure, enhancements to NTN are taken into account. For example, enhancements are specified for NG-RAN-based NTN to support high altitude platform station (HAPS) and air-to-ground (ATG) scenarios based on the following assumptions with implicit compatibility: geostationary orbit (GSO) and NGSO (LEO, MEO or HEO) with transparent payload or regenerative payload; ground fixed tracking area; ground fixed and ground mobile cells of NGSO; frequency division duplex (FDD) mode; UE with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) capability; support for both very small aperture terminal ("VSAT") devices with directional antennas (including fixed and mobile platform mounted devices) and commercial handheld terminals (e.g., power class 3) in frequency range 1 (FR1); in frequency bands above 10 GHz, only "VSAT" devices with directional antennas (including fixed and mobile platform mounted devices) are supported.

[0037] In various aspects of the present disclosure, ground mobile cell and ground fixed cell scenarios are taken into account with respect to cell mobility for NGSO (LEO / MEO / HEO) satellites. Ground mobile cell refers to a scenario in which the cell moves when the NGSO satellite is in orbit. From the perspective of the satellite, the implementation of this scenario is simple because the satellite does not change its beam or cell configuration when it is in orbit. The cost of this simplicity is that the UE switches more frequently. Ground fixed cell refers to a scenario in which the NGSO satellite fixes the cell relative to the ground. The advantage of this scenario is that the duration of the cell observed on the ground is significantly longer than in the case of ground mobile cell, so the UE mobility and switching overhead on the ground are smaller.

[0038] The difference becomes more significant the narrower the beams are (assuming the number of beams per cell is fixed). The reason is that for terrestrial mobile cells, the cell duration becomes shorter as the beams become narrower and / or the satellites travel at higher speeds relative to a terrestrial observer, whereas for terrestrial fixed cells, the cell duration depends only on the length of time the satellite is visible at a high enough altitude, which depends on the satellite's speed, not the beamwidth.

[0039] However, in practice, terrestrial fixed cells can be implemented by electronic beamforming rather than mechanical beamforming, i.e., the satellite frequently switches from one beam to the next to simulate a terrestrial fixed beam or cell. This scenario is called a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam or quasi-terrestrial fixed cell.

[0040] One problem with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells is that, in practice, the resolution of the beam angles is limited, so the satellite will keep the beam (angle) fixed for a certain duration before switching to the next beam (angle). While this is not expected to result in coverage loss or switching for most UEs, it may still affect the measurements performed by the UE. For example, if the UE adopts a sliding window scheme to combine multiple measurements of SS / PBCH blocks, CSI-RS, etc., then the satellite switching from one beam to another may cause a sudden change in signal strength, which may be on the order of multiple decibels. Therefore, if the UE does not know the moment when the beam switch occurs, the UE's estimate of the signal strength may not be updated fast enough.

[0041] A method and system for solving this problem are proposed in this disclosure.

[0042] In various aspects of the present disclosure, it is considered to define solutions that enable New Radio and NG-RAN to support NTN. For example, this includes GSO and / or NGSO network scenarios based on transparent payload or based on regeneration payload, which at least handles 3GPP power class 3 UEs with GNSS capabilities in both terrestrial fixed and / or mobile cell configurations.

[0043] In various aspects of the present disclosure, enhancements to NG-RAN-based NTN are taken into account, such as to support new scenarios to cover deployments in frequency bands above 10 GHz; optimized performance is provided in terms of considering NTN characteristics (such as large propagation delay and satellite mobility), especially when dealing with coverage of mobile terminals (including smartphones with more realistic assumptions on antenna gain rather than 0 dBi antenna gain, the specific realistic antenna gain assumptions will be determined at the working group level); mobility and service continuity enhancements are provided in terms of considering NTN characteristics (such as large propagation delay and satellite mobility); the requirement for network operators to cross-check the UE location reported by the UE is addressed, which needs to be performed to meet regulatory requirements regarding network verification of UE location (e.g., lawful interception, emergency calls, public warning systems, etc.), that is, being able to check UE-reported location information (e.g., estimating the UE location on the network side), and specifying whether a mechanism is needed to meet regulatory requirements.

[0044] In one or more implementations, a "VSAT" device with an external antenna on a mobile platform is equivalent to a device operating on a mobile platform, and this is called an ESIM.

[0045] The detailed objectives are to specify the NR radio interfaces and enhanced features of NG-RAN for Rel-15, 16 and 17 as follows:

[0046] In various aspects of the present disclosure, coverage enhancement is taken into account. In some cases, the goal is to focus on the applicability of solutions developed by general NR coverage enhancement to NTN, taking into account NTN characteristics (including large propagation delays and satellite mobility), and to identify potential issues and enhancements when necessary. Only NTN specific characteristics are included in this coverage enhancement work, otherwise it should be part of other work (e.g., UL coverage enhancement). The work is to cover use cases for voice and low data rate services using commercial smartphones, with more realistic assumptions on antenna gain rather than the 0dBi assumption currently used for link budget analysis of non-terrestrial networks. Specific actual antenna gain assumptions can be determined. The evaluation should also take into account any relevant regulatory requirements, such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) limits on power flux density.

[0047] For example, one phase may focus on the following aspects (to arrive at a clear and limited scope): evaluating coverage performance and identifying candidate physical radio channels for NTN specific coverage issues with the following target services; and VoIP and low data rate services for commercial handheld terminals.

[0048] The following items are examples of areas that need to be considered: NTN-specific repetition enhancements for correlated channels; NTN-specific techniques for improving diversity and / or reducing polarization loss; improving the performance of low-rate codecs in link-budget constrained situations, including reducing RAN protocol overhead for VoNR (e.g., without introducing new codecs).

[0049] The RAN will determine whether the study phase has identified any need for NTN specific coverage enhancements. If necessary, the set of NTN specific aspects to be considered will be updated.

[0050] In various aspects of the present disclosure, NR-NTN deployment in bands above 10 GHz is taken into account. The following assumptions are considered as a baseline for this consideration: satellite access based on GSO and NGSO (e.g., LEO, MEO, HEO) is to be considered (e.g., ESIM scenarios for NGSO in Ka band do not need to be considered in this WI; target UE types, such as fixed and mobile VSAT. The VSAT UE characteristics in 3GPP Technical Report (TR) 38.821 should be given priority, but additional NTN UE categories may be considered if reasonable (with respect to mobile VSAT, there are three types of terminals and scenarios; ESIM based on air, sea, and land; which type(s) to specify depends on the results of regulatory analysis and coexistence studies; it is assumed that FDD mode is used for satellite operations above 10 GHz, while time division duplex (TDD) mode is used for terrestrial operations in frequency range 2 (FR2); the ITU-R coordinated Ka band will be used as a reference; coexistence between overlapping NTN and TN band portions is not within the scope of this consideration.

[0051] Objectives for NR-NTN deployment in bands above 10 GHz include studying and identifying NTN example bands: analyzing regulations and adjacent channel coexistence scenarios. Example bands should be identified as early as possible. Additional bands may be introduced in a release-independent manner. For example, the study and identification includes taking the satellite coordinated Ka band as a reference based on ITU allocation; defining example bands suitable for developing common 3GPP minimum performance requirements (the example RAN4 band may be part or all of the coordinated Ka band), taking into account deployment type (e.g., VSAT, ESIM), scenarios, and ITU-R / regional regulations. As another example, the study and identification includes studying the impact of FDD operation in FR2 and deriving requirements for the identified example bands as appropriate; satellite bands introduced in 3GPP for FDD for NTN do not need to affect existing 3GPP TDD specifications for terrestrial bands adjacent to the NTN bands. As another example, the study and identification include relevant coexistence scenarios and analysis (if applicable) to be considered in RAN4 to ensure that the satellite bands introduced in 3GPP for NTN do not affect existing specifications or cause network degradation in 3GPP-specified terrestrial bands adjacent to the NTN bands (in the sense of RAN4 coexistence studies). It is assumed that NTN-TN adjacent band coexistence will be performed at the coordinated Ka band edge. Where applicable and permitted by regulations, the results are expected to apply to all NTN-TN adjacent band scenarios (if any) across the entire Ka band. As another example, for the above example, the study and identification include that the RAN4 procedures agreed to by NTN in FR1 should be used for coexistence analysis of bands above 10 GHz. As another example, the study and identification include the definition of (multiple) NTN bands above 10 GHz, which does not change the current FR1 / FR2 definitions and does not automatically apply to future terrestrial bands defined in this frequency region.

[0052] The objectives for NR-NTN deployment in bands above 10 GHz include specifying Rx / transmit (Tx) requirements for satellite access nodes and specifying different VSAT UE categories (not just 60 cm aperture) based on the example bands identified.

[0053] The goal of NR-NTN deployment in frequency bands above 10 GHz includes selecting identification values ​​for physical layer parameters from existing FR1 and FR2 sets. The following lists the parameter sets to be specified, but are not necessarily limited to: time relationship related enhancements (e.g., K_offset); subcarrier spacing for different uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) signals / channels; physical random access channel (PRACH) configuration index for FDD above 10 GHz.

[0054] In various aspects of the present disclosure, network-verified UE location is taken into account. This includes a study phase focused on the following (to arrive at a clear and limited scope): Study detailed regulatory requirements for network-verified UE location, such as accuracy requirements (at all RANs), including further clarification of network-verified UE location and its relationship to network-based positioning, and study and evaluate solutions for network-verified UE reported location information, if required. It is also determined whether any need for network-verified UE location specification support has been identified.

[0055] In various aspects of the present disclosure, NTN-TN and NTN-NTN mobility and service continuity enhancements are taken into consideration. This consideration includes considering existing methods for NR TN and Release 17 NR NTN results as a baseline for NTN-TN mobility. This consideration also includes specifying NTN-TN and NTN-NTN measurement / mobility and service continuity enhancements.

[0056] In one or more implementations, an indication of the beam fix time is provided to the UE 104. A UE 104 in a cell is served by a certain number of satellite beams. In the special case where each beam covers the area of ​​a cell, the number may be one to a greater number of beams, which is determined based on the satellite hardware implementation, network configuration, expected coverage and throughput performance, number of satellites in the constellation, number of satellites in the vicinity, current traffic load, and other such parameters. This number may vary over large time scales, but is generally expected to remain constant over short time scales.

[0057] It is reasonable to assume that in a typical implementation, the satellite can switch all beams of a cell simultaneously to "quasi-fix" the beam or cell. Therefore, in the discussion herein, the terms beam and cell can be used interchangeably when referring to beam fixation time, beam dwell time, etc. For example, since a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell is implemented by applying a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam, the terms quasi-terrestrial fixed beam and quasi-terrestrial fixed cell can be used interchangeably.

[0058] In this context, beam fixation time refers to the duration that the satellite fixes the beam (beam angle) in a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell. This quantity may be referred to by other terms such as beam dwell time, beam dwell period, or beam fixation period. Depending on parameters and factors such as beam width, beam angle resolution, and satellite speed, the beam fixation time may be, for example, on the order of a few seconds to 100 seconds.

[0059] The concept is Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown in comparison with other cell mobility scenarios.

[0060] Figure 2An example 200 of a terrestrial mobile cell is illustrated. In the example 200, the satellite moves from right to left. As shown, the cell is at 202 at time t1, the cell is at 204 at time t2, and the cell is at 206 at time t3.

[0061] Figure 3 An example 300 of a terrestrial fixed cell is shown. In example 300, the satellite moves from right to left. As shown, cell 302 remains unchanged at times t1, t2, and t3. This is achieved, for example, by mechanically rotating the satellite or rotating the antenna.

[0062] Figure 4 An example 400 of a quasi-terrestrial fixed cell is illustrated. In example 400, the satellite moves from right to left. As shown, the cell 402 remains substantially the same at times t1, t2, and t3. This is achieved, for example, by using beamforming. The satellite fixes the beam for the beam dwell time and then switches to a different beam.

[0063] The cell movement shown in the quasi-terrestrial fixed cell scenario of example 400 introduces a jitter effect or ripple effect to the signal strength observed at a fixed position relative to the ground. These variations may depend on the UE position relative to the cell borders and the direction of satellite movement.

[0064] Figure 5 An example 500 of signal strength variation as a result of beam switching is illustrated. In example 500, the satellite moves from right to left. As shown, the signal strength variation may depend on the UE location relative to the cell border and the direction of satellite movement.

[0065] For example, as shown in 502, when the satellite switches to a new beam, the signal strength at UE1 starts out as low (e.g., because UE1 is located at the far edge of the cell (relative to the satellite)), rises (e.g., as the satellite becomes higher or closer to UE1), and then drops sharply at the next beam switching moment. As another example, as shown in 504, when the satellite switches to a new beam, the signal strength at UE2 starts out as low (e.g., because the satellite is further away from UE3), rises (e.g., as the satellite becomes higher or closer to UE2), and then drops (e.g., as the satellite is further away from UE2). As another example, as shown in 506, when the satellite switches to a new beam, the signal strength at UE3 starts out as high (e.g., because UE3 is located at the near edge of the cell (relative to the satellite)), drops (e.g., as the satellite is further away from UE3), and then rises sharply at the next beam switching moment.

[0066] It can be seen that, especially for UEs close to the cell edge, beam switching may cause sudden changes in signal strength. Unless taken into account, this may introduce errors into the UE's channel estimate, resulting in over-utilization (UE1) or under-utilization (UE3) of the channel, at least temporarily at the beginning of each beam dwell period.

[0067] In one or more implementations, the beam fixation time or duration for all beams in a cell may be constant during the lifetime of the cell. The constant duration may be signaled in a system information block type x (SIB #x) broadcast by a RAN node (e.g., gNB, base station, non-terrestrial station). The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) may be implemented fully or partially on a satellite in a regenerative payload architecture, or located on the ground in a transparent payload architecture. The duration may be indicated in time units, such as milliseconds, a number of slots associated with a subcarrier spacing, a number of frames, a number of symbols, or a combination thereof.

[0068] The UE 104 may then receive SIB#x and use this information to measure and calculate signal strength.

[0069] While signaling the beam fixation duration can help alert the UE 104 to employ an appropriate estimation method, the start of the beam dwell period uses an additional indication. In one or more implementations, the start of the beam dwell period is additionally indicated.

[0070] In one example, the indication of the start of the beam dwell period may be made via broadcast signaling. The UE 104 may then assume that the beam switch occurs at time t0, t0+Δt, t0+2Δt, ..., where t0 represents the indicated start of the beam dwell period and Δt represents the beam fixation time or duration.

[0071] In another example, the indication of the start of the beam dwell period can be UE-specific signaling or group signaling. For example, a downlink control information (DCI) message or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message can indicate to the UE 104 that the time slot in which the message is received is the start (t0) of the beam dwell period.

[0072] In another example, the DCI message or MAC CE may also include an offset value after which the beam switch occurs. Then, if the message is received at time t and indicates a time offset of t', the UE 104 may assume that the beam switch will occur at time t0 = t + t'.

[0073] In another example, the transmission of a dedicated signal, such as a reference signal, may indicate to the UE 104 that the beam switching time occurs in the current time slot or after a certain offset.

[0074] In one or more implementations, the beam fix time or duration may be variable, for example, when the satellite is near the observer's zenith, the observer may observe a different relative velocity of the satellite than when the satellite is near the horizon.

[0075] In one or more implementations, the UE 104 may be instructed, via broadcast, UE-specific signaling, or group signaling, that a new beam dwell period occurs when indicated or after a certain offset.

[0076] The UE 104 may behave in any of a variety of different ways based at least in part on, for example, the beam fixation time or the start of a beam dwell period.

[0077] In one or more implementations, the UE 104 cell mobility may be indicated as being of a quasi-terrestrial fixed type by configuration or signaling performed by the network. Then, the UE 104 does not assume that it can average continuous measurements of the signal. In some implementations, the UE 104 discards the previous measurement results after detecting a sudden change in the measurement results (e.g., a change of at least a threshold amount).

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the beam fixation time or duration may be further indicated to the UE 104. The UE 104 may then not average over a window longer than the beam fixation time or duration. The UE 104 may discard measurements older than the indicated beam fixation time or duration.

[0079] In one or more implementations, the indication to the UE 104 may be made via a quasi co-location (QCL) relationship.

[0080] In one or more implementations, a new type of QCL is defined, such as QCL Type E, which indicates to the UE 104 that the characteristics of the signal may change without notification due to beam switching used to implement a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, an existing QCL type (e.g., A / B / C / D) relationship is additionally indicated as a quasi-terrestrial fixed type, which indicates to the UE 104 that the signal characteristics (multiple) are expected to be quasi-co-located according to the existing specifications, except for changes due to beam switching used to achieve the quasi-terrestrial fixed beam. The resulting QCL type combination can be expressed in relation to the original QCL type, for example, QCL type A*, B*, C*, or D*.

[0082] For example, a new type of spatial QCL (QCL type D* or QCL type E) may indicate to UE 104 that a second signal (target signal) is quasi co-located with a first signal (source signal). UE 104 may then apply an Rx filter similar to the Rx filter that UE 104 applied to receive the first signal to receive the second signal, and UE 104 expects to observe changes in signal characteristics due to beam switching used to achieve a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam.

[0083] If a new type of QCL signal is indicated according to the above implementation, the standard specification or the new configuration can limit the range of abrupt changes in signal characteristics due to beam switching.

[0084] As described above, the network (e.g., base station 102, gNB) can indicate to UE 104 through configuration and signaling that the cell / beam is of quasi-fixed type, and then UE 104 can consider it to perform signal strength measurement. The network can also inform UE 104 of parameters such as beam fix time or duration and the start of beam dwell period to help UE 104 further perform appropriate measurements. Additionally or alternatively, the network can signal the start of beam dwell time when the beam dwell time occurs or a certain time offset in advance.

[0085] In addition to these techniques, the network can also take additional actions to take beam switching into account. An example is as follows.

[0086] In one or more implementations, base station 102 (e.g., gNB) may consider channel measurements to be outdated if the relevant measurements were performed before the most recent quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance.

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, the base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can configure multiple measurements and reports made by the UE 104 in each beam dwell period. The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can then learn the behavior of the signal strength observed by the UE 104 during the beam dwell period. Figure 5 An example of the difference between the signal strengths of UE1, UE2, and UE3 is illustrated in FIG. Then, when a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching occurs, the base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can predict the signal strength change and / or the amount of decrease in signal strength associated with the UE during a specific beam dwell period (e.g., Figure 5 UE1) or increase (e.g. Figure 5 UE3). The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can then use the predicted value for link adaptation, power control, etc. of the UE 104.

[0088] The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can apply artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) techniques to learn the signal strength behavior observed by the UE 104 during the beam dwell period and at the quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching time.

[0089] Additionally or alternatively, the base station 102 (e.g., gNB) can collect and combine measurements from multiple UEs for learning and prediction, for example, by applying AI or ML techniques.

[0090] In various aspects of the present disclosure, radio resource management is taken into account. A UE 104 in an NTN system with a quasi-terrestrial fixed beam or cell should be aware of the beam switching phenomenon and take appropriate actions accordingly. In one or more implementations, upon receiving a configuration or indication that the serving NTN cell and / or the neighboring NTN cell is of a quasi-terrestrial fixed type, the UE 104 may ignore (e.g., not take action in response thereto) a sudden decrease in the channel quality of the serving cell used for switching or a sudden increase in the channel quality of the neighboring NTN cell. In some implementations, the UE 104 may ignore (e.g., not take action in response thereto) a sudden decrease or increase in channel quality within a threshold amount, which is determined by the maximum sudden change in channel quality caused by quasi-fixed beam switching.

[0091] In various aspects of the present disclosure, power control is taken into consideration.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, different UEs may experience different channel quality up / down patterns based on their location in the quasi-terrestrial fixed cell and the direction of satellite movement. This allows the UE and / or the network to learn and predict the channel quality up / down pattern and use this information for the remaining life cycle of the same cell (e.g., until a handover to another NTN or TN / terrestrial cell is performed).

[0093] One possible use case is power control. In conventional cellular systems, uplink power control is used to balance the received signal power of different UEs at a base station (e.g., gNB). Here, if information about the beam dwell period and / or channel quality variation pattern is available to UE 104, UE 104 can use this information to adjust uplink power control at moments when the channel quality is expected to experience sudden changes to quasi-fixed beam switching. UE 104 can make adjustments based on configuration or signaling from the network.

[0094] In one or more implementations, the terms antenna, panel, and antenna panel may be used interchangeably. An antenna panel may be hardware used to transmit and / or receive radio signals at frequencies below 6 GHz (e.g., frequency range 1 (FR1)) or above 6 GHz (e.g., frequency range 2 (FR2) or millimeter wave (mmWave)). In one or more implementations, the antenna panel may include an array of antenna elements, where each antenna element is connected to hardware such as a phase shifter that allows a control module to apply spatial parameters to the transmission and / or reception of signals. The resulting radiation pattern may be referred to as a beam, which may or may not be unimodal, and may allow a device (e.g., UE 104, node) to amplify signals transmitted or received from one or more spatial directions.

[0095] In one or more implementations, antenna panels may or may not be virtualized as antenna ports in the specification. For each transmission (egress) and reception (ingress) direction, the antenna panels may be connected to the baseband processing module via a radio frequency (RF) chain. The capabilities of the device in terms of the number of antenna panels, its duplex capabilities, its beamforming capabilities, etc. may or may not be transparent to other devices. In one or more implementations, capability information may be transmitted via signaling, or in one or more implementations, capability information may be provided to the device without the need for signaling. Where such information is available to other devices, such as a central unit (CU), it may be used for signaling or local decision making.

[0096] In one or more implementations, the antenna panel may be a physical or logical antenna array that includes a set of antenna elements or antenna ports that share a common or significant portion of an RF chain (e.g., an in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) modulator, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter, a local oscillator, a phase shift network). The antenna panel may be a logical entity having physical antennas mapped to logical entities. The mapping of physical antennas to logical entities may depend on the implementation. Transmitting (receiving or sending) on ​​at least a subset of the effective antenna elements or antenna ports (also referred to herein as effective elements) used to radiate energy of the antenna panel requires biasing or powering the RF chain, which may result in current consumption or power consumption in a device (e.g., a node) associated with the antenna panel (including power consumption of a power amplifier / low noise amplifier (LNA) associated with the antenna element or antenna port). The phrase "effective for radiating energy" as used herein does not imply being limited to a transmit function, but also covers a receive function. Thus, the effective antenna elements used to radiate energy may be coupled simultaneously or sequentially to a transmitter to transmit RF energy or to a receiver to receive RF energy, or may generally be coupled to a transceiver to perform its intended function. Communication over the active elements of the antenna panel enables the generation of a radiation pattern or beam.

[0097] In one or more implementations, depending on the implementation, the "panel" may have at least one of the following functions as an operational role: the antenna group unit independently controls its Tx beam, the antenna group unit independently controls its transmission power, and the antenna group unit independently controls its transmission timing. The "panel" may be transparent to another node (e.g., a next-hop neighboring node). For certain (certain) situations, another node or network entity may assume that the mapping between the device's physical antenna and the logical entity "panel" may not change. For example, the condition may include until the next update or report from the device, or include the duration for which the network entity assumes that the mapping will not change. The device may report its capabilities about the "panel" to the network entity. The device capabilities may include at least the number of "panels". In one implementation, the device may support transmission from one beam within a panel; for multiple panels, more than one beam (one beam per panel) may be used for transmission. Additionally or alternatively, more than one beam may be supported / used for transmission for each panel.

[0098] In one or more implementations, antenna ports are defined such that a channel used to transmit a symbol on an antenna port can be inferred from a channel used to transmit another symbol on the same antenna port.

[0099] If the large-scale properties of the channel used to transmit symbols on one antenna port can be inferred from the channel used to transmit symbols on the other antenna port, the two antenna ports are called quasi-co-located (QCL). Large-scale properties include one or more of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and spatial Rx parameters. Two antenna ports can be quasi-co-located with respect to a subset of large-scale properties, and different subsets of large-scale properties can be indicated by QCL types. The QCL type can indicate which channel properties are the same between two reference signals (e.g., on two antenna ports). Therefore, reference signals can be linked to each other based on the device's assumptions about its channel statistics or QCL properties. For example, qcl-Type can take one of the following values. Other qcl-Types can be defined based on one or a combination of large-scale properties:

[0100] 'QCL-TypeA': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread}

[0101] 'QCL-TypeB': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread}

[0102] 'QCL-TypeC': {Doppler shift, average delay}

[0103] 'QCL-TypeD': {spatial Rx parameters}.

[0104] The spatial Rx parameters may include one or more of the following: angle of arrival (AoA), main AoA, average AoA, angular spread, power angular spectrum (PAS) of AoA, average AoD (angle of departure), PAS of AoD, transmit / receive channel correlation, transmit / receive beamforming, spatial channel correlation, etc.

[0105] QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, and QCL-TypeC may be applicable to all carrier frequencies, but QCL-TypeD may only be applicable to higher carrier frequencies (e.g., mmWave, FR2, and above), where devices may not be able to perform omnidirectional transmissions at all, e.g., devices need to form beams for directional transmissions. In QCL-TypeD between two reference signals A and B, reference signal A is considered to be spatially co-located with reference signal B, and the device may assume that reference signals A and B can be received using the same spatial filter (e.g., using the same receive (RX or RX) beamforming weights).

[0106] An "antenna port" according to one or more implementations may be a logical port that may correspond to a beam (generated by beamforming) or may correspond to a physical antenna on a device. In one or more implementations, a physical antenna may be directly mapped to a single antenna port, where the antenna port corresponds to an actual physical antenna. Additionally or alternatively, a set or subset of physical antennas, or a set of antennas or an antenna array or an antenna subarray may be mapped to one or more antenna ports after applying complex weights, cyclic delays, or both to the signal on each physical antenna. A physical antenna set may have antennas from a single module or panel or from multiple modules or panels. The weights may be fixed as in an antenna virtualization scheme such as cyclic delay diversity (CDD). The process for deriving antenna ports from physical antennas may be device-implementation specific and transparent to other devices.

[0107] In one or more implementations, a TCI state (transmission configuration indication) associated with a target transmission may indicate parameters for configuring a quasi-co-location relationship between a target transmission (e.g., a target RS for a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) port of the target transmission during a transmission opportunity) and (multiple) source reference signals (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB) / CRS-SRS) with respect to (multiple) quasi-co-location type parameters indicated in the corresponding TCI state. The TCI describes which reference signals are used as QCL sources and which QCL properties may be derived from each reference signal. A device may receive a configuration of multiple transmission configuration indicator states for a serving cell for transmission on a serving cell (e.g., between a serving gNB and a smart repeater). In one or more implementations, the TCI state includes at least one source RS to provide a reference (device assumption) for determining the QCL and / or spatial filter.

[0108] In one or more implementations, if the device is configured with separate DL / UL TCI via RRC signaling, a UL TCI state is provided. The UL TCI state may include a source reference signal that provides a reference for determining UL spatial transmission filters (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), dedicated physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources based on dynamic grant / configured grant) for UL transmissions in a component carrier (CC) or across a set of configured CCs / BWPs.

[0109] In one or more implementations, if the device is configured with a joint DL / UL TCI via RRC signaling (e.g., configuration of a joint TCI or separate DL / UL TCI is based on RRC signaling), a joint DL / UL TCI state is provided. The joint DL / UL TCI state refers at least to a common source reference RS for determining both DL QCL information and UL spatial transmission filters. The source RS determined according to the indicated joint (or common) TCI state provides a QCL Type-D indication (e.g., for a device-specific physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) / physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) and is used to determine the UL spatial transmission filter (e.g., for a CC or UE-specific PUSCH / PUCCH across a set of configured CCs / BWPs). In one example, UL spatial transmission filtering is derived from an RS of DL QCL type D in the joint TCI state. The spatial setting of the UL transmission can be performed based on the spatial relationship of the reference source RS, which is configured with a qcl-Type set to 'typeD' in the joint TCI state.

[0110] In one or more implementations, the spatial relationship information associated with the target transmission may indicate parameters for configuring a spatial setting between the target transmission and a reference RS (e.g., SSB / CSI-RS / SRS). For example, the device may transmit the target transmission using the same spatial domain filter as used to receive the reference RS (e.g., DL RS, such as SSB / CSI-RS). In another example, the device may transmit the target transmission using the same spatial domain transmission filter as used to transmit the reference RS (e.g., UL RS, such as SRS). The device may receive a configuration of multiple spatial relationship information configurations for a serving cell for transmission on the serving cell.

[0111] It should be noted that the different steps or actions described in the text and flow diagrams for various implementations and examples may be rearranged.

[0112] It should also be noted that each configuration may be provided by one or more configurations. An earlier configuration may provide a subset of parameters, while a later configuration may provide another subset of parameters. Additionally or alternatively, a later configuration may overwrite values ​​provided by an earlier configuration or pre-configuration.

[0113] It should also be noted that the configuration may be provided by radio resource control (RRC) signaling, MAC signaling, physical layer signaling such as DCI messages, combinations thereof, or other methods. The configuration may include pre-configured or semi-static configurations provided by a standard, vendor, network / operator, or a combination thereof. Each parameter value received by configuration or indication may overwrite a previous value of a similar parameter.

[0114] It should also be noted that L1 / L2 control signaling may refer to control signaling in Layer 1 (physical layer) or Layer 2 (data link layer). Specifically, L1 / L2 control signaling may refer to L1 control signaling (such as DCI messages or uplink control information (UCI) messages), L2 control signaling (such as MAC messages), or a combination thereof. The format and interpretation of L1 / L2 control signaling may be determined by standards, configurations, other control signaling, or a combination thereof.

[0115] It should also be noted that any parameter discussed herein may in practice appear in signaling or specifications as a linear function of that parameter.

[0116] It should also be noted that the measurements performed on reference signals for beam training are discussed herein. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more implementations, measurements may be performed on resources that are not necessarily configured for reference signals, but rather nodes may measure received signal power and obtain received signal strength indicators (RSSIs), etc.

[0117] It should also be noted that what is mentioned herein is beam indication. Beam indication may refer to an indication of a reference signal through an ID or indicator, a resource associated with a reference signal, information including a reference signal, or spatial relationship information of the inverse of a reference signal (in the case of beam correspondence).

[0118] Figure 6 An example of a block diagram 600 of a device 602 supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 602 may be an example of a UE 104 as described herein. The device 602 may support wireless communications and / or network signaling with one or more base stations 102, other UEs 104, network entities and devices, or any combination thereof. The device 602 may include components for two-way communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 604, a processor 606, a memory 608, a receiver 610, a transmitter 612, and an I / O controller 614. The communication manager 604 may include, for example, Figure 1 The measurement manager 120. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (eg, operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (eg, a bus).

[0119] The communication manager 604, the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the disclosure described herein. For example, the communication manager 604, the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more functions described herein.

[0120] In some implementations, the communication manager 604, the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit system). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, which is configured to or otherwise supports means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some implementations, the processor 606 and a memory 608 coupled to the processor 606 may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory 608 by the processor 606).

[0121] Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the communication manager 604, the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by the processor 606 (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by the processor 606, the functionality of the communication manager 604, the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured or otherwise supported to perform the functions described in the present disclosure).

[0122] In some implementations, the communication manager 604 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, monitor, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or both. For example, the communication manager 604 may receive information from the receiver 610, send information to the transmitter 612, or cooperate with the receiver 610, the transmitter 612, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations described herein. Although the communication manager 604 is illustrated as a separate component, in some implementations, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 604 may be supported or performed by the processor 606, the memory 608, or any combination thereof. For example, the memory 608 may store code that may include instructions executable by the processor 606 to cause the device 602 to perform various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein, or the processor 606 and the memory 608 may be configured to perform or support such operations.

[0123] For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 604 can support wireless communication and / or network signaling at a device (e.g., device 602, UE). The communication manager 604 and / or other device components can be configured as or otherwise support an apparatus such as a UE, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to cause the apparatus to: receive first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell; and take one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed, based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0124] In addition, the device (e.g., UE) includes any one or combination of the following: wherein taking one or more actions is to ignore an increase or decrease in the quality of a signal of a wireless cell within a threshold quality value; wherein the processor and the transceiver are also configured to cause the device to: receive a second signaling indicating a value of a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; and wherein taking one or more actions is: if the signal measurement is earlier than the beam fixation duration, the signal measurement is considered outdated and discarded; wherein the processor and the transceiver are also configured to cause the device to: receive a second signaling indicating a moment when a beam switch occurs; and wherein taking one or more actions is to ignore an increase in the signal quality within a threshold amount of time after the moment. increase or decrease; wherein the first signaling indicates a quasi-co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type; wherein one or more actions are taken: obtaining a signal quality pattern of a signal; and adjusting a signal quality measurement based at least in part on the signal quality pattern; wherein one or more actions are taken: using a signal quality measurement without averaging consecutive signal quality measurements; wherein the processor and transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receive a second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of a wireless cell; and wherein one or more actions are taken using a signal quality measurement without averaging the signal quality measurement within a window longer than the beam fixation duration; wherein the apparatus includes a user equipment.

[0125] The communication manager 604 and / or other device components may be configured to or otherwise support a component for wireless communication and / or network signaling at a UE, comprising: receiving first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell; and taking one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed, based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0126] In addition, the wireless communication and / or network signaling at the UE includes any one or combination of the following: wherein taking one or more actions includes ignoring an increase or decrease in the quality of the signal of the wireless cell within a threshold; the wireless communication and / or network signaling at the UE also includes: receiving a second signaling indicating a value of the beam fixing duration of the wireless cell; and wherein taking one or more actions includes: if the signal measurement is earlier than the beam fixing duration, the signal measurement is considered outdated and discarded; the wireless communication and / or network signaling at the UE also includes: receiving a second signaling indicating the moment when the beam switching occurs; and wherein taking one or more actions includes ignoring an increase or decrease in the signal quality after that moment; wherein the first signaling indicates A quasi-co-location relationship of the "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type; wherein taking one or more actions includes: obtaining a signal quality pattern of a signal; and adjusting a signal quality measurement based at least in part on the signal quality pattern; wireless communication and / or network signaling at the UE also includes: wherein taking one or more actions includes using signal quality measurements without averaging consecutive signal quality measurements; wireless communication and / or network signaling at the UE also includes: receiving a second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of a wireless cell; and wherein taking one or more actions includes using signal quality measurements without averaging the signal quality measurements within a window longer than the beam fixation duration; wherein the method is implemented in a user device.

[0127] The processor 606 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 606 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 606. The processor 606 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 608) to cause the device 602 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0128] The memory 608 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 608 may store computer-readable computer executable code, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 606, cause the device 602 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or another type of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executed by the processor 606, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 608 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0129] I / O controller 614 can manage input and output signals of device 602. I / O controller 614 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 602. In some implementations, I / O controller 614 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 614 can utilize an operating system, such as Or other known operating systems. In some implementations, I / O controller 614 can be implemented as part of a processor such as processor 606. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 602 via I / O controller 614 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 614.

[0130] In some implementations, the device 602 may include a single antenna 616. However, in some other implementations, the device 602 may have more than one antenna 616, which may be capable of concurrently sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The receiver 610 and the transmitter 612 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 616, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the receiver 610 and the transmitter 612 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 616 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 616.

[0131] Figure 7 An example of a block diagram 700 of a device 702 supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The device 702 may be an example of a base station 102 (such as a gNB) as described herein. The device 702 may support wireless communications and / or network signaling with one or more base stations 102, other UEs 104, core network devices and functions (e.g., core network 106), or any combination thereof. The device 702 may include components for bidirectional communication, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 704, a processor 706, a memory 708, a receiver 710, a transmitter 712, and an I / O controller 714. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus).

[0132] The communication manager 704, the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the disclosure described herein. For example, the communication manager 704, the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or various combinations or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more functions described herein.

[0133] In some implementations, the communication manager 704, the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit system). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, which is configured to or otherwise supports means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some implementations, the processor 706 and the memory 708 coupled to the processor 706 may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory 708 by the processor 706).

[0134] Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the communication manager 704, the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by the processor 706 (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by the processor 706, the functionality of the communication manager 704, the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured or otherwise supported to perform the functions described in the present disclosure).

[0135] In some implementations, the communication manager 704 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, monitor, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or both. For example, the communication manager 704 may receive information from the receiver 710, send information to the transmitter 712, or cooperate with the receiver 710, the transmitter 712, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations described herein. Although the communication manager 704 is illustrated as a separate component, in some implementations, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 704 may be supported or performed by the processor 706, the memory 708, or any combination thereof. For example, the memory 708 may store code that may include instructions executable by the processor 706 to cause the device 702 to perform various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein, or the processor 706 and the memory 708 may be configured to perform or support such operations.

[0136] For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 504 can support wireless communication and / or network signaling at a device (e.g., device 702, base station (e.g., gNB)). The communication manager 704 and / or other device components can be configured as or otherwise support an apparatus such as a base station, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to cause the apparatus to: send a first signaling indicating that a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell is quasi-terrestrial fixed to a UE; and take one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0137] In addition, the device (e.g., a base station) includes any one or a combination of the following: wherein taking one or more actions is sending a second signaling to the UE indicating the beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; wherein taking one or more actions is sending a second signaling to the UE indicating the moment when the beam switching occurs; wherein the first signaling indicates a quasi-co-location relationship of the "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type; wherein the processor and the transceiver are also configured to enable the device to: receive a second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from the UE; and wherein taking one or more actions is: in response to the signal quality measurement being performed before the latest quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance, the signal quality measurement is considered outdated and discarded; wherein the processor and The transceiver is also configured to cause the device to: send a second signaling indicating the configuration of multiple measurements and reports of the UE in each of multiple beam dwelling periods to the UE; and wherein one or more actions are taken: based on the configuration of the multiple measurements and reports, receiving a third signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from the UE; wherein the UE is one of the multiple UEs, and the processor and transceiver are also configured to cause the device to: receive a second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from each of the multiple UEs; and wherein one or more actions are taken using the signal quality measurements from the multiple UEs to predict future signal quality measurements of one or more of the multiple UEs; wherein the device includes a base station.

[0138] The communication manager 704 and / or other device components may be configured to or otherwise support a component for wireless communication and / or network signaling at a base station, comprising: sending a first signaling to a UE indicating that a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell is quasi-terrestrial fixed; and taking one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed.

[0139] In addition, the wireless communication at the base station includes any one or combination of the following: wherein taking one or more actions includes sending a second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of a wireless cell to the UE; wherein taking one or more actions includes sending a second signaling indicating a moment when a beam switch occurs to the UE; wherein the first signaling indicates a quasi-co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type; the wireless communication at the base station also includes: receiving a second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from the UE; and wherein taking one or more actions includes: in response to the signal quality measurement being performed before the latest quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance, discarding the signal quality measurement as outdated; the wireless communication at the base station also includes: sending a second signaling indicating a configuration of multiple measurements and reports of the UE in each of a plurality of beam dwelling periods to the UE; and wherein taking one or more actions includes: receiving a third signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from the UE according to the configuration of the multiple measurements and reports; wherein the UE is one of a plurality of UEs, and the wireless communication at the base station also includes: receiving a second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from each of a plurality of UEs; and wherein taking one or more actions includes using the signal quality measurements from a plurality of UEs to predict future signal quality measurements of one or more of a plurality of UEs; wherein the method is implemented in a base station.

[0140] The processor 706 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 706 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 706. The processor 706 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 708) to cause the device 702 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0141] The memory 708 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 708 may store computer-readable computer executable code, which includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 706, cause the device 702 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a system memory or another type of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executed by the processor 706, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some implementations, the memory 708 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0142] I / O controller 714 can manage input and output signals for device 702. I / O controller 714 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 702. In some implementations, I / O controller 714 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 714 can use an operating system, such as Or other known operating systems. In some implementations, I / O controller 714 can be implemented as part of a processor such as processor 706. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 702 via I / O controller 714 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 714.

[0143] In some implementations, the device 702 may include a single antenna 716. However, in some other implementations, the device 702 may have more than one antenna 716, which may be capable of concurrently sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The receiver 710 and the transmitter 712 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 716, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the receiver 710 and the transmitter 712 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 716 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from the one or more antennas 716.

[0144] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method 800 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 800 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The UE 104 or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0145] At 802, the method may include receiving first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell. The operations of 802 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 802 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0146] At 804, the method may include taking one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed. The operations of 804 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 804 may be described with reference to Figure 1The device is used to perform the above.

[0147] Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method 900 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 900 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The UE 104 or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0148] At 902, the method may include receiving second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration value for a wireless cell. The operations of 902 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 902 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0149] At 904, the method may include wherein taking one or more actions is: if the signal measurement is older than the beam fixation duration, discarding the signal measurement as outdated. The operation of 904 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 904 may be described by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0150] Fig.10 1 is a flow chart of a method 1000 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1000 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The UE 104 or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0151] At 1002, the method may include receiving second signaling indicating a time at which a beam switch occurs. The operations of 1002 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1002 may be described with reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0152] At 1004, the method may include where taking one or more actions is ignoring an increase or decrease in signal quality within a threshold amount of time after the moment. The operations of 1004 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1004 may be described by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0153] Fig.11 A flow chart of a method 1100 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1100 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The UE 104 or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0154] At 1102, the method may include receiving second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell. The operations of 1102 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1102 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0155] At 1104, the method may include where taking one or more actions is using the signal quality measurement without averaging the signal quality measurement over a window longer than the beam fixation duration. The operations of 1104 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1104 may be described with reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0156] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method 1200 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1200 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0157] At 1202, the method may include sending first signaling to the UE indicating that the cell mobility type associated with the wireless cell is quasi-terrestrial fixed. The operations of 1202 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1202 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0158] At 1204, the method may include taking one or more actions to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed. The operations of 1204 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1204 may be described by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0159] Fig.13 A flow chart of a method 1300 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1300 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0160] At 1302, the method may include receiving second signaling from the UE indicating a signal quality measurement. The operations of 1302 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1302 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0161] At 1304, the method may include wherein taking one or more actions is: in response to the signal quality measurement being performed before the most recent quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance, discarding the signal quality measurement as outdated. The operations of 1304 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1304 may be performed by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0162] Fig.14 A flow chart of a method 1400 for supporting signal measurements in a non-terrestrial network with quasi-terrestrial fixed cells according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of the method 1400 may be performed by, for example, a reference Figures 1 to 7 The base station 102 (e.g., gNB) or other devices or components thereof are implemented and executed. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0163] At 1402, the method may include sending second signaling to the UE indicating configuration of a plurality of measurements and reports of the UE in each of a plurality of beam dwell periods. The operations of 1402 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1402 may be implemented by reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0164] At 1404, the method may include where taking one or more actions is: receiving a third signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from the UE according to the configuration of the plurality of measurements and reports. The operations of 1404 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1404 may be described with reference to Figure 1 The device is used to perform the above.

[0165] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. In addition, aspects from two or more methods may be combined. The order in which the methods are described is not intended to be interpreted as limiting, and any number or combination of the method operations described may be performed in any order of execution or alternative methods.

[0166] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0167] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or sent via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination of these. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0168] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of computer programs from one place to another. Non-transient storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer. As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or can be used to carry or store desired program code devices in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer, or any other non-transient medium of a general or special-purpose processor.

[0169] Any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is sent from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave), the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave) is included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disks and optical disks as used herein include CDs, laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0170] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") represents an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, a list of one or more of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, a list of at least one of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, a list of one or more of A, B, or C represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a set of closed conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.” Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

[0171] The descriptions described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "better than other examples." The detailed description includes specific details to facilitate understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusing the concepts of the described examples.

[0172] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device comprising: Transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell; as well as Based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed, one or more actions are taken to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein taking the one or more actions is ignoring an increase or decrease in quality of the signal of the wireless cell within a threshold quality value.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving second signaling indicating a value of a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; and The one or more actions taken include: if the signal measurement is older than the beam fixation duration, the signal measurement is considered outdated and discarded.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving second signaling indicating a time at which beam switching occurs; and Wherein taking the one or more actions is: ignoring an increase or decrease in signal quality within a threshold amount of time after the moment.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first signaling indicates a quasi co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein taking the one or more actions is: obtaining a signal quality pattern of the signal; and A signal quality measurement is adjusted based at least in part on the signal quality pattern.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein taking the one or more actions is: Use signal quality measurements without averaging consecutive signal quality measurements.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell; and The one or more actions are: using signal quality measurements without averaging the signal quality measurements over a window longer than the beam fixation duration.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises user equipment.

10. An apparatus comprising: Transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to cause the apparatus to: sending first signaling to a user equipment (UE) indicating that a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell is quasi-terrestrial fixed; as well as One or more actions are taken to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed. 11 . The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein taking the one or more actions is sending second signaling indicating a beam fixation duration of the wireless cell to the UE.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein taking the one or more actions is: Sending a second signaling to the UE indicating the time when the beam switching occurs.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first signaling indicates a quasi co-location relationship of a "quasi-fixed" or "quasi-terrestrial fixed" type.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving second signaling from the UE indicating a signal quality measurement; and The taking of the one or more actions includes: in response to the signal quality measurement being performed before a most recent quasi-terrestrial fixed beam switching instance, discarding the signal quality measurement as outdated.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: sending second signaling to the UE indicating configuration of a plurality of measurements and reports of the UE in each of a plurality of beam dwell periods; and The taking of the one or more actions comprises: receiving, from the UE, third signaling indicating a signal quality measurement according to the configuration of multiple measurements and reports.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the UE is one of a plurality of UEs, and the processor and the transceiver are further configured to cause the apparatus to: receiving second signaling indicating a signal quality measurement from each of the plurality of UEs; and The taking of the one or more actions is: using the signal quality measurements from the plurality of UEs to predict future signal quality measurements of one or more UEs of the plurality of UEs.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a base station.

18. A method comprising: receiving first signaling indicating a cell mobility type associated with a wireless cell; as well as Based at least in part on the cell mobility type being quasi-terrestrial fixed, one or more actions are taken to indicate that the cell mobility type is quasi-terrestrial fixed.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving second signaling indicating a value of a beam fixation duration of the radio cell; and The taking of the one or more actions includes: if the signal measurement is older than the beam fixation duration, discarding the signal measurement as outdated.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving second signaling indicating a time at which beam switching occurs; and The taking of the one or more actions comprises: ignoring an increase or decrease in signal quality after the time instant.

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