Techniques for performing non-ground cell measurements

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) may establish a communication session with a network via a non-terrestrial network (NTN) entity. The UE may receive control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurements of the NTN cell. The UE may receive a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells. The UE may transmit a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The UE may perform the measurement of the reference signal in response to one or both of a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the measurement trigger criteria being satisfied. The described technology can enable the UE to achieve the beneficial effects of improving efficiency, reducing power consumption and the like when performing NTN cell measurement.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 17 / 838,466, entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR PERFORMING NON-TERRESTRIAL CELL MEASUREMENTS,” filed by SHRESTHA et al. on June 13, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of this patent application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and the like. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth generation (5G) systems, which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations, each of which supports wireless communication of communication devices, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] In some wireless communication systems, a UE may be configured to receive and measure reference signals from nearby cells if certain conditions are met. However, these conditions and measurement procedures may not be applicable to non-terrestrial cells with limited availability. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices and apparatuses that support technology for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements. For example, the described technology allows a user equipment (UE) to be configured with a set of measurement trigger criteria for measuring non-terrestrial network (NTN) cells. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a UE may establish a communication session with a network via an NTN entity. The UE may receive control signaling that identifies one or more measurement trigger criteria (also referred to as conditions or parameters) for measurement of an NTN cell. The UE may receive a reference signal from one or more NTN cells in the NTN cell. The UE may send a message indicating the measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one NTN cell in the NTN cell. The UE may perform the measurement of the reference signal in response to one or both of the following: a change in the received power associated with the NTN entity meets a signal power threshold or at least one of the measurement trigger criteria is met. The described technology may enable the UE to achieve beneficial effects such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements.

[0007] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include: establishing a communication session with a network via an NTN entity; receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; receiving a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells; and sending a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establish a communication session with a network via an NTN entity; receive control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; receive a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells; and send a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0009] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include: means for establishing a communication session with a network via an NTN entity; means for receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; means for receiving a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells; and means for sending a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: establish a communication session with a network via an NTN entity; receive control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; receive a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells; and send a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for starting a timer for the time period after the change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies the signal power threshold, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the timer expires.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: determining that the distance between the UE and the reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the satisfaction of the distance-based measurement trigger criterion.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining that a time-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the satisfaction of the time-based measurement trigger criterion.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the time window.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for sending UE assistance information indicating a location of the UE, an estimated service duration of a cell supported by the NTN entity, or both.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: in response to determining that the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications obtained by the UE meets the threshold number and the distance between the UE and a reference location corresponding to the coverage area of ​​the cell supported by the NTN entity meets the distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, start a timer for the time period.

[0018] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: stopping the timer when the number of consecutive synchronization indications obtained by the UE meets a second threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference location fails to meet the distance-based measurement trigger criterion.

[0019] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed by the UE before the timer expires.

[0020] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed by the UE after expiration of the timer.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a radio link failure procedure may be performed by the UE after expiration of the timer.

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: receiving a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the control message.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the control message indicates a network type, an orbit type, an NTN identifier, a reference signal offset relative to the NTN entity, one or more common timing advance (TA) parameters, or a combination thereof for the candidate cell list, the candidate frequency list, or both.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the NTN cells, a reference location, a location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the NTN cells is capable of providing coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the measurement time window.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing, by the UE, a retuning process from a first frequency associated with the communication session to at least one second frequency associated with at least one of the NTN cells prior to measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed by the UE during a gap period between two scheduled transmissions, the gap period comprising one or more physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) periods, and the two scheduled transmissions comprising a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback transmission and a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission.

[0027] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the gap period may be based on a downlink time slot in which the subsequent uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled, a TA value reported by the UE, an offset parameter indicated by a system information block (SIB), a round-trip time associated with the HARQ feedback transmission, or a combination thereof.

[0028] A method for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The method may include: establishing a communication session with a UE; outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the network entity; and obtaining a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed during a time period determined based on one or both of: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

[0029] An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establish a communication session with a UE; output control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; output a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the network entity; and obtain a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0030] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The apparatus may include: means for establishing a communication session with a UE; means for outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; means for outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the network entity; and means for obtaining a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed during a time period determined based on one or both of: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

[0031] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: establish a communication session with a UE; output control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of NTN cells; output a reference signal via the NTN cells supported by the network entity; and obtain a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The measurement may be performed during a time period determined based on one or both of: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed for the time period before the expiration of the timer, the time period beginning when the change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies the signal power threshold, and the control signaling indicates the signal power threshold, the duration of the timer, or both.

[0033] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed in response to a distance between the UE and a reference location satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0034] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measuring of the reference signal may be performed in response to a time-based measurement trigger criterion of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

[0035] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measuring of the reference signal may be performed within a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network entity.

[0036] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for obtaining one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal may be performed during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

[0037] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for obtaining UE assistance information indicating a location of the UE, an estimated service duration of the NTN cell supported by the network entity, or both.

[0038] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the measurement of the reference signal may be performed in response to a number of consecutive out-of-sync indications satisfying a threshold number and a distance between the UE and the network entity satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0039] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: outputting a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed based on the control message.

[0040] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for the following actions: outputting a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the NTN cells, a reference location, a location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the NTN cells is able to provide coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed within the measurement time window. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0042] Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a communication timeline supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0043] Figure 5 An example of a process flow supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 8 A block diagram of a communications manager supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Fig. 9A diagram of a system including a device supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Fig.12 A block diagram of a communications manager supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Fig.13 A diagram of a system including a device supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figures 14 to 17 A flow chart illustrating a method supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In some wireless communication systems, a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) user equipment (UE) may be configured to perform periodic measurements of nearby cells (also referred to herein as neighboring cells). The NB-IoT UE may perform these measurements and report these measurements to a network entity when the NB-IoT UE is in connected mode. In some cases, the NB-IoT UE may be configured to perform measurements of one or more neighboring cells when the narrowband reference signal received power (NRSRP) associated with the serving cell of the NB-IoT UE drops by a threshold. More specifically, the NB-IoT UE may start a timer after the NRSRP of the serving cell drops by the threshold. While the timer is active (e.g., not expired), the NB-IoT UE may perform measurements of reference signals from one or more neighboring cells. The cell measurements obtained by the NB-IoT UE may assist the cell search and selection process at the NB-IoT UE.

[0052] However, some cell measurement procedures may not be applicable to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). As described herein, an NTN may refer to a wireless network that includes one or more satellites, zeppelins, aircraft, drones, spacecraft, or other non-terrestrial devices. Terrestrial cell measurement procedures may not be applicable to NTN deployments because the UE may not be able to access or measure NTN cells supported by non-terrestrial devices (e.g., satellites) if the distance between the non-terrestrial device and the UE is greater than a threshold. In other words, the UE may be limited to performing NTN cell measurements within a specific time window (e.g., when the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell coincides with the location of the UE). Attempting to perform measurements of NTN cells outside of these windows may result in unnecessary power consumption at the UE.

[0053] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a UE may be configured with a set of NTN-specific cell measurement trigger criteria (also referred to herein as trigger conditions or trigger parameters). These NTN-specific trigger criteria may include distance-based trigger criteria and time-based trigger criteria. For example, when the distance between the UE and a reference point exceeds a threshold (e.g., when the distance-based trigger criteria are met), the UE may initiate an NTN cell measurement process. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may be configured to perform measurements of NTN cells within a specific time window (e.g., when the time-based trigger criteria are met). These NTN-specific trigger criteria may be defined or signaled to the UE via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE), etc.

[0054] The NTN specific trigger criteria described herein may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the terrestrial NB-IoT measurement criteria. For example, if the NRSRP associated with the UE's serving cell decreases by a threshold, if the time-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, if the distance-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, or any combination thereof, the UE may start a timer and begin performing NTN cell measurements. In order to improve the efficiency of the NTN cell measurement process at the UE, the network entity may provide auxiliary information to the UE, such as a candidate cell list, timing information, cell network type information, reference signal offset information, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may provide auxiliary information to the network, such as the UE's location or an estimated service duration of the NTN cell.

[0055] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. The described techniques may enable the UE to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring the UE to avoid measuring NTN cells before the UE is within the range of the NTN cell may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the UE. In addition, providing auxiliary information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to the UE may reduce the number of blind cell search processes performed by the UE, which may reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at the UE.

[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure are first described in the context of wireless communication systems, communication timelines, and process flows. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated by apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams involving techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements, and are described with reference to these diagrams.

[0057] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, a New Radio (NR) network, or a network operating according to other systems and radio technologies (including future systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein).

[0058] The network entities 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100, and may include devices in different forms or with different capabilities. In various examples, the network entities 105 may be referred to as network elements, mobility elements, radio access network (RAN) nodes, or network equipment, among other nomenclature. In some examples, the network entities 105 and the UE 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., radio frequency (RF) access links). For example, the network entity 105 may support a coverage area 110 (e.g., a geographic coverage area) within which the UE 115 and the network entity 105 may establish one or more communication links 125. The coverage area 110 may be an example of a geographic area within which the network entity 105 and the UE 115 may support signal communications according to one or more radio access technologies (RATs).

[0059] The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile, or stationary and mobile at different times. The UEs 115 may be devices in different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be capable of supporting communication with various types of devices (such as Figure 1 Communicate with other UEs 115 or network entities 105) as shown.

[0060] As described herein, a node of the wireless communication system 100 (which may be referred to as a network node or a wireless node) may be a network entity 105 (e.g., any network entity described herein), a UE 115 (e.g., any UE described herein), a network controller, an apparatus, a device, a computing system, one or more components, or another suitable processing entity configured to perform any of the techniques described herein. For example, the node may be a UE 115. As another example, the node may be a network entity 105. As another example, a first node may be configured to communicate with a second node or a third node. In one aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a UE 115. In another aspect of this example, the first node may be a UE 115, the second node may be a network entity 105, and the third node may be a network entity 105. In other aspects of this example, the first node, the second node, and the third node may be different relative to these examples. Similarly, references to UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. may include disclosure of UE 115, network entity 105, apparatus, device, computing system, etc. as nodes. For example, a disclosure that UE 115 is configured to receive information from network entity 105 also discloses that the first node is configured to receive information from a second node.

[0061] In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, the network entities 105 may communicate with the core network 130 via one or more backhaul communication links 120 (e.g., according to S1, N2, N3, or other interface protocols). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the network entities 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) via the backhaul communication links 120 (e.g., according to X2, Xn, or other interface protocols). In some examples, the network entities 105 may communicate with each other via midhaul communication links 162 (e.g., according to a midhaul interface protocol) or fronthaul communication links 168 (e.g., according to a fronthaul interface protocol) or any combination thereof. The backhaul communication links 120, midhaul communication links 162, or fronthaul communication links 168 may be or include one or more wired links (e.g., electrical links, optical fiber links), one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links, wireless optical links), etc. or various combinations thereof. UE 115 may communicate with core network 130 via communication link 155 .

[0062] One or more of the network entities 105 described herein may include or may be referred to as a base station 140 (e.g., a transceiver base station, a radio base station, an NR base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B, or a Gigabit Node B (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a 5G NB, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a Home Node B, a Home Evolved Node B, or other suitable terms). In some examples, the network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may be implemented in an aggregated (e.g., monolithic, stand-alone) base station architecture, which may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single network entity 105 (e.g., a single RAN node, such as a base station 140).

[0063] In some examples, the network entity 105 may be implemented in a disaggregated architecture (e.g., a disaggregated base station architecture, a disaggregated RAN architecture) that may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more network entities 105, such as an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity 105 may include one or more of the following: a central unit (CU) 160, a distributed unit (DU) 165, a radio unit (RU) 170, a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 175 (e.g., a near real-time RIC (near RT RIC), a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC)), a service management and orchestration (SMO) 180 system, or any combination thereof. The RU 170 may also be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a transmit receive point (TRP). One or more components of the network entity 105 in the decomposed RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of the network entity 105 may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some examples, one or more network entities 105 of the decomposed RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0064] The functional split between CU 160, DU 165, and RU 170 is flexible and may support different functionalities depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, RF functions, and any combination thereof) are performed at CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170. For example, a functional split of a protocol stack may be employed between CU 160 and DU 165 such that CU 160 may support one or more layers of a protocol stack and DU 165 may support one or more different layers of a protocol stack. In some examples, CU 160 may host higher protocol layer (e.g., layer 3 (L3), layer 2 (L2)) functionality and signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)). The CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170, and the one or more DUs 165 or RUs 170 may host lower protocol layers, such as layer 1 (L1) (e.g., physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and may each be at least partially controlled by the CU 160. Additionally or alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack may be employed between the DUs 165 and RUs 170, such that the DUs 165 may support one or more layers of the protocol stack, and the RUs 170 may support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DUs 165 may support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs 170). In some cases, the functional split between CU 160 and DU 165 or between DU 165 and RU 170 may be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by different ones of CU 160, DU 165, or RU 170). CU 160 may be further functionally split into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. CU 160 may be connected to one or more DUs 165 via midhaul communication links 162 (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and DU 165 may be connected to one or more RUs 170 via fronthaul communication links 168 (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interface). In some examples, midhaul communication link 162 or fronthaul communication link 168 may be implemented based on interfaces (eg, channels) between layers of a protocol stack supported by respective network entities 105 that communicate via those communication links.

[0065] In some wireless communication systems (e.g., wireless communication system 100), infrastructure and spectrum resources for radio access may support wireless backhaul link capabilities to supplement wired backhaul connections, thereby providing an IAB network architecture (e.g., to core network 130). In some cases, in an IAB network, one or more network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) may be partially controlled by each other. One or more IAB nodes 104 may be referred to as donor entities or IAB donors. One or more DUs 165 or one or more RUs 170 may be controlled in part by one or more CUs 160 associated with a donor network entity 105 (e.g., donor base station 140). One or more donor network entities 105 (e.g., IAB donors) may communicate with one or more additional network entities 105 (e.g., IAB nodes 104) via supported access and backhaul links (e.g., backhaul communication links 120). The IAB node 104 may include an IAB mobile terminal (IAB-MT) controlled (e.g., scheduled) by a coupled IAB donor's DU 165. The IAB-MT may include an independent set of antennas for relaying communications with the UE 115, or may share the same antennas of the IAB node 104 (e.g., of the RU 170) for access via the DU 165 of the IAB node 104 (e.g., referred to as a virtual IAB-MT (vIAB-MT)). In some examples, the IAB node 104 may include a DU 165 that supports communication links with additional entities (e.g., IAB node 104, UE 115) within a relay chain or configuration (e.g., downstream) of the access network. In such cases, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., one or more IAB nodes 104 or components of the IAB node 104) may be configured to operate according to the techniques described herein.

[0066] Where the techniques described herein are applied to the context of a decomposed RAN architecture, one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture may be configured to support the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, some operations described as being performed by a UE 115 or a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) may additionally or alternatively be performed by one or more components of the decomposed RAN architecture (e.g., an IAB node 104, a DU 165, a CU 160, a RU 170, a RIC 175, a SMO 180).

[0067] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, etc. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an IoT device, an Internet of Things (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various items such as appliances, or vehicles, meters, etc.

[0068] The UE 115 described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of devices such as other UEs 115 which may sometimes act as relays, as well as network entities 105 and network equipment including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 shown.

[0069] The UE 115 and the network entity 105 may use resources associated with one or more carriers to communicate wirelessly with each other via one or more communication links 125 (e.g., access links). The term "carrier" may refer to a collection of RF spectrum resources having a physical layer structure defined to support the communication link 125. For example, a carrier for the communication link 125 may include a portion of an RF spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating carrier operations, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. According to the carrier aggregation configuration, the UE 115 may be configured to have multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used for both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers. Communication between the network entity 105 and other devices may refer to communication between these devices and any part (e.g., entity, sub-entity) of the network entity 105. For example, the terms "send", "receive", or "communicate" when referring to the network entity 105 may refer to any part of the network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, CU 160, DU 165, RU 170) of the RAN communicating with another device (e.g., directly or via one or more other network entities 105).

[0070] The signal waveform transmitted via the carrier may include multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)). In a system using MCM techniques, a resource element may refer to a resource of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, in which case the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing may be inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both), so that a relatively high number of resource elements (e.g., in the transmission duration) and a relatively high order modulation scheme may correspond to a relatively high communication rate. Wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of RF spectrum resources, time resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial resources may increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with UE 115.

[0071] The time interval for the network entity 105 or the UE 115 may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may be, for example, a sampling period T s =1 / (Δf max ·N f ) seconds, where Δf max It can represent the supported subcarrier spacing, and N f The supported discrete Fourier transform (DFT) size may be indicated. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames, each having a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0072] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, the frame may be divided into subframes (e.g., in the time domain), and each subframe may be further divided into a certain number of time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a certain number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix appended in front of each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, the time slot may be further divided into a plurality of micro time slots associated with one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may be associated with one or more (e.g., N f The duration of a symbol period may depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0073] A subframe, a time slot, a mini-time slot, or a symbol may be the smallest scheduling unit (e.g., in the time domain) of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the TTI duration (e.g., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI)).

[0074] Physical channels may be multiplexed according to various techniques in order to communicate using a carrier. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed, for example, using one or more of a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique for signaling via a downlink carrier. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel may be defined by a set of symbol periods and may extend across a system bandwidth of a carrier or a subset of that system bandwidth. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESETs) may be configured for a set of UEs 115. For example, one or more of the UEs 115 may monitor or search a control region for control information according to one or more search space sets, and each search space set may include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a cascaded manner. The aggregation level of a control channel candidate may refer to the amount of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space sets may include a common search space set configured for transmitting control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for transmitting control information to a specific UE 115 .

[0075] The network entity 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer to a logical communication entity used to communicate with the network entity 105 (e.g., using a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID), or other identifier) ​​used to distinguish adjacent cells. In some examples, a cell may also refer to a coverage area 110 or a portion of a coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical communication entity operates. Depending on various factors such as the capabilities of the network entity 105, such cells may range from smaller areas (e.g., structures, subsets of structures) to larger areas. For example, a cell may be or may include a building, a subset of a building, or an external space between or overlapping coverage areas 110, and the like.

[0076] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have service subscriptions with a network provider that supports the macro cell. Small cells may be associated with lower power network entities 105 (e.g., lower power base stations 140) compared to macro cells, and small cells may operate using the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may provide unrestricted access to UEs 115 that have service subscriptions with a network provider, or may provide restricted access to UEs 115 associated with small cells (e.g., UEs 115 in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs 115 associated with users in a home or office). The network entity 105 may support one or more cells, and may also support communications via one or more cells using one or more component carriers.

[0077] In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., MTC, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) that may provide access to different types of devices.

[0078] In some examples, the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140, RUs 170) may be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for mobile coverage areas 110. In some examples, different coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same network entity 105. In some other examples, overlapping coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different network entities 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network in which different types of network entities 105 provide coverage for various coverage areas 110 using the same or different radio access technologies.

[0079] The wireless communication system 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the network entities 105 (e.g., base stations 140) may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different network entities 105 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the network entities 105 may have different frame timing, and in some examples, transmissions from different network entities 105 may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0080] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may allow automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140) without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communication from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay such information to a central server or application that uses the information or presents the information to a person interacting with the application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include: smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, health care monitoring, field survival monitoring, weather and geographic event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based commercial charging.

[0081] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ a reduced power consumption mode of operation, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports unidirectional communication via transmission or reception but does not transmit and receive concurrently). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving deep sleep mode when not engaged in active communications, operating using limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., a subcarrier or resource block (RB) set) within a carrier, within a guard band of a carrier, or outside a carrier.

[0082] The wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication or various combinations thereof. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The UE 115 may be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency or critical functions. Ultra-reliable communication may include private or group communications and may be supported by one or more services such as push-to-talk, video or data. Support for ultra-reliable, low-latency functions may include prioritization of services, and such services may be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency and ultra-reliable low-latency are used interchangeably herein.

[0083] In some examples, the UE 115 may be configured to support communication directly with other UEs 115 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., according to a peer-to-peer (P2P), D2D, or sidelink protocol). In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in a group that are performing D2D communication may be within a coverage area 110 of a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140, a RU 170), which may support aspects of such D2D communication configured (e.g., scheduled) by the network entity 105. In some examples, one or more UEs 115 in such a group may be outside of the coverage area 110 of the network entity 105, or may otherwise be unable or not configured to receive transmissions from the network entity 105. In some examples, a group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may support a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each of the other UEs 115 in the group. In some examples, network entity 105 may facilitate scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In some other examples, D2D communications may be performed between UEs 115 without involving network entity 105.

[0084] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), and the EPC or 5GC may include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)) for routing packets or interconnecting to an external network. The control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by a network entity 105 (e.g., a base station 140) associated with the core network 130. User IP packets may be delivered through the user plane entity, which may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity may be connected to the IP service 150 of one or more network operators. IP services 150 may include access to the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming media services.

[0085] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands that may be in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). In general, the region of 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths are in the range of from about one decimeter to one meter long. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features (which may be referred to as clusters), but these waves may be sufficient to penetrate structures so that macro cells provide service to UEs 115 located indoors. Communications using UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than communications using the lower frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0086] The wireless communication system 100 may utilize licensed and unlicensed RF spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may employ license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology using unlicensed bands (such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band). When operating using unlicensed RF spectrum bands, devices such as the network entity 105 and the UE 115 may employ carrier sensing for conflict detection and avoidance. In some examples, operations performed using unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) in conjunction with component carriers operating using licensed bands. Operations performed using unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, among others.

[0087] The network entity 105 (e.g., base station 140, RU 170) or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ technologies such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. The antennas of the network entity 105 or UE 115 may be located in one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels, which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly (such as an antenna tower). In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with the network entity 105 may be located at different geographical locations. The network entity 105 may include an antenna array having a set of antenna ports of multiple rows and columns that the network entity 105 can use to support beamforming for communications with the UE 115. Similarly, the UE 115 may include one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support RF beamforming for signals sent via the antenna ports.

[0088] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a network entity 105, a UE 115) to shape or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals conveyed via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating in a particular direction relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals conveyed via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of these antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular direction (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device or relative to some other direction).

[0089] The wireless communication system 100 may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or PDCP layer may be IP-based. The RLC layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate via logical channels. The MAC layer may perform priority processing and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also implement error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both to support retransmissions to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the RRC layer may provide the establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection that supports radio bearers of user plane data between the UE 115 and the network entity 105 or the core network 130. The PHY layer may map transport channels to physical channels.

[0090] UE 115 and network entity 105 may support retransmission of data to increase the likelihood of data being successfully received. Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is a technique for increasing the likelihood of correctly receiving data via a communication link (e.g., communication link 125, D2D communication link 135). HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, a device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, in which case the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific time slot for data received via a previous symbol in the time slot. In some other examples, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time interval.

[0091] Some NB-IoT UEs may be configured to perform neighbor cell measurements in connected mode (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED). However, a similar approach may be used for relaxed neighbor cell monitoring in idle mode (e.g., RRC_IDLE). When the NRSRP associated with the serving cell of the NB-IoT UE degrades (e.g., decreases, falls, decreases) by a threshold value (s-MeasureDeltaP), the NB-IoT UE may start a timer (e.g., T326 with a value of t-MeasureDeltaP). The NB-IoT UE may determine the NRSRP relative to a reference NRSRP (NRSRP ref ), the reference NRSRP may be the last NRSRP measurement performed before the NB-IoT UE entered the connected state. The reference NRSRP value may be updated whenever a threshold (s-MeasureDeltaP) is exceeded. When the timer (T326) is active, the NB-IoT UE may perform neighbor cell measurements if certain criteria are met. These techniques are applicable to different frequency combinations (inter-frequency, intra-frequency) and coverage levels.

[0092] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a UE 115 may establish a communication session with a network entity 105 associated with an NTN. The UE 115 may receive control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurements of an NTN cell. As described herein, an NTN cell may refer to a coverage area or a geographic area served by a non-terrestrial device (e.g., a satellite). After receiving the control signaling, the UE 115 may receive a reference signal via one or more NTN cells. The UE 115 may send a message indicating the measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells. The UE 115 may perform the measurement of the reference signal in response to one or both of the following: a change in the received power associated with the network entity 105 satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the measurement triggering criteria is satisfied.

[0093] Various aspects of the wireless communication system 100 may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. Figure 1 The described techniques may enable the UE 115 to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring the UE 115 to avoid measuring NTN cells before the UE 115 is within range of the NTN cells may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the UE 115. In addition, providing assistance information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to the UE 115 may reduce the number of blind cell search procedures performed by the UE 115, which may reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at the UE 115.

[0094] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 200 may implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, or be implemented by it. For example, the wireless communication system 200 may include a network entity 105-a, a network entity 105-b, a network entity 105-c, and a UE 115-a, which may be reference Figure 1 The network entity 105-a and the network entity 105-b may be associated with the NTN, and the network entity 105-c may be associated with the terrestrial network. The wireless communication system 200 may also include coverage areas 110-a, 110-b, 110-c, 110-d, and 110-e, which may be reference areas. Figure 1 An example of the coverage area 110 is shown. In the wireless communication system 200, the UE 115-a may receive and measure one or more reference signals via an NTN cell supported by the network entity 105.

[0095] In some wireless communication systems, support for neighbor cell measurements and corresponding measurement triggering criteria (before initiating the Radio Link Failure (RLF) procedure) can use terrestrial NB-IoT and eMTC as a baseline. However, some NTN specific features may be added to these procedures. More specifically, (except for reference Figure 1 The NTN neighbor cell measurement may be triggered using time-based criteria and location-based criteria in addition to the criteria described above. For example, when the NRSRP associated with the serving cell of UE 115-a degrades by a threshold value (s-MeasureDeltaP), when UE 115-a meets a distance-based criterion (e.g., when the distance between UE 115-a and a reference point is greater than a threshold value), when UE 115-a meets a time-based criterion (e.g., when the UE is within a time window defined by a first time T1 and a second time T2), UE 115-a may start a timer (T326 with a value of t-MeasureDeltaP). If the network configures a measurement window for UE 115-a, the network may avoid scheduling physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmissions within the measurement window. However, UE 115-a may still be able to send random access channel (RACH) transmissions or scheduling requests within the measurement window (e.g., UE 115-a may utilize uplink resources within the measurement window).

[0096] UE 115-a may perform cell measurements in connected mode, idle mode, or inactive mode. In some examples, UE 115-a may send auxiliary information (location, estimated service duration of the cell) to one or more network entities in network entity 105. Similarly, network entity 105 may provide auxiliary information to UE 115-a (to assist UE 115-a in performing cell measurements). Alternatively, UE 115-a may determine whether (and how) to perform cell measurements without auxiliary information from network entity 105. The auxiliary information provided by network entity 105 may indicate a list of candidate cells or frequencies, a possible measurement time window corresponding to a beam center, a location or reference location of UE 115-a, and so on. For a mobile cell, the time window may enable UE 115-a to determine when cell coverage may be located in the vicinity of UE 115-a.

[0097] The assistance information provided by the network entity 105 may also indicate that the service time (within the measurement time window) of a particular cell is at least X seconds. The network entity 105 may also provide an indication of whether the cell is a terrestrial network cell, a low earth orbit (LEO) NTN cell, or a geostationary orbit (GEO) NTN cell. Similarly, the network entity 105 may indicate whether two cells are associated with the same satellite or different satellites. The network entity 105 may also indicate a neighboring cell reference signal offset relative to a serving cell reference signal. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity 105 may provide rate of change information (e.g., a common timing advance (TA) parameter) to the UE 115-a.

[0098] exist Figure 2In an example of , UE 115-a may receive control signaling 205 from one or more network entities in network entity 105. Control signaling 205 may indicate one or more cell measurement trigger criteria specific to NTN. These criteria may include time-based criteria, distance-based criteria, or both. Control signaling 205 may also include network assistance information indicating one or more of a cell type, orbit type, identifier, reference signal offset, or TA criteria for one or more neighboring cells. UE 115-a may then perform measurements of reference signals from network entity 105 based on control signaling 205. For example, when UE 115-a is within coverage area 110-e (e.g., a terrestrial cell supported by network entity 105-c), UE 115-a may perform measurements of reference signals 210-a from network entity 105-c. Likewise, when UE 115-a is within coverage area 110-b (e.g., an NTN cell supported by network entity 105-a), UE 115-a may perform measurements of reference signals 210-b from network entity 105-a. Similarly, when UE 115-a is within coverage area 110-c (e.g., an NTN cell supported by network entity 105-b), UE 115-a may perform measurements of reference signals 210-c from network entity 105-b. After receiving and measuring one or more reference signals from network entity 105, UE 115-a may send an indication of cell measurement 215 to one or more of network entities 105.

[0099] Various aspects of the wireless communication system 200 may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. Figure 2 The described techniques may enable UE 115-a to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring UE 115-a to avoid measuring NTN cells before UE 115-a is within range of an NTN cell (e.g., a cell supported by network entity 105-a) may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by UE 115-a. In addition, providing auxiliary information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to UE 115-a may reduce the number of blind cell search procedures performed by UE 115-a, which may reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at UE 115-a.

[0100] Figure 3 An example of a communication timeline 300 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The communication timeline 300 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or the wireless communication system 200. For example, the communication timeline 300 may be implemented by, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2The communication timeline 300 may include a downlink timeline 305 for the network entity, a downlink timeline 310 for the UE, an uplink timeline 315 for the UE, and an uplink timeline 320 for the network entity. As illustrated in the communication timeline 300, the UE may perform neighboring NTN cell measurements during a scheduling gap configured by the network entity.

[0101] As referenced in this article Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the UE may be configured with a set of cell measurement trigger criteria specific to NTN. These NTN specific trigger criteria may include distance-based trigger criteria and time-based trigger criteria. For example, when the distance between the UE and the reference point exceeds a threshold (e.g., when the distance-based trigger criteria are met), the UE may initiate the NTN cell measurement process. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may be configured to perform measurements of the NTN cell within a specific time window (e.g., when the time-based trigger criteria are met). These NTN specific trigger criteria may be defined or signaled to the UE via RRC signaling, DCI, or MAC-CE, etc.

[0102] The NTN specific trigger criteria described herein may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the terrestrial NB-IoT measurement criteria. For example, if the NRSRP associated with the UE's serving cell decreases by a threshold, if the time-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, if the distance-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, or any combination thereof, the UE may start a timer and begin performing NTN cell measurements. In order to improve the efficiency of the NTN cell measurement process at the UE, the network entity may provide auxiliary information to the UE, such as a candidate cell list, timing information, cell network type information, reference signal offset information, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may provide auxiliary information to the network, such as the UE's location or an estimated service duration of the NTN cell.

[0103] In some examples, the network may provide an empty period (e.g., an empty subframe) to the UE so that the UE can re-tune to a different carrier or frequency before performing neighbor cell measurements. In other examples, the network may provide a scheduling gap 325 between any two subsequent uplink or downlink transmissions. The scheduling gap 325 may include one or more PDCCH periods. In some examples, the scheduling gap 325 may start when the UE sends HARQ feedback and end when the next uplink or downlink transmission is expected. The scheduling gap 325 may be configured relative to the downlink time slot n in which the upcoming uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled. The scheduling gap 325 may be based on the TA value reported by the UE and the K broadcast in the system information block (SIB).mac The value of makes the network synchronize with the UE. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the scheduling gap 325 starts at a first time T1 (time slot n−TA value reported by the UE) and ends at a second time T2 (time slot n+TA value reported by the UE). mac +HARQ RTT). However, it should be understood that the scheduling gap 325 can be configured to have any number of different reference points and durations.

[0104] In the downlink timeline 305, the network may configure an offset (K2+K offset ). The TA reported by the UE may span time slots 5 to 15. mac The combination of (offset between uplink and downlink operations at the network entity) and HARQ RTT may span time slots 17 to 20. There may be a propagation delay between downlink timeline 305 and downlink timeline 310. Figure 3 In the example of , the propagation delay may be equal to 5 time slots. However, it should be understood that the propagation delay may have different values ​​in different scenarios. The network entity may send an uplink grant to the UE in time slot 2 of the downlink timeline 305, and the uplink grant may arrive at the UE in time slot 7 of the downlink timeline 305 (time slot 2 of the downlink timeline 310). The UE may be able to receive PDCCH transmissions in time slots 3 to 7 of the downlink timeline 310 (e.g., within the PDCCH reception window). The TA of the UE may span time slots 8 to 16 of the downlink timeline 310.

[0105] There may also be a propagation delay between uplink timeline 315 and uplink timeline 320. The propagation delay may have a value equal to K mac The duration of the sum of the TA value reported by the UE. Figure 3 In the example of , the duration may be equal to 6 time slots. However, it should be understood that the duration of the propagation delay may also depend on the distance between the UE and the network entity, the condition of the wireless medium between the UE and the network entity, the direction between the UE and the network entity, or a combination thereof. The UE's HARQ RTT timer may span time slots 11 to 23 of the uplink timeline 320. The UE's DRX retransmission timer may start in time slot 24 of the uplink timeline 320 (after the HARQ RTT timer). The last physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition performed by the UE (based on an uplink grant received from the network entity) may be equal to K mac The sum of (UE's HARQ RTT timer) and the TA value reported by the UE. Figure 3 In the example of , the last PUSCH repetition may span time slots 11 to 23 of the uplink timeline 320.

[0106] Various aspects of the communication timeline 300 can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. Figure 3 The described techniques can enable the UE to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring the UE to avoid measuring NTN cells before the UE is within the range of the NTN cell can reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the UE. In addition, providing auxiliary information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to the UE can reduce the number of blind cell search procedures performed by the UE, which can reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at the UE.

[0107] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a communication timeline 400 and a communication timeline 401 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The communication timeline 400 and the communication timeline 401 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or the wireless communication system 200. For example, the communication timeline 400 and the communication timeline 401 may be implemented by, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the communication timeline 400 and the communication timeline 401, the UE may start and stop a timer (e.g., a T310_2 timer) based on various measurement triggering criteria. In the communication timeline 400, the UE may trigger an RLF process when the timer expires. In the communication timeline 401, the UE may trigger a neighboring cell measurement process when the timer expires.

[0108] As reference Figures 1 to 3 As described, the UE may be configured with a set of NTN-specific cell measurement trigger criteria. These NTN-specific trigger criteria may include distance-based trigger criteria and time-based trigger criteria. For example, when the distance between the UE and the reference point exceeds a threshold (e.g., when the distance-based trigger criteria are met), the UE may initiate the NTN cell measurement process. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may be configured to perform measurements of NTN cells within a specific time window (e.g., when the time-based trigger criteria are met) or during a time period in which the UE is not expected to receive downlink transmissions from the network.

[0109] The NTN specific trigger criteria described herein may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the terrestrial NB-IoT measurement criteria. For example, if the NRSRP associated with the UE's serving cell decreases by a threshold, if the time-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, if the distance-based NTN cell measurement trigger criteria are met, or any combination thereof, the UE may start a timer and begin performing NTN cell measurements. In order to improve the efficiency of the NTN cell measurement process at the UE, the network entity may provide auxiliary information to the UE, such as a candidate cell list, timing information, cell network type information, reference signal offset information, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may provide auxiliary information to the network, such as the UE's location or an estimated service duration of the NTN cell.

[0110] The UE may determine (after expiration of the T326 timer) whether to initiate RLF or neighbor cell measurement by monitoring the synchronization status between the UE and the UE's serving cell. When the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications (N310) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold (0 or x) and the distance between the UE and the reference location (the center of the serving cell coverage area) is greater than a threshold distance (D_thresh), the UE may start a timer (T310_2). When the number of consecutive synchronization indications (N311) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold (0 or x) and the distance between the UE and the reference location drops to less than the threshold distance, the UE may stop the timer. In communication timeline 400, the UE may trigger RLF when the timer expires. In communication timeline 401, the UE may trigger neighbor cell measurement when the timer expires.

[0111] exist Figure 4A In an example of the present invention, at 405, when the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications (N310) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold number (0 or x) and the distance between the UE and the reference point is greater than a threshold distance (D_thresh), the UE may start a timer (T310_2). In some examples, at 410, when the number of consecutive synchronization indications (N311) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference point is less than a threshold distance, the UE may stop the timer. In such an example, at 415, if the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications exceeds the threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference point exceeds the threshold distance again, the UE may restart the timer. At 420, the UE may determine that the timer has expired. At 425, the UE may trigger an RLF procedure when the timer expires.

[0112] exist Figure 4BIn an example of the present invention, at 430, when the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications (N310) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold number (0 or x) and the distance between the UE and the reference point is greater than a threshold distance (D_thresh), the UE may start a timer (T310_2). In some examples, at 435, when the number of consecutive synchronization indications (N311) obtained from the lower layer exceeds a threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference point is less than a threshold distance, the UE may stop the timer. In such an example, at 440, if the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications exceeds the threshold number again and the distance between the UE and the reference point is greater than the threshold distance, the UE may restart the timer. At 445, the UE may determine that the timer expires. At 450, the UE may trigger neighbor cell measurement when the timer expires.

[0113] Aspects of communication timeline 400 and communication timeline 401 may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. The techniques described with reference to FIG. 4 may enable the UE to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring the UE to avoid measuring NTN cells before the UE is within range of the NTN cell may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the UE. In addition, providing auxiliary information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to the UE may reduce the number of blind cell search processes performed by the UE, which may reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at the UE.

[0114] Figure 5 An example of a process flow 500 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The process flow 500 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the wireless communication system 100 or the wireless communication system 200. For example, the process flow 500 may include the network entity 105-d, the UE 115-b, and the network entity 105-e, which may be reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 One or both of the network entities 105 may be associated with an NTN. However, it should be understood that reference Figure 5 The techniques and operations described may also be applicable to terrestrial networks. In the following description of process flow 500, operations between UE 115-b and network entity 105 may be performed in a different order or at a different time than shown. Additionally or alternatively, some operations between UE 115-b and network entity 105 may be added or omitted.

[0115] At 505, UE 115-b may establish a communication session with network entity 105-d (e.g., a satellite). At 510, UE 115-b may receive control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurements of NTN cells. The control signaling may include RRC signaling, DCI, or MAC-CE, among others. In some examples, the control signaling may indicate a network type, an orbit type, an NTN device identifier, a reference signal offset (relative to network entity 105-d), a common TA parameter, or a combination thereof for a candidate cell list or a candidate frequency list. Additionally or alternatively, the control signaling may indicate a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with an NTN cell, a reference location, a location of UE 115-b, a duration during which one or more NTN cells are able to provide coverage to UE 115-b, or a combination thereof. In some examples, UE 115-b may send UE assistance indicating the location of UE 115-b, an estimated service duration of an NTN cell supported by network entity 105-d, or both.

[0116] At 515, UE 115-b may perform measurements of reference signals from network entity 105-d. UE 115-b may determine an NRSRP associated with a serving cell of UE 115-b (e.g., a cell supported by network entity 105-d) based on the measurements of reference signals from network entity 105-d. At 520, UE 115-b may determine that a change in the NRSRP associated with the serving cell of UE 115-b satisfies a signal power threshold. At 525, UE 115-b may detect one or more of the measurement trigger criteria indicated by the control signaling. UE 115-b may start a timer (T326) in response to determining that a change in the NRSRP associated with the serving cell of UE 115-b satisfies the signal power threshold or in response to detecting one or more of the measurement trigger criteria indicated by the control signaling. For example, UE 115-b may start a timer based on determining that a distance between UE 115-b and a reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger threshold. UE 115-b may also start a timer if the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications (obtained from lower layers) meets a threshold number and the distance between the UE and a reference location (corresponding to an NTN cell coverage area) is greater than a threshold distance. UE 115-b may stop the timer if the number of consecutive in-sync indications (obtained from lower layers) meets a threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference location is less than a threshold distance. In some examples, UE 115-b may trigger an RLF procedure upon expiration of the timer.

[0117] At 530, UE 115-b may receive a reference signal from network entity 105-e (e.g., a satellite). At 535, UE 115-b may perform one or more measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e. UE 115-b may perform measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e during a time period determined (by UE 115-b) based on one or both of the following: a change in NRSRP associated with network entity 105-d satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the measurement trigger criteria is satisfied. In some examples, UE 115-b may perform measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e after a timer (T326) expires. UE 115-b may start a timer when one or both of the signal power threshold or at least one of the measurement trigger criteria are satisfied. Alternatively, UE 115-b may perform measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e before the timer expires (e.g., while the timer is running). Thus, the time period (in which UE 115-b performs NTN cell measurements) may correspond to the duration of the timer. In other examples, UE 115-b may perform measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e within a time window indicated by control signaling (e.g., when time-based measurement trigger criteria are met). In some examples, UE 115-b may perform a retuning process from a first frequency (associated with a communication session between UE 115-b and network entity 105-d) to a second frequency (associated with one or more NTN cells).

[0118] Additionally or alternatively, UE 115-b may perform measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e during a time period (scheduling gap) in which UE 115-b is not expected to receive downlink communications from network entity 105-d. The time period may include one or more PDCCH cycles between a first time T1 associated with the transmission of HARQ-ACK feedback and a second time T2 associated with a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission. The time period may be based on a downlink time slot in which a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled, a TA value reported by the UE, an offset parameter indicated by a SIB, a HARQ RTT, or a combination thereof. In some examples, UE 115-b may send a RACH message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message during a first portion of the time period, the first portion of the time period not overlapping with a second portion of the time period in which UE 115-b performs measurements of NTN cells supported by network entity 105-e. At 540, UE 115-b may report the NTN cell measurements to network entity 105-d.

[0119] Various aspects of process flow 500 may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following advantages. Figure 5 The described techniques may enable UE 115-b to achieve benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, configuring UE 115-b to avoid measuring NTN cells before UE 115-b is within range of an NTN cell (e.g., a cell supported by network entity 105-b) may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by UE 115-b. In addition, providing auxiliary information (e.g., location information, candidate cell information, timing information) to UE 115-b may reduce the number of blind cell search processes performed by UE 115-b, which may reduce latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at UE 115-b.

[0120] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a transmitter 615, and a communication manager 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0121] Receiver 610 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). The information may be communicated to other components of device 605. Receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or multiple antennas.

[0122] The transmitter 615 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 605. For example, the transmitter 615 may transmit information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). In some examples, the transmitter 615 may be co-located with the receiver 610 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 615 may utilize a single antenna or multiple antennas.

[0123] The communication manager 620, the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 620, the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0124] In some examples, the communication manager 620, the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured to or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described herein. In some examples, the processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0125] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 620, the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 620, the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functionality described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0126] In some examples, communication manager 620 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both. For example, communication manager 620 can receive information from receiver 610, transmit information to transmitter 615, or be integrated with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0127] The communication manager 620 may support wireless communication at the device 605 according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with a network via an NTN entity. The communication manager 620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of an NTN cell. The communication manager 620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving a reference signal from one or more NTN cells in the NTN cell. The communication manager 620 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement being performed by the device 605 during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity meets a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is met.

[0128] By including or configuring the communication manager 620 according to the examples described herein, the device 605 (e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver 610, the transmitter 615, the communication manager 620, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for reducing power consumption by reducing the number of irrelevant NTN cell measurements performed by the device 605. For example, the device 605 can avoid performing NTN cell measurements unless one or more NTN-related measurement triggering criteria are met. As a result, the device 605 can perform fewer cell measurements, which can enable the device 605 to achieve greater power savings.

[0129] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a device 705 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of aspects of the device 605 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a transmitter 715, and a communication manager 720. The device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0130] Receiver 710 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). The information may be communicated to other components of device 705. Receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or multiple antennas.

[0131] The transmitter 715 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 705. For example, the transmitter 715 may transmit information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). In some examples, the transmitter 715 may be co-located with the receiver 710 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 715 may utilize a single antenna or multiple antennas.

[0132] The device 705 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 720 may include a session establishment component 725, a control signal component 730, a reference signal component 735, a measurement indication component 740, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 720 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 620 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 720 or its various components may be configured to use or otherwise cooperate with the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or both to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send). For example, the communication manager 720 may receive information from the receiver 710, transmit information to the transmitter 715, or be integrated with the receiver 710, the transmitter 715, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0133] The communication manager 720 may support wireless communication at the device 705 according to the examples disclosed herein. The session establishment component 725 may be configured to or otherwise support a means for establishing a communication session with the network via the NTN entity. The control signal component 730 may be configured to or otherwise support a means for receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The reference signal component 735 may be configured to or otherwise support a means for receiving a reference signal from one or more NTN cells in the NTN cell. The measurement indication component 740 may be configured to or otherwise support a means for sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one NTN cell in the NTN cell, the measurement being performed by the device 705 during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in the received power associated with the NTN entity meets a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement triggering criteria is met.

[0134] Figure 8A block diagram 800 of a communication manager 820 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 820 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 620, the communication manager 720, or both as described herein. The communication manager 820 or its various components may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 820 may include a session establishment component 825, a control signal component 830, a reference signal component 835, a measurement indication component 840, a timer component 845, a measurement trigger component 850, a time window component 855, an uplink message component 860, a re-tuning component 865, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0135] The communication manager 820 may support wireless communication at the UE according to the examples disclosed herein. The session establishment component 825 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with the network via the NTN entity. The control signal component 830 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The reference signal component 835 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving a reference signal from one or more NTN cells in the NTN cell. The measurement indication component 840 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one NTN cell in the NTN cell, the measurement being performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in the received power associated with the NTN entity meets a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement triggering criteria is met.

[0136] In some examples, the timer component 845 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for starting a timer after the change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies the signal power threshold, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the timer expires.

[0137] In some examples, the measurement trigger component 850 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for determining that the distance between the UE and the reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the satisfaction of the distance-based measurement trigger criterion.

[0138] In some examples, the measurement trigger component 850 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for determining that a time-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the time-based measurement trigger criterion being satisfied.

[0139] In some examples, the time window component 855 may be configured to or otherwise support components for identifying a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the time window.

[0140] In some examples, the uplink message component 860 may be configured as or otherwise support components for sending one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

[0141] In some examples, uplink message component 860 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending UE assistance information indicating the location of the UE, an estimated service duration of a cell supported by the NTN entity, or both.

[0142] In some examples, the timer component 845 may be configured to or otherwise support means for: starting a timer in response to determining that a number of consecutive out-of-sync indications obtained by the UE satisfies a threshold number and a distance between the UE and a reference location corresponding to a coverage area of ​​a cell supported by the NTN entity satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0143] In some examples, the timer component 845 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for the following operations: stopping the timer when the number of consecutive synchronization indications obtained by the UE meets a second threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference location fails to meet the distance-based measurement trigger criteria.

[0144] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the timer expires. In other examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE after the timer expires. In some examples, the RLF process is performed by the UE after the timer expires.

[0145] In some examples, control signal component 830 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based on the control message.

[0146] In some examples, the control message indicates a network type, an orbit type, an NTN identifier, a reference signal offset relative to the NTN entity, one or more common TA parameters, or a combination thereof for the candidate cell list, the candidate frequency list, or both.

[0147] In some examples, the control signal component 830 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the NTN cells, a reference location, the location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the NTN cells is able to provide coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the measurement time window.

[0148] In some examples, the retuning component 865 may be configured as or otherwise support a component for performing, by the UE, a retuning process from a first frequency associated with the communication session to at least one second frequency associated with at least one of the NTN cells prior to measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells.

[0149] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a gap period between two scheduled transmissions. In some examples, the gap period includes one or more PDCCH periods. In some examples, the two scheduled transmissions include a HARQ feedback transmission and a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission.

[0150] In some examples, the gap period is based on the downlink timeslot in which the subsequent uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled, a TA value reported by the UE, an offset parameter indicated by a SIB, a round trip time associated with the HARQ feedback transmission, or a combination thereof.

[0151] Fig. 9A diagram of a system 900 including a device 905 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of a device 605, a device 705, or a UE 115 as described herein or include components thereof. The device 905 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof. The device 905 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 920, an input / output (I / O) controller 910, a transceiver 915, an antenna 925, a memory 930, code 935, and a processor 940. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 945).

[0152] I / O controller 910 can manage input signals and output signals of device 905. I / O controller 910 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 905. In some cases, I / O controller 910 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 910 can utilize an operating system, such as or another known operating system. Additionally or alternatively, I / O controller 910 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 910 may be implemented as part of a processor (such as processor 940). In some cases, a user may interact with device 905 via I / O controller 910 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 910.

[0153] In some cases, the device 905 may include a single antenna 925. However, in some other cases, the device 905 may have more than one antenna 925, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 915 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 925, wired or wireless links, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 915 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 915 may also include a modem for: modulating packets; providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 925 for transmission; and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 925. The transceiver 915 or the transceiver 915 and one or more antennas 925 may be examples of transmitters 615, transmitters 715, receivers 610, receivers 710, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0154] The memory 930 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 930 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 935 including instructions that, when executed by the processor 940, cause the device 905 to perform various functions described herein. The code 935 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, the code 935 may not be directly executable by the processor 940, but (for example, when compiled and executed) may cause the computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 930 may also include a basic I / O system (BIOS), etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0155] The processor 940 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 cases, the processor 940 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 940. The processor 940 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 930) so that the device 905 performs various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). For example, the device 905 or a component of the device 905 may include a processor 940 and a memory 930 coupled to or coupled to the processor 940, and the processor 940 and the memory 930 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0156] The communication manager 920 may support wireless communication at the device 905 according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with a network via an NTN entity. The communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of an NTN cell. The communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for receiving a reference signal from one or more NTN cells in the NTN cell. The communication manager 920 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one NTN cell in the NTN cell, the measurement being performed by the device 905 during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0157] By including or configuring the communication manager 920 according to the examples described herein, the device 905 can support techniques for achieving benefits such as improved efficiency, reduced power consumption, etc. when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, the network entity can configure the device 905 to avoid measuring NTN cells before the device 905 is within the range of the NTN cell (e.g., a cell supported by the network entity), which can reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the device 905. In addition, the network entity can provide auxiliary information (e.g., candidate cell information, timing information, network type information) to the device 905, which can reduce the number of blind cell search processes performed by the device 905 and the latency and power consumption associated with cell search and selection at the device 905.

[0158] In some examples, the communication manager 920 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, monitor, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 915, one or more antennas 925, or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 920 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 920 may be supported or performed by the processor 940, the memory 930, the code 935, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 935 may include instructions executable by the processor 940 to cause the device 905 to perform various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein, or the processor 940 and the memory 930 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0159] Fig.10 A block diagram 1000 of a device 1005 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1005 may be an example of aspects of the network entity 105 as described herein. The device 1005 may include a receiver 1010, a transmitter 1015, and a communication manager 1020. The device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0160] The receiver 1010 may provide means for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1005. In some examples, the receiver 1010 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the receiver 1010 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0161] The transmitter 1015 may provide means for outputting (e.g., transmitting, providing, conveying, transmitting) information generated by other components of the device 1005. For example, the transmitter 1015 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack) such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 1015 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 1015 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 1015 and the receiver 1010 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0162] The communication manager 1020, the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1020, the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0163] In some examples, the communication manager 1020, the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 1020, the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1020, the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0165] In some examples, communication manager 1020 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 1010, transmitter 1015, or both. For example, communication manager 1020 can receive information from receiver 1010, transmit information to transmitter 1015, or integrate with receiver 1010, transmitter 1015, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0166] The communication manager 1020 may support wireless communications at the device 1005 according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1020 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with a UE. The communication manager 1020 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of an NTN cell. The communication manager 1020 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the device 1005. The communication manager 1020 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for obtaining a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the device 1005 satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0167] By including or configuring the communication manager 1020 according to the examples described herein, the device 1005 (e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled to the receiver 1010, the transmitter 1015, the communication manager 1020, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for reducing power consumption at the UE by reducing the number of irrelevant NTN cell measurements performed by the UE. For example, the device 1005 can configure the UE to avoid performing NTN cell measurements unless one or more NTN-related measurement triggering criteria are met. As a result, the UE can perform fewer cell measurements, which can enable the UE to achieve higher power savings.

[0168] Fig.11 A block diagram 1100 of a device 1105 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1105 may be an example of aspects of the device 1005 or network entity 105 as described herein. The device 1105 may include a receiver 1110, a transmitter 1115, and a communication manager 1120. The device 1105 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0169] The receiver 1110 may provide means for obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, identifying) information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack), such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). The information may be passed to other components of the device 1105. In some examples, the receiver 1110 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the receiver 1110 may support obtaining information by receiving signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof.

[0170] The transmitter 1115 may provide means for outputting (e.g., transmitting, providing, conveying, transmitting) information generated by other components of the device 1105. For example, the transmitter 1115 may output information associated with various channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels, channels associated with a protocol stack) such as user data, control information, or any combination thereof (e.g., I / Q samples, symbols, packets, protocol data units, service data units). In some examples, the transmitter 1115 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 1115 may support outputting information by sending signals via one or more wired (e.g., electrical, optical) interfaces, wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the transmitter 1115 and the receiver 1110 may be co-located in a transceiver, which may include a modem or be coupled to a modem.

[0171] The device 1105 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1120 may include a session establishment component 1125, a control signaling component 1130, a reference signaling component 1135, a measurement acquisition component 1140, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 1120 may be an example of various aspects of the communication manager 1020 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 1120 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise cooperating with the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or both. For example, the communication manager 1120 may receive information from the receiver 1110, transmit information to the transmitter 1115, or be integrated with the receiver 1110, the transmitter 1115, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0172] The communication manager 1120 may support wireless communication at the device 1105 according to the examples disclosed herein. The session establishment component 1125 may be configured to or otherwise support means for establishing a communication session with the UE. The control signaling component 1130 may be configured to or otherwise support means for outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The reference signaling component 1135 may be configured to or otherwise support means for outputting a reference signal via the NTN cell supported by the device 1105. The measurement acquisition component 1140 may be configured to or otherwise support means for obtaining a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the device 1105 satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement triggering criteria is satisfied.

[0173] Fig.12 A block diagram 1200 of a communication manager 1220 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1220 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1020, the communication manager 1120, or both as described herein. The communication manager 1220 or its various components may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein. For example, the communication manager 1220 may include a session establishment component 1225, a control signaling component 1230, a reference signaling component 1235, a measurement acquisition component 1240, an uplink message acquisition component 1245, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses), which communication may include communication within a protocol layer of a protocol stack, communication associated with a logical channel of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack, within a device, component, or virtualized component associated with the network entity 105, between devices, components, or virtualized components associated with the network entity 105), or any combination thereof.

[0174] The communication manager 1220 may support wireless communication at a network entity according to examples as disclosed herein. The session establishment component 1225 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with a UE. The control signaling component 1230 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of an NTN cell. The reference signaling component 1235 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by a network entity. The measurement acquisition component 1240 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for obtaining a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in the received power associated with the network entity meets a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement triggering criteria is met.

[0175] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed prior to expiration of a timer that begins when the change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies the signal power threshold. In some examples, the control signaling indicates the signal power threshold, the duration of the timer, or both.

[0176] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a distance between the UE and a reference location satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0177] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a time-based measurement trigger criterion in the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied. In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed within a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network entity.

[0178] In some examples, the uplink message acquisition component 1245 may be configured as or otherwise support components for obtaining one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

[0179] In some examples, uplink message obtaining component 1245 may be configured to or otherwise support means for obtaining UE assistance information indicating the location of the UE, an estimated service duration of the NTN cell supported by the network entity, or both.

[0180] In some examples, the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a number of consecutive out-of-sync indications satisfying a threshold number and a distance between the UE and the network entity satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0181] In some examples, control signaling component 1230 may be configured or otherwise support means for outputting a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed based on the control message.

[0182] In some examples, control signaling component 1230 may be configured to or otherwise support components for outputting a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the NTN cells, a reference location, the location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the NTN cells is able to provide coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed within the measurement time window.

[0183] Fig.13 A diagram of a system 1300 including a device 1305 supporting techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of a device 1005, a device 1105, or a network entity 105 as described herein or include components thereof. The device 1305 may communicate with one or more network entities 105, one or more UEs 115, or any combination thereof, which may include communication through one or more wired interfaces, through one or more wireless interfaces, or any combination thereof. The device 1305 may include components that support output and acquisition of communications, such as a communication manager 1320, a transceiver 1310, an antenna 1315, a memory 1325, a code 1330, and a processor 1335. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1340).

[0184] The transceiver 1310 may support bidirectional communication via a wired link, a wireless link, or both as described herein. In some examples, the transceiver 1310 may include a wired transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wired transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the transceiver 1310 may include a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. In some examples, the device 1305 may include one or more antennas 1315, which may be capable of sending or receiving wireless transmissions (e.g., concurrently). The transceiver 1310 may also include a modem for modulating a signal, thereby providing a modulated signal for transmission (e.g., through one or more antennas 1315, through a wired transmitter), for receiving a modulated signal (e.g., from one or more antennas 1315, from a wired receiver), and for demodulating a signal. The transceiver 1310 or transceiver 1310 and one or more antennas 1315 or wired interfaces (where applicable) may be examples of transmitter 1015, transmitter 1115, receiver 1010, receiver 1110, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein. In some examples, the transceiver may be operable to support communication via one or more communication links (e.g., communication link 125, backhaul communication link 120, midhaul communication link 162, fronthaul communication link 168).

[0185] Memory 1325 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1325 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1330 including instructions that, when executed by processor 1335, cause device 1305 to perform various functions described herein. Code 1330 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 1330 may not be directly executable by processor 1335, but (e.g., when compiled and executed) may cause a computer to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1325 may also include BIOS, etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0186] The processor 1335 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1335 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1335. The processor 1335 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 1325) to enable the device 1305 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements). For example, the device 1305 or a component of the device 1305 may include a processor 1335 and a memory 1325 coupled to the processor 1335, the processor 1335 and the memory 1325 being configured to perform various functions described herein. The processor 1335 may be an example of a cloud computing platform (e.g., one or more physical nodes and supporting software such as an operating system, a virtual machine, or a container instance), which may host functions for performing functions of the device 1305 (e.g., by executing code 1330).

[0187] In some examples, bus 1340 may support communications of protocol layers (e.g., within a protocol layer) of a protocol stack. In some examples, bus 1340 may support communications associated with logical channels of a protocol stack (e.g., between protocol layers of a protocol stack), which may include communications performed within components of device 1305, or communications performed between different components of device 1305 that may be co-located or may be located in different locations (e.g., where device 1305 may refer to a system in which one or more of communication manager 1320, transceiver 1310, memory 1325, code 1330, and processor 1335 may be located in one of the different components or divided between the different components).

[0188] In some examples, communication manager 1320 may manage aspects of communications with core network 130 (e.g., via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links). For example, communication manager 1320 may manage delivery of data communications for client devices such as one or more UEs 115. In some examples, communication manager 1320 may manage communications with other network entities 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UE 115 in collaboration with other network entities 105. In some examples, communication manager 1320 may support an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between network entities 105.

[0189] The communication manager 1320 may support wireless communications at the device 1305 according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for establishing a communication session with a UE. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of an NTN cell. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the device 1305. The communication manager 1320 may be configured to or otherwise support a component for obtaining a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the device 1305 satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0190] By including or configuring the communication manager 1320 according to the examples described herein, the device 1305 may support techniques for achieving beneficial effects such as improved efficiency and reduced power consumption when performing NTN cell measurements. For example, the device 1305 may configure the UE to avoid measuring the NTN cell before the UE is within the range of the NTN cell (e.g., a cell supported by the device 1305), which may reduce the number of irrelevant measurements performed by the UE. In addition, the device 1305 may provide auxiliary information (e.g., candidate cell information, timing information, network type information) to the UE, which may reduce the number of blind cell search processes performed by the UE and the latency of the cell search and selection process at the UE.

[0191] In some examples, the communication manager 1320 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with the transceiver 1310, one or more antennas 1315 (e.g., where applicable), or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 1320 is illustrated as a separate component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 1320 may be supported or performed by the processor 1335, the memory 1325, the code 1330, the transceiver 1310, or any combination thereof. For example, the code 1330 may include instructions executable by the processor 1335 to cause the device 1305 to perform various aspects of the techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements as described herein, or the processor 1335 and the memory 1325 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0192] Fig.14A flow chart illustrating a method 1400 that supports techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. Figures 1 to 9 The UE 115 described above may be executed. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0193] At 1405, the method may include establishing a communication session with the network via the NTN entity. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The session establishment component 825 is used to execute.

[0194] At 1410, the method may include receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The control signal component 830 is used to perform the above operation.

[0195] At 1415, the method may include receiving a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The reference signal component 835 is used to perform the above.

[0196] At 1420, the method may include sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement performed by the UE during a time period determined based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied. The operations of 1420 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1420 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The measurement instruction component 840 performs.

[0197] Fig.15 A flow chart illustrating a method 1500 that supports techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. For example, the operations of the method 1500 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. Figures 1 to 9The UE 115 described above may be executed. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0198] At 1505, the method may include establishing a communication session with the network via the NTN entity. The operations of 1505 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The session establishment component 825 is used to execute.

[0199] At 1510, the method may include receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The operations of 1510 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The control signal component 830 is used to perform the above operation.

[0200] At 1515, the method may include determining that the distance between the UE and the reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement criterion in the one or more measurement triggering criteria identified by the control signaling. The operations of 1515 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1515 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The measurement triggers component 850 to execute.

[0201] At 1520, the method may include receiving a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells. The operations of 1520 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1520 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The reference signal component 835 is used to perform the above.

[0202] At 1525, the method may include sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement performed by the UE during a time period determined based on a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfying a signal power threshold and the distance-based measurement triggering criterion being satisfied. The operations of 1525 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1525 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The measurement instruction component 840 performs.

[0203] Fig.16 A flow chart illustrating a method 1600 that supports techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by a UE or a component of a UE. Figures 1 to 9 The UE 115 described above may be executed. In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0204] At 1605, the method may include establishing a communication session with the network via the NTN entity. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The session establishment component 825 is used to execute.

[0205] At 1610, the method may include receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The control signal component 830 is used to perform the above operation.

[0206] At 1615, the method may include identifying a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network. The operations of 1615 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1615 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The time window component 855 is executed.

[0207] At 1620, the method may include receiving a reference signal from one or more of the NTN cells. The operations of 1620 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1620 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The reference signal component 835 is used to perform the above.

[0208] At 1625, the method may include sending a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement performed by the UE within the time window based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the NTN entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied. The operations of 1625 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1625 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 8 The measurement instruction component 840 performs.

[0209] Fig.17A flow chart illustrating a method 1700 that supports techniques for performing non-terrestrial cell measurements according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a network entity or a component of a network entity. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by a network entity or a component of a network entity. Figures 1 to 5 as well as Figures 10 to 13 The network entity 105 described herein may be executed. In some examples, the network entity may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the network entity to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the network entity may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0210] At 1705, the method may include establishing a communication session with the UE. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.12 The session establishment component 1225 is used to execute.

[0211] At 1710, the method may include outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of the NTN cell. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.12 The control signaling component 1230 is used to execute.

[0212] At 1715, the method may include outputting a reference signal via an NTN cell supported by the network entity. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be performed as described in reference to Fig.12 The reference signaling component 1235 is executed.

[0213] At 1720, the method may include obtaining a message indicating a measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the NTN cells, the measurement performed during a time period determined based on one or both of: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be performed by reference to Fig.12 The measurement acquisition component 1240 is used to perform the above operation.

[0214] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0215] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, the method comprising: establishing a communication session with a network via a non-terrestrial network entity; receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurement of non-terrestrial network cells; receiving a reference signal from one or more of the non-terrestrial network cells; and sending a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurement being performed by the UE during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in a received power associated with the non-terrestrial network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0216] Aspect 2: According to the method described in Aspect 1, the method also includes: starting a timer for the time period after the change in the received power associated with the non-terrestrial network entity meets the signal power threshold, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the expiration of the timer.

[0217] Aspect 3: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 2, the method further includes: determining that the distance between the UE and the reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger standard among the one or more measurement trigger standards identified by the control signaling, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE at least partially based on the satisfaction of the distance-based measurement trigger standard.

[0218] Aspect 4: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the method further includes: determining that a time-based measurement trigger standard among the one or more measurement trigger standards is met, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE at least partially based on the satisfaction of the time-based measurement trigger standard.

[0219] Aspect 5: According to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the method further includes: identifying a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the time window.

[0220] Aspect 6: According to the method described in Aspect 5, the method also includes: sending one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request or an uplink message during a first part of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a second part of the time window that does not overlap with the first part of the time window.

[0221] Aspect 7: According to any one of aspects 1 to 6, the method further includes: sending UE assistance information indicating the location of the UE, the estimated service duration of the cell supported by the non-terrestrial network entity, or both.

[0222] Aspect 8: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 7, the method further includes: in response to determining that the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications obtained by the UE meets a threshold number and the distance between the UE and a reference position corresponding to the coverage area of ​​the cell supported by the non-terrestrial network entity meets the distance-based measurement trigger criteria among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, starting a timer for the time period.

[0223] Aspect 9: According to the method of Aspect 8, the method also includes: stopping the timer when the number of consecutive synchronization indications obtained by the UE meets a second threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference location fails to meet the distance-based measurement trigger standard.

[0224] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 9, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the timer expires.

[0225] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 9, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE after the timer expires.

[0226] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 11, wherein a radio link failure procedure is performed by the UE after the timer expires.

[0227] Aspect 13: According to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, the method further includes: receiving a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE at least in part based on the control message.

[0228] Aspect 14: A method according to Aspect 13, wherein the control message indicates a network type, an orbit type, a non-terrestrial network identifier, a reference signal offset relative to the non-terrestrial network entity, one or more common timing advance parameters, or a combination thereof for the candidate cell list, the candidate frequency list, or both.

[0229] Aspect 15: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 14, the method further includes: receiving a control message, the control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the non-terrestrial network cells, a reference position, the position of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells is capable of providing coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the measurement time window.

[0230] Aspect 16: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 15, the method further includes: the UE performing a retuning process from a first frequency associated with the communication session to at least one second frequency associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells before measuring the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells.

[0231] Aspect 17: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a gap period between two scheduled transmissions; the gap period includes one or more physical downlink control channel periods; and the two scheduled transmissions include a hybrid automatic repeat request feedback transmission and a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission.

[0232] Aspect 18: A method according to Aspect 17, wherein the gap period is based at least in part on a downlink time slot in which the subsequent uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled, a timing advance value reported by the UE, an offset parameter indicated by a system information block, a round-trip time associated with the hybrid automatic repeat request feedback transmission, or a combination thereof.

[0233] Aspect 19: A method for performing wireless communications at a network entity, the method comprising: establishing a communication session with a UE; outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement trigger criteria for measurements of non-terrestrial network cells; outputting a reference signal via a non-terrestrial network cell supported by the network entity; and obtaining a message indicating measurements of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurements being performed during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in a received power associated with the network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

[0234] Aspect 20: A method according to Aspect 19, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed for the time period before the expiration of the timer, the time period starting when the change in the received power associated with the network entity satisfies the signal power threshold; and the control signaling indicates the signal power threshold, the duration of the timer, or both.

[0235] Aspect 21: A method according to any one of Aspects 19 to 20, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to the distance between the UE and the reference location satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0236] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of aspects 19 to 21, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a time-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

[0237] Aspect 23: The method according to any one of aspects 19 to 22, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed within a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network entity.

[0238] Aspect 24: According to the method according to Aspect 23, the method also includes: obtaining one or more of a random access message, a scheduling request or an uplink message during a first part of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed during a second part of the time window that does not overlap with the first part of the time window.

[0239] Aspect 25: According to any one of aspects 19 to 24, the method further includes: obtaining UE assistance information indicating the location of the UE, the estimated service duration of the non-terrestrial network cell supported by the network entity, or both.

[0240] Aspect 26: A method according to any one of Aspects 19 to 25, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications satisfying a threshold number and the distance between the UE and the network entity satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

[0241] Aspect 27: According to any one of Aspects 19 to 26, the method further includes: outputting a control message indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed at least in part based on the control message.

[0242] Aspect 28: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 19 to 27, the method further includes: outputting a control message, the control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the non-terrestrial network cells, a reference position, the position of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells is capable of providing coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed within the measurement time window.

[0243] Aspect 29: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a UE, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18.

[0244] Aspect 30: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, the apparatus comprising at least one component configured to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0245] Aspect 31: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0246] Aspect 32: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 19 to 28.

[0247] Aspect 33: An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus comprising at least one component configured to perform a method according to any one of aspects 19 to 28.

[0248] Aspect 34: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a network entity, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 19 to 28.

[0249] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the various operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0250] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for example purposes, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may also be applicable to networks other than LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applied to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0251] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0252] The various illustrative blocks and components described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using 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, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0253] The functions described herein may be implemented using hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented using software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium, or sent using one or more instructions or codes of a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of the present 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 a combination of any of these items. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at different locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0254] Computer-readable medium includes both non-transient computer storage medium and communication medium, and the communication medium includes any medium that facilitates computer program to be transmitted from one place to another place.Non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable medium 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 device, or can be used to carry or store instruction or data structure form of desired program code means and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor any other non-transient medium.Any connection is also properly referred to as computer-readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then the coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are just included in the definition of computer-readable medium. As used herein, magnetic disks and optical disks include CDs, laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks. Magnetic disks can reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks can reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above media are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0255] As used herein (including in the claims), "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items followed by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means 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 closed set of 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."

[0256] The terms "determine" or "determining" encompass a variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, database or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in a memory), etc. Additionally, "determining" may include parsing, obtaining, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0257] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label to distinguish between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference labels.

[0258] The descriptions set forth 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 "having advantages over other examples." The specific embodiments include specific details to provide an 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 obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0259] The description herein is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be 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. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: establishing a communication session with the network via the non-terrestrial network entity; receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurements of a non-terrestrial network cell; receiving a reference signal from one or more of the non-terrestrial network cells; as well as sending a message indicating measurements of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurements being performed by the UE during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the non-terrestrial network entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A timer is started for the period of time after the change in received power associated with the non-terrestrial network entity satisfies the signal power threshold, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before expiration of the timer.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Determining that the distance between the UE and a reference location satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based at least in part on the satisfaction of the distance-based measurement trigger criterion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: It is determined that a time-based measurement trigger criterion of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based at least in part on the time-based measurement trigger criterion being satisfied.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A time window is identified in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the time window.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: One or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message is sent during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: UE assistance information is sent indicating a location of the UE, an estimated service duration of cells supported by the non-terrestrial network entity, or both.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: In response to determining that the number of consecutive out-of-sync indications obtained by the UE satisfies a threshold number and the distance between the UE and a reference location corresponding to the coverage area of ​​the cell supported by the non-terrestrial network entity satisfies a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling, starting a timer for the time period.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: When the number of consecutive synchronization indications obtained by the UE meets a second threshold number and the distance between the UE and the reference location fails to meet the distance-based measurement triggering criterion, the timer is stopped.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE before the timer expires.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE after expiration of the timer.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a radio link failure procedure is performed by the UE after the timer expires.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A control message is received indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE based at least in part on the control message.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control message indicates a network type, an orbit type, a non-terrestrial network identifier, a reference signal offset relative to the non-terrestrial network entity, one or more common timing advance parameters, or a combination thereof for the candidate cell list, the candidate frequency list, or both.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receiving a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the non-terrestrial network cells, a reference location, a location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells is capable of providing coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE within the measurement time window.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A retuning process is performed by the UE from a first frequency associated with the communication session to at least one second frequency associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells prior to measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The measurement of the reference signal is performed by the UE during a gap period between two scheduled transmissions; The gap period includes one or more physical downlink control channel periods; and The two scheduled transmissions include a hybrid automatic repeat request feedback transmission and a subsequent uplink or downlink transmission.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the gap period is based at least in part on a downlink time slot in which the subsequent uplink or downlink transmission is scheduled, a timing advance value reported by the UE, an offset parameter indicated by a system information block, a round trip time associated with the hybrid automatic repeat request feedback transmission, or a combination thereof.

19. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Establishing a communication session with a user equipment (UE); outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of a non-terrestrial network cell; outputting a reference signal via a non-terrestrial network cell supported by the network entity; as well as Obtain a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: The measuring of the reference signal is performed for the time period prior to expiration of a timer, the time period beginning when the change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies the signal power threshold; and The control signaling indicates the signal power threshold, the duration of the timer, or both.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a distance between the UE and a reference location satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the measuring of the reference signal is performed in response to a time-based measurement trigger criterion of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the measuring of the reference signal is performed within a time window in which the UE is not expected to be scheduled to communicate with the network entity.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: One or more of a random access message, a scheduling request, or an uplink message is obtained during a first portion of the time window, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed during a second portion of the time window that does not overlap with the first portion of the time window.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: UE assistance information is obtained that indicates a location of the UE, an estimated serving duration of the non-terrestrial network cell supported by the network entity, or both.

26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed in response to a number of consecutive out-of-sync indications satisfying a threshold number and a distance between the UE and the network entity satisfying a distance-based measurement trigger criterion among the one or more measurement trigger criteria identified by the control signaling.

27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A control message is outputted indicating a candidate cell list, a candidate frequency list, or any combination thereof, wherein the measuring of the reference signal is performed based at least in part on the control message.

28. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Output a control message indicating a measurement time window corresponding to a beam center associated with one of the non-terrestrial network cells, a reference location, a location of the UE, a duration during which at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells is capable of providing coverage to the UE, or a combination thereof, wherein the measurement of the reference signal is performed within the measurement time window.

29. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: establishing a communication session with the network via the non-terrestrial network entity; receiving control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurements of a non-terrestrial network cell; receiving a reference signal from one or more of the non-terrestrial network cells; as well as sending a message indicating measurements of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurements being performed by the UE during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the non-terrestrial network entity satisfying a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria being satisfied.

30. A method for wireless communication at a network entity, the method comprising: Establishing a communication session with a user equipment (UE); outputting control signaling identifying one or more measurement triggering criteria for measurement of a non-terrestrial network cell; outputting a reference signal via a non-terrestrial network cell supported by the network entity; as well as Obtain a message indicating measurement of the reference signal associated with at least one of the non-terrestrial network cells, the measurement being performed during a time period determined at least in part based on one or both of the following: a change in received power associated with the network entity satisfies a signal power threshold or at least one of the one or more measurement trigger criteria is satisfied.

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