Coverage gap management for non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may access a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state including a connected state. The UE may send a coverage gap indication to the serving network indicating that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is upcoming based on determining that the coverage gap is upcoming. The UE may transition from the connected state to a second state at or before the coverage gap begins. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221045189, filed on August 8, 2022, entitled “COVERAGE GAP MANAGEMENT FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 356,929, filed on July 21, 2023, entitled “COVERAGE GAP MANAGEMENT FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS,” which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communications, and to techniques and apparatus for coverage gap management for non-terrestrial networks. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and long term evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0005] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communications for wireless communication devices, such as user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with a network node via downlink communications and uplink communications. A "downlink" (or "DL") refers to a communication link from a network node to a UE, and an "uplink" (or "UL") refers to a communication link from a UE to a network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communications, such as via a local link (e.g., a side link (SL), a wireless local area network (WLAN) link, and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) link, etc.).

[0006] The above-mentioned multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate at a city, country, region and / or global level. New Radio (NR), which may be referred to as 5G, is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband Internet access by improving spectrum efficiency, reducing costs, improving services, utilizing new spectrum, and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with cyclic prefix (CP) (CP-OFDM) on the downlink, using CP-OFDM and / or single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) (also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink to better integrate with other open standards, as well as supporting beamforming, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology and carrier aggregation. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements in LTE, NR and other radio access technologies remain useful. Summary of the invention

[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication. The UE may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to: access a serving network via a satellite when in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state. The one or more processors may be configured to: send a coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap is about to occur to the serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur. The one or more processors may be configured to transition from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a network node for wireless communications. The network node may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to: receive a coverage gap indication from a UE when the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to occur, the UE accessing the serving network via the satellite, the first state comprising a connected state. The one or more processors may be configured to: transition the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a UE. The method may include: accessing a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state. The method may include: sending a coverage gap indication to the serving network indicating that a coverage gap is about to occur based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur. The method may include: transitioning from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a network node of a serving network. The method may include receiving a coverage gap indication from a UE while the UE is in a first state with the serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network is about to occur, the first state comprising a connected state. The method may include transitioning the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set for wireless communication by a UE. The instruction set, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to access a service network via a satellite when in a first state with the service network, the first state comprising a connected state. The instruction set, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to send a coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap is about to come to the service network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to come. The instruction set, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to transition from the connected state to the second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set for wireless communication by a network node. The instruction set, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network node to receive a coverage gap indication from a UE when the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to come, the UE accessing the serving network via the satellite, the first state comprising a connected state. The instruction set, when executed by one or more processors of the network node, may cause the network to transition the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0013] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for accessing a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state. The apparatus may include means for sending a coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap to a network node of the serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur. The apparatus may include means for transitioning from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0014] Some aspects described herein are directed to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving a coverage gap indication from a UE when the UE is in a first state with a network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses a serving network is about to occur, the first state comprising a connected state. The apparatus may include means for transitioning the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0015] The various aspects generally include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, network entities, network nodes, wireless communication devices and / or processing systems as fully described herein with reference to the drawings and description and as illustrated in the drawings and description.

[0016] The features and technical advantages of examples according to the present disclosure have been outlined quite broadly above so that the following specific embodiments may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both in terms of their organization and method of operation, and the associated advantages will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limitations of the claims.

[0017] Although various aspects are described in the present disclosure by illustrating some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The technology described herein can be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and / or packaging arrangements. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / shopping equipment, medical equipment and / or artificial intelligence devices). Various aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components and / or system-level components. The equipment incorporating the various aspects and features described may include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the various aspects claimed and described. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components, including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders and / or summers). The various aspects described herein are intended to be practiced in various devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements and / or end-user devices of various sizes, shapes and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to fully understand the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure, a more specific description of the invention briefly summarized above can be obtained by referring to various aspects (some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings). However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate certain typical aspects of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as the specification may admit other equally effective aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication between a network node and a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station architecture according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication network including a non-terrestrial network (NTN) network node according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of NTN communication according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6is a diagram illustrating an example associated with coverage gap management of an NTN according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a UE according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example process, for example, performed by a network node, according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communications according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.10 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communications according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout the present disclosure. Instead, these aspects are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the protection scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed herein, whether it is implemented independently or in combination with any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods implemented using other structures, functionality, or structures and functionality in addition to or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the present invention.

[0030] Aspects and examples generally include methods, apparatus, network nodes, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, wireless communication devices, and / or processing systems as described or fully described herein with reference to the figures and description and as illustrated in the figures and description.

[0031] The present disclosure can be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for the same purpose of performing the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein (both their organization and method of operation) and the associated advantages are better understood from the following description. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description, not as a definition of the limitations of the claims.

[0032] Although various aspects are described in the present disclosure by illustrating some examples, such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The technology described herein can be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and / or packaging arrangements. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / shopping equipment, medical equipment and / or artificial intelligence devices). Various aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components and / or system-level components. The equipment incorporating the various aspects and features described may include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the various aspects claimed and described. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components (e.g., hardware components, including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders and / or summers) for analog and digital purposes. Various aspects described herein can be practiced in various devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements and / or end-user devices of different sizes, shapes and compositions.

[0033] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various devices and techniques. These devices and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0034] Although various aspects may be described herein using terms generally associated with 5G or new radio (NR) radio access technology (RAT), various aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to other RATs, such as 3G RAT, 4G RAT and / or RATs beyond 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0035] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100 according to the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or a 4G (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)) network, or may include elements of a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or elements of a 4G (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)) network, as well as other examples. The wireless network 100 may include one or more network nodes 110 (shown as network node 110a, network node 110b, network node 110c, and network node 110d), user equipment (UE) 120 or multiple UEs 120 (shown as UE 120a, UE 120b, UE 120c, UE 120d, and UE 120e), and / or other entities. The network node 110 is a network node that communicates with the UE 120. As shown in the figure, the network node 110 may include one or more network nodes. For example, the network node 110 may be a converged network node, which means that the converged network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., within a single device or unit). As another example, the network node 110 may be a decomposed network node (sometimes referred to as a decomposed base station), which means that the network node 110 is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)).

[0036] In some examples, the network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with the UE 120 via a radio access link, such as an RU. In some examples, the network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a fronthaul link or a midhaul link, such as a DU. In some examples, the network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a midhaul link or communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, such as a CU. In some examples, the network node 110 (such as an aggregated network node 110 or a decomposed network node 110) may include multiple network nodes, such as one or more RUs, one or more CUs, and / or one or more DUs. The network node 110 may include, for example, an NR base station, an LTE base station, a Node B, an eNB (e.g., in 4G), a gNB (e.g., in 5G), an access point, a transmit receive point (TRP), a DU, a RU, a CU, a mobility element of a network, a core network node, a network element, a network equipment, a RAN node, or a combination thereof. In some examples, network nodes 110 may be interconnected to each other or to one or more other network nodes 110 in wireless network 100 via various types of fronthaul interfaces, midhaul interfaces, and / or backhaul interfaces, such as direct physical connections, air interfaces, or virtual networks, using any suitable transport network.

[0037] In some examples, the network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the term "cell" may refer to the coverage area of ​​the network node 110 and / or the network node subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. The network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, and / or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by a UE 120 with a service subscription. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by a UE 120 with a service subscription. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access by a UE 120 associated with the femto cell (e.g., a UE 120 in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A network node 110 for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro network node. A network node 110 for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico network node. The network node 110 for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto network node or a home network node. Figure 1 In the example shown in , network node 110a may be a macro network node for macro cell 102a, network node 110b may be a pico network node for pico cell 102b, and network node 110c may be a femto network node for femto cell 102c. A network node may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​a cell may move depending on the location of a mobile network node 110 (e.g., a mobile network node).

[0038] In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to an aggregated base station, a decomposed base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, or one or more components thereof. For example, in some aspects, a "base station" or "network node" may refer to a CU, a DU, a RU, a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to a device configured to perform one or more functions (such as those described herein in conjunction with the network node 110). In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to multiple devices configured to perform one or more functions. For example, in some distributed systems, each of a plurality of different devices (which may be located in the same geographic location or in different geographic locations) may be configured to perform at least a portion of a function, or to repeatedly perform at least a portion of the function, and the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to any one or more of these different devices. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one or more virtual base stations or one or more virtual base station functions. For example, in some aspects, two or more base station functions may be instantiated on a single device. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one of the base station functions, but not another base station function. In this way, a single device may include more than one base station.

[0039] The wireless network 100 may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is a network node that can receive transmissions of data from an upstream node (e.g., a network node 110 or a UE 120) and transmit transmissions of data to a downstream node (e.g., a UE 120 or a network node 110). A relay station may be a UE 120 that is capable of relaying transmissions for other UEs 120. Figure 1 In the example shown in , a network node 110d (e.g., a relay network node) may communicate with a network node 110a (e.g., a macro network node) and a UE 120d to facilitate communication between the network node 110a and the UE 120d. A network node 110 that relays communications may be referred to as a relay station, a relay base station, a relay network node, a relay node, a relay, etc.

[0040] In some aspects, the wireless network 100 may include one or more non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployments, where non-terrestrial wireless communication devices may include UEs (interchangeably referred to herein as "non-terrestrial UEs") and / or another network node (interchangeably referred to herein as a "non-terrestrial network node"). Non-terrestrial network nodes may include, for example, base stations (interchangeably referred to herein as "non-terrestrial base stations") and / or relay stations (interchangeably referred to herein as "non-terrestrial relay stations"), etc. As used herein, "NTN" may refer to a network to which access is facilitated by non-terrestrial UEs and / or non-terrestrial network nodes.

[0041] The wireless network 100 may include any number of non-terrestrial wireless communication devices. The non-terrestrial wireless communication devices may include satellites, manned aircraft systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms, and the like. Satellites may include low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, and / or high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, and the like. Manned aircraft systems may include airplanes, helicopters, and / or airships, and the like. UAS platforms may include high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and may include balloons, airships, and / or airplanes, and the like. The non-terrestrial wireless communication devices may be a part of the NTN that is separate from the wireless network 100. Alternatively, the NTN may be a part of the wireless network 100. Satellites may communicate directly and / or indirectly with other entities in the wireless network 100 using satellite communications. Other entities may include UEs (e.g., ground UEs and / or non-terrestrial UEs), other satellites in one or more NTN deployments, other types of network nodes (e.g., stationed or ground-based network nodes), relay stations, and / or one or more components and / or devices included in the core network of the wireless network 100, and the like.

[0042] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network that includes different types of network nodes 110, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, etc. These different types of network nodes 110 may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and / or different impacts on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, a macro network node may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 watts to 40 watts), while a pico network node, a femto network node, and a relay network node may have a lower transmit power level (e.g., 0.1 watt to 2 watts).

[0043] The network controller 130 may be coupled to or in communication with a set of network nodes 110 and may provide coordination and control for the network nodes 110. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network nodes 110 via a backhaul communication link or a midhaul communication link. The network nodes 110 may also communicate directly with each other or indirectly via a wireless or wired backhaul communication link. In some aspects, the network controller 130 may be, or may include, a CU or a core network device.

[0044] UE 120 may be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. UE 120 may include, for example, an access terminal, a terminal, a mobile station, and / or a subscriber unit. UE 120 may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring or a smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, an industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

[0045] Some UEs 120 may be considered as machine type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC UEs and / or eMTC UEs may include, for example, robots, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, and / or location tags, which may communicate with a network node, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. Some UEs 120 may be considered as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) devices. Some UEs 120 may be considered as customer premises equipment. UE 120 may be included in a housing that houses components of UE 120, such as a processor component and / or a memory component. In some examples, the processor component and the memory component may be coupled together. For example, a processor component (e.g., one or more processors) and a memory component (e.g., a memory) may be operably coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, and / or electrically coupled.

[0046] Generally speaking, any number of wireless networks 100 may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network 100 may support a specific RAT and may operate on one or more frequencies. RAT may be referred to as a radio technology, air interface, etc. Frequency may be referred to as a carrier, frequency channel, etc. Each frequency may support a single RAT in a given geographic area to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks may be deployed.

[0047] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly (e.g., without using network node 110 as an intermediary to communicate with each other) using one or more sidelink channels. For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocols) and / or mesh networks. In such examples, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by network node 110.

[0048] The devices of the wireless network 100 may communicate using an electromagnetic spectrum, which may be subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc., according to frequency or wavelength. For example, the devices of the wireless network 100 may communicate using one or more operating bands. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that, although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "below 6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. A similar naming problem sometimes occurs with respect to FR2, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz to 300 GHz) identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0049] Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating bands for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz). The bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and therefore the features of FR1 and / or FR2 can be effectively extended to mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operations to more than 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz) and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0050] Considering the above examples, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it should be understood that if the term "below 6 GHz" or the like is used herein, the term may broadly refer to frequencies that may be lower than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it should be understood that if the term "millimeter wave" or the like is used herein, the term may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band. It is contemplated that the frequencies included in these operating bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) may be modified, and the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0051] In some aspects, UE 120 may include a communications manager 140. As described in greater detail elsewhere herein, communications manager 140 may access a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state; sending a coverage gap indication to the serving network indicating that a coverage gap is imminent based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is imminent; and transitioning from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. Additionally or alternatively, communications manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0052] In some aspects, a network node (e.g., network node 110) may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may receive a coverage gap indication from a UE while the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network is imminent, the first state comprising a connected state; and transition the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0053] As indicated above, Figure 1 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in the Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0054] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example 200 of a network node 110 communicating with a UE 120 in a wireless network 100 according to the present disclosure. The network node 110 may be equipped with a set of antennas 234a to 234t, such as T antennas (T≥1). The UE 120 may be equipped with a set of antennas 252a to 252r, such as R antennas (R≥1). The network node 110 of example 200 includes one or more radio frequency components, such as an antenna 234 and a modem 232. In some examples, the network node 110 may include an interface, a communication component, or another component that facilitates communication with the UE 120 or another network node. Some network nodes 110 may not include a radio frequency component that facilitates direct communication with the UE 120, such as one or more CUs or one or more DUs.

[0055] At the network node 110, a transmit processor 220 may receive data intended for a UE 120 (or a set of UEs 120) from a data source 212. The transmit processor 220 may select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for the UE 120 based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from the UE 120. The network node 110 may process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for the UE 120 based at least in part on the MCS selected for the UE 120, and may provide data symbols for the UE 120. The transmit processor 220 may process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, and / or upper layer signaling), and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS) or demodulation reference signals (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signals (PSS) or secondary synchronization signals (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, where applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (e.g., T output symbol streams) to a corresponding set of modems 232 (e.g., T modems) (shown as modems 232a to 232t). For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of the modem 232. Each modem 232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) using a corresponding modulator component to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or upconvert) the output sample stream using a corresponding modulator component to obtain a downlink signal. The modems 232a through 232t may transmit a set of downlink signals (eg, T downlink signals) via a corresponding set of antennas 234 (eg, T antennas) (shown as antennas 234a through 234t).

[0056] At the UE 120, a set of antennas 252 (shown as antennas 252a to 252r) may receive downlink signals from the network node 110 and / or other network nodes 110 and may provide a set of received signals (e.g., R received signals) to a set of modems 254 (e.g., R modems) (shown as modems 254a to 254r). For example, each received signal may be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of the modem 254. Each modem 254 may use a corresponding demodulator component to condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) the received signal to obtain input samples. Each modem 254 may use a demodulator component to further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from the modem 254, may perform MIMO detection on the received symbols where applicable, and may provide detected symbols. The receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, may provide decoded data for the UE 120 to the data sink 260, and may provide decoded control information and system information to the controller / processor 280. The term "controller / processor" may refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. The channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, and / or a CQI parameter, among other things. In some examples, one or more components of the UE 120 may be included in the housing 284.

[0057] The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292. The network controller 130 may include, for example, one or more devices in a core network. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network node 110 via the communication unit 294.

[0058] One or more antennas (e.g., antennas 234a to 234t and / or antennas 252a to 252r) may include or be included within one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, etc. Antenna panels, antenna groups, sets of antenna elements, and / or antenna arrays may include one or more antenna elements (in a single housing or multiple housings), sets of coplanar antenna elements, sets of non-coplanar antenna elements, and / or coupled to one or more transmit and / or receive components (such as, Figure 2 One or more antenna elements of one or more components in.

[0059] On the uplink, at the UE 120, the transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from the data source 262 and control information from the controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and / or CQI). The transmit processor 264 may generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 266, where applicable, further processed by the modem 254 (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM), and sent to the network node 110. In some examples, the modem 254 of the UE 120 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of an antenna 252, a modem 254, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, and / or a TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (eg, controller / processor 280) and memory 282 to perform the functions described herein (eg, with reference to Figures 6 to 10 ) or any aspect of any of the methods described herein.

[0060] At the network node 110, uplink signals from the UE 120 and / or other UEs may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the modem 232 (e.g., a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of the modem 232), detected by the MIMO detector 236 (where applicable), and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by the UE 120. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The network node 110 may include a communication unit 244 and may communicate with the network controller 130 via the communication unit 244. The network node 110 may include a scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink communication and / or uplink communication. In some examples, the modem 232 of the network node 110 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the network node 110 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 234, modem 232, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, transmit processor 220, and / or TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., controller / processor 240) and memory 242 to execute the instructions described herein (e.g., reference 2 Figures 6 to 10 ) or any aspect of any of the methods described herein.

[0061] The controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other components of the may perform one or more techniques associated with coverage gap management of the NTN, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. In some aspects, the network node described herein is the network node 110, included in the network node 110, or includes Figure 2 One or more components of the network node 110 shown in FIG. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other component that can execute or guide e.g. Figure 7 The process of 700 Figure 8 800 and / or other processes as described herein. Memory 242 and memory 282 may store data and program codes for network node 110 and UE 120, respectively. In some examples, memory 242 and / or memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores one or more instructions (e.g., code and / or program code) for wireless communication. For example, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of network node 110 and / or UE 120 (e.g., directly executed, or executed after compilation, conversion, and / or interpretation), may cause the one or more processors, UE 120, and / or network node 110 to execute or direct, for example, Figure 7 The process of 700 Figure 8 The process 800 and / or operations of other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions may include running instructions, converting instructions, compiling instructions, and / or interpreting instructions, etc.

[0062] In some aspects, a UE (e.g., UE 120) includes means for accessing a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state; means for sending a coverage gap indication to the serving network indicating that a coverage gap is about to occur based on a determination that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur; and / or means for transitioning from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. Means for the UE to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of the following: a communications manager 140, an antenna 252, a modem 254, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, a TX MIMO processor 266, a controller / processor 280, or a memory 282.

[0063] In some aspects, a network node (e.g., network node 110) includes means for receiving a coverage gap indication from a UE when the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network is imminent, the first state comprising a connected state; and / or means for transitioning the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. In some aspects, means for a network node to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of a communications manager 150, a transmit processor 220, a TX MIMO processor 230, a modem 232, an antenna 234, a MIMO detector 236, a receive processor 238, a controller / processor 240, a memory 242, or a scheduler 246.

[0064] Although Figure 2 The blocks in the 200 and 210 are illustrated as distinct components, but the functionality described above for these blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combined component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functionality described for the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.

[0065] As indicated above, Figure 2 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in the Figure 2 The examples described are different.

[0066] The deployment of a communication system (such as a 5G NR system) can be arranged in a variety of ways with various components or components. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, a base station or network equipment can be implemented in an aggregated or decomposed architecture. For example, a base station (such as a node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR base station, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a TRP or a cell, etc.) or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also referred to as an independent base station or a monolithic base station) or a decomposed base station. "Network entity" or "network node" may refer to a decomposed base station or one or more units of a decomposed base station (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, one or more RUs, or a combination thereof).

[0067] An aggregated base station (e.g., an aggregated network node) may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (e.g., within a single device or unit). A decomposed base station (e.g., a decomposed network node) may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more units (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, or one or more RUs). In some examples, a CU may be implemented within a network node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other network nodes. A DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of a CU, a DU, and a RU may also be implemented as a virtual unit, such as a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU), and the like.

[0068] Base station type operations or network designs may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a decomposed base station may be utilized in an IAB network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (such as a network configuration initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)) to facilitate the scaling of a communication system by separating base station functionality into one or more units that can be deployed separately. A decomposed base station may include functionality implemented across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as functionality implemented virtually for at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Individual units of a decomposed base station may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit of the decomposed base station.

[0069] Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture 300 according to the present disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310, which may communicate directly with a core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 through one or more disaggregated control units (such as a near-RT RIC 325 via an E2 link, or a non-RT RIC 315 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 305, or both). The CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via respective midhaul links, such as via an F1 interface. Each of the DUs 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via respective fronthaul links. Each of the RUs 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via respective RF access links. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 340.

[0070] Each of the units (including CU 310, DU 330, RU 340) and the near-RT RIC 325, non-RT RIC 315, and SMO framework 305 may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or send signals, data, or information (collectively referred to as signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to one or more communication interfaces of the corresponding unit may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. In some examples, each of the units may include a wired interface and a wireless interface, the wired interface being configured to receive signals or send signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium, and the wireless interface may include a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver (such as an RF transceiver), which is configured to receive signals or send signals to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium, or both.

[0071] In some aspects, CU 310 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC) functions, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) functions, or service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) functions, etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by CU 310. CU 310 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (e.g., central unit-user plane (CU-UP) functionality), control plane functionality (e.g., central unit-control plane (CU-CP) functionality), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, CU 310 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface such as an E1 interface. As needed, CU 310 may be implemented to communicate with DU 330 for network control and signaling.

[0072] Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 340. In some aspects, the DU 330 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers, at least in part according to a functional split (such as a functional split defined by 3GPP). In some aspects, the one or more high PHY layers may be implemented by one or more modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc. In some aspects, the DU 330 may also host one or more low PHY layers, such as one or more modules for fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming or physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc. Each layer (which may also be referred to as a module) may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330 or with control functions hosted by the CU 310.

[0073] Each RU 340 may implement lower layer functionality. In some deployments, the RU 340 controlled by the DU 330 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions based on functional splits (e.g., functional splits defined by 3GPP) such as lower layer functional splits, or low PHY layer functions such as performing FFT, performing iFFT, digital beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, etc. In this architecture, each RU 340 may be operated to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 120. In some specific implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communications with the RU 340 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable each DU 330 and CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture such as a vRAN architecture.

[0074] The SMO framework 305 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized network elements and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, non-RT RIC 315, and near-RT RIC 325. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 305 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 311) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 305 can communicate directly with each of the one or more RUs 340 via a corresponding O1 interface. The SMO framework 305 can also include a non-RT RIC 315 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 305.

[0075] The non-RT RIC 315 may be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 325. The non-RT RIC 315 may be coupled to or communicate with the near-RT RIC 325 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions through an interface (such as via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 310, one or more DUs 330, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 325.

[0076] In some implementations, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 325, the non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 325 and may be received from a non-network data source or from a network function at the SMO framework 305 or the non-RT RIC 315. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 315 or the near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 305 (such as via reconfiguration of the O1 interface) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 interface policies).

[0077] As indicated above, Figure 3 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in the Figure 3 The examples described are different.

[0078] Figure 4 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of a wireless communication network 402 including an NTN network node 404 according to the present disclosure. In some cases, the wireless communication network 402 can implement aspects of the wireless communication network 100. For example, the wireless communication network 402 can include a network node 406, a UE 408, and a non-terrestrial network entity 404, such as a satellite. The NTN network node 404 and / or the network node 406 can be, be similar to, or include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network node 110 and / or Figure 3 One or more components of the decomposed base station architecture 300 depicted in, or included in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network node 110 and / or Figure 3 4. The network node 406 may include, for example, a RAN node of a serving network, and in the case of a terrestrial network may serve a coverage area or cell 410a, and in the case of an NTN, a non-terrestrial network entity 404 may serve a coverage area 410b. Some NTNs may employ an airborne platform (e.g., a balloon) and / or a satellite-based platform (e.g., a satellite), either of which may include an NTN network node 404. The UE 408 may be, similar to, or include Figures 1 to 3 UE 120 as depicted in, or included in Figures 1 to 3 In the UE 120 depicted in .

[0079] As part of wireless communications in the NTN, the NTN network node 404 may communicate with the network node 406 and the UE 408. In the case of a terrestrial network, the UE 408 may communicate with the network node 406 via a communication link 412. In the case of NTN wireless communications, the NTN network node 404 may provide a serving cell for the UE 408 via a communication link 414. In some cases, the NTN network node 404 may act as a repeater (or remote radio head) for the network node 404 and the UE 408. For example, the network node 404 may communicate with the NTN network node 404 via a communication link 416, and the NTN network node 404 may relay signaling between the network node 406 and the UE 408 via the communication links 414 and 416.

[0080] As indicated above, Figure 4 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in Figure 4 The examples described are different.

[0081] In some cases, for example, due to the orbit of the NTN satellite, the NTN network node may provide discontinuous radio coverage to the UE. For example, some NTNs (such as LEO systems) may have one or more coverage gaps (also referred to as response times or revisit times) in certain geographic areas. A coverage gap may be the duration between consecutive views (or coverage areas) of an NTN network node at a given location. For example, a satellite revisit time (or coverage interval) may be 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the number of satellites deployed. As an example, the duration of the time within the coverage range may be as long as 5 minutes. During the revisit time, a wireless network (such as a core network) may not be able to reach the UE. During the coverage gap, the UE and / or the network may attempt to reconnect or communicate with each other. Such operations during the coverage gap may be inefficient for power consumption (especially at the UE) and / or for signaling overhead at the RAN (e.g., affecting spectrum efficiency).

[0082] Figure 55 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 of NTN communications according to the present disclosure. As shown, the NTN of example 500 includes two satellites 502a and 502b having coverage areas 504a and 504b, respectively. As shown, UE 506 may be located at the edge of the coverage area 504b of the second satellite 502b. A coverage gap 508 may occur between the coverage areas 504a and 504b of satellites 502a and 502b. When satellites 502a and 502b are generally orbiting in corresponding directions 510a and 510b, respectively, the coverage areas 504a and 504b and the coverage gap 508 pass through UE 506, so that UE 506 may experience discontinuous coverage with respect to the NTN. When a UE (e.g., UE 506) is in a coverage area of ​​an NTN (e.g., coverage area 504a or 504b), the UE may be considered to be in a coverage state with respect to the NTN, and when the UE is in a coverage gap (e.g., coverage gap 508), the UE may be considered to be in an out-of-coverage state with respect to the NTN for a specific duration (e.g., the time period of the area gap 508).

[0083] Coverage gaps may present various problems in a wireless communication network. For example, when a UE is out of coverage with respect to an NTN (e.g., when the UE is in a coverage gap), a wireless network (e.g., a core network) may not be aware of the coverage gap, and the wireless network may attempt to communicate with the UE while the UE is in the coverage gap of the NTN. For example, the core network may attempt to page the UE, and the core network may treat the non-responsiveness of the UE as one or more paging failures.

[0084] When a coverage gap occurs, the UE may lose the radio link, thereby triggering a radio link failure (RLF) detection procedure. After the RLF detection procedure, the UE may trigger an RLF recovery procedure. Since the RLF recovery procedure will fail (due to the continued lack of coverage) during the coverage gap, the UE may declare itself to be in an out of service (OOS) state. In the OOS state, the UE may search for another network. This search may initially be resource and power intensive, and after a period of no success, the search may fade away. During the coverage gap, the network may also perform RLF detection, followed by an RLF recovery procedure (due to the coverage gap), after which a connection release of the network may be performed. Since the coverage gap may be predictable to the UE and may be persistent, suppressing attempts at RLF detection and / or recovery when the radio link is lost due to a coverage gap may result in power savings at the UE. In addition, since the radio link may be unrecoverable during the coverage gap, immediately releasing UE resources rather than attempting to recover the radio link may result in power savings and overhead reduction from the network's perspective.

[0085] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for coverage gap management of NTN. In some aspects, a UE may access a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with a serving network. The first state may include a connected state. The UE may send a coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap to a RAN node of the serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to arrive. The UE may transition from a connected state to a second state at or before the start of a coverage gap. In addition, the RAN node may transition the UE from a connected state to a second state. In some aspects, the second state may be a suspended state, an idle state, or an inactive state. In this way, some aspects may be beneficial to power saving at the UE (e.g., due to initiating a power saving state at the UE during a coverage gap) and / or spectral efficiency (e.g., due to the UE locally transitioning to the second state when a coverage gap is expected).

[0086] As indicated above, Figure 5 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in Figure 5 The examples described are different.

[0087] Figure 6 6 is a diagram illustrating an example 600 associated with coverage gap management of an NTN according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, UE 602 and network node 604 can communicate with each other. In some aspects, UE 602 can be, similar to, or include Figure 5 UE 506 as depicted in Figure 4 UE 408 and / or Figures 1 to 3 UE 120 as depicted in, or included in Figure 5 UE 506 as depicted in Figure 4 UE 408 and / or Figures 1 to 3 In some aspects, the network node 604 may be, be similar to, or include Figure 5 Satellites 502a and / or 502b, depicted in Figure 4 The NTN network node 404 and / or the network node 406 depicted in Figure 3 One or more aspects of the decomposed base station architecture described in Figure 1 and 2 The network node 110 depicted in, or included in Figure 5 Satellites 502a and / or 502b, depicted in Figure 4 The NTN network node 404 and / or the network node 406 depicted in Figure 3 One or more aspects of the decomposed base station architecture described in Figure 1 and 210. For example, in some aspects, the network node 604 may be a RAN node. In some aspects, the network node 604 may be a satellite-based node (e.g., a satellite-based RAN node). The network node 604 may be associated with a serving network. In some aspects, the network node 604 may be a core network node. For example, in some aspects, the network node 604 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0088] As shown by reference numeral 606, the network node 604 may send configuration information, and the UE 602 may receive the configuration information. In one aspect, the configuration information may be sent, for example, using RRC signaling. In another aspect, the configuration information may be sent via system information in a broadcast channel. The configuration information may indicate a coverage gap management process. The coverage gap management process may include one or more aspects described herein. For example, as part of the coverage gap management process, the UE 602 may determine that a coverage gap is about to occur, the UE 602 may send a coverage gap indication to the network node 604 based on the determination that the coverage gap is about to occur, and the UE 602 may transition from a connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate the second state. For example, the second state may include an idle state, a suspended state, or an inactive state. In some aspects, for example, the configuration information may indicate a suspended state configuration corresponding to a suspended state.

[0089] In some aspects, the configuration information may include a configuration support indication indicating that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the network node may announce whether the indication is supported in system information in a broadcast channel. For example, the system information may include a binary flag or a Boolean flag indicating whether the indication is supported.

[0090] In some aspects, the configuration information may include a UE timer configuration. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate a value for the UE timer. In some aspects, a UE timer value provided by the serving network via the network node 604 may be included in the configuration information and may include an indication of a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or a selectable UE timer value. In some aspects, signaling of the UE timer value may implicitly indicate that the network node 604 supports receiving a coverage gap indication.

[0091] As shown by reference numeral 608, UE 602 may access a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network. The first state may include a connected state. As shown by reference numeral 610, UE 602 may send a coverage gap indication, and network node 604 may receive the coverage gap indication. UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur. The coverage gap indication may indicate that a coverage gap is about to occur.

[0092] In some aspects, the UE 602 may determine that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is imminent based on an estimate of the start time of the next coverage gap. In some aspects, the UE 602 may generate an estimate of the start time of the next coverage gap associated with the satellite based on information about a satellite constellation provided by the network. In some aspects, the information about the satellite constellation may include satellite ephemeris data. In some aspects, the satellite ephemeris data may be provided in system information in a broadcast channel.

[0093] In some aspects, UE 602 may determine that a coverage gap is imminent based on determining that UE 602 will not be scheduled or otherwise configured to communicate with a serving network via satellite before the coverage gap ends.

[0094] In some aspects, the UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on the configuration information. In some aspects, the UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on receiving an indication indicating that the network node 604 supports receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on sending a MAC layer communication including the coverage gap indication. The MAC layer communication may include a release assistance indication, which includes the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on sending an RRC layer message including the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the UE 602 may send the coverage gap indication based on sending a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message including the coverage gap indication. The coverage gap indication may include a release assistance indication.

[0095] As indicated by reference numeral 612, UE 602 may start a UE timer. UE 602 may start the UE timer when or after sending the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the configuration information may indicate that the value of the UE timer includes a value selected by UE 602. In some aspects, UE 602 may refrain from starting the UE timer based on the value selected by UE 602 being equal to zero.

[0096] In some aspects, the duration of the UE timer may be set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a UE timer value selected by the UE 602. For example, in some aspects, the UE timer value provided by the serving network may be included in the configuration information and may include a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or an indication of a selectable UE timer value. In some aspects, the duration of the UE timer may be set to one of a UE timer value when the configuration information indicates a UE timer value, a value within a UE timer range when the configuration information indicates a UE timer range, or a value selected by the UE 602 when the configuration information indicates a selectable UE timer value or an indication that the UE timer value is zero. In some aspects, the UE timer value selected by the UE 602 may be equal to zero.

[0097] In some aspects, the UE 602 may send a coverage gap indication based on a difference between a duration of the UE timer and a time remaining until the start of a coverage gap associated with a satellite satisfying a threshold time value. In some aspects, the UE 602 may send an indication of the duration of the UE timer to the network node 604.

[0098] As indicated by reference numeral 614, the network node 604 may start a network timer. The network timer may correspond to a UE timer, and the network node 604 may start the network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the network node 604 may receive an indication of a UE timer value from the UE 602, and may set the network timer value of the network timer based on the UE timer value. In some aspects, if the network has not configured a UE timer for the UE 602, the network node 604 may start an implementation-specific network timer. The value of the implementation-specific network timer may be determined based on scheduling information and / or location information associated with the UE 602.

[0099] As indicated by reference numeral 616, the UE 602 may transition from the connected state to the second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. In some aspects, the UE 602 may determine that a duration of a UE timer has expired or is set to zero, and may transition from the connected state to the second state based on determining that the duration of the timer has expired or is set to zero. In some aspects, if the UE timer has a value equal to zero, the UE 602 may transition to the second state at any time (e.g., based on an implementation-specific UE timer value). In some aspects, the network node 604 may send, and upon receiving a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires, the UE 602 may transition to the second state.

[0100] In some aspects, UE 602 may transition from a connected state to a second state based on suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE and a network node. In some aspects, the second state may include a suspended state or an inactive state. In some aspects, the suspended state may include an idle state associated with a suspension indication. In some aspects, the inactive state may include a connected state to a serving network associated with an RRC inactive state.

[0101] In some aspects, the UE 602 may enter a power saving state based on transitioning from a connected state to a second state. Entering the power saving state may include deactivating at least one of a transceiver function, a network search function, or a paging monitoring function.

[0102] As indicated by reference numeral 618, the network node 604 may transition the UE 602 to the second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. In some aspects, transitioning the UE 602 from the connected state to the second state may include suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE 602 and the network node 604. As indicated above, the second state may include a suspended state, an idle state, or an inactive state. In some aspects, the network node 604 may determine that a duration of a network timer has expired or been set to zero, and may release the signaling connection between the network node 604 and the UE 602 based on determining that the duration of the network timer has expired or been set to zero.

[0103] As shown by reference numeral 620, UE 602 and network node 604 may transition from the second state to the connected state. For example, UE 602 may transition from the second state to the connected state based on a recovery procedure based on determining that the coverage gap ends. Network node 604 may transition UE 602 from the second state to the connected state based on a recovery procedure based on determining that the coverage gap ends.

[0104] As indicated above, Figure 6 are provided as examples. Other examples can be found in Figure 6 The examples described are different.

[0105] Figure 7 7 is a diagram illustrating an example process 700 performed, for example, by a UE according to the present disclosure. Example process 700 is an example of a UE (eg, UE 602) performing operations associated with coverage gap management of an NTN.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, in some aspects, process 700 may include accessing a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state (block 710). Fig. 9The communication manager 908, receiving component 902 and / or sending component 904 depicted in FIG. 1 may access a serving network via a satellite when in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state, as described above.

[0107] like Figure 7 As further shown in FIG. 7 , in some aspects, process 700 may include sending a coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap to a RAN node of a serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to occur (block 720). Fig. 9 The communication manager 908 and / or the sending component 904 depicted in FIG. 1 may send a coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap to a RAN node of a serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is upcoming, as described above.

[0108] In some aspects, the RAN node comprises a satellite-based node. In some aspects, sending the coverage gap indication to the serving network comprises sending the coverage gap indication to a core network node of the serving network. In some aspects, the core network node may comprise an AMF. In some aspects, sending the coverage gap indication comprises sending a MAC layer communication comprising the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the MAC layer communication comprises a release auxiliary indication, the release auxiliary indication comprising the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, sending the coverage gap indication comprises sending an RRC layer message comprising the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, sending the coverage gap indication comprises sending a NAS layer message and the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the coverage gap indication comprises a release auxiliary indication.

[0109] like Figure 7 As further shown in FIG. 7 , in some aspects, process 700 may include transitioning from a connected state to a second state at or before a coverage gap begins (block 730). For example, as described above, a UE (e.g., using Fig. 9 The communication manager 908 depicted in FIG. 9 may transition from the connected state to the second state at or before the start of a coverage gap.

[0110] In some aspects, the second state includes an idle state, a suspended state, or an inactive state. In some aspects, the process 700 includes entering a power saving state based on transitioning from a connected state to a second state. In some aspects, entering a power saving state includes deactivating at least one of a transceiver function, a network search function, or a paging monitoring function. In some aspects, transitioning from a connected state to a second state includes suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE and a RAN node. In some aspects, the second state includes a suspended state or an inactive state. In some aspects, the suspended state includes an idle state associated with a suspension indication. In some aspects, the inactive state includes a connection state to a serving network associated with an RRC inactive state. In some aspects, the process 700 includes receiving configuration information indicating a suspended state configuration corresponding to the suspended state. In some aspects, the process 700 includes transitioning from the second state to a connected state based on determining that a coverage gap ends based on a recovery process.

[0111] Process 700 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0112] In some aspects, process 700 includes receiving configuration information, wherein sending the coverage gap indication includes sending the coverage gap indication based on receiving the configuration information. In some aspects, the configuration information includes a configuration support indication indicating that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication.

[0113] In some aspects, the configuration information indicates that the value of the UE timer includes a value selected by the UE, and wherein the value selected by the UE is equal to zero, and the method further includes: suppressing starting the UE timer based on the value selected by the UE being equal to zero. In some aspects, the process 700 includes: starting the UE timer when sending the coverage gap indication or after sending the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a timer value selected by the UE. In some aspects, the UE timer value provided by the serving network is included in the configuration information and includes a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or an indication of a selectable UE timer value. In some aspects, the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value when the configuration information indicates a UE timer value, a value within a timer range when the configuration information indicates a UE timer range, or a value selected by the UE when the configuration information indicates a selectable UE timer value or an indication that the timer value is zero. In some aspects, the UE timer value selected by the UE is equal to zero. In some aspects, process 700 includes determining that a duration of a UE timer has expired or is set to zero, wherein transitioning from a connected state to a second state includes transitioning from a connected state to a second state based on determining that a duration of a UE timer has expired or is set to zero. In some aspects, process 700 includes sending a coverage gap indication based on a difference between a duration of the UE timer and a time remaining until a start of a coverage gap associated with a satellite satisfying a threshold time value. In some aspects, process 700 includes sending an indication of a duration of the UE timer to a RAN node. In some aspects, process 700 includes receiving a connection release command prior to expiration of a duration of the UE timer. In some aspects, configuration information indicates the second state.

[0114] although Figure 7 An example block diagram of process 700 is shown, but in some aspects, process 700 may include Figure 7 Additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 700. Additionally or alternatively, two or more of the blocks in the process 700 may be performed in parallel.

[0115] Figure 8 800 is a diagram illustrating an example process 800 performed, for example, by a RAN node in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 800 is an example of a RAN node (e.g., RAN node 604) performing operations associated with coverage gap management of an NTN. In some aspects, the RAN node comprises a satellite-based node.

[0116] like Figure 8As shown in , in some aspects, process 800 may include: receiving a coverage gap indication from a UE while the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state (block 810). For example, a RAN node (e.g., using Fig.10 The communication manager 1008 and / or receiving component 1002 depicted in the figure can receive a coverage gap indication from the UE when the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network is about to occur, the first state comprising a connected state, as described above.

[0117] In some aspects, receiving the coverage gap indication comprises: receiving a MAC layer communication comprising a coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the MAC layer communication comprises a release assistance indication, the release assistance indication comprising the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, receiving the coverage gap indication comprises: receiving an RRC layer message comprising the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, receiving the coverage gap indication comprises: receiving a NAS layer message and the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the coverage gap indication comprises a release assistance indication.

[0118] like Figure 8 As further shown, in some aspects, process 800 may include: transitioning the UE to a second state at or before the start of a coverage gap (block 820). For example, a RAN node (e.g., using Fig.10 The communication manager 1008 and / or the transmitting component 1004) depicted in FIG. 1 can transition the UE to the second state at or before the start of a coverage gap, as described above.

[0119] In some aspects, the second state comprises an idle state, a suspended state, or an inactive state. In some aspects, transitioning the UE from the connected state to the second state comprises suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE and a RAN node. In some aspects, the second state comprises a suspended state or an inactive state. In some aspects, the suspended state comprises an idle state associated with a suspended indication. In some aspects, the inactive state comprises a connected state to a serving network associated with an RRC inactive state. In some aspects, process 800 comprises sending configuration information indicating a suspended state configuration corresponding to the suspended state. In some aspects, process 800 comprises: based on a recovery process, transitioning the UE from the second state to the connected state based on determining that a coverage gap ends.

[0120] Process 800 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0121] In some aspects, process 800 includes sending configuration information, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication includes receiving the coverage gap indication based on the configuration information. In some aspects, the configuration information includes a configuration support indication indicating that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the configuration information indicates a UE timer, wherein the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a UE timer value selected by the UE. In some aspects, the network timer corresponds to the UE timer, and the method further includes starting the network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the UE timer value provided by the serving network is included in the configuration information and includes a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or an indication of a selectable UE timer value. In some aspects, the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value when the configuration information indicates a UE timer value, a value within a UE timer range when the configuration information indicates a UE timer range, or a value selected by the UE when the configuration information indicates a selectable UE timer value or an indication that the UE timer value is zero. In some aspects, the UE timer value selected by the UE is equal to zero. In some aspects, the process 800 includes receiving a coverage gap indication based on a difference between a duration of a UE timer and a time remaining until a start of a coverage gap associated with a satellite satisfying a threshold time value. In some aspects, the process 800 includes receiving an indication of a UE timer value from the UE; and setting a network timer value based on the UE timer value. In some aspects, the process 800 includes sending a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires. In some aspects, the configuration information indicates a second state. In some aspects, the process 800 includes starting a network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication. In some aspects, the process 800 includes determining that a duration of a network timer has expired or is set to zero; and releasing a signaling connection between the RAN node and the UE based on determining that a duration of the network timer has expired or is set to zero.

[0122] although Figure 8 An example block diagram of process 800 is shown, but in some aspects, process 800 may include Figure 8 Additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 800. Additionally or alternatively, two or more of the blocks in the process 800 may be performed in parallel.

[0123] Fig. 9is a diagram of an example apparatus 900 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Apparatus 900 may be a UE, or a UE may include apparatus 900. In some aspects, apparatus 900 includes a receiving component 902 and a transmitting component 904 that may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). As shown, apparatus 900 may communicate with another apparatus 906 (such as a UE, a base station, or another wireless communication device) using receiving component 902 and transmitting component 904. As further shown, apparatus 900 may include a communication manager 908.

[0124] In some aspects, the apparatus 900 may be configured to perform Figure 6 Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 900 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 7 The process 700. In some aspects, Fig. 9 The device 900 and / or one or more components shown may include a combination of Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, Fig. 9 One or more of the components shown may be combined Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or codes that are stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and can be executed by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0125] Receiving component 902 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, from device 906. Receiving component 902 may provide received communications to one or more other components of device 900. In some aspects, receiving component 902 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) on received communications and may provide processed signals to one or more other components of device 900. In some aspects, receiving component 902 may include combining Figure 2 One or more antennas, modems, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receive processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described UE.

[0126] Transmit component 904 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 906. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 900 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to transmit component 904 for transmission to device 906. In some aspects, transmit component 904 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to device 906. In some aspects, transmit component 904 may include combining Figure 2 One or more antennas, modems, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described UE. In some aspects, the transmit component 904 can be co-located with the receive component 902 in a transceiver.

[0127] The communication manager 908, the receiving component 902, and / or the sending component 904 can access the service network via a satellite when in a first state with the service network, the first state comprising a connected state. In some aspects, the communication manager 908 can include combining Figure 2 One or more antennas, modems, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described UE. In some aspects, the communication manager 908 may include a receiving component 902 and / or a sending component 904. In some aspects, the communication manager 908 may be, be similar to, or include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication manager 140 depicted in, or included in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the communication manager 140 depicted in .

[0128] The communication manager 908 and / or the transmitting component 904 can transmit a coverage gap indication indicating an upcoming coverage gap to a RAN node of the serving network based on determining that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is upcoming. The communication manager 908 can transition from the connected state to the second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0129] The communication manager 908 and / or the receiving component 902 may receive configuration information, wherein sending the coverage gap indication includes sending the coverage gap indication based on receiving the configuration information. The communication manager 908 may start the UE timer while sending the coverage gap indication or after sending the coverage gap indication. The communication manager 908 may determine that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero, wherein the transition from the connected state to the second state includes transitioning from the connected state to the second state based on determining that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero. The communication manager 908 and / or the sending component 904 may send the coverage gap indication based on the difference between the duration of the UE timer and the time remaining until the start of the coverage gap associated with the satellite meets the threshold time value. The communication manager 908 and / or the sending component 904 may send an indication of the duration of the UE timer to the RAN node. The communication manager 908 and / or the receiving component 902 may receive a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires. The communication manager 908 may enter a power saving state based on transitioning from the connected state to the second state. Communications manager 908 and / or receiving component 902 can receive configuration information indicating a pause state configuration corresponding to the pause state.Communication manager 908 can transition from the second state to the connected state based on a determination that the coverage gap ends based on a resume procedure.

[0130] Fig. 9 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. Fig. 9 The components shown may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Fig. 9 Two or more components shown may be implemented in a single component, or Fig. 9 The single component shown may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Fig. 9 The illustrated set of component(s) may be described as being executable by Fig. 9 Another collection of components shown performs one or more functions.

[0131] Fig.10 1 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1000 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Apparatus 1000 may be a RAN node, or a RAN node may include apparatus 1000. In some aspects, apparatus 1000 includes a receiving component 1002 and a transmitting component 1004 that may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). As shown, apparatus 1000 may communicate with another apparatus 1006 (such as a UE, a base station, or another wireless communication device) using receiving component 1002 and transmitting component 1004. As further shown, apparatus 1000 may include a communication manager 1008.

[0132] In some aspects, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform Figure 6 Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 8 The process 800. In some aspects, Fig.10 The device 1000 and / or one or more components shown may include a combination of Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, Fig.10 One or more of the components shown may be combined Figure 2 Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or codes that are stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and can be executed by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0133] Receiving component 1002 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, from apparatus 1006. Receiving component 1002 may provide received communications to one or more other components of apparatus 1000. In some aspects, receiving component 1002 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) on received communications and may provide processed signals to one or more other components of apparatus 1000. In some aspects, receiving component 1002 may include combining Figure 2 One or more antennas, modems, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receive processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof, of the described network nodes.

[0134] Transmit component 1004 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 1006. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 1000 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to transmit component 1004 for transmission to device 1006. In some aspects, transmit component 1004 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to device 1006. In some aspects, transmit component 1004 may include combining Figure 2One or more antennas, modems, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described network nodes. In some aspects, the transmit component 1004 can be co-located with the receive component 1002 in a transceiver.

[0135] The communication manager 1008 and / or the receiving component 1002 can receive a coverage gap indication from the UE when the UE is in a first state with the serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite via which the UE accesses the serving network is about to occur, the first state comprising a connected state. In some aspects, the communication manager 1008 can include combining Figure 2 One or more antennas, modems, controllers / processors, memories, or combinations thereof of the described network nodes. In some aspects, the communication manager 1008 may include a receiving component 1002 and / or a sending component 1004. In some aspects, the communication manager 1008 may be, be similar to, or include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication manager 150 depicted in, or included in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the communication manager 150 depicted in .

[0136] The communications manager 1008 may transition the UE to the second state at or before the start of the coverage gap. The communications manager 1008 and / or the sending component 1004 may send configuration information, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication comprises receiving the coverage gap indication based on the configuration information. The communications manager 1008 and / or the receiving component 1002 may receive the coverage gap indication based on a difference between a duration of a UE timer and a time remaining until a coverage gap associated with the satellite starts satisfying a threshold time value. The communications manager 1008 and / or the receiving component 1002 may receive an indication of a UE timer value from the UE. The communications manager 1008 may set a network timer value based on the UE timer value.

[0137] The communication manager 1008 and / or the sending component 1004 may send a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires. The communication manager 1008 may start a network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication. The communication manager 1008 may determine that the duration of the network timer has expired or is set to zero. The communication manager 1008 may release the signaling connection between the RAN node and the UE based on determining that the duration of the network timer has expired or is set to zero. The communication manager 1008 and / or the sending component 1004 may send configuration information indicating a pause state configuration corresponding to the pause state. The communication manager 1008 and / or the sending component 1004 may transition from the second state to the connected state based on determining that the coverage gap ends based on the recovery process.

[0138] Fig.10 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. Fig.10 The components shown may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Fig.10 Two or more components shown may be implemented in a single component, or Fig.10 The single component shown may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Fig.10 The illustrated set of component(s) may be described as being executable by Fig.10 Another collection of components shown performs one or more functions.

[0139] The following provides an overview of some aspects of the disclosure:

[0140] Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: accessing a serving network via a satellite while in a first state with the serving network, the first state comprising a connected state; sending a coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur to a radio access network (RAN) node of the serving network; and transitioning from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0141] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1, wherein the RAN node comprises a satellite-based node.

[0142] Aspect 3: According to the method according to any one of aspects 1 or 2, the method further includes: receiving configuration information, wherein sending the coverage gap indication includes: sending the coverage gap indication based on receiving the configuration information.

[0143] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3, wherein the configuration information includes a configuration support indication, and the configuration support indication indicates that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication.

[0144] Aspect 5: A method according to any one of Aspects 3 or 4, wherein the value of the UE timer indicated by the configuration information includes a value selected by the UE, and wherein the value selected by the UE is equal to zero, and the method further includes: suppressing the start of the UE timer based on the value selected by the UE being equal to zero.

[0145] Aspect 6: According to the method according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, the method further includes: starting a UE timer while sending the coverage gap indication or after sending the coverage gap indication.

[0146] Aspect 7: The method according to aspect 6, wherein the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a UE timer value selected by the UE.

[0147] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7, wherein the UE timer value provided by the serving network is included in the configuration information and includes an indication of a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or a selectable UE timer value.

[0148] Aspect 9: A method according to Aspect 8, wherein the duration of the UE timer is set to one of the UE timer value when the configuration information indicates the UE timer value, a value within the UE timer range when the configuration information indicates the UE timer range, or a value selected by the UE when the configuration information indicates the selectable UE timer value or an indication that the UE timer value is zero.

[0149] Aspect 10: The method according to aspect 9, wherein the UE timer value selected by the UE is equal to zero.

[0150] Aspect 11: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 9 or 10, the method also includes: determining that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero, wherein the transition from the connected state to the second state includes: transitioning from the connected state to the second state based on determining that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero.

[0151] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 6 to 11, further comprising: sending the coverage gap indication based on the difference between the duration of the UE timer and the time remaining until the start of the coverage gap associated with the satellite satisfying a threshold time value.

[0152] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 6 to 12, further comprising: sending an indication of the duration of the UE timer to the RAN node.

[0153] Aspect 14: The method according to any one of aspects 6 to 13, further comprising: receiving a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires.

[0154] Aspect 15: The method according to any one of Aspects 3 to 14, wherein the configuration information indicates the second state.

[0155] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein sending the coverage gap indication includes: sending a medium access control (MAC) layer communication including the coverage gap indication.

[0156] Aspect 17: The method according to aspect 16, wherein the MAC layer communication includes a release assistance indication, and the release assistance indication includes the coverage gap indication.

[0157] Aspect 18: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein sending the coverage gap indication includes: sending a radio resource control (RRC) layer message including the coverage gap indication.

[0158] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein sending the coverage gap indication comprises: sending a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message and the coverage gap indication.

[0159] Aspect 20: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the coverage gap indication comprises a release assistance indication.

[0160] Aspect 21: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, wherein the second state includes an idle state, a pause state or an inactive state.

[0161] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, further comprising: entering a power saving state based on transitioning from the connected state to the second state.

[0162] Aspect 23: The method according to aspect 21, wherein entering the power saving state comprises: deactivating at least one of a transceiver function, a network search function, or a paging monitoring function.

[0163] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 23, wherein transitioning from the connected state to the second state includes: suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE and the RAN node.

[0164] Aspect 25: The method according to Aspect 24, wherein the second state includes a pause state or an inactive state.

[0165] Aspect 26: The method according to Aspect 25, wherein the pause state comprises an idle state associated with a pause indication.

[0166] Aspect 27: The method according to any one of Aspects 25 or 26, wherein the inactive state comprises a connection state to the serving network associated with a radio resource control inactive state.

[0167] Aspect 28: The method according to any one of Aspects 25 to 27, further comprising: receiving configuration information indicating a pause state configuration corresponding to the pause state.

[0168] Aspect 29: The method according to any one of aspects 24 to 28, further comprising: based on a recovery process, transitioning from the second state to the connected state based on determining that the coverage gap ends.

[0169] Aspect 30: A method of wireless communication performed by a radio access network (RAN) node of a serving network, the method comprising: receiving a coverage gap indication from a user equipment (UE) when the UE is in a first state with the serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to occur, the UE accessing the serving network via the satellite, the first state comprising a connected state; and transitioning the UE to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

[0170] Aspect 31: The method according to aspect 30, wherein the RAN node comprises a satellite-based node.

[0171] Aspect 32: According to any one of aspects 30 or 31, the method further comprises: sending configuration information, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication comprises: receiving the coverage gap indication based on the configuration information.

[0172] Aspect 33: The method according to aspect 32, wherein the configuration information includes a configuration support indication, and the configuration support indication indicates that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication.

[0173] Aspect 34: A method according to any one of Aspects 32 or 33, wherein the configuration information indicates a UE timer, wherein the duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a UE timer value selected by the UE.

[0174] Aspect 35: The method according to aspect 34, wherein the network timer corresponds to the UE timer, and the method further includes: starting the network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication.

[0175] Aspect 36: A method according to any one of aspects 34 or 35, wherein the UE timer value provided by the serving network is included in the configuration information and includes an indication of a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or a selectable UE timer value.

[0176] Aspect 37: A method according to any one of Aspects 34 to 36, wherein the duration of the UE timer is set to one of the UE timer value when the configuration information indicates the UE timer value, the value within the UE timer range when the configuration information indicates the UE timer range, or the value selected by the UE when the configuration information indicates the selectable UE timer value or the UE timer value is zero.

[0177] Aspect 38: The method according to aspect 37, wherein the UE timer value selected by the UE is equal to zero.

[0178] Aspect 39: The method according to any one of Aspects 34 to 38, the method further comprising: receiving the coverage gap indication based on the difference between the duration of the UE timer and the time remaining until the start of the coverage gap associated with the satellite satisfying a threshold time value.

[0179] Aspect 40: The method according to any one of aspects 34 to 39 further comprises: receiving an indication of the UE timer value from the UE; and setting a network timer value based on the UE timer value.

[0180] Aspect 41: According to any one of aspects 34 to 40, the method further comprises: sending a connection release command before the duration of the UE timer expires.

[0181] Aspect 42: A method according to any one of Aspects 32 to 41, wherein the configuration information indicates the second state.

[0182] Aspect 43: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 42, further comprising: starting a network timer based on receiving the coverage gap indication.

[0183] Aspect 44: According to the method according to Aspect 43, the method also includes: determining that the duration of the network timer has expired or is set to zero; and releasing the signaling connection between the RAN node and the UE based on determining that the duration of the network timer has expired or is set to zero.

[0184] Aspect 45: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 44, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication includes: receiving a medium access control (MAC) layer communication including the coverage gap indication.

[0185] Aspect 46: The method according to aspect 45, wherein the MAC layer communication includes a release assistance indication, and the release assistance indication includes the coverage gap indication.

[0186] Aspect 47: A method according to any one of Aspects 30 to 46, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication includes: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) layer message including the coverage gap indication.

[0187] Aspect 48: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 47, wherein receiving the coverage gap indication includes: receiving a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message and the coverage gap indication.

[0188] Aspect 49: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 48, wherein the coverage gap indication includes a release assistance indication.

[0189] Aspect 50: A method according to any one of Aspects 30 to 49, wherein the second state comprises an idle state, a pause state or an inactive state.

[0190] Aspect 51: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 50, wherein transitioning the UE from the connected state to the second state includes: suspending or disabling a signaling connection between the UE and the RAN node.

[0191] Aspect 52: The method according to Aspect 51, wherein the second state includes a pause state or an inactive state.

[0192] Aspect 53: The method according to Aspect 52, wherein the pause state comprises an idle state associated with a pause indication.

[0193] Aspect 54: The method according to any one of aspects 52 or 53, wherein the inactive state comprises a connection state to the serving network associated with a radio resource control inactive state.

[0194] Aspect 55: According to any one of aspects 52 to 54, the method further comprises: sending configuration information indicating a pause state configuration corresponding to the pause state.

[0195] Aspect 56: The method according to any one of aspects 52 to 55, further comprising: based on a recovery process, transitioning the UE from the second state to the connected state based on determining that the coverage gap ends.

[0196] Aspect 57: An apparatus for performing wireless communications at a device, 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 one or more of the methods described in Aspects 1 to 29.

[0197] Aspect 58: A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, the one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to execute the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 29.

[0198] Aspect 59: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one component for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 29.

[0199] Aspect 60: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 29.

[0200] Aspect 61: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set for wireless communication, the instruction set comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform one or more of the methods described in aspects 1 to 29.

[0201] Aspect 62: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, 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 one or more of the methods described in Aspects 30 to 56.

[0202] Aspect 63: A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, the one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to execute the method according to one or more of aspects 30 to 56.

[0203] Aspect 64: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one component for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 30 to 56.

[0204] Aspect 65: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 30 to 56.

[0205] Aspect 66: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set for wireless communication, the instruction set comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform one or more of the methods described in aspects 30 to 56.

[0206] While the foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of these aspects.

[0207] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as a combination of hardware and / or hardware and software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other names, "software" should be broadly interpreted as meaning instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads, processes and / or functions implemented, etc. As used herein, a "processor" is implemented in a combination of hardware and / or hardware and software. It will be clear that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented by different forms of hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods does not limit various aspects. Therefore, the operation and behavior of the system and / or method are not described herein with reference to specific software codes, because those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the system and / or method based at least in part on the description herein.

[0208] As used herein, "satisfying a threshold" may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0209] Although specific combinations of features are set forth in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features can be combined in a manner that is not specifically described in the claims and / or is not disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim combined with each other claim in the claim set. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" the list of items refers to any combination of these items (which includes a single member). As an example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, a+b, a+c, b+c and a+b+c, and any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., a+a, a+a+a, a+a+b, a+a+c, a+b+b, a+c+c, b+b, b+b+b, b+b+c, c+c and c+c+c, or any other ordering of a, b and c).

[0210] Any element, action or instruction used herein should not be interpreted as key or necessary unless clearly stated. In addition, as used herein, the articles "one" and "a kind of" are intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the article "said" is intended to include one or more items connected to the article "said", and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the terms "set" and "group" are intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". If only one item is intended to be referred to, the phrase "only one" or similar terms are used. Moreover, as used herein, the term "having" etc. is intended to be an open term, which does not limit the elements they modify (for example, "having" A elements can also have B). In addition, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on", unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" when used in a series is intended to be open-ended and used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (eg, if used in conjunction with "either" or "only one of").

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, the user equipment (UE) comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to: accessing the service network via a satellite when in a first state with the service network, the first state comprising a connected state; sending a coverage gap indication indicating that the coverage gap is about to occur to the serving network based on determining that the coverage gap associated with the satellite is about to occur; as well as A transition is made from the connected state to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: Sending the coverage gap indication includes sending the coverage gap indication to a radio access network (RAN) node of the serving network.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: RAN nodes include satellite based nodes.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein: Sending the coverage gap indication includes sending the coverage gap indication to a core network node of the serving network.

5. The UE according to claim 3, wherein: The core network node includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein: Sending the coverage gap indication includes sending a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message including the coverage gap indication.

7. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to receive configuration information, wherein to send the coverage gap indication, the one or more processors are configured to send the coverage gap indication based on receiving the configuration information.

8. The UE according to claim 7, wherein: The configuration information includes a configuration support indication, where the configuration support indication indicates that the serving network supports receiving the coverage gap indication.

9. The UE according to claim 7, wherein: The configuration information indicates that the value of the UE timer includes a value selected by the UE, wherein the value selected by the UE is equal to zero, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to refrain from starting the UE timer based on the value selected by the UE being equal to zero.

10. The UE according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to start a UE timer simultaneously with or after sending the coverage gap indication.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The duration of the UE timer is set to one of a UE timer value provided by the serving network or a UE timer value selected by the UE.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein: The UE timer value provided by the serving network is included in the configuration information and includes a UE timer value, a UE timer range, or an indication of a selectable UE timer value.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The duration of the UE timer is set to one of the UE timer value when the configuration information indicates the UE timer value, a value within the UE timer range when the configuration information indicates the UE timer range, or a value selected by the UE when the configuration information indicates the selectable UE timer value or an indication that the UE timer value is zero.

14. The UE according to claim 13, wherein: The UE timer value selected by the UE is equal to zero.

15. The UE according to claim 13, wherein: The one or more processors are also configured to determine that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero, and wherein the one or more processors to transition from the connected state to the second state are configured to transition from the connected state to the second state based on determining that the duration of the UE timer has expired or is set to zero.

16. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to send the coverage gap indication based on a difference between a duration of the UE timer and a time remaining until a start of the coverage gap associated with the satellite satisfying a threshold time value.

17. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to send an indication of a duration of the UE timer.

18. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to receive a connection release command prior to expiration of a duration of the UE timer.

19. The UE according to claim 7, wherein: The configuration information indicates the second state.

20. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors that send the coverage gap indication are configured to send a medium access control (MAC) layer communication including the coverage gap indication, a radio resource control (RRC) layer message including the coverage gap indication, or a non-access stratum (NAS) layer message and the coverage gap indication.

21. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The coverage gap indication includes a release assistance indication.

22. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The second state includes an idle state, a suspended state or an inactive state.

23. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to enter a power saving state based on transitioning from the connected state to the second state.

24. The UE according to claim 23, wherein: The one or more processors entering the power saving state are configured to deactivate at least one of a transceiver function, a network search function, or a paging monitoring function.

25. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more processors transitioning from the connected state to the second state are configured to suspend or disable a signaling connection between the UE and the RAN node.

26. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The second state comprises a pause state, and wherein the pause state comprises an idle state associated with a pause indication.

27. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The second state comprises an inactive state, and wherein the inactive state comprises a connection state to the serving network associated with a radio resource control inactive state.

28. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to, based on a recovery procedure, transition from the second state to the connected state based on a determination that the coverage gap ends.

29. A network node for wireless communication, the network node comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to: receiving a coverage gap indication from a user equipment (UE) when the UE is in a first state with a serving network, the coverage gap indication indicating that a coverage gap associated with a satellite is about to occur, the UE accessing the serving network via the satellite, the first state comprising a connected state; as well as The UE is transitioned to a second state at or before the start of the coverage gap.

30. The network node of claim 25, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to send configuration information, and wherein the one or more processors that receive the coverage gap indication are configured to receive the coverage gap indication based on the configuration information.

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