Enhancement for NTN and TN cell selection for power saving

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to enhancing non-terrestrial network (NTN) and terrestrial network (TN) cell selection to conserve power. In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) is provided that includes at least one antenna, at least one radio coupled to the at least one antenna, and a processor coupled to the at least one radio. The UE is configured to perform operations including: receiving, from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) base station, one or more configurations in frequency aspects and / or neighboring terrestrial network (TN) cells available in an NTN cell for radio resource management (RRM) measurements, where the NTN base station provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific; and selecting a configuration from the one or more configurations based on the current beam where the UE is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to wireless communication systems, including user equipment (UE), base stations (BS), methods, apparatuses and media for enhancing non-terrestrial network (NTN) and terrestrial network (TN) cell selection to save power. Background Art

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between base stations and wireless communication devices. Wireless communication system standards and protocols may include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) (commonly referred to within industry organizations as WLANs). ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols may use various radio access networks (RANs) to communicate between base stations of the RAN (which may also sometimes be referred to as RAN nodes, network nodes, or simply nodes) and wireless communication devices referred to as user equipment (UE). 3GPP RANs may include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communications between base stations and UEs. For example, GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (sometimes referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN may also implement NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RAT.

[0005] The base stations used by the RAN may correspond to the RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly denoted as an evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (also sometimes referred to as a gNodeB or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services together with external entities through its connection with the Core Network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN may utilize the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and NG-RAN may utilize the 5G Core Network (5GC). Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments relate to user equipment, base stations, methods, apparatus and media for enhancing NTN and TN cell selection to save power.

[0008] In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) is provided, the user equipment (UE) comprising at least one antenna, at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna, and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The UE is configured to perform operations including: receiving one or more configurations of neighboring terrestrial network (TN) cells and / or frequencies available in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell for radio resource management (RRM) measurements from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) base station, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific; and selecting a configuration from the one or more configurations based on a current beam in which the UE is located.

[0009] In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) is provided, the user equipment (UE) comprising at least one antenna, at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna, and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The UE is configured to perform operations including: indicating a PLMN selected by the UE to an NTN base station in a first RRC message; and receiving a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements from the NTN base station in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from an NTN base station, one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in an NTN cell for RRM measurements, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams in the NTN cell and each configuration is beam-specific; and selecting a configuration from the one or more configurations based on a current beam in which the UE is located.

[0011] In some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: indicating, by a user equipment (UE) to an NTN base station in a first RRC message, a PLMN selected by the UE; and receiving, from the NTN base station in a second RRC message, a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

[0012] In some embodiments, an apparatus for operating a user equipment (UE) is provided, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to cause the UE to perform any method as previously described.

[0013] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions is provided, which when executed at a user equipment (UE) causes the UE to perform any of the methods as previously described.

[0014] In some embodiments, a base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) is provided, the base station (BS) comprising at least one antenna, at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna, and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The BS is configured to perform operations including: configuring one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements for an NTN cell, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific; and transmitting the one or more configurations to a user equipment (UE).

[0015] In some embodiments, a base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) is provided, the base station (BS) comprising at least one antenna, at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna, and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The BS is configured to perform operations including: receiving an indication of a PLMN selected by a user equipment (UE) in a first RRC message; and transmitting a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: configuring, by a base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements for an NTN cell, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell and each configuration is beam-specific; and transmitting the one or more configurations to a user equipment (UE).

[0017] In some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: receiving, by a base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), from a user equipment (UE) an indication of a PLMN selected by the UE in a first RRC message; and transmitting, in a second RRC message, a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

[0018] In some embodiments, an apparatus for operating a base station (BS) is provided, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to cause a UE to perform any method as previously described.

[0019] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions is provided, which when executed at a base station (BS) causes the BS to perform any of the methods as previously described.

[0020] This summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the topics described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are only examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or essence of the topics described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the topics described herein will become apparent through the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, the most significant digit(s) in a reference number refers to the drawing number that first introduces the element.

[0022] Figure 1 An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 2 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 3 An example NTN cell providing multiple beams according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 4 Two example beams, each covering multiple PLMN cells, are illustrated according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 7 An example flow chart of a method performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 8 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0030] Fig. 9 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0031] Fig.10 An example flow chart of a method performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0032] Fig.11 An example flow chart of a method performed by an NTN base station and a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0033] Fig.12 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0034] Fig.13 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0035] Fig.14 An example flow chart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Various embodiments are described with respect to UE. However, reference to UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. The example embodiments may be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0037] Figure 1 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The description provided below is for an example wireless communication system 100 operating in conjunction with the LTE system standard and / or the 5G or NR system standard provided in the 3GPP technical specifications.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless communication system 100 includes UE 102 and UE 104 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UE 102 and UE 104 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touch screen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0039] UE 102 and UE 104 may be configured to be communicatively coupled to RAN 106. In an embodiment, RAN 106 may be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. UE 102 and UE 104 utilize connections (or channels) (shown as connection 108 and connection 110, respectively) with RAN 106, where each connection (or channel) includes a physical communication interface. RAN 106 may include one or more base stations, such as base station 112 and base station 114, to implement connection 108 and connection 110.

[0040] In this example, connections 108 and 110 are air interfaces to achieve such communication coupling and may conform to the RAT used by the RAN 106, such as, for example, LTE and / or NR. In the case where the RAN 106 is an NTN-based NG-RAN architecture, connections 108 and 110 are NR Uu interfaces.

[0041] In some embodiments, UE 102 and UE 104 may also directly exchange communication data via side link interface 116. UE 104 is shown as being configured to access an access point (shown as AP 118) via connection 120. By way of example, connection 120 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein AP 118 may include In this example, AP 118 may be connected to another network (eg, the Internet) without going through CN 124.

[0042] In an embodiment, UE 102 and UE 104 may be configured to communicate with each other or with base station 112 and / or base station 114 over a multi-carrier communication channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals according to various communication techniques, such as but not limited to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for downlink communication) or single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communication), although the scope of the embodiment is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signal may include multiple orthogonal subcarriers.

[0043] In some embodiments, all or part of base station 112 or base station 114 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. In addition, or in other embodiments, base station 112 or base station 114 may be configured to communicate with each other via interface 122. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN124 is EPC), interface 122 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to EPC. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 124 is 5GC), interface 122 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to 5GC, between base station 112 (e.g., gNB) and eNB connected to 5GC, and / or between two eNBs connected to 5GC (e.g., CN 124).

[0044] The RAN 106 is shown as being communicatively coupled to the CN 124. The CN 124 may include one or more network elements 126 configured to provide various data and telecommunication services to customers / subscribers (e.g., UE 102 and users of UE 104) connected to the CN 124 via the RAN 106. The components of the CN 124 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components for reading and executing instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0045] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be an EPC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via an S1 interface 128. In an embodiment, S1 interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface that carries traffic data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a serving gateway (S-GW); and an S1-MME interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and a mobility management entity (MME).

[0046] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be a 5GC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via an NG interface 128. In an embodiment, NG interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface that carries service data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0047] Generally speaking, application server 130 may be an element that provides applications (e.g., packet-switched data services) that use Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources with CN 124. Application server 130 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for UE 102 and UE 104 via CN 124. Application server 130 may communicate with CN 124 via IP communication interface 132.

[0048] Figure 2 A system 200 for performing signaling 234 between a wireless device 202 and a network device 218 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The system 200 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. The wireless device 202 may be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The network device 218 may be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

[0049] The wireless device 202 may include one or more processors 204. The processor 204 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the wireless device 202, as described herein. The processor 204 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0050] The wireless device 202 may include a memory 206. The memory 206 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 208 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 204). The instructions 208 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 206 may also store data used by the processor 204 and results calculated by the processor.

[0051] The wireless device 202 may include one or more transceivers 210 that may use radio frequency (RF) transmitter and / or receiver circuitry that uses an antenna 212 of the wireless device 202 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the wireless device 202 with other devices (e.g., network device 218) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0052] The wireless device 202 may include one or more antennas 212 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antennas 212, the wireless device 202 may utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 212 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resource. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting device and the receiving device to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by the wireless device 202 may be implemented based on precoding (or digital beamforming) applied at the wireless device 202, which multiplexes the data streams across the antennas 212 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, so that each data stream is received at an appropriate signal strength relative to the other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with the data stream). Certain embodiments may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where the individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

[0053] In certain embodiments with multiple antennas, the wireless device 202 may implement analog beamforming techniques whereby the phases of signals transmitted by the antennas 212 are relatively adjusted so that the (joint) transmissions of the antennas 212 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0054] The wireless device 202 may include one or more interfaces 214. The interfaces 214 may be used to provide input to the wireless device 202 or output from the wireless device. For example, a wireless device 202 that is a UE may include an interface 214, such as a microphone, a speaker, a touch screen, buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to input and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be composed of transmitters, receivers, and other circuits that allow communication between the UE and other devices (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 210 / antenna 212 described above), and may be based on known protocols (e.g., etc.) to perform the operation.

[0055] The network device 218 may include one or more processors 220. The processor 220 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the network device 218, as described herein. The processor 204 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0056] The network device 218 may include a memory 222. The memory 222 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 224 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 220). The instructions 224 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 222 may also store data used by the processor 220 and results calculated by the processor.

[0057] The network device 218 may include one or more transceivers 226, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuits that use an antenna 228 of the network device 218 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the network device 218 with other devices (e.g., wireless device 202) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0058] The network device 218 may include one or more antennas 228 (eg, one, two, four, or more). In embodiments with multiple antennas 228, the network device 218 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beamsteering, etc. as described.

[0059] The network device 218 may include one or more interfaces 230. The interface 230 may be used to provide input to or output from the network device 218. For example, the network device 218 as a base station may include an interface 230 composed of a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 226 / antenna 228 described above), which enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or enables the base station to communicate with an external network, computer, database, etc., in order to achieve the purpose of performing operations, management, and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operably connected to the base station.

[0060] Satellite maximizes the inherent value of 5G networks by solving coverage issues and providing difficult use cases that ground-based infrastructure alone cannot solve. 5G standards make non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) including satellite segments a recognized part of the 5G connectivity infrastructure.

[0061] NTN is used to deliver 5G / NR services via space (satellite) or air (aerial platform) to places where it is technically difficult or too costly to deliver using terrestrial networks (TN). Some examples of these places are remote areas, such as deep in the forest where terrestrial delivery is too costly, or remote islands or ships where terrestrial connectivity is almost impossible.

[0062] In non-terrestrial networks, the coverage of a cell or beam is usually much larger than that of a cell in a terrestrial network. The coverage of an NTN cell or NTN beam may span multiple countries. An NTN network may broadcast multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and multiple tracking area codes (TACs) for each PLMN (up to a total of 12) in one NTN cell.

[0063] In the current configuration for NTN SIB, TN frequencies are prioritized because TN cells can provide high data rates and throughput. For NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequencies with a higher reselection priority than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, the UE is expected to perform measurements on the NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency with the higher priority.

[0064] NTN cells are very large, so there may be many adjacent TN cells. Therefore, a large number of TN frequencies are available and configured for NTN SIBs.

[0065] If a large number of TN frequencies are configured as having a higher priority, the UE may always perform a cell search for the TN cells, resulting in high power consumption. In some cases, even if the UE may be in a location where no TN cells are deployed (e.g., desert, ocean, mountains), the UE may still perform a cell search for the TN cells, resulting in high power consumption.

[0066] The present disclosure aims to provide cell reselection enhancement for, for example, RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE UEs to reduce power consumption.

[0067] In one aspect, the present disclosure utilizes the beam design of NTN cells to make finer granularity configuration in SIB. NTN cells may provide multiple beams. The network may provide multiple beam-specific configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements.

[0068] In another aspect, the present disclosure contemplates different PLMNs. The network may provide multiple PLMN-specific configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements.

[0069] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure contemplates different slices. The network may provide multiple slice-specific configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements.

[0070] The configuration may be beam-specific and further PLMN-specific. The configuration may be beam-specific and further slice-specific. The configuration may be beam-specific, further slice-specific and PLMN-specific. The configuration may be PLMN-specific and further slice-specific.

[0071] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure also considers relaxed RRM measurements or skipped RRM measurements under various conditions.

[0072] Figure 3 An example NTN cell providing multiple beams according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the NTN cell 101 is configured with 7 beams operating at different frequencies, namely, beam 1 to beam 7.

[0074] Figure 4 Two example beams, each covering multiple PLMN cells, are illustrated according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, within the coverage area of ​​beam 1, there are three TN cells belonging to the same TN PLMN, and within the coverage area of ​​beam 2, there are three cells belonging to three different TN PLMNs.

[0076] Beam specific configuration

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the NTN cell may be configured with multiple beams. The beam design of the NTN cell may be utilized to provide a more refined configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements. That is, the network may provide beam-specific configurations. For example, each configuration may be associated with one beam. In some cases, each configuration may be associated with more than one beam. Each beam may have a corresponding configuration of neighboring TN cells / frequencies for RRM measurements.

[0078] For each NTN beam or a group of NTN beams in the serving cell, the network provides an intra-frequency and inter-frequency list of TN cells, and for each frequency, the network provides a list of TN cells.

[0079] Associating each configuration with one beam is taken as an example. In some embodiments, the network may provide multiple configuration sets, where each configuration set is specific to each beam. The multiple configuration sets may be provided in a SIB (e.g., SIB3 / SIB4 / SIB19 or a new SIB).

[0080] The example implementation may be as follows:

[0081]

[0082] It can be seen that for each beam index, a list ("cellList") of associated frequencies ("dl-CarrierFreq") and physical cell identifiers (PCIs) is provided.

[0083] In some other embodiments, the network may provide a list of a common configuration set including all configurations applicable in the NTN cell, where each configuration is associated with a beam.

[0084] The example implementation may be as follows:

[0085] Public Lists

[0086]

[0087] It can be seen that all configurations of each NTN cell with corresponding frequencies and PCIs are listed, and the association between the beam index and the corresponding frequency set index is provided.

[0088] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method 500 performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, method 500 may include operation 501, at which the base station configures one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in the NTN cell for RRM measurements, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams within the NTN cell and each configuration is beam-specific.

[0090] As described above, the base station may configure all available configurations in the NTN cell, where each configuration has a label associated with a beam index. Each configuration may be associated with a beam. In some embodiments, each configuration may include a beam index and a set of TN frequencies and associated PCIs.

[0091] The method 500 may also include operation 503, at which the base station transmits the one or more configurations to a user equipment (UE). The base station may broadcast these configurations in the NTN cell via the SIB. The UE in the NTN cell may receive these configurations.

[0092] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a method 600 performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, method 600 may include operation 601, at which the UE receives one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in the NTN cell for RRM measurement from the NTN base station, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams in the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific. The one or more configurations may be received in the SIB.

[0094] The method 600 may also include an operation 603, at which the UE selects a configuration from the one or more configurations based on a current beam in which the UE is located. For example, the UE may select a configuration based on a beam index of the current beam. The configuration associated with a beam may include neighboring TN frequencies and cells for which the UE will perform RRM measurements when the UE is located within the beam.

[0095] The beam index of the current beam may be determined according to a synchronization signal and a PBCH block (SSB) index received by the UE from the NTN base station. Although not shown, operation 603 may also include determining the beam index of the current beam and selecting a configuration from the one or more configurations based on the determined beam index.

[0096] The method 600 may also include operation 603, at which the UE may perform RRM measurements based on the selected configuration.The UE may perform RRM measurements only on neighboring TN frequencies and cells as indicated in the selected configuration.

[0097] With beam-specific configuration, the UE performs RRM measurements only on neighboring TN frequencies and cells as indicated in the configuration associated with the beam in which the UE is located, rather than on all neighboring TN frequencies and cells within the NTN cell. Thus, power consumption can be reduced.

[0098] PLMN specific configuration

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, within the coverage of one beam, there may be many cells belonging to different PLMNs. The network may provide PLMN-specific configurations. The UE may only consider configurations including neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies belonging to its Home PLMN (HPLMN) / Registered PLMN (RPLMN) / Equivalent PLMN (EPLMN).

[0100] In some implementations, these configurations may be provided via a SIB (eg, SIB 19 or a new SIB).

[0101] The example implementation may be as follows:

[0102]

[0103] It can be seen that for each PLMN ID, the corresponding neighboring TN frequencies and cells are provided.

[0104] PLMN specific configuration can be combined with beam specific configuration.

[0105] Figure 7 An example flow chart of a method 700 performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, method 700 may include operation 701, at which the base station configures one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements for the NTN cell, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific and further PLMN-specific.

[0107] The base station may configure multiple configurations available in the NTN cell, wherein each configuration is associated with a beam index and a PLMN ID (which may include an EPLMN ID). That is, each configuration may include information of TN neighbor cells and / or frequencies determined based on both the beam index and the PLMN ID. Compared to method 500, method 700 may provide for a finer granularity configuration of TN neighbor cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements.

[0108] Method 700 may also include operation 703, at which the base station transmits the one or more configurations to a user equipment (UE). The base station may broadcast these configurations within the NTN cell. The UE within the NTN cell may receive the one or more configurations.

[0109] Figure 8 An example flow chart of a method 800 performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, method 800 may include operation 801, at which the UE receives one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in the NTN cell for RRM measurements from the NTN base station, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell and each configuration is beam-specific and further PLMN-specific.

[0111] Method 800 may also include operation 803, at which the UE may select a configuration from the one or more configurations based on its current beam and its selected PLMN. The UE may select a configuration according to a beam index determined from the SSB index and its selected PLMN ID.

[0112] Method 800 may also include operation 805, at which the UE may perform RRM measurements based on the selected configuration.

[0113] The UE performs RRM measurements only on the neighboring TN frequencies and cells as indicated in the configuration selected according to both the current beam and the selected PLMN, rather than on all neighboring TN frequencies and cells within the NTN cell. Thus, power consumption can be further reduced.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although Figures 7 and 8A method of PLMN-specific configuration combined with beam-specific configuration is shown, but a method of applying only PLMN-specific configuration is contemplated under the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0115] In some embodiments, the configuration may be provided via an RRC message. That is, the network may use RRC signaling to perform PLMN configuration for the UE, for example, based on the PLMN (including EPLMN) ID selected by the UE.

[0116] Fig. 9 An example flow chart of a method 900 performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0117] like Fig. 9 As shown, method 900 may include operation 901, at which the UE indicates the PLMN selected by the UE to the NTN base station in a first RRC message (eg, RRCSetupComplete message). The UE may indicate the PLMN ID of the selected PLMN to the base station.

[0118] Method 900 may also include operation 903, at which the UE receives a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements from the NTN base station in a second RRC message (eg, an RRC Release message), wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

[0119] Method 900 may also include operation 903, at which the UE may perform RRM measurements based at least in part on the received configuration.

[0120] Fig.10 An example flow chart of a method 1000 performed by an NTN base station according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0121] like Fig.10 As shown, method 1000 may include operation 1001, at which a base station receives from a user equipment (UE) in a first RRC message (eg, an RRCSetupComplete message) an indication of a PLMN selected by the UE (eg, a PLMN ID or an EPLMN ID).

[0122] The method 1000 may also include operation 1003, at which the base station transmits a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN. The base station may configure the neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements for the UE based at least on the PLMN selected by the UE.

[0123] Fig.11An example flow chart of a method 1100 performed by an NTN base station and a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0124] like Fig.11 As can be seen in the figure, after establishing the RRC connection, the UE can indicate its selected PLMN ID to the NTN gNB in ​​the RRCSetupComplete message.

[0125] The gNB may transmit a PLMN-specific configuration to the UE in a RRCRelease message. The gNB may configure the PLMN-specific configuration based on the selected PLMN ID. The PLMN-specific configuration indicates the neighboring TN frequencies and cells associated with the selected PLMN for RRM measurements.

[0126] The UE may then perform RRM measurements on common frequencies in both the RRC Release message and the SIB received later. For example, assuming that the PLMN-specific configuration indicates neighboring TN frequencies F1, F2, F3, and F4, and the SIB received later by the UE indicates only frequency F1, the UE performs RRM measurements only on frequency F1.

[0127] The SIB may be SIB 4 from a TN base station or SIB 19 from an NTN base station.

[0128] Slice specific configuration

[0129] The present disclosure also considers different slices. The network may configure a list of slice-specific neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies. The UE may only consider the TN neighboring cells and / or frequencies corresponding to the slices of interest.

[0130] In some implementations, the configuration may be provided via a SIB (eg, SIB16 (slice-specific SIB), SIB19, or a new SIB).

[0131] Slice-specific configurations may be combined with beam-specific configurations. In this case, the base station may configure multiple configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, each configuration being associated with one beam and one slice.

[0132] Fig.12 An example flow chart of a method 1200 performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0133] like Fig.12As shown, method 1200 may include operation 1201, at which the UE receives one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in the NTN cell for RRM measurement from the NTN base station, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam-specific and further slice-specific. Each configuration may be associated with a beam index and a slice ID.

[0134] The method 1200 may also include operation 1203, at which the UE selects a configuration from the one or more configurations based on its current beam and its slice of interest. The UE may select a configuration based on a beam index of the current beam and the selected slice ID.

[0135] The method 1200 may also include operation 1205, at which the UE performs RRM measurements based on the selected configuration.

[0136] In some embodiments, a slice-specific configuration may be combined with a PLMN-specific configuration. In this case, the configuration transmitted from the base station to the UE may be PLMN-specific and further slice-specific. For example, the base station may configure multiple configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, each configuration being associated with one PLMN and one slice. The UE may select one or more configurations from the multiple configurations based on its PLMN and one or more slices of interest.

[0137] In some embodiments, the slice-specific configuration may be combined with both the beam-specific configuration and the PLMN-specific configuration. In this case, the configuration transmitted from the base station to the UE may be beam-specific, PLMN-specific and further slice-specific. For example, the base station may configure multiple configurations in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, each configuration being associated with one beam, one PLMN and one slice. The UE may select one or more configurations from the multiple configurations based on its current beam, its PLMN and one or more slices of interest.

[0138] In some implementations, configuration may be provided via RRC signaling.

[0139] The network may perform slice-specific configuration regarding TN frequencies / neighbors using, for example, an RRCRelease message. The network may configure the UE with a list of slice-specific TN frequencies / neighbors for each UE-registered PLMN as indicated in an RRCSetupComplete message.

[0140] Slice specific configuration can be combined with PLMN specific configuration.

[0141] For example, the base station may transmit to the UE in the RRCRelease message a configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies, which is associated with the PLMN selected by the UE and one or more slices configured for the UE. That is, the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN and further specific to the slice.

[0142] After receiving the configuration, the UE may perform RRM measurements on the common frequencies in both the received RRC Release message and the SIB received later.

[0143] Relaxed TN cell search requirements

[0144] In some embodiments, the UE initiates TN measurements only when necessary. Otherwise, the UE does not perform (i.e., skips) RRM measurements on TN frequencies / cells. For example, when the UE initiates a non-emergency service (i.e., the UE initiates a service for an entertainment service, such as streaming), the UE initiates TN measurements. In other words, when the UE should start RRM measurements can be determined by the specific implementation of the UE (e.g., whether the user opens a video APP).

[0145] Fig.13 An example flow chart of a method 1300 performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0146] like Fig.13 As shown, method 1300 includes operation 1301, at which the UE initiates a predefined service. The predefined service may be a non-emergency data service, such as starting a video APP.

[0147] The method 1300 may also include operation 1305, at which the UE initiates RRM measurements in response to the UE initiating a predefined service.

[0148] In some embodiments, in response to the UE initiating the predefined service, the UE may begin to execute the previously described method (e.g., referring to Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.12 The operations of these methods described herein.

[0149] In some implementations, the UE may perform relaxed RRM measurements on TN frequencies which may have a higher priority.

[0150] For example, the network may indicate whether relaxed RRM measurements for TN frequencies may be applied based on at least one of the following: whether the NTN cell quality (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ) is above a threshold; whether the distance between the UE's location and a reference point (e.g., the center of the NTN cell) is below a threshold; whether the UE's specific K 偏移Whether it is lower than a threshold; whether the time to the timing point (e.g., t-Service) is greater than a threshold; whether the UE's moving speed is lower than a threshold; whether the UE cannot perform certain services that require strict services (a list of services that meet the relaxation conditions (or a negative list) may be predefined), or the battery status of the UE. Different relaxation conditions may be defined for different conditions or for different device types.

[0151] In response to receiving the indication, the UE may perform relaxed measurements based on the large measurement cycle for the TN frequencies. For example, the UE may define a new measurement cycle for NTN-TN measurements.

[0152] In some embodiments, relaxed RRM measurements may be applied only to LEO (low earth orbit) or MEO (medium earth orbit).

[0153] In some embodiments, when the UE cannot find any suitable cells on the intra-frequency and inter-frequency indicated in the SIB, a scaled (relaxed) time requirement for the UE to initiate a cell search procedure may be introduced. For example, if the UE enters a coverage hole of an NTN cell and a TN cell (i.e., the UE is not camped on any cell) and therefore cannot find any suitable cells on the intra-frequency and inter-frequency indicated in the SIB, the time requirement for the UE to initiate a cell search procedure may be longer than, for example, 10s.

[0154] In some embodiments, a scaled allowed time period may be introduced for the UE to detect all TN neighbor cells (cell detection). This allows the UE to detect TN neighbor cells relatively slowly.

[0155] In some embodiments, the UE starts RRM measurements only if conditions associated with "t-service" and / or "distance to reference location greater than a threshold" are met.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the network configuration based on the "non-cell edge" and "low mobility" criteria meets one or both conditions, the UE performs relaxed measurements or skips measurements. For example, when the UE is not at the cell edge, or when the UE is in low mobility, the UE may perform relaxed measurements or skip measurements. When the adjacent frequency is TN only, the UE may consider that it is always in low mobility. NTN specific thresholds may be introduced to determine whether the UE is in low mobility. For another example, if the UE's moving speed is lower than a threshold, the UE may be considered to be in low mobility.

[0157] The network may introduce in the SIB whether relaxed / or skipped RRM is allowed for equal / lower priority TN frequencies. The network may introduce in the SIB whether relaxed / or skipped RRM is allowed for higher priority TN frequencies.

[0158] Fig.14 An example flow chart of a method 1400 performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0159] like Fig.14 As shown, method 1400 includes operation 1401, at which the UE receives an indication from an NTN base station that relaxed or skipped RRM measurements are applicable.

[0160] The indication may be transmitted based on at least one of the following: whether the signal quality (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ) of the NTN cell of the NTN base station is above a first threshold; whether the distance between the UE's location and a reference point (cell center) is below a second threshold; whether the UE's specific K 偏移 Whether it is lower than the third threshold; whether the time to the service end timing point of the NTN cell (e.g., t-service) is greater than the fourth threshold; whether the UE is unable to perform certain services that require strict service; the battery status of the UE; or whether the UE is not at the cell edge; or whether the UE is in low mobility.

[0161] The method 1400 may also include operation 1403, at which the UE performs relaxed or skipped RRM measurements in response to receiving the indication.

[0162] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus including means for performing one or more elements of methods 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0163] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of methods 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as the memory 206 of the wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0164] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logical components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of methods 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0165] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of methods 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0166] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of methods 600 , 800 , 900 , 1200 , 1300 , and 1400 .

[0167] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of methods 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as the processor 204 of the wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in a processor and / or on a memory of a UE (such as the memory 206 of the wireless device 202 as a UE, as described herein).

[0168] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus including means for performing one or more elements of methods 500, 700, and 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that is a base station (such as network device 218 that is a base station, as described herein).

[0169] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of methods 500, 700, and 1000. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as memory 222 of network device 218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0170] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logical components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of methods 500, 700, and 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that is a base station (such as network device 218 that is a base station, as described herein).

[0171] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of methods 500, 700, and 1000. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that is a base station (such as network device 218 that is a base station, as described herein).

[0172] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of methods 500 , 700 , and 1000 .

[0173] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform one or more elements of methods 500, 700, and 1000. The processor may be a processor of a base station (such as processor 220 of network device 218 as a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in a processor and / or on a memory of a UE (such as memory 222 of network device 218 as a base station, as described herein).

[0174] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuits associated with a UE, a base station, a network element, etc. as described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples set forth herein.

[0175] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, modifications and variations are possible or can be obtained from the practice of various embodiments.

[0176] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations that may be embodied in machine executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general or special purpose computers (or other electronic devices). A computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic components for performing operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0177] It should be appreciated that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments may be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, separated into multiple systems, or otherwise divided or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment may be used in one embodiment. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described only in one or more embodiments, and it should be appreciated that these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless expressly stated herein.

[0178] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0179] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for the sake of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and the apparatus described herein. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio; The UE is configured to perform operations including: receiving from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) base station one or more configurations of neighboring terrestrial network (TN) cells and / or frequencies available in an NTN cell for radio resource management (RRM) measurements, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam specific; as well as A configuration is selected from the one or more configurations based on a current beam in which the UE is located.

2. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the UE is further configured to perform operations comprising: The RRM measurements are performed based on the selected configuration.

3. The UE of claim 1 , wherein each configuration is associated with a beam index and a list of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies associated with the beam index, the UE being further configured to perform operations comprising: determining a beam index of the current beam from an SSB index; and The configuration is selected from the one or more configurations based on the determined beam index.

4. The UE of claim 1 , wherein each configuration is further public land mobile network (PLMN) specific, the UE being further configured to perform operations comprising: The configuration is additionally selected from the one or more configurations based on a PLMN selected by the UE.

5. The UE of claim 1 , wherein each configuration is further slice-specific, the UE being further configured to perform operations comprising: The configuration is additionally selected from the one or more configurations based on a slice of interest to the UE. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the one or more configurations are received via a SIB.

7. The UE of claim 1, wherein the UE is further configured to perform operations comprising: The RRM measurement is initiated only when the UE initiates a predefined service.

8. The UE of claim 1, wherein the UE is further configured to perform operations comprising: receiving an indication from the NTN base station that relaxed or skipped RRM measurements can be applied; and In response to receiving the indication, performing the relaxed or skipped RRM measurement; wherein the indication is transmitted based on at least one of the following: Whether the signal quality of the NTN cell of the NTN base station is higher than a first threshold; Whether the distance between the position of the UE and the reference point is lower than a second threshold; The UE-specific K 偏移 whether it is below the third threshold; whether the time to the service end time point of the NTN cell is greater than a fourth threshold; Whether the UE is unable to perform certain services that require strict services; The battery status of the UE; or Whether the UE is not at the cell edge; or Whether the UE is in low mobility. The UE according to claim 8 , wherein the indication is transmitted via a SIB.

10. The UE of claim 1, wherein when the UE cannot find any suitable cell, the UE initiates a cell search procedure using a relaxed time requirement.

11. The UE of claim 1, wherein the UE uses a relaxed allowed time period for the UE to detect all neighboring TN cells.

12. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio; The UE is configured to perform operations including: indicating the PLMN selected by the UE to the NTN base station in a first RRC message; as well as A configuration in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements is received from the NTN base station in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

13. The UE of claim 12, wherein the first RRC message is an RRCSetupComplete message, and the second RRC message is an RRCRelease message, wherein the UE is further configured to perform operations comprising: The RRM measurements are performed based at least in part on the received configuration.

14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the UE is further configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, via the SIB, one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements; and The RRM measurement is performed on a common frequency received in both the RRC Release message and the SIB.

15. The UE of claim 13, wherein the configuration is further slice-specific.

16. A method comprising: By user equipment (UE), receiving one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies available in an NTN cell for RRM measurements from an NTN base station, wherein the NTN base station provides one or more beams in the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam specific; as well as A configuration is selected from the one or more configurations based on a current beam in which the UE is located.

17. A method comprising: By user equipment (UE), indicating the PLMN selected by the UE to the NTN base station in a first RRC message; as well as A configuration of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements is received from the NTN base station in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

18. An apparatus for operating a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: A processor, wherein the processor is configured to cause the UE to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 17.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, which, when executed at a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 17.

20. A base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the base station (BS) comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio; The BS is configured to perform operations including: configuring an NTN cell with one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam specific; and The one or more configurations are transmitted to a user equipment (UE).

21. The BS of claim 20, wherein the BS is further configured to perform operations comprising: transmitting an indication to the UE that relaxed or skipped RRM measurements can be applied based on at least one of: Whether the signal quality of the NTN cell of the NTN base station is higher than a first threshold; Whether the distance between the position of the UE and the reference point is lower than a second threshold; The UE-specific K 偏移 whether it is below the third threshold; whether the time to the service end time point of the NTN cell is greater than a fourth threshold; Whether the UE is unable to perform certain services that require strict services; The battery status of the UE; or Whether the UE is not at the cell edge; or Whether the UE is in low mobility.

22. A base station (BS) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the base station (BS) comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio; The BS is configured to perform operations including: receiving, from a user equipment (UE) in a first RRC message, an indication of a PLMN selected by the UE; and Configuration in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements is transmitted in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

23. The BS of claim 21, wherein the first RRC message is an RRCSetupComplete message, and the second RRC message is an RRCRelease message, and the configuration is further slice-specific.

24. A method comprising: By the base station (BS) of the non-terrestrial network (NTN), configuring an NTN cell with one or more configurations of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements, wherein the BS provides one or more beams within the NTN cell, and each configuration is beam specific; and The one or more configurations are transmitted to a user equipment (UE).

25. A method comprising: By the base station (BS) of the non-terrestrial network (NTN), receiving, from a user equipment (UE) in a first RRC message, an indication of a PLMN selected by the UE; as well as Configuration in terms of neighboring TN cells and / or frequencies for RRM measurements is transmitted in a second RRC message, wherein the configuration is specific to the selected PLMN.

26. An apparatus for operating a base station (BS), the apparatus comprising: A processor, wherein the processor is configured to cause the BS to perform the method according to claim 24 or 25.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, which, when executed at a base station (BS), cause the BS to perform the method according to claim 24 or 25.

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