Method for triggering global navigation satellite system measurement by user equipment

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for UE triggering global navigation satellite system measurements. A method may include estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink receive signal; determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; and sending an indication of global navigation satellite system related information to the network entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5th Generation (5G) Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR) Access Technology, 6th Generation (6G), and / or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for user equipment (UE) triggering global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include: radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), LTE evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), advanced LTE (LTE-A), LTE-APro, NR access technology, and / or MulteFire Alliance. 5G wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) radio system and network architecture. 5G systems are typically built on 5G NR, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is expected to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband, ultra-robust, low latency connections and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). The next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents a radio access network (RAN) for 5G, which can provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. Note that in 5G, a node that provides radio access functionality to user equipment (e.g., similar to a Node B in UTRAN, or an evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) may be referred to as a next-generation Node B (gNB) when built on an NR radio, or a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on an E-UTRA radio. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The method may also include: determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The method may also include: sending an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0004] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: means for estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The apparatus may also include means for determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The apparatus may also include: means for sending an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0005] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The method may also include determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The method may also include sending an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0006] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The method may also include: determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The method may also include: sending an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0007] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least: estimate at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0008] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include: an estimation circuit system configured to estimate at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal. The apparatus may also include: a determination circuit system configured to determine that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold. The apparatus may also include: a sending circuit system configured to send an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, a method may include receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment. The method may also include determining that the user equipment has GNSS information based on the indication of the GNSS related information.

[0010] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for determining that the user equipment has GNSS information based on the indication of GNSS related information.

[0011] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user device. The method may also include: determining, based on the indication of the GNSS related information, that the user device has GNSS information.

[0012] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment. The method may also include: determining that the user equipment has GNSS information based on the indication of the GNSS related information.

[0013] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine, based on the indication of the GNSS related information, that the user equipment has GNSS information.

[0014] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include: receiving circuitry configured to receive an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment. The apparatus may also include: determining circuitry configured to determine that the user equipment has GNSS information based on the indication of GNSS related information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram according to certain example embodiments;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method performed by a UE according to some example embodiments;

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method performed by a network entity according to various example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates examples of various network devices according to certain example embodiments; and

[0020] Figure 5 An example of a 5G network and system architecture is illustrated in accordance with some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It is readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for UE-triggered GNSS measurements is not intended to limit the scope of certain example embodiments, but is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0022] As low-Earth orbit IoT non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellites move, the UE may need to pre-compensate the time and frequency in the uplink (UL) synchronization based on the UE's position relative to the GNSS and the satellite's position relative to the satellite's ephemeris data (i.e., the satellite's position and / or velocity information for a predetermined duration). In 3GPP Rel-17, IoT NTNs may include short sporadic transmissions. For example, before accessing the network, the UE may acquire GNSS position data, but may not need to re-acquire the GNSS position for packet transmission.

[0023] Currently, when a UE is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected mode and receiving / transmitting, the UE may not use its GNSS module, resulting in the UE not knowing whether its position has moved. It would be advantageous to define how the UE identifies UE movement and triggers such GNSS measurements.

[0024] Certain example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the above disadvantages. For example, in some example embodiments, the UE may always detect a change in location even if no UL transmissions are performed for a period of time and the network may not know the UL synchronization state of the UE. Therefore, certain example embodiments discussed below are intended to improve computer-related technologies.

[0025] When the UE detects a predicted DL reception time of a downlink (DL) signal (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) having a time error greater than a threshold compared to a received synchronization signal, some example embodiments described herein may enable the UE to trigger GNSS measurements by sending a preconfigured indication signal (e.g., a signal similar to a physical random access channel (PRACH) that is an m-sequence, a gold sequence, a pseudo-random / pseudo-noise (PN) sequence, or a PRACH sequence).

[0026] Figure 1 An example of a signaling diagram for UE triggering GNSS measurements is shown in FIG. According to some example embodiments, NE 120 and UE 110 may be similar to Figure 4 NE 410 and UE 420 shown in FIG.

[0027] At 101, NE 120 may detect that UE 110 has not sent UL transmissions for a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds). In response to the detection, at 102, NE 120 may send a configuration to UE 110 to start measurement of DL time / frequency (T / F) error for a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurements and send a preconfigured indication signal (e.g., similar to PRACH) to UE 110. The configuration may enable UE 110 to trigger new GNSS measurements, and / or T / F resources for transmission of the signal.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the preconfiguration indication signal may be predefined rather than configured by the NE 120 .

[0029] In some example embodiments, when UE 110 detects that UE 110 has not sent an UL transmission for a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds), UE 110 may start measurement of DL time / frequency (T / F) error for a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurements.

[0030] In certain example embodiments, NE 120 may configure UE 110 to measure DL T / F error at any time, and configure UE 110 to measure DL T / F only after a duration (eg, 5 seconds) since UE 110's last UL transmission.

[0031] In some example embodiments, NE 120 may configure UE 110 to measure the DL T / F error less than y seconds before the current GNSS validity period duration expires (ie, before the GNSS validity period duration expires).

[0032] In various example embodiments, the NE 120 may configure the UE 110 with an indication sequence (as an indication signal) index as a trigger to request a new GNSS measurement when the detected DL T / F error is greater than an unacceptable value for GNSS accuracy. In addition, the time and frequency resources of the indication sequence (as an indication signal) may be allocated to the UE 110 for a duration (e.g., on a UL timeslot 100ms after the first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) containing the configuration is first received). In addition, the frequency resource may be an effective frequency resource of the UE 110 (e.g., 1 physical resource block (PRB) for NB-IoT, or PRB n for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) UEs). The indication signal and / or PRACH-like sequence may be an m-sequence, a gold sequence, or a PN sequence. The resource used for the PRACH-like sequence trigger may be a special resource for PRACH, which may not be used for PRACH.

[0033] At 103, UE 110 may detect DL T / F error by measuring synchronization signals (i.e., PSS / SSS). UE 110 may also detect physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of PBCH for DL ​​time error measurement for a duration configured by NE 120 and / or a duration starting from N time slots after the end of PDSCH, with the network configuration used to trigger UE measurement of length M time slots. UE 110 may also measure narrowband reference signal (NRS) and / or narrowband positioning reference signal (NPRS) (for positioning) (if configured). UE 110 may also determine the system frame number (SFN) of the master information block (MIB) as a time reference. For example, when UE 110 is an eMTC device, a resynchronization signal (RSS) may be used to measure T / F error.

[0034] UE 110 may evaluate the DL T / F error based on the received network configuration.For example, when UE 110 is in RRC connected mode, UE 110 may receive synchronization signals (eg, PSS / SSS / NRS) for DL ​​synchronization.

[0035] In various example embodiments, UE 110 may predict the DL T / F of the next synchronization signal based on its last measured GNSS position and satellite positions from ephemeris data. For example, the ephemeris data may be a newly received ephemeris for a satellite, or predicted within the ephemeris validity period.

[0036] In certain example embodiments, UE 110 may calculate a T / F difference between a predicted received T / F and an actual received T / F of a DL signal and designate the difference as a DL T / F error.

[0037] At 104, UE 110 may trigger a new GNSS measurement if the T / F error at 102 is greater than a threshold; therefore, UE 110's GNSS may be invalid (ie, calculating uplink precompensation is inaccurate (eg, UE 110 has moved)).

[0038] In various example embodiments, in addition to the DL T / F measurement, UE 110 may also consider the remaining GNSS validity period of the previous GNSS measurement. If UE 110 determines that the DL T / F difference is above a predetermined percentage (e.g., 80%) of the error threshold, and the remaining GNSS validity is below a threshold of y seconds, UE 110 may send an indication signal to trigger a GNSS measurement because the GNSS is likely to be invalid soon. The values ​​of x and y may be configured by NE 120.

[0039] In certain example embodiments, if the remaining GNSS validity period is greater than a threshold, the UE 110 may consider the remaining GNSS validity period (of the previous GNSS measurement) in addition to the DL T / F measurement. The UE 110 may send an indication sequence (as an indication signal) to trigger the NE 120 to schedule a GNSS measurement gap for a new GNSS measurement. Conversely, if the remaining GNSS validity period duration is less than a threshold, the UE 110 may immediately reacquire the GNSS, and the UE 110 may report the validity period to the NE 120 after the GNSS adjustment.

[0040] In some example embodiments, UE 110 may detect a DL frequency error or a T / F error; when the DL frequency error or the T / F error is greater than a threshold, UE 110 may trigger a new GNSS measurement.

[0041] In various example embodiments, UE 110 may be configured with a PRACH transmission as a trigger for new GNSS measurements.

[0042] However, if UE 110 determines that the duration for acquiring the GNSS adjustment is less than the threshold, UE 110 may immediately reacquire the GNSS adjustment and report the validity period after the GNSS adjustment to NE 120 .

[0043] At 105, UE 110 may evaluate the duration required to reacquire GNSS based on the GNSS channel state. When UE 110 detects that the detected DL time error is greater than a threshold (e.g., greater than Y), where the threshold may be configured or predefined by NE 120, UE 110 may initiate a triggering procedure for a new GNSS measurement. For example, in order for UE 110 to trigger a request for a new GNSS measurement, UE 110 may send a preconfigured indication signal to NE 120 on a network configured resource. For example, the indication signal may be sent as a signal different from other signals to avoid interference with other UE transmissions (such as PRACH).

[0044] In various example embodiments, the trigger from UE 110 may be based on sequence selection. For example, UE 110 may be configured with multiple sequences representing different information, and UE 110 may send a selected sequence to send corresponding information to NE 120, including, for example, whether new GNSS measurements are needed; how big the T / F error is; whether UE 110 detects its own movement and how big the position difference is; and whether UE 110 needs more or less time (and how much time) to make GNSS measurements compared to the previously reported request time.

[0045] At 106, NE 120 may configure a new GNSS measurement gap for the new GNSS measurement for UE 110. For example, in response to NE 120 receiving a UE trigger at 105, NE 120 may decide to schedule the new GNSS measurement based on the trigger information from UE 110 and send the new GNSS measurement to UE 110. NE 120 may send a DL physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) / PDSCH to UE 110.

[0046] Figure 2 An example of a flowchart of a method for UE triggering GNSS measurements according to various example embodiments is illustrated. The method may be performed by a UE (such as Figure 4 UE 420 shown) executes.

[0047] At 201, after the UE does not send an UL transmission for a predetermined duration (eg, 5 seconds), the method may include sending a UE from a NE (such as Figure 4 NE 410 shown in FIG. 4 receives a configuration to start measurement of DL T / F error within a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurement and send a preconfigured indication signal (e.g., similar to PRACH). The configuration may enable the UE to trigger new GNSS measurement and / or T / F resources for transmission of the signal.

[0048] In some example embodiments, the preconfiguration indication signal may be predefined rather than configured by the NE.

[0049] In some example embodiments, when the UE detects that the UE has not sent an UL transmission for a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the UE may start measurement of DL T / F error for a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurements.

[0050] In certain example embodiments, the UE may be configured to measure the DL T / F error at any time, and the UE may be configured to measure the DL T / F only after a duration (eg, 5 seconds) since the UE's last uplink transmission.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured by the NE to measure the DL T / F error less than y seconds before the current GNSS validity period duration expires (ie, before the GNSS validity period duration expires).

[0052] In various example embodiments, the UE may be configured with an indication sequence (as an indication signal) index as a trigger to request a new GNSS measurement when the detected DL T / F error is greater than an unacceptable value for GNSS accuracy. In addition, the time and frequency resources of the indication signal may be allocated to the UE for a duration (e.g., on a UL timeslot 100ms after the first PDSCH containing the configuration is first received). In addition, the frequency resources may be valid frequency resources of the UE (e.g., 1 PRB for NB-IoT, or PRB n for eMTC UEs). The indication signal or PRACH-like sequence may be an m-sequence, a gold sequence, or a PN sequence. The resources used for the indication signal trigger may be dedicated resources of the PRACH, which may not be used for the PRACH.

[0053] At 202, the method may include: detecting DL T / F error by measuring downlink signals (i.e., PSS / SSS). The method may include: detecting PBCH and DMRS of PBCH for DL ​​time error measurement within a duration configured by the network or a duration starting from N time slots after the end of PDSCH, and the network configuration is used to trigger UE measurement of length M time slots. The method may also include: measuring NRS or NPRS (for positioning) (if configured). The method may also include: determining the SFN of MIB as a time reference. For example, when the UE is an eMTC device, RSS can be used to measure T / F error.

[0054] In various example embodiments, the method may include evaluating the DL T / F error based on the received network configuration.For example, when the UE is in RRC connected mode, the method may include receiving a synchronization signal (eg, PSS / SSS / NRS) for DL ​​synchronization.

[0055] In various example embodiments, the method may include predicting the DL T / F of the next synchronization signal based on its last measured GNSS position and satellite positions from the ephemeris. For example, the ephemeris may be a newly received satellite ephemeris, or predicted within the ephemeris validity period.

[0056] In certain example embodiments, the method may include calculating a T / F difference between a predicted received T / F and an actual received T / F of the DL signal and designating the difference as a DL T / F error.

[0057] At 203, the method may include triggering a new GNSS measurement if the T / F error at 201 is greater than a threshold; therefore, the UE's GNSS may be invalid (ie, calculating uplink precompensation is inaccurate (eg, the UE has moved)).

[0058] In various example embodiments, in addition to the DL T / F measurement, the method may further include: considering the remaining GNSS validity period duration of the previous GNSS measurement. If the UE determines that the DL T / F difference is above a predetermined percentage (e.g., 80%) of the error threshold, and the remaining GNSS validity is below a threshold of y seconds, the method may include sending an indication signal to trigger a GNSS measurement because the GNSS is likely to be invalid soon. The values ​​of x and y may be configured by the NE.

[0059] In certain example embodiments, if the remaining GNSS validity period is greater than a threshold, the method may include considering the remaining GNSS validity period duration (of the previous GNSS measurement) in addition to the DLT / F measurement. The method may include sending an indication signal to trigger the NE to schedule a GNSS measurement gap for a new GNSS measurement. Conversely, if the remaining GNSS validity period is less than a threshold, the method may include immediately reacquiring the GNSS and reporting the validity period to the NE after the GNSS adjustment.

[0060] In some example embodiments, after detecting the DL frequency error or the T / F error, the method may include triggering a new GNSS measurement when the DL frequency error or the T / F error is greater than a threshold.

[0061] In various example embodiments, the UE may be configured with a PRACH transmission as a trigger for new GNSS measurements.

[0062] However, if the UE determines that the duration for acquiring the GNSS adjustment is less than the threshold, the method may include immediately reacquiring the GNSS, and may report the validity period to the NE after the GNSS adjustment.

[0063] At 204, the method may include: evaluating a duration required to reacquire GNSS based on the GNSS channel state. When the UE detects that the detected DL time error is greater than a threshold (e.g., greater than Y), where the threshold may be configured or predefined by the NE, the method may include: initiating a triggering procedure for a new GNSS measurement. For example, in order for the UE to trigger a request for a new GNSS measurement, the method may include: sending a preconfigured indication signal to the NE on a network configured resource. For example, the indication signal may be sent as a signal different from other signals to avoid interference with other UE transmissions (such as PRACH).

[0064] In various example embodiments, the triggering by the UE may be based on sequence selection. For example, the UE may be configured with multiple sequences representing different information, and the UE may send a selected sequence to send corresponding information to the NE, including, for example, whether a new GNSS measurement is required; how large the T / F error is; whether the UE detects its own movement and how large the position difference is; and whether the UE needs more or less time (and how much time) to make GNSS measurements compared to the previously reported request time.

[0065] At 205, new GNSS measurement gaps for new GNSS measurements (eg, DL PDCCH / PDSCH) may be configured by the NE for the UE. For example, in response to the NE receiving a UE trigger at 204, the UE may receive new GNSS measurements from the NE based on the trigger information from the UE.

[0066] Figure 3 An example of a flowchart of a method for UE triggering GNSS measurement according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a NE (such as Figure 4 NE 410 shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

[0067] At 301, the method may include: detecting a UE (such as Figure 4 4) has not sent an UL transmission within a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds). In response to the detection, at 302, the method may include sending a configuration to the UE to start measurement of DL T / F error within a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurements and preconfigure a signal (e.g., similar to PRACH) to the UE. The configuration may enable the UE to trigger new GNSS measurements, and / or T / F resources for transmission of the signal.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the preconfiguration indication signal may be predefined rather than configured by the NE.

[0069] In some example embodiments, when the UE detects that the UE has not sent an UL transmission for a predetermined duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the UE may start measurement of DL T / F error for a duration (e.g., 100 ms) to trigger GNSS measurements.

[0070] In certain example embodiments, the method may include configuring the UE to measure the DL T / F error at any time, and configuring the UE to measure the DL T / F only after a duration (eg, 5 seconds) since the UE's last uplink transmission.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the method may include configuring the UE to measure the DL T / F error less than y seconds before expiration of the current GNSS validity period duration (ie before expiration of the GNSS validity period duration).

[0072] In various example embodiments, the method may include configuring an indication sequence (as an indication signal) index for the UE as a trigger to request a new GNSS measurement when the detected DL T / F error is greater than an unacceptable value for GNSS accuracy. In addition, the time and frequency resources of the indication sequence (as an indication signal) may be allocated to the UE for a duration (e.g., on a UL timeslot 100ms after the first PDSCH containing the configuration is first received). In addition, the frequency resources may be valid frequency resources of the UE (e.g., 1 PRB for NB-IoT, or PRB n for eMTC UEs). The indication signal or PRACH-like sequence may be an m-sequence, a golden sequence, or a PN sequence. The resources used for the indication signal trigger may be dedicated resources of the PRACH, which may not be used for the PRACH.

[0073] At 303, after the UE detects that the detected DL time error is greater than a threshold (e.g., greater than Y), where the threshold may be configured or predefined by the NE, the method may include: initiating a triggering procedure for a new GNSS measurement. For example, in order for the UE to trigger a request for a new GNSS measurement, the method may include: receiving a preconfigured PRACH-like signal from the UE on a network configured resource. For example, the PRACH-like signal may be received as a signal different from other signals to avoid interference with other UE transmissions (such as PRACH).

[0074] In various example embodiments, the trigger from the UE may be based on sequence selection. For example, the UE may be configured with multiple sequences representing different information, and the NE may receive the selected sequence to send corresponding information from the UE, including, for example, whether a new GNSS measurement is required; how large the T / F error is; whether the UE detects its own movement and how large the position difference is; and whether the UE needs more or less time (and how much time) to make GNSS measurements compared to the previously reported request time.

[0075] At 304, the method may include configuring a new GNSS measurement gap for the UE for the new GNSS measurement. For example, in response to the NE receiving a UE trigger at 303, the method may include deciding to schedule the new GNSS measurement and sending the new GNSS measurement to the UE (e.g., DL PDCCH / PDSCH) based on the trigger information from the UE.

[0076] Figure 4 An example of a system according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.In an example embodiment, a system may include a plurality of devices, such as NE 410 and / or UE 420.

[0077] NE 410 may be one or more of the following: a base station (e.g., a 3G UMTS NodeB, a 4G LTE evolved NodeB, or a 5G NR next-generation NodeB), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node or a combination thereof.

[0078] The NE 410 may also include: at least one gNB centralized unit (CU) that may be associated with at least one gNB distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gNB-DU may communicate with each other via at least one F1 interface, at least one X1 interface, and at least one X2 interface via a fifth generation core (5GC). n -C interface, and / or at least one NG interface for communication.

[0079] UE 420 may include: one or more mobile devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers or portable media players, digital cameras, pocket cameras, video game consoles, navigation units (such as global positioning system (GPS) devices), desktop or laptop computers, single positioning devices (such as sensors or smart meters), or any combination thereof. In addition, NE 410 and / or UE 420 may be one or more Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs).

[0080] NE 410 and / or UE 420 may include at least one processor, represented as 411 and 421, respectively. Processors 411 and 421 may be embodied by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a similar device. The processor may be implemented as a single controller, or multiple controllers, or multiple processors.

[0081] As shown in 412 and 422, at least one memory may be provided in one or more devices. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 412 and 422 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "non-transitory" used herein may correspond to the limitations of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than the limitations of data storage persistence (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be combined on a single integrated circuit as a processor, or may be separated from one or more processors. In addition, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and that may be processed by the processor may be computer program codes in any suitable form, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0082] Processors 411 and 421, memories 412 and 422, and any subset thereof may be configured to provide Figure 1-Figure 3 Components corresponding to the various boxes of . Although not shown, the device may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which can be used to determine the location of the device. Other sensors are also allowed and can be configured to determine location, altitude, speed, orientation, etc., such as a barometer, compass, etc.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown in , transceivers 413 and 423 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, shown as 414 and 424, respectively. The device may have many antennas, such as an antenna array configured for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. For example, other configurations of these devices may be provided. Transceivers 413 and 423 may be transmitters, receivers, both transmitters and receivers, or units or devices that may be configured for both transmission and reception.

[0084] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to work together with the processor of a specific device to cause a hardware device (such as a UE) to perform any of the above processes (ie, Figure 1-Figure 3 ). Thus, in certain example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0085] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus may include a Figure 1-Figure 3As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only), (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memory with software, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when software is not required for operation, the software may not be present. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or process and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry would also cover, if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0086] Figure 5 An example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. A plurality of network functions are shown, which may be implemented as software operating as part of a network device or dedicated hardware, as a network device itself, or dedicated hardware, or as a virtual function operating as a network device or dedicated hardware. Figure 5 The NE and UE shown in the figure may be similar to NE 410 and UE 420, respectively. The user plane function (UPF) may provide services such as intra-RAT and inter-RAT mobility, routing and forwarding of data packets, inspection of packets, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, buffering of DL packets, and / or triggering of DL data notifications. The application function (AF) may be primarily connected to the core network interface to facilitate application use of service routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0087] According to some example embodiments, processors 411 and 421 and memories 412 and 422 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 413 and 423 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0088] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., NE 410 and / or UE 420) may include a component for performing a method, process, or any variant discussed herein. Examples of the component may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0089] In various example embodiments, the device 420 can be controlled by the memory 422 and the processor 421 to estimate at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal; determine that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; and send an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

[0090] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal; components for determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; and components for sending an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-related information to a network entity.

[0091] In various example embodiments, apparatus 410 may be controlled by memory 412 and processor 411 to receive an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment; and determine, based on the indication of the GNSS related information, that the user equipment has GNSS information.

[0092] Certain example embodiments may relate to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising components for receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user device; and components for determining that the user device has GNSS information based on the indication of the GNSS related information.

[0093] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "various embodiments," "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the example embodiments may be included in at least one example embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily all refer to the same set of example embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0094] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0095] In addition, if necessary, the above-mentioned different functions or processes can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the above-mentioned functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the above description should be considered as an explanation of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0096] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments discussed above may be practiced with processes in a different order and / or with hardware elements in configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0097] Partial Glossary

[0098] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0099] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0100] 5GC: Fifth Generation Core

[0101] 6G: Sixth Generation

[0102] AF: Application Function

[0103] ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0104] CBSD: Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device

[0105] CPU: Central Processing Unit

[0106] CU: Centralized Unit

[0107] DL: Downlink

[0108] DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal

[0109] DU: Distributed Unit

[0110] eMBB: enhanced mobile broadband

[0111] eMTC: enhanced machine type communication

[0112] eNB: Evolved Node B

[0113] gNB: Next Generation Node B

[0114] GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System

[0115] GPS: Global Positioning System

[0116] HDD: Hard Disk Drive

[0117] IoT: Internet of Things

[0118] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0119] LTE-A: Long Term Evolution Advanced

[0120] MEMS: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

[0121] MIB: Master Information Block

[0122] MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0123] mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communications

[0124] NE: Network Entity

[0125] NG: Next Generation

[0126] NG-eNB: Next Generation Evolved Node B

[0127] NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0128] NPRS: Narrowband Positioning Reference Signal

[0129] NR: New Radio

[0130] NRS: Narrowband Reference Signal

[0131] NTN: Non-Terrestrial Network

[0132] PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel

[0133] PDA: Personal Digital Assistant

[0134] PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0135] PN: Pseudo-random / pseudo-noise

[0136] PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel

[0137] PRB: Physical Resource Block

[0138] PRS: Positioning Reference Signal

[0139] PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal

[0140] QoS: Quality of Service

[0141] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0142] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0143] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0144] RF: Radio Frequency

[0145] ROM: Read Only Memory

[0146] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0147] RSS: Resynchronization Signal

[0148] SFN: System Frame Number

[0149] SSS: Secondary synchronization signal

[0150] T / F: Time / Frequency

[0151] UE: User Equipment

[0152] UL: Uplink

[0153] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0154] UPF: User Plane Function

[0155] URLLC: Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications

[0156] UTRAN: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal; determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; as well as An indication of sending Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one downlink receive signal comprises a synchronization signal.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel. 4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration is received from the network entity, the configuration being used to initiate estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error for a duration for triggering a position measurement.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a latest measured GNSS position or a latest received satellite assistance information.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: At least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation is received from the network entity.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the time for starting the estimation comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following items: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the device; the distance the device has moved; whether the device requires more or less time to make a GNSS measurement than previously reported request times; or How much time the device needs to make a GNSS measurement, compared to previously reported request times.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: After the apparatus sends the indication of the GNSS related information, reacquisition of the GNSS is initiated.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation enables the apparatus to trigger at least one of a new GNSS measurement, or a time / frequency resource for transmission of the synchronization signal.

13. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment; as well as Based on the indication of the GNSS related information, it is determined that the user equipment has GNSS information.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is based at least in part on an estimate by the user equipment of at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error associated with at least one downlink received signal.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one downlink reception signal comprises a synchronization signal.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration is sent to the user equipment, the configuration being used to initiate an estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error within a duration for triggering a location measurement.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation is sent after the apparatus has not received an uplink transmission for a predetermined duration.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a most recently measured GNSS position or a most recently received satellite assistance information.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: At least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation is sent to the user equipment.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the time for starting the estimating comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the device; the distance the device has moved; whether the device requires more or less time to make a GNSS measurement than previously reported request times; or How much time the device needs to make a GNSS measurement, compared to previously reported request times.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation enables the apparatus to trigger at least one of a new GNSS measurement, or a time / frequency resource for transmission of the synchronization signal.

26. An apparatus comprising: means for estimating at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal; means for determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; as well as Means for sending an indication of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one downlink receive signal comprises a synchronization signal.

28. An apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the indication of GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising: Means for receiving a configuration from the network entity for initiating an estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error for a duration for triggering a position measurement.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a most recently measured GNSS position or a most recently received satellite assistance information.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 32, further comprising: Means for receiving from the network entity at least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the time for starting the estimating comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the device; the distance the device has moved; whether the device requires more or less time to make a GNSS measurement than previously reported request times; or How much time the device needs to make a GNSS measurement, compared to previously reported request times.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 35, further comprising: Means for initiating reacquisition of the GNSS after the apparatus sends an indication of the GNSS related information.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation enables the apparatus to trigger at least one of a new GNSS measurement, or a time / frequency resource for transmission of the synchronization signal.

38. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment; as well as Means for determining that the user equipment has GNSS information based on the indication of the GNSS related information.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is based at least in part on an estimate by the user equipment of at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error associated with at least one downlink received signal.

40. The apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein the at least one downlink receive signal comprises a synchronization signal.

41. An apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the indication of GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

43. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 42, further comprising: Means for sending a configuration to the user equipment, the configuration for initiating an estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error within a time duration for triggering a position measurement.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation is sent after the apparatus has not received an uplink transmission for a predetermined duration.

45. The apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

46. ​​The apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a most recently measured GNSS position or a most recently received satellite assistance information.

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 46, further comprising: Means for sending to the user equipment at least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the time for starting the estimating comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the device; the distance the device has moved; whether the device requires more or less time to make a GNSS measurement than previously reported request times; or How much time the device needs to make a GNSS measurement, compared to previously reported request times.

50. An apparatus according to any one of claims 38 to 49, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation enables the apparatus to trigger at least one of a new GNSS measurement, or a time / frequency resource for transmission of the synchronization signal.

51. A method comprising: estimating, by the user equipment, at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error by measuring at least one downlink received signal; determining that at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is greater than a threshold; as well as An indication of sending Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) related information to a network entity.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one downlink receive signal comprises a synchronization signal.

53. A method according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the indication of GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel.

54. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

55. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 54, further comprising: A configuration is received from the network entity, the apparatus being configured to initiate an estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error within a duration for triggering a position measurement.

56. The method of any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

57. A method according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a latest measured GNSS position or a latest received satellite assistance information.

58. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 57, further comprising: At least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation is received from the network entity.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the time for starting the estimating comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

60. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the user equipment; The distance that the user equipment has moved; whether the user equipment requires more or less time to make GNSS measurements than previously reported request times; or How much time the user equipment needs to perform GNSS measurements compared to previously reported request times.

61. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 60, further comprising: After the user equipment sends the indication of the GNSS related information, re-acquisition of the GNSS is started.

62. A method according to any one of claims 51 to 61, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation enables the user equipment to trigger at least one of a new GNSS measurement, or a time / frequency resource for transmission of the synchronization signal.

63. A method comprising: receiving, by a network entity, an indication of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) related information from a user equipment; as well as Based on the indication of the GNSS related information, it is determined that the user equipment has GNSS information.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is based at least in part on an estimate by the user equipment of at least one of a downlink time error or a downlink frequency error associated with at least one downlink received signal.

65. The method of claim 63 or 64, wherein the at least one downlink receive signal comprises a synchronization signal.

66. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the indication of GNSS-related information comprises a physical random access channel.

67. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 66, wherein the indication of the GNSS-related information is configured to: trigger at least one of a position measurement or a GNSS measurement.

68. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 67, further comprising: A configuration is sent to the user equipment, the configuration being used to initiate an estimation of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error within a duration for triggering a location measurement.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the configuration for initiating an estimation is sent after the network entity has not received an uplink transmission for a predetermined duration.

70. The method of any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error comprises: An error in at least one of a predicted reception time or a predicted reception frequency of a downlink signal compared to at least one of a time or a frequency of the at least one downlink reception signal.

71. A method according to any one of claims 63 to 70, wherein at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error is based on at least one of a latest measured GNSS position or a latest received satellite assistance information.

72. The method of any one of claims 63 to 71, further comprising: At least one of: a configuration of the estimation, a configuration of resources for sending the indication of the GNSS, the threshold, or a time for starting the estimation is sent to the user equipment.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the time for starting the estimating comprises: a time since the last uplink transmission that exceeds a second threshold; or The time until the GNSS validity period duration expires is less than the third threshold.

74. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 73, wherein the GNSS-related information comprises at least one of the following: An indication whether a new GNSS measurement is required; a magnitude of at least one of the downlink time error or the downlink frequency error; detected movement of the user equipment; The distance that the user equipment has moved; whether the user equipment requires more or less time to make GNSS measurements than previously reported request times; or How much time the user equipment needs to perform GNSS measurements compared to previously reported request times.

75. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 74, wherein the configuration for initiating estimation enables the user equipment to trigger at least one of new GNSS measurements, or time / frequency resources for transmission of the synchronization signal.

76. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 51 to 75.

77. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform the method of any one of claims 51 to 75.

78. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of claims 51 to 75.

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