Method and apparatus for common configuration in non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for common configuration in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Embodiments of the present application provide a user equipment comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, where the processor is configured to: receive, with the transceiver and from a base station (BS) via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling, a configuration associated with mobility management of a non-terrestrial network (NTN); and applying the configuration associated with the mobility management to cause the UE to handover from a source cell to a target cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and devices for common configuration in non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Background Art

[0002] NTN refers to a network or network segment that uses radio frequency (RF) resources on a satellite. The satellite in NTN can be a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite that is fixed relative to the earth's position, or can be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite that orbits the earth. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Rel-17 specification has provided basic support for NTN features and further enhancements including mobility will be studied in Rel-18.

[0003] In Rel-17 NTN, the configuration of mobility management (i.e., handover) follows the traditional mechanism of per-user equipment (UE) configuration, including the original configuration of the terrestrial network (TN) and / or NTN-specific configuration (e.g., location / time-based metrics and target cell ephemeris data). Due to the large coverage area of NTN cells and the resulting large number of UEs, the signaling overhead for mobility management in NTN cells is much higher than that in TN cells before and after handover. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is proposed to transmit information shared by multiple UEs in an NTN cell via broadcast or multicast via common signaling. To achieve the above object, the content(s) of the information and how to apply the content(s) should be determined.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a UE, which includes: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: use the transceiver and receive, from a BS, a configuration associated with mobility management of an NTN via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling; and apply the configuration associated with the mobility management to cause the UE to hand over from a source cell to a target cell.

[0006] In some embodiments, the multicast signaling or broadcast signaling is received via a dedicated signaling radio bearer (SRB) including a multicast or broadcast service (MBS) radio bearer (MRB) or a dedicated control channel including a multicast control channel (MCCH) in MBS.

[0007] In some embodiments, the mobility management includes at least one of the following: handover (HO) or conditional handover (CHO) to the target cell; initiation of random access (RA) to the target cell; or connection reconstruction to the target cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the configuration associated with the mobility management includes at least one of the following: a mobility scenario indication indicating in-node mobility or inter-node mobility; a timing advance (TA) or timing alignment indication indicating whether TA update is required for the mobility management; a cell identity change indication indicating whether a target cell identity matches a source cell identity or whether a target cell configuration matches a source cell configuration; or at least one mobility threshold associated with at least one criterion for applying the configuration associated with the mobility management.

[0009] In some embodiments, the configuration is associated with at least one of the following: the source cell; the target cell; the at least one mobility threshold; at least one measurement identity or measurement object; or at least one UE group identity.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the configuration is associated with the source cell, the processor is configured to apply the configuration.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the configuration is associated with the at least one mobility threshold, the processor is configured to: determine whether to apply the configuration based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration; or determine whether to execute a HO command based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration; or determine whether to execute the CHO when (a) certain conditions of the CHO are satisfied based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one mobility threshold includes at least one of the following: a received signal strength or quality threshold of the source cell; a received signal strength or quality threshold of the target cell; a distance threshold relative to the source node; a distance threshold relative to the target node; a propagation delay or round-trip time (RTT) or TA threshold associated with the source cell; a propagation delay or RTT or TA threshold associated with the target cell; a differential propagation delay or differential RTT or differential TA threshold between the source cell and the target cell; an elevation angle threshold of the source node; or an elevation angle threshold of the target node;

[0013] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to apply the configuration when the configuration is associated with the at least one measurement identity or measurement object, and the UE is configured with the at least one measurement identity or measurement object.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to apply the configuration when the configuration is associated with at least one user group, and the UE is configured with or meets the conditions associated with the at least one user group.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to apply the configuration when the configuration is associated with the target cell, and the UE receives an HO command for the target cell or meets the conditions for a CHO to the target cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication indicates whether the HO or the CHO is intra-node or inter-node; the TA or timing alignment indication indicates whether to update or calculate the TA in the target cell; the cell identity change indication indicates whether the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; and the at least one criterion is used to assist in determining whether to apply other content of the configuration or to perform the HO or the CHO.

[0017] In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication is an explicit parameter or a target node identity; and the cell identity change indication is an explicit parameter or a target cell identity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the configuration includes the mobility scenario indication, and when the UE performs connection reestablishment to the target cell, the processor is configured to: calculate the TA of the target cell when the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is inter-node; or use the current TA of the source cell in the target cell when the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is intra-node.

[0019] In some embodiments, the configuration includes the TA update or calculation indication, and when the UE performs connection reestablishment to the target cell, the processor is configured to: calculate the TA of the target cell when the TA or timing alignment indication indicates to update or calculate the TA; or use the current TA of the source cell in the target cell when the TA or timing alignment indication indicates not to update the TA.

[0020] In some embodiments, the configuration includes the cell identity change indication, and after the UE performs the HO or the CHO to the target cell, the processor is configured to: omit RA in the target cell and initiate connection reestablishment by using the uplink resources configured in the source cell when the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; or initiate RA or connection reestablishment in the target cell when the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the case where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity, the RA is initiated at a configured time by using a configured preamble set or by using configured uplink resources, where the configured time, the configured preamble set, or the configured uplink resources are included in the configuration or received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0022] In some embodiments, the configuration includes (a) differential parameter(s) between the target cell and the source cell, and when the UE performs HO or CHO to the target cell, the processor is configured to derive the corresponding parameter(s) of the target cell.

[0023] In some embodiments, the (a) differential parameter(s) is / are associated with at least one of ephemeris, common TA, epoch time of ephemeris, or epoch time of common TA.

[0024] In some embodiments, the HO or the CHO is performed upon receiving the configuration.

[0025] In some embodiments, upon receiving a part of the configuration, the HO or the CHO is performed when at least one of the following is satisfied: receiving the mobility scenario indication, source cell ephemeris, and the common TA of the source cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is within a node; receiving the mobility scenario indication, target cell ephemeris, and the common TA of the target cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is between nodes; receiving the cell identity change indication and the configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; receiving the cell identity change indication and at least one of the configured time or the configured preamble set for RA initiation, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity; receiving the cell identity change indication and the (a) configured uplink resource(s) for RA or connection reestablishment, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to use the transceiver to receive, via the configuration, system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE, at least one of the following: the source cell ephemeris, the common TA of the source cell, the common TA of the target cell; the configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment, the configured time for RA initiation, the configured preamble set, or the (a) configured uplink resource(s) for RA or connection reestablishment.

[0027] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one validity period associated with at least one other content within the configuration, and the processor is configured to: initiate at least one timer for the at least one other content; and re-acquire the configuration or the at least one other content within the configuration before or after the at least one timer expires.

[0028] In some embodiments, the configuration is received periodically.

[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a BS including: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: generate a configuration associated with mobility management of NTN for causing a UE to handover from a source cell to a target cell; and broadcast or multicast the configuration associated with the mobility management by using the transceiver.

[0030] In some embodiments, the multicast signaling or the broadcast signaling is transmitted via a dedicated SRB including an MRB or a dedicated control channel including an MCCH in an MBS.

[0031] In some embodiments, the mobility management includes at least one of the following: HO or CHO to the target cell; initiating RA to the target cell; or connection reestablishment to the target cell.

[0032] In some embodiments, the configuration associated with the mobility management includes at least one of the following: a mobility scenario indication indicating in-node mobility or inter-node mobility; a TA or timing alignment indication indicating whether TA update is required for the mobility management; a cell identity change indication indicating whether a target cell identity matches a source cell identity or whether a target cell configuration matches a source cell configuration; or at least one mobility threshold associated with at least one criterion for applying the configuration for the mobility management.

[0033] In some embodiments, the configuration is associated with at least one of the following: the source cell; the target cell; the at least one mobility threshold; at least one measurement identity or measurement object; or at least one UE group identity.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one mobility threshold includes at least one of the following: a received signal strength or quality threshold of the source cell; a received signal strength or quality threshold of the target cell; a distance threshold relative to the source node; a distance threshold relative to the target node; a propagation delay or RTT or TA threshold associated with the source cell; a propagation delay or RTT or TA threshold associated with the target cell; a differential propagation delay or differential RTT or differential TA threshold between the source cell and the target cell; an elevation angle threshold of the source node; or an elevation angle threshold of the target node.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication indicates whether the HO or the CHO is intra-node or inter-node; the TA or timing alignment indication indicates whether to update or calculate the TA in the target cell; the cell identity change indication indicates whether the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; and the at least one criterion is used to assist in determining whether to apply other content of the configuration or perform the HO or the CHO.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication is an explicit parameter or a target node identity; and the cell identity change indication is an explicit parameter or a target node identity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the configuration is associated with the target cell and includes the (a) differential parameter(s) between the target cell and the source cell.

[0038] In some embodiments, the (a) differential parameter(s) is / are associated with at least one of ephemeris, common TA, epoch time of ephemeris, or epoch time of common TA.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to use the transceiver to transmit, via the configuration, system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE, at least one of the following: source cell ephemeris, common TA of the source cell, common TA of the target cell; configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment, configured time for RA initiation, configured preamble set, or the (a) configured uplink resource(s) for RA or connection reestablishment.

[0040] In some embodiments, the configuration includes at least one validity period associated with at least one other content within the configuration, and the processor is configured to: start at least one timer for the at least one other content; and re-multicast or re-broadcast the at least one other content within the configuration before or after the at least one timer expires.

[0041] In some embodiments, the configuration is transmitted periodically.

[0042] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a UE. The method includes: receiving, via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling, a configuration associated with mobility management of NTN; and applying the configuration associated with the mobility management to cause the UE to hand over from a source cell to a target cell.

[0043] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a BS. The method includes: generating a configuration associated with mobility management of NTN for causing a UE to hand over from a source cell to a target cell; and broadcasting or multicasting, using the transceiver, the configuration associated with the mobility management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] To describe the manner in which the advantages and features of the present application can be obtained, a description of the present application is presented with reference to specific embodiments of the present application, which are illustrated in the drawings. These drawings only depict example embodiments of the present application and should not be considered as limiting its scope.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for common configuration in NTN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an exemplary device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The detailed description of the drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention can be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions can be achieved by different embodiments that are intended to be covered by the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0049] Although the operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations need to be performed to achieve the desired result; sometimes one or more operations may be skipped. Additionally, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the example processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, concurrently with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For the sake of promoting understanding, embodiments are provided under specific network architectures and new service scenarios (such as 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, 5G New Radio (NR), Advanced 5G, 6G, etc.). It is contemplated that as the network architecture and new service scenarios evolve, all embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems; and furthermore, the terms cited in the present disclosure may change, which should not affect the principles of the present disclosure.

[0051] The present disclosure provides various solutions for implementing processes in UL positioning, such as processes for SRS activation or deactivation within a validity region, TA update within a validity region, or SRS configuration and update of the associated validity region.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary NTN system 100 in NTN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, the NTN system 100 in NTN includes: at least one radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., Node 1) and at least one UE (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4). Although one RAN node and four UEs are depicted for illustrative purposes in Figure 1 it is contemplated that any number of nodes and UEs may be included in the NTN system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] The NTN system 100 is compatible with any type of network capable of sending and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the NTN system 100 is compatible with wireless communication networks, cellular phone networks, time division multiple access (TDMA)-based networks, code division multiple access (CDMA)-based networks, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)-based networks, LTE networks, 3GPP-based networks, 3GPP 5G networks, satellite communication networks, high-altitude platform networks, and / or other communication networks.

[0055] Node 1 may be a satellite, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a device on a balloon, a high-altitude platform (HAP), etc.; it may be configured with (a) antenna unit(s) of a base station (BS) or may be the entire BS.

[0056] The BS in the present disclosure may be referred to as an access point, an access terminal, a base, a macrocell, a radio access network (RAN) node, a next-generation (NG) RAN node, Node B, an enhanced or evolved Node B (eNB), a general Node B (gNB), a home Node B, a relay node or device, or described using other terms used in the art.

[0057] In some embodiments, when a UE (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4) is in the coverage area of a node (e.g., node 1), the UE can communicate with the node via, for example, the LTE or NR Uu interface.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the present application, a UE (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4) may include a vehicle UE (VUE) and / or a power-saving UE (also referred to as a power-sensitive UE). The power-saving UE may include a vulnerable road user (VRU), a public safety UE (PS-UE), and / or a commercial sidelink UE (CS-UE) that is sensitive to power consumption. In an embodiment of the present application, the VRU may include a pedestrian UE (P-UE), a cyclist UE, a wheelchair UE, or other UEs that require power saving compared to the VUE. In an embodiment of the present application, UE102 may be an LPHAP UE.

[0059] According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may include a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including security cameras), an in-vehicle computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, and a modem), or the like.

[0060] According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may include a portable wireless communication device, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a flip phone, a device with a subscriber identification module, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals over a wireless network.

[0061] According to some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may include a wearable device, such as a smartwatch, a fitness bracelet, an optical head-mounted display, or the like.

[0062] In addition, a UE (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4) may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal, or a device, or described using other terms used in the art.

[0063] In the NTN system 100, an NTN cell (e.g., cell 1, cell 2, or cell 3) has a large coverage area and thus may have a large number of UEs. Before or after HO or CHO, the signaling overhead for mobility management in the NTN cell may be much more than the signaling overhead for mobility management in the TN cell. Measures need to be taken to reduce the signaling overhead in the NTN.

[0064] Since NTN cells have a large coverage area, the surrounding environment and configuration of UEs at similar or the same locations may be similar or the same in some aspects (e.g., HO or CHO). The present disclosure provides various methods for providing a common configuration associated with mobility management to all UEs in a source cell via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0065] A UE may apply the common configuration of mobility management to: all UEs in the source cell, or one or more UEs associated with a target cell, or one or more UEs in the source cell that are associated with or meet the conditions associated with a user group, or one or more UEs associated with a measurement identity or a measurement object, or one or more UEs associated with a UE group identity, or one or more UEs associated with at least one threshold, where the at least one threshold is associated with at least one criterion.

[0066] For example, return reference Figure 1 , for example, the candidate target cells for UE 1 and UE 2 are cell 2, and the candidate target cells for UE 3 and UE 4 are cell 3. The configurations of cell 2 and cell 3 may be transmitted to a plurality of UEs (including UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4) within cell 1 via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling. The BS does not transmit the configurations of cell 2 and cell 3 to each of these UEs in dedicated signaling. Thus, the signaling overhead is reduced. When UE 1 or UE 2 performs a mobility operation on target cell 2, UE 1 or UE 2 may apply the configuration of cell 2 received via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling. When UE 3 or UE 4 performs a mobility operation on target cell 3, UE 3 or UE 4 may apply the configuration of cell 3 received via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, mobility management includes at least one of mobility operations (e.g., HO or CHO, RA initiation to a target cell, or connection reestablishment to a target cell). One advantage is that it brings the possibility of reducing the signaling overhead in NTN cells (e.g., in NTN system 100 in NTN). In some embodiments, some mobility operations for mobility management may even be omitted to further reduce the signaling overhead in NTN cells.

[0068] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 200 for mobility management in NTN according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The method 200 illustrated in Figure 1(not explicitly shown in the figure)) is executed. Although the method is described at the system level, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods implemented in the two entities can be separately implemented and combined in other devices with similar functions. It is also contemplated that method 200 may include additional steps not shown. Return to reference Figure 1 , for example, if node 1 is the entire BS, then the BS can be node 1, or if node 1 is only one or more antenna units of the BS, then the BS can include node 1.

[0069] In step 201, the BS generates a common configuration associated with the mobility management of the NTN (e.g., Figure 1 the NTN system 100 described in the figure) for enabling the UE to switch from the source cell to the target cell.

[0070] In some embodiments, the common configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0071] ● A mobility scenario indication that indicates in-node mobility or inter-node mobility;

[0072] ● A TA or timing alignment indication that indicates whether TA update is required for mobility management;

[0073] ● A cell identity change indication that indicates whether the target cell identity matches the source cell identity or whether the target cell configuration matches the source cell configuration; or

[0074] ● At least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range associated with at least one criterion for applying the common configuration for mobility management.

[0075] In some embodiments, the at least one mobility threshold includes at least one of the following:

[0076] ● A received signal strength or quality threshold of the source cell;

[0077] ● A received signal strength or quality threshold of the target cell;

[0078] ● A distance threshold relative to the source node;

[0079] ● A distance threshold relative to the target node;

[0080] ● An RTT or TA threshold associated with the source cell;

[0081] ● A propagation delay or RTT or TA threshold associated with the target cell;

[0082] ● A differential propagation delay or differential RTT or differential TA threshold between the source cell and the target cell;

[0083] ● An elevation angle threshold of the source node; or

[0084] ● Elevation angle threshold of the target node.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one mobility range includes at least one of the following:

[0086] ● Received signal strength or quality range of the source cell;

[0087] ● Received signal strength or quality range of the target cell;

[0088] ● Location range relative to the source node;

[0089] ● Location range relative to the target node;

[0090] ● Propagation delay or RTT or TA range associated with the target cell;

[0091] ● Propagation delay or RTT or TA range associated with the target cell;

[0092] ● Differential propagation delay or differential RTT or differential TA range between the source cell and the target cell;

[0093] ● Elevation angle range of the source node;

[0094] ● Elevation angle range of the target node.

[0095] In some embodiments, mobility management includes at least one of the following mobility operations:

[0096] ● HO or CHO to the target cell;

[0097] ● Initiation of RA for the target cell; or

[0098] ● Connection re-establishment to the target cell.

[0099] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one of the following:

[0100] ● The source cell;

[0101] ● The target cell;

[0102] ● At least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range;

[0103] ● At least one measurement identifier or measurement object; or

[0104] ● At least one UE group identifier.

[0105] In step 202, the BS broadcasts or multicasts the common configuration associated with the mobility management of NTN; the UE can receive the common configuration of NTN via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0106] In some embodiments, the BS may periodically generate and transmit a common configuration.

[0107] In some embodiments, the UE may receive multicast signaling or broadcast signaling via a dedicated SRB including MRBs or a dedicated control channel including an MCCH in an MBS.

[0108] In some embodiments, the common configuration includes a validity period; the common configuration is valid within the validity period. The UE may start a timer having a length of the validity period when receiving the common configuration, and may re-obtain the common configuration before or after the time expires.

[0109] In some embodiments, the common configuration includes at least one validity period associated with at least one content within the common configuration; the corresponding individual content within the common configuration is valid within the corresponding validity period. In some embodiments, the UE may start a corresponding timer having a length of the corresponding validity period associated with the corresponding individual content when receiving the corresponding individual content within the common configuration; the UE may re-obtain the individual content within the common configuration before or after the corresponding timer expires. In some embodiments, the BS may start a corresponding timer having a length of the corresponding validity period associated with the corresponding individual content when transmitting the corresponding individual content within the common configuration; the BS may re-broadcast or re-multicast the individual content within the common configuration before or after the corresponding timer expires.

[0110] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in step 203, the UE applies a common configuration associated with mobility management to switch from a source cell to a target cell.

[0111] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with a source cell, and the UE may apply the common configuration to mobility operations. In some embodiments, each of the UEs within the source cell may apply the common configuration associated with the source cell.

[0112] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range included in the common configuration and associated with at least one criterion, and the UE may determine whether to apply the common configuration based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration for mobility management. In some embodiments, each of the UEs receiving the common configuration may determine whether to apply the common configuration based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration for mobility management.

[0113] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range that is included in the common configuration and associated with at least one criterion, and the UE may determine whether to execute a HO command based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration. In some embodiments, each of the UEs that receive the common configuration may determine whether to execute a HO command based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration.

[0114] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range that is included in the common configuration and associated with at least one criterion, and the UE may determine whether to execute CHO when the (certain) conditions for CHO are satisfied based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration. In some embodiments, each of the UEs that receive the common configuration may determine whether to execute CHO when the (certain) conditions for CHO are satisfied based on the satisfaction of at least one criterion for applying the common configuration.

[0115] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one measurement identifier or measurement object; in the case where the UE is configured with at least one measurement identifier or measurement object, the UE may apply the common configuration. In some embodiments, each of the UEs that receive the common configuration and are configured with at least one measurement identifier or measurement object may apply the common configuration.

[0116] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with at least one user group; in the case where the UE is configured to be associated with at least one user group or meets the conditions associated with at least one user group, the UE may apply the common configuration. In some embodiments, each of the UEs that receive the common configuration and are associated with at least one user group or meet the conditions associated with at least one user group may apply the common configuration.

[0117] In some embodiments, the common configuration is associated with a target cell; in the case where the UE receives a HO command to the target cell or meets the (certain) conditions for CHO to the target cell; the UE may apply the common configuration. In some embodiments, for each of the UEs that receive the common configuration associated with the target cell, if the UE receives a HO command to the target cell or meets the (certain) conditions for CHO to the target cell, then the UE may apply the common configuration.

[0118] In some cases, a common configuration is associated with a target cell; the common configuration includes a mobility scenario indication that indicates whether the HO or CHO is an in-node or inter-node mobility scenario. If an HO command to the target cell is received or the (certain) conditions for CHO to the target cell are met, then the UE may apply the common configuration at least according to the mobility scenario indication. In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication is an explicit parameter that indicates whether the HO or CHO is an in-node or inter-node. In some embodiments, the mobility scenario indication is a target node identifier; if the target node identifier is the same as the source node identifier, then the UE may determine that the HO or CHO is in-node; if the target node identifier is different from the source code identifier, then the UE may determine that the HO or CHO is inter-node. In some embodiments, if the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or CHO is in-node, then the UE may use the current TA of the source cell in the target cell. In some embodiments, if the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or CHO is inter-node, then the UE may calculate the TA of the target cell.

[0119] In some cases, a common configuration is associated with a target cell, and the common configuration includes a TA or timing alignment indication that indicates whether to update or calculate the TA in the target cell. If an HO command to the target cell is received or the (certain) conditions for CHO to the target cell are met, then the UE may apply the common configuration at least according to the TA or timing alignment indication. In some embodiments, if the TA or timing alignment indication indicates not to update or calculate the TA, then the UE may use the current TA of the source cell in the target cell. In some embodiments, if the TA or timing alignment indication indicates to update or calculate the TA, then the UE may calculate the TA of the target cell.

[0120] In some cases, a common configuration is associated with a target cell, and the common configuration includes a cell identity change indication indicating whether the target cell identity of the target cell is the same as the source cell identity of the source cell. If a HO command to the target cell is received or (a) condition(s) for CHO to the target cell is / are met, then the UE may apply the common configuration at least based on the cell identity change indication. In some embodiments, the cell identity change indication is an explicit parameter indicating whether the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity. In some embodiments, the cell identity change indication is the target cell identity; if the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity, then the UE may determine that the target cell inherits the cell identity and configuration of the source cell after it replaces the coverage of the source cell; if the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity, then the UE may determine that the target cell does not inherit the cell identity and configuration of the source cell after it replaces the coverage of the source cell. In some embodiments, if the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity, then the UE may omit RA in the target cell and initiate connection reestablishment by using the uplink resources configured in the source cell. In some embodiments, if the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity, then the UE may initiate RA or connection reestablishment in the target cell.

[0121] In some embodiments, the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity; if the RA is contention-based random access (CBRA), then the UE may initiate the RA at a configured time and / or by using a configured preamble set. In some embodiments, the configured time or the configured preamble set may be included in the common configuration, or received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0122] In some embodiments, the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity; if the RA is contention-free random access (CFRA), then the UE may initiate the RA by using configured uplink resources. In some embodiments, the configured uplink resources are included in the common configuration, or received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0123] In some cases, a common configuration is associated with a target cell, and the common configuration includes at least one mobility threshold or at least one mobility range associated with at least one criterion. In some embodiments, the at least one criterion is used to assist the UE in determining whether to apply other content of the common configuration when the UE receives an HO command to the target cell or meets the conditions for performing CHO to the target cell; when the at least one criterion is met, the UE may apply other content of the common configuration after the UE receives an HO command to the target cell or meets the conditions for performing CHO to the target cell. In some embodiments, the at least one criterion is used to assist the UE in determining whether to perform an HO after receiving an HO command to the target cell, or whether to perform CHO to the target cell when the execution conditions for CHO are met; when the at least one criterion is met, the UE may perform an HO or CHO to the target cell.

[0124] In some embodiments, a common configuration is associated with a target cell, and the common configuration includes differential parameters between the source cell and the target cell; when the UE receives an HO command to the target cell or meets the conditions for performing CHO to the target cell, the UE may derive parameters of the target cell based on the differential parameters and parameters of the source cell, where the derived parameters may be used for HO or CHO to the target cell, or for RA to the target cell, or for connection re-establishment to the target cell. In some embodiments, the differential parameters are associated with at least one of the ephemeris, common TA, epoch time of the ephemeris, or epoch time of the common TA between the target cell and the source cell.

[0125] In some embodiments, the common configuration is at least associated with a target cell. When the UE receives an HO command to the target cell or meets the conditions for performing CHO to the target cell, the UE may perform an HO or CHO and subsequent mobility operations after receiving the entire configuration. In other words, the UE may postpone the execution of the HO or CHO until the entire configuration is received.

[0126] In some embodiments, the common configuration is at least associated with a target cell. When the UE receives an HO command to the target cell or meets the conditions for performing CHO to the target cell, if only the basic part of the common configuration and some other necessary information are received, then the UE may perform an HO or CHO and subsequent mobility operations.

[0127] In some embodiments, a basic part of the common configuration is a mobility scenario indication; some other necessary information is the source cell ephemeris and the common TA of the source cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates whether HO or CHO is within the node. In some embodiments, the source cell ephemeris or the common TA of the source cell can be received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0128] In some embodiments, a basic part of the common configuration is a mobility scenario indication; some other necessary information is the target cell ephemeris and the common TA of the target cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates whether HO or CHO is between nodes. In some embodiments, the target cell ephemeris or the common TA of the target cell can be received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0129] In some embodiments, a basic part of the common configuration is a cell identity change indication; some other necessary information is the configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity (i.e., the target cell inherits the cell identity and configuration of the source cell after replacing the source cell coverage). In some embodiments, the configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment can be received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0130] In some embodiments, a basic part of the common configuration is a cell identity change indication; some other necessary information is the configured time for CBRA initiation or the configured preamble set for CBRA, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity and the RA is CBRA. In some embodiments, the configured time for CBRA initiation or the configured preamble set for CBRA can be received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0131] In some embodiments, a basic part of the common configuration is a cell identity change indication; some other necessary information is the (one or more) configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment after CFRA or CFRA, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity and the RA is CFRA. In some embodiments, the (one or more) configured uplink resources for CFRA or connection reestablishment can be received via system information, multicast signaling, or signaling dedicated to the UE.

[0132] In some embodiments, the common configuration can include one or more sub - common configurations; each sub - common configuration is associated with at least one of the following: the source cell; the target cell; at least one mobility threshold; at least one measurement identity or measurement object; or at least one UE group identity.

[0133] In some embodiments, a common configuration may be associated with one or more target cells. In some embodiments, the one or more target cells may include one or more designated neighboring cells around a current serving cell (or source cell). When the UE performs a mobility operation on a target cell among the one or more target cells, it may apply the common configuration.

[0134] In some embodiments, the common configuration includes one or more sub-common configurations, and at least one of the one or more sub-common configurations is associated with an individual target cell. When the UE performs a mobility operation on a target cell associated with a sub-common configuration of the common configuration, it may apply the associated sub-common configuration.

[0135] For example, return reference Figure 1 As an example, the common configuration includes at least two sub-common configurations, one sub-common configuration is associated with cell 2, and one sub-common configuration is associated with cell 3. If UE 1 performs a mobility operation on cell 2, then it may apply the sub-common configuration associated with cell 2. If UE 4 performs a mobility operation on cell 3, then it may apply the sub-common configuration associated with cell 3. Additionally, if the common configuration includes a sub-common configuration associated with the source cell Cell 1 (cell 1), then each of the UEs (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4) within cell 1 may apply the sub-common configuration associated with cell 1.

[0136] Figure 3 A simplified block diagram of an exemplary device 300 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0137] In some embodiments, the device 300 may be a UE (e.g., UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, or UE 4) or include at least a portion thereof, and be capable of performing any of the operations performed by a UE as described in the present disclosure.

[0138] In some embodiments, the device 300 may be a BS ( Figure 1 not explicitly shown in the figure) or include at least a portion thereof, and be capable of performing any of the operations performed by a BS as described in the present disclosure.

[0139] As Figure 3 shown in the figure, the device 300 may include at least one transceiver 310 and a processor 320 coupled to the transceiver 310. In some embodiments, the transceiver 310 may include a transmitter and a receiver integrated together. In some embodiments, the transceiver 310 may include a transmitter and a receiver separated from each other. In some embodiments, the transceiver 310 may be a wireless transceiver.

[0140] In some embodiments, the device 300 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium 330 storing computer-executable instructions 330 thereon, where the non-transitory computer-readable medium 330 may be coupled to the processor 320 and the transceiver 310, and the computer-executable instructions 330 may be configured to be executable by the processor 320. In some embodiments, the transceiver 310, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 330, and the processor 320 may be coupled to each other via one or more local buses.

[0141] Although in Figure 3 the elements such as the transceiver 310, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 330, and the processor 320 are described in the singular form, the plural forms are also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular form. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 300 may further include other components for practical purposes.

[0142] In various example embodiments, the processor 320 may include, but is not limited to, at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor (such as a CPU), a portion of at least one hardware processor, and any other suitable dedicated processor, a dedicated processor developed based on, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, the processor 320 may further include Figure 3 at least one other circuitry or element not shown in

[0143] In various example embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 330 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Additionally, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 330 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or apparatuses, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0144] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the device 300 may further include at least one other circuitry, element, and interface, such as antenna elements and the like.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the device 300 is a UE. The transceiver 310 and the processor 320 may be configured to perform operations in any of the methods performed by a UE described above. For example, the processor 320 may be configured to: receive, using the transceiver 310 and from a BS, a common configuration associated with mobility management of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling; and apply the common configuration associated with mobility management to cause the UE to hand over from a source cell to a target cell.

[0146] According to some embodiments, the device 300 is a BS. The transceiver 310 and the processor 320 may be configured to perform the operations in any of the methods performed by a BS described above. For example, the processor 320 may be configured to: generate a common configuration associated with the mobility management of the NTN for a UE to hand over from a source cell to a target cell; and use the transceiver 310 to broadcast or multicast the common configuration associated with the mobility management.

[0147] In various exemplary embodiments, the circuitry, components, elements, and interfaces (including processors and non-transitory computer-readable media) in the exemplary devices may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, and the like) via any suitable connection (including but not limited to buses, cross switches, wiring, and / or wireless lines).

[0148] The methods of the present disclosure may be implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controller, flowchart, and modules may also be implemented on a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit (such as a discrete element circuit), a programmable logic device, or the like. Generally, any device having a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures may be used to implement the processing functions of the present disclosure.

[0149] Although the present disclosure is described in terms of its specific embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or replaced in other embodiments. Moreover, all the elements shown in each figure are not necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0150] The terms "includes", "include", "including", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "a", "an", or the like does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. Moreover, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "comprises", "has", and the like are defined as "includes". In this disclosure, relational terms such as "first", "second", and the like may only be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: utilize the transceiver and receive, from a BS via multicast signaling or broadcast signaling, a configuration associated with mobility management of a non-terrestrial network (NTN); and apply the configuration associated with the mobility management to cause the UE to handover from a source cell to a target cell.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the mobility management comprises at least one of the following: a handover (HO) or conditional handover (CHO) to the target cell; initiation of random access (RA) to the target cell; or connection re-establishment to the target cell.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the configuration associated with the mobility management comprises at least one of the following: a mobility scenario indication indicating in-node mobility or inter-node mobility; a timing advance (TA) or timing alignment indication indicating whether TA update is required for the mobility management; a cell identity change indication indicating whether a target cell identity matches a source cell identity or whether a target cell configuration matches a source cell configuration; or at least one mobility threshold associated with at least one criterion for applying the configuration associated with the mobility management.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein the configuration is associated with at least one of the following: the source cell; the target cell; the at least one mobility threshold; at least one measurement identifier or measurement object; or at least one UE group identifier.

5. The UE according to claim 4, wherein when the configuration is associated with the source cell, the processor is configured to apply the configuration.

6. The UE according to claim 4, wherein when the configuration is associated with the at least one mobility threshold, the processor is configured to: Determine whether to apply the configuration based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration; or determine whether to execute an HO command based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration; or determine whether to execute the CHO when (a) condition(s) of the CHO are satisfied based on the satisfaction of the at least one criterion for applying the configuration.

7. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to apply the configuration when the configuration is associated with the at least one measurement identifier or measurement object, and the UE is configured with the at least one measurement identifier or measurement object.

8. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the configuration is associated with the target cell, and wherein: the mobility scenario indication indicates whether the HO or the CHO is in-node or inter-node; the TA or timing alignment indication indicates whether to update or calculate the TA in the target cell; the cell identity change indication indicates whether the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; and the at least one criterion is used to assist in determining whether to apply other content of the configuration or to execute the HO or the CHO.

9. The UE according to claim 8, wherein: the mobility scenario indication is an explicit parameter or a target node identifier; and the cell identity change indication is an explicit parameter or a target cell identifier.

10. The UE according to claim 8, wherein the configuration includes the mobility scenario indication, and when the UE performs connection reestablishment to the target cell, the processor is configured to: calculate the TA of the target cell when the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is between nodes; or use the current TA of the source cell in the target cell when the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is within a node.

11. The UE according to claim 8, wherein the configuration includes the cell identity change indication, and after the UE performs the HO or the CHO to the target cell, the processor is configured to: omit RA in the target cell and initiate connection reestablishment by using the uplink resources configured in the source cell when the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; or initiate RA or connection reestablishment in the target cell when the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity.

12. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the configuration is associated with the target cell, and the UE receives an HO command for the target cell or meets the conditions for a CHO to the target cell. In the case of receiving a part of the configuration, the UE performs the HO or the CHO when at least one of the following is satisfied: receiving the mobility scenario indication, the source cell ephemeris, and the common TA of the source cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is within a node; receiving the mobility scenario indication, the target cell ephemeris, and the common TA of the target cell, where the mobility scenario indication indicates that the HO or the CHO is between nodes; receiving the cell identity change indication and the configured uplink resources for connection reestablishment, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is the same as the source cell identity; receiving the cell identity change indication and at least one of the configured time or the configured preamble set for RA initiation, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity; receiving the cell identity change indication and the (one or more) configured uplink resources for RA or connection reestablishment, where the cell identity change indication indicates that the target cell identity is different from the source cell identity.

13. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the configuration includes at least one validity period associated with at least one other content within the configuration, and the processor is configured to: start at least one timer for the at least one other content; and re - obtain the configuration or the at least one other content within the configuration before or after the at least one timer expires.

14. A base station BS, comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Generate a configuration associated with mobility management of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) for enabling a UE to handover from a source cell to a target cell; and Broadcast or multicast, by using the transceiver, the configuration associated with the mobility management.

15. The BS according to claim 14, wherein the configuration associated with the mobility management includes at least one of the following: A mobility scenario indication that indicates in-node mobility or inter-node mobility; A timing advance (TA) or timing alignment indication that indicates whether TA update is required for the mobility management; A cell identity change indication that indicates whether a target cell identity matches a source cell identity or whether a target cell configuration matches a source cell configuration; or At least one mobility threshold associated with at least one criterion for applying the configuration for the mobility management.

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