Method of operation of user equipment communicating with satellite in non-terrestrial network

Abstract

A method of operation of a user equipment (UE) communicating with a satellite in a non-terrestrial network includes receiving a reference signal allocated to the UE from the satellite, the satellite communicating with the UE via a broadband in the non-terrestrial network; performing an interference measurement operation on a reference signal in a second target sub-band other than the first target sub-band allocated to the UE in the broadband; performing a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and an interference measurement result from the interference measurement operation; and performing a communication operation based on a channel measurement result from the channel measurement operation.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0054281, filed on April 23, 2024, and 10-2024-0094405, filed on July 17, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Methods, devices, and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure relate to a user equipment (UE) communicating with a satellite in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) and an operation method of the UE. BACKGROUND

[0003] As wireless communication systems advance, NTN communication technology for expanding global communication coverage by combining satellite communication with mobile communication has been researched. The NTN aims to provide wide-area service coverage by establishing a serviceable area at a location where a base station for mobile communication is physically or economically infeasible. SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect is to provide a user equipment (UE) capable of performing a highly reliable channel measurement operation by considering interference to a reference signal and an operation method thereof.

[0005] According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided an operation method including: receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment (UE), the satellite communicating with the UE via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network; performing an interference measurement operation on the reference signal in a second target sub-band of the wideband other than a first target sub-band allocated to the UE; performing a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and an interference measurement result from the interference measurement operation; and performing a communication operation based on a channel measurement result from the channel measurement operation.

[0006] According to another aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided an operation method including: receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment (UE), the satellite communicating with the UE via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network; extracting a first target sub-band reference signal in a first target sub-band allocated to the UE from the reference signal in the wideband; performing a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on the extracted first target sub-band reference signal; and performing a communication operation based on a channel measurement result from the channel measurement operation.

[0007] According to still another aspect of one or more embodiments, an operating method is provided that includes receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment (UE), the satellite communicating with the UE via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network, the wideband including a first target sub-band and a plurality of second target sub-bands allocated to the UE; generating a first channel measurement result corresponding to the first target sub-band based on the reference signal in the first target sub-band; interpolating the first channel measurement result based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in the plurality of second target sub-bands; and performing a communication operation based on the first channel measurement result that has been interpolated.

[0008] According to still another aspect of one or more embodiments, a user equipment (UE) is provided that includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit configured to receive, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to the UE via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network; and a processor configured to perform a channel measurement operation for a first target sub-band based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in a plurality of second target sub-bands in the wideband other than the first target sub-band allocated to the UE. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Various embodiments will be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a channel measurement operation and a communication operation of an operating method of Figure 3 according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a wideband and sub-bands according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a reference signal in a second target sub-band in connection with an operating method of Figure 7 according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a reference signal in a second target sub-band in connection with an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment. Figure 10

[0021] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a reference signal in a second target sub-band in connection with an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment. Figure 12

[0023] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of not using a reference signal in a second target sub-band in connection with an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment. Figure 15

[0026] Figure 17 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a wideband according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 20 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating a communication device for performing a channel measurement operation according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] ​​​As described above, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication technology can support various cell operation methods. For example, the NTN communication technology can support a cell operation method in which a single satellite provides network communication to multiple cells by using a beamforming technology. In this case, there is a technical limitation in which the beamforming technology in the satellite is not complex enough to ideally separate spaces corresponding to the multiple cells, and thus, there is a disadvantage in which interference between the multiple cells can occur due to the technical limitation.

[0032] In order to prevent degradation of communication performance due to interference between the multiple cells, a resource scheduling method for allocating different sub-bands for transmitting a downlink signal (e.g., a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) to the multiple cells has been introduced, but the method has a disadvantage in that it is difficult to accurately measure channel quality due to interference between the downlink signal and a reference signal transmitted via a wideband having a wider bandwidth than the sub-band.

[0033] According to various embodiments, a user equipment (UE) and an operation method thereof are provided, which can perform a highly reliable channel measurement operation by considering interference to a reference signal.

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used in this specification, the phrase "at least one of A, B or C" in the form of a phrase includes "only A", "only B", "only C", "A and B", "A and C", "B and C", and "A, B, and C" within its scope.

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system (or WCS) according to an embodiment. The wireless communication system can support a communication service based on at least one of multiple wireless networks by using a non-terrestrial network (NTN). For example, the multiple wireless networks can include a third generation (3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a sixth generation (6G) network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0036] The various functions described below can be implemented or supported by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques or one or more computer programs, each of which comprises computer readable program code and can be executed on a computer readable medium. As used herein, the terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or portions thereof suitable for implementation in suitable computer readable program code. The term "computer readable program code" can include all types of computer code, including source code, object code, and / or executable code. The term "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium suitable for accessing by a computer, such as, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links through which a transitory signal or other signals can be conveyed from one place to another. Non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and then overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0037] In various embodiments described below, hardware-based methods are described as examples. However, because embodiments include techniques that use both hardware and software, various embodiments are not intended to exclude software-based methods.

[0038] Reference is made to Figure 1 A wireless communication system (WCS) can include a satellite 10 and a user equipment (UE) 100. The wireless communication system can also be referred to as a non-terrestrial wireless communication system. Although only the satellite 10 for providing a communication service to the UE 100 is shown in Figure 1 In the present specification, various embodiments are described focusing on signaling between the satellite 10 and the UE 100, but this is only for the sake of understanding and the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0039] In one embodiment, the satellite 10 can distinguish between a first cell CELL#0, a second cell CELL#1, and a third cell CELL#2 based on a beamforming technique, and communicate with the first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2 to communicate with the UE 100. The UE 100 can connect to any one of the first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2 according to its location and perform communication therewith. It is assumed hereinafter that the UE 100 is located within a coverage of the first cell CELL#0 and connected to the first cell CELL#0.

[0040] Further, due to a limitation of a beamforming technique used in the satellite 10, coverage areas of the first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2 can partially overlap with each other. In order to minimize an impact of interference between the first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2 due to such coverage area overlap, the satellite 10 can allocate different sub-bands to the first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2, respectively, and transmit downlink signals via the different sub-bands. As a specific example, the satellite 10 can allocate a first sub-band to the first cell CELL#0, a second sub-band to the second cell CELL#1, and a third sub-band to the third cell CELL#2. In this case, the satellite 10 can transmit a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to the UE 100 located in a coverage area of the first cell CELL#0 via the first sub-band, a second PDSCH to another UE located in a coverage area of the second cell CELL#1 via the second sub-band, and a third PDSCH to another UE located in a coverage area of the third cell CELL#2 via the third sub-band.

[0041] The satellite 10 can transmit a reference signal allocated to the UE 100 to the UE 100 via a wideband including the first to third sub-bands. As a specific example, the satellite 10 can transmit a reference signal including reference signal symbols allocated to the UE 100 to the UE 100 by arranging the reference signal symbols to have a pattern in the wideband. In some embodiments, the pattern can be predetermined.

[0042] As used herein, a wideband is a frequency band including a resource (or a frequency-time resource) on which a reference signal allocated to the UE 100 is arranged, and can include a plurality of sub-bands. The wideband can be variously configured according to a type of the reference signal.

[0043] In one embodiment, when the wireless communication system supports a radio access technology (RAT) based on a long term evolution (LTE) network, the reference signal can correspond to a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), and when the wireless communication system supports a RAT based on a new radio (NR) network, the reference signal can correspond to a tracking reference signal (TRS). However, these examples are merely embodiments, and embodiments are not limited thereto and can be applied to various reference signals transmitted via a wideband having a wider bandwidth than a sub-band allocated to each cell.

[0044] As used herein, a first subband allocated to a first cell CELL#0 connected to the UE 100 can be referred to as a first subband allocated to the UE 100. Also, as used herein, a subband allocated to the UE 100 among subbands included in a wideband can be referred to as a first target subband, and at least one subband not allocated to the UE 100 can be referred to as a second target subband. In some embodiments, the second target subband can be defined as a subband close to the first target subband within a certain distance along a frequency axis.

[0045] The UE 100 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first subband (or the first target subband) based on a reference signal received via the wideband. The reference signal used by the UE 100 can include a reference signal in a second subband (or a second target subband) allocated to a second cell CELL#1 and a reference signal in a third subband (or a second target subband) allocated to a third cell CELL#2. As used herein, the reference signal in the second target subband can be defined as including reference signal symbols arranged in the second target subband. As used herein, the channel measurement operation can include at least one of an operation of estimating a channel for decoding a downlink signal (or a PDSCH) received from the satellite 10 and / or an operation of measuring various parameters related to a channel state in order to generate channel state information to be reported to the satellite 10.

[0046] However, for example, when the second cell CELL#1 operating independently of the first cell CELL#0 transmits a second PDSCH via the second subband (or the second target subband) allocated to the second cell CELL#1, the reference signal in the second subband (or the second target subband) can experience interference of the second PDSCH, and in this case, the reference signal in the second subband (or the second target subband) can not be suitable for use by the UE 100 in the channel measurement operation for the first subband (or the first target subband).

[0047] Accordingly, according to an embodiment, the UE 100 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first subband (or the first target subband) based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in the second subband and the third subband (or the second target subband).

[0048] In one embodiment, the UE 100 can measure interference to the reference signal in each of the second target subbands to generate an interference measurement value, and compare the interference measurement value with a threshold to determine whether there is interference.

[0049] In one embodiment, the UE can use the reference signal in the second target subband in which interference is determined to be absent in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband.

[0050] In one embodiment, the UE 100 can not use the reference signal in the second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to exist in the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band. As used herein, the reference signal not used for the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band can be defined as an invalid reference signal. In some embodiments, the UE 100 can use the reference signal in the second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to exist and a weight corresponding thereto when performing the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band. In some embodiments, the weight can be predetermined.

[0051] In this way, the UE 100 can selectively restrict the use of the reference signal in the second target sub-band in the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on whether the interference to the reference signal exists in the second target sub-band.

[0052] In one embodiment, the UE 100 can substantially prevent the use of the reference signal in the second target sub-band when performing the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band. As a specific example, the UE 100 can extract the reference signal in the first target sub-band from the reference signal received via the wideband and perform the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band by using only the extracted reference signal.

[0053] According to embodiments, the UE 100 can generate a channel measurement result having high reliability by performing the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band by taking into account the interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band. Accordingly, the communication performance of the UE 100 based on the channel measurement result having high reliability can be improved.

[0054] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a UE 100 according to an embodiment.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2 , the UE 100 can include a plurality of antennas 101_1 through 101_M, a radio frequency (RF) circuit 102, a processor 103, and a memory 105. Figure 2 The embodiment example of the UE 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary, and the UE 100 is not limited thereto and can include more components than those shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the RF circuit 102 can be referred to as an RF integrated circuit. Figure 2

[0056] ​The RF circuit 102 can perform a function of transmitting and receiving a signal via a radio channel by using a plurality of antennas 101_1 to 101_M. In detail, the RF circuit 102 can generate an RF signal by performing digital-to-analog conversion and up-conversion on a baseband signal provided from the processor 103, and transmit the RF signal via the plurality of antennas 101_1 to 101_M. The RF circuit 102 can generate a baseband signal by performing down-conversion and analog-to-digital conversion on an RF signal received via the plurality of antennas 101_1 to 101_M, and provide the baseband signal to the processor 103.

[0057] In some embodiments, the RF circuit 102 can include a transmit filter, a receive filter, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), etc. In some embodiments, the RF circuit can further include a plurality of RF chains and perform beamforming using the plurality of antennas 101_1 to 101_M. For beamforming, the RF circuit 102 can adjust a phase and an amplitude of each of signals transmitted and received via the plurality of antennas 101_1 to 101_M. The RF circuit 102 can perform a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation and receive a plurality of layers when performing the MIMO operation.

[0058] The processor 103 can control overall operations of the UE 100. In one embodiment, the processor 103 can include a channel measurement circuit 104 that performs a channel measurement operation for a first target sub-band, in consideration of whether there is interference to a reference signal in a second target sub-band. In Figure 2 In an embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 is shown as being included in the processor 103 as a hardware component, but embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some embodiments, the channel measurement circuit 104 can be implemented as software and stored in the memory 105 in the form of a code executed by the processor 103.

[0059] In one embodiment, the memory 105 can store data generated when the channel measurement circuit 104 performs the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band.

[0060] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can receive a reference signal received by the RF circuit 102 via a wideband from the RF circuit 102, and perform the channel measurement operation for a first target sub-band based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in a second target sub-band of the wideband.

[0061] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can measure interference to the reference signal for each of the second target subbands. For example, the channel measurement circuit 104 can generate a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the reference signal in each of the second target subbands as the interference measurement value. In some embodiments, for example, the channel measurement circuit 104 can generate a noise interference variance (NIV) of the reference signal in each of the second target subbands as the interference measurement value.

[0062] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can determine, for each of the second target subbands, whether there is interference to the reference signal in the second target subband based on the interference measurement value corresponding to the second target subband. For example, the channel measurement circuit 104 can compare the interference measurement value corresponding to the second target subband to a threshold value, and determine whether there is interference to the reference signal in the corresponding second target subband based on the result of the comparison. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the channel measurement circuit 104 can determine that there is interference to the reference signal in a second target subband when the SINR measurement value of the reference signal in the second target subband is less than or equal to a threshold value. In some embodiments, the channel measurement circuit 104 can determine that there is interference to the reference signal in a second target subband when the NIV measurement value of the reference signal in the second target subband is greater than a threshold value.

[0063] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can perform the channel measurement operation for the first target subband by using the reference signal in the second target subband in which the interference is determined to be absent. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the channel measurement operation performed by the channel measurement circuit 104 for the first target subband can include the operations of generating a first channel measurement result by performing a first channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the first target subband, generating a second channel measurement result by performing a second channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the second target subband in which the interference is determined to be absent, and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement result. When there are multiple second target subbands in which the interference is determined to be absent, the channel measurement operation performed by the channel measurement circuit 104 for the first target subband can include the operations of generating second channel measurement results corresponding to the multiple second target subbands and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement results.

[0064] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can process the reference signal in the second target subband in which the interference is determined to be present as invalid, such that the reference signal can not be used in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband.

[0065] In some embodiments, the channel measurement circuit 104 may apply a weight to a second channel measurement result generated based on a reference signal in a second target subband where interference is determined to be present, and use the weighted second channel measurement result in a channel measurement operation for the first target subband. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the channel measurement operation performed by the channel measurement circuit 104 for the first target subband may include: generating a first channel measurement result by performing a first channel measurement operation based on a reference signal in the first target subband, generating a second channel measurement result by performing a second channel measurement operation based on a reference signal in one second target subband where interference is determined to be absent, generating a third channel measurement result by performing a third channel measurement operation based on a reference signal in another second target subband where interference is determined to be present, applying a weight to the third channel measurement result, and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement result and the weighted third channel measurement result. In one embodiment, the memory 105 may store information regarding the weights used by the channel measurement circuit 104.

[0066] In conjunction with the above, in some embodiments, the channel measurement circuit 104 may apply different weights to the second channel measurement result based on the interference measurement value of the reference signal in the second target subband where interference is determined to exist. For example, the memory 105 may store a table associated with weights, and the channel measurement circuit 104 may refer to the table associated with weights from the memory 105 to select a weight corresponding to the second target subband where the interference signal is determined to exist.

[0067] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 may identify the position of the second target sub-band on the frequency axis so as to measure the interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band. Figure 1 The satellite 10 receives the target information about the second target sub-band and identifies the second target sub-band based on the target information. As used herein, identifying the second target sub-band may be understood as identifying the position of the second target sub-band on the frequency axis. The memory 105 may store the target information, and the target information may be stored by Figure 1 The satellite 10 is updated periodically or aperiodically.

[0068] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 may generate capability information including information indicating that the UE 100 supports a function of performing a channel measurement operation for a first target subband based on the presence of interference in a second target subband when a reference signal is received via a wideband (i.e., a channel measurement function based on a reference signal in a wideband). The channel measurement circuit 104 may transmit the capability information to the RF circuit 102. Figure 1 Satellite 10. Figure 1The satellite 10 can perform a setup operation for communication with the UE 100 based on the capability information, such as scheduling resources for the UE 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can adaptively set a threshold for determining whether there is interference to the reference signal in the second target subband. For example, in one embodiment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can set the threshold based on the interference measurement value of the reference signal in the first target subband. As a specific example, in some embodiments, when the interference measurement value of the reference signal in the first target subband indicates a high interference environment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can set the threshold to actively utilize the reference signal in the second target subband. On the other hand, when the interference measurement value of the reference signal in the first target subband indicates a low interference environment, the channel measurement circuit 104 can set the threshold to passively utilize the reference signal in the second target subband. In some embodiments, the threshold can be preset to use on a fixed basis. In one embodiment, the memory 105 can store information about the threshold used by the channel measurement circuit 104.

[0070] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2 The operation of the channel measurement circuit 104 described can be understood as an operation of the processor 103 or an operation of the UE 100.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the UE 100 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband by considering whether there is interference to the reference signal in the second target subband, adaptively utilizing the reference signal arranged in the wideband according to the channel environment. As a result, the UE 100 can perform an optimal channel measurement operation for the first target subband according to the channel environment.

[0072] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The wireless communication system in FIG. 1 can include the UE 100 and the satellite 10.

[0073] Referring to Figure 3 In operation S100, the satellite 10 can divide a communication band into a plurality of subbands and allocate the plurality of subbands to a plurality of cells. In one embodiment, the satellite 10 can provide a plurality of cells for communication with the UE 100 through the NTN. For example, the satellite 10 can be connected to a gateway through a feeder link, and the satellite 10 can be connected to a data network via the connected gateway to provide a plurality of cells under the control of the data network. The satellite 10 can serve as a relay between the UE 100 and the data network.

[0074] In operation S110, the UE 100 can receive a reference signal via a wideband. In one embodiment, the reference signal is a signal allocated to enable the UE 100 to perform a channel measurement operation for a first target subband, and can include reference signal symbols arranged in a pattern on resources included in the wideband. In one embodiment, the pattern can be predetermined. In one embodiment, depending on the type of the reference signal, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band in operation S100, or can include a narrower frequency band than the communication frequency band. As a specific example, in some embodiments, when the reference signal is a CRS in a RAT based on an LTE network, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band, and when the reference signal is a TRS in a RAT based on an NR network, the wideband can be narrower than the communication frequency band.

[0075] In operation S120, the UE 100 can perform an interference measurement operation on the reference signal in a second target subband in the wideband other than the first target subband allocated to the UE 100. In one embodiment, the UE 100 can perform an interference measurement operation for determining whether a PDSCH transmitted in the second target subband, respectively, causes interference to the reference signal in the second target subband. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the UE 100 can measure the SINR or NIV of the reference signal in the second target subband. The UE 100 can determine whether there is interference for each of the second target subbands by comparing the corresponding SINR or NIV measurement value in the second target subband with an SINR threshold or NIV threshold.

[0076] In operation S130, the UE 100 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result obtained through operation S120. In one embodiment, the UE 100 can perform a first channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the first target sub-band, a second channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the second target sub-band in which the interference signal is determined to be absent, and interpolate the first channel measurement result generated by performing the first channel measurement operation based on the second channel measurement result generated by performing the second channel measurement operation. For example, the interpolated first channel measurement result can be a channel measurement result obtained by performing the channel measurement operation in operation S130. In one embodiment, the UE 100 can apply a weight to the second channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the "second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to be present" and use the weighted second channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation performed in operation S130. In some embodiments, the UE 100 can also apply a weight to the second channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the "second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to be absent" and use the weighted second channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation performed in operation S130. In this case, the weight applied can vary according to whether the interference is present or not.

[0077] In operation S140, the UE 100 can perform a communication operation based on the channel measurement result obtained via operation S130.

[0078] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are flowcharts respectively illustrating operations S130 and operation S140 of the operation method of Figure 3 according to some embodiments.

[0079] Referring to Figure 4AIn operation S131, the UE 100 can estimate a channel in the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result. For example, the UE 100 can generate a first channel estimation value based on the reference signal in the first target sub-band, generate a second channel estimation value based on the reference signal in the second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to be absent, and interpolate the first channel estimation value based on the second channel estimation value. In this case, the interpolated first channel estimation value can be a channel estimation value obtained as a result of operation S131. In some embodiments, the UE 100 can set an interference whitening filter for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result, and perform interference whitening on the channel estimation value obtained as a result of operation S131 based on the interference whitening filter. In some embodiments, the UE 100 can measure a time correlation parameter (such as a Doppler frequency and a center frequency offset) in the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result, and adjust the interference whitening filter based on the result of the measurement.

[0080] In operation S141, the UE 100 can decode a downlink signal (or a PDSCH) received on the first target sub-band based on the channel estimation value obtained as a result of operation S131.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4B In operation S132, the UE 100 can generate channel state information for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result. In one embodiment, the UE 100 can generate a channel state measurement value by measuring a parameter related to a channel state (such as a reference signal received power (RSRP), an SINR, etc.) in the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result, and generate the channel state information based on the channel state measurement value. For example, the UE 100 can generate a first channel state measurement value based on the reference signal in the first target sub-band, generate a second channel state measurement value based on the reference signal in the second target sub-band in which the interference is determined to be absent, and interpolate the first channel state measurement value based on the second channel state measurement value. In this case, the interpolated first channel state measurement value can be used as a reference for generating the channel state information in operation S132.

[0082] In operation S142, the UE 100 can transmit (or report) the channel state information to the satellite 10. In one embodiment, the channel state information can include at least one of a rank indication (RI), a precoder matrix indication (PMI), and / or a channel quality indication (CQI).

[0083] Figure 5is a diagram illustrating a wideband WB and a subband SUBBAND#0, a subband SUBBAND#1, and a subband SUBBAND#2 according to an embodiment. In Figure 5 In the above, it is assumed that the reference signal is a CRS, and the wideband WB includes three subbands (i.e., a first subband SUBBAND#0, a second subband SUBBAND#1, and a third subband SUBBAND#2). However, the description provided below is applicable to various reference signals, and the wideband WB can include more subbands according to the number of cells provided by a satellite. Figure 5 The description provided below is merely an embodiment, and the embodiment is not limited thereto, and various embodiments can be applied to various reference signals, and the wideband WB can include more subbands according to the number of cells provided by a satellite.

[0084] Referring to Figure 5 , the wideband WB can include first to third subbands SUBBAND#0, SUBBAND#1, and SUBBAND#2. The satellite can communicate with first to third cells CELL#0, CELL#1, and CELL#2, allocate the first subband SUBBAND#0 to the first cell CELL#0, allocate the second subband SUBBAND#1 to the second cell CELL#1, and allocate the third subband SUBBAND#2 to the third cell CELL#2.

[0085] The first to third subbands SUBBAND#0, SUBBAND#1, and SUBBAND#2 can each include a plurality of resource blocks (RBs). The RBs in the first subband SUBBAND#0 can include first CRS symbols 0 allocated to the first cell CELL#0 and arranged in a first pattern, second CRS symbols 1 allocated to the second cell CELL#1 and arranged in a second pattern, and third CRS symbols 2 allocated to the third cell CELL#2 and arranged in a third pattern.

[0086] For example, when the UE is connected to the second cell CELL#1, the UE can receive a PDSCH via the second subband SUBBAND#1. In this case, the second subband SUBBAND#1 can be referred to as a first target subband, and the first subband SUBBAND#0 and the third subband SUBBAND#2 can be referred to as second target subbands. When performing a channel measurement operation for the second subband SUBBAND#1, the UE can use the second CRS symbols 1 arranged in the wideband and allocated to the second cell CELL#1 (or the UE). For example, the second CRS symbols 1 in the first subband SUBBAND#0 can be interfered with by a PDSCH transmitted via the first subband SUBBAND#0. However, because the PDSCH is not always transmitted via the first subband SUBBAND#0, the UE can determine whether the PDSCH is transmitted via the first subband SUBBAND#0 to cause interference to the second CRS symbols 1 by measuring the interference to the second CRS symbols 1 in the first subband SUBBAND#0.

[0087] In one embodiment, the UE can selectively use the second CRS symbols 1 arranged in the first subband SUBBAND#0 and the third subband SUBBAND#2 in the channel measurement operation for the second subband SUBBAND#1 based on whether there is interference to the reference signal (i.e., the second CRS symbol 1) in the first subband SUBBAND#0 and the third subband SUBBAND#2 as the second target subbands.

[0088] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0089] Referring to Figure 6 In operation S200, the UE can measure interference to a reference signal for each second target subband. For example, in some embodiments, the UE can measure an interference measurement value of the reference signal for each second target subband.

[0090] In operation S210, the UE can select a subband effective for the channel measurement operation for the first target subband among the second target subbands based on the interference measurement values generated through operation S200. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the UE can compare the interference measurement values with a threshold value, and select a subband in which there is no interference among the second target subbands as an effective subband based on a result of the comparison.

[0091] In operation S220, the UE can use a channel measurement result generated based on a reference signal in the subband selected in operation S210 for the channel measurement operation for the first target subband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the channel measurement operation performed by the UE can include operations of generating a first channel measurement result by performing a first channel measurement operation based on a reference signal in the first target subband, generating a second channel measurement result by performing a second channel measurement operation based on a reference signal in the selected subband, and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement result.

[0092] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7 In operation S300, the UE can generate an interference measurement value corresponding to a second target subband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the UE can generate the interference measurement value by measuring interference to a reference signal in the second target subband.

[0094] In operation S310, the UE may determine whether the interference measurement value is greater than a first threshold. For example, the interference measurement value may be an SINR-related measurement value, and in this case, a higher interference measurement value may indicate less interference. In some embodiments, when the interference measurement value is an NIV-related measurement value, a higher interference measurement value may indicate greater interference. Therefore, in operation S310, it may be determined whether the interference measurement value is less than the first threshold.

[0095] When the interference measurement value is greater than the first threshold (eg, when the interference is small) ("Yes" in operation S310), the UE may then perform operation S320, in which the UE may use a reference signal in the second target subband in a channel measurement operation for the first target subband.

[0096] If the interference measurement value is not greater than (i.e., less than or equal to) the first threshold (e.g., when the interference is large) ("No" in operation S310), the UE may then perform operation S330, in which the UE may not use the reference signal in the second target subband in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband. In other words, the reference signal in the second target subband may be treated as invalid for the "channel measurement operation for the first target subband."

[0097] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a combination according to an embodiment Figure 7 FIGURE 1 illustrates an example of a method of operation using a reference signal in a second target subband. Figure 8 In the example, the wideband WB may include a first sub-band SUBBAND#0, a second sub-band SUBBAND#1, and a third sub-band SUBBAND#2.

[0098] Reference Figure 8 , the UE may be assigned the first subband SUBBAND#0, the first subband SUBBAND#0 may be the first target subband, and the second subband SUBBAND#1 and the third subband SUBBAND#2 may be the second target subband. In this case, the PDSCH may not be transmitted via the second subband SUBBAND#1, and the PDSCH may be transmitted via the third subband SUBBAND#2.

[0099] In one embodiment, the UE may measure interference to a reference signal in the second subband SUBBAND#1 to determine the absence of interference, and perform a channel measurement operation for the first subband SUBBAND#0 by using the reference signal in the second subband SUBBAND#1.

[0100] In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2 to determine that interference exists, and can treat the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2 as invalid so that the reference signal is not used in the channel measurement operation for the first subband SUBBAND#0.

[0101] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Figure 9 In operation S400, the UE can measure interference on the reference signal for each of the second target subbands.

[0103] In operation S410, the UE can select a subband to which a weight is applied among the second target subbands based on the interference measurement values generated through operation S400. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the UE can compare the interference measurement values with a threshold value, and select a subband in which interference exists among the second target subbands to which a weight is to be applied based on a result of the comparison.

[0104] In operation S420, the UE applies a weight to a channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the subband selected in operation S410, and then uses the weighted channel measurement result for a channel measurement operation for the first target subband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the channel measurement operation performed by the UE can include operations of generating a first channel measurement result by performing a first channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the first target subband, generating a second channel measurement result by performing a second channel measurement operation based on the reference signal in the selected subband, applying a weight to the second channel measurement result, and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the weighted second channel measurement result.

[0105] In some embodiments, the UE can use a channel measurement result corresponding to the second target subband in which no interference exists in a channel measurement operation for the first target subband without applying a weight to the channel measurement result.

[0106] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0107] Referring to Figure 10 In operation S500, the UE can generate an interference measurement value corresponding to the second target subband. For example, in one embodiment, the UE can measure interference corresponding to the second target subband, and generate an interference measurement value based on the measured interference.

[0108] In operation S510, the UE can determine whether the interference measurement value is greater than a second threshold value. For example, the interference measurement value can be an SINR-related measurement value, and in this case, a higher interference measurement value can indicate a smaller interference. In some embodiments, when the interference measurement value is an NIV-related measurement value, a higher interference measurement value can indicate a larger interference, and thus, in operation S510, it can be determined whether the interference measurement value is less than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0109] When the interference measurement value is greater than the second threshold value (e.g., when the interference is large) (Yes in operation S510), the UE can then perform operation S520 in which the UE can apply a weight to a channel measurement result corresponding to the second target sub-band, and use the weighted channel measurement result in a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band.

[0110] When the interference measurement value is not greater than (i.e., less than or equal to) the second threshold value (e.g., when the interference is small) (No in operation S510), the UE can then perform operation S530 in which the UE can use the channel measurement result corresponding to the second target sub-band completely in the channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band.

[0111] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment; Figure 10 In FIG. 1, a wideband WB can include a first sub-band SUBBAND#0, a second sub-band SUBBAND#1, and a third sub-band SUBBAND#2. Figure 11 Referring to FIG. 1, the UE can be allocated the first sub-band SUBBAND#0, which can be a first target sub-band, and the second sub-band SUBBAND#1 and the third sub-band SUBBAND#2, which can be second target sub-bands. In this case, a PDSCH can not be transmitted via the second sub-band SUBBAND#1, and the PDSCH can be transmitted via the third sub-band SUBBAND#2.

[0112] Figure 11 In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on a reference signal in the second sub-band SUBBAND#1 to determine that there is no interference, and perform a channel measurement operation for the first sub-band SUBBAND#0 by using a channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the second sub-band SUBBAND#1 completely.

[0113] In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on a reference signal in the second sub-band SUBBAND#1 to determine that there is no interference, and perform a channel measurement operation for the first sub-band SUBBAND#0 by using a channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the second sub-band SUBBAND#1 completely.

[0114] ​In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2 to determine that the interference exists, apply a weight to the channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2, and use the weighted channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband SUBBAND#0.

[0115] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0116] Referring to Figure 12 , in operation S600, the UE can generate an interference measurement value corresponding to the second target subband. For example, in one embodiment, the UE can measure interference corresponding to the second target subband, and generate an interference measurement value based on the measured interference.

[0117] In operation S610, the UE can adaptively set a weight based on the interference measurement value. In some embodiments, the UE can select a weight corresponding to the interference measurement value by referring to a weight table.

[0118] In operation S620, the UE can apply the set weight to a channel measurement result corresponding to the second target subband, and use the weighted channel measurement result for a channel measurement operation for the first target subband.

[0119] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a reference signal in a second target subband in an operation method according to an embodiment in connection with Figure 12 In Figure 13 , a wideband WB can include a first subband SUBBAND#0, a second subband SUBBAND#1, and a third subband SUBBAND#2.

[0120] Referring to Figure 13 , the UE can be allocated the first subband SUBBAND#0, which can be a first target subband, and the second subband SUBBAND#1 and the third subband SUBBAND#2, which can be second target subbands. In this case, a PDSCH can be transmitted via the second subband SUBBAND#1, and a PDSCH can be transmitted via the third subband SUBBAND#2.

[0121] In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on the reference signal in the second subband SUBBAND#1 to determine that the interference exists, apply a first weight to a channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the second subband SUBBAND#1, and use the weighted channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband SUBBAND#0. The first weight can be based on an interference measurement value corresponding to the second subband SUBBAND#1.

[0122] In one embodiment, the UE can measure interference on the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2 to determine that there is interference, apply a second weight to the channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the third subband SUBBAND#2, and use the weighted channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation for the first target subband SUBBAND#0. The second weight can be based on the interference measurement value corresponding to the third subband SUBBAND#2.

[0123] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE according to an embodiment.

[0124] Referring to Figure 14 In operation S700, the UE can adaptively set a threshold value based on an interference measurement value of a reference signal in a first target subband. The threshold value can be a value used as a reference in determining whether there is interference on the reference signal in a second target subband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, when the interference measurement value corresponding to the first target subband indicates high interference, the UE can set the threshold value to actively utilize the reference signal in the second target subband. When the interference measurement value corresponding to the first target subband indicates low interference, the UE can set the threshold value to passively utilize the reference signal in the second target subband. For example, when the interference measurement value and the threshold value are SINR-related measurement values, the higher the interference measurement value corresponding to the first target subband, the higher the threshold value that can be set by the UE.

[0125] In operation S710, the UE can analyze the second target subband based on the threshold value set in operation S700. As a specific example, the UE can determine whether there is interference on the reference signal in the second target subband based on the set threshold value.

[0126] Figure 15 is a flowchart of an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 15 The wireless communication system in may include a UE 100 and a satellite 10.

[0127] Referring to Figure 15 In operation S800, the satellite 20 can divide a communication band into a plurality of subbands and allocate the plurality of subbands to a plurality of cells.

[0128] In operation S810, the UE 200 can receive a reference signal via a wideband. In one embodiment, the reference signal is a signal allocated to enable the UE 200 to perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband, and can include reference signal symbols arranged in a pattern on resources included in the wideband. In one embodiment, the pattern can be predetermined. In one embodiment, depending on the type of the reference signal, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band in operation S800, or can include a frequency band narrower than the communication frequency band. As a specific example, in some embodiments, when the reference signal is a CRS in a RAT based on an LTE network, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band, and when the reference signal is a TRS in a RAT based on an NR network, the wideband can be narrower than the communication frequency band.

[0129] In operation S820, the UE 200 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband based on the reference signal in the first target subband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the UE 200 can extract the reference signal in the first target subband from the reference signal received via the wideband in operation S810, and perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband by using the extracted reference signal. That is, in one embodiment, the UE 200 can not use the reference signal in the second target subband of the wideband for the channel measurement operation of the first target subband.

[0130] In operation S830, the UE 100 can perform a communication operation based on the channel measurement result obtained through operation S820.

[0131] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation method according to an embodiment in which a reference signal in a second target subband is not used. Figure 15 In operation S810, the UE 200 can receive a reference signal via a wideband. In one embodiment, the reference signal is a signal allocated to enable the UE 200 to perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband, and can include reference signal symbols arranged in a pattern on resources included in the wideband. In one embodiment, the pattern can be predetermined. In one embodiment, depending on the type of the reference signal, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band in operation S800, or can include a frequency band narrower than the communication frequency band. As a specific example, in some embodiments, when the reference signal is a CRS in a RAT based on an LTE network, the wideband can be the same as the communication frequency band, and when the reference signal is a TRS in a RAT based on an NR network, the wideband can be narrower than the communication frequency band. Figure 16

[0132] Referring to Figure 16 , the UE can be allocated the first subband SUBBAND#0, which can be the first target subband, and the second subband SUBBAND#1 and the third subband SUBBAND#2, which can be the second target subband.

[0133] In one embodiment, the UE can not use the reference signal in the second target subband when performing a channel measurement operation for the first target subband. In other words, the UE can immediately ignore the reference signal in the second target subband without determining whether there is interference in the second target subband.

[0134] Figure 17 ​is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 17 A wireless communication system in can include a UE 300 and a satellite 30.

[0135] Referring to Figure 17 In operation S900, the satellite 30 can allocate a reference signal to a resource included in a wideband. The reference signal can be a signal allocated to the UE 300 for the UE 300 to perform a channel measurement operation for a first target subband.

[0136] In operation S910, the UE 300 can receive target information about a subband included in the wideband. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the target information can include information indicating a location of the subband on a frequency axis. In one embodiment, the UE 300 can receive the target information during radio resource control (RRC) signaling of a cell provided by the satellite 30.

[0137] In operation S920, the UE 300 can identify at least one second target subband included in the wideband based on the target information. As a specific example, in one embodiment, the UE 300 can identify a location of the at least one second target subband.

[0138] In operation S930, the UE 300 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband based on the at least one second target subband identified in operation S920. As a specific example, in one embodiment, based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in the identified at least one second target subband, the UE 300 can determine whether to use the corresponding reference signal for the channel measurement operation for the first target subband.

[0139] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a wideband WB according to an embodiment.

[0140] Referring to Figure 18 The wideband WB can include a first subband SUBBAND#0 and a second subband SUBBAND#1. For example, the UE can be allocated the first subband SUBBAND#0, which can be a first target subband, and the second subband SUBBAND#1, which can be a second target subband.

[0141] In one embodiment, the satellite can configure the wideband WB according to a type of the reference signal, and the satellite can provide the target information to the UE so that the UE can identify the first subband SUBBAND#0 and the second subband SUBBAND#1 included in the wideband WB.

[0142] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a UE 400 in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0143] Referring to Figure 19 In operation S1000, the UE 400 can transmit capability information to the satellite 40, the capability information including information indicating that the UE 400 supports a channel measurement function based on a reference signal in a wideband. The corresponding channel measurement function can be a function related to a channel measurement operation for a first target subband according to the above-described embodiments.

[0144] In operation S1010, the satellite 40 can perform a configuration operation for communication with the UE 400 based on the capability information. In one embodiment, the configuration operation can include a configuration operation for the wideband and a configuration operation for various communication parameters based on high channel measurement reliability due to support of the channel measurement function in the UE 400.

[0145] In operation S1020, the UE 400 and the satellite 40 can perform communication based on a result of the configuration operation in operation S1010. The UE 400 can perform a channel measurement operation for the first target subband based on the channel measurement function activated during the communication.

[0146] Figure 20 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0147] Referring to Figure 20 The electronic device 1000 can include a memory 1010, a processor circuit 1020, an input / output (I / O) controller 1040, a display 1050, an input device 1060, and a communication processor 1090. In some embodiments, the memory 1010 can be configured as a plurality of memories. The configuration and functions of the components are described.

[0148] The memory 1010 can include a program storage device 1011 for storing a program for controlling the operation of the electronic device 1000 and a data storage device 1012 for storing data generated during program execution. The data storage device 1012 can store data for operation of an application 1013 and for operation of a channel measurement program 1014. In one embodiment, the data storage device 1012 can store information for performing a channel measurement operation according to an embodiment. As a specific example, the information can include information on a threshold for determining whether there is interference in a second target subband and information on a weight to be used in a channel measurement operation for a first target subband.

[0149] The program storage device 1011 can include an application program 1013 and a channel measurement program 1014. In this case, the program included in the program storage device 1011 can be a set of instructions and can also be referred to as an instruction set. The application program 1013 can include program codes for executing various applications operating on the electronic device 1000. In other words, the application program 1013 can include codes (or commands) for various applications to be executed by the processor 1022. The channel measurement program 1014 can include control codes for performing a channel measurement operation for a first target sub-band according to an embodiment.

[0150] In one embodiment, the processor 1022 can access the memory 1010 and execute the channel measurement program 1014 to perform a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on whether there is interference to a reference signal in a second target sub-band.

[0151] The electronic device 1000 can include a communication processor 1090 that performs a communication function for voice communication and data communication. The processor 1022 can receive a reference signal from a satellite via a wideband by using the communication processor 1090. Further, the processor 1022 can receive the above-described target information from the satellite or transmit the above-described capability information to the satellite by using the communication processor 1090.

[0152] The peripheral device interface 1023 can control a connection between the I / O controller 1040, the communication processor 1090, the processor 1022, and the memory interface 1021. The processor 1022 can control a plurality of cells to provide services by using at least one software program. In this case, the processor 1022 can execute at least one program stored in the memory 1010 to provide services corresponding to the program.

[0153] The I / O controller 1040 can provide an interface between I / O devices such as the display 1050 and the input device 1060 and the peripheral device interface 1023. The display 1050 can display status information, input characters, moving pictures, still pictures, etc. For example, the display 1050 can display information on an application program executed by the processor 1022.

[0154] The input device 1060 can provide input data generated due to a selection of the electronic device 1000 to the processor circuit 1020 via the I / O controller 1040. In some embodiments, the input device 1060 can include a keypad including at least one hardware button, a touchpad for sensing touch information, etc. For example, the input device 1060 can provide touch information such as a touch, a touch movement, and a touch release detected via the touchpad to the processor 1022 via the I / O controller 1040.

[0155] Figure 21is a diagram illustrating a communication apparatus for performing a channel measurement operation according to an embodiment.

[0156] Referring to Figure 21 , the home gadget 2100, the home appliance 2120, the entertainment apparatus 2140, and the access point (AP) 2200 can communicate with each other. At least one of the home gadget 2100, the home appliance 2120, the entertainment apparatus 2140, or the AP 2200 can generate a highly reliable channel measurement result by performing a channel measurement operation according to an embodiment, and perform communication based on the channel measurement result.

[0157] In some embodiments, the home gadget 2100, the home appliance 2120, the entertainment apparatus 2140, and the AP 2200 can constitute an Internet of Things (IoT) network system. Figure 21 The communication apparatus illustrated in Figure 21 Other communication apparatuses not illustrated in

[0158] Embodiments have been set forth above in the accompanying drawings and specification. Although specific terms are employed above, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the various embodiments being set forth in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Thus, the true scope of various embodiments should be defined only by the technical spirit of the following claims.

[0159] While various embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An operation method comprising: receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment, the satellite communicating with the user equipment via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network; performing an interference measurement operation on the reference signal in a second target sub-band in the wideband other than a first target sub-band allocated to the user equipment; based on the reference signal and an interference measurement result from the interference measurement operation, performing a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band; and based on a channel measurement result from the channel measurement operation, performing a communication operation. The reference signal includes reference signal symbols arranged in a pattern in the wideband.

2. The operating method of claim 1, wherein, The interference measurement operation includes:

3. The operating method of claim 1, wherein, measuring interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band to generate an interference measurement value; and generating an interference measurement result indicating whether there is interference according to a comparison of the interference measurement value with a threshold value. The interference measurement value includes at least one of a signal to interference plus noise ratio and a noise interference variance.

4. The operating method according to claim 3, wherein: The threshold value is based on an interference measurement value of the reference signal in the first target sub-band.

5. The operating method of claim 3, wherein, The channel measurement operation includes:

6. The operating method of claim 3, wherein, based on the interference measurement result indicating that there is no interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band, performing the channel measurement operation using a channel measurement result based on the reference signal in the second target sub-band. The channel measurement operation includes:

7. The operating method of claim 3, wherein, based on the interference measurement result indicating that there is interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band, performing the channel measurement operation by treating the reference signal in the second target sub-band as being invalid for the channel measurement operation. The channel measurement operation includes:

8. The operating method of claim 3, wherein, based on the interference measurement result indicating that there is interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band, applying a weight to a channel measurement result generated based on the reference signal in the second target sub-band to generate a weighted channel measurement result, and using the weighted channel measurement result in the channel measurement operation. The weight is based on the interference measurement value.

9. The operating method of claim 8, wherein, The channel measurement operation includes:

10. The operating method of claim 1, wherein, performing a first channel measurement operation by using the reference signal in the first target sub-band; based on the interference measurement result indicating that there is no interference to the reference signal in the second target sub-band, performing a second channel measurement operation by using the reference signal in the second target sub-band; and generating the channel measurement result based on a first channel measurement result generated according to the first channel measurement operation and a second channel measurement result generated according to the second channel measurement operation. 11.The operation method of claim 1, wherein the channel measurement operation includes estimating a channel in the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result to generate a channel estimation value for the first target sub-band; and the communication operation includes decoding a downlink signal received via the first target sub-band based on the channel estimation value for the first target sub-band. 12.The operation method of claim 1, wherein the channel measurement operation includes generating channel state information for the first target sub-band based on the reference signal and the interference measurement result; and the communication operation includes transmitting the channel state information to the satellite. The reference signal corresponds to one of a cell-specific reference signal and a tracking reference signal.

13. The method of operating of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, 14.The operation method of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: receiving, from the satellite, target information on the second target sub-band; and ​ ​ The second target sub-band is identified based on the target information.

15. The operating method of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: transmitting capability information to the satellite, the capability information including information indicating whether the user equipment supports a channel measurement function based on a reference signal in a wideband.

16. An operating method comprising: receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment, the satellite communicating with the user equipment via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network; extracting, from the reference signal, a first target sub-band reference signal in a first target sub-band allocated to the user equipment in the wideband; performing a channel measurement operation for the first target sub-band based on the extracted first target sub-band reference signal; and performing a communication operation based on a channel measurement result from the channel measurement operation. The wideband includes the first target sub-band and a second target sub-band.

17. The method of operating of claim 16, wherein, 18. An operating method comprising: receiving, from a satellite, a reference signal allocated to a user equipment, the satellite communicating with the user equipment via a wideband in a non-terrestrial network, the wideband including a first target sub-band and a plurality of second target sub-bands allocated to the user equipment; generating a first channel measurement result corresponding to the first target sub-band based on the reference signal in the first target sub-band; interpolating the first channel measurement result based on whether there is interference to the reference signal in the plurality of second target sub-bands; and performing a communication operation based on the interpolated first channel measurement result. The step of interpolating the first channel measurement result includes: generating a second channel measurement result based on the reference signal in a second target sub-band among the plurality of second target sub-bands in which there is no interference; and 19. The operating method of claim 18, wherein, interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement result. The step of interpolating the first channel measurement result includes: generating a second channel measurement result based on the reference signal in a second target sub-band among the plurality of second target sub-bands in which there is interference; 20. The operating method of claim 18, wherein, applying a weight to the second channel measurement result; and interpolating the first channel measurement result based on the second channel measurement result to which the weight has been applied. ​ ​

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