Network fusion method, base station device, and user terminal for NTN and TN

Abstract

The application discloses a network fusion method of NTN and TN, a base station device and a user terminal. The method executed by the base station comprises the following steps: performing spectrum monitoring at a set time to determine the frequency point of a candidate adjacent area; performing measurement configuration on a user terminal to enable the user terminal to perform first measurement; instructing the user terminal to start second measurement according to the area identifier of the candidate adjacent area obtained by the user terminal performing first measurement; and updating an adjacent area relationship table according to the global identifier information of the candidate adjacent area obtained by the user terminal performing second measurement. The scheme of the application realizes automatic updating of the adjacent area relationship table through automatic spectrum monitoring of the base station and UE detection reporting, reduces network planning cost, can adapt to unknown TN deployment scenarios, and effectively reduces operation and maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a network convergence method, base station equipment, and user terminal for NTN and TN. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional 5G TN (terrestrial network) primarily covers densely populated areas, while 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) is a crucial technology for the evolution of 5G communication systems towards new application scenarios such as satellite and low-altitude communication. It can effectively supplement remote areas, maritime regions, and aviation areas where terrestrial networks struggle to cover. Direct integration of traditional 5G TN and 5G NTN enables seamless global connectivity, eliminating communication blind spots and providing reliable support for emergency communications, ocean navigation, and aviation communications.

[0003] The current NTN and TN convergence method uses pre-configured neighbor cells, which pre-configures neighbor cell relationships based on geographic information. However, in practice, the NTN network may not be aware of changes in the coverage boundaries of the TN network, such as in temporarily constructed TN networks or situations with unclear coverage boundaries. This can lead to failure in neighbor cell coordination, hindering seamless handover, or increasing inter-network interference and affecting user communication quality. Furthermore, this static pre-configuration relies on manual planning, lacks flexibility, and cannot adapt to dynamic network environments.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the current state of network integration between NTN and TN. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a network convergence solution for NTN and TN, which reduces network planning overhead through automated processes, adapts to unknown TN scenarios, and improves network deployment and maintenance efficiency.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following aspects:

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for network convergence of NTN and TN, executed by an NTN base station, comprising:

[0008] Spectrum monitoring is performed at a set time to determine the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells, where the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells are the downlink synchronization channel frequencies of possible inter-frequency or inter-network adjacent cells.

[0009] A measurement configuration is performed on the user terminal to enable the user terminal to perform a first measurement, wherein the measurement configuration includes the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells;

[0010] Based on the region identifier of the candidate neighboring cell obtained by the user terminal performing the first measurement, the user terminal is instructed to start the second measurement;

[0011] The neighbor relationship table is updated based on the global identification information of the candidate neighbor cells obtained by the second measurement performed by the user terminal.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for network convergence of NTN and TN, executed by a user terminal, comprising:

[0013] The measurement configuration is received, wherein the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells in the measurement configuration are determined by the base station performing spectrum monitoring at a set time, and the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells are the downlink synchronization channels of adjacent cells that may exist in different frequencies or different networks;

[0014] Based on the measurement configuration, a first measurement is performed and the area identifier of the candidate neighboring cell is reported.

[0015] In response to an instruction from the base station, a second measurement is performed, and the global identification information of the measured candidate neighbor cells is reported so that the base station updates the neighbor cell relationship table.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention provides an NTN base station device, comprising:

[0017] The system includes a base station radio frequency unit, a base station memory, a base station processor, and program instructions stored in the base station memory. The base station processor is connected to both the base station radio frequency unit and the base station memory, and is configured to control the base station radio frequency unit to perform signal detection and signal transmission / reception on a corresponding spectrum by executing the program instructions in the base station memory, thereby realizing the network fusion method described above.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a user terminal, comprising:

[0019] The terminal radio frequency unit, terminal memory, and terminal processor, among which,

[0020] The terminal radio frequency unit supports communication with NTN and TN;

[0021] The terminal memory stores program instructions;

[0022] The terminal processor is connected to the terminal memory and the terminal radio frequency unit, and is used to execute the program instructions to control the terminal radio frequency unit to transmit and receive signals at the corresponding operating frequency, so as to realize the aforementioned network fusion method.

[0023] The solution of this invention achieves dynamic discovery and addition of neighboring cells through an automated process of automatic spectrum monitoring and ANR fusion executed by the base station, improving network deployment and operation efficiency. By having the UE detect neighboring cell signals and identify network types, it enables precise management of neighboring cells, avoiding co-channel interference between NTN and TN, and enhancing communication stability. The automated process of this invention reduces network planning overhead, can adapt to scenarios with unknown TN deployments, and effectively reduces operation and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, objects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating network coverage for pre-configuring neighboring cells using the traditional method;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of network coverage for cases where the TN coverage boundary is unknown;

[0027] Figure 3 A network coverage diagram for an unknown TN coverage area;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ANR communication process in 5G.

[0029] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the network convergence method for NTN base stations;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the periodic monitoring of neighboring cell frequency bands by an NTN base station;

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the frequency band with strong signals detected by the NTN base station;

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the communication process for implementing network convergence methods;

[0033] Figure 9 A flowchart for implementing the network convergence method for the UE;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the base station and terminal functional modules in another embodiment;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall process of network convergence in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the technical solutions of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity, parts unrelated to the described exemplary embodiments have been omitted from the drawings.

[0037] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, behaviors, components, portions, or combinations thereof disclosed herein, and are not intended to exclude the possibility of one or more other features, figures, steps, behaviors, components, portions, or combinations thereof being present or added. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0038] In traditional methods, pre-configured neighbor cells are used to address the integration issues between NTN and TN. For example... Figure 1 As shown, if it is known in advance that TN cells TNCell1, TNCell2, and TNCell4 exist on the ground and have a geographical neighbor relationship with NTN cell NTN Cell1, then network coordination between NTN and TN can be achieved through pre-configured neighbor relationships, such as configuring this relationship in the neighbor relationship table on the base station side. However, in reality, the existence of NTN does not necessarily indicate the coverage boundary of TN. For example... Figure 2 In the scenario shown, NTN Cell1 is adjacent to multiple TN cells, but these TN cells are not listed in the NTN's neighbor relationship table. Alternatively, a TN coverage area may have been temporarily created within the NTN coverage area without informing the NTN. Figure 3 The situation shown.

[0039] In both of these scenarios, the NTN base station is unable to detect the existence of the TN cell, resulting in the inability of the NTN and TN to coordinate their networks, or even causing interference between the NTN and TN, thus preventing users in the area from using the network normally.

[0040] To manage neighbor cell relationships, base stations can use Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) to obtain neighbor cells. ANR is one of the technologies in mobile communication networks that enables the function of self-organizing networks (SON). It is an automated closed-loop process led by the base station gNB and assisted by the terminal UE. Its core objective is to automatically manage the neighbor cell relationships between base stations, thereby supporting key functions such as seamless handover, load balancing, and dual connectivity.

[0041] The ANR process in 5G standards is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the user terminal (UE) reports the discovered neighboring cell PCI (Physical-layer Cell Identity) to the serving cell through a Measure Report based on the neighboring cell frequency points and reported events pre-configured by the serving cell. Once the serving cell of the NTN finds that the cell corresponding to the PCI does not exist in the neighboring cell configuration table, it will initiate a CGI (Cell Global Identity) reporting request for this PCI to the UE through RRC Reconfiguration. After receiving the request, the UE searches for the cell corresponding to the PCI on the specified frequency point and reads the broadcast SIB1 message to obtain information such as PLMN and CellIdentity of the cell corresponding to the PCI. Then, it reports this CGI information (CGI-InfoNR) to the serving cell through a Measure Report. The serving cell obtains the gNB ID, cell index, PLMN, etc. of the neighboring cell from the CellIdentity and adds it to the neighboring cell relationship table. Subsequently, the neighboring cell can be used normally in scenarios such as handover.

[0042] In this ANR scheme, the UE's PCI measurement report relies on the measurement configuration issued to the UE by the gNB, which includes the measurement period, reporting conditions, and target frequency. For co-frequency neighboring cells, reporting can be done through co-frequency measurement events, without affecting the UE's current connection. However, for inter-frequency neighboring cells, the UE needs to switch its operating frequency to the corresponding frequency, which can be achieved through periodic time windows—the measurement GAP (Generic Access Profile). When the UE performs measurements, it cannot maintain a connection in its original serving cell, causing the UE's original services to be interrupted. Therefore, inter-frequency measurements must be performed cautiously, usually triggered by specific events to reduce unnecessary frequency switching. Thus, within the NTN coverage area, if the gNB is unaware of the inter-frequency neighboring cell planning in advance, it cannot perform the corresponding measurement configuration for the UE, and the UE will not perform inter-frequency measurements, making it impossible to identify inter-frequency neighboring cells through the ANR process.

[0043] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned ANR scheme, based on the PCI and CGI of the neighboring cells measured and reported by the UE, the serving cell can only determine the existence of a new neighboring cell, but cannot determine whether the neighboring cell belongs to NTN or TN. Therefore, it cannot achieve the best network coordination effect in scenarios such as handover, interference avoidance, load balancing and dual connectivity.

[0044] Based on this, this disclosure provides a network fusion scheme that makes NTN base stations "smarter" when discovering neighboring cells. It eliminates the need for pre-knowledge of neighboring cells, automatically identifying them and their network types, thus improving network coordination efficiency. Specific embodiments are described below.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for NTN and TN network convergence performed by an NTN base station according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the method in this embodiment includes steps S110 to S140, which are executed by the NTN base station.

[0047] S110: Perform spectrum monitoring at a set time to determine the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells. The frequency points of these candidate neighboring cells are the downlink synchronization channel frequencies of neighboring cells that may exist in different frequencies or networks.

[0048] S120: Configure the user terminal for measurement so that the user terminal performs a first measurement. The measurement configuration includes the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells.

[0049] S130: Based on the area identifier of the candidate neighboring cell obtained by the user terminal in performing the first measurement, instruct the user terminal to start the second measurement.

[0050] S140: Update the neighbor relationship table based on the global identification information of the candidate neighbor cells obtained by the second measurement performed by the user terminal.

[0051] The candidate neighbor cells include cells from different frequencies or networks, and cells from different networks include cells from 5G terrestrial networks and 4G terrestrial networks.

[0052] In step S110, the set time may include a preset periodic time and / or a preset event trigger time. The base station periodically monitors the spectrum as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency. Within the frequency bands supported by the NTN system, there are multiple monitoring frequency bands, which can be monitored in turn at regular intervals. Within a monitoring frequency band, the base station needs to switch frequencies, temporarily disconnecting the original connection. Therefore, this period can be set during service idle periods, and it is also configurable. Spectrum monitoring can also be triggered based on preset events. For example, when the performance degradation of a UE at the boundary reaches a threshold, the base station is triggered to perform spectrum monitoring to scan for unknown neighboring cells causing signal interference to the UE.

[0053] The process by which a base station determines the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells (i.e., the downlink synchronization channel frequencies of potential neighboring cells) includes: determining the possible TN and NTN monitoring frequency bands based on the current coverage geographic location and a pre-set network planning knowledge base; detecting signals within the monitoring frequency bands at a set time; and if the detected signals meet preset conditions, determining the frequency points of potential candidate neighboring cells within the monitoring frequency bands based on the network planning knowledge base. The network planning knowledge base includes information such as network bands, uplink and downlink frequencies, network standards, and PLMNs. Pre-set conditions are met when the detected signal power and occurrence probability reach a threshold. Figure 7 The base station shown detected a strong signal in monitoring frequency band 3, indicating that there are adjacent cells in this frequency band.

[0054] In step S120, the measurement configuration for the UE includes the frequency of the downlink synchronization channel of the neighboring cell to be measured, the reporting event, the measurement interval, and other necessary configurations. The reporting event can be implemented with reference to the A1-A6, B1, and B2 reporting events defined in the 5G standard. The measurement configuration for the UE can be sent via RRC reconfiguration messages. Upon receiving the measurement configuration, the UE automatically performs the first measurement according to the settings of the configuration, and reports the measurement result to the serving cell when the reporting event is satisfied. Since inter-frequency measurement is involved, the UE needs to have multi-mode capability and be able to support communication with NTN and TN cells. The base station will select the UE located at the cell boundary from the UE list for measurement configuration.

[0055] In step S130, the base station receives the first measurement result reported by the UE, which includes the area identifier of the candidate neighbor cell. The area identifier can be used to determine whether the candidate neighbor cell is in the existing neighbor cell relationship table. If the area identifier of the candidate neighbor cell is not in the neighbor cell relationship table, the base station will instruct the UE to start the second measurement.

[0056] In step S140, the base station receives the global identification information of the candidate neighbor cells obtained after the UE performs the second measurement. The global identification information includes network type information. The base station adds the global identifier and area identifier of the candidate neighbor cells to the neighbor cell relationship table of the corresponding network based on the network type of the candidate neighbor cells. In the 5G standard, the area identifier is PCI, and the global identifier is CGI. CGI includes PLMN, TAC, CellIdentity information, and also network type information, for example, indicated by 1 bit. In this embodiment, there are two network types: NTN and TN. In other embodiments, the network type can be more specific, including 5G NTN, 5GTN, 4G TN, etc. The network type is determined by the UE by parsing whether a preset field is carried in the system message broadcast by the candidate neighbor cells. In the 5G standard, this preset field can be the cellBarredNTN field in the System Information Block (SIB1). If the SIB1 does not carry this field, the cell is a TN cell; if it does carry this field, regardless of the field value, the cell can be determined to be an NTN cell. The UE can determine the type of candidate neighbor cell by parsing whether the cellBarredNTN field is carried in SIB1, and report the determined network type as part of the global identification information, which facilitates the base station to classify the candidate neighbor cells. This is also the difference between the ANR in this embodiment and the general ANR process.

[0057] In the embodiments of this application, through measurement configuration, the UE performs the first measurement and the second measurement. The base station can not only obtain the PCI, PLMN, TAC, and CellIdentity information that is available under the traditional ANR procedure, but also determine whether the network type of the neighboring cell is NTN or TN. This allows the neighboring cell relationship table of different network types to be updated, thereby facilitating subsequent applications in scenarios such as handover and interference avoidance.

[0058] Figure 8 The communication process for implementing the network convergence method of this disclosure embodiment in a 5G scenario.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, in this scenario, there are NTN serving cells, NTN neighboring cells, and TN neighboring cells, and the UE is a dual-mode terminal that supports both NTN and TN.

[0060] Phase 1:

[0061] The NTN serving cell first plans the timing of the spectrum scan and then begins the spectrum scan process, during which it may scan for NTN or TN network signals. For the scanned signals that meet the conditions, the NTN serving cell calculates the possible SSB frequencies within that frequency band.

[0062] Phase Two:

[0063] The NTN serving cell identifies a UE that supports both NTN and TN and accesses the network near the cell boundary on the current ground. It then sends the corresponding frequency and reporting event measurement configuration to the UE via RRC Reconfiguration. The UE begins measurement, reads the broadcasts (SSBs) of TN and NTN neighboring cells, and sends a measurement report to the serving cell for PCIs that meet the reporting event requirements.

[0064] Phase Three:

[0065] The NTN serving cell, upon receiving a PCI reported by the UE, determines whether it is among the configured neighboring cells. If not, it initiates an RRC reconfiguration request for the CGI report. The UE searches and parses the SIB1 of the cell with that PCI, determining the network type by whether the SIB1 carries the `cellBarredNTN` field. If it does, it's an NTN cell; otherwise, it's a TN cell. The UE reports the CGI-Info to the serving cell via a Measure Report, which, in addition to the traditional PLMN, TAC, and CellIdentity information, also includes whether the network type is NTN or TN. Based on the reported CGI-Info, the serving cell adds the corresponding cell to its NTN or TN neighboring cell configuration table.

[0066] The method in this embodiment automatically performs spectrum scanning through the NTN base station. After discovering possible neighboring cells, it performs measurement and configuration on the UE, realizing the dynamic discovery and addition of neighboring cells. On this basis, during the measurement, the UE also parses the network type of the neighboring cells and reports it to the base station. The base station updates the neighboring cell relationship table accordingly, realizing accurate management of neighboring cells and avoiding co-channel interference between NTN and TN. Thus, it can achieve better neighboring cell coordination in handover and interference avoidance scenarios.

[0067] Corresponding to the method performed by the base station, this specification also provides a network convergence method performed by the UE.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a network fusion method performed by a UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, the method includes steps S210 to S230. This method is executed by the UE and works in conjunction with the NTN base station to achieve network convergence.

[0070] S210: Receive Measurement Configuration. The frequency points of candidate neighbor cells in this measurement configuration are determined by the base station performing spectrum monitoring at a set time. The frequency points of candidate neighbor cells are the downlink synchronization channel frequencies of adjacent cells that may exist in different frequencies or networks. The measurement configuration also includes reported events.

[0071] S220: Based on the measurement configuration, perform the first measurement and report the area identifier of the candidate neighboring cells.

[0072] S230: In response to the instruction of the base station, perform a second measurement and report the global identification information of the measured candidate neighbor cells so that the base station can update the neighbor cell relationship table.

[0073] The global identifier information of neighboring cells includes network type information. The network type is determined by parsing whether a specific field is carried in the system message broadcast by the candidate neighboring cells. In 5G scenarios, the area identifier is PCI, and the global identifier is CGI. The network type is determined by parsing whether the candidate neighboring cell's SIB1 carries the cellbarredNTN field. If it carries this field, it is automatically an NTN cell; otherwise, it is a TN cell.

[0074] In this embodiment, the measurement configuration for the UE is determined by the base station through automated spectrum monitoring of the target frequency point, which improves the measurement efficiency of the UE. The UE carries information on the candidate neighboring cell network type in the reported measurement report, which improves the base station's utilization efficiency of neighboring cell relationships.

[0075] Corresponding to the method in the base station-side embodiment, this disclosure also provides an NTN base station device supporting the convergence of NTN and TN networks, which includes a base station radio frequency unit, a base station memory, a base station processor, and program instructions stored in the base station memory. The base station processor is connected to both the radio frequency unit and the base station memory, and is configured to control the base station radio frequency unit to perform signal detection and signal transmission / reception on the corresponding spectrum by executing the program instructions in the base station memory, thereby realizing the aforementioned network convergence method executed by the base station. Furthermore, the base station memory also stores a network planning knowledge base for storing geographically based TN and NTN network planning data.

[0076] Corresponding to the method in the UE-side embodiment, this disclosure also provides a user terminal, which includes a terminal radio frequency unit, a terminal memory, and a terminal processor. The terminal radio frequency unit supports communication with NTN and TN; the terminal memory stores program instructions; and the terminal processor is connected to the terminal memory and the terminal radio frequency unit to execute the program instructions to control the terminal radio frequency unit to transmit and receive signals at the corresponding operating frequency, so as to realize the aforementioned network fusion method on the terminal side.

[0077] The following describes another embodiment of the network convergence method for NTN and TN provided in this disclosure, in which network convergence is achieved by setting functional modules of base stations and terminals.

[0078] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the base station and terminal functional modules in another embodiment.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the NTN base station 300 includes a measurement management module 310, a network planning knowledge base 320, a spectrum monitoring module 330, and an ANR module 340. The network planning knowledge base 320 and the spectrum monitoring module 330 are newly added modules compared to traditional NTN base stations. The measurement management module 310 and the ANR module 340 are original modules of traditional NTN base stations, but have been expanded in this embodiment. In addition, there are the original RRC module 350, radio frequency management module 360, and neighbor cell management module 370. The functions of each module in this embodiment are as follows:

[0080] The measurement management module 310 is used for spectrum monitoring, PCI measurement, and ANR organization and process control for the purpose of NTN and TN network collaboration.

[0081] Network Planning Knowledge Base 320: Used to store planning data for potential TN and NTN networks based on geographical location, including band, uplink and downlink frequencies, network type, PLMN, etc., to provide data support for subsequent spectrum monitoring, PCI measurement, etc.

[0082] Spectrum monitoring module 330: Used to perform spectrum monitoring and data collection under the control of the measurement management module. This module also controls the radio frequency management module 360 ​​so that the radio frequency front end can perform frequency switching and spectrum expansion.

[0083] ANR module 340: Used to perform ANR processes under the control of measurement management module 310 and to coordinate neighbor cell management with neighbor cell management module 370.

[0084] The RRC module 350 and the RF management module 360 ​​assist in completing the above-mentioned collaborative work.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the dual-mode terminal 400 includes an RRC module 410 and an ANR module 420. Compared with traditional terminals, the main difference is that when the ANR module 420 reports, in addition to reporting the traditional PLMN, TAC, and CellIdentity, it also reports whether the network type is NTN or TN.

[0086] exist Figure 10Based on the structural framework, the overall operation process of network convergence is as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0087] like Figure 11 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the network convergence process of NTN and TN is divided into 5 stages.

[0088] 1) Initialization phase

[0089] The NTN base station activates the "NTN and TN network fusion function." Current coverage boundaries are determined using satellite data. The measurement management module queries the network planning knowledge base, retrieving planning data such as possible TN / NTN operating frequency bands, network standards (e.g., 5GB and n258), and PLMN based on geographical location, as a reference for spectrum monitoring.

[0090] 2) Spectrum Monitoring Phase

[0091] The measurement management module plans the timing of spectrum scanning (e.g., periodically inserting scans during idle periods) and controls the spectrum monitoring module to perform the scans. The radio frequency management module switches the radio frequency front-end frequency and scans the specified frequency band.

[0092] The spectrum monitoring module detects high-power signals, identifies potential neighboring cell signals, and transmits the spectrum data (power, frequency points) from the spectrum monitoring module to the measurement management module. The measurement management module calculates possible SSB frequency points, filters invalid frequency points based on the network planning knowledge base, and generates a frequency point list.

[0093] 3) PCI Measurement and Reporting Phase

[0094] The measurement management module selects dual-mode terminals supporting NTN / TN from the list of active users and obtains their current geographical location information. The UE's geographical location can be reported via GPS or network. The measurement management module locates UEs in the cell boundary area and sends measurement configuration (including candidate frequencies and measurement event thresholds, such as A3 events) to the selected UEs. The UE switches to the designated frequency during the service frequency working interval (or through the measurement gap) to perform PCI measurements.

[0095] The UE generates a measurement report for PCI values ​​that meet the reporting conditions (such as signal strength exceeding a threshold) and reports it to the NTN base station. The measurement report includes PCI values ​​but does not distinguish between network types.

[0096] The measurement management module queries the neighbor cell management module to verify whether the reported PCI already exists in the neighbor cell list. If it does not exist, the CGI measurement process is triggered.

[0097] 4) CGI Measurement and Network Type Identification Stage

[0098] The measurement management module initiates a CGI measurement request to the UE via an RRC reconfiguration message. The UE searches for the target PCI cell on the specified frequency and reads the SIB1 system information block.

[0099] The UE parses SIB1, determines the cell network type (NTN or TN) based on fields (such as cellBarredNTN), and extracts CGI information such as PLMN, TAC, and CellIdentity.

[0100] The UE reports CGI-Info via a measurement report, adding a network type field (e.g., "networkType: TN"). The data then flows to the ANR module.

[0101] 5) Neighboring area renewal phase

[0102] The ANR module generates neighbor cell configuration suggestions based on the reported CGI-Info (including network type) and submits them to the neighbor cell management module.

[0103] The neighbor cell management module updates the neighbor cell configuration table, adds newly discovered TN or NTN cells, and synchronizes them to the base station handover policy.

[0104] Once the integration process is complete, the base station can achieve handover or interference avoidance based on the new neighboring cells.

[0105] The method in this embodiment achieves dynamic discovery and addition of neighboring cells by executing an automated process of automatic spectrum monitoring and ANR fusion at the base station, thereby improving network deployment and operation efficiency. By having the UE detect neighboring cell signals and identify network types, it enables precise management of neighboring cells, avoiding co-channel interference between NTN and TN, and enhancing communication stability. The automated process reduces network planning overhead, adapts to unknown TN deployment scenarios, and effectively lowers operation and maintenance costs.

[0106] The modules described above in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software or programmable hardware. The described modules can also be located in a processor, and the names of these modules do not necessarily limit the module itself.

[0107] The various embodiments in this disclosure are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for embodiments involving devices, equipment, terminals, etc., which are not methods, the descriptions are relatively simple because they are basically similar to the method embodiments; relevant details can be found in the descriptions of the method embodiments. These embodiments also have similar beneficial technical effects to the corresponding methods. Since the beneficial technical effects of the methods have already been described in detail above, they will not be repeated here.

[0108] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0109] In the 1990s, improvements to a technology could be clearly distinguished as either hardware improvements (e.g., improvements to the circuit structure of diodes, transistors, switches, etc.) or software improvements (improvements to the methodology). However, with technological advancements, many methodological improvements today can be considered direct improvements to the hardware circuit structure. Designers almost always obtain the corresponding hardware circuit structure by programming the improved methodology into the hardware circuit. Therefore, it cannot be said that a methodological improvement cannot be implemented using hardware physical modules. For example, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) (such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) is such an integrated circuit whose logic function is determined by the user programming the device. Designers can program and "integrate" a digital system onto a PLD themselves, without needing chip manufacturers to design and manufacture dedicated integrated circuit chips. Furthermore, nowadays, instead of manually manufacturing integrated circuit chips, this programming is mostly implemented using "logic compiler" software. Similar to the software compiler used in program development, the original code before compilation must also be written in a specific programming language, called a Hardware Description Language (HDL). There are many HDLs, such as ABEL (Advanced Boolean Expression Language), AHDL (Altera Hardware Description Language), Confluence, CUPL (Cornell University Programming Language), HDCal, JHDL (Java Hardware Description Language), Lava, Lola, MyHDL, PALASM, and RHDL (Ruby Hardware Description Language). Currently, the most commonly used are VHDL (Very-High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and Verilog. Those skilled in the art should also understand that by simply performing some logic programming on the method flow using one of these hardware description languages ​​and programming it into an integrated circuit, the hardware circuit implementing the logical method flow can be easily obtained.

[0110] The controller can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it can take the form of a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code (e.g., software or firmware) executable by the (micro)processor, logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to, the following microcontrollers: ARC 625D, Atmel AT91SAM, Microchip PIC18F26K20, and Silicon Labs C8051F320. A memory controller can also be implemented as part of the control logic of the memory. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, in addition to implementing the controller in purely computer-readable program code form, the same functionality can be achieved by logically programming the method steps to make the controller take the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the means included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered as structures within the hardware component. Alternatively, the means for implementing various functions can be considered as both software modules implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0111] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products with certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, a computer can be, for example, a personal computer, laptop computer, cellular phone, camera phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, media player, navigation device, email device, game console, tablet computer, wearable device, or any combination of these devices.

[0112] For ease of description, the above apparatus is described by dividing it into various functional unit modules. Of course, when implementing one or more embodiments of this specification, the functions of each unit module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this specification can be provided as methods, systems, devices, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of this specification can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the embodiments of this specification can take the form of computer program products implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0114] This specification is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this specification. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data-optimized device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data-optimized device, produce a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0115] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data optimization device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0116] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data optimization device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0117] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0118] Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0119] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0120] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0121] This specification can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions that are executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This specification can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside on local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0122] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for network fusion of NTN and TN, executed by an NTN base station, characterized in that, The method includes: Spectrum monitoring is performed at a set time to determine the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells, where the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells are the downlink synchronization channel frequencies of possible inter-frequency or inter-network adjacent cells. A measurement configuration is performed on the user terminal to enable the user terminal to perform a first measurement, wherein the measurement configuration includes the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells; Based on the region identifier of the candidate neighboring cell obtained by the user terminal performing the first measurement, the user terminal is instructed to start the second measurement; The neighbor relationship table is updated based on the global identification information of the candidate neighbor cells obtained by the second measurement performed by the user terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The set time includes a preset cycle time and / or a preset event trigger time.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of performing spectrum monitoring at a set time to determine the frequency points of candidate neighboring cells includes: Based on the current geographical location of the coverage and the pre-established network planning knowledge base, identify the possible TN and NTN frequency bands to be monitored; Detect the signal within the frequency band to be monitored at a set time; If a signal is detected that meets the preset conditions, the frequency points of possible candidate neighboring cells in the frequency band to be monitored are determined according to the network planning knowledge base.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The global identification information includes network type information, which is determined by the user terminal by parsing whether the system message broadcast by the candidate neighbor cell carries a preset field.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The preset field is the cellBarredNTN field, and the network type includes NTN type and TN type. 6.A method for network integration of an NTN and a TN, performed by a user terminal, the method comprising: The method includes: The measurement configuration is received, wherein the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells in the measurement configuration are determined by the base station performing spectrum monitoring at a set time, and the frequency points of the candidate neighboring cells are the downlink synchronization channels of adjacent cells that may exist in different frequencies or different networks; Based on the measurement configuration, a first measurement is performed and the area identifier of the candidate neighboring cell is reported. In response to an instruction from the base station, a second measurement is performed, and the global identification information of the measured candidate neighbor cells is reported so that the base station updates the neighbor cell relationship table.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The global identification information of the candidate neighbor cell includes network type information, which is determined by parsing whether the system message broadcast by the candidate neighbor cell carries a preset field.

8. A NTN base station device, characterized by, include: The base station radio frequency unit, base station memory, base station processor, and program instructions stored in the base station memory are provided. The base station processor is connected to the base station radio frequency unit and the base station memory respectively, and is configured to control the base station radio frequency unit to perform signal detection and signal transmission and reception on the corresponding spectrum by executing the program instructions in the base station memory, so as to realize the network fusion method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The base station device according to claim 8, wherein The base station memory also stores a network planning knowledge base, which is used to store TN and NTN network planning data based on geographical location.

10. A user terminal, characterized in that include: The terminal radio frequency unit, terminal memory, and terminal processor, among which, The terminal radio frequency unit supports communication with NTN and TN; The terminal memory stores program instructions; The terminal processor is connected to the terminal memory and the terminal radio frequency unit, and is used to execute the program instructions to control the terminal radio frequency unit to transmit and receive signals at the corresponding operating frequency, so as to realize the network fusion method of claim 6 or 7.

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