Wireless communication method, communication system, base station and user equipment for NTN

Abstract

A non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to a base station side includes configuring, by a base station, an operation associated with at least one timer to a user equipment (UE) when a communication system is in an NTN store-and-forward (Samp; F) mode. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to a user equipment (UE) side includes receiving, by a UE, an operation associated with at least one timer from a base station when a communication system is in an NTN store-and-forward (Samp; F) mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a wireless communication method, a communication system, a base station, and a user equipment (UE) for a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are standardization activities within the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) working on wireless communication methods for NTN. However, the aspect for NTN store-and-forward (S&F) operations remains unresolved in current technologies and / or standardization.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a wireless communication method, communication system, base station, and UE for NTN that can solve these and other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide a wireless communication method, communication system, base station, and UE for NTN that can solve problems in the prior art and other issues.

[0005] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication method for NTN applied at a base station includes: when the communication system is in NTN S&F mode, the base station configures an operation associated with at least one timer to the UE.

[0006] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the S&F operation of the NTN S&F mode includes: establishing connectivity between the UE and a satellite and processing signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite; and establishing connectivity between the satellite and a terrestrial network and processing the signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the terrestrial network.

[0007] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless communication method for NTN further includes configuring the at least one timer based on the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system.

[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the RAT type includes a ground RAT, an NTN, or an NTN in S&F mode.

[0009] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the communication system is in NTN S&F mode, an extension of the at least one timer is used in S&F operation.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the value of the at least one timer used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of the at least one timer used in ground RAT or the value of the at least one timer used in NTN.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one timer includes at least one non-access stratum (NAS) timer and / or at least one access stratum (AS) timer.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one AS timer includes one or more Radio Resource Control (RRC) timers, one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) timers, one or more Radio Link Control (RLC) timers, and / or one or more Media Access Control (MAC) timers.

[0014] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one AS timer is configurable and configured by the base station to the UE.

[0015] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless communication method for NTN further includes configuring the value of the at least one timer based on the RAT type and / or UE capability.

[0016] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during at least one NAS process and / or at least one AS process, the base station configures a timer type required by the UE and applies at least one timer required by the UE.

[0017] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the timer types required by the UE include T3510 timer, T3517 timer, T3580 timer, T3581 timer and / or T3582 timer.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one NAS process and / or the at least one AS process includes a registration process, a service request process and / or a protocol data unit (PDU) session process, and the at least one timer required by the UE is started when the registration process, the service request process and / or the PDU session process is initiated.

[0019] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the PDU session process includes PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when the PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release are initiated.

[0020] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to a user equipment (UE) includes: when the communication system is in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE receives an operation associated with at least one timer from a base station.

[0021] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the S&F operation of the NTN S&F mode includes: establishing connectivity between the UE and the satellite and processing signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite; and establishing connectivity between the satellite and the terrestrial network and processing signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the terrestrial network.

[0022] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless communication method for NTN further includes receiving the at least one timer based on the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system.

[0023] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the RAT type includes a ground RAT, an NTN, or an NTN in S&F mode.

[0024] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the communication system is in NTN S&F mode, an extension of the at least one timer is used in S&F operation.

[0025] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the value of the at least one timer used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of the at least one timer used in ground RAT or the value of the at least one timer used in NTN.

[0026] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one timer includes at least one non-access stratum (NAS) timer and / or at least one access stratum (AS) timer.

[0027] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers.

[0028] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one AS timer includes one or more Radio Resource Control (RRC) timers, one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) timers, one or more Radio Link Control (RLC) timers, and / or one or more Media Access Control (MAC) timers.

[0029] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one AS timer is configurable and is configured by the base station to the UE.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless communication method for NTN further includes receiving the value of the at least one timer based on RAT type and / or UE capability.

[0031] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during at least one NAS process and / or at least one AS process, the UE receives from the base station the type of at least one timer it requires, and the UE applies the at least one timer it requires.

[0032] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the type of at least one timer required by the UE includes T3510 timer, T3517 timer, T3580 timer, T3581 timer and / or T3582 timer.

[0033] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one NAS process and / or the at least one AS process includes a registration process, a service request process and / or a protocol data unit (PDU) session process, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when the registration process, the service request process and / or the PDU session process is initiated.

[0034] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the PDU session process includes PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when initiating the PDU session establishment, the PDU session modification, and / or the PDU session release.

[0035] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied at a base station includes: when the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the base station configures an indication to the user equipment (UE), wherein the indication includes: indicating to the UE the radio access technology (RAT) type of the communication system; and / or indicating to the UE to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the instruction to the UE is made via a broadcast message or a private message.

[0037] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the broadcast message includes a System Information Broadcast (SIB).

[0038] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SIB is System Information Broadcast 19 (SIB19).

[0039] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dedicated messages include random access channel (RACH) messages, radio resource control (RRC) messages, medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE), downlink control information (DCI), or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) messages.

[0040] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indication to the UE also includes the status of the communication system, which includes: a serving link is connected and a power supply link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE connection management (CM) status.

[0041] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indication to the UE is pre-configured and / or stored by the UE or the application layer, wherein the application layer is an entity for pre-configuring and storing information.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the RAT type of the communication system is updated periodically, or the RAT type of the communication system is updated based on event triggering.

[0043] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to a user equipment (UE) side includes: when the communication system is in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) store-and-forward (S&F) mode, receiving an instruction from a base station by the UE, wherein the instruction to the UE includes: instructing the UE to the radio access technology (RAT) type of the communication system; and / or instructing the UE to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system.

[0044] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the instruction to the UE is delivered via a broadcast message or a private message.

[0045] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the broadcast message includes a System Information Broadcast (SIB).

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SIB is System Information Broadcast 19 (SIB19).

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dedicated messages include random access channel (RACH) messages, radio resource control (RRC) messages, medium access control (MAC) control elements (CE), downlink control information (DCI), or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) messages.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indication to the UE also includes the status of the communication system, which includes: a serving link is connected and a power supply link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE connection management (CM) status.

[0049] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indication to the UE is pre-configured and / or stored by the UE or the application layer, wherein the application layer is an entity for pre-configuring and storing information.

[0050] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the RAT type of the communication system is updated periodically, or the RAT type of the communication system is updated based on event triggering.

[0051] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to a user equipment (UE) includes: when the communication system is in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE is in a UE state, and when signaling / data exchange is processed between the UE and a satellite, the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) connection state.

[0052] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the UE cannot or does not perform signaling / data exchange with the satellite, the UE is in an RRC idle / inactive state.

[0053] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when processing signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the terrestrial network, the UE is in an RRC idle / inactive state, switches from the RRC idle / inactive state to an RRC connected state, or is still in an RRC connected state.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during S&F operation, the UE does not perform a radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure or declare a radio link failure (RLF) procedure.

[0055] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured to perform the methods described above.

[0056] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a base station includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured to perform the methods described above.

[0057] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a UE includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured to perform the methods described above.

[0058] In a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described above.

[0059] In a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a chip includes a processor configured to invoke and run a computer program stored in a memory to cause a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the methods described above.

[0060] In the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored that causes a computer to perform the above-described method.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product includes a computer program, and the computer program causes a computer to perform the methods described above.

[0062] In the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided that causes a computer to perform the above-described method. Attached Figure Description

[0063] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments or related technologies of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0064] Figure 1A This is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 1B This is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a RAN networking architecture with transparent satellites according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a regenerated satellite without an inter-satellite link (ISL) and with its payload handled by a gNB, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a regenerable satellite with an ISL and whose payload is processed by a gNB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) with a gNB-DU-based regenerative satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the base station side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the UE side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the base station side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the UE side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an instruction to the UE determined by the 5G core network (5G CN) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an instruction to the UE determined by the base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction to a UE sent by a base station via message 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction to a UE sent by a base station via message 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction to a UE sent by a base station via message B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a process related to instructing a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the UE side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the UE's state when the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 20This is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a UE does not perform a radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure or does not declare a radio link failure (RLF) during NTN store-and-forward (S&F) operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Figure 21 This is a block diagram of a system for wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The technical solutions, structural features, achieved objectives, and effects of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specifically, the terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0087] In some embodiments, a network refers to a node in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, including one of the following nodes: 1. a spacecraft (e.g., a satellite), an airborne vehicle, or an aircraft (e.g., a drone); 2. a base station; 3. a gateway; and 4. a core network (CN). An NTN system includes nodes such as satellites, gateways, base stations, and a core network. In some embodiments of this disclosure, a network refers to any node in an NTN system. "Satellite" can be categorized into various types, including spacecraft (e.g., satellites), airborne vehicles, and aircraft (e.g., drones). Solutions in some embodiments can be applied to New Radio (NR) NTN and Internet of Things (IoT) NTN.

[0088] Figure 1A As shown, in some embodiments, the communication system 10 may include a memory 12, a transceiver 13, and a processor 11 coupled to the memory 12 and the transceiver 13. The processor 11 may be configured to implement the functions, processes, operations, and / or methods presented herein. In some examples, Figure 1A As shown, the communication system 10 may include a base station 20 and a UE 10.

[0089] Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, base station 20 may include memory 22, transceiver 23, and processor 21 coupled to the memory 22 and the transceiver 23. The processor 21 may be configured to implement the functions, processes, operations, and / or methods described herein.

[0090] Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, user equipment 30 may include memory 32, transceiver 33, and processor 31 coupled to the memory 32 and the transceiver 33. The processor 31 may be configured to implement the functions, processes, operations, and / or methods described herein.

[0091] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a networked wireless access network architecture with a transparent satellite according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The satellite 20E (or UAS platform) can implement a transparent payload. The satellite (or UAS platform) generates multiple beams over a given service area defined by its field of view. The coverage area of ​​the beams is elliptical. The field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) depends on the on-board antenna pattern and minimum elevation angle. A transparent payload refers to radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. Therefore, the waveform signal relayed by this payload remains unchanged. (Reference) Figure 4 The satellite payload implements frequency conversion and RF amplifiers in both the uplink and downlink directions. This corresponds to an analog RF repeater. Therefore, satellite 20E relays NR-Uu 41 (radio interface) from the feed link (between NTN gateway 50 and satellite 20E) to the service link (between satellite 20E and UE 30), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface (SRI) on the feed link is NR-Uu 41. In other words, satellite 20E does not terminate NR-Uu 41. NTN gateway 50 supports all the functions required to forward NR-Uu 41 signals. Different transparent satellites can connect to the same gNB 20D on the ground. Note: Although multiple gNBs can access a single satellite payload, for lack of generality, the description has been simplified to a single gNB accessing the satellite payload. Remote RF unit 80 includes satellite 20E and NTN gateway 50. NG 43 is the link between gNB 20D and 5G core network (CN) 60. N6 44 is the link between 5G CN 60 and data network 70. Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) 40 includes remote radio unit 80 (including satellite 20E and NTN gateway 50), gNB 20D and NR-Uu 41.

[0092] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a regenerable satellite, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, that does not have an inter-satellite link (ISL) and has a payload processed by a gNB. The satellite (or UAS platform, e.g.) Figure 5The gNB 20A shown can implement regenerated payloads. The satellite (or UAS platform) beam generates multiple beams over a given service area defined by its field of view. The coverage area of ​​the beams is elliptical. The field of view of the satellite (or UAS platform) depends on the on-board antenna pattern and minimum elevation angle. Regenerated payloads refer to RF filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, as well as demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, encoding / modulation. This is practically equivalent to carrying all or part of the base station functionality (e.g., gNB) on the satellite (or UAS platform). In the case of a satellite constellation, inter-satellite links (ISL) are optional. This may require carrying regenerated payloads on the satellite. The satellite payload enables the regeneration of signals received from Earth.

[0093] Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, a satellite (e.g., gNB 20A) relays NR-Uu 41 (radio interface) from a feed link (between NTN gateway 50 and satellite (e.g., gNB 20A)) to a serving link (between satellite (e.g., gNB 20A) and UE 30), and vice versa. NG 42, based on the Satellite Radio Interface (SRI), is the link between NTN gateway (NTN GW) 50 and satellite (e.g., gNB 20A). NG 43 is the link between NTN GW 50 and 5G core network (CN) 60. N6 44 is the link between 5G CN 60 and data network 70. NG-RAN 40 includes satellite (e.g., gNB 20A), NTN GW 50, NR-Uu 41, and SRI-based NG 42 and NG 43.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a regenerative satellite with an inter-satellite link and a payload processed by a gNB, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In a satellite constellation (e.g., Figure 6 In the case of gNB 20A shown, inter-satellite links (ISL) (e.g.) Figure 6 The ISL-based Xn 45 shown is optional. This may require satellites (e.g., Figure 6 The gNB 20A shown carries a regenerative payload. The ISL can operate in radio frequency (RF) or optical bands. The satellite payload also provides an ISL between satellites. An ISL is a transmission link between satellites. An ISL can be a radio interface or an optical interface. The NTN GW50 is a transmission network layer node and supports all necessary transmission protocols. Figure 6As shown, UE 30, served by the onboard gNB 20A, can access 5G CN 60 via ISL. gNBs 20A mounted on different satellites can connect to the same terrestrial 5G CN. If a satellite carries more than one gNB, all corresponding NG interface instances can be transmitted on the same SRI.

[0095] Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, a satellite (e.g., gNB 20A) relays NR-Uu 41 (radio interface) from a feed link (between NTN gateway 50 and satellite (e.g., gNB 20A)) to a serving link (between satellite (e.g., gNB 20A) and UE 30), and vice versa. SRI-based NG 42 is the link between NTN GW 50 and satellite (e.g., gNB 20A). NG 43 is the link between NTN GW 50 and 5G CN 60. N6 44 is the link between 5G CN 60 and data network 70. NG-RAN 40 includes satellite (e.g., gNB 20A), NTN GW 50, NR-Uu 41, SRI-based NG 42, ISL-based Xn 45, and NG 43.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an NG-RAN 40 comprising a regenerable satellite based on gNB-DU 20B, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The NG-RAN logical architecture with CU / DU separation is used as the baseline for the NTN scenario. The satellite payload regenerates signals received from Earth. An NR-Uu 41 (radio interface) on the service link is located between the satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B) and the UE 30. An SRI (SRI-based F1 47) on the feed link is located between the NTN gateway 50 and the satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B). The SRI transmits the F1 protocol. The satellite payload can provide ISL between satellites. The SRI is a transport link, and its transmitted logical interface F1 46 is 3GPP specified. The NTN GW 50 is a transport network layer node and supports all necessary transport protocols. DUs carried on different satellites can connect to the same CU on the ground. If a satellite carries more than one DU, the same SRI can transmit all corresponding F1 interface instances.

[0097] Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B) relays NR-Uu 41 (radio interface) from the feed link (between NTN gateway 50 and satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B)) to the serving link (between satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B) and UE 30), and vice versa. SRI-based F1 47 is the link between NTN GW 50 and the satellite (e.g., gNB-DU 20B). F1 46 is the link between gNB-DU 20B and gNB-CU 20C. NG 43 is the link between gNB-CU 20C and 5G CN 60. N6 44 is the link between 5G CN 60 and data network 70. NG-RAN 40 includes gNB-DU 20B, gNB-CU20C, NTN GW 50, NR-Uu 41, F1 46, SRI-based F1 47, and NG 43.

[0098] Figures 4 to 7 The NTN system shown is applied in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0099] Figure 8 This illustration shows a method for wireless communication for a non-terrestrial network (NTN) applied at a base station side according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the NTN wireless communication method applied at the base station side includes operation 802: when the communication system 10 is in NTN store and forward (S&F) mode, the base station 20 configures an operation associated with at least one timer to the user equipment 30.

[0100] Figure 9 This illustration shows a non-terrestrial network (NTN) wireless communication method applied to the user equipment (UE) side according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the NTN wireless communication method applied to the UE side includes: operation 902, whereby the UE 30 receives an operation associated with at least one timer from the base station 20 when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode.

[0101] Specifically, in some examples, under NTN S&F mode, end-to-end signaling / data exchange is processed as a combination of two non-simultaneous steps. In systems with satellite access / NTN, S&F operation is designed to provide a level of latency-tolerant communication service to UEs within satellite coverage areas with intermittent / temporary satellite connectivity. Intermittent / temporary satellite connectivity can refer to situations where the satellite is not connected to the terrestrial network via a feeder link or an inter-satellite link (ISL).

[0102] In the normal / default satellite operation mode, the signaling / data exchange between a UE with satellite access and the remote terrestrial network requires both the service link and the feeder link to be activated simultaneously, so that when the UE interacts with the satellite through the service link, there is a continuous end-to-end connectivity path between the UE, the satellite, and the terrestrial network.

[0103] Conversely, in NTN S&F mode, end-to-end signaling / data exchange is handled as a combination of two non-simultaneous steps. In the first step, signaling / data exchange occurs between the UE and the satellite, while the satellite is not simultaneously connected to the terrestrial network. For example, the satellite can operate a serving link without an active feeder link connection. In the second step, connectivity is established between the satellite and the terrestrial network so that communication can occur between them. Thus, the satellite transitions from connecting to the UE in the first step to connecting to the terrestrial network in the second step. This process can be referred to as a two-step process.

[0104] In some embodiments, the S&F operation of NTN S&F mode includes: establishing connectivity between the UE and a satellite and processing signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite, and establishing connectivity between the satellite and a terrestrial network and processing signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the terrestrial network.

[0105] In some examples, S&F services can be used in delay-tolerant and outage-tolerant network domains. Within the context of the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), one service that can be assimilated as an S&F service is Short Message Service (SMS), which does not require end-to-end connectivity between endpoints, but only connectivity between the endpoints and the Short Message Service Center (SMSC), which acts as an intermediate node responsible for storage and relay. One endpoint can be the UE, and the other endpoint can be the application server.

[0106] In some embodiments, the wireless communication method may further include configuring the at least one timer based on the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system. In some embodiments, the RAT type includes terrestrial RAT, NTN, or NTN in S&F mode. In some embodiments, when the communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, an extension of the at least one timer is used in S&F operation. In some embodiments, the at least one timer includes at least one Non-Access Stratum (NAS) timer and / or at least one Access Stratum (AS) timer. In some embodiments, the value of the at least one timer used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of the at least one timer used in terrestrial RAT or the value of the at least one timer used in NTN.

[0107] Specifically, in some examples, when communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, extensions of NAS and / or AS timers are used to handle the long processing times resulting from the two-step approach of exchanging signaling / data. In some examples, NAS and / or AS timers (referred to as "S&F NTN timers" in some embodiments of this disclosure) may be introduced and specified for NTN S&F mode, and the timer values ​​are long enough to accommodate the delays introduced by satellite S&F mode. The timer values ​​are extended compared to the current timers specified for normal satellite systems.

[0108] In some embodiments, the at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers.

[0109] Specifically, in some examples, timers for NTN RA (NTN timers) and timers for terrestrial RAT (regular timers) are defined in the following embodiments. For example, T3510 is used to transmit registration request messages, with a normal timer of 15 seconds and an extended timer for NTN of 27 seconds. The timers refer to Non-Access Stratum (NAS) timers, which include at least one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers. In some embodiments, 5G core network (CN) 60 may refer to Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and / or Session Management Functions (SMF). In some examples, 5GCN 60 (AMF and SMF) may consider the RAT type (terrestrial RAT, NTN, NTN in Store and Forward (S&F) mode, or other types of RAT) to determine the values ​​of the timers allocated by the network.

[0110] Specifically, the timer includes at least one or more of the following user equipment (UE) timers: T3510, T3517, T3580, T3581 and / or T3582.

[0111] During NAS procedures, such as registration procedures (e.g., registration request / modification / release procedures), service request procedures, PDU session establishment procedures, etc., 5G CN 60 (AMF and / or SMF) can determine the timer type required by UE 30 based on RAT type, UE capabilities and RAN type (UE 30 may be located in a specific registration area), and UE 30 and 5G CN 60 can apply the required timers.

[0112] For example, if UE 30 is capable of using terrestrial RAT, normal NTN RAT, and NTN S&F modes, and UE 30 is registering or performing a service request in terrestrial RAT, then UE 30 and AMF apply a regular timer. If UE 30 is registering or performing a service request in normal NTN RAT, then UE 30 and AMF apply an NTN timer. If UE 30 is registering or performing a service request in NTN S&F mode, then UE 30 and AMF apply an S&F NTN timer.

[0113] To give another example, if UE 30 is capable of using terrestrial RAT, normal NTN RAT, and NTN S&F modes, and UE 30 is performing a PDU session establishment procedure in terrestrial RAT, then UE 30 and SMF use a regular timer. If UE 30 is performing a PDU session establishment procedure in normal NTN RAT, then UE 30 and SMF use an NTN timer. If UE 30 is performing a PDU session establishment procedure in NTN S&F mode, then UE 30 and SMF use an S&F NTN timer.

[0114] In some embodiments, the at least one access stratum (AS) timer includes one or more radio resource control (RRC) timers, one or more packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) timers, one or more radio link control (RLC) timers, and / or one or more media access control (MAC) timers. In some embodiments, the at least one AS timer is configurable and is configured by base station 20 for UE 30.

[0115] Specifically, in some examples, the timer in some embodiments refers to an AS timer, which includes at least one or more RRC timers, one or more PDCP timers, one or more RLC timers, and / or one or more MAC timers. In some examples, the 5G CN 60 (e.g., AMF and SMF) or base station 20 may consider the RAT type (terrestrial RAT, NTN, NTN in S&F mode, or other types of RAT) to determine the value of the timer allocated by the network. In some examples, the AS timer is configurable and configured by base station 20 for UE 30. The AS timers applicable to UE 30 are configured by base station 20 for UE 30.

[0116] In some embodiments, the wireless communication method for NTN further includes configuring the value of the at least one timer based on RAT type and / or UE capabilities. In some embodiments, during at least one NAS procedure and / or at least one AS procedure, base station 20 configures a timer type required by UE 30, and base station 20 applies the timer required by UE 30.

[0117] Specifically, in some examples, during NAS and / or AS procedures (e.g., RRC reconfiguration procedures), the 5G CN60 (AMF and / or SMF) and / or base station 20 can determine the type of timer required by UE 30 (based on RAT type, UE capabilities, and RAN type, UE 30 may be in a specific registration area), and UE 30 and base station 20 apply the required timers. For example, if UE 30 is capable of using terrestrial RAT, normal NTN RAT, and NTN S&F modes, and UE 30 registers or performs an RRC reconfiguration procedure in terrestrial RAT, then UE 30 and base station 20 apply regular timers. If UE 30 performs an RRC reconfiguration procedure in normal NTN RAT, then UE 30 and base station 20 apply NTN timers. If UE 30 performs an RRC reconfiguration procedure in NTN S&F mode, then UE 30 and base station 20 apply S&F NTN timers.

[0118] In some embodiments, the type of the at least one timer required by the UE includes a T3510 timer, a T3517 timer, a T3580 timer, a T3581 timer, and / or a T3582 timer.

[0119] Specifically, in some examples, timer values ​​are defined for Non-Terrestrial Network Store and Forward (NTN S&F) mode. In some embodiments, timer values ​​T3510, T3517, T3580, T3581, and / or T3582 can be defined for NTN S&F mode. In some examples, the value of T3510 used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of T3510 used in Terrestrial Radio Access Technology (RAT) or NTN. In some examples, the value of T3517 used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of T3517 used in Terrestrial RAT or NTN. In some examples, the value of T3580 used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of T3580 used in Terrestrial RAT or NTN. In some examples, the value of T3581 used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of T3581 used in Terrestrial RAT or NTN. In some examples, the value of T3582 used in NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of T3582 used in Terrestrial RAT or NTN.

[0120] In some embodiments, the at least one NAS procedure and / or the at least one AS procedure includes a registration procedure, a service request procedure, and / or a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session procedure, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when the registration procedure, the service request procedure, and / or the PDU session procedure is initiated. In some embodiments, the PDU session procedure includes PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when the PDU session establishment, the PDU session modification, and / or the PDU session release is initiated.

[0121] Specifically, in some examples, the 5G SA registration call process includes the following steps: downlink / uplink (DL / UL) synchronization via Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) decoding and Random Access Channel (RACH) procedures; establishment of Signaling Radio Bearer 0 (SRB0) via RRC Connection Request; contention resolution and establishment of SRB1 via RRC Configuration; registration request; NAS procedures such as UE identity delivery, authentication, and security; AS UE capability delivery and AS security; establishment of SRB2 and Data Radio Bearer (DRB); registration completion; service request procedure; and / or PDU session establishment.

[0122] In some examples, UE 30 or 5G CN 60, in a Connection Management Idle (CM-IDLE) state, uses a service request procedure to request the establishment of a secure connection to the Access and Mobile AMF. The service request procedure is also used to activate user plane connections for established PDU sessions when UE 30 is in a CM-IDLE and Connection Management Connected (CM-CONNECTED) state. The service request procedure is also used to release connections to the AMF. UE 30 must not initiate a service request procedure if one is already in progress.

[0123] In some examples, UE 30 in CM-IDLE state initiates a service request procedure to send uplink signaling messages, user data, request emergency service fallback, or in response to a network paging request. UE 30 must not initiate a UE-triggered service request from CM-IDLE if the service interval timer is running. Upon receiving the service request message, the AMF can perform authentication. After establishing a signaling connection to the AMF, UE 30 or the network can send signaling messages through the AMF, for example, establishing a PDU session from UE 30 to the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0124] Specifically, in some examples, UE 30 may initiate T3510 when initiating a registration procedure. UE 30 may initiate T3517 when initiating a service request procedure. UE 30 may initiate T3580 when initiating a PDU session establishment. UE 30 may initiate T3581 when initiating a PDU session modification. UE 30 may initiate T3582 when initiating a PDU session release.

[0125] Figure 10 A method for wireless communication for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) applied to a base station side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the method for wireless communication for NTN applied to a base station side includes operation 1002: when the communication system 10 is in non-terrestrial network store-and-forward (NTN S&F) mode, the base station 20 configures an indication to the user equipment (UE) 30, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating to the UE 30 the radio access technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10; and / or indicating to the UE 30 to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system 10.

[0126] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method for NTN wireless communication applied at the base station side includes: operation 802, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, configuring an operation associated with at least one timer by the base station 20 to the user equipment 30; operation 902, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, receiving the operation associated with at least one timer from the base station 20; and operation 1002, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, configuring an indication by the base station 20 to the UE 30, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating to the UE 30 the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10; and / or indicating to the UE 30 to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system 10. These operations can be combined in various ways, and these operations can be performed in parallel or sequentially, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, operation 802 is performed before operation 902. As another example, operations 802 and 902 are performed simultaneously. For example, operations 802 and 1002 are executed before operation 902, and operation 802 can be executed before or after operation 1002, or operations 802 and 1002 can be executed simultaneously. For example, operations 802, 902 and 1002 are executed simultaneously.

[0127] Figure 11A method for wireless communication on a non-terrestrial network (NTN) applied to the UE side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the NTN wireless communication method applied to the UE side includes: operation 1102, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, receiving an indication from the base station 20 by the UE 30, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating to the UE 30 the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10; and / or indicating to the UE 30 to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system 10.

[0128] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the NTN wireless communication method applied to the base station side includes: operation 802, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the base station 20 configures an operation associated with at least one timer to the user equipment 30; operation 902, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE 30 receives the operation associated with at least one timer from the base station 20; operation 1002, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the base station 20 configures an indication to the user equipment (UE) 30, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10 to the UE 30; and / or indicating to the UE 30 to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system 10; and operation 1102, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE 30 receives an indication from the base station 20, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating the UE 30 to the user equipment (UE) ... 30 indicates the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10; and / or instructs the UE 30 to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system 10. These operations can be combined in various ways, and can be performed in parallel or sequentially, as this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, operation 802 is performed before operation 902. As another example, operation 1002 is performed before operation 1102. As another example, operations 802 and 902 are performed simultaneously. As another example, operations 1002 and 1102 are performed simultaneously. As another example, operations 802 and 1002 are performed before operations 902 and 1102, operation 802 may be performed before or after operation 1002, or operations 802 and 1002 may be performed simultaneously, and operation 902 may be performed before or after operation 1102, or operations 902 and 1102 may be performed simultaneously. As another example, operations 802, 902, 1002, and 1102 are performed simultaneously.

[0129] Specifically, in some examples, the NAS / AS procedure can be modified to enable the 5G CN 60 and / or base station 20 to indicate to the UE 30 the timers that the UE 30 can use. Furthermore, the 5G CN 60 and / or base station 20 can indicate to the UE 30 that the communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, which implicitly instructs the UE 30 to use NTN S&F timers. Therefore, it is possible to specify how the type of RAT (e.g., terrestrial RAT, normal NTN RAT, or NTN S&F mode) the communication system 10 is operating in can be indicated to the UE 30, or what timers the UE 30 and network nodes can apply.

[0130] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indication refers to the type of RAT that the communication system 10 is operating (e.g., terrestrial RAT, normal NTN RAT, or NTN S&F mode), and / or the timers that can be applied to the UE 30 and / or network nodes (including at least 5G CN 60 and / or base station 20) (e.g., a regular timer for terrestrial RAT, a timer for normal NTN RAT, or a timer for NTN S&F mode).

[0131] In some examples, this indication mechanism is applied to NAS timers and / or AS timers. In some examples, at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers. In some examples, at least one AS timer includes one or more RRC timers, one or more PDCP timers, one or more RLC timers, and / or one or more MAC timers. In some examples, the at least one AS timer is configurable and configured by base station 20 for UE 30. Specifically, at least one timer may include at least one or more of the following UE timers: T3510, T3517, T3580, T3581, and / or T3582.

[0132] Figure 12 An instruction to the UE determined by the 5G CN according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 As shown, in some examples, if the instruction to UE 30 is determined by 5G CN 60 (e.g., AMF), then the instruction is first transmitted from 5G CN 60 to base station 20, and then from base station 20 to UE 30. For example, if 5G CN 60 can detect / determine that communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, then 5G CN 60 can notify base station 20 of this information. The transmission message of this instruction between base station 20 and 5G CN 60 can be any NAS message. The NAS message can be an NGAP message.

[0133] Figure 13An instruction to a UE determined by a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 13 As shown, in some examples, if the instruction to UE 30 is determined by base station 20, then the instruction is transmitted from base station 20 to UE 30. For example, if base station 20 can detect / determine that communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, then base station 20 can notify UE 30 of this information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the indication to UE 30 is made via a broadcast message or a dedicated message. In some embodiments, the broadcast message includes a System Information Broadcast (SIB). In some embodiments, the SIB is System Information Broadcast 19 (SIB19).

[0135] Specifically, in some examples, the network / satellite (e.g., base station 20) can send an indication to UE 30 via a broadcast message (e.g., via system information). The system information including this indication can be one or more existing SIBs or a new SIB. This SIB could be SIB19. This mechanism can be applied to UE 30 in all RRC states (including idle / inactive / connected states). The indication is determined by 5G CN 60 or base station 20. If the indication to UE 30 is determined by 5G CN 60 (e.g., AMF), the indication is first transmitted from 5G CN 60 to base station 20, and then from base station 20 to UE 30 via a broadcast message. If the indication to UE 30 is determined by base station 20, the indication is transmitted from base station 20 to UE 30 via a broadcast message.

[0136] In some embodiments, the dedicated message includes a Random Access Channel (RACH) message, an RRC message, a Medium Access Control Element (MAC CE), a Downlink Control Information (DCI), or a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) message.

[0137] Specifically, in some examples, the dedicated message used for this indication can be a RACH message, such as message 2 (Msg2), message 4 (Msg4), or message B (MsgB). Figure 14 As shown, in some examples, the base station 20 sends an instruction to the UE 30 via message 2 (Msg2). Figure 15 As shown, in some examples, the base station 20 sends an instruction to the UE 30 via message 4 (Msg4). Figure 16As shown, in some examples, base station 20 sends an indication to UE 30 via message B (MsgB). In some examples, for Mobile Origin (MO) and Mobile Termination (MT) services, UE 30 needs to first perform a RACH procedure to connect to the network before initiating service transmission and reception. Therefore, an indication to inform UE 30 that communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode can be transmitted via Msg2, Msg4, or MsgB. This indication is determined by 5G CN 60 or base station 20. If the indication to UE 30 is determined by 5G CN 60 (e.g., AMF), the indication is first transmitted from 5G CN 60 to base station 20, and then from base station 20 to UE 30 via a dedicated message. If the indication to UE 30 is determined by base station 20, the indication is transmitted from base station 20 to UE 30 via a dedicated message.

[0138] In some examples, the dedicated message used for the indication to UE 30 can be an RRC message, a MAC CE, physical control information, or a PDSCH message. The RRC message can be an RRC reconfiguration message. The physical control information can be DCI or control information transmitted via the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). When UE 30 is in a connected state, an indication from base station 20 to UE 30 can be sent before the registration process. Subsequent processes can then proceed according to the correct timer. After the RACH process is completed, base station 20 sends the indication to UE 30 and then performs the registration process.

[0139] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for instructing a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 As shown, in some examples, after receiving message 5 (RRC configuration complete) from UE 30, base station 20 sends an indication to UE 30. For example, base station 20 may detect / determine that communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, and then base station 20 may notify UE 30 of this information. Upon receiving this indication, the UE performs the registration process.

[0140] In some embodiments, the indication to UE 30 also includes the state of communication system 10, and the state of communication system 10 includes: the service link is connected and the power supply link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE connection management (CM) state.

[0141] Specifically, in some examples, three RRC states are specified for radio access. Additionally, the state of communication system 10 is specified for NTN S&F mode. The characteristics of the state of communication system 10 can be: the serving link is connected and the feeder link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE CM state. Some options are shown in Table 1.

[0142] Table 1

[0143] Table 1 shows whether the UE context is stored at the UE, satellite, and / or ground station in some examples. Specifically, Table 1 shows that in some examples, the UE context is stored at the UE, satellite, and ground station. In some examples, the UE context is stored at the UE and satellite, and the UE context is not stored at the ground station. In some examples, the UE context is stored at the UE and ground station, and the UE context is not stored at the satellite. In some examples, the UE context is stored at the UE, and the UE context is not stored at the satellite and ground station. In some examples, the UE context is not stored at the UE, and the UE context is stored at the satellite and ground station. In some examples, the UE context is not stored at the UE and ground station, and the UE context is stored at the satellite. In some examples, the UE context is not stored at the UE and satellite, and the UE context is stored at the ground station. In some examples, the UE context is not stored at the UE, satellite, and ground station.

[0144] In some embodiments, the instruction to UE 30 is pre-configured and / or stored by UE 30 or the application layer, wherein the application layer is an entity for pre-configuring and storing information.

[0145] Specifically, in some examples, the satellite's orbit is fixed and predictable. The deployment of the ground station / gateway (GW) also knows the satellite's orbit. Therefore, when and where the feeder link is connected is predictable. Thus, when and where store-and-forward (S&F) operations are applied can be pre-configured to the user equipment (UE) 30 or stored by the UE 30. Applicable scenarios may include: which UEs 30 and / or in which areas S&F operations apply, which satellites can perform S&F operations, and when S&F operations can be applied to the communication system 10.

[0146] For example, the first scenario illustrates a region-specific situation that applies to all UEs 30 within a region. In regions where no ground stations are deployed (i.e., no power supply link is connected), S&F operations can be applied. Therefore, the network (NW) / satellite can send a pre-configuration to all UEs 30 in that region to notify them that they are available for service in S&F operations, and / or UEs 30 can store this pre-configuration.

[0147] For example, the second scenario illustrates a specific case for a group of UEs 30, which applies to a group of UEs 30 without regional restrictions. The NW / satellite may send a pre-configuration to some UEs 30 or a group of UEs 30 to inform the UEs 30 that they can be served in S&F operations, and / or the UEs 30 may store the pre-configuration.

[0148] For example, the third scenario describes which satellites can operate in S&F operation. The NW / satellite can send pre-configuration to UE 30 to inform which satellite can provide service in S&F operation. If UE 30 connects to a satellite that can provide S&F operation, then UE 30 knows that communication system 10 is operating in non-terrestrial network (NTN) S&F mode. A potential application scenario for the third scenario is that different serving satellites are owned by different serving satellite operators, which may result in different satellites having different rights / authorities to connect to ground stations.

[0149] For example, the fourth scenario illustrates when communication system 10 can operate in S&F mode. The NW / satellite can send pre-configuration to UE 30 to inform communication system 10 when it can operate in S&F mode. From the UE's perspective, UE 30 only needs to know the time / duration of its own S&F mode operation, without considering how other UEs or the entire communication system 10 operate. If UE 30 connects to the satellite within a specific time, then UE 30 knows that communication system 10 is operating in NTN S&F mode. A potential application of the fourth scenario is to allow different satellites to connect to the ground station at different times during peak periods to offload or balance the load.

[0150] Any combination of two or more of the first through fourth scenarios can be applied. For example, combining the first, second, and fourth scenarios can constitute another new scenario, in which the NW / satellite can send a pre-configuration to all UEs 30 in the area. All UEs 30 in the area are informed that they can be served in S&F operation (first scenario). The UEs 30 in the area are divided into several groups, and each group has a specific (pre)configuration (second scenario). Each group of UEs 30 is informed of a specific time / duration of communication system 10 being in S&F operation (fourth scenario).

[0151] In another alternative example, the relevant information can be pre-configured to the application layer or stored by the application layer.

[0152] Specifically, in some examples, all the indication mechanisms in the above embodiments can be used to deliver (pre)configuration from the network to the UE 30, including: (1) delivering in a broadcast manner; (2) delivering in a dedicated manner: during the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure, or via Radio Resource Control (RRC), Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0153] Specifically, in some examples, in addition to the NTN S&F mode indication, other information / parameters may also be included in the (pre)configuration. Different scenarios may have corresponding information / parameters. For example, for the first scenario: the (pre)configuration includes area information indicating which area is using NTN S&F mode. For the second scenario: the (pre)configuration includes information indicating which UEs are in the same group, such as the group-based Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI). For the third scenario: the (pre)configuration includes information indicating which satellites can provide NTN S&F operation. For the fourth scenario: the (pre)configuration includes information indicating when the system provides NTN S&F operation.

[0154] In some embodiments, the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10 is updated periodically, or the RAT type of the communication system 10 is updated based on event triggering.

[0155] In detail, in some examples, the deployment of satellites or ground stations may change, resulting in changes to the configuration pre-configured to or stored by the UE 30 / satellite, thus requiring a mechanism for updating the configuration. The RAT type of communication system 10 is updated periodically, or the RAT type of communication system 10 is updated based on event triggering.

[0156] In some examples, the (pre)configuration is updated periodically. A period can be defined for the network (NW) / satellite to send the (pre)configuration. The NW / satellite can send the (pre)configuration to UE 30, and UE 30 can periodically receive the (pre)configuration according to this period.

[0157] In some examples, the (pre)configuration is updated based on event triggering. The NW / satellite can send the (pre)configuration to the UE30 based on event triggering; that is, when an event occurs or a criterion is met, the NW / satellite can send the updated (pre)configuration to the UE30. For example, the triggering event could be that the UE30 requires an updated configuration. If the UE30 requires an updated configuration, the UE30 can send an indication to notify the NW / satellite that it needs an updated configuration, and the NW / satellite can send the (pre)configuration to the UE30. If the configuration is transmitted via SIB, the NW / UE30 can provide the updated relevant SIB in the next system modification cycle.

[0158] Figure 18A wireless communication method for a non-terrestrial network (NTN) applied to the UE side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the wireless communication method for NTN applied to the base station side includes operation 1802, namely: when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE 30 is in a UE state, wherein when signaling / data exchange is processed between the UE 30 and a satellite, the UE 30 is in an RRC connection state. The satellite may be... Figure 1A and Figure 2 The base station 20 shown in the image. The base station 20 can be... Figures 4 to 7 The gNB 20A or gNB-DU 20B shown in the figure.

[0159] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the wireless communication method for NTN applied to the UE side includes: operation 1802, when the communication system 10 is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE 30 is in a UE state, wherein when signaling / data exchange is processed between the UE 30 and the satellite, the UE 30 is in an RRC connection state, and at least one of the following operations: operation 802, when the communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, the base station 20 configures an operation associated with at least one timer to the UE 30; operation 902, when the communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, the UE 30 receives an operation associated with at least one timer from the base station 20; operation 1002, when the communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, the base station 20 configures an indication to the UE 30, wherein the indication to the UE 30 includes: indicating to the UE 30 the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system 10; and / or ... Operation 30 instructs the use of at least one timer based on the RAT type of communication system 10; and operation 1102, when communication system 10 is in NTN S&F mode, the UE 30 receives an instruction from base station 20 to the UE 30, wherein the instruction to the UE 30 includes: instructing the UE 30 on the RAT type of communication system 10; and / or instructing the UE 30 on the use of at least one timer based on the RAT type of communication system 10. These operations can have various combinations, and these operations can be parallel or sequential, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, operation 1802 can be performed before or after operation 802, or operation 1802 and operation 802 can be performed simultaneously, with operation 802 performed before operation 902. For example, operation 1802 can be performed before or after operation 1002, or operation 1802 and operation 1002 can be performed simultaneously, with operation 1002 performed before operation 1102. For example, operation 802 and operation 902 can be performed simultaneously. For example, operations 1002 and 1102 are executed simultaneously. For example, operations 802 and 1002 are executed before operations 902 and 1102; operation 802 can be executed before or after operation 1002, or operations 802 and 1002 can be executed simultaneously; operation 902 can be executed before or after operation 1102, or operations 902 and 1102 can be executed simultaneously. For example, operations 1802, 802, 902, 1002, and 1102 are executed simultaneously.

[0160] In some embodiments, when the UE and the satellite are unable or not performing signaling / data exchange, the UE 30 is in an RRC idle / inactive state. In some examples, the satellite has moved away and is unable to communicate with the UE 30, but the satellite has not yet moved to a location where it can communicate with the terrestrial network. In some examples, the satellite has moved away and is unable to communicate with the UE 30, but the satellite has moved to a location where it can communicate with the terrestrial network. In some examples, the UE 30 may be in an RRC idle / inactive state while signaling / data exchange is being processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network. In some embodiments, the UE 30 is in an RRC idle / inactive state while signaling / data exchange is being processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network; the UE 30 switches from the RRC idle / inactive state to an RRC connected state while signaling / data exchange is being processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network; or the UE 30 remains in an RRC connected state while signaling / data exchange is being processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network.

[0161] Specifically, in some examples, Figure 19 This illustration shows a process in which the UE is in a UE state when the communication system is in NTN S&F mode, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 As shown, in some examples, the process may include at least one of the following.

[0162] Step 1: After UE 30 performs DL synchronization and RACH procedures, UE 30 remains in RRC connected state.

[0163] Step 2: UE 30 sends message 5 (RRC establishment request and / or registration request) to the satellite.

[0164] Step 3: The satellite moves to establish a connection with the terrestrial network. During this period, UE 30 enters the RRC idle / inactive state.

[0165] Step 4: The satellite connects to the terrestrial network and transmits the registration request message to the 5G CN 60 (e.g., AMF), then receives the NAS identity request message from the CN. During this period, UE 30 remains in the RRC idle / inactive state.

[0166] Step 5: The satellite moves back to the coverage area where UE 30 is located and performs CN / RAN paging, thereby putting UE 30 into RRC connection state.

[0167] Step 6: UE 30 performs the RACH procedure to enter the RRC connection state, and a NAS identity request message is transmitted to UE 30. Additionally, message 5 in this RACH procedure can be an RRC establishment completion message.

[0168] In some examples, the process can be a registration process, a service request process, and / or a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session process.

[0169] In some embodiments, during store and forward (S&F) operations, UE 30 does not perform a radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure or declare a radio link failure (RLF) procedure.

[0170] Specifically, in some examples, paging is not required in any scenario when UE 30 maintains an RRC connection, as UE 30 is always in an RRC connection state. However, an RLF (Regression-Range Function) may be triggered during a disconnection of the radio link between UE 30 and the satellite. The L1 layer (or physical layer) can detect physical layer problems and indicate "out of synchronization" to the upper layers. An RLF may be triggered after T310 expires, and RACH may be performed. Therefore, a mechanism to avoid triggering an RLF is designed. To allow UE 30 to remain in an RRC connection state during a service link disconnection and NAS (Navigation as a Service) procedure, the problem of avoiding RLF triggering needs to be addressed.

[0171] Figure 20 A process according to one embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated, wherein during NTN store-and-forward (S&F) operation, the UE does not perform a radio link monitoring (RLM) procedure or declare a radio link failure (RLF) procedure. In some examples, if the UE 30 is indicated to the communication system 10 as being in NTN S&F mode, the UE 30 knows that it can ignore the conventional RLF procedure while a NAS procedure (e.g., a registration procedure) is being performed. Another alternative example is that the UE 30 is explicitly indicated to the UE 30 that the RLF mechanism is disabled, and the UE 30 does not perform the RLF mechanism while a NAS procedure (e.g., a registration procedure) is being performed.

[0172] More specifically, UE 30 does not perform RLF actions, which can be achieved through the following solutions.

[0173] UE does not perform L1 measurement, and / or The UE does not report a "loss of synchronization" indication to the upper layer, and / or Extend the T310 to a suitable time to allow NAS processes (such as registration processes) to complete.

[0174] Figure 21 This is a block diagram of an example system 700 for wireless communication according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in the system using any appropriately configured hardware and / or software. Figure 21System 700 is illustrated, comprising radio frequency (RF) circuitry 710, baseband circuitry 720, application circuitry 730, memory / storage 740, display 750, camera 760, sensor 770, and input / output (I / O) interface 780, which are coupled to each other at least as shown. Application circuitry 730 may include circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may include any combination of general-purpose processors and special-purpose processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors). The processor may be coupled to memory / storage and configured to execute instructions stored in memory / storage to enable various applications and / or operating systems running on the system.

[0175] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with embodiments that are considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various variations without departing from the full scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), applied to the base station side, characterized in that, include: When the communication system is in the non-terrestrial network NTN store and forward (S&F) mode, the base station configures the user equipment (UE) with operations associated with at least one timer.

2. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 1, characterized in that, The S&F operation of the NTN S&F mode includes: Establish connectivity between the UE and the satellite, and process signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite; and Establish connectivity between the satellite and the ground network, and process the signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the ground network.

3. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The at least one timer is configured based on the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system.

4. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 3, characterized in that, The RAT type includes ground RAT, NTN, or NTN in the S&F mode.

5. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the communication system is in the NTN S&F mode, the extension of the at least one timer is used in the S&F operation.

6. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The value of the at least one timer used in the NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of the at least one timer used in the ground RAT, or greater than the value of the at least one timer used in the NTN.

7. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The at least one timer includes at least one non-access stratum (NAS) timer and / or at least one access stratum (AS) timer.

8. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers.

9. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The at least one AS timer includes one or more Radio Resource Control (RRC) timers, one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) timers, one or more Radio Link Control (RLC) timers, and / or one or more Media Access Control (MAC) timers.

10. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The at least one AS timer is configurable and is configured by the base station for the UE.

11. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Configure the value of the at least one timer based on the RAT type and / or UE capability.

12. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 11, characterized in that, During at least one NAS process and / or at least one AS process, the base station configures at least one timer of one type required by the UE, and the base station applies at least one timer required by the UE.

13. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one timer required by the UE includes timers of type T3510, T3517, T3580, T3581, and / or T3582.

14. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The at least one NAS process and / or the at least one AS process includes a registration process, a service request process and / or a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session process, and the at least one timer required by the UE is started when the registration process, the service request process and / or the PDU session process is initiated.

15. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 14, characterized in that, The PDU session process includes PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, and at least one timer required by the UE is started when the PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release are initiated.

16. A wireless communication method for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), applied to the user equipment (UE) side, characterized in that, include: When the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE receives operations associated with at least one timer from the base station.

17. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 16, characterized in that, The S&F operation of the NTN S&F mode described above includes: Establish connectivity between the UE and the satellite, and process signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite; and Establish connectivity between the satellite and the ground network, and process the signaling / data exchange between the satellite and the ground network.

18. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Also includes: The at least one timer is received based on the RAT (Radio Access Technology) type of the communication system.

19. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 18, characterized in that, The RAT type includes ground RAT, NTN, or NTN in the S&F mode.

20. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 19, characterized in that, When the communication system is in the NTN S&F mode, the extension of the at least one timer is used in the S&F operation.

21. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The value of the at least one timer used in the NTN S&F mode is greater than the value of the at least one timer used in the ground RAT, or greater than the value of the at least one timer used in the NTN.

22. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that, The at least one timer includes at least one non-access stratum (NAS) timer and / or at least one access stratum (AS) timer.

23. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 22, characterized in that, The at least one NAS timer includes one or more mobility management timers and / or one or more session management timers.

24. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The at least one AS timer includes one or more Radio Resource Control (RRC) timers, one or more Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) timers, one or more Radio Link Control (RLC) timers, and / or one or more Media Access Control (MAC) timers.

25. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The at least one AS timer is configurable and is configured by the base station for the UE.

26. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the RAT type and / or UE capability, the value of the at least one timer is received.

27. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 26, characterized in that, During at least one NAS process and / or at least one AS process, the UE receives at least one timer of a required type from the base station, and the UE applies the at least one timer required by the base station.

28. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 27, characterized in that, The at least one timer required by the UE includes timers of type T3510, T3517, T3580, T3581, and / or T3582.

29. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The at least one NAS process and / or the at least one AS process includes a registration process, a service request process and / or a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session process, and when initiating the registration process, the service request process and / or the PDU session process, a timer required by the UE is started.

30. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 29, characterized in that, The PDU session process includes PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, and when initiating the PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and / or PDU session release, a timer required by the UE is started.

31. A wireless communication method for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), applied to the base station side, characterized in that, include: When the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the base station configures an instruction to the user equipment (UE), wherein the instruction includes: Indicate the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system to the UE; and / or Instruct the UE to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system.

32. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 31, characterized in that, The instructions are sent via broadcast messages or dedicated messages.

33. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 32, characterized in that, The broadcast messages include System Information Broadcast (SIB).

34. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 33, characterized in that, The SIB is System Information Broadcast 19 (SIB19).

35. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 32, characterized in that, The dedicated messages include Random Access Channel (RACH) messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, Medium Access Control (MAC) CE messages, Downlink Control Information (DCI) messages, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) messages.

36. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that, The indication also includes the status of the communication system, and the status of the communication system includes: The service link is connected and the power supply link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE connection management CM status.

37. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that, The indication is pre-configured and / or stored by the UE or the application layer, wherein the application layer is an entity for pre-configuring and storing information.

38. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 31 to 37, characterized in that, The RAT type of the communication system is updated periodically, or the RAT type is updated based on event triggering.

39. A wireless communication method for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), applied to the user equipment (UE) side, characterized in that, include: When the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE receives an indication from the base station, wherein the indication includes: Indicate the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the communication system to the UE; and / or Instruct the UE to use at least one timer based on the RAT type of the communication system.

40. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 39, characterized in that, The instructions are sent via broadcast messages or dedicated messages.

41. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 40, characterized in that, The broadcast messages include System Information Broadcast (SIB).

42. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 41, characterized in that, The SIB is System Information Broadcast 19 (SIB19).

43. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 40, characterized in that, The dedicated messages include Random Access Channel (RACH) messages, Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, Medium Access Control (MAC) CE messages, Downlink Control Information (DCI) messages, or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) messages.

44. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 39 to 43, characterized in that, The indication also includes the status of the communication system, and the status of the communication system includes: The service link is connected and the power supply link is disconnected; UE context storage; and / or UE connection management CM status.

45. The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 39 to 44, characterized in that, The indication is pre-configured and / or stored by the UE or the application layer, wherein the application layer is an entity for pre-configuring and storing information.

46. ​​The wireless communication method for NTN according to any one of claims 39 to 45, characterized in that, The RAT type of the communication system is updated periodically, or the RAT type is updated based on event triggering.

47. A wireless communication method for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), applied to the user equipment (UE) side, characterized in that, include: When the communication system is in NTN store-and-forward (S&F) mode, the UE is in a UE state, and when the UE is processing signaling / data exchange with the satellite, the UE is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state.

48. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 47, characterized in that, When the UE cannot or does not perform the signaling / data exchange with the satellite, the UE is in an RRC idle / inactive state.

49. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 47, characterized in that, When the signaling / data exchange is processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network, the UE is in an RRC idle / inactive state. When the signaling / data exchange is processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network, the UE switches from the RRC idle / inactive state to the RRC connected state, or the UE is still in the RRC connected state when the signaling / data exchange is processed between the satellite and the terrestrial network.

50. The wireless communication method for NTN according to claim 49, characterized in that, The UE does not perform the Radio Link Monitoring (RLM) procedure or declare the Radio Link Failure (RLF) procedure during S&F operations.

51. A communication system, characterized in that, include: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; The communication system is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 50.

52. A base station, characterized in that, include: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; The processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 and 31 to 38.

53. A user equipment (UE), characterized in that, include: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver; The processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 30 and 39 to 50.

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