Relieving of step-by-step timing adjustment requirements for non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

The invention relates to relaxation of step-by-step timing adjustment requirements for non-terrestrial networks. According to one aspect, an apparatus configured to perform the following is provided. The apparatus receives a timing advance command from an access node of a non-terrestrial network. The apparatus determines whether a speed of the apparatus satisfies a predefined condition for a high speed. Based on the speed of the apparatus satisfying predefined conditions for high speed and based on the type of the apparatus matching one of the one or more predefined types, the apparatus enables use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation regulation rate for uplink transmission timing at the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments involve wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are wireless communication networks that utilize space-based or airborne access nodes to provide connectivity to terminal devices (rather than relying solely on terrestrial access nodes). These space-based or airborne access nodes can include, for example, satellites in various orbits and / or high-altitude platforms (HAPs), such as balloons, airships, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Similar to many other wireless communication networks, terminal devices in NTNs employ so-called timing advance (TA) to synchronize their transmissions with the access nodes and thus avoid interference. That is, the TA applied at the terminal device is used to adjust the transmission time of that terminal device. However, implementing timing advance functionality in NTNs is challenging due to the long distances between terminal devices and access nodes, especially given the high speeds of satellite-based access nodes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, the subject matter of the independent claim is provided. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to the first aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for high speed; and Based at least on the fact that the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for high speed, the use of increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is enabled for the uplink transmission timing at the device.

[0005] According to the first embodiment of the first aspect, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined conditions for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a predefined speed threshold for a predefined amount of time.

[0006] According to the second embodiment of the first aspect, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined conditions for high speed includes: Determine whether the average speed of the device over a predefined time period exceeds a predefined average speed threshold.

[0007] According to a third embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes performing: after enabling the use of an increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment rate, Determine whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed; Based on the device's speed meeting predefined conditions for reduced speed, the uplink transmission timing at the device is used to enable the use of increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rates.

[0008] According to the fourth embodiment of the first aspect, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined conditions for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a first predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, and Determining whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device has failed to exceed a second predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined speed threshold; or Determine whether the speed of the device is lower than a second predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined speed threshold.

[0009] According to the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined conditions for high speed includes: Determine whether the average speed of the device over a predefined time period exceeds a first predefined average speed threshold, and Determining whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device averaged over a predefined time period is lower than a second predefined average speed threshold, wherein the second predefined average speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined average speed threshold.

[0010] According to a sixth embodiment of the first aspect, the method includes performing the following based on the speed of the device satisfying a predefined condition for high speed: enabling the use of an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate is greater than a predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0011] According to a seventh embodiment of the first aspect of the sixth embodiment, each of the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing and the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing is defined as the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing excluding any adjustment resulting from changes in the device control component of timing advance due to location updates of access nodes based on serving satellites and any changes in the network control component of timing advance during a predefined past time interval.

[0012] According to the eighth embodiment of the first aspect, the increased maximum polymerization adjustment rate has a predefined value or a value that depends on at least one of the following: the speed of the device, the acceleration of the device, or the capability of the device.

[0013] According to a ninth embodiment of the first aspect, the method includes enabling the use of an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, based on the device's speed satisfying a predefined condition for high speed: wherein the unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is at least applicable to the adjustment of uplink transmission timing related to a change in the device's location.

[0014] According to the tenth embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes: Receive a configuration message from the access node, which configures the device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, based on determining that the device’s speed meets predefined conditions for high speed.

[0015] According to an eleventh embodiment of the first aspect that further defines the tenth embodiment, the configuration message defines predefined conditions for high speed.

[0016] According to the twelfth embodiment of the first aspect, the method further includes: Use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate to perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing.

[0017] According to a thirteenth embodiment that further defines the twelfth embodiment, the method further includes: Uplink transmissions are sent to access nodes in non-terrestrial networks, and these uplink transmissions utilize regulated uplink transmission timing.

[0018] According to the fourteenth embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one memory and instructions are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the device to perform: The speed of the device is determined based on at least one of the following: - One or more measurements based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). - One or more Doppler frequency shift measurements, or - Measurements taken using one or more sensors included in the device.

[0019] According to the fifteenth embodiment of the first aspect, the speed of the device corresponds to the absolute speed of the device or the speed of the device relative to the access node or other reference position.

[0020] According to the sixteenth embodiment of the first aspect, the method is performed by a device that serves as a mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0021] According to the second aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: A configuration message is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at the terminal device, based on determining that the terminal device's speed meets predefined conditions for high speed.

[0022] According to the first embodiment of the second aspect, the configuration signal defines predefined conditions for high speed.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the second aspect, the method is performed by a device acting as a satellite-based access node.

[0024] According to the third aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for high speed; and Based on the device's speed meeting predefined conditions for high speed and based on the device's type matching one of one or more predefined types, the uplink transmission timing at the device enables the use of increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rates.

[0025] According to the first embodiment of the third aspect, one or more predefined types include: one or more types corresponding to the mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0026] According to the second embodiment of the third aspect, one or more predefined types include: non-terrestrial network NTN VSAT type 4 and / or NTN VSAT type 5.

[0027] According to the third embodiment of the third aspect, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined conditions for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a predefined speed threshold for a predefined time period; or Determine whether the average speed of the device over a predefined time period exceeds a predefined average speed threshold.

[0028] According to a fourth embodiment of the third aspect, the at least one memory and instructions are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the device to perform: The speed of the device is determined based on at least one of the following: - One or more measurements based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). - One or more Doppler frequency shift measurements, or - Measurements taken using one or more sensors included in the device.

[0029] According to the fifth embodiment of the third aspect, the speed of the device corresponds to the speed of the device relative to the access node or other reference position.

[0030] According to the sixth embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes: The device receives a configuration signal from the access node, which configures the device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing, based at least on determining that the device’s speed meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the device’s type matches one of one or more predefined types.

[0031] According to a seventh embodiment of the third aspect, the method includes: enabling the use of an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, based on the fact that the speed of the device meets a predefined condition for high speed and the type of the device matches one of a predefined type of one or more predefined types, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate is greater than a predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate of uplink transmission timing.

[0032] According to the eighth embodiment of the third aspect, the increased maximum polymerization adjustment rate has a predefined value or a value that depends on at least one of the following: the speed of the device, the acceleration of the device, or the capability of the device.

[0033] According to the ninth embodiment of the third aspect, the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing is a maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing that does not include the following: any adjustments resulting from changes in the device control component due to location updates of access nodes based on serving satellites and changes in the network control component due to timing advance during a predefined past time interval.

[0034] According to a tenth embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes: after enabling the use of an increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment rate, Determine whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed; and Based on the device's speed meeting predefined conditions for reduced speed, the uplink transmission timing at the device is used to enable the use of increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rates.

[0035] According to an eleventh embodiment of the third aspect further defining the tenth embodiment, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a first predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, and Determining whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device has failed to exceed a second predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined speed threshold; or Determine whether the speed of the device is lower than a second predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined speed threshold.

[0036] According to a twelfth embodiment that further defines the tenth embodiment, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for high speed includes: Determine whether the average speed of the device over a predefined time period exceeds a first predefined average speed threshold, and Determining whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined time period, is lower than a second predefined average speed threshold, wherein the second predefined average speed threshold is lower than a first predefined average speed threshold.

[0037] According to the thirteenth embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes: Use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate to perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing.

[0038] According to a fourteenth embodiment that further defines the thirteenth embodiment, the method further includes: Uplink transmissions are sent to access nodes in non-terrestrial networks, and these uplink transmissions utilize regulated uplink transmission timing.

[0039] According to the fifteenth embodiment of the third aspect, the method is performed by a device that serves as a mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0040] According to the fourth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing, based on the determination that the terminal device's speed meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the terminal device's type matches any of the predefined types in one or more predefined types.

[0041] According to the first embodiment of the fourth aspect, the configuration signal defines predefined conditions for high speed and one or more predefined types.

[0042] According to the second embodiment of the fourth aspect, the method is performed by a device that serves as a satellite-based access node.

[0043] According to the fifth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: Receive multiple TA commands from the access node of the non-terrestrial network to change the TA command control component for timing advance TA; Determine the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA caused by multiple TA commands received during a predefined sliding time window; and At least based on the total increase exceeding a predefined TA change threshold, the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is enabled for the uplink transmission timing at the device.

[0044] According to the first embodiment of the fifth aspect, the TA applied at the device corresponds to the sum of the following: - TA command controls components, - Fixed TA offset, - TA's public network control component, and - The TA component that can be controlled by this device, The uplink transmission timing, measured in seconds, is equal to TA multiplied by the basic time unit used in non-terrestrial networks.

[0045] According to a second embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method includes: enabling the use of an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, at least based on a total increase exceeding a predefined TA change threshold, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate is greater than a predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0046] According to the third embodiment of the fifth aspect, the increased maximum polymerization adjustment rate has a predefined value or a value that depends on at least one of the following: the speed of the device, the acceleration of the device, or the capability of the device.

[0047] According to the fourth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the increase in uplink transmission timing applies to uplink transmission timing adjustments that do not include: any adjustment of uplink transmission timing resulting from changes in the device control component of the TA due to location updates of the access node based on the serving satellite, and changes in the network control component of the TA during a predefined past time interval.

[0048] According to a fifth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method includes enabling the use of an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device based on a total increase exceeding a predefined TA change threshold, wherein the unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is at least applicable to the adjustment of uplink transmission timing related to a change in the location of the device.

[0049] According to the sixth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: The device receives a configuration signal from the access node, which configures the device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, based on the determination that the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA caused by multiple TA commands received during a predefined sliding time window exceeds a predefined TA change threshold.

[0050] According to a seventh embodiment of the fifth aspect that further defines the fifth embodiment, the configuration signal defines the duration of a predefined sliding time window and a predefined TA change threshold.

[0051] According to an eighth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method includes: after enabling the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, Receive additional TA commands from the NTN access node to change the TA command control component for timing advance; Determine whether the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA, caused by multiple additional TA commands received during a predefined sliding time window, exceeds a second predefined TA change threshold, wherein the second predefined TA change threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined TA change threshold; and Based on the fact that the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA, caused by multiple additional TA commands received during the predefined sliding time window, fails to exceed the second predefined TA change threshold, the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is de-enabled for the uplink transmission timing at the device.

[0052] According to the ninth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: Use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate to perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing.

[0053] According to a tenth embodiment that further defines the fifth aspect of the ninth embodiment, the method further includes: Uplink transmissions are sent to access nodes in non-terrestrial networks, and these uplink transmissions utilize regulated uplink transmission timing.

[0054] According to the tenth embodiment of the fifth aspect, the method is performed by a device that serves as a mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0055] According to the sixth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, based on the determination that the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA caused by multiple timing advance TA commands received during a predefined sliding time window exceeds a predefined TA change threshold.

[0056] According to the first embodiment of the sixth aspect, the configuration signal defines the duration of a predefined sliding time window and a predefined TA change threshold.

[0057] According to the second embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: Send multiple TA commands to a terminal device to change the TA command control component, wherein the total increase in the network control component of the TA caused by the multiple TA commands received by the terminal device during a predefined sliding time window configured for the terminal device exceeds a predefined TA change threshold.

[0058] According to the third embodiment of the sixth aspect, the method is performed by a device that serves as a satellite-based access node.

[0059] According to a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a component for performing a method according to a first aspect or any embodiment thereof, a method according to a second aspect or any embodiment thereof, a method according to a third aspect or any embodiment thereof, a method according to a fourth aspect or any embodiment thereof, a method according to a fifth aspect or any embodiment thereof, or a method according to a sixth aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0060] According to an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory, storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the method according to the first aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the second aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the third aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fourth aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fifth aspect or any embodiment thereof, or the method according to the sixth aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0061] According to a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device (e.g., a computing device or a terminal device), cause the device to perform at least the method according to the first aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the second aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the third aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fourth aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fifth aspect or any embodiment thereof, or the method according to the sixth aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0062] According to a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a device (e.g., a computing device or a terminal device), cause the device to perform at least the method according to the first aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the second aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the third aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fourth aspect or any embodiment thereof, the method according to the fifth aspect or any embodiment thereof, or the method according to the sixth aspect or any embodiment thereof.

[0063] One or more examples of the implementation are illustrated in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 The illustrations show some embodiments of the system to which it can be applied;

[0065] Figures 2 to 4 The illustration depicts a process, according to some embodiments, for enabling the use of an increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment rate for timing advance.

[0066] Figure 5 The illustration shows signaling between an access node and a terminal device according to some embodiments, the signaling being configured for conditional use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate at a timed advance.

[0067] Figures 6 to 7 The illustration depicts a process, according to some embodiments, for de-enabling the use of an increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment rate for timing advance; and

[0068] Figure 8 An apparatus according to some embodiments is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following embodiments are presented as examples only. Although the specification may refer to "an," "one," or "some" embodiments and / or examples in several places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference refers to the same embodiment or example(s), nor does it necessarily mean that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment and / or example. Individual features of different embodiments and / or examples may also be combined to provide other embodiments and / or examples.

[0070] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0071] In the diagrams discussed below, dashed lines are used to indicate optional features.

[0072] In the following text, "timing advance" is defined as a natural number indicating the uplink transmission timing, which is applied at the terminal device to account for the propagation delay between the terminal device and the access node. Timing advance is defined relative to the downlink timing of the reference cell (i.e., relative to the timing of the downlink signal received from the access node). Timing advance can be defined (or correspond to) using the basic time unit of the communication network (e.g., 5G New Radio, 5G NR), i.e., a change in timing advance corresponds to a change in the uplink transmission timing by one basic time unit. The basic 5G NR time unit is defined as... , where Δ f max =480∙10 3 Hz, N f = 4096 (and therefore, T c ≈0.5086 ns).

[0073] Timing advance can consist of multiple components. In other words, (total) timing advance can be defined as... ,in: · It is a timing advance component that can be set using a timing advance command (TAC) sent from the access node to the terminal device. · It is a fixed time advance offset (e.g., it may depend on the specific deployment scenario and / or configuration used). · It is a timing advance correction for (public) network control (i.e., a timing advance correction for network control), which can be applied to all terminal devices within a specific cell or group. It can be based on one-way propagation delay (For example, it depends on the timing advance value of the public network control) to be derived, as will be discussed below. · It is the timing correction derived from the terminal device (i.e., the correction derived from the TA's terminal device). It can be used to enable specific adjustments for individual terminal devices with advance timing, for example, to take into account the unique propagation conditions or positioning inaccuracies of a particular terminal device. This can be determined based on the location of the serving satellite (or more generally, the serving non-terrestrial access node) and the location of the terminal equipment, as will be discussed below.

[0074] In the following text, the terms "uplink transmission timing" or "reference timing" are used to refer to uplink transmission timing in seconds. Uplink transmission timing can be defined as... ,in T c It is the basic 5G NR time unit, defined as , where Δ f max =480∙10 3 Hz, N f = 4096 (and therefore, T c ≈0.5086ns), and It can be defined as discussed above. That is, uplink frame transmission can occur (in time) before the first detection path from the reference cell when the corresponding downlink frame is received. The reference point for the initial transmission timing control requirements of the terminal device can be the downlink timing of the reference cell minus... Therefore, uplink transmission timing can be (directly) adjusted by adjusting the (total) timing advance. In some examples, the term "uplink transmission timing" may be referred to as "timing advance" or "timing advance value".

[0075] In the following description, different exemplary embodiments will be used with radio access architectures based on Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) or New Radio (NR, 5G) (as examples of access architectures to which embodiments may be applied); however, the embodiments are not limited to such architectures. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can also be applied to other types of communication networks with suitable components by appropriately adjusting parameters and processes. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are 6G systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE, the same as E-UTRA), Enhanced LTE (eLTE), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or WiFi), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, Personal Communication Services (PCS), ZigBee®, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET), Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, communications within the communication network can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0076] Figure 1 A simplified example of a system architecture is depicted, showing only some elements and functional entities, all of which are logical units, and their implementation may differ from that shown. Figure 1 The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may differ. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the system typically includes, in addition to... Figure 1 Other functions and structures besides those shown. Furthermore, although... Figure 1 The device is depicted as a separate entity, but with different units, processors, and / or memory units ( Figure 1 (Not all of them are shown in the text) can be implemented.

[0077] However, the embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, but those skilled in the art can apply the solution to other communication systems that are provided with the necessary properties.

[0078] Figure 1 The example illustrates a portion of an exemplary radio access network.

[0079] Figure 1 The communication network includes one or more access nodes 103, 106 (e.g., including multiple eNodeBs and / or multiple gNodeBs) for serving terminal devices 101 and 102. A NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of the communication system to which it is coupled. Access nodes (ANs) 103 and 106 may also be referred to as gNodeBs, base stations (BSs), access points (APs), network devices, network nodes, or NR NodeBs. Access nodes 103 and 106 include transceivers or are coupled to transceivers. From the transceivers of access nodes 103 and 106, a connection is provided to an antenna element that establishes a bidirectional radio link to the terminal device. The antenna element may include multiple antennas or antenna elements.

[0080] In a communication network with multiple network nodes (e.g., multiple access nodes 103, 106), the network nodes can connect to each other via an interface. The LTE specification refers to this interface as the X2 interface. The interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes, can be called the Xn interface.

[0081] Figure 1 The one or more access nodes 103, 106 of the communication network include at least one non-terrestrial (NT) access node 103 (i.e., at least one access node 103 of a non-terrestrial network NTN). The NT access node 103 may be, for example, a satellite-based access node (such as... Figure 1 (As depicted) or airborne access nodes. Satellite-based access nodes can be, for example, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geostationary satellites, and / or geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. Airborne access nodes can be, for example, high-altitude platforms (HAPs), such as balloons, airships, or (solar-powered) drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs). HAPs typically operate in the stratosphere. In some embodiments, the at least one non-ground (NT) access node 103 may also include at least one drone operating at a lower altitude compared to a HAP.

[0082] Figure 1 The one or more access nodes 103, 106 of the communication network may optionally include at least one ground access node 106.

[0083] As described above, one or more access nodes 103, 106 serve terminal equipment 101, and terminal equipment 102. A terminal equipment (also referred to as user equipment, user equipment (UE), user terminal, etc.) illustrates a type of device to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and therefore any features described herein with respect to a terminal equipment can be implemented using corresponding means such as a relay node. An example of such a relay node is a Layer 3 relay (self-backhaul relay) toward a base station. User equipment may include mobile devices and at least one general-purpose integrated circuit card (UICC).

[0084] At least one access node 103, 106 can provide wireless access to the communication network to terminal devices 101, 102. Wireless access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to terminal devices 101, 102 and uplink (UL) communication from terminal devices 101, 102 to the access node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for sending control information to the network and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for sending data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for sending control information to user equipment and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for sending data to user equipment.

[0085] The system can contain multiple terminal devices 101 and 102. Each of these terminal devices can be served by the same or different access nodes. The terminal devices can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), meaning they can be connected to multiple access nodes. When a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between terminal devices 101 and 102 via a so-called side link (SL), these terminal devices can communicate with each other. For example, this D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0086] Terminal devices 101 and 102 generally refer to portable computing devices, including wireless mobile communication devices that operate with or without a Subscriber Identity (or Identification) Module (SIM) or User Interface Control (UICC), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile stations (mobile phones), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices, devices using wireless modems (such as alarm or measuring devices), laptop computers and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, game consoles, laptops, or multimedia devices. In some embodiments, user equipment 100 and user equipment 102 may be XR devices (or equivalently XR terminal devices). XR devices may be, for example, wearable XR devices, such as virtual reality (VR) glasses or headsets, augmented reality (AR) glasses or headsets, mixed reality (MR) glasses or headsets, or wearable XR headsets or glasses that implement at least one of VR, AR, or MR functions. Here, the SIM may be a physical SIM that can be removed by the user, or it may be an embedded SIM (eSIM) that is directly embedded in user equipment 100 or user equipment 102 (and therefore not removable by the user). It should be understood that a user equipment (UE) can also be a nearly exclusive uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that loads images or video clips onto the network. A UE can also be a device capable of operating in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, in which objects can be provided with the ability to transmit data over the network without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Therefore, a UE may not enable direct user interaction, or may only enable limited user interaction (e.g., during setup). The UE (or, in some embodiments, a Layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of the UE functions. The device may also be referred to as a terminal device, subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE), to name just a few. Each UE 101, 102 may include one or more antennas.

[0087] In some embodiments, at least one of terminal devices 101 and 102 may be a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), a special type of terminal device that can be operated using an NTN. A VSAT may be a fixed VSAT or a mobile VSAT. A fixed VSAT used in a fixed satellite system (FSS) is located at a given location, which may be a designated fixed point or any fixed point within a designated area. Mobile VSATs are not included in this definition of a fixed VSAT.

[0088] A mobile VSAT is a VSAT provided on a mobile platform. Mobile VSATs can be of one of three types: airborne, seaborne, or land-based. Mobile VSATs can also be referred to as mobile earth stations (ESIM) or earth stations on mobile platforms (ESOMP).

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one of terminal devices 101 and 102 may be an NTN VSAT belonging to a specific NTN VSAT category. NTN VSAT categories are specified based on the assumption that certain NTN VSAT types have specific device architectures (including antenna beam steering types). Requirements are specified for different NTN VSAT types. Additionally, for NTN VSATs with hybrid beam steering capabilities, which can adjust their antenna(s) or beam(s) via both electronic and mechanical beam steering, the applicable requirements depend on their declared NTN VSAT type and follow either electronic or mechanical beam steering requirements. NTN VSAT types may be defined as specified in the table below. In some embodiments, at least one of the terminal devices 101 and 102 may be a mobile NTN VSAT, for example, a mobile NTN VSAT of type 4 or type 5.

[0090] At least one NT access node 103 is also connected to the core network 104 (CN or Next Generation Core NGC). This connection is provided via a feeder link connecting at least one NT access node 103 to a ground station or gateway, which in turn is connected to the core network 104 (via a wired or wireless connection). Depending on the system, the connection point on the CN side may be a serving gateway (S-GW, which routes and forwards user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) for providing connectivity between user equipment (UE) and external packet data networks, or a mobility management entity (MME), etc. The LTE specification designates the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME) and gateway nodes. The MME can handle the mobility of terminal equipment in a tracking area covering multiple cells and handle signaling connections between terminal equipment and the core network. Gateway nodes can handle data routing in the core network and data routing to / from terminal equipment. The 5G specification designates the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core can include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and User Plane Functions / Gateways (UPF), as well as other functions. AMF can handle non-access stratum (NAS) signaling termination, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security context management. For example, UPF nodes can support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and Quality of Service (QoS) processing.

[0091] The communication system can also communicate with one or more data networks 105, such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet 112, or utilize services provided by one or more data networks 105. The communication network may also be able to support the use of cloud services; for example, at least a portion of the core network operation can be performed as a cloud service. The communication system may also include a central control entity, etc., providing facilities for different operators' networks to collaborate, for example, in spectrum sharing.

[0092] In some embodiments, Figure 1The RAN can employ a distributed access node architecture. Therefore, in some embodiments, the RAN may include at least one distributed access node comprising a centralized (or central) unit (CU), one or more distributed units communicatively connected to the centralized unit, and one or more (remote) radio heads or units (RRH, RU, or RRU), each of which is communicatively connected to at least one of the one or more distributed units (DU). In the case of NTN, at least the CU and optionally (multiple) DUs may be located at a ground station or core network 104; that is, they may be terrestrial. Specifically, one or more radio units and distributed units may be connected via a fronthaul interface. A radio unit may include analog circuitry, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and circuitry for performing some Layer 1 (L1) processing of the distributed access node. A radio unit may include or be directly connected to one or more antennas of the distributed access node. A distributed unit may include circuitry for performing some L1 processing of the distributed access node (e.g., beamforming weight calculation) and circuitry for performing Layer 2 (L2) processing (e.g., scheduling and resource allocation). A centralized unit may include circuitry for performing higher-level processing functions for distributed access nodes, including Layer 3 (L3) processing (e.g., radio resource control, mobility management, and connection establishment), and optionally some non-real-time L2 processing. The centralized unit typically manages and coordinates multiple distributed units, handling tasks such as network management, policy enforcement, and interfacing with the core network. The centralized unit may reside in a central data center or cloud environment to enable efficient centralized control and resource allocation across the network.

[0093] In other embodiments, Figure 1 The RAN can adopt a non-distributed access node architecture. In other words, at least one NT access node 103 can be a non-distributed access node.

[0094] Edge cloud can be introduced into the RAN by leveraging Network Functions Virtualization (NVF) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Using edge cloud means that access node operations will be performed, at least partially, in servers, hosts, or nodes operatively coupled to the RU or access node (including the radio portion). Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. The application of cloud RAN architecture enables real-time RAN functions to be executed on the RAN side (in the DU), while non-real-time functions can be executed centrally (in the CU).

[0095] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described system is merely an example of a portion of a radio access system, and in practice, the system may include multiple (e / g) NodeBs (i.e., multiple network nodes or network elements), user equipment may have access to multiple radio cells, and the system may also include other devices such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements. At least one of the (e / g) NodeBs may be a home (e / g) NodeB. Additionally, multiple different types of radio cells and multiple radio cells may be provided within the geographical area of ​​the radio communication system. Radio cells may be macrocells (or umbrella cells), which are large cells typically tens of kilometers in diameter, or smaller cells such as microcells, femtocells, or picocells. Figure 1 The (e / g) NodeB can provide any type of these cells. Cellular radio systems can be implemented as multi-layer networks comprising several types of cells. Typically, in a multi-layer network, one access node provides one or more cells of one type, and therefore multiple (e / g) NodeBs are required to provide such a network structure.

[0096] The embodiments discussed below may involve performing timing advance adjustment (or specifically, stepwise timing adjustment) in an NTN. Timing advance is employed to synchronize various transmissions from different terminal devices to a single access node. That is, the timing advance applied at the terminal device is used to adjust the transmission time of the terminal device. To provide background for the embodiments discussed in detail below, various timing advance adjustment functions implemented at the NTN are discussed below. Any of the features and definitions discussed may be applicable to the embodiments.

[0097] In NTN, due to the high variability and magnitude of timing advance in LEO scenarios, a so-called UE-autonomous timing advance pre-compensation is introduced. The terminal device is expected to calculate the timing offset by estimating the physical layer round-trip time (RTT). This estimation can be based on, for example, the terminal device's location (e.g., acquired via a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) and satellite ephemeris tables (e.g., current position, velocity, and orbital parameters). Generally, the satellite ephemeris table is defined as a dataset that provides the trajectory or position of satellites in their orbits at a specific time. Similarly, a similar estimation can be used to perform frequency Doppler offset pre-compensation in uplink transmissions (a set of downlink receptions performed by the terminal device).

[0098] As discussed in Section 4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.213 (V18.4.0), using the higher-layer ephemeris parameters for the serving satellite (i.e., the access node based on the serving satellite) (if provided), the terminal device can perform timing (or TA) correction based on the UE-derived parameters. This is to pre-compensate for bidirectional transmission delays on the service link. The terminal device can determine its location based on the location of the serving satellite and the location of the terminal device. .

[0099] On the other hand, in order to pre-compensate for the bidirectional transmission delay between the uplink time synchronization reference point and the serving satellite, the terminal device can base its response on the one-way propagation delay. To determine the timing calibration of (public) network control. Terminal devices can reduce one-way propagation delay. Determined as: . in , ,as well as These are, respectively, the timing advance (in seconds) of (public) network control, and the timing advance of (public) network control. Associated drift (in seconds), and timing advance with (public) network control. The associated change in drift rate (in seconds). , ,as well as The value can be obtained through parameters ta- Common , ta-CommonDrift ,as well as ta-CommonDriftVariant These parameters can be defined as indicated in the table below. yes , ,as well as The epochal time. The time synchronization between the service satellite and the uplink time synchronization reference point t The distance is divided by the speed of light. The uplink time synchronization reference point is the distance between the downlink and uplink, and the distance between the uplink and the downlink. The given (fixed) offset is at the frame alignment point.

[0100] Section 7.1C of 3GPP TS 38.133 (V18.7.0) further defines how to adjust the transmission timing of terminal equipment for satellite access. Terminal equipment may have the ability to track frame timing changes of the reference cell while in a connected state. Uplink frame transmission occurs (in time) before the first detection path from the reference cell when the corresponding downlink frame is received. .

[0101] As indicated above, the advance timing command can specify parameters. N TAThe value (at least indirectly). That is, the timing advance command used for the timing advance group (TAG) in the case of random access response, or in the absolute timing advance command MAC CE (Media Access Control control element), or in the cell handover command. T A It can be done T A The index values ​​= 0, 1, 2, ..., 3846 are used to indicate... N TA Value, where the value used for subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 2. μ • The time alignment of the TAG at 15kHz is N TA = T A ∙16∙64⁄2 μ ,in μ It is a digital transmission technology. N TA It can be defined relative to the SCS transmitted from the terminal device on the first uplink after receiving a random access response, an absolute timing advance command (MAC CE), or a cell handover command. In other cases, it refers to the timing advance command used for the TAG. T A It can be done T A The index values ​​= 0, 1, 2, ..., 63 are used to indicate the current... N TA value N TA_old Adjust to new N TA value N TA_new For 2 μ • 15kHz SCS, .

[0102] The initial transmission timing error of terminal equipment in NTN can be less than or equal to ±T. e_NTN T e_NTN This is the timing error limit. Timing error limit T e_NTN The value can be, for example, specified in Tables 7.1C.2-1, 2-2, or 2-3 of 3GPP TS 38.133 (V18.7.0) (depending on the use case). This requirement applies when it is the first transmission in a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for PUCCH, PUSCH, and SRS, or when it is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, or when it is a msgA transmission.

[0103] The terminal equipment can meet the above requirements for the initial transmission T e_NTNThe requirement is that at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) is available at the terminal device during the last 160ms. The reference point for the UE's initial transmission timing control requirements can be the downlink timing of the reference cell minus... .

[0104] Downlink timing is defined as: the time when the first path of the corresponding downlink frame, used by the terminal device to determine the downlink timing, is received from the reference cell at the terminal device's (multiple) antennas.

[0105] For PRACH N TA It can be defined as 0. Uplink transmission timing for other channels. (In seconds) can be equal to the terminal device's transmission timing and immediately following the last timing applied in advance, or... or The difference between the downlink timings after the last update.

[0106] The value can depend on the duplex mode and frequency range (FR) of the cell in which the uplink transmission occurs. It can be defined according to Table 7.1.2-2 of 3GPP TS 38.133 (V18.7.0).

[0107] As a result of the NTN process discussed above, most of the timing advance is pre-compensated autonomously by the terminal device. Therefore, timing advance... N TA The component is primarily used for "residual timing advance" to account for inaccuracies in the GNSS implementation of terminal devices and other potential sources of additional delay in the network, such as multipath components.

[0108] However, the physical information estimated by the terminal device (e.g., the location of the serving NT access node and the terminal device) is associated with a degree of uncertainty. In particular, the location of the terminal device, typically estimated using GNSS, can fluctuate significantly over time due to small random changes in the actual location of the terminal device and / or the signals used to estimate the location based on GNSS. Therefore, to prevent excessive "back and forth" adjustment (so-called ping-pong), some requirements for the autonomous adjustment of the terminal device can be defined.

[0109] Section 7.1C.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.133 (V18.7.0) defines methods for performing incremental timing adjustments (autonomous incremental timing adjustments) at the terminal device (i.e., timing advance or specifically...). The rules for gradual adjustment. When the transmission timing error between the terminal device and the reference timing exceeds ±T...e_NTN At the same time, the terminal device can adjust the timing to make the timing error within ±T. e_NTN Internally. Reference timing can be prior to the downlink timing of the reference cell. All adjustments made to the uplink timing of the terminal device (i.e., to the TA applied at the terminal device) can comply with the following requirements: 1) In a single adjustment, besides those caused by satellite position updates... Changes and the relationship between the previous and current transmissions Besides the change, the maximum amount of timed change should be T. q_NTN 2) Apart from those caused by satellite position updates The changes and the last second Apart from the changes, the minimum polymerization adjustment rate should be T per second. p_NTN 3) Apart from those caused by satellite position updates The changes and the last 200ms Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms T q_NTN . Here, Table 7.1C.2.1-1 specifies the maximum autonomous time adjustment step size T for NTN frequency range 1 and NTN frequency range 2 (FR1-NTN and FR2-NTN). q_NTN and polymerization adjustment rate T p_NTN . Here, FR2-NTN is a frequency band above 15 GHz supported by Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT).

[0110] It should be noted that only timing advances caused by satellite position updates are considered. Changes in the control components of the terminal equipment are not constrained or limited by the step-by-step timing adjustment requirements. Therefore, changes in the location of the terminal equipment... Any changes must comply with the above requirements. While this allows for the prevention of... While constant adjustments can be made, this may be an unnecessary limitation in certain NTN communication scenarios, as will be discussed below.

[0111] In terrestrial networks, timed advance TA commands are controllable closed-loop components. N TA This is often the most relevant component for timing advance control. Therefore, the aforementioned maximum and minimum limits for aggregation adjustment rates usually do not pose a problem in terrestrial networks. The network is responsible for issuing timing advance commands to maintain the synchronization of terminal devices.

[0112] On the other hand, in non-terrestrial networks, the open-loop component controlled by the terminal equipment with advance timing... (Pre-compensation by the terminal device) typically requires achieving the highest possible accuracy. However, the maximum and minimum limits on the aggregation adjustment rate can pose significant challenges to achieving high accuracy, especially in mobile scenarios where the terminal device moves rapidly.

[0113] For FR1-NTN, the current value is T. p_NTN and T q_NTN The defined value is 0.18 µs (microseconds), while for FR2-NTN, the current value is T. p_NTN and T q_NTN The defined value is 0.08 µs (microseconds). These values ​​are not suitable for covering high-mobility communication scenarios. In other words, it is defined as T... q_NTN The maximum aggregation rate of / (200ms) is too low.

[0114] Since timing advance corrects for the entire round-trip time (including both uplink and downlink transmissions), its value is typically proportional to twice the distance between the terminal device and the serving access node. Therefore, the aforementioned values ​​for the correction factor (0.18µs and 0.08µs) should account for a twofold change in the distance between the terminal device and the serving access node. Such correction factors would correspond to distances of 26.8 meters and 12.2 meters respectively (assuming the speed of light). c ).

[0115] Therefore, if we look at requirements 1)-3) mentioned above, we can deduce the following: - The maximum amount of timed change should correspond to a distance change of up to 26.8m for FR1-NTN and up to 12m for FR2-NTN. - The minimum polymerization adjustment rate should correspond to a distance change of more than 26.8 m per second for FR1-NTN and more than 12 m per second for FR2-NTN. - The maximum polymerization rate should correspond to a distance change of less than 26.8 m per 200 ms for FR1-NTN and less than 12 m per 200 ms for FR2-NTN. However, the third point raises a problem. Specifically, the requirement for the maximum convergence adjustment rate would force a distance change of less than 134 m / s in FR1-NTN or less than 60 m / s in FR2-NTN. This translates to a distance change caused by a relative speed of 483 km / h (FR1-NTN) or 219 km / h (FR2-NTN). These values ​​are not large enough to cover all airborne mobile terminal equipment (or terminal equipment in high-speed trains), particularly for the FR2-NTN case, where they are the cornerstone of operation in this band in all cases (depending on the degree of orthogonality between the terminal equipment movement and the satellite orbit). On the other hand, increasing the values ​​of Tp and Tq would affect the requirement of the second point mentioned above, and thus reduce the ability of such a requirement as a low-pass filter to avoid constant adjustment of timing advance at the terminal equipment. At least some embodiments attempt to overcome or at least mitigate this problem.

[0116] Figure 2 The illustration depicts a process for relaxing the requirement for the maximum aggregation adjustment rate (i.e., enabling an increase in the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing) according to an embodiment. This process can be performed by a device such as a terminal device. The device (e.g., a terminal device or UE) can be configured to operate within an NTN. The terminal device can be, for example... Figure 1 The terminal device is one of terminal device 101 or terminal device 102. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT (e.g., NTNVSAT type 4 or NTN VSAT type 5). In the following text, for simplicity, the entity performing the procedure will be referred to as a device.

[0117] refer to Figure 2 The device can be configured to receive a timing advance command (or at least one timing advance command) from a (serving) access node of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) in block 201. The timing advance command may include timing advance-related information that enables the device to adjust its timing advance (i.e., adjust its transmission timing). In other words, the timing advance command may indicate a change to the timing advance command control component. The timing advance command control component may be the parameters described above. N TA In some cases, timing advance is indicated by a timing advance command (e.g., N TA The value can be zero. NTN access nodes can be, for example... Figure 1 NT access node 103 (e.g., a satellite-based access node or an over-the-air access node).

[0118] In box 202, the device determines whether its speed meets predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility or high speed). The predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility or high speed) can be defined as an indication of: the (default) maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing (e.g., equal to T). q_NTN / (200ms)) is not expected to be sufficient to enable all necessary uplink transmission timing adjustments (or timing advance adjustments equivalent to timing advance-defined uplink transmission timing). Here, the speed of the device may correspond to the absolute speed of the device or the speed of the device relative to the (serving) access node of the NTN or other reference points or locations (e.g., the center of the cell) (e.g., reference Location 1, reference Location 2, etc.).

[0119] In some embodiments, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for high mobility in block 202 includes determining whether the speed of the device exceeds a predefined speed threshold within a predefined amount of time (or a predefined time window). In other words, the predefined condition may be a predefined speed threshold (which is evaluated over a predefined amount of time). To satisfy the predefined condition, the speed of the device must exceed the predefined speed threshold for each time instance within the predefined amount of time.

[0120] In some embodiments, determining whether the speed of the device meets a predefined condition for high mobility in block 202 includes determining whether the average speed of the device over a predefined time period (or predefined time window) exceeds a predefined average speed threshold. In other words, the predefined condition may be a predefined average speed threshold. In some alternative embodiments, the average may be replaced by a weighted average, median, mode, or third-order average. n percentiles (of which) n (A real number between 0 and 100).

[0121] The device can determine its velocity in various ways. In some embodiments, in block 202, the device can determine its velocity based on at least one of the following: one or more GNSS-based (e.g., GPS) measurements, one or more Doppler shift measurements (using a reference signal), or one or more sensor measurements using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) included in the device. The one or more GNSS-based measurements can be performed by the device's GNSS (or GPS) module. The one or more Doppler shift measurements can be measurements based on the Doppler shift (i.e., frequency shift due to motion) of a signal received from a serving access node relative to which velocity can be evaluated. The IMU may include one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes for detecting motion and orientation changes of the device. In some embodiments, IMU-based sensor measurements can be combined with one or more GNSS-based (e.g., GPS) measurements to improve the accuracy and reliability of velocity prediction. In some embodiments, at least one or more GNSS-based measurements may be employed.

[0122] At least based on (or in response to) the device's speed meeting predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility or high speed) in block 203, in block 204, the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device (i.e., uplink transmission timing adjustment or at least some of these). The increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate may be a finite maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0123] In some embodiments, the device may be configured to enable either an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate or an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate (predefined). In some embodiments, the device may be configured to use the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate if a predefined condition is met. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to use an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate if a predefined condition is met. The predefined condition may be associated with at least one of the following: high speed; the type of the device; or a total increase in the TA command control component. (Details of the conditions and their evaluation are described in this disclosure.)

[0124] Alternatively, the device can be configured to select either an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate or an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate based on whether predefined selection conditions (configured to the device) are met. If the predefined selection conditions are met, the device can use an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate, and if the predefined selection conditions are not met, the device can use an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate. Alternatively, the predefined selection conditions can be defined in the opposite manner, such that if the predefined selection conditions are not met, the device can use an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate, and if the predefined selection conditions are met, the device can use an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate. For example, the predefined selection conditions can be based on the device's speed (e.g., instantaneous speed, speed over a predefined time amount, or average speed over a predefined time amount), the device's type (e.g., type of terminal device or type of VSAT), the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over each predefined sliding time window, or any combination of the listed attributes. Thus, according to different embodiments (in conjunction with...), Figures 2 to 4 (As discussed or to be discussed), predefined selection conditions can be defined in a manner similar to those used to enable the use of increased maximum polymerization rate or unlimited maximum polymerization rate.

[0125] In some embodiments, the predefined selection conditions can be defined such that higher speeds or mobility of the device result in the selection of an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate, while lower speeds of the device result in the selection of an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate. For example, for this purpose, a second predefined speed threshold for evaluating speed over a predefined time period, or a second predefined average speed threshold for evaluating speed averaged over a predefined time period, can be defined, wherein the second predefined speed threshold or the second predefined average speed threshold is greater than the predefined speed threshold or the predefined average speed threshold used in blocks 202 and 203, respectively.

[0126] In some embodiments, the predefined selection condition can be defined such that a larger increase in the timing-advanced TA command control component over a predefined sliding time window leads to the selection of an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate, while a smaller increase in the timing-advanced TA command control component leads to the selection of an increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate. For example, for this purpose, a second predefined TA change threshold can be defined. This second predefined TA change threshold can be greater than the predefined TA change threshold discussed in conjunction with blocks 402 and 403.

[0127] In some embodiments, at least when the uplink transmission timing is adjusted due to the movement of the device, an unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate can be used by the device.

[0128] The increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate can be at least greater than the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate. As mentioned above, the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate can, for example, be equal to T. q_NTN / (200ms). Each of the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing and the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing can be defined as the maximum (i.e., the largest possible) aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, excluding the following: device control components with timing advance due to location updates of access nodes based on serving satellites during a predefined past time interval (e.g., 200ms). Any adjustments resulting from changes in (public) network control components, and adjustments due to advance timing. Any adjustments resulting from changes in the location of the device. The increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate may apply at least (or only) to uplink transmission timing adjustments related to changes in timing advance due to the change in the location of the device. As previously defined, the timing advance applied at the device (i.e., with T c (The reference time for the unit) can also be set here according to The uplink transmission timing (in seconds) defined and applied at this device can be based on... And thus defined.

[0129] The increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate can have a predefined value (e.g., equal to the sum of a predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate and a positive additional aggregation adjustment rate tolerance). Alternatively, the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate can have a value that depends on the device's capabilities. The device's capabilities can refer to its ability to autonomously adjust uplink transmission timing (or specifically TA). The device's capabilities can refer to one or more of its capabilities to autonomously adjust uplink transmission timing (or TA) at a predefined rate or at a predefined maximum rate.

[0130] When the use of the increased maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at this device is enabled, the maximum aggregation rate (including the predefined default maximum aggregation rate and the increased maximum aggregation rate) can be defined, for example, as follows: - Except for the period last 200ms caused by satellite position updates Changes and Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms Y T q_NTN Where Y is a scaling factor for the gradual adjustment requirements of the UE in high-speed scenarios, or - Except for the period last 200ms caused by satellite position updates Changes and Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms Y T q_NTN Where Y is a scaling factor for the maximum aggregate adjustment rate of the UE, or - Except for the period last 200ms caused by satellite position updates Changes and Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms Y T q_NTN , where Y is a scaling factor for the maximum aggregate adjustment rate of the UE in high-speed scenarios.

[0131] An unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate can be applied at least (or only) to uplink transmission timing (or TA) adjustment associated with changes in the device's location. Therefore, during a predefined past time interval (e.g., 200 ms), the device control component of the TA due to location updates of the access node based on the serving satellite (…) Any changes to ) and due to the (public) network control component of TA ( In the event of any changes to the above, the unlimited maximum polymerization rate may not apply.

[0132] When the use of an unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at this device is enabled, the maximum aggregation rate (i.e., the predefined default maximum aggregation rate) can be defined, for example, as follows: - Except for the period last 200ms caused by satellite position updates and / or UE position updates. Changes and Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms T q_NTN ,or - Except for the last 200ms period caused by satellite position updates and / or UE position updates in high-speed scenarios. Changes and Apart from the changes, the maximum polymerization adjustment rate should be every 200 ms T q_NTN .

[0133] Subsequently, in block 205, the device can perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing (i.e., incremental timing adjustment of the device's uplink timing) using an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate. This incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing (or particularly associated timing advance) can also employ a predefined (default) maximum and a predefined (default) minimum aggregation adjustment rate for the magnitude of the timing change, similar to those described above.

[0134] Furthermore, in block 206, the device can send at least one uplink transmission with adjusted uplink transmission timing (i.e., adjusted timing advance) to an access node of a non-terrestrial network.

[0135] At least based on (or in response to) the device's speed failing to meet predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility or high speed) in block 203, in block 207, the device can perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing in a conventional manner (i.e., incremental timing adjustment of the device's uplink timing without using any increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate). Furthermore, in block 206, the device can send at least one uplink transmission with adjusted uplink transmission timing to an access node in a non-terrestrial network (although here, the adjustment of uplink transmission timing is subject to more restrictions).

[0136] When the increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment is not enabled at the device, the evaluation of boxes 202 and 203 (and the appropriate execution of some of the boxes 204 to 207) can be performed periodically or regularly.

[0137] Figure 3 The illustration depicts another process for relaxing the requirement for the maximum aggregation adjustment rate (i.e., enabling an increase in the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing) according to an embodiment. This process can be performed by a device such as a terminal device. The device (e.g., the terminal device) can be configured to operate within an NTN. The terminal device can be, for example... Figure 1 One of terminal devices 101 and 102. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT (e.g., NTNVSAT type 4 or type 5). In the following text, for simplicity, the entity performing the process is referred to as a device.

[0138] Figure 3 The process largely corresponds to Figure 2 The process. That is to say, Figure 3 Boxes 301, 302, 304 to 307 can be modified as needed to correspond to... Figure 2Boxes 201, 202, 204 to 207. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the operations related to these boxes will not be discussed in detail below.

[0139] Figure 3 The process and Figure 2 The difference between the processes lies in the evaluation at box 303. That is, in box 303, the device not only checks whether its speed meets predefined conditions for high speeds, but also checks whether the device type (e.g., the type of terminal device or the type of VSAT) matches one of one or more predefined types. One or more predefined types can be: device types that are expected to (substantially) benefit from the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation regulation rate under certain circumstances (i.e., if the device speed is high enough). One or more predefined types can be defined as: including mobile device types and / or excluding stationary device types (i.e., device types whose position is assumed to be fixed during operation).

[0140] In some embodiments, one or more predefined types associated with block 303 may include (or consist of) one or more types corresponding to mobile VSAT. For example, one or more predefined types may include NTN VSAT type 4 and / or NTN VSAT type 5 (as defined in the table above).

[0141] In block 303, based on (or in response to) the device's speed satisfying predefined conditions for high speed and the device's type matching one of one or more predefined types, in block 304, the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. Similar to blocks 205 and 206, in block 305, the device can use the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate to perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing (i.e., incremental timing adjustment of uplink timing for the device), and in block 306, at least one uplink transmission applying the adjusted uplink transmission timing is sent to an access node in a non-terrestrial network.

[0142] Similarly Figure 2In the process described in box 303, based on (or in response to) the device's speed failing to meet predefined conditions for high speed and / or the device's type failing to match one of one or more predefined types, in box 207, the device can perform stepwise adjustment of uplink transmission timing in a conventional manner (i.e., without using any increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate). Furthermore, in box 206, the device can send at least one uplink transmission with adjusted uplink transmission timing to an access node in a non-terrestrial network (although here, the adjustment of uplink transmission timing is further restricted).

[0143] When the increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment is not enabled at the device, the evaluation of blocks 302 and 303 (and the appropriate execution of some of the blocks 304 to 307) can be performed periodically or regularly.

[0144] In some simpler embodiments, this can be omitted. Figure 3 In box 302, the device can check whether its type matches one of one or more predefined types, only in box 303.

[0145] Figure 4 The illustration illustrates another process for relaxing the requirement for the maximum aggregation adjustment rate (i.e., enabling an increase in the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing) according to an embodiment. This process can be performed by a device such as a terminal device. The device (e.g., the terminal device) can be configured to operate in an NTN. The terminal device can be, for example... Figure 1 The terminal device is one of terminal device 101 or terminal device 102. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT (e.g., NTN VSAT type 4 or NTN VSAT type 5). In the following text, for simplicity, the entity performing the process is referred to as a device.

[0146] refer to Figure 4 In block 401, the device receives multiple timing advance commands from the NTN access node for modifying the TA command control (or TA command controllable) component of the timing advance. The TA command control component can also be referred to as the closed-loop component of the timing advance. The multiple timing advance commands can be received over a predefined sliding time window. As described above, the TA command control component can be... N TA Multiple timing advance commands can include timing advance commands for increasing and / or decreasing the timing advance of TA command control components.

[0147] In general, the timing advance applied at this device can be defined as the timing advance TA command control component ( N TA ), fixed TA offset ( ), and timed advance (public) network control components ( ) and the TA component that can be controlled by the device ( The sum of the above is as follows. Uplink transmission timing (in seconds) can be equal to the timing advance multiplied by the basic time unit used in non-terrestrial networks (e.g., basic 5G NR time unit).

[0148] In block 402, the device determines whether the total (or aggregated) increase of the timing advance TA command control component caused by multiple timing advance commands received during a predefined sliding time window exceeds a predefined TA change threshold.

[0149] In the following description, a non-limiting example of the functionality of boxes 401 and 402 is given. In this example, it is assumed that the multiple timing advance commands received in box 401 over a predefined sliding time window consist of four timing advance commands, each defining... N TA,1 , N TA,2 , N TA,3 ,as well as N TA,4 of N TA Value. For each N TA The device can determine the current value. N TA Value and previous N TA The difference between the values. Therefore, the device can calculate the difference: , , ,as well as ,in N TA,0 It is before the predefined sliding time window at its current position. N TA Value (i.e., in) N TA,1 (Previously). Then, in box 402, the device can be evaluated. Whether it applies, among which N thr This is a predefined threshold for TA (Task Adjustment). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the total increase in the TA command control component can be evaluated in other ways (e.g., directly as...). It is equal to ).

[0150] At least based on (or in response to) the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA within a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands in block 403 exceeding a predefined TA change threshold, in block 404, the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. Block 404 may correspond to Figure 2 Box 204.

[0151] Similar to blocks 205 and 206, in block 405, the device may use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate to perform incremental adjustment of uplink transmission timing (i.e., incremental timing adjustment of the device's uplink timing), and in block 406, at least one uplink transmission with adjusted uplink transmission timing is sent to an access node of a non-terrestrial network.

[0152] At least based on (or in response to) the failure of the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands in block 403 to exceed a predefined TA change threshold, the device may disable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. In this case, in block 407, the device may perform stepwise adjustment of uplink transmission timing (i.e., stepwise timing adjustment of uplink timing for the device) in a conventional manner (i.e., without using any increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate). Furthermore, in block 406, the device may send at least one uplink transmission with adjusted uplink transmission timing to an access node in a non-terrestrial network (although here, the adjustment of uplink transmission timing is further restricted).

[0153] In some alternative embodiments, the conditions of blocks 402 and 403 can be defined based on the total change (e.g., in seconds) in the uplink transmission timing associated with the timing-advanced TA command control component. Therefore, in block 402, the device can determine whether the total increase in the uplink transmission timing associated with the timing-advanced TA command control component caused by multiple timing-advanced commands received during a predefined sliding time window exceeds a predefined uplink transmission timing change threshold.

[0154] According to block 401, during operation of the device, timing advance commands can be received continuously or regularly. When increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment is not enabled at the device, the evaluations in blocks 402 and 403 (and the appropriate execution of some of the blocks in blocks 404 to 407) can be performed periodically or regularly.

[0155] In some embodiments, at block 403, the device may also consider whether the type of the device matches one of a set of predefined types, similar to combination. Figure 3 This is discussed in box 303. In other words, in such an embodiment, it may be necessary to have two of the following: the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands exceeds a predefined TA change threshold, and the device type matches one of one or more predefined types. As discussed in conjunction with box 303, one or more predefined types may be defined here.

[0156] In some embodiments, the functions of blocks 202 and 203 can be the same as those of blocks 203. Figure 4 The process is combined. In other words, in such an embodiment, in order to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate, the device may require two things: the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands exceeds a predefined TA change threshold, and the speed of the device meets predefined conditions for high speeds. In other embodiments, the type of device, similar to the combination... Figure 3 The subject of discussion.

[0157] Figure 5 The illustration shows signaling between an access node and a terminal device according to an embodiment, which enables a relaxation of the maximum aggregation adjustment rate requirement (i.e., enables an increase in the maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing). Here, the terminal device may be... Figure 1 The terminal device is one of terminal equipment 101 or terminal equipment 102. The terminal equipment can be, for example, a VSAT or mobile VSAT (e.g., NTN VSAT type 4 or NTN VSAT type 5). The access node can be an NT access node, such as a satellite-based NT access node or an over-the-air NT access node. The access node can be... Figure 1 NT access node 103. In some embodiments, Figure 5 The actions of the access nodes in the system can be performed by (multiple) specific units of the distributed access nodes (e.g., by DU).

[0158] refer to Figure 5Based on the determination that at least one predefined condition is met, the access node sends a configuration message in message 501. This configuration message is used to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at the terminal device. In other words, the access node can enable conditional use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate at the terminal device. Here, the at least one predefined condition may include any conditions discussed in conjunction with previous embodiments (e.g., in blocks 203, 303, and 403). In block 502, the terminal device receives the configuration message from the access node.

[0159] Depending on which conditions or requirements will be applied at the end device, the configuration message can include different information.

[0160] In Figure 2 In a corresponding embodiment, the configuration message may define predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility). Therefore, the configuration message may include, for example, the duration of a predefined time quantity, and a value of one of a predefined speed threshold or a predefined average speed threshold (or the value of any other threshold associated with the predefined conditions for high speed).

[0161] In Figure 3 In a corresponding embodiment, the configuration message may also define predefined conditions for high speed (or high mobility). Therefore, the configuration message may include, for example, the duration of a predefined time quantity, and a value of one of a predefined speed threshold or a predefined average speed threshold (or the value of any other threshold associated with the predefined conditions for high speed). Furthermore, the configuration message may define one or more predefined types of devices to which an increased or unlimited maximum aggregate adjustment rate can be applied.

[0162] In the absence of speed evaluation of boxes 302 and 303, and Figure 3 In a corresponding embodiment, the configuration message may at least define one or more predefined types of devices to which the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate can be applied.

[0163] In Figure 4 In a corresponding embodiment, the configuration message may include, for example, the duration of a predefined sliding time window and the value of a predefined TA change threshold (or a predefined uplink transmission timing change threshold).

[0164] The access node sends one or more timing advance commands to the terminal device in message 503. These one or more timing advance commands may correspond to commands issued by the terminal device in... Figure 2 Frame 201 Figure 3 Box 301, or Figure 4One or more timing advance commands are received in any of the boxes 401. Then, in box 503, the terminal device executes based on the received configuration message. Figures 2 to 4 Any process.

[0165] In some embodiments, messages 501 and 503 may be sent by two different access nodes.

[0166] Figure 6 The illustration depicts a process according to an embodiment for reversing a previous relaxation of the maximum aggregation rate requirement (i.e., an increase in the maximum aggregation rate for disabling uplink transmission timing). This process can be performed by a device such as a terminal device. The device (e.g., the terminal device) can be configured to operate within an NTN. The terminal device can be, for example... Figure 1 The terminal device is one of terminal device 101 or terminal device 102. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT (e.g., NTN VSAT type 4 or NTN VSAT type 5). In the following text, for simplicity, the entity performing the process is referred to as a device.

[0167] Figure 6 The process can be executed Figure 2 process or Figure 3 The process is executed afterward. Therefore, the device previously enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at the device, at least based on the device's speed satisfying predefined conditions for high speed. The predefined conditions for high speed can be defined at least via a first predefined speed threshold or via a first predefined average speed threshold, similar to combining... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The one discussed (where the descriptor "first" is omitted because only a single threshold is considered).

[0168] In block 601, the device determines whether its speed satisfies a predefined condition for a reduced speed (or reduced maneuverability or low speed). Here, a reduced speed refers to a speed lower than the speed required to satisfy the predefined condition for a high speed. The predefined condition for a reduced speed can also be called a predefined exit condition.

[0169] In some embodiments, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for a reduced speed in block 601 includes determining whether the speed of the device is below a second predefined rate threshold for a predefined amount of time (the condition is satisfied if the speed is less than the second predefined rate threshold for a predefined amount of time). Alternatively, determining whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for a reduced speed in block 601 includes determining whether the speed of the device has not exceeded a second predefined speed threshold for a predefined amount of time (the condition is satisfied if the speed has not exceeded the second predefined speed threshold, or if the speed exceeds the second predefined speed threshold but the duration is shorter than the predefined amount of time). In either case, with Figure 2 box 202 or Figure 3 Compared to the predefined time amount in box 302, this predefined time amount may be the same or different. In these embodiments, it can be assumed that in Figure 2 Box 202, Box 203 or Figure 3 In boxes 302 and 303, a first predefined velocity threshold (relative to a first predefined average velocity threshold) is used to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate. A second predefined velocity threshold may be lower than (or equal to) the first predefined velocity threshold (to avoid ping-pong).

[0170] In some embodiments, determining whether the speed of the device meets a predefined condition for a reduced speed in block 601 includes determining whether the average speed of the device is below a second predefined average speed threshold for a predefined amount of time. Here, the predefined amount of time may be related to... Figure 2 box 202 or Figure 3 The predefined time amounts in box 302 may be the same or different. In these embodiments, it can be assumed that in Figure 2 Box 202, Box 203 or Figure 3 In boxes 302 and 303, a first predefined average velocity threshold (relative to the first predefined velocity threshold) is used to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum polymerization adjustment rate. A second predefined average velocity threshold may be lower than the first predefined average velocity threshold (to avoid ping-pong). Alternatively, the second predefined average velocity threshold may be equal to the first predefined average velocity threshold.

[0171] Based on (or in response to) the device's speed meeting predefined conditions for a reduced speed, in block 603, the device de-enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. Therefore, Figure 2 Box 204 or Figure 3 The changes implemented in box 304 are the opposite.

[0172] Based on (or in response to) the device's speed failing to meet predefined conditions for reduced speed in block 602, the device continues to use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at that device. The processes of blocks 601 to 602 can be repeated periodically or regularly.

[0173] Figure 7 The illustration depicts another process, according to an embodiment, for reversing a previous relaxation of the maximum aggregation rate requirement (i.e., disabling the increase in the maximum aggregation rate for uplink transmission timing). This process can be performed by a device such as a terminal device. The device (e.g., the terminal device) can be configured to operate within an NTN. The terminal device can be, for example... Figure 1 The terminal device is one of terminal device 101 or terminal device 102. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT (e.g., NTN VSAT type 4 or NTN VSAT type 5). In the following text, for simplicity, the entity performing the process is referred to as a device.

[0174] Figure 7 The process can be executed Figure 4 The process is executed afterward. Therefore, based on the fact that the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over the predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands exceeds the predefined TA change threshold (hereinafter referred to as the first predefined TA change threshold for clarity), the device has previously enabled the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device.

[0175] In block 701, the device receives multiple timing advance commands from the NTN access node over a predefined sliding time window, for changing the timing advance control (or TA command controllable) component of the TA command. This step can correspond to... Figure 4 The step in block 401. Therefore, the component controlled by the TA command can be a parameter. N TA Furthermore, multiple timing advance commands may include timing advance commands for increasing and / or decreasing the timing advance of TA command control components.

[0176] In block 702, the device determines whether the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA, caused by multiple TA commands received during a predefined sliding time window (received in block 701), exceeds a second predefined TA change threshold. The second predefined TA change threshold may be lower than... Figure 4 The first predefined TA change threshold applied in boxes 402 and 403 (to avoid ping-pong). Alternatively, the second predefined TA change threshold can be equal to... Figure 4The first predefined TA applied in boxes 402 and 403 changes the threshold.

[0177] Based on (or in response to) the fact that, in block 703, the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands fails to exceed a second predefined TA change threshold, in block 704, the device de-enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. Therefore, Figure 4 The changes implemented in box 404 are the opposite.

[0178] Based on (or in response to) the total increase in the TA command control component of the TA over a predefined sliding time window due to multiple TA commands in block 703 exceeding a second predefined TA change threshold, the device continues to use an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing at the device. The processes of blocks 701 to 703 can be repeated periodically.

[0179] In some embodiments, Figure 5 Configuration message 501 may also include information for enabling the use of increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rates for uplink transmission timing. Therefore, the configuration message may, for example, define predefined conditions for reduced speeds, or include a second predefined TA change threshold value.

[0180] The above is made with the help of Figures 2 to 7 The described blocks, related functions, and information exchanges do not have an absolute temporal order, and some of them may be executed simultaneously or in a different order than given. Other functions may also be executed between or within them, and may emit additional information and / or apply additional rules. Some blocks or parts of blocks, or one or more pieces of information, may also be omitted or replaced with the corresponding blocks or parts of blocks, or one or more pieces of information.

[0181] Figure 8 An apparatus 801 according to some embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a device 801 that can be used as a terminal device or access node. The terminal device may be a VSAT or a mobile VSAT. The access node may be an NT access node. Alternatively, Figure 8 The apparatus 801 may be illustrated as part of a terminal device or part of an access node (e.g., a specific unit of a distributed access node).

[0182] Device 801 may include one or more communication control circuitry systems 820 (such as at least one processor) and at least one memory 830, the at least one memory 830 including one or more algorithms 831 (instructions), such as computer program code (software), wherein the at least one memory 830 and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause device 801 to perform any of the example functions of the device, terminal device, or access node described above. The at least one memory 830 may also include at least one database 832.

[0183] When one or more communication control circuitry systems 820 include more than one processor, device 801 can be a distributed device, where task processing occurs in more than one physical unit. Each of the at least one processor may include one or more processor cores. Processing cores may include, for example, a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Zen processing core designed by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation. One or more communication control circuitry systems 820 may include at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. One or more communication control circuitry systems 820 may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). One or more control circuitry systems 820 may include at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0184] refer to Figure 8 One or more communication control circuit systems 820 of device 801 are configured to use one or more individual circuit systems to perform the above-mentioned communication control circuits. Figures 2 to 7 The function described in any of them. Specifically, in Figures 2 to 7 In this case, one or more communication control circuitry systems 820 of device 801 are configured to perform the functions of at least one of the devices shown. Specific integrated circuits, such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), or other components and devices may also be used to implement the functions according to different embodiments.

[0185] refer to Figure 8The device 801 may also include various interfaces 810, such as one or more communication interfaces, including hardware and / or software for implementing communication connections according to one or more communication protocols. Specifically, when the device 801 is a terminal device or part thereof, the one or more communication interfaces 810 may include, for example, communication interfaces providing connections between the device 801 and one or more access nodes. If the device 801 is an access node or part thereof, the one or more communication interfaces 810 may include, for example, communication interfaces between the device 801 and one or more terminal devices and between the device 801 and core network nodes. The one or more communication interfaces 810 may include standard, well-known components (such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, modulators (demodulators), and encoder / decoder circuitry) controlled by corresponding control units, and one or more antennas. The device 801 may also include one or more user interfaces.

[0186] refer to Figure 8 The memory 830 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[0187] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a purely hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation solely in analog and / or digital circuit systems; and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors having software, including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to cause a device (such as a terminal device or access node) to perform various functions; and (c) (multiple) hardware circuitry and (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to function, but may be absent when not required to function. This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or multiple processors) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0188] In one embodiment, combined Figures 2 to 7At least some of the described processes can be performed by means including corresponding components for performing at least some of the above processes. Some example components for performing the above processes may include at least one of the following: a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, a memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, a display circuit system, a user interface circuit system, user interface software, display software, a circuit, a filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and / or band-stop), a sensor, a circuit system, an inverter, a capacitor, an inductor, a resistor, an operational amplifier, a diode, and a transistor. In one embodiment, at least one processor, memory, and computer program code form a processing component, or include components for performing the processes according to... Figures 2 to 7 The embodiments of the present invention refer to one or more computer program code portions of one or more operations of any one or more embodiments, or operations thereof. In some embodiments, at least some processes may be implemented using discrete components.

[0189] The described embodiments can also be performed wholly or at least partially in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or parts thereof. Figures 2 to 7 Embodiments of the described methods can be performed by executing at least a portion of a computer program including corresponding instructions. The computer program may be provided as a computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon, or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some kind of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer or processor-readable computer program distribution medium. The computer program medium may be, for example, but not limited to, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. The computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The coding of the software used to perform the illustrated and described embodiments is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art.

[0190] The term “non-transient” as used in this article refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage, such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).

[0191] References to an embodiment or an embodiment in this specification indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the solution. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0192] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials may be presented in a public list. However, these lists should be interpreted as each member being individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, no individual member in such a list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member in the same list solely based on its presentation in the common group (without any indication to the contrary). Furthermore, various embodiments and examples of this solution, as well as alternatives to its various components, may be referenced herein. It should be understood that these embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as de facto equivalents of each other, but should be considered as separate and autonomous representations of this solution.

[0193] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that the embodiments are not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can, and must, be combined with other embodiments in various ways. Industrial applicability

[0194] At least some of these embodiments have found industrial applications in wireless communication.

[0195] The embodiments disclosed herein provide the following examples.

[0196] Example 1. An apparatus for communication, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets predefined conditions for high speeds; and Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and based on the type of the device matching one of one or more predefined types, the uplink transmission timing at the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0197] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the one or more predefined types include one or more types corresponding to a mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0198] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the one or more predefined types include non-terrestrial network NTN VSAT type 4 and / or NTN VSAT type 5.

[0199] Example 4. A device according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined condition for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a predefined speed threshold for a predefined time period; or Determine whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined time period, exceeds a predefined average speed threshold.

[0200] Example 5. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: The speed of the device is determined based on at least one of the following: - One or more measurements based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). - One or more Doppler frequency shift measurements, or - Measurements are taken using one or more sensors included in the inertial measurement unit of the device.

[0201] Example 6. A device according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the speed of the device corresponds to the speed of the device relative to the access node or other reference location.

[0202] Example 7. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: The device receives a configuration signal from the access node to configure the device to enable the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing at the device, based at least on determining that the device's speed meets the predefined conditions for high speed and that the device's type matches one of the one or more predefined types.

[0203] Example 8. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus: based on the speed of the apparatus satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and the type of the apparatus matching one of one or more predefined types, performs the enabling of the use of the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing at the apparatus, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate is greater than the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing.

[0204] Example 9. The apparatus according to Example 8, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate has a predefined value or depends on at least one of the apparatus's speed, the apparatus's acceleration, or the apparatus's capability.

[0205] Example 10. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing is a maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing that does not include: any adjustment resulting from changes in the apparatus control component of the timing advance due to location updates of the access nodes based on serving satellites during a predefined past time interval, and any adjustment resulting from changes in the network control component of the timing advance.

[0206] Example 11. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute after the enable of the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate: Determine whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for a reduced speed; and Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for the reduced speed, the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is enabled for the uplink transmission timing at the device.

[0207] Example 12. The apparatus according to Example 11, wherein determining whether the speed of the apparatus satisfies the predefined condition for high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a first predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, and Determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined condition for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device fails to exceed a second predefined speed threshold to reach the predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than the first predefined speed threshold; or Determine whether the speed of the device fails to exceed or fall below a second predefined speed threshold to reach the predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than the first predefined speed threshold.

[0208] Example 13. The apparatus according to Example 11, wherein determining whether the speed of the apparatus satisfies the predefined condition of high speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined amount of time, exceeds a first predefined average speed threshold, and Determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined condition for the reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined amount of time, is lower than a second predefined average speed threshold, wherein the second predefined average speed threshold is lower than the first predefined average speed threshold.

[0209] Example 14. An apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: The uplink transmission timing is gradually adjusted using the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0210] Example 15. The apparatus according to Example 14, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: Uplink transmissions are sent to the access nodes of the non-terrestrial network, the uplink transmissions applying adjusted uplink transmission timing.

[0211] Example 16. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus is a movable very small aperture terminal (VSAT).

[0212] Example 17. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, based on determining that the speed of the terminal device meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the type of the terminal device matches any of one or more predefined types.

[0213] Example 18. The apparatus according to Example 7 or 17, wherein the configuration signal defines the high-speed predefined conditions and the one or more predefined types.

[0214] Example 19. The apparatus according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the apparatus is a satellite-based access node.

[0215] Example 20. A method comprising: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets predefined conditions for high speeds; and Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and based on the type of the device matching one of one or more predefined types, the uplink transmission timing at the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0216] Example 21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets predefined conditions for high speeds; and Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and based on the type of the device matching one of one or more predefined types, the uplink transmission timing at the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

[0217] Example 22. A method comprising: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, based on determining that the speed of the terminal device meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the type of the terminal device matches any of one or more predefined types.

[0218] Example 23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, based on determining that the speed of the terminal device meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the type of the terminal device matches any of one or more predefined types.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: Receive advance timing commands from access nodes in non-terrestrial networks; Determine whether the speed of the device meets the predefined conditions for high speed; as well as Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and based on the type of the device matching one of one or more predefined types, the uplink transmission timing at the device enables the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined types include one or more types corresponding to a mobile very small aperture terminal (VSAT); or The one or more predefined types mentioned above include Non-Terrestrial Network NTN VSAT Type 4 and / or NTN VSAT Type 5.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein determining whether the speed of the apparatus satisfies the predefined condition for high speed comprises: Determine whether the speed of the device exceeds a predefined speed threshold for a predefined time period; or Determine whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined time period, exceeds a predefined average speed threshold.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: The speed of the device is determined based on at least one of the following: - One or more measurements based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). - One or more Doppler frequency shift measurements, or - Measured using one or more sensors included in the inertial measurement unit of the device, and The speed of the device corresponds to the speed of the device relative to the access node or other reference location.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform: The device receives a configuration signal from the access node to configure the device to enable the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing at the device, based at least on determining that the device's speed meets the predefined conditions for high speed and that the device's type matches one of the one or more predefined types.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus: based on the speed of the apparatus satisfying the predefined conditions for high speed, and the type of the apparatus matching one of one or more predefined types, performs the enabling of the use of the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing at the apparatus, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate is greater than the predefined default maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the increased maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing is a maximum aggregation adjustment rate for the uplink transmission timing that does not include: any adjustment resulting from changes in the apparatus control component of the timing advance due to location updates of the access nodes based on serving satellites during a predefined past time interval, and any adjustment resulting from changes in the network control component of the timing advance.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory and the instructions are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to execute after the enable of the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate: Determine whether the speed of the device satisfies a predefined condition for a reduced speed; and Based on the speed of the device satisfying the predefined conditions for the reduced speed, the use of the increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate is enabled for the uplink transmission timing at the device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein determining whether the speed of the apparatus satisfies the predefined condition for high speed comprises one or more of the following: Determining whether the speed of the device exceeds a first predefined speed threshold for a predefined time amount, and wherein determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined condition for a reduced speed includes: Determine whether the speed of the device fails to exceed a second predefined speed threshold to reach the predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than a first predefined speed threshold; or determine whether the speed of the device fails to exceed or fall below a second predefined speed threshold to reach the predefined time amount, wherein the second predefined speed threshold is equal to or lower than the first predefined speed threshold; or Determining whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined amount of time, exceeds a first predefined average speed threshold, and wherein determining whether the speed of the device satisfies the predefined condition for a reduced speed includes: determining whether the speed of the device, averaged over a predefined amount of time, is lower than a second predefined average speed threshold, wherein the second predefined average speed threshold is lower than the first predefined average speed threshold.

10. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the following: A configuration signal is sent to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to enable the use of an increased or unlimited maximum aggregation adjustment rate for uplink transmission timing, based on determining that the speed of the terminal device meets predefined conditions for high speed and that the type of the terminal device matches any of one or more predefined types.

Images