Management of non-terrestrial network node cells and terrestrial network node cells
By obtaining the location indication of the terrestrial network node cell for the UE in the non-terrestrial network node cell, the cell search is optimized, which solves the problems of power consumption and handover efficiency of the UE in the coverage area of the non-terrestrial network node, and achieves more efficient network handover and reduced signaling overhead.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QUALCOMM INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Within the coverage area of non-terrestrial network node cells, user equipment (UE) has difficulty efficiently detecting and switching to terrestrial network node cells, leading to increased power consumption and potential service interruption risks.
By obtaining the location indication of terrestrial network node cells that overlap with non-terrestrial network node cells, the UE optimizes the cell search process based on the location and its own location, reducing unnecessary neighboring cell measurements.
It reduces UE power consumption, improves cell handover efficiency and reliability, and reduces signaling overhead.
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Figure CN122139412A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-references to related applications
[0001] This patent application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202341075147, filed on November 3, 2023, entitled “Management of non-terrestrial-network node cells and terrestrial network node cells”, which is assigned to the assignee of this application. The disclosure of the earlier application is considered part of this patent application and is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] All aspects of this disclosure relate to wireless communication in general, and to techniques and apparatus for the management of non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cells and terrestrial network (TN) node cells. Background Technology
[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services, such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is an enhancement set of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard issued by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
[0004] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communication for wireless communication devices, such as user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with network nodes via downlink and uplink communication. A "downlink" (or "DL") refers to the communication link from the network node to the UE, and an "uplink" (or "UL") refers to the communication link from the UE to the network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communication, such as via local links (e.g., sidelinks (SL), wireless local area network (WLAN) links, and / or wireless personal area network (WPAN) links, etc.).
[0005] The aforementioned multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate at the city, country, region, and / or global levels. New Radio (NR) (which may be referred to as 5G) is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard issued by 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband internet access by: improving spectrum efficiency; reducing costs; improving service; utilizing new spectrum; and better integrating with other open standards by using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with Cyclic Prefix (CP) on the downlink (CP-OFDM), and CP-OFDM and / or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) (also known as Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink; and supporting beamforming, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna technologies and carrier aggregation. Further improvements to LTE, NR, and other radio access technologies remain useful as the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Some aspects described herein relate to a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication. The UE may include: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to: obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cell. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to: perform a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to an NTN node for wireless communication. The NTN node may include: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the NTN node to: obtain an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the NTN node. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the NTN node to: output a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a method for wireless communication performed by a UE. The method may include: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell. The method may include: performing a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a method for wireless communication performed by an NTN node. The method may include: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the NTN node. The method may also include: outputting a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication. The set of instructions includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, cause the UE to: obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell. The set of instructions includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, cause the UE to: perform a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication. The set of instructions includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an NTN node, cause the NTN node to: obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the NTN node. The set of instructions also includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the NTN node, cause the NTN node to: output a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: components for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell. The apparatus may also include: components for performing a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the apparatus, and the fact that the apparatus resides on the NTN node cell.
[0013] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: means for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the apparatus. The apparatus may also include: means for outputting a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0014] The entirety of the terms includes methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, network entities, network nodes, wireless communication devices and / or processing systems as fully described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and description and illustrated as illustrated in the drawings and description.
[0015] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure have been summarized rather extensively above in order to better understand the detailed description below. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily utilized as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, in both their organization and manner of operation, and the associated advantages, will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing provided in the drawings is for illustrative and descriptive purposes and not as a limitation of the definitions in the claims.
[0016] While aspects are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The techniques described herein can be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or package arrangements. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user equipment, vehicles, communication equipment, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, and / or artificial intelligence devices). Aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components, and / or system-level components. Devices incorporating the described aspects and features may include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers). The aspects described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements, and / or end-user equipment of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To gain a full understanding of the foregoing features of this disclosure, a more specific description of the invention, briefly outlined above, can be obtained by referring to various aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope, as other equally valid aspects are permissible in this description. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network according to the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of communication between a network node and a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network according to the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station architecture according to this disclosure.
[0021] Figure 4 These are illustrations of examples of regenerative satellite deployment and transparent satellite deployment in a non-terrestrial network according to this disclosure.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating examples of non-terrestrial network (NTN) nodes and terrestrial network (TN) node deployments according to this disclosure.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of managing NTN node cells and TN node cells according to this disclosure.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN according to this disclosure.
[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using a System Information Block (SIB) according to this disclosure.
[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using an SIB configured at least in part based on the registered UE location, in accordance with this disclosure.
[0027] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an example of network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using multiple SIBs according to this disclosure, wherein the multiple SIBs contain corresponding indications of the locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with NTN node cells.
[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of UE autonomous mobility associated with NTN to TN according to this disclosure.
[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN based on increasing the periodic search interval of TN neighbors, according to this disclosure.
[0030] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example procedure performed by a UE according to this disclosure, for example.
[0031] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by an NTN node according to this disclosure.
[0032] Figure 15 This is a diagram of an example device for wireless communication according to the present disclosure.
[0033] Figure 16 This is a diagram of an example device for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0034] Cell coverage provided by non-terrestrial network (NTN) nodes (e.g., satellite) is greater than that provided by terrestrial network (TN) nodes (e.g., an NTN node cell covers all TN node cells within a TN node cell). If the user equipment (UE) does not require active communication, the UE can operate in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle or inactive mode and camp on a cell. A UE that has selected a cell and is monitoring the cell's control channel is said to be "camping" on that cell. Camping on an NTN node cell, unlike on a TN node cell, increases propagation delay and exposes the UE to the risk of service interruption. Therefore, an RRC idle or inactive UE camped on an NTN node cell can improve communication by selecting (or reselecting) a TN node cell. However, TN neighbor cell measurements performed by a UE camped on an NTN node cell, and timely identification of TN node cells, can consume UE power.
[0035] For example, because the coverage area of an NTN node cell is larger than that of a TN node cell, if a UE camped on an NTN node cell consistently performs neighbor cell measurements against a TN node cell (e.g., because the reselection priority of TN node frequencies is higher than that of NTN node frequencies), the UE may not be able to detect signals from any neighboring TN node cells. Although a UE camped on an NTN node cell can discover TN node cells in a timely manner, the UE typically cannot detect signals from any neighboring TN node cells because there is usually no TN node cell coverage in most areas within the NTN node cell.
[0036] Therefore, when a UE is not within the coverage area of any TN node cell, a UE camped on an NTN node cell may consume power to perform neighbor cell searches. The UE may perform TN neighbor cell measurements based on the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold of the NTN serving cell (e.g., for in-frequency cases or lower priority TN frequency cases), but the UE may still consume power by performing cell searches in geographical areas where TN coverage is unavailable.
[0037] Various aspects are involved overall regarding NTN. Some aspects are more specifically related to the management of NTN and TN cells. In some examples, the UE can obtain indications of locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with NTN node cells. In a first aspect concerning network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN, the UE can receive indications of locations associated with TN node cells from the NTN node associated with the NTN node cell. In a second aspect concerning UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN, the UE can detect TN node cells and store indications of locations associated with TN node cells in a database.
[0038] The UE may perform a cell search against a TN node cell, at least in part, based on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the TN node cell. For example, the UE may determine that the difference between the location associated with the UE and the location associated with the TN node cell is less than a threshold (e.g., the UE may determine that the UE is within a threshold distance from the location associated with the TN node cell). The cell search may involve the UE determining whether the TN node cell is available (e.g., by monitoring signals from the TN node cell).
[0039] Specific aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to reduce UE power consumption by performing cell searches against TN node cells based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the UE camping on the NTN node cell. For example, the UE can perform cell searches based on whether the UE is within the coverage area of the TN node cell, rather than performing cell searches consistently. Therefore, the UE can reduce the power consumed by neighboring cell searches performed when the UE is not within the coverage area of any TN node cell.
[0040] Receiving indications of locations associated with TN node cells from the NTN node according to the first aspect concerning network-assisted mobility helps ensure that the UE receives indications of locations associated with many or all TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells. Therefore, the UE can switch from an NTN node cell to a TN node cell faster than if the UE receives fewer indications of the locations of TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells. Detecting TN node cells according to the second aspect concerning UE autonomous mobility and storing indications of locations associated with TN node cells in a database reduces signaling overhead between the UE and the NTN node.
[0041] Various aspects of this disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of protection of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of this disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently or in combination with any other aspect of this disclosure. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement an apparatus or method of practice. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover such apparatuses or methods implemented using structures, functions, or structures and functions other than or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.
[0042] Various devices and techniques will now be used to illustrate several aspects of a telecommunications system. These devices and techniques will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, or algorithms (collectively, “elements”). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole.
[0043] Although terms generally associated with 5G or New Radio (NR) Radio Access Technology (RAT) may be used herein to describe aspects, aspects of this disclosure may be applied to other RATs, such as 3G RAT, 4G RAT and / or 5G and later (e.g., 6G) RATs.
[0044] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100 according to the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, or may include elements of a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or elements of a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, etc. The wireless network 100 may include one or more network nodes 110 (shown as network node 110a, network node 110b, network node 110c, and network node 110d), one or more UEs 120 (shown as UE 120a, UE 120b, UE 120c, UE 120d, and UE 120e), and / or other entities. Network node 110 is a network node that communicates with UE 120. As shown, network node 110 may include one or more network nodes. For example, network node 110 can be an aggregated network node, meaning that the aggregated network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., within a single device or unit). As another example, network node 110 can be a decomposed network node (sometimes referred to as a decomposed base station), meaning that the network node 110 is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)).
[0045] In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as RU that communicate with UE 120 via a radio access link. In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as DU that communicate with other network nodes 110 via a fronthaul or midhaul link. In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as CU that communicate with other network nodes 110 via a midhaul link or with the core network via a backhaul link. In some examples, network node 110 (such as aggregated network node 110 or decomposed network node 110) may include multiple network nodes, such as one or more RUs, one or more CUs, and / or one or more DUs. Network node 110 may include, for example, NR base stations, LTE base stations, Node Bs, eNBs (e.g., in 4G), gNBs (e.g., in 5G), access points, Transmit / Receive Points (TRPs), DUs, RUs, CUs, network mobility elements, core network nodes, network elements, network equipment, RAN nodes, or combinations thereof. In some examples, network nodes 110 can interconnect with each other or with one or more other network nodes 110 in the wireless network 100 using any suitable transport network through various types of fronthaul interfaces, midhaul interfaces, and / or backhaul interfaces (such as direct physical connections, air interfaces, or virtual networks).
[0046] In some examples, network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), depending on the context of terminology use, the term "cell" may refer to the coverage area of network node 110 and / or the network node subsystem serving that coverage area. Network node 110 may provide communication coverage for macrocells, picocells, femtocells, and / or another type of cell. A macrocell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., with a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UE 120 with a service subscription. A picocell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UE 120 with a service subscription. A femtocell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access by UE 120 associated with the femtocell (e.g., UE 120 in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG)). Network node 110 used for macrocells may be referred to as a macro network node. Network node 110 used for picocells may be referred to as a pico network node. The network node 110 used for femtocells can be referred to as a femtocell network node or a home network node. Figure 1 In the example shown, network node 110a may be a macro network node for macro cell 102a, network node 110b may be a pico network node for pico cell 102b, and network node 110c may be a femto network node for femto cell 102c. Network nodes may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. In some examples, the cells may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographical area of the cells may move depending on the location of the mobile network node 110 (e.g., a mobile network node).
[0047] In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to an aggregated base station, a decomposed base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, or one or more components thereof. For example, in some aspects, "base station" or "network node" may refer to a CU, DU, RU, a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to a device configured to perform one or more functions (such as those described herein in conjunction with network node 110). In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to multiple devices configured to perform one or more functions. For example, in some distributed systems, each of multiple different devices (which may be located in the same geographical location or different geographical locations) may be configured to perform at least a portion of a function, or to repeatedly perform at least a portion of that function, and the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to any one or more of these different devices. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one or more virtual base stations or one or more virtual base station functions. For example, in some aspects, two or more base station functions can be instantiated on a single device. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one base station function rather than another. In this way, a single device can include more than one base station.
[0048] Wireless network 100 may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is a network node that can receive data transmissions from upstream nodes (e.g., network node 110 or UE 120) and transmit data to downstream nodes (e.g., UE 120 or network node 110). A relay station may be a UE 120 that can relay transmissions to other UE 120s. Figure 1 In the example shown, network node 110d (e.g., a relay network node) can communicate with network node 110a (e.g., a macro network node) and UE 120d to facilitate communication between network node 110a and UE 120d. The network node 110 for relay communication may be referred to as a relay station, relay base station, relay network node, relay node, repeater, etc.
[0049] Wireless network 100 can be a heterogeneous network, comprising different types of network nodes 110, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, etc. These different types of network nodes 110 may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and / or different effects on interference in wireless network 100. For example, macro network nodes may have high transmit power levels (e.g., 5 watts to 40 watts), while pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (e.g., 0.1 watts to 2 watts).
[0050] Network controller 130 may be coupled to or communicate with network node set 110, and may provide coordination and control for these network nodes 110. Network controller 130 may communicate with network nodes 110 via a backhaul or midhaul link. Network nodes 110 may also communicate directly with each other, or indirectly via a wireless or wired backhaul link. In some aspects, network controller 130 may be a CU or core network device, or may include a CU or core network device.
[0051] UE 120 may be distributed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. UE 120 may include, for example, access terminals, terminals, mobile stations, and / or subscriber units. UE 120 may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring or smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a GPS device, a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device configured to communicate via wireless or wired media.
[0052] Some UEs 120 may be considered Machine-Type Communication (MTC) or Evolved or Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC UEs and / or eMTC UEs may include, for example, robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, remote devices, sensors, instruments, monitors, and / or location tags that can communicate with network nodes, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. Some UEs 120 may be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices and / or may be implemented as narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices. Some UEs 120 may be considered customer premises equipment. UEs 120 may be housed within a housing containing components such as processor components and / or memory components. In some examples, the processor components and memory components may be coupled together. For example, the processor components (e.g., one or more processors) and memory components (e.g., memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, and / or electrically coupled.
[0053] Generally, any number of wireless networks 100 can be deployed in a given geographical area. Each wireless network 100 can support a specific RAT and can operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT may be referred to as a radio technology, air interface, etc. A frequency may be referred to as a carrier, frequency channel, etc. Each frequency in a given geographical area can support a single RAT to avoid interference between wireless networks using different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.
[0054] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using network node 110 as an intermediary device to communicate with each other). For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocols) and / or mesh networks. In such examples, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by network node 110.
[0055] Devices in Wireless Network 100 can communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, devices in Wireless Network 100 can communicate using one or more operating frequency bands. In 5G NR, two initial operating frequency bands have been designated as frequency ranges FR1 (410MHz to 7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz to 52.6GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, FR1 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6GHz” band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes occur with FR2, which is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, although this is different from the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (30GHz to 300GHz) designated as a “millimeter wave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
[0056] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified the operating bands used for these mid-band frequencies as the frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, thus effectively extending the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to mid-band frequencies. Furthermore, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating frequency bands have been identified as the frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.
[0057] Considering the examples above, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if the term "below 6 GHz" is used herein, it can broadly refer to frequencies below 6 GHz, within FR1, or including intermediate frequency bands. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if the term "millimeter wave" is used herein, it can broadly refer to frequencies that can include intermediate frequency bands, within FR2, FR4, FR4-a, or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or within the EHF band. Modifications to frequencies included in these operating frequency bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) are contemplated, and the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.
[0058] In some aspects, UE 120 may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may obtain indications of locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with NTN node cells; and perform cell searches against TN node cells based at least in part on the locations associated with the TN node cells, the locations associated with UE 120, and the fact that UE 120 is camped on the NTN node cells. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0059] In some respects, the NTN node may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may obtain indications of the locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells associated with the NTN node; and output signals indicating the locations associated with the TN node cells. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.
[0060] As indicated above, Figure 1 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 1 The examples described are different.
[0061] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating example 200 of communication between network node 110 and UE 120 in a wireless network 100 according to this disclosure. Network node 110 may be equipped with antenna sets 234a to 234t, such as T antennas (T≥1). UE 120 may be equipped with antenna sets 252a to 252r, such as R antennas (R≥1). Network node 110 of example 200 includes one or more radio frequency components, such as antenna 234 and modem 232. In some examples, network node 110 may include an interface, communication components, or another component facilitating communication with UE 120 or another network node. Some network nodes 110 may not include radio frequency components facilitating direct communication with UE 120, such as one or more CUs or one or more DUs.
[0062] At network node 110, transmitting processor 220 can receive data from data source 212 intended for use by UE 120 (or UE set 120). Transmitting processor 220 can select one or more modulation and decoding schemes (MCS) for UE 120 based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from UE 120. Network node 110 can process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for UE 120 based at least in part on the MCS selected for UE 120 and can provide data symbols for UE 120. Transmitting processor 220 can process system information (e.g., semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, and / or upper-layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. Transmitting processor 220 can generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS) or demodulation reference signals (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal (PSS) or secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-decoding) on data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, where applicable, and can provide a set of output symbol streams (e.g., T output symbol streams) to a set 232 of corresponding modems (e.g., T modems) (shown as modems 232a to 232t). For example, each output symbol stream can be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of modem 232. Each modem 232 can use a corresponding modulator component to process the corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 can also use a corresponding modulator component to process the output sample stream (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or up-convert) to obtain a downlink signal. Modems 232a to 232t can transmit a set of downlink signals (e.g., T downlink signals) via a set 234 of corresponding antennas (e.g., T antennas) (shown as antennas 234a to 234t).
[0063] At UE 120, an antenna set 252 (shown as antennas 252a to 252r) can receive downlink signals from network node 110 and / or other network nodes 110 and can provide a set of received signals (e.g., R received signals) to a modem set 254 (e.g., R modems) (shown as modems 254a to 254r). For example, each received signal can be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of modem 254. Each modem 254 can use a corresponding demodulator component to condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) the received signal to obtain an input sample. Each modem 254 can use the demodulator component to further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain a received symbol. A MIMO detector 256 can obtain the received symbols from modem 254, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols where applicable, and provide the detected symbols. The receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide the decoded data for UE 120 to data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information and system information to controller / processor 280. The term "controller / processor" can refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. The channel processor can determine Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) parameters, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) parameters, Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) parameters, and / or CQI parameters, etc. In some examples, one or more components of UE 120 may be included in housing 284.
[0064] Network controller 130 may include communication unit 294, controller / processor 290, and memory 292. Network controller 130 may include one or more devices, for example, in a core network. Network controller 130 may communicate with network node 110 via communication unit 294.
[0065] One or more antennas (e.g., antennas 234a to 234t and / or antennas 252a to 252r) may include one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more collections of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, etc., or may be included within one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more collections of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, etc. Antenna panels, antenna groups, collections of antenna elements, and / or antenna arrays may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings), collections of coplanar antenna elements, collections of non-coplanar antenna elements, and / or coupled to one or more transmitting and / or receiving components (such as...). Figure 2 One or more antenna elements (one or more components in a )
[0066] On the uplink, at UE 120, the transmit processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 and control information from controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reporting including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and / or CQI). The transmit processor 264 can generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 can be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 266 where applicable, further processed by the modem 254 (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM), and transmitted to network node 110. In some examples, the modem 254 of UE 120 may include a modulator and demodulator. In some examples, UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, and / or TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., controller / processor 280) and memory 282 to execute this document (e.g., reference). Figures 6 to 16 ( ) any aspect of the methods described in the method.
[0067] At network node 110, uplink signals from UE 120 and / or other UEs may be received by antenna 234, processed by modem 232 (e.g., demodulator component of modem 232 (shown as DEMOD)), detected by MIMO detector 236, and further processed by receiver processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 120. Receiver processor 238 may provide the decoded data to data sink 239 and the decoded control information to controller / processor 240. Network node 110 may include communication unit 244 and may communicate with network controller 130 via communication unit 244. Network node 110 may include scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink and / or uplink communication. In some examples, modem 232 of network node 110 may include modulator and demodulator. In some examples, network node 110 includes transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 234, modem 232, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, transmit processor 220, and / or TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., controller / processor 240) and memory 242 to execute this document (e.g., reference). Figures 6 to 16 ( ) any aspect of the methods described in the method.
[0068] The controller / processor 240 of network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120 and / or Figure 2 Any other components may perform one or more technologies associated with the management of NTN and TN cells, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other component that can execute or direct, for example Figure 13 Process 1300 Figure 14 The operation of process 1400 and / or other processes as described herein. Memory 242 and memory 282 may store data and program code for network node 110 and UE 120, respectively. In some examples, memory 242 and / or memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (e.g., code and / or program code) for wireless communication. For example, these one or more instructions may cause one or more processors, UE 120 and / or network node 110 to perform or direct, for example, when executed by one or more processors of network node 110 and / or UE 120 (e.g., directly, or after compilation, transformation and / or interpretation). Figure 13 Process 1300 Figure 14 The operation of process 1400 and / or other processes as described herein. In some examples, the execution instructions may include run instructions, transform instructions, compile instructions and / or interpret instructions, etc. In some aspects, the NTN node described herein is network node 110, included in network node 110, or includes Figure 2 One or more components of the network node 110 shown.
[0069] In some aspects, UE 120 includes: components for obtaining an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell; and / or components for performing a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with UE 120, and that UE 120 is camped on the NTN node cell. Components for UE 120 to perform the operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of a communication manager 140, an antenna 252, a modem 254, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, a TX MIMO processor 266, a controller / processor 280, or a memory 282.
[0070] In some aspects, an NTN node includes: components for obtaining an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell; and / or components for outputting a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell. In some aspects, components for the NTN node to perform the operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of a communication manager 150, a transmit processor 220, a TX MIMO processor 230, a modem 232, an antenna 234, a MIMO detector 236, a receive processor 238, a controller / processor 240, a memory 242, or a scheduler 246.
[0071] One or more of these processors may be individually or collectively configured to perform, or be configured to perform, the various functions or operations described herein. In some aspects, a single processor may perform all the functions described as being performed by that one or more processors. In other aspects, the one or more processors may collectively perform a set of functions. For example, a first group(s) of the one or more processors may perform a first function described as being performed by that one or more processors, and a second group(s) of the one or more processors may perform a second function described as being performed by that one or more processors. The first group and the second group of processors may be the same group of processors or may be different groups of processors. The reference to “one or more processors” should be understood as referring to a combination of... Figure 2 Any one or more processors described. The reference to "one or more memories" should be understood to refer to any one or more memories of the corresponding device, such as those in conjunction with... Figure 2 The memory described. For example, a function described as being performed by one or more memories can be performed by the same subset of the one or more memories or by different subsets of the one or more memories.
[0072] Although Figure 2 The boxes in the diagram are illustrated as different components, but the functions described above with respect to these boxes may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combined component, or in various combinations of components. For example, the functions described with respect to transmit processor 264, receive processor 258, and / or TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of controller / processor 280.
[0073] As indicated above, Figure 2 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 2 The examples described are different.
[0074] The deployment of communication systems such as 5G NR systems can be arranged in a variety of ways using various components or parts. In a 5G NR system or network, network nodes, network entities, network mobility elements, RAN nodes, core network nodes, network elements, base stations, or network equipment can be implemented in either a converged or decomposed architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, access point (AP), TRP, or cell, etc.) or one or more units (or components) performing base station functionality can be implemented as a converged base station (also known as a standalone base station or monolithic base station) or a decomposed base station. A "network entity" or "network node" can refer to a decomposed base station or one or more units of a decomposed base station (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, one or more RUs, or combinations thereof).
[0075] Aggregated base stations (e.g., aggregated network nodes) can be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (e.g., within a single device or cell). Decomposed base stations (e.g., decomposed network nodes) can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more cells (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, or one or more RUs). In some examples, the CU may be implemented within a network node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other network nodes. DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU can also be implemented as a virtual cell, such as a Virtual Central Unit (VCU), a Virtual Distributed Unit (VDU), or a Virtual Radio Unit (VRU), etc.
[0076] Base station type operation or network design can take into account the aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, decomposed base stations can be utilized in IAB networks, Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN (such as network configurations initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or Virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN, also known as Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RAN)) to facilitate the scaling of communication systems by separating base station functionality into one or more units that can be deployed individually. Decomposed base stations can include functionality implemented across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as functionality virtually implemented for at least one unit, which enables flexibility in network design. Each unit of a decomposed base station can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit of the decomposed base station.
[0077] Figure 3This is an illustration of an example disaggregated base station architecture 300 according to the present disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310, which may communicate directly with the core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 via one or more disaggregated control units (such as near-RT RIC 325 via an E2 link, or a non-RT RIC 315 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework 305, or both). The CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via a corresponding midhaul link (such as via an F1 interface). Each DU 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via a corresponding fronthaul link. Each RU 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via a corresponding radio frequency (RF) access link. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 340.
[0078] Each unit in the cells (including CU 310, DU 330, RU 340), as well as the near-RT RIC 325, non-RT RIC 315, and SMO frame 305, may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via wired or wireless transmission media. Each unit in the cell, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to one or more communication interfaces of the corresponding unit, may be configured to communicate with one or more units in other cells via transmission media. In some examples, each unit in the cell may include a wired interface and a wireless interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more units in other cells via a wired transmission media, and the wireless interface may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more units in other cells via a wireless transmission media, or both.
[0079] In some aspects, the CU 310 can host one or more higher-level control functions. Such control functions may include Radio Resource Control (RRC) functions, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) functions, or Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) functions, etc. Each control function can be implemented using an interface configured to signal to other control functions managed by the CU 310. The CU 310 can be configured to handle user plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP) functions), control plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP) functions), or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the CU 310 can be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface such as an E1 interface. The CU 310 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 330 for network control and signaling purposes, as needed.
[0080] Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit comprising one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 340s. In some aspects, the DU 330 may host one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers, at least in part, according to functional splits (such as those defined by 3GPP). In some aspects, the one or more high PHY layers may be implemented by one or more modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, and modulation and demodulation, etc. In some aspects, the DU 330 may also host one or more low PHY layers, such as those implemented by one or more modules for Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), Digital Beamforming, or Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc. Each layer (which may also be referred to as a module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330 or with control functions hosted by the CU 310.
[0081] Each RU 340 can implement low-level functionality. In some deployments, an RU 340 controlled by a DU 330 can correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions, such as performing FFT, performing iFFT, digital beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, based on function splitting (e.g., function splitting defined by 3GPP) (such as low-level function splitting). In such architectures, each RU 340 can be operated to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 120. In some specific implementations, the real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 340 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration allows each DU 330 and CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.
[0082] The SMO framework 305 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via operation and maintenance interfaces such as the O1 interface. For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 can be configured to interact with cloud computing platforms such as the Open Cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390 to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via cloud computing platform interfaces such as the O2 interface. Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, non-RT RIC 315, and near-RTTRIC 325. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 305 may communicate with 4G RAN hardware aspects such as the Open eNB (O-eNB) 311 via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 305 can communicate directly with each of one or more RUs 340 via a corresponding O1 interface. The SMO framework 305 may also include a non-RT RIC 315 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 305.
[0083] The non-RT RIC 315 can be configured to include logical functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, including artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows for model training and updates, or policy-based guidance for applications / features in the near-RT RIC 325. The non-RT RIC 315 can be coupled to or communicate with the near-RT RIC 325, such as via an A1 interface. The near-RT RIC 325 can be configured to include logical functions that enable near real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via an interface, such as an E2 interface, through data collection and actions, connecting one or more CU 310s, one or more DU 330s, or both, and O-eNBs to the near-RT RIC 325.
[0084] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 325, the non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. This information can be utilized by the near-RT RIC 325 and may be received from non-network data sources or network functions at the SMO framework 305 or the non-RT RIC 315. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 315 or near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO framework 305 (such as reconfiguration via the O1 interface) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 interface policies).
[0085] As indicated above, Figure 3 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 3 The examples described are different.
[0086] Figure 4 These are illustrations of example 400 of regenerative satellite deployment and example 410 of transparent satellite deployment in a non-terrestrial network according to this disclosure.
[0087] Example 400 illustrates a regenerative satellite deployment. In Example 400, UE 120 is served by satellite 420 via serving link 430. For example, satellite 420 may include network node 110 (e.g., network node 110a) or gNB. In some aspects, satellite 420 may be referred to as a non-terrestrial base station, a regenerative repeater, or an onboard processing repeater. In some aspects, satellite 420 may demodulate uplink radio frequency signals and may modulate baseband signals derived from uplink radio signals to generate downlink radio frequency transmissions. Satellite 420 may transmit downlink radio frequency signals over serving link 430. Satellite 420 may provide cell coverage for UE 120.
[0088] Example 410 illustrates a transparent satellite deployment, which may also be referred to as a bend-tube satellite deployment. In Example 410, UE 120 is served by satellite 440 via serving link 430. Satellite 440 may be a transparent satellite. Satellite 440 may relay signals received from gateway 450 via feeder link 460. For example, the satellite may receive uplink RF transmissions and may transmit downlink RF transmissions without demodulating the uplink RF transmissions. In some aspects, the satellite may convert the frequency of the uplink RF transmissions received on serving link 430 to the frequency of the uplink RF transmissions on feeder link 460, and may amplify and / or filter the uplink RF transmissions. In some aspects, UE 120 shown in Examples 400 and 410 may be associated with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability or Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, but not all UEs have such capabilities. Satellite 440 may provide cell coverage for UE 120.
[0089] Service link 430 may include a link between satellite 440 and UE 120, and may include one or more uplinks or downlinks. Feeder link 460 may include a link between satellite 440 and gateway 450, and may include one or more uplinks (e.g., from UE 120 to gateway 450) or downlinks (e.g., from gateway 450 to UE 120). The uplink of service link 430 may be represented by reference numeral 430-U (…). Figure 4 (not shown in the figure) indicates, and the downlink of the serving link 430 can be indicated by the reference numeral 430-D ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the figure). Similarly, the uplink of feeder link 460 can be indicated by the reference numeral 460-U (not shown in the figure). Figure 4 (not shown in the figure) indicates, and the downlink of feeder link 460 can be indicated by reference numeral 460-D ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the text) Instructions.
[0090] Due to the movement of satellites 420 and 440, and the potential movement of UE 120, feeder link 460 and service link 430 may each experience Doppler effects. These Doppler effects may be significantly greater than those in terrestrial networks. The Doppler effects on feeder link 460 can be compensated for to some extent, but may still be associated with a certain amount of uncompensated frequency error. Furthermore, gateway 450 may be associated with residual frequency errors, and / or satellites 420 / 440 may be associated with onboard frequency errors. These sources of frequency error can cause the downlink frequency received at UE 120 to deviate from the target downlink frequency.
[0091] As indicated above, Figure 4 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 4 The examples described are different.
[0092] Figure 5 This is an illustration of Example 500, illustrating the deployment of NTN nodes (e.g., satellites) and TN nodes according to this disclosure. As shown, an NTN node (“GEO”) and / or one or more TN nodes can provide cellular services to one or more UEs. For example, a UE can use a network node (e.g., an NTN node or a TN node) to connect to a data network (via the core network). As shown, the cell coverage provided by the NTN node (“satellite cell”) is greater than the cell coverage provided by the TN node (e.g., the NTN node cell covers all TN node cells within the TN node cell).
[0093] If a UE does not require active communication, one or more UEs can operate in RRC idle or inactive mode and camp on a cell. A UE that has selected a cell and is monitoring the cell's control channel is said to be "camping" on that cell. Camping on an NTN node cell, unlike a TN node cell, increases propagation delay and exposes the UE to the risk of service interruption. Therefore, an RRC idle or inactive UE camped on an NTN node cell can improve communication by selecting (or reselecting) a TN node cell. However, TN neighbor cell measurements performed by a UE camped on an NTN node cell, and timely identification of the TN node cell, can consume UE power.
[0094] For example, because the coverage area of an NTN node cell is larger than that of a TN node cell, if a UE camped on an NTN node cell consistently performs neighbor cell measurements against a TN node cell (e.g., because the reselection priority of TN node frequencies is higher than that of NTN node frequencies), the UE may not be able to detect signals from any neighboring TN node cells. Although a UE camped on an NTN node cell can discover TN node cells in a timely manner, the UE typically cannot detect signals from any neighboring TN node cells because there is usually no TN node cell coverage in most areas within the NTN node cell.
[0095] Therefore, when a UE is not within the coverage area of any TN node cell, a UE camped on an NTN node cell may consume power to perform neighbor cell searches. The UE may perform TN neighbor cell measurements based on the RSRP threshold of the NTN serving cell (e.g., for in-frequency cases or lower-priority TN frequency cases), but the UE can still consume power by performing cell searches in geographical areas where TN coverage is unavailable.
[0096] As indicated above, Figure 5 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 5The examples described are different.
[0097] Figure 6 This is an illustration of Example 600, which is associated with managing NTN node cells and TN node cells according to this disclosure. In Example 600, UE 120 may camp on an NTN node cell, and the coverage area of the NTN node cell may be greater than the coverage area of the TN node cell.
[0098] As indicated by reference numeral 610 in the attached figure, UE 120 can obtain an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell. See below for further details. Figures 7 to 10 In more detail, regarding the first aspect concerning network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN, UE 120 can receive an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell from an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node cell. See below for reference. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In a more detailed discussion, regarding the second aspect of UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN, UE 120 can detect TN node cells and store indications of the locations associated with TN node cells in a database.
[0099] As shown by reference numeral 620, UE 120 may perform a cell search for a TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with UE 120, and the fact that UE 120 is camped on the TN node cell. For example, UE 120 may determine that the difference between the location associated with UE 120 and the location associated with the TN node cell is less than a threshold (e.g., UE 120 may determine that UE 120 is within a threshold distance from the location associated with the TN node cell). The cell search may involve UE 120 determining whether the TN node cell is available (e.g., by monitoring signals from the TN node cell).
[0100] UE 120 may perform cell measurements against TN node cells, at least in part, based on cell search. For example, UE 120 may perform cell measurements in response to detecting a signal from a TN node cell during cell search. Cell measurements may involve measuring the RSRP and / or RSRQ of the TN node cell. For example, UE 120 may compare the measured RSRP and / or the measured RSRQ to one or more thresholds.
[0101] UE 120 may perform one or more mobility operations associated with a TN node cell, at least in part, based on cell search. For example, UE 120 may perform one or more redirection or reselection operations to move from an NTN node cell to a TN node cell. In some examples, UE 120 may perform one or more mobility operations based on cell measurements.
[0102] Performing cell searches against TN node cells, at least in part, based on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE 120, and whether the UE 120 is camped on the TN node cell, can reduce UE power consumption. For example, the UE 120 can perform cell searches based on whether the UE is within the coverage area of the TN node cell, rather than performing cell searches consistently. Therefore, the UE 120 can reduce the power consumed by neighboring cell searches performed when the UE 120 is not within the coverage area of any TN node cell.
[0103] Receiving indications of locations associated with TN node cells from the NTN node according to the first aspect concerning network-assisted mobility helps ensure that UE 120 receives indications of locations associated with many or all TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells. Therefore, UE 120 can switch from an NTN node cell to a TN node cell faster than when UE 120 receives fewer indications of the locations of TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells. Detecting TN node cells according to the second aspect concerning UE autonomous mobility and storing indications of locations associated with TN node cells in a database reduces signaling overhead between UE 120 and the NTN node.
[0104] Performing a cell search enables UE 120 to determine whether a TN node cell is a strong candidate for mobility (e.g., reselection / redirection). Performing one or more mobility operations reduces propagation delay and improves service continuity compared to the propagation delay and service continuity that UE 120 would experience if it did not perform one or more mobility operations (e.g., if UE 120 wanted to remain camped on an NTN node cell).
[0105] As indicated above, Figure 6 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 6 The examples described are different.
[0106] Figure 7 This is an illustration of example 700 associated with network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN according to this disclosure.
[0107] In Example 700, an NTN node provides coverage to multiple (e.g., three) TN node cells. Initially, a UE may camp on an NTN node. Each UE is within the coverage area of one TN node cell. For example, UE-1 is within the coverage area of TN node-1, but outside the coverage areas of TN nodes-2 and TN nodes-3. Therefore, performing a cell search against TN node cells provided by TN nodes-2 and TN nodes-3 (e.g., on their associated frequencies) will cause UE-1 to lose power, as such TN node cells will not be detected. Similarly, UE-2 (which is within the coverage area of TN node-2, but outside the coverage areas of TN nodes-1 and TN nodes-3) will lose power when searching for TN node cells provided by TN nodes-1 and TN nodes-3, as such TN node cells will not be detected.
[0108] An NTN node can obtain indications of locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with its own NTN node cells. For example, TN node-1 can output, and the NTN node can obtain, indications of locations associated with five TN cells supported by TN node-1. An NTN node can output and (e.g., UE-1 or UE-2, etc.) receive signals indicating locations associated with TN node cells. For example, UE-1 can receive indications of locations associated with TN node cells from an NTN node associated with an NTN node cell.
[0109] NTN nodes can transmit a list of neighbors with corresponding location indications (e.g., GPS coordinates). For example, an NTN node can provide a list of TN node cells with indications of the location of the corresponding TN node cells. For example, an NTN node can output the location coordinates associated with a TN node cell that has a TN neighbor measurement configuration.
[0110] Coverage information about TN neighboring cells can be provided to the UE in the NTN cell as supplementary information for initiating TN neighboring cell measurements. For example, based on the indication of the location of a TN node cell, the UE (e.g., UE-1 or UE-2, etc.) can perform location-based detection. For instance, when the UE is at location -x, the UE can perform neighbor detection and / or measurement operations for any TN node cell / frequency located within location -x + {range -x, range -y, range -z}, where range -x, range -y, and range -z are configurable parameters defining the coordinate range.
[0111] In some examples, UE-1 can perform cell detection operations against frequencies / cells provided by TN node-1 (rather than against frequencies / cells provided by TN node-2 or TN node-3). In some examples, UE-2 can perform cell detection operations against frequencies / cells provided by TN node-2 (rather than against frequencies / cells provided by TN node-1 or TN node-3). Therefore, the UE can avoid consuming power in cell searches for TN node cells that it cannot detect, thus saving UE power.
[0112] See below for reference Figures 8 to 10 In more detail, the NTN node can output, and the UE can receive, an SIB (e.g., a broadcast signal) containing an indication of location associated with a TN node cell. In other aspects, the NTN node can output, and the UE can receive, a unicast signal containing an indication of location associated with a TN node cell. For example, if the UE's current location is available to the NTN node, the NTN node can provide a dedicated TN neighbor configuration to the UE camped on the NTN node cell based on the current location, enabling the UE to perform redirection / reselection and move to the TN. For example, if a connection is released on the NTN (e.g., if dedicated resources are released), and TN neighbor cell information is available to the NTN node, the NTN node can transmit redirection information for the TN cell, thereby redirecting the UE to the TN, or the NTN node can configure a dedicated priority for the TN network, enabling the UE to perform idle-mode mobility and thereby move to the TN. If the UE does not support inter-RAT (IRAT) mobility, redirection / dedicated information can also be used to hand over to the TN RAT on the relevant cell. Therefore, the UE can perform one or more network-assisted mobility operations associated with a TN node cell, at least in part, based on cell search.
[0113] As indicated above, Figure 7 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 7 The examples described are different.
[0114] Figure 8 This is an illustration of example 800 associated with network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using a System Information Block (SIB) according to this disclosure. Example 800 may involve using GPS coordinates to perform IRAT neighbor measurements of TN cells (e.g., LTE neighbors) when the UE is camped on an NR NTN node.
[0115] In some examples, the NTN node can output, and the UE can receive, an SIB (e.g., SIB5) indicating the location associated with the TN node cell (e.g., containing an indication of that location). SIB5 may contain information only relevant to IRAT cell reselection (e.g., information about Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) frequencies and EUTRA neighboring cells related to cell reselection). The SIB5 Information Element (IE) may include cell reselection parameters for shared frequencies. `carrierFreqListEUTRA` may include a list of carrier frequencies for EUTRA. `carrierFreqListEUTRA-v1610 / carrierFreqListEUTRA-v1700` (if present) may contain the same number of entries as `carrierFreqListEUTRA` (without a suffix), listed in the same order.
[0116] like Figure 8 As shown, SIB5 can carry indications of TN LTE neighbors, associated location information, and the corresponding EUTRA TN frequency. SIB5 may include one or more IEs (e.g., "locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA") that provide the location coordinates of the TN node and / or frequency / cell. For example, the locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE can provide location information as integers corresponding to the x, y, and z axes and / or as longitude and latitude. Therefore, SIB5 enables NTN nodes to configure TN neighbor lists for one or more UEs.
[0117] The SIB can contain location coordinates on a per-frequency basis. In some examples, the SIB can group frequencies by location and provide location parameters for the groups (e.g., rather than for each individual frequency). Table 1 below provides examples of grouping.
[0118]
[0119] In the first aspect, the indication provided by the SIB associates (e.g., groups) reference locations with multiple TN node cells and multiple frequencies corresponding to the multiple TN node cells. The reference location can be any suitable location within the NTN node cell. Therefore, the first aspect may involve grouping frequencies based on the reference location point. For example, if location-X is the reference location, all frequencies / cells within the configured range of reference location-X can be grouped together. Associating reference locations with multiple TN node cells and multiple frequencies can reduce signaling by grouping TN node cells and frequencies according to any suitable location within the NTN node cell.
[0120] In a second aspect, the indication provided by the SIB associates the location of a TN node with multiple TN node cells associated with that TN node and multiple frequencies corresponding to those TN node cells (e.g., grouping). For example, a TN node may serve TN node cells. In this second aspect, the TN node location may be considered a reference location, and any frequencies served by the TN node may be part of the same group. Associating the location of a TN node with multiple TN node cells and multiple frequencies can reduce signaling by grouping TN node cells and frequencies according to their locations.
[0121] NTN nodes can be configured with TN node cells and / or frequencies in groups and output an SIB indicating the grouped TN node cells and / or frequencies. Upon obtaining the SIB, a UE located at position -x can perform neighbor detection and / or measurement operations for any grouped TN node cells / frequency located within position -x + {range x, range y, range z}, where range -x, range -y, and range -z are configurable parameters defining the coordinate range. For example, the UE can be configured to measure all frequencies from a group (e.g., a candidate group).
[0122] In some examples, an IE can be introduced to define the groups and associated locations in the SIB. The SIB can configure the detection and / or measurement of grouped TN neighbors at the UE. For example, if the SIB is NR SIB5 for configuring LTE TN neighbors, then SIB5 may contain the following IEs.
[0123]
[0124] The `locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE` parameter can provide location information as integers corresponding to the x, y, and z axes and / or as longitude and latitude. `freqBitMap` can be a bitmap of frequencies included in SIB5. For example, if the first bit of the bitmap is enabled (e.g., if the bit is set to 1), the first entry in SIB5 can be part of that group.
[0125] Although Figure 8Specifically, this involves IRAT cell reselection from NR NTN nodes to LTE TN nodes, but the techniques described herein enable an NTN node of any suitable RAT to provide the location coordinates of a TN node of any suitable RAT. For example, an NTN node can provide the location coordinates of any other NR TN neighbor or TN neighbor of any other RAT. For TN neighbors with RATs that are the same as and / or different from each other's NTN nodes, IEs similar to those described herein can be used. For example, an IE similar to the locationCoordinatesEUTRA IE can carry location information associated with TN neighbors with RATs that are the same as and / or different from each other's NTN nodes. Furthermore, although Figure 8 Specifically referring to SIB5, however, the techniques described herein enable any suitable SIB (whether currently existing or not yet introduced) to carry location information. For example, an SIB containing a locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE can be introduced. If an SIB is introduced to enable NTN nodes to indicate TN neighbors, one or more SIBs can be introduced (e.g., including or excluding the introduced SIB) to carry a GroupInfoList and the associated IE.
[0126] As indicated above, Figure 8 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 8 The examples described are different.
[0127] Figure 9 This is an illustration of example 900 associated with network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using an SIB configured at least in part based on the registered UE location, according to this disclosure. In example 900, UE 905 and NTN node (“NTN_NW”) 910 communicate with each other.
[0128] As shown by reference numeral 915 in the attached figure, UE 905 initially camps on an NTN cell. For example, the NTN cell may be provided by NTN node 910.
[0129] As shown by reference numeral 920 in the attached figure, UE 905 registers with NTN node 910. For example, UE 905 may perform registration with NTN after successful cell selection.
[0130] As shown by reference numeral 925 in the attached figure, NTN node 910 can record the last location of UE 905. For example, NTN node 910 can record the location of UE 905 at the cell level or tracking area (TA) level. The last location of UE 905 can be the location of UE 905 at the time of registration.
[0131] As shown by reference numeral 930 in the accompanying drawings, the NTN node 910 may configure the SIB at least partially based on the UE 905's registration location (e.g., last location) using indications of locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells on which the UE 905 resides. For example, the NTN node 910 may configure the TN neighbor list based on the UE 905's last registration location. The SIB may contain cluster information, such as geographic location (e.g., a reference location of the cluster) or a list of Tracking Area Identifiers (TAIs). Configuring the SIB at least partially based on the UE 905's registration location using indications of locations associated with TN node cells further reduces signaling overhead.
[0132] As shown by reference numeral 935 in the attached figure, NTN node 910 can output, and UE 905 can receive, a SIB (“System Information Block-XY”) configured at least in part based on the UE 905’s registration location using an indication of the location associated with the TN node cell. UE 905 can perform cell detection and / or measurement based on the configuration provided by NTN. Therefore, UE 905 can perform TN measurement based on the UE 905’s registration location.
[0133] As indicated by reference numeral 940 in the attached figure, UE 905 may be in a mobile state. For example, UE 905 may move outside the range of the location where UE 905 performed registration. UE 905 may re-register with the NTN, which may obtain an indication of UE 905's location from NTN node 910 during registration.
[0134] As shown by reference numeral 945 in the attached figure, based on the updated Cell or Type Assignment Code (TAC), the NTN node 910 can detect location changes and configure an updated measurement set based on the updated registered location of the UE 905. For example, the NTN node 910 can use the updated TN neighbor list to configure and output an updated SIB.
[0135] As indicated above, Figure 9 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 9 The examples described are different.
[0136] Figure 10 This is an illustration of example 1000 associated with network-assisted mobility from NTN to TN using multiple SIBs according to this disclosure, wherein the multiple SIBs contain corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells that at least partially overlap with NTN node cells.
[0137] As shown in the figure, an NTN node can output multiple SIBs (“SIB-XY”) mapped to the same System Information (SI) in a round-robin manner. For example, SIB-XY at location-1 may contain information related to the TN cell and frequency associated with TN node 1, SIB-XY at location-3 may contain information related to the TN cell and frequency associated with TN node 2, and SIB-XY at location-4 may contain information related to the TN cell and frequency associated with TN node 3. In some examples, the NTN node may output different copies of SIB-XY. In some examples, the NTN node may configure different versions of the SIB-XY TN neighbor indication based on location groups (e.g., using the methods described above). Figure 6 The described location-based grouping technique.
[0138] Based at least in part on scheduling information associated with multiple SIB-XYs, the NTN node can output, and the UE can receive, one of the SIB-XYs. For example, the scheduling information can indicate cyclic scheduling for multiple SIB-XYs. The scheduling information enables the UE to detect the appropriate SIB-XY.
[0139] In some respects, scheduling information can be predetermined. For example, scheduling information can be a standard-defined static formula. For instance, UEs and NTN nodes can use static formulas to determine scheduling information (e.g., predetermined, location-based scheduling information). Predetermining scheduling information can reduce signaling overhead (e.g., static formulas can be used instead of signaling to indicate scheduling information).
[0140] In some respects, the NTN node can output and the UE can receive an SIB containing scheduling information associated with multiple SIBs. For example, one or more IEs can be added to SIB-X, which can be output before SIB-XY, which can provide location-based scheduling information. For example, the following IEs can be introduced in SIB-X (e.g., SIB1 or SIB19, etc.).
[0141]
[0142] SIBs containing scheduling information can reduce the power consumed by the UE. For example, since there are multiple different copies of the same SIB, NTN nodes can transmit TN neighbor SIB scheduling information and the corresponding geographical location of each TN neighbor (and / or group), and the UE can decode only the corresponding version of the TN neighbor SIB. For example, based on the scheduling information contained in SIB-X, UE-1 can decode only SIB-XY at position 1 and may not attempt to decode SIB-XY at positions 2 to 4, because only SIB-XY at position 1 contains TN node cell and frequency information related to UE-1.
[0143] As indicated above, Figure 10 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 10 The examples described are different.
[0144] Figure 11 This is an illustration of example 1100 relating to UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN according to this disclosure.
[0145] In some respects, the UE (“UE-1”) can detect one or more TN node cells that at least partially overlap with NTN node cells and store indications of locations associated with the TN node cells in a database (“TN-neighbors of location-x”). The UE can detect TN node cells by accessing them and detecting the corresponding TN frequencies via cell selection, cell reselection, radio link failure (RLF) recovery, no-service (OOS) recovery, public land mobile network (PLMN) search, or IRAT measurement. The UE can create and maintain location-based databases and mapping databases locally (e.g., at the UE's location). When accessing and / or detecting TN node cells, the UE can add its location to the location-based database, such as a dedicated location-based database, a UE-specific stored database, or an acquisition database (sometimes abbreviated as “ACQDB”). Examples of location-based databases and mapping databases are provided below.
[0146]
[0147]
[0148] The UE can associate a location (e.g., a reference location) with multiple TN node cells and multiple frequencies corresponding to those TN node cells. For example, the UE can create a packet database and add frequencies in groups based on reference locations. The UE can define any suitable reference location for each group. An example packet database is provided below.
[0149]
[0150] Associating reference locations with multiple TN node cells and multiple frequencies can reduce UE resources consumed by UE autonomous mobility by grouping TN node cells and frequencies at any suitable location within the NTN node cell.
[0151] For example, the UE can search a database for TN node cells within its range. For example, the UE can search a database for all TN neighbors within its current location range and configure measurements for those neighbors. The UE can search the database while camped on an NTN node cell. The UE can perform cell searches for TN node cells at least in part based on the TN node cell being within its range. The UE can select TN frequencies / cells from a database, which can be internal to the UE or local. For example, if the UE is located at location -x, the UE can perform neighbor measurements for all TN frequencies / cells belonging to location -x + {range -x, range -y, range -z}. The UE can perform measurements on frequencies identified by the acquired database to identify suitable cells (e.g., TN node cells) to camp on based on the UE's location. The UE can configure measurements using the highest measurement priority (e.g., higher than the priority corresponding to an NTN node cell), which allows the UE to perform reselection and move from NTN to TN when a suitable TN node cell is detected. Searching the database for TN node cells and performing cell searches based at least in part on the TN node cells being within the UE's range enables the UE to use the database to switch to the appropriate TN node cell.
[0152] The UE can perform one or more UE autonomous mobility operations associated with a TN node cell, at least in part, based on cell search. For example, the UE can quickly return to the TN (e.g., the UE can perform a fast reselection from the NTN to the TN). For example, if the NTN node does not provide a dedicated configuration, a UE camped on an NTN cell can search for TN neighbors within x + {range-x, range-y, range-z} based on the UE's current location (indications of TN neighbors can be stored in a database) and quickly return to the TN if the TN node cell is available.
[0153] For example, a UE may initially camp and connect to an NTN node cell. After the connection on the NTN is released, the UE may attempt to detect the dedicated configuration of a TN cell. If the UE does not detect a dedicated configuration, it may search for TN neighbors belonging to the location range {range-x, range-y, range-z} (indications of TN neighbors may be stored in a database (e.g., an internal database)). If the UE detects a TN neighbor within a given location range, it may perform TN cell measurements. For example, if the RSRP of the TN node cell is greater than an RSRP threshold, the UE may perform redirection and / or reselection to the TN node cell.
[0154] As indicated above, Figure 11 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 11 The examples described are different.
[0155] Figure 12 This is an illustration of Example 1200, which illustrates UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN based on increasing the periodic search interval of TN neighbors, according to this disclosure.
[0156] In some aspects, the UE can perform cell search by monitoring signals from the TN node cell during multiple first monitoring periods separated by a first time interval. The UE can further monitor signals from the TN node cell during multiple second monitoring periods separated by a second time interval, based at least in part on the UE not detecting a signal. The second time interval may be longer than the first time interval.
[0157] For example, if a measurement of a TN cell is performed in a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle DRX N, the UE can perform the next measurement in a cycle DRX N+X. For instance, as shown in the figure, in the first round of idle mode TN measurement, the UE attempts to detect a signal in one of every two monitoring opportunities. If the UE does not detect a signal in the first round, it may attempt to detect a signal in one of every three monitoring opportunities in the second round. If the UE does not detect a signal in the second round, it may attempt to detect a signal in the third round. In some examples, the UE may linearly increase the periodic search interval for TN neighbors (e.g., the UE may attempt to detect a signal in one of every four monitoring opportunities in the third round). In some examples, the UE may exponentially increase the periodic search interval for TN neighbors (e.g., the UE may attempt to detect a signal in one of every five monitoring opportunities in the third round).
[0158] A longer second time interval than the first time interval allows the UE to conserve power. For example, (e.g., in the first round) the absence of a signal reduces the likelihood of detecting a signal in later rounds. Therefore, the UE can (e.g., linearly or exponentially) increase the measurement periodicity, which allows the UE to continue searching for signals while conserving power.
[0159] As indicated above, Figure 12 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 12 The examples described are different.
[0160] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example procedure 1300 performed by a UE according to this disclosure. Example procedure 1300 is an example in which a UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with the management of NTN node cells and TN node cells.
[0161] like Figure 13As shown, in some aspects, process 1300 may include obtaining an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell (box 1310). For example, the UE (e.g., using...) Figure 15 The depicted receiving component 1502 and / or communication manager 1506 can obtain indications of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell, as described above.
[0162] like Figure 13 Further shown, in some aspects, process 1300 may include performing a cell search against the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell (box 1320). For example, the UE (e.g., using...) Figure 15 The described communication manager 1506 can perform cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell, as described above.
[0163] Process 1300 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0164] In the first aspect, process 1300 includes performing cell measurements for the TN node cell based at least in part on the cell search.
[0165] In a second aspect, either alone or in combination with the first aspect, process 1300 includes performing one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell, at least in part based on the cell search.
[0166] In a third aspect, obtaining the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, includes: receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.
[0167] In the fourth aspect, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, includes receiving an SIB containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0168] In the fifth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, the location is a reference location, and the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
[0169] In the sixth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0170] In the seventh aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, the SIB is configured at least in part based on the UE's registration location using the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0171] In the eighth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs containing corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell, and receiving the SIB includes receiving the SIB at least partially based on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0172] In the ninth aspect, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to eighth aspects.
[0173] In the tenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to ninth aspects, the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, and process 1300 includes: receiving a second SIB containing the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0174] In the eleventh aspect, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to tenth aspects, includes receiving a unicast signal at least partially based on the location of the UE, the unicast signal containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0175] In the twelfth aspect, obtaining the indication of the location, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to eleventh aspects, includes: detecting the TN node cell; and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.
[0176] In the thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twelfth aspects, process 1300 includes: searching the database for TN node cells, including the TN node cell, within the scope of the UE, and performing the cell search includes: performing the cell search at least in part based on the TN node cell within the scope of the UE.
[0177] In the fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to thirteenth aspects, the location is a reference location, and the process 1300 includes associating the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0178] In the fifteenth aspect, performing the cell search, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourteenth aspects, includes: monitoring a signal from the TN node cell during a plurality of first monitoring opportunities separated by a first time interval; and monitoring the signal from the TN node cell during a plurality of second monitoring opportunities separated by a second time interval, at least in part based on the fact that the UE has not detected the signal, wherein the second time interval is longer than the first time interval.
[0179] although Figure 13 An example box for process 1300 is shown, but in some respects, it differs from... Figure 13 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1300 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged in a different manner. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes in process 1300 may be executed in parallel.
[0180] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example process 1400 performed by an NTN node, for example, according to this disclosure. Example process 1400 is an example in which an NTN node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with the management of NTN node cells and TN node cells.
[0181] like Figure 14 As shown, in some aspects, process 1400 may include: obtaining an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the NTN node (box 1410). For example, the NTN node (e.g., using...) Figure 16 The depicted receiving component 1602 and / or communication manager 1606 can obtain indications of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell, as described above.
[0182] like Figure 14 As further shown, in some aspects, process 1400 may include: outputting a signal indicating the location associated with a TN node cell (box 1420). For example, an NTN node (e.g., using...) Figure 16 The depicted transmitting component 1604 and / or communication manager 1606 can output signals indicating the location associated with a TN node cell, as described above.
[0183] Process 1400 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.
[0184] In the first aspect, the signal is an SIB indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0185] In a second aspect, either alone or in combination with the first aspect, the location is a reference location, and the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
[0186] In a third aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and the SIB associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0187] In a fourth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, process 1400 includes configuring the SIB at least in part based on the UE’s registration location using the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0188] In the fifth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs containing corresponding indications of the location associated with a TN node cell, including a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell, and outputting the SIB includes: outputting the SIB at least in part based on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0189] In the sixth aspect, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects.
[0190] In the seventh aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, and process 1400 includes: outputting a second SIB containing the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0191] In the eighth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, outputting the signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell includes: outputting a unicast signal at least partially based on the location of the UE, the unicast signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0192] although Figure 14 An example box for process 1400 is shown, but in some respects, it differs from... Figure 14 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 1400 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged in a different manner. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes in the process 1400 may be executed in parallel.
[0193] Figure 15 This is a diagram of an example device 1500 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Device 1500 may be a UE, or a UE may include device 1500. In some aspects, device 1500 includes a receiving component 1502, a transmitting component 1504, and / or a communication manager 1506 that can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, communication manager 1506 is combined with... Figure 1 The described communication manager 140. As shown, device 1500 can communicate with another device 1508 (such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, DU, RU or base station)) using receiving component 1502 and transmitting component 1504.
[0194] In some respects, device 1500 can be configured to perform the functions described herein. Figures 6 to 12 One or more operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 1500 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 13 The process is 1300. In some respects, Figure 15 The illustrated device 1500 and / or one or more components may include a combination Figure 2 One or more components of the described UE. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 15 One or more components shown can be combined Figure 2Implementation within one or more of the described components. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least partially as software stored in memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.
[0195] Receiver 1502 may receive communications from device 1508, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof. Receiver 1502 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of device 1500. In some aspects, receiver 1502 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of device 1500. In some aspects, receiver 1502 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described UE includes one or more antennas, modems, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receiver processors, controllers / processors, memory, or combinations thereof.
[0196] Transmitting component 1504 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 1508. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 1500 may generate communications and provide the generated communications to transmitting component 1504 for transmission to device 1508. In some aspects, transmitting component 1504 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to device 1508. In some aspects, transmitting component 1504 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described UE includes one or more antennas, modems, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memory, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, transmit component 1504 may be co-located with receive component 1502 in a transceiver.
[0197] The communication manager 1506 may support the operation of the receiving component 1502 and / or the transmitting component 1504. For example, the communication manager 1506 may receive information associated with configuring the reception of communications by the receiving component 1502 and / or the transmission of communications by the transmitting component 1504. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1506 may generate control information and / or provide control information to the receiving component 1502 and / or the transmitting component 1504 to control the reception and / or transmission of communications.
[0198] The receiving component 1502 can obtain an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell. The communication manager 1506 can perform a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
[0199] The Communication Manager 1506 can perform cell measurements for TN node cells, at least in part, based on cell search.
[0200] The communications manager 1506 can perform one or more mobility operations associated with a TN node cell, at least in part, based on cell search.
[0201] Figure 15 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In practice, different arrangements may exist. Figure 15 The components shown are compared to additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Furthermore, Figure 15 The two or more components shown can be implemented within a single component, or Figure 15 The single component shown can be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 15 The set (one or more) components shown are executable and described as being composed of Figure 15 One or more functions of another set of components shown.
[0202] Figure 16 This is a diagram of an example device 1600 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Device 1600 may be an NTN node, or an NTN node may include device 1600. In some aspects, device 1600 includes a receiving component 1602, a transmitting component 1604, and / or a communication manager 1606 that can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1606 is combined with... Figure 1 The described communication manager 150. As shown, device 1600 can communicate with another device 1608 (such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, DU, RU or base station)) using receiving component 1602 and transmitting component 1604.
[0203] In some respects, device 1600 can be configured to perform the functions described herein. Figures 6 to 12 One or more operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 1600 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 14 Process 1400. In some aspects, apparatus 1600 and / or Figure 16 One or more components shown may include combinations Figure 2One or more components of the described NTN node. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 16 One or more components shown can be combined Figure 2 Implementation within one or more of the described components. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least partially as software stored in memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.
[0204] Receiver 1602 may receive communications from device 1608, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof. Receiver 1602 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of device 1600. In some aspects, receiver 1602 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of device 1600. In some aspects, receiver 1602 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described non-terrestrial network (NTN) node includes one or more antennas, modems, demodulators, MIMO detectors, receiver processors, controllers / processors, memory, or combinations thereof.
[0205] Transmitting component 1604 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 1608. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 1600 may generate communications and provide the generated communications to transmitting component 1604 for transmission to device 1608. In some aspects, transmitting component 1604 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to device 1608. In some aspects, transmitting component 1604 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described non-terrestrial network (NTN) node includes one or more antennas, modems, modulators, transmit MIMO processors, transmit processors, controllers / processors, memory, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the transmit component 1604 may be co-located with the receive component 1602 in a transceiver.
[0206] The communication manager 1606 may support the operation of the receiving component 1602 and / or the transmitting component 1604. For example, the communication manager 1606 may receive information associated with configuring the reception of communications by the receiving component 1602 and / or the transmission of communications by the transmitting component 1604. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1606 may generate control information and / or provide control information to the receiving component 1602 and / or the transmitting component 1604 to control the reception and / or transmission of communications.
[0207] The receiving component 1602 can obtain an indication of the location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with an NTN node. The transmitting component 1604 can output a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0208] Figure 16 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In practice, different arrangements may exist. Figure 16 The components shown are compared to additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Furthermore, Figure 16 The two or more components shown can be implemented within a single component, or Figure 16 The single component shown can be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 16 The set (one or more) components shown are executable and described as being composed of Figure 16 One or more functions of another set of components shown.
[0209] The following provides an overview of some aspects of this disclosure:
[0210] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication performed by a UE, the method comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell; and performing a cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
[0211] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, the method further includes: performing cell measurements for the TN node cell based at least in part on the cell search.
[0212] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2, the method further comprising: performing one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on the cell search.
[0213] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein obtaining the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell comprises: receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.
[0214] Aspect 5: According to the method of aspect 4, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes: receiving an SIB containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0215] Aspect 6: According to the method of aspect 5, the location is a reference location, and the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
[0216] Aspect 7: According to the method of aspect 5, wherein the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0217] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 5, wherein the SIB is configured at least in part based on the UE’s registration location using the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0218] Aspect 9: According to the method of aspect 5, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs, the plurality of SIBs containing corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells, and wherein receiving the SIB includes: receiving the SIB at least in part based on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0219] Aspect 10: According to the method of aspect 9, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.
[0220] Aspect 11: According to the method of aspect 9, wherein the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, the method further includes: receiving a second SIB, the second SIB containing the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0221] Aspect 12: According to the method of aspect 4, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes: receiving a unicast signal at least in part based on the location of the UE, the unicast signal containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0222] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein obtaining the indication of the location comprises: detecting the TN node cell; and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.
[0223] Aspect 14: According to the method of aspect 13, the method further includes: searching the database for TN node cells, including the TN node cells, within the scope of the UE, wherein performing the cell search includes performing the cell search at least in part based on the TN node cells within the scope of the UE.
[0224] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 13, wherein the location is a reference location, the method further comprising: associating the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0225] Aspect 16: The method according to aspect 13, wherein performing the cell search includes: monitoring a signal from the TN node cell during a plurality of first monitoring opportunities separated by a first time interval; and monitoring the signal from the TN node cell during a plurality of second monitoring opportunities separated by a second time interval, at least in part based on the UE not detecting the signal, wherein the second time interval is longer than the first time interval.
[0226] Aspect 17: A method for wireless communication performed by an NTN node, the method comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with the NTN node cell, the NTN node cell being associated with the NTN node; and outputting a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0227] Aspect 18: The method according to aspect 17, wherein the signal is an SIB indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0228] Aspect 19: According to the method of aspect 18, the location is a reference location, and the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
[0229] Aspect 20: According to the method of aspect 18, wherein the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the SIB associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
[0230] Aspect 21: The method according to aspect 18, the method further comprising: configuring the SIB by utilizing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, at least in part based on the UE's registration location.
[0231] Aspect 22: The method according to aspect 18, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs, the plurality of SIBs containing corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells, and wherein outputting the SIB includes: outputting the SIB at least in part based on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0232] Aspect 23: According to the method of aspect 22, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.
[0233] Aspect 24: According to the method of aspect 22, wherein the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, the method further includes: outputting a second SIB, the second SIB containing the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
[0234] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of Aspects 17 to 24, wherein outputting the signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell comprises: outputting a unicast signal at least in part based on the location of the UE, the unicast signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
[0235] Aspect 26: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 25.
[0236] Aspect 27: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors being configured to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 25.
[0237] Aspect 28: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 25.
[0238] Aspect 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 25.
[0239] Aspect 30: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 25.
[0240] While the foregoing disclosure provides examples and descriptions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or from various aspects of practice.
[0241] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be interpreted broadly as hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names, "software" should be interpreted broadly as meaning instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, etc. As used herein, a "processor" is implemented in hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented through various forms of hardware and / or combinations of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting in any way. Therefore, no specific software code is referred to in this document to describe the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods, as those skilled in the art will understand that the software and hardware can be designed, at least in part, based on the descriptions herein, to implement the systems and / or methods.
[0242] Hardware and data processing means for implementing the various exemplary logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described herein can be implemented or executed using general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some aspects, specific processes and methods can be performed by circuitry dedicated to a given function.
[0243] As used in this article, depending on the context, "meeting the threshold" can mean a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, etc.
[0244] Although specific combinations of features are set forth in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically set forth in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with each other claim in the set of claims. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” in the list of items refers to any combination of these entries, including a single member. As an example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a+b, a+c, b+c, and a+b+c, as well as any combination having multiple identical elements (e.g., a+a, a+a+a, a+a+b, a+a+c, a+b+b, a+c+c, b+b, b+b+b, b+b+c, c+c, and c+c+c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).
[0245] No element, action, or instruction used herein should be construed as essential or necessary unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and are interchangeable with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items mentioned in connection with the article “the” and is interchangeable with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “group” and “cluster” are intended to include one or more entries and are interchangeable with “one or more.” If only one item is desired, the phrase “only one” or similar terminology will be used. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “having” and the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit the elements they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Furthermore, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise explicitly stated. Additionally, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be open-ended when used in a series and is interchangeable with “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly stated (e.g., if used in conjunction with “any” or “only one”).
Claims
1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said one or more memories, said one or more processors individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: Obtain an indication of the location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cell; as well as Cell search is performed on the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the UE to: Cell measurements are performed on the TN node cells, at least in part, based on the cell search.
3. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the UE to: One or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell are performed, at least in part, based on the cell search.
4. The UE of claim 1, wherein, in order for the UE to obtain the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from the NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.
5. The UE of claim 4, wherein, in order for the UE to receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Receive System Information Block (SIB), the System Information Block (SIB) containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
6. The UE of claim 5, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
7. The UE of claim 5, wherein the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
8. The UE of claim 5, wherein the SIB is configured at least in part based on the UE's registration location using the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
9. The UE of claim 5, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs, the plurality of SIBs including corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell, and wherein, in order for the UE to receive the SIB, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: The SIBs are received at least in part based on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.
11. The UE of claim 9, wherein the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the UE to: Receive a second SIB, which contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
12. The UE of claim 4, wherein, in order for the UE to receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Unicast signals are received at least in part based on the location of the UE, the unicast signals containing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
13. The UE of claim 1, wherein, in order for the UE to obtain the indication of the location, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Detect the TN node cell; and The indication of the location associated with the TN node cell is stored in the database.
14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the UE to: Within the scope of the UE, the database is searched for TN node cells, including the TN node cell. In order for the UE to perform the cell search, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to perform the cell search at least in part based on the TN node cell within the UE's range.
15. The UE of claim 13, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the UE to: The reference location is associated with multiple TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and multiple frequencies corresponding to the multiple TN node cells.
16. The UE of claim 13, wherein, in order to perform the cell search, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Monitoring signals from the TN node cell during multiple first monitoring opportunities separated by a first time interval; and The signal from the TN node cell is monitored during a plurality of second monitoring periods separated by a second time interval, at least in part based on the fact that the UE does not detect the signal, wherein the second time interval is longer than the first time interval.
17. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) node for wireless communication, comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, coupled to one or more memories, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to enable the non-terrestrial network (NTN) node to: Obtain an indication of the location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cell associated with the NTN node; as well as Output a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
18. The NTN node of claim 17, wherein the signal is a System Information Block (SIB) indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
19. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and a plurality of frequencies corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells respectively.
20. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the location is the location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the SIB associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and a plurality of frequencies respectively corresponding to the plurality of TN node cells.
21. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the NTN node to: The SIB is configured at least in part based on the registration location of the user equipment (UE) using the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.
22. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs, the plurality of SIBs containing corresponding indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cells, and wherein, in order for the NTN node to output the SIB, the one or more processors are configured to cause the NTN node to: The SIBs are output based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
23. The NTN node of claim 22, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.
24. The NTN node of claim 22, wherein the plurality of SIBs are a plurality of first SIBs, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured individually or collectively to cause the NTN node to: Output a second SIB, which contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.
25. The NTN node of claim 17, wherein, in order for the NTN node to output the signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell, the one or more processors are configured to cause the NTN node to: The unicast signal is output at least in part based on the location of the user equipment (UE), the unicast signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
26. A method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Obtain an indication of the location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cell; as well as Cell search is performed on the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, the location associated with the UE, and the fact that the UE is camped on the NTN node cell.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: Cell measurements are performed on the TN node cells, at least in part, based on the cell search.
28. The method of claim 26, further comprising: One or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell are performed, at least in part, based on the cell search.
29. A method for wireless communication performed by a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node, comprising: Obtain an indication of the location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cell associated with the NTN node; as well as Output a signal indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the signal is a system information block (SIB) indicating the location associated with the TN node cell.