Devices and methods for determining and / or indicating an availability of a radio frequency in an extended coverage range

Abstract

It may be desirable for a user equipment (UE) camping on a non-terrestrial network (NTN) to switch as early as possible to a terrestrial network (TN). Periodically checking whether the TN is available

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunication systems, and more particularly, to devices and methods for determining and / or indicating an availability of a radio frequency in an extended coverage range. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It may be desirable for a user equipment (UE) that is camping on a non-terrestrial network (NTN) to switch as early as possible to a terrestrial network (TN). While some TNs may provide an extended coverage range for certain radio frequencies, the UE is not informed about the availability of the extended coverage range. Instead, the UE is typically informed only about a normal coverage range of the certain radio frequency provided by the TN. In order to switch from the NTN to the TN as early as possible, the UE can periodically check whether or not the TN is available. However, such periodic checks of availability of the TN can significantly increase consumption of power by the UE. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a user equipment (UE), which may be configured to: camp on a non-terrestrial network; receive, from a base station of the nonterrestrial network (NTN-BS), an indication of: a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs), a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, and one or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range; based on the indication, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range; if it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range: based on the indication, determine an extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available, the extended coverage range being relative to the normal coverage range; based on a geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range; and if it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

[0004] In some embodiments, the indication is received as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) transmitted by the NTN-BS.

[0005] In some embodiments, the one or more coverage extension features include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; and in order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency, the UE is configured to determine whether or not the UE supports at least one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more coverage extension features include geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

[0007] In some embodiments, the geographical characteristics include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water; and the UE is configured to determine the extended coverage range based on an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water.

[0008] In some embodiments, the normal coverage range is predetermined for an enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) UE; the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than the eMBB UE; and the UE is configured to: based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE: determine a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, the refined normal coverage range being smaller than the normal coverage range.

[0009] In some embodiments, the UE is configured to determine the extended coverage range further relative to the refined normal coverage range.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a user equipment (UE) configured to: camp on a non-terrestrial network; receive, from a base station of the non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS), an indication that a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs) is available in an extended coverage range, wherein the extended coverage range is relative to a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs; based on the indication, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range; if it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range: based on a geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range; and if it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

[0011] In some embodiments, the indication is received as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) transmitted by the NTN-BS.

[0012] In some embodiments, the indication includes the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

[0013] In some embodiments, the indication includes the specified radio frequency, and the UE is configured to: transmit to the NTN-BS a request to receive the extended coverage range, and receive from the NTN-BS the extended coverage range as part of a dedicated signaling.

[0014] In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of: one or more coverage extension functionalities supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, a geolocation of the UE and connectivity capabilities of the UE.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is due to one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; and in order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range, the UE is configured to determine whether or not the UE supports at least one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

[0017] In some embodiments, the geographical characteristics include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water, and the UE is configured to: based on the extended coverage range and an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water, determine a refined extended coverage range; based on the geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range; and if it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the nonterrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

[0018] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional.

[0019] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle.

[0020] In some embodiments, the normal coverage range and the extended coverage range is predetermined for an enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) UE; the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than the eMBB UE; and the UE is configured to: based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE: determine a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, the refined normal coverage range being smaller than the normal coverage range.

[0021] In some embodiments, the UE is configured to: determine a refined extended coverage range relative to the refined normal coverage range, the refined extended coverage range being smaller than the extended coverage range; based on the geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range; and if it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS), which is configured to: receive information concerning: a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs), a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, and one or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range; based on the information, determine an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, and transmit an indication that the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available in the extended coverage range.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more coverage extension features include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TB-BS for the specified radio frequency.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more TN-BSs includes at least two TN-BSs, the one or more coverage extension features include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by each of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; and the NTN-BS is configured to determine the extended coverage range based on the normal coverage range and the one or more coverage extension functionality provided by each of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by different TN-BSs of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency are different.

[0026] In some embodiments, the information is received from a core network.

[0027] In some embodiments, the NTN-BS is configured to transmit the indication as part of a system information broadcast (SIB).

[0028] In some embodiments, the indication includes the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

[0029] In some embodiments, the indication includes the specified radio frequency, and the NTN-BS is configured to: receive, from a user equipment (UE), a request to provide the extended coverage range; and based on the request, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range; and if it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range, transmit to the UE the extended coverage range as part of a dedicated signaling.

[0030] In some embodiments, the request includes at least one of: one or more coverage extension features supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, a geolocation of the UE and connectivity capabilities of the UE.

[0031] In some embodiments, the one or more coverage extension features include geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

[0032] In some embodiments, the geographical characteristics include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water.

[0033] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional.

[0034] In some embodiments, the extended coverage range is in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figs. 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of a system for determining, by a user equipment (UE), an extended coverage range of a specified radio frequency provided by a base station (TN-BS) in a terrestrial network (TN), wherein the TN-BS includes one or more coverage extension functionalities for the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a system for determining, by a NTN-BS of a NTN, the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS in the TN, wherein the TN-BS includes one or more coverage extension functionalities for the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0038] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system for determining the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS in the TN, wherein the extended coverage range is due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio waves of the specified radio frequency to and from the TN-BS, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a system for determining the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS in the TN, wherein the extended coverage range is due to one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the TN-BS for the specified frequency and due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio waves of the specified radio frequency to and from the TN-BS, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0040] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system for determining the extended coverage range for the specified radio frequency provided by two TN-BSs of the TN, wherein the TN-BSs include one or more coverage extension functionalities for the specified frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating a UE for determining an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0042] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method of operating a UE receiving an indication that the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency is available, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0043] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating a NTN-BS for determining the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device which may be used with embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment (UE) which may be used with embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) which may be used with embodiments of the present invention; and

[0047] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary satellite which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] In the foilowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention may allow switching of a user equipment (UE) camping on a non-terrestrial network (NTN) to a terrestrial network (TN) earlier than in prior art systems.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a UE. The UE may camp on a NTN base station. The UE may receive an indication from a base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS). The indication may include a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs). The indication may include one or more coverage extension features that may extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs. The one or more coverage extension features may include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency and / or geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., such as propagation of the radio signals over water). Based on the indication and / or connectivity capabilities of the UE, the UE may determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range. If it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range, the UE may determine, based on the indication and / or the connectivity capabilities of the UE, an extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available, wherein the extended coverage range may be relative to the normal coverage range. Based on a geolocation of the UE, the UE may determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range. If it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, the UE may select the specified radio frequency to switch from the NTN to the TN. The NTN-BS may transmit the set of supported features for coverage extension as part of a system broadcast information (SIB) for the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs or as part of a dedicated signaling as an indication that the specified radio frequency provides certain coverage extension features. The indication may be realized with a bitmap referring to a set of coverage extension features, wherein the presence of each of the features can be indicated for a certain TN-BS radio frequency.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a NTN-BS. The NTN-BS may receive, e.g. from a core network, information related to one or more TN-BSs. The information may include an indication of a specified radio frequency provided by the one or more base TN-BSs. The information may include a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs. The information may include one or more coverage extension features that may extend the coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs. The one or more coverage extension features may include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency and / or geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., such as propagation of the radio signals over water). Based on the information, the NTN-BS may determine an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, wherein the extended coverage range may be relative to the normal coverage range. The NTN-BS may transmit, e.g., as part of a system broadcast information (SIB) or as part of a dedicated signaling, an indication that the specified radio frequency is available in the extended coverage range.

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a UE. The UE may camp on the NTN. The UE may receive, from a NTN-BS, an indication that a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base TN-BSs is available in an extended coverage range. The extended coverage range may be relative to a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs. Based on the indication, the UE may determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range. If it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range, the UE may determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range based on a geolocation of the UE. If it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, the UE may select the specified radio frequency to switch from the NTN to the TN.

[0054] Determination, by the UE, of the availably of the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range and / or determination and transmission, by the NTN-BS, of the indication of the availably of the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range may allow the UE to switch from the NTN to the TN earlier than in prior art systems in which information on the extended coverage range is not available. Switching or transitioning from the NTN to the TN as early as possible may be advantageous because TN may have lower latency, may be more cost-effective and / or may have higher throughput than the NTN. Also, camping on the TN may be more energy-efficient than camping on the NTN. Also, the coverage provided by the NTN may be non-continuous (e.g., a satellite of the NTN may be invisible to the UE during some periods of time and / or at some geographical locations on Earth) while the TN may typically provide continuous coverage. Therefore, earlier switching or transitioning from the NTN to the TN may ensure that the UE has a continuous network coverage by the TN coverage and thus a continuous reachability earlier than in prior art systems.

[0055] Reference is made to Figs. 1A and IB, which are schematic illustrations of a system 100 for determining, by a user equipment (UE) 130, an extended coverage range 114 of a specified radio frequency provided by a base station (TN-BS) 112 in a terrestrial network (TN) 110, wherein TN-BS 112 includes one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a for the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0056] TN-BS 112 of TN 110 may transmit and receive radio signals of a specified radio frequency (or specified radio frequency band). TN-BS 112 may transmit and receive radio signals of the specified radio frequency in a normal coverage range 113.

[0057] TN-BS 112 may include or provide one or more coverage extensions functionalities 112a for the specified radio frequency. One or more extension functionalities 112a may allow TN-BS 112 to transmit and receive signals of the specified radio frequency in a range that is longer than normal coverage range 113. One or more coverage extension functionalities 112a may include utilization of repetitions by TN-BS 112 (e.g., retransmission of the same data package a plurality of times). During different repetitions, the data packet may be coded differently but the additional gain may be achieved by accumulation. One or more coverage extension functionalities 112a may include utilization by TN-BS 112 of more robust codes such as raptor codecs (e.g., adding redundant information to the data package before the package is transmitted, wherein the redundant information allows the receiver (e.g., UE 130) to correct errors and / or recover lost data). One or more coverage extension functionalities 112a may include utilization of transmit diversity by TN-BS 112 (e.g., utilization of multiple antennas and / or combination of radio signals received by each antenna to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the received of UE 130). One or more coverage extension functionalities 112a may include any advanced space and / or time-transmit diversity scheme that may lead to increased receive performance of a UE (e.g., UE 130) supporting said functionality which is beyond the assumed functionality derived for normal coverage range 113. One or more coverage extension functionalities 112a may include utilization of any other suitable functionality by TN-BS 112 that may improve the coverage and / or the reliability of radio signals transmitted and received by TN-BS 112.

[0058] A base station (NTN-BS) 122 of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) 120 may be, for example, a ground-based station, while a satellite 124 of NTN 120 may relay radio signals between UE 130 and ground-based NTN-BS 122, for example via a feeder link 126 of NTN 120 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1A). In another example, NTN-BS 122 may be disposed on satellite 124 (e.g., as shown in Fig. IB).

[0059] NTN-BS 122 may receive, for example from a core network 140 (e.g., directly or via feeder link 126), information 142 related to TN-BS 112 of TN 110. Information 142 may include a geolocation of TN-BS 112. Information 142 may include an indication of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112. Information 142 may include an indication of normal coverage range 113 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112. The indication of normal coverage range 113 may be provided as the geolocation of TN-BS 112 indicated in Figs. 1A and IB as “C” and a radius indicated in Figs. 1A and IB as “Cnorm”. Information 142 may include an indication of one or more coverage extension features that may extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond normal coverage range 113 of TN-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency. In the example of Figs. 1A and IB, the one or more coverage extension features includes one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a supported or provided by NT-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove). Other examples of the one or more coverage extension features may include geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals to and from TN-BS 112, such as propagation of the radio signals over water (e.g., as described hereinbelow).

[0060] NTN-BS 122 may transmit, for example as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) or as of a dedicated signaling, directly or via feeder link 126 and satellite 124, an indication 123. Indication 123 may include at least a portion of information 142. Indication 123 may include the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112. Indication 123 may include normal coverage range 113 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112. Indication 123 may include one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a supported or provided by TN-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency.

[0061] UE 130 may camp on NTN 120. UE 130 may receive indication 123 transmitted by NTN-BS 122.

[0062] Based on indication 123, UE 130 may determine whether or not UE 130 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in a coverage range that extends beyond normal coverage range 113. For example, in order to determine whether or not UE 130 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond normal coverage range 113, UE 130 may determine whether or not UE 130 (e.g., a connectivity module of UE 130) supports at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a provided by TN-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency. For example, it may be determined that UE 130 supports at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a provided by TN-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency if at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 134 included in or supported by UE 130 for the specified radio frequency is the same as at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a provided by TN-BS 112 for the specified radio frequency.

[0063] If it is determined that UE 130 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond normal coverage range 113, UE 130 may determine, based on indication 123, an extended coverage range 114 in which the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112 is available (e.g., as described hereinbelow). Extended coverage range 114 may be relative to normal coverage range 113 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112. For example, extended coverage range 114 may be provided as an extension “Cext” of radius “Cnorm” as indicated in Figs. IA and IB.

[0064] UE 130 may determine, based on a geolocation of UE 130, whether or not UE 130 is within extended coverage range 114. If it is determined that UE 130 is within extended coverage range 114, UE 130 may select the specified radio frequency to switch from NTN 120 to TN 110.

[0065] In the example of Figs. 1A and IB, extended coverage range 114 is omnidirectional (e.g., as shown in Figs. 1A and IB). Indication 123 may include a notification that extended coverage range 114 is omnidirectional.

[0066] Normal coverage range 113 of the specified radio frequency provided to NTN-BS 122 as part of information 142 by core network 140 and / or transmitted by NTN-BS 122 to UE 130 as part of indication 123 may be predetermined for a UE having certain connectivity capabilities (e.g., under an assumption that the UE that camps on the specified radio frequency has these certain connectivity capabilities). For example, normal coverage range 113 may be predetermined for an enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) UE that may have, for example, two antennas for a first radio frequency band and four antennas for a second radio frequency band that is higher than the first radio frequency band and / or any other known configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments, UE 130 may have connectivity capabilities that are different from the certain connectivity capabilities based on which normal coverage range 113 has been predetermined. In this case, an actual normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112 and available for UE 130 may be different from normal coverage range 113 as would be available for UE 130 if UE 130 would have the certain connectivity capabilities.

[0068] For example, UE 130 may be a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having, e.g., one or two antennas for all radio frequency bands or any other configuration with fewer connectivity capabilities than, for example, the eMBB UE with the certain connectivity capabilities. In this case, an actual normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112 and available for UE 130 may be smaller than normal coverage range 113 as would be available for UE 130 if UE 130 would have the certain connectivity capabilities. In this example, UE 130 may determine, based on the connectivity capabilities of UE 130, a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 112 and available for UE 130. The refined normal coverage range may be smaller than normal coverage range 113 indicated in indication 123. In this example, UE 130 may determine extended coverage range 114 further based on the connectivity capabilities of UE 130 (e.g., to take into account the actual connectivity capabilities of UE 130 that may affect extended coverage range 114 as available for UE 130). In this example, extended coverage range 114 may be relative to the refined normal coverage range. The connectivity capabilities of UE 130 may include the total number of antennas, number of antennas for each radio frequency band of a plurality of radio frequency bands supported by UE 130 and / or any other suitable parameter that may affect the connectivity capabilities of UE 130.

[0069] Reference is made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration of a system 200 for determining, by a NTN-BS 222 of a NTN 220, an extended coverage range 214 of the specified radio frequency provided by a TN-BS 212 in a TN 210, wherein TN-BS 212 includes one or more coverage extension functionalities 212a for the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0070] In the example of Fig. 2, TN-BS 212 of TN 210 may transmit and receive radio signals of the specified radio frequency. TN-BS 212 may include or provide one or more coverage extensions functionalities 212a (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove) for the specified radio frequency that may allow TN-BS 212 to transmit and receive signals of the specified radio frequency in a range that longer than a normal coverage range 213 (e.g., as described hereinabove). NTN-BS 222 of NTN 220 (e.g., such as NTN-BS 122 described hereinabove) is a ground-based station, while a satellite 224 (e.g., such as satellite 124 described hereinabove) of NTN 120 relays radio signals between a UE 230 (e.g., such as UE 130 described hereinabove) and ground-based NTN-BS 222, for example via a feeder link 226 (e.g., such as feeder link 126 described hereinabove) of NTN 220. In another example, NTN-BS 222 may be disposed on satellite 224 (e.g., as described hereinabove). UE 230 may include or support one or more coverage extension functionalities 234 (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 134 described hereinabove).

[0071] Based on information 242, for example received from a core network 240, NTN-BS 222 may determine an extended coverage range 214 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212. For example, extended coverage range 214 may be determined based on the specified radio frequency and one or more coverage extension functionalities 212a provided or utilized by TN-BS 212 for the specified radio frequency. NTN-BS 222 may transmit an indication 223 (e.g., directly or via feeder link 126 and satellite 124) that the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 is available in extended coverage range 214. The indication of extended coverage range 214 may be relative to normal coverage range 213 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212. For example, the indication of extended coverage range 214 may be provided as an extension “Cexf' of radius “Cnorm” as indicated in Fig. 2. In one example, NTN-BS 222 may transmit indication 223 as part of the SIB. In another example, NTN-BS 222 may transmit indication 223 as part of a dedicated signaling.

[0072] In one example, indication 223 includes both the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and extended coverage range 214 in which the specified radio frequency is available. If indication 223 includes both the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and extended coverage range 214, UE 230 may determine, based on indication 223, whether or not UE 230 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within extended coverage range 214. For example, in order to determine whether or not UE 230 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within extended coverage range 214, UE 230 may determine whether or not UE 230 (e.g., a connectivity module of UE 230) supports at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 212a provided by TN-BS 212 for the specified radio frequency. For example, it may be determined that UE 230 supports at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 212a provided by TN-BS 212 for the specified radio frequency if at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 234 included in or supported by UE 230 for the specified radio frequency is the same as at least one of one or more coverage extension functionalities 212a provided by TN-BS 212 for the specified radio frequency.

[0073] If it is determined that UE 230 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within extended coverage range 214, UE 230 may determine, based on the geolocation of UE 230, whether or not UE 230 is within extended coverage range 214. If it is determined that UE 230 is within extended coverage range 214, UE 230 may select the specified radio frequency to switch from NTN 220 to TN 210.

[0074] Normal coverage range 213 provided to NTN-BS 222 as part of information 242 by core network 240 and extended coverage range 214 provided by NTN-BS 222 may be determined for a UE, such as the eMBB UE, having certain connectivity capabilities (e.g., under an assumption that the UE that camps on the specified radio frequency has these certain connectivity capabilities, e.g. as described hereinabove).

[0075] If UE 230 has connectivity capabilities that are different from the certain connectivity capabilities based on which normal coverage range 213 and extended coverage range 214 have been determined, an actual normal coverage range and / or an actual extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and available for UE 230 may be different from normal coverage range 213 and extended coverage range 214, respectively, as would be available for UE 230 if UE 230 would have the certain connectivity capabilities.

[0076] For example, if UE 230 is a REDCAP UE (e.g., as described hereinabove), an actual normal coverage range and an actual extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and available for UE 230 may be smaller than normal coverage range 113 and extended coverage range 214, respectively, as would be available for UE 230 if UE 230 would have the certain connectivity capabilities. In this example, UE 230 may determine, based on the connectivity capabilities of UE 230, a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and available for UE 230. The refined normal coverage range may be smaller than normal coverage range 213 provided to NTN-BS 222. In this example, UE 230 may determine, based on the connectivity capabilities of UE 230, a refined extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 and available for UE 230. The refined extended coverage range may be smaller than extended coverage range 214 determined by NTN-BS 222. The refined extended coverage range may be relative to the refined normal coverage range. Based on the geolocation of UE 230, UE 230 may then determine whether or not UE 230 is within the refined extended coverage range. If it is determined that UE 230 is within the refined extended coverage range, UE 230 may select the specified radio frequency to switch from NTN 220 to TN 210.

[0077] In another example, indication 223 may include only the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 212 (e.g., with no indication of extended coverage range 214 in which the specified radio frequency is available). If indication 223 does not include extended coverage range 214 in which the specified radio frequency is available, UE 230 may transmit to NTN-BS 222 (e.g., directly or via satellite 224 and feeder link 226) a request 232 to receive extended coverage range 214 in which the specified radio frequency is available. Request 232 may include the geolocation of UE 230 and / or one or more coverage extension functionalities 234 included in or supported by UE 230 (e.g., supported by the connectivity module of UE 230). Based on request 232, NTN-BS 222 may determine whether or not UE 230 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within extended coverage range 214 (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that UE 230 is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in extended coverage range 214, NTN-BS 222 may transmit to UE 230 (e.g., directly or via satellite 224 and feeder link 226) extended coverage range 214 provided by TN-BS 212 for the specified radio frequency. UE 230 may then determine, based on the geolocation of UE 230, whether or not UE 230 is within extended coverage range 214. If it is determined that UE 230 is within extended coverage range 214, UE 230 may select the specified radio frequency to switch from NTN 220 to TN 210. In the example of Fig. 2, extended coverage range 214 is omnidirectional. Indication 223 may include a notification that extended coverage range 214 is omnidirectional.

[0078] If UE 230 is a REDCAP UE, request 232 transmitted to NTN-BS 222 may further include the connectivity capabilities of UE 230. NTN-BS 222 may then determine the refined normal coverage range and the refined extended coverage range based on request 232 and transmit the refined normal coverage range and the refined extended coverage range to UE 230. Otherwise, if request 232 does not include the connectivity capabilities of UE 230, upon receipt of request 232 NTN-BS 222 may transmit to UE 230 extended coverage range 214 and UE 230 may determine the refined normal coverage range and / or the refined extended coverage range as described hereinabove.

[0079] If UE 230 is a REDCAP UE, NTN-BS 222 may provide the nominal coverage range Cnom and indication on the supported coverage extension features in the broadcast of NTN 222. The UE 230 may calculate the extended coverage range by considering the deviation of the coverage extension features of UE 230 form the assumption that was made for the Cnom nominal coverage indication and evaluating whether any of the supported coverage extension features are supported.

[0080] Reference is made to Fig. 3, which is a schematic illustration of a system 300 for determining an extended coverage range 314 of the specified radio frequency provided by a TN-BS 312 in a TN 310, wherein extended coverage range 314 is due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio waves of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0081] In the example of Fig. 3, TN-BS 312 of TN 310 is disposed in a vicinity of water, for example in a vicinity of a coastline, and transmits and receives radio signals of the specified radio frequency, wherein the radio signals at least partly propagate over water. A NTN-BS 322 of a NTN 320 (e.g., such as NTN-BS 122 described hereinabove) is a ground-based station, while a satellite 334 (e.g., such as satellite 134 described hereinabove) of NTN 320 relays radio signals between a UE 330 (e.g., such as UE 130 described hereinabove) and ground-based NTN-BS 322, for example via a feeder link 326 (e.g., such as feeder link 126 described hereinabove) of NTN 320. In another example, NTN-BS 322 may be disposed on satellite 334 (e.g., as described hereinabove). NTN-BS 322 may receive an information 342 (e.g., such as information 142 described hereinabove) from, for example, a core network 340. UE 330 may camp on NTN 320.

[0082] When propagating over water, radio signals may experience less attenuation and less signal loss resulting in a longer coverage range as compared to when propagating over terrestrial environments. In the example of Fig. 3, TN-BS 312 has no coverage extension functionalities (e.g., such as coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove) and an extended coverage range is due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312 over water.

[0083] The extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency is available due propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312 over water may be determined by UE 330 or by NTN-BS 322.

[0084] In one example, the extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency is available due to propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312 over water may be determined by UE 330. In this example, TN-NS 312 may transmit, e.g., as part of the SIB or as part of the dedicated signaling, an indication 323a. Indication 323a may include at least a portion of information 342. Indication 323 a may include the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 312. Indication 323a may include normal coverage range 313 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 312. Indication 323a may include geographical characteristics related to propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312 over water.

[0085] Based on indication 323a, UE 330 may determine extended coverage range 314 in which the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 312 is available. For example, extended coverage range 314 that results from propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water may be determined based on the specified radio frequency and the geolocation of TN-BS 312. Extended coverage range 314 may be relative to normal coverage range 313 of the specified radio frequency provided by TN-BS 312. For example, extended coverage range 314 that results from propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water is indicated in Fig. 3 as an extension “Cext_water” of radius “Cnorm”. UE 330 may determine extended coverage range 314 for the specified radio frequency based on an actual height of an antenna of UE 330 over water. In the example of Fig. 3, extended coverage range 314 is in a specific direction and a specific opening angle (e.g., relative to normal coverage range 313 and / or relative to the geolocation of TN-BS 312). UE 330 may determine the specific direction and the specific opening angle of extended coverage range 314 (e.g., relative to normal coverage range 313 and / or relative to the geolocation of TN-BS 312) based on information included in indication 323a.

[0086] In another example, extended coverage range 314 in which the specified radio frequency is available due to propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 312 over water may be determined by NTN-BS 322. For example, extended coverage range 314 that results from propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water may be determined based on the specified radio frequency and the geolocation of TN-BS 312. Extended coverage range 314 resulted from propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water may be determined by NTN-BS 322 for a certain height of an antenna over water (e.g., under an assumption that an antenna of UE 330 is disposed at the certain height over water). NTN-BS 322 may transmit, as part of the SIB or as part of the dedicated broadcast, an indication 323b. Indication 323b may indicate that the specific radio frequency provided by TN-BS 312 is available in extended coverage range 314. For example, the indication of extended coverage range 314 that results from propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water may be provided as an extension "Cext water" of radius “Cnorm” as indicated in Fig. 3. NTN-BS 322 may determine the specific direction and the specific opening angle of extended coverage range 314 (e.g., relative to normal coverage range 313 and / or relative to the geolocation of TN-BS 312) based on information included in information 342. NTN-BS 322 may include the specific direction and the specific opening angle of extended coverage range 314 in indication 323b.

[0087] If extended coverage range 314 is determined by NTN-BS 322, upon receipt of indication 323b, UE 330 may determine a refined extended coverage range for the specified radio frequency based on an actual height of an antenna of UE 330 over water. Since the actual height of the antenna of UE 330 over water may be different from the certain height based on which NTN-BS 322 has determined extended coverage range 314 (e.g., as described hereinabove), the refined extended coverage range may be different from extended coverage range 314 determined by NTN-BS 322. If the actual height of the antenna of UE 330 is greater than the certain height based on which NTN-BS 322 has determined extended coverage range 314, the refined extended coverage range may be greater than extended coverage range 314 determined by NTN-BS 322. If the actual height of the antenna of UE 330 is smaller than the certain height based on which NTN-BS 322 has determined extended coverage range 314, the refined extended coverage range may be smaller than extended coverage range 314 determined by NTN-BS 322.

[0088] Based on the geolocation of UE 330, UE 330 may determine whether or not UE 330 is within the refined extended coverage range. If it is determined that UE 330 is within the refined extended coverage range, UE 330 may select the specified radio frequency to switch from NTN 320 to TN 310 (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0089] Reference is made to Fig. 4, which is a schematic illustration of a system 400 for determining an extended coverage range 414 of the specified radio frequency provided by a TN-BS 412 in a TN 410, wherein extended coverage range 414 is due to one or more coverage extension functionalities 412a provided by TN-BS 412 for the specified frequency and due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio waves of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 412, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0090] In the example of Fig. 4, TN-BS 412 (e.g., such as TN-BS 112 described hereinabove) is disposed in a vicinity of water, for example in a vicinity of a coastline, and transmits and receives radio signals of the specified radio frequency, wherein the radio signals at least partly propagate over water. TN-BS 412 may include or provide one or more coverage extensions functionalities 412a (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove) for the specified radio frequency. One or more extension functionalities 412a may allow TN-BS 412 to transmit and receive signals of the specified radio frequency in a range that longer than a normal coverage range 413 (e.g., as described hereinabove). A NTN-BS 422 of a NTN 420 (e.g., such as NTN-BSs 122, 222 described hereinabove) is a ground-based station, while a satellite 424 (e.g., such as satellites 124, 224 described hereinabove) of NTN 420 relays radio signals between a UE 430 (e.g., such as UEs 130 described hereinabove) and ground-based NTN-BS 422, for example via a feeder link 426 (e.g., such as feeder links 126, 226 described hereinabove) of NTN 420. In another example, NTN-BS 422 may be disposed on satellite 424 (e.g., as described hereinabove). UE 430 may include or support one or more coverage extension functionalities 434 for the specified radio frequency (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 134 described hereinabove).

[0091] In the example of Fig. 4, an extended coverage range 414 may be due to one or more coverage extension functionalities 412a provided by TN-BS 412 for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described above with respect to Figs. I A-IB and Fig. 2) and due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 412 over water (e.g., as described above with respect to Fig. 3).

[0092] In one example, UE 430 may determine extended coverage range 414 resulted from one or more coverage extension functionalities 412a provided by TN-BS 412 for the specified radio frequency and geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 412 over water (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0093] In another example, NTN-BS 422 may determine extended coverage range 414 resulted from one or more coverage extension functionalities 412a provided by TN-BS 412 for the specified radio frequency and geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from TN-BS 412 over water based (e.g., as described hereinabove). In this example, an indication (e.g., such as indication 223, 323b described hereinabove) may be transmitted by NTN-BS 422 to indicate that the specified radio frequency is available in extended coverage range 414 (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0094] Reference is made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic illustration of a system 500 for determining an extended coverage range 514 for the specified radio frequency provided by two TN-BSs 512-1, 512-2 of a TN 510, wherein TN-BSs 512-1, 512-2 include one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-la, 512-2a for the specified frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0095] In the example of Fig. 5, a first TN-BS 512-1 and a second TN-BS 512-2 transmit and receive radio signals of the specified radio frequency. First TN-BS 512-1 may transmit and receive radio signals of the specified radio frequency in a first normal coverage range 513-1. Second TN-BS 512-2 may transmit and receive radio signals of the specified radio frequency in a second normal coverage range 513-2. A NTN-BS 522 of a NTN 520 (e.g., such as NTN-BSs 122, 222 described hereinabove) is a ground-based station, while a satellite 524 (e.g., such as satellites 124, 224 described hereinabove) of NTN 520 relays radio signals between a UE 530 (e.g., such as UEs 130, 230 described hereinabove) and ground-based NTN-BS 522, for example via a feeder link 526 (e.g., such as feeder links 126, 226 described hereinabove) of NTN 520. In another example, NTN-BS 522 may be disposed on satellite 524 (e.g., as described hereinabove). UE 530 may include or support one or more coverage extension functionalities 534 for the specified radio frequency (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 134 described hereinabove).

[0096] First TN-BS 512-1 may include or provide one or more coverage extensions functionalities 512-la for the specified radio frequency (e.g., which may allow first TN-BS 512-1 to transmit and receive signals of the specified radio frequency within a range that exceeds first normal coverage range 513-1; such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove). Second TN-BS 512-2 may include or provide one or more coverage extensions functionalities 512-2a for the specified radio frequency (e.g., which may allow second TN-BS 512-2 to transmit and receive signals of the specified radio frequency within a range that exceeds second normal coverage range 513-2; such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove). In one example, one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-la provided by first TN-BS 512-1 for the specified radio frequency are the same as one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-2a provided by second TN-BS 512-2 for the specified radio frequency. In another example, at least a portion of one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-la provided by first TN-BS 512-1 for the specified radio frequency may be different from at least a portion of one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-2a provided by second TN-BS 512-2 for the specified radio frequency.

[0097] A first extended coverage range 514-1 of the specified radio frequency provided by first TN-BS 512-1 may be determined relative to a first normal coverage range 513-1 by UE 530 or by NTN-BS 522 (e.g., as described hereinabove). The indication of first extended coverage range 514-1 may be relative to first normal coverage range 513-1 of the specified radio frequency provided by first TN-BS 512-1 indicated in Fig. 5 as “Cl” and a radius indicated in Fig. 5 as “Cnorml”. For example, the indication of first extended coverage range 514-1 may be provided as an extension “Cextl” of radius “Cnorml” as indicated in Fig. 5.

[0098] A second extended coverage range 514-2 of the specified radio frequency provided by second TN-BS 512-2 may be determined relative to a second normal coverage range 513-2 by UE 530 or by NTN-BS 522 (e.g., as described hereinabove). The indication of second extended coverage range 514-2 may be relative to second normal coverage range 513-2 of the specified radio frequency provided by second TN-BS 512-2 indicated in Fig. 5 as “C2” and a radius indicated in Fig. 5 as “Cnorm2”. For example, the indication of second extended coverage range 514-2 may be provided as an extension “Cext2” of radius “Cnorm2” as indicated in Fig. 5.

[0099] Based on first extended coverage range 514-1 of the specified radio frequency provided by first TN-BS 512-1 and second extended coverage range 514-2 of the specified radio frequency provided by second TN-BS 512-2, the total extended coverage range 514 of the specified radio frequency provided by first TN-BS 512-1 and second TN-BS 512-2 may be determined by UE 530 and / or NTN 522. If determined by NTN-BS 522, an indication (e.g., such as indication 223 described hereinabove) that the specified radio frequency provided by first TN-BS 512-1 and second TN-BS 512-2 is available in extended coverage range 514 may be transmitted by NTN-BS 522 (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00100] While both first TN-BS 512-1 and second TN-BS 512-2 are described as including one or more coverage extension functionalities 512-la, 512-2a, respectively, for the specified radio frequency, other configurations are also possible. For example, only one TN-BS of TN-BS 512-1, 512-2 may include one or more coverage extension functionalities for the specified radio frequency while the other TN-BS of TN-BS 512-1, 512-2 may have no coverage extension functionalities provided for the specified radio frequency. In another example, one or both of TN-BSs 512-1, 512-2 may be disposed in a vicinity of water such that the extended coverage range of one or both of TN-BSs 512-1, 512-2 may be due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from one or both of TN-BSs 512-1, 512-2 over water. While two TN-BS 512-1, 512-2 are shown in Fig. 5, TN 510 may include two or more TN-BSs (e.g., three, four or more than four TN-BSs), wherein NTN-BS 522 and / or UE 530 may determine the total extended coverage range 514 based on the normal coverage range and the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by each of the two or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

[00101] Reference is made to Fig. 6, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a user equipment (UE) for determining an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[00102] The operations described below with respect to Fig. 6 may be performed using equipment of systems 100, 300, 400, 500 as described hereinabove or using any other suitable equipment.

[00103] In operation 602, the UE may camp on a NTN (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00104] In operation 604, an indication (e.g., such as indication 123 described hereinabove) of the specified radio frequency provided by one or more TN-BSs, a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, and one or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range may be received by a UE (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00105] In operation 606, based on the indication it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00106] If it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range, in operation 608 an extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available may be determined by the UE based on the indication (e.g., as described above). The extended coverage range may be determined relative to the normal coverage range.

[00107] In operation 610 it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range based on a geolocation of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00108] If it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, in operation 612 the specified radio frequency may be selected by the UE to switch from the NTN to the TN (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00109] The indication may be received as part of the SIB transmitted by the NTN-BS or as part of the dedicated signaling (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00110] The one or more coverage extension features received as part of the indication may include one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency (e.g., such as one or more coverage extension functionalities 112a described hereinabove). In order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range, it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE supports at least one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities of the one or more TN-BSs provided for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00111] The one or more coverage extension features received as part of the indication may include geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., as described hereinabove). The geographical characteristics may include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water (e.g., as described hereinabove). The extended coverage range may be determined by the UE based on an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00112] If the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than, for example, the eMBB UE for which the normal coverage range has been predetermined, a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs may be determined by the UE based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove). The refined normal coverage range may be smaller than the normal coverage rage. The extended coverage range may be further determined by the UE based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE relative to the refined normal coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00113] Reference is made to Fig. 7, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a user equipment (UE) receiving an indication that the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency is available, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[00114] The operations described below with respect to Fig. 7 may be performed using equipment of systems 200, 300, 400, 500 as described hereinabove or using any other suitable equipment.

[00115] In operation 702, the UE may camp on a NTN.

[00116] In operation 704, an indication (e.g., such as indication 223 described hereinabove) that a specified radio frequency provided by one or more TN-BSs is available in an extended coverage range may be received by a UE (e.g., as described hereinabove). The extended coverage range may be relative to a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs.

[00117] In operation 706, based on the indication, it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00118] If it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range, in operation 708 it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range based on a geolocation of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00119] If it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, in operation 710 the specified radio frequency may be selected by the UE to switch from the NTN to the TN (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00120] The indication may be received as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) transmitted by the NTN-BS. The indication may include the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

[00121] The indication may include only the specified radio frequency (e.g., without the extended coverage range). If the indication includes only the specified radio frequency, a request to receive the extended coverage range may be transmitted by the UE to the NTN-BS, and the extended coverage range may be received for, the NTN-BS as part of a dedicated signaling (e.g., as described hereinabove). The request may include at least one of: one or more coverage extension functionalities supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, and a geolocation of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00122] The extended coverage range may be due to one or more coverage extension functionalities of the one or more TN-BSs provided for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove). In order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range, it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE supports at least one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities of the one or more TN-BSs provided for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00123] The extended coverage range may be due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., as described hereinabove). The geographical characteristics may include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water (e.g., as described hereinabove). Based on the indicated extended coverage range and an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water, a refined extended coverage range may be determined by the UE. Based on the geolocation of the UE, it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, the specified radio frequency may be selected by the UE to switch from the NTN to the TN (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00124] The extended coverage range may be omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional (e.g., as described hereinabove). The extended coverage range may be in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and wherein the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00125] If the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than, for example, the eMBB UE for which the normal coverage range and the extended coverage range have been determined, a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs may be determined by the UE based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove). The refined normal coverage range may be smaller than the normal coverage range. A refined extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs may be determined by the UE based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE (e.g., as described hereinabove). The refined extended coverage range may be smaller than the extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove). Based on the geolocation of the UE, it may be determined by the UE whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, the specified radio frequency by the selected by the UE to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00126] Reference is made to Fig. 8, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS) for determining the extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[00127] The operations described below with respect to Fig. 8 may be performed using equipment of systems 200, 300, 400, 500 as described hereinabove or using any other suitable equipment.

[00128] In operation 802, information related to one or more TN-BSs may be received by a NTN-BS (e.g., such as information 242 described hereinabove). The information may be received from a core network. The information may include a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs). The information may include a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs. The information may include one or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range. The information may be received from a core network.

[00129] In operation 804, based on the information, an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs may be determined by the NTN-BS (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00130] In operation 806, an indication that the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more NT-BSs is available in the extended coverage range may be transmitted by the NTN-BS (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00131] The one or more coverage enhancement features may include one or more coverage enhancement functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency. The extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency may be determined by the NTN-BS based on one or more coverage enhancement functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00132] The one or more TN-BSs may include at least two TN-BSs. The extended coverage range may be determined by the NTN-BS based on the normal coverage range and the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by each of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency (e.g., as described hereinabove). At least a portion of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by different TN-BSs of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency may be different.

[00133] The indication may be transmitted as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) (e.g., as described hereinabove). The indication may include the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

[00134] The indication may include only the specified radio frequency (e.g., with no indication of the extended coverage range). If the indication includes only the specified radio frequency, a request from the UE to provide the extended coverage range may be received by the NTN-BS (e.g., as described hereinabove). The request may include at least one of: one or more coverage extension functionalities supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, a geolocation of the UE and / or connectivity capabilities of the UE. Based on the request, it may be determined by the NTN-BS whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range, the extended coverage range may be transmitted to the UE by the NTN-BS as part of a dedicated signaling (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00135] The one or more coverage enhancement features may include geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., as described hereinabove). The extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency may be determined by the NTN-BS based on geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs (e.g., as described hereinabove). The geographical characteristics may include propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water.

[00136] The extended coverage range may be omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional (e.g., as described hereinabove). The extended coverage range may be in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and wherein the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00137] The following description provides an example of a calculation or determination of the extended coverage range Cext of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS of the TN. The calculations may be performed by the UE or the NTN-BS as described hereinabove.

[00138] In one example, one of the coverage extension functionalities of the TN-BS may include application of message or data packet repetitions over time. The TN-BS may retransmit the same message, for example from the same location or from known different locations, in two or more consecutive time frames. The retransmitted messages can be received, accumulated and combined by the UE. Such repetition coverage extension functionality may provide up to 3dB receive gain at the UE. Based on a free space loss formula of a pathloss, which can be expressed by LOS= 40+204og(distance) wherein the distance in meters, the deviation or extension of the normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS (Cnorm) to the extended coverage of the specified radio frequency provided by the TN-BS (Cext) can be calculated. Taking Cnorm of 10,000 meters as an example, the pathloss of 120dB may be achieved (e.g., LOS = 40+204og( 10,000) as described above). Taking the repetition coverage extension functionality applied by the TN-BS which may increase the receiving gain by 3dB as an example, Cnorm distance equivalent to 123dB can be achieved. Using the free space loss formula which can be expressed by 123dB= 40+20-log (Cext), Cext can be calculated. In this example, the achieved extended coverage range Cext may be about 15,000 meters (e.g., an extension of about 5,000 meters relative to the normal coverage range Cnorm of 10,000 meters).

[00139] As described hereinabove, the deviation or extension from Cnorm to Cext can be calculated by the UE (e.g., as described above with respect to Figs. 1A and IB) or by the NTN-NS (e.g., as described above with respect to Fig. 2).

[00140] If calculated by the UE, the specified radio frequency and the coverage extension functionality provided by the TN-BS for the specified radio frequency may be signaled to the UE and the UE may perform the calculation of Cext (e.g., as described hereinabove). Calculation of Cext by the UE may allow the UE to calculate the Cext further based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE (e.g., the number of antennas for different radio frequencies). This may allow the UE to refine the calculation of Cext in the case the UE is a REDCAP UE (e.g., NR-REDCAP UE) having actual connectivity capabilities different form certain connectivity capabilities that have been assumed for predetermination of Cnorm (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00141] For example, assuming that Cnorm has been predetermined for a UE equipped with two receiver chains, a REDCAP UE with a single receiver may need to refine (e.g., reduce in this case) the Cnorm available for said REDCAP UE (e.g., as described hereinabove), wherein in the example of REDCAP UE with a single receiver up to 3dB receiver sensitivity can be lost. However, assuming that the TN-BS provides up to four repetitions for the same message, the receive gain may be increased by ~ 4,8dB at the UE (e.g., due to non-linearity effects higher accumulations over time may lead to less than 3dB at each duplication) giving Cnorm distance equivalent to 121.8 dB. Using the free space loss formula, i.e. !21.8dB=40+201og(Cext), Cext of about 13,000 meters can be achieved for such UE.

[00142] In another example, if REDCAP UE is equipped with two receivers for the specified radio frequency, considering the assumptions that have been done for Cnorm as described above and that the TN-BS supports the same four repetitions functionality as described above, the receiver gain of 4,8dB may be achieved at the UE giving Cnorm distance equivalent to 124.8 dB assuming the same indicated predetermined Cnorm of 10,000 meters. By applying free-space loss formula to calculate the Cext, i.e. 124.8dB=40+204og(Cext), the Cext for that UE would be about 18,000 meters.

[00143] As described hereinabove, the calculation of Cext may be performed by the UE or the NTN-BS. However, as described in the examples above, since multiple factors (e.g., such as the connectivity capabilities) of the UE may require a further adaption / recalculation of Cext by the UE, it may be advantageous if the calculation is performed by the UE based on the indication of the specified radio frequency and the coverage extension functionality provided by the TN-BS for the specified radio frequency received from the NTN-BS. The NTN-BS may transmit the coverage extension functionalities by a simple bitmap of several bits, where each bit may refer to a certain coverage extension functionality and indicate whether the functionality is supported by the TN-BS forming said Cnorm coverage area or not. Based on the set of coverage extension functionalities supported by the UE and determination of matching of the TN-BS supported coverage extension functionalities, the UE can calculate the extended coverage range Cext.

[00144] Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device 900 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[00145] Computing device 900 may include a controller or processor 905 that may be, for example, a central processing unit processor (CPU), a chip or any suitable computing or computational device, an operating system 915, a memory 920, a storage 930, input devices 935 and output devices 940.

[00146] Operating system 915 may be or may include any code segment designed and / or configured to perform tasks involving coordination, scheduling, arbitration, supervising, controlling or otherwise managing operation of computing device 900, for example, scheduling execution of programs. Memory 920 may be or may include, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a double data rate (DDR) memory chip, a Flash memory, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units or storage units. Memory 920 may be or may include a plurality of, possibly different, memory units. Memory 920 may store for example, instructions to carry out a method (e.g.. code 925), and / or data such as user responses, interruptions, etc.

[00147] Executable code 925 may be any executable code, e.g., an application, a program, a process, task or script. Executable code 925 may be executed by controller 905 possibly under control of operating system 915. In some embodiments, more than one computing device 900 or components of device 900 may be used for multiple functions described herein. For the various modules and functions described herein, one or more computing devices 900 or components of computing device 900 may be used. Devices that include components similar or different to those included in computing device 900 may be used, and may be connected to a network and used as a system. One or more processor(s) 905 may be configured to carry out embodiments of the present invention by for example executing software or code. Storage 930 may be or may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive, a universal serial bus (USB) device or other suitable removable and / or fixed storage unit. In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted.

[00148] Input devices 935 may be or may include a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen or pad or any suitable input device. It will be recognized that any suitable number of input devices may be operatively connected to computing device 900 as shown by block 935. Output devices 940 may include one or more displays, speakers and / or any other suitable output devices. It will be recognized that any suitable number of output devices may be operatively connected to computing device 900 as shown by block 940. Any applicable input / output (I / O) devices may be connected to computing device 900, for example, a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC), a modem, printer or facsimile machine, a universal serial bus (USB) device or external hard drive may be included in input devices 935 and / or output devices 940.

[00149] Embodiments of the invention may include one or more article(s) (e.g., memory 920 or storage 930) such as a computer or processor non-transitory readable medium, or a computer or processor non-transitory storage medium, such as for example a memory, a disk drive, or a USB flash memory, encoding, including or storing instructions, e.g., computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor or controller, carry out methods disclosed herein.

[00150] Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment (UE) 1000 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[00151] UE 1000 may include a radio interface 1005. Radio interface 1005 may include an antenna, a transceiver and / or any other suitable component to allow communication between UE 1000 and a telecommunications network.

[00152] UE 1000 may include a user identity module 1010. User identity module 1010 may store user-specific information such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and may be used for authentication and authorization on the telecommunications network.

[00153] UE 1000 may include a mobile equipment 1015. Mobile equipment 1015 may include a processor, a memory, a display and a user interface. Mobile equipment 1015 and its processor may run a program to calculate the extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00154] UE 1000 may include a battery 1020. Battery 1020 may provide power to UE 1000, allowing it to operate without being connected to an external power source.

[00155] UE 1000 may include an operating system 1025. Operating system 1025 may manage UE’s 1000 resources and / or provide a platform for running applications.

[00156] UE 1000 may include application software 1030. Application software 1030 may be user-installed and system applications that run on UE 1000, providing UE 1000 various functionalities.

[00157] UE 1000 may include a user interface 1035. UE 1035 may include a touchscreen, buttons, display and / or any other suitable components through which users may interact with UE 1000.

[00158] UE 1000 may include sensors 1040. Sensors 1040 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS, and ambient light sensors, cameras and / or any other suitable sensors known in the art. Sensors 1040 may allow features such as orientation detection, location-based services, and any other suitable features known in the art.

[00159] UE 1000 may include connectivity module 1045. Connectivity module 1045 may support various connectivity options, including cellular networks (e.g., 4G / LTE, 5G), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC (Near Field Communication), allowing UE 1000 to connect to other devices and telecommunications networks.

[00160] UE 1000 may include security components 1050. Security components 1050 may be responsible for ensuring the security and privacy of user data and communications. Security components 1050 may include encryption / decryption hardware and software, as well as security features to protect against malware and unauthorized access.

[00161] UE 1000 may include a memory 1055 (e.g., RAM) for running applications. UE 1000 may include a storage 1050 (e.g., internal storage or removable SD cards) and storage (e.g., internal storage or removable SD cards) for storing data and applications.

[00162] UE 1000 may include a charging port 1055 for recharging battery 1020.

[00163] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 10 may be omitted. In some embodiments, UE 1000 may include additional components in accordance with standards specifications (e.g., 3GPP specifications) that are not shown in Fig. 10.

[00164] Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) 1100 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[00165] BS 1100 may include a radio transceiver 1105. Radio transceiver 1105 may transmit and receive radio signals.

[00166] BS 1100 may include an antenna system 1110. Antenna system 1110 may include one or more antennas that may transmit and receive signals via the air in specific directions and patterns. For example, antenna system 1110 may include advanced antenna technologies such as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) and beamforming that may improve network performance and coverage.

[00167] BS 1100 may include baseband processing unit 1115. Baseband processing unit 1115 may handle the baseband processing of communication signals. Baseband processing unit 1115 may perform tasks such as modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, error correction, and channel allocation.

[00168] BS 1100 may include a digital signal processing unit 1120. Digital signal processing unit 1120 may process and manipulate digital signals within baseband processing unit 1115. Digital signal processing unit 1120 may perform tasks such as signal processing, beamforming, interference cancellation, and MIMO processing.

[00169] BS 1100 may include a backhaul connection 1125. Backhaul connection 1125 may provide a high-capacity backhaul connection to connect BS 1100 to the core network. Backhaul connection 1125 may include wired connections such as optical fiber or microwave links.

[00170] BS 1100 may include a power supply unit 930. Power supply unit 930 may provide electrical power to BS’s 1100 components to ensure continuous operation.

[00171] BS 1100 may include a control and management unit 1135. Control and management unit 1135 may be responsible for controlling and managing the operation of BS 1100. Control and management unit 1135 may handle tasks such as network configuration, software updates, and fault management. Control and management unit 1135 may include a processor, a memory, a display and a user interface. Control and management unit 1135 and its processor may run a program to calculate the extended coverage range (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[00172] BS 1100 may include a cooling system 1140. Cooling system 1140 may fans, heat sinks, and / or liquid cooling systems that may maintain the equipment of BS 1100 within its operating temperature range.

[00173] BS 1100 may include a timing and synchronization unit 1145. Timing and synchronization unit 1145 may perform timing and synchronization for maintaining the integrity of the communication network, e.g., to ensure that all base stations in the network are synchronized with a common timing reference.

[00174] BS 1100 may include a security and encryption unit 1150. Security and encryption unit 1150 may perform tasks such as encryption of user data and authentication of UEs for protecting the network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

[00175] BS 1100 may include a fault detection and alarming unit 1155. Fault detection and alarming unit 1155 may monitoring equipment health and raising alarms in case of hardware or software issues are critical for maintaining network reliability and availability.

[00176] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 11 may be omitted. In some embodiments, BS 1100 may include additional components in accordance with standards specifications (e.g., 3GPP specifications) that are not shown in Fig. 11.

[00177] Reference is now made to Fig. 12, which is a block diagram of an exemplary satellite 1200 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[00178] Satellite 1200 may include transponders 1205. Transponders 1205 may receive signals from base stations and / or user equipment. Transponders 1205 may transmit signals to base stations and / or user equipment. Transponders 1205 may be configured for different frequency bands and services. Transponders 1205 may include modulation and demodulation equipment to encode and decode the transmitted data. Satellite 1200 may include antennas 1210 for receiving and transmitting signals.

[00179] Satellite 1200 may include a command and control system 1215. Command and control system 1215 may maintain satellite's 1200 orbital position, attitude, and health. Command and control system 1215 may handle adjustments to the satellite's 1200 transponders 1205, power levels, and other settings.

[00180] Satellite 1200 may include a processing unit 1220. Processing unit 1220 may manage communication protocols, routing of signals, process and relay data efficiently between the uplink and downlink and other data-related functions.

[00181] Satellite 1200 may include a power system 1225. Power system 1225 may, for example, include solar panels to generate electrical power from sunlight. This power may be stored in onboard batteries and used to operate the satellite's systems, including the communication payload (e.g., transponders 1205). Power system 1225 may include regulators and converters to ensure a stable power supply.

[00182] In some embodiments, satellite 1200 may include a base station 1230 such as base station 1100 described above with respect to Fig. 11. In some embodiments, satellite 1200 may be a transparent relay for radio signals which are conveyed to the ground-based NTN-BS via the feeder link.

[00183] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 12 may be omitted. In some embodiments, satellite 1200 may include additional components that are not shown in Fig. 12 and that may be required for supporting the communication of the satellite with base stations and / or user equipment.

[00184] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[00185] In the foregoing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment can be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments.

[00186] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, can refer to operation(s) and / or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that can store instructions to perform operations and / or processes.

[00187] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein can include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” can be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term set when used herein can include one or more items. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

Claims

i. A user equipment (UE) configured to:camp on a non-terrestrial network;receive, from a base station of the non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS), an indication of:a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs),a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, andone or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range;based on the indication, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range;if it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the coverage range that extends beyond the normal coverage range:based on the indication, determine an extended coverage range in which the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available, the extended coverage range being relative to the normal coverage range;based on a geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range; andif it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the indication is received as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) transmitted by the NTN-BS.

3. The UE of any one of claims 1-2,wherein the one or more coverage extension features comprise one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; andwherein in order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency, the UE is configured to determine whether or not the UE supports atleast one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

4. The UE of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the one or more coverage extension features comprise geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

5. The UE of claim 4,wherein the geographical characteristics comprise propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water; andwherein the UE is configured to determine the extended coverage range based on an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water.

6. The UE of any one of claims 1-5,wherein the normal coverage range is predetermined for an enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) UE;wherein the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than the eMBB UE; andwherein the UE is configured to:based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE:determine a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, the refined normal coverage range being smaller than the normal coverage range.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the UE is configured to determine the extended coverage range further relative to the refined normal coverage range.

8. A user equipment (UE) configured to:camp on a non-terrestrial network;receive, from a base station of the non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS), an indication that a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs) is available in an extended coverage range, wherein the extended coverage range is relative to a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs;based on the indication, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range;if it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range:based on a geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the extended coverage range; andif it is determined that the UE is within the extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the indication is received as part of a system information broadcast (SIB) transmitted by the NTN-BS.

10. The UE of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the indication comprises the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

11. The UE of any one of claims 8-9, wherein the indication comprises the specified radio frequency, and wherein the UE is configured to:transmit to the NTN-BS a request to receive the extended coverage range, andreceive from the NTN-BS the extended coverage range as part of a dedicated signaling.

12. The UE of claim 11, wherein the request comprises at least one of: one or more coverage extension functionalities supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, a geolocation of the UE and connectivity capabilities of the UE.

13. The UE of any one of claims 8-12,wherein the extended coverage range is due to one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; andwherein in order to determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency within the extended coverage range, the UE is configured to determine whether or not the UE supports at least one of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

14. The UE of any one of claims 8-13, wherein the extended coverage range is due to geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

15. The UE of claim 14,wherein the geographical characteristics comprise propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water, andwherein the UE is configured to:based on the extended coverage range and an actual height of an antenna of the UE over the water, determine a refined extended coverage range;based on the geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range; andif it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

16. The UE of any one of claims 8-15, wherein the extended coverage range is omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional.

17. The UE of any one of claims 8-15, wherein the extended coverage range is in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and wherein the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle.

18. The UE of any one of claims 8-17,wherein the normal coverage range and the extended coverage range is predetermined for an enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) UE;wherein the UE is a reduced-capability (REDCAP) UE having fewer connectivity capabilities than the eMBB UE; andwherein the UE is configured to:based on the connectivity capabilities of the UE:determine a refined normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, the refined normal coverage range being smaller than the normal coverage range.

19. The UE of claim 18, wherein the UE is configured to:determine a refined extended coverage range relative to the refined normal coverage range, the refined extended coverage range being smaller than the extended coverage range;based on the geolocation of the UE, determine whether or not the UE is within the refined extended coverage range; andif it is determined that the UE is within the refined extended coverage range, select the specified radio frequency to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the terrestrial network.

20. A base station in a non-terrestrial network (NTN-BS) configured to:receive information concerning:a specified radio frequency provided by one or more base stations in a terrestrial network (TN-BSs),a normal coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, andone or more coverage extension features that extend a coverage range of the specified radio frequency beyond the normal coverage range;based on the information, determine an extended coverage range of the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs, andtransmit an indication that the specified radio frequency provided by the one or more TN-BSs is available in the extended coverage range.

21. The NTN-BS of claim 20, wherein the one or more coverage extension features comprise one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by the one or more TB-BS for the specified radio frequency.

22. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-21,wherein the one or more TN-BSs comprises at least two TN-BSs,wherein the one or more coverage extension features comprise one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by each of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency; andwherein the NTN-BS is configured to determine the extended coverage range based on the normal coverage range and the one or more coverage extension functionality provided by each of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency.

23. The NTN-BS of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the one or more coverage extension functionalities provided by different TN-BSs of the at least two TN-BSs for the specified radio frequency are different.

24. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-23, wherein the information is received from a core network.

25. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-24, wherein the NTN-BS is configured to transmit the indication as part of a system information broadcast (SIB).

26. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-25, wherein the indication comprises the specified radio frequency and the extended coverage range.

27. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-24, wherein the indication comprises the specified radio frequency, and wherein the NTN-BS is configured to:receive, from a user equipment (UE), a request to provide the extended coverage range; andbased on the request, determine whether or not the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range; andif it is determined that the UE is capable of operating on the specified radio frequency in the extended coverage range, transmit to the UE the extended coverage range as part of a dedicated signaling.

28. The NTN-BS of claim 27, wherein the request comprises at least one of: one or more coverage extension features supported by the UE for the specified radio frequency, a geolocation of the UE and connectivity capabilities of the UE.

29. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-28, wherein the one or more coverage extension features comprise geographical characteristics related to propagation of radio signals of the specified radio frequency to and from the one or more TN-BSs.

30. The NTN-BS of claim 29, wherein the geographical characteristics comprise propagation of the radio signals of the specified radio frequency over water.

31. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-30, wherein the extended coverage range is omnidirectional and the indication includes a notification that the extended coverage range is omnidirectional.

32. The NTN-BS of any one of claims 20-31, wherein the extended coverage range is in a specific direction and at a specific opening angle and wherein the indication includes the specific direction and the specific opening angle.

Images