Non-terrestrial network communication methods, apparatus, communication devices, and storage media

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium related to the mobile communication technology field, in which a UE receives an NTN system message sent by a network device and determines that uplink synchronization has been restored when a preset condition is met, and the preset condition may be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronization valid timer. The present disclosure solves a timing problem in the related art in which the RRC layer of the UE indicates to a lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message indicates a future time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular, to a non-terrestrial network communication method, an apparatus, a communication device and a storage medium. [Background Art]

[0002] Non-terrestrial Network (NTN) communication is an important technology introduced in the Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication technology that provides wireless resources through satellites or drones instead of terrestrial base stations. However, for New Radio (NR) NTN, current protocols stipulate that after User Equipment (UE) receives a system message, it shall notify that the uplink synchronization of the MAC layer has been recovered. However, the problem of indication timing when the effective time in the system message indicates a future time has not been solved. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] In order to solve the indication timing problem in the related art, the present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, an apparatus, a communication device and a storage medium. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0004] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, which is executed by a user equipment (UE), and the method includes the steps of: receiving an NTN system message transmitted by a network device; and determining that uplink synchronization is recovered if a preset condition is satisfied, wherein the preset condition includes at least one of the following: when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, and when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the NTN system message includes satellite support information and / or timing advance (TA) information, and applying the NTN system message includes applying at least some of the information in the NTN system message.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of determining that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE receives the NTN system message includes: determining that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE receives the NTN system message if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, then applying the NTN system message includes at least one of the following: determining satellite support information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time based on satellite support information in the NTN system message, and applying the satellite support information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time; determining TA information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time based on TA information in the NTN system message, and applying the TA information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time; or applying satellite support information and / or TA information in the NTN system message.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, applying the NTN system message includes applying the NTN system message before the effective time, or applying the NTN system message when the effective time arrives.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of determining that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronous enable timer includes determining that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronous enable timer if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE does not support early application of the NTN system message.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of transmitting capability information to a network device, the capability information identifying whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages, and the capability information is used to assist the network device in setting parameters in NTN system messages.

[0011] An embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, which is performed by a network device, and which includes the step of sending an NTN system message to a user equipment (UE).

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes receiving capability information transmitted by a UE, the capability information identifying whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages, and setting parameters in the NTN system messages based on the capability information.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of setting parameters in the NTN system message based on capability information includes setting the validity periods of at least two NTN system messages to overlap if the capability information identifies that the UE supports early application of the NTN system message.

[0014] An embodiment of a third aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication device applied to user equipment (UE), the device including a transmit / receive module for receiving an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if a preset condition is met, the preset condition including at least one of when the UE applies an NTN system message, when the UE receives an NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronization enable timer.

[0015] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication device applicable to a network device, the device including a transceiver module for transmitting NTN system messages to user equipment (UE).

[0016] An embodiment of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication device comprising a transceiver, a memory, and a processor connected to the transceiver and the memory, respectively, which can control the transmission and reception of radio signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions in the memory, thereby implementing the methods of the embodiments of the first or second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] A sixth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer storage medium in which computer-executable instructions are stored, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the method of the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized.

[0018] A seventh embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system including user equipment (UE) and network devices, UE performs the method of the embodiment of the first aspect, The network device performs the method of the second embodiment.

[0019] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method of this disclosure, if a UE receives an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and satisfies a preset condition, it can determine that uplink synchronization has been restored. The preset condition may be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts the synchronization enable timer. Thus, this disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of a UE indicates to a lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in a system message of related technology points to a future time.

[0020] Additional aspects and benefits of this disclosure are given in part in the following description, and will be evident in part from the following description or understood through the practice of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure can be clearly and readily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of timing synchronization according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary for explaining the present disclosure, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0023] NTN communication is an important technology introduced in 5G. A UE can access a core network through a satellite access network, a communication connection between the UE and a satellite is a service link, and a connection between a satellite and a ground receiving station is a feeder link. The ground receiving station is connected to the core network, thereby enabling the UE to access the core network through the satellite access network. However, in NR NTN, current protocols stipulate that after receiving a system message, the UE notifies the MAC layer that uplink synchronization has been restored, but the problem of indication timing when the effective time in the system message indicates a future time has not been solved yet.

[0024] Therefore, this disclosure provides an NTN communication method aimed at solving the instruction timing problem in related technologies. To better understand the inventive features of this disclosure, the concept of Timing Advance (TA) will be introduced below.

[0025] TA is a crucial concept in 5G communication processes. 5G networks are synchronous networks, and UEs must ensure uplink and downlink synchronization. Downlink synchronization is achieved when the UE receives a downlink synchronization signal transmitted by the base station. After achieving downlink synchronization, the UE must perform uplink synchronization to ensure that the time it takes for all UE uplink signals to reach the base station aligns with the base station's uplink time. Uplink synchronization is achieved by initiating random access. Specifically, the UE transmits a preamble to the base station, the base station obtains the transmission delay between the UE and the base station by receiving the preamble, the base station then transmits a timing advance (TA) command to the UE (TA value equal to twice the transmission delay), and the UE achieves uplink synchronization by advancing the uplink value indicated by the TA. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of timing synchronization.

[0026] When a downlink signal transmitted by a base station reaches a terminal, a one-way propagation early occurs, causing the terminal's downlink time to lag behind the base station by one one-way propagation early. When a UE transmits its uplink time after its downlink has been aligned, one one-way propagation delay occurs for it to reach the base station. Therefore, on the base station side, as shown in Figure 1(a), the uplink time is delayed by one round-trip time (RTT) compared to the downlink time. Because different UEs and base stations have different RTTs, the uplink times of different UEs are not aligned on the base station side, and interference may occur when transmitting data between UEs. To solve this problem, the base station advances the UE's uplink time by one RTT time by sending a TA adjustment command to the terminal so that the uplink times of all UEs reaching the base station are aligned, as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0027] The network broadcasts common TAs (Terminal Arrows) that require compensation from the UE, as well as satellite ephemeris information to help the UE obtain the satellite's position for calculating the RTT (Round-Trip Time). Because the common TA and ephemeris information change depending on the satellite's mobility, the ephemeris information and common TA broadcast in system messages have an expiration period called the uplink synchronization validity duration (UL synchronization validity duration). The ephemeris information and common TA are stored and transmitted in a single system message (System Information Block, SIB) that shares this validity duration. The validity duration value is broadcast to the UE by the network, and the UE activates the UL synchronization validity timer based on the start time (i.e., epoch time) of the validity duration corresponding to the ephemeris information and common TA in the broadcast message.

[0028] For NR NTN, NTN-related system messages are broadcast using SIB19, and for LTE NTN, they are broadcast using SIB31. Taking NR NTN as an example, after the UE receives SIB19, the UE activates timer T430 (i.e., the UL synchronization validity timer) based on the start validity time indicated in SIB19. The start validity time may point to a future time. It is still unclear whether the UE can apply SIB19 in advance at the current time. Taking NR NTN as an example, the current protocol stipulates that after the UE receives SIB19, it should notify the MAC layer that uplink synchronization has already been restored. However, this instruction has timing issues because the epoch time can point to the future, and the UE may not have applied SIB19 yet.

[0029] The scheme provided by this disclosure can be applied to satellite access networks, and in particular to 5G core networks and non-terrestrial NTN networks, including but not limited to core networks supporting subsequent communication technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G-advanced, and Sixth Generation (6G).

[0030] It should be understood that the methods disclosed herein are applicable to NTN communication systems and to both transparent and regenerative modes. This disclosure is not limited to these modes.

[0031] The NTN communication system provided by this disclosure will be described in detail below, using the accompanying diagrams.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is performed by a UE. The UEs described in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, smart terminal devices, mobile phones, wireless devices, handsets, mobile units, vehicles, and in-vehicle devices. The present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the method includes the following steps.

[0034] S201 receives an NTN system message sent by a network device and determines that uplink synchronization has been restored if the preset conditions are met.

[0035] In embodiments of this disclosure, the preset condition includes at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message; when the UE receives an NTN system message; or when the UE starts a synchronous enable timer.

[0036] What can be understood is that in this disclosure, “determining that uplink synchronization has been restored” means instructing a different layer of the UE, specifically that the lower layer uplink synchronization has been restored, instructing the UE's Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer to the UE, and the lower layer may be, and is not limited to, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, or the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0037] In this disclosure, NTN system messages may be NR SIB19 or LTE SIB31 / SIB31-NB, and are not limited thereto.

[0038] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message may include satellite support information and / or timing advance (TA) information, and the effective time of the NTN system message may refer to any time, in particular, a future time, i.e., a time after the UE has received the NTN system message.

[0039] Accordingly, according to the method provided in this disclosure, when a UE receives an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and satisfies a preset condition, it can determine that uplink synchronization has been restored, the preset condition may be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts the synchronization enable timer. Thus, this disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of a UE indicates to a lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in a system message of related technology points to a future time.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be performed by a UE and, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the method may include the following steps, as shown in Figure 3.

[0041] S301 transmits capability information to network devices.

[0042] In the embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages. The UE reports its capability information to the base station, and the capability information indicates whether the UE supports early application of SIB19 / SIB31 / SIB-31NB.

[0043] For example, the capability information value may be 1 or 0. If it is 1, it is identified that the UE supports early adoption, and if it is 0, it is identified that the UE does not support early adoption. Alternatively, for example, the capability information value may be 1, and capability information may be sent to the network device only if the UE supports early adoption, and not sent to the UE if the UE does not support early adoption.

[0044] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to help network devices set parameters in NTN system messages. For example, if the network can know whether the UE supports early application of SIB19, it can help the network better set the ephemeris and common TA-related parameters of the connected state UE, such as whether two ephemeris and validity periods set in the common TA can overlap. For example, if the network knows that the UE supports early application, the network can set the UE to have overlap between the validity periods of two system messages, thereby avoiding a situation where there is no gap between the application of two system messages and no usable system messages between the two validity periods, and improving communication performance.

[0045] In the implementation, UE capability information can be transmitted via the RRC message UECapabilityInformation message, and is not limited by this disclosure.

[0046] What can be understood is that step S301 described above is an optional step and is not limited by this disclosure.

[0047] S302 receives an NTN system message sent by a network device and determines that uplink synchronization has been restored if the preset conditions are met.

[0048] In embodiments of this disclosure, the preset condition includes at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message; when the UE receives an NTN system message; or when the UE starts a synchronous enable timer.

[0049] In this example, the three preset conditions described above will be explained in detail.

[0050] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message includes satellite support information and / or timing advance (TA) information. The satellite support information may be ephemeris information.

[0051] In embodiments of this disclosure, applying an NTN system message includes applying at least some of the information in the NTN system message. For example, it may be applied only to the ephemeris information, or only to the applied TA information, or to both.

[0052] It can be understood that, in embodiments of this disclosure, the application of TNT system messages may be early application. If the effective time corresponding to an NTN system message points to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of NTN system messages, the UE may apply the NTN system message before a future time. In other words, if, after the UE has received a system message, the effective time corresponding therein points to a future time after the UE has received the system message, the UE may early apply the information in the SIB before that effective time. The application method includes applying all or only the parameters of the SIB.

[0053] Specifically, the early adoption methods include the following two: 1) Based on the information in the NTN system message, estimate the information applicable to the current time: For example, based on satellite support information in NTN system messages, the UE can determine which satellite support information to use for the period from the current time to the effective time (future time), and thereby apply the satellite support information to be used for the period from the current time to the future time before the future time arrives.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the UE can determine the TA information to be used for the period from the current time to a future time based on the TA information in the NTN system message, thereby applying the TA information to be used for the period from the current time to a future time before the future time arrives.

[0055] 2) Use information directly from NTN system messages: For example, the UE can directly apply satellite support information and / or TA information in the NTN system message without re-estimating it.

[0056] In the selectable implementation methods, the UE can further apply NTN system messages when a future time occurs.

[0057] In another implementation, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, then when the UE receives the NTN system message, the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has already been restored. It can be understood that the circumstances under which it is determined that uplink synchronization has been restored upon receiving the NTN system message can similarly apply to a time before the UE receives the NTN system message, which points to the effective time, and is not discussed in this disclosure.

[0058] In another implementation, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE does not support early application of the NTN system message, the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has already been restored when the synchronization enable timer is started.

[0059] Therefore, according to the method provided by this disclosure, when a UE receives an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and satisfies preset conditions, it can determine that uplink synchronization has been restored. The UE can then report its capability information to the network to inform it whether it supports early application of system messages, allowing the network to better configure parameters in system messages and improve communication performance. Furthermore, this disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of a UE instructs lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in a system message of related technology points to a future time.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is performed by a network device. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps.

[0061] S401 sends an NTN system message to the User Equipment (UE).

[0062] In embodiments of this disclosure, an NTN system message is used to determine that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE assists in fulfilling preset conditions, i.e., the RRC layer of the assisting UE indicates that uplink synchronization has already been restored in the MAC, RLC, or PDCP layer of the UE.

[0063] The preset conditions of this disclosure include at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message, when the UE receives an NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronous enable timer.

[0064] In this disclosure, NTN system messages may be NR SIB19 or LTE SIB31 / SIB31-NB, and are not limited thereto.

[0065] Accordingly, according to the method provided in this disclosure, a network device can send an NTN system message to the UE, which can help the UE determine that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. This solves the timing problem where the RRC layer of the UE instructs the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the NTN communication-related technology points to a future time.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be performed by a network device and, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the method may include the following steps, as shown in Figure 5.

[0067] S501 receives capability information transmitted by UE.

[0068] In the embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages. The UE reports its capability information to the base station, and the capability information indicates whether the UE supports early application of SIB19 / SIB31 / SIB-31NB.

[0069] For example, the capability information value may be 1 or 0. If it is 1, it is identified that the UE supports early adoption, and if it is 0, it is identified that the UE does not support early adoption. Alternatively, for example, the capability information value may be 1, and capability information may be sent to the network device only if the UE supports early adoption, and not sent to the UE if the UE does not support early adoption.

[0070] In the implementation, UE capability information can be transmitted via the RRC message UECapabilityInformation message, and is not limited by this disclosure.

[0071] S502 sets parameters in NTN system messages based on capability information.

[0072] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to assist a network device in setting parameters in an NTN system message. Specifically, if the capability information identifies that the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, the validity periods of at least two NTN system messages are set to overlap.

[0073] For example, if the network can know whether a UE supports early application of SIB19, it can help the network better configure the ephemeris and common TA-related parameters of the connected UE, such as whether two ephemeris and validity periods set in the common TA can overlap. For example, if the network knows that a UE supports early application, the network can configure the UE to have overlap between the validity periods of two system messages, avoiding situations where there is no gap between the application of two system messages and no usable system messages between the two validity periods, thereby improving communication performance.

[0074] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the start time of the effective time is the effective time as described in the embodiments described above.

[0075] What can be understood is that steps S501 and S502 described above are optional steps and are not limited by this disclosure.

[0076] S503 sends an NTN system message to UE.

[0077] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the network device can send a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. Specific implementations refer to the UE-side embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 and are not described further here.

[0078] Therefore, according to the method provided by this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports early application of system messages, thereby enabling better setting of parameters in system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the related technology points to a future time.

[0079] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a communication system, which includes a UE and network devices. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes the following steps.

[0080] S601, UE reports capability information to network devices.

[0081] In embodiments of this disclosure, UE capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages.

[0082] S602: The network device sets parameters in the NTN system message based on the UE's capability information.

[0083] Network devices better configure the ephemeris and common TA-related parameters of the connected state UE based on whether the UE supports early adoption, for example, whether two ephemeris and validity periods set in the common TA can overlap.

[0084] What can be understood is that steps S601 and S602 described above are selectable steps.

[0085] S603, the network device sends an NTN system message to the UE.

[0086] Network devices can send NTN system messages to the UE, including satellite support information and / or timing advance (TA) information. Such system messages may be configured by the network device based on the UE's capability information, or they may be configured without considering the UE's capability information, and are not limited by this disclosure.

[0087] S604, if the UE meets the preset conditions based on the NTN system message, determines that uplink synchronization has been restored.

[0088] If the UE determines, based on the parameters in the NTN system message, that the preset conditions are met, the RRC layer instructs the lower layers that uplink synchronization has already been restored. Specific implementation methods can be found in the examples shown in Figures 2 to 5 and will not be explained further here.

[0089] Therefore, according to the method provided by this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports early application of system messages, thereby enabling better setting of parameters in system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the related technology points to a future time.

[0090] The embodiments provided in this application describe the methods provided by the embodiments from the user equipment side and the network device side, respectively. In order to realize each function in the methods provided by the embodiments of this application, the network device and the user equipment may include a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure + software module that realizes each of the above functions. Any of the above functions can be performed by a hardware configuration, a software module, or by adding a software module to a hardware configuration.

[0091] Corresponding to the non-terrestrial network communication methods provided by some of the embodiments described above, the non-terrestrial network communication device provided by some of the embodiments of this disclosure corresponds to the non-terrestrial network communication methods provided by some of the embodiments described above. Therefore, embodiments of the non-terrestrial network communication methods also apply to the non-terrestrial network communication device provided in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0092] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a non-terrestrial network communication device 700 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The non-terrestrial network communication device 700 can be used in user equipment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, the device 700 may include a transceiver module 710. The transmit / receive module 710 is used to receive an NTN system message sent by a network device and determine that uplink synchronization has been restored if a preset condition is met, the preset condition including at least one of the following: when applying an NTN system message, when the UE receives an NTN system message, or when the UE synchronization enable timer is started.

[0094] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided by embodiments of this disclosure, when a UE receives an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and satisfies a preset condition, it can determine that uplink synchronization has been restored, the preset condition may be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts the synchronization enable timer. Thus, this disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of a UE indicates to a lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in a system message of related technology points to a future time.

[0095] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message includes satellite support information and / or timing advance (TA) information, and applying the NTN system message includes applying at least some of the information in the NTN system message.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmit / receive module 710 is used to determine that uplink synchronization was restored when the UE received the NTN system message, specifically when the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message.

[0097] In some embodiments of this disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, the transmit / receive module 710 further: Based on satellite support information in NTN system messages, determine the satellite support information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time, and apply the satellite support information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time. Based on the TA information in the NTN system message, the TA information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time is determined, and the TA information to be used for the period from the current time to the effective time is applied. Used to apply satellite support information and / or TA information in NTN system messages.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message refers to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, the transmit / receive module 710 is further used to apply the NTN system message before the effective time, or to apply the NTN system message when the effective time arrives.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmit / receive module 710 is used to determine that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronous enable timer, specifically when the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE has received the NTN system message, and the UE does not support early application of the NTN system message.

[0100] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transmit / receive module 710 is further: This information is used to send capability information to network devices, which identifies whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages, and is used to help network devices set parameters in NTN system messages.

[0101] Based on the above, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, when a UE receives an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and satisfies preset conditions, it can determine that uplink synchronization has been restored. The UE then reports its capabilities to the network to notify it whether it supports early application of system messages, allowing the network to better configure parameters in system messages and improve communication performance.

[0102] Furthermore, this disclosure solves the timing problem where the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the related technology points to a future time.

[0103] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a non-terrestrial network communication device 800 provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. This non-terrestrial network communication device 800 can be used as a network device.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8, the device 800 is It may include a send / receive module for sending NTN system messages to user equipment (UE).

[0105] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided by embodiments of this disclosure, a network device can send an NTN system message to the UE, solving the timing problem where the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the NTN communication-related technology points to a future time.

[0106] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transmit / receive module 810 is further: It is used to receive capability information transmitted by the UE, which identifies whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages.

[0107] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 9, the above-described apparatus 800 further includes a configuration module. The configuration module is used to set parameters in NTN system messages based on capability information.

[0108] As described above, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports early application of system messages, thereby enabling better setting of parameters in system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the related technology points to a future time.

[0109] Embodiments of this disclosure further provide a communication system which includes user equipment (UE) and network devices, The UE reports capability information to network devices.

[0110] The network device sets parameters in the NTN system message based on the UE's capability information.

[0111] The network device sends an NTN system message to the UE.

[0112] If the UE, based on NTN system messages, meets the preset conditions, it determines that uplink synchronization has been restored.

[0113] As described above, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports early application of system messages, thereby enabling better setting of parameters in system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored if preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the timing problem in which the RRC layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message of the related technology points to a future time.

[0114] Referring to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the configuration of another communication device 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication device 1000 may be a network device or user equipment, and the network device may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above method, or the user equipment may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above embodiment, and specifically, refer to the description of the above embodiment.

[0115] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001. The processors 1001 may be general-purpose processors or dedicated processors, etc. For example, they may be baseband processors or central processors. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processor may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data of computer programs.

[0116] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may include one or more memories 1002 in which a computer program 1004 is stored, and the processor 1001 executes the computer program 1004 to cause the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above embodiment. Optionally, data may be stored in the memories 1002. The communication device 1000 and the memories 1002 may be installed independently or integrated as a single unit.

[0117] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1005 and an antenna 1006. The transceiver 1005 may also be called a transmitting / receiving unit, transceiver, or transmitting / receiving circuit, and is used to implement transceiver functionality. The transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, the transceiver 1005 may also be called a receiving device or receiving circuit, and is used to implement receiving functionality, and the transmitter may also be called a transmitting device or transmitting circuit, and is used to implement transmitting functionality.

[0118] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more interface circuits 1007. The interface circuits 1007 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 executes the code instructions, causing the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above embodiment of the method.

[0119] In one implementation, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transmit / receive circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transmit / receive circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transmit / receive circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or transmitting signals.

[0120] In one implementation, the computer program 113 may be stored in the processor 1001, and the communication device 1000 can perform the method described in the above embodiment by executing the computer program 113 in the processor 1001. The computer program 113 may be embedded in the processor 1001, in which case the processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware.

[0121] In one embodiment, the communication device 1000 may include a circuit that can implement the transmission, reception, or communication functions described in the method embodiment described above. The processor and transceiver described herein can be integrated into an integrated circuit (IC), analog IC, high-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), mixed-signal IC, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), n-metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (Gas), etc.

[0122] The communication devices described in the above embodiments may be network devices or user equipment; however, the scope of communication devices described in this disclosure is not limited to these, and the structure of the communication devices is not limited by Figure 10. The communication devices may be independent devices or part of a larger device. For example, the communication devices may be as follows: (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem, (2) A set having one or more ICs, wherein the IC set may optionally include a storage component for storing data, computer programs, (3) ASIC, for example, modem, (4) Modules that can be incorporated into other devices, (5) Receivers, terminal devices, intelligent terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handhelds, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, base stations, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc. (6) Others.

[0123] The communication device may be a chip or a chip system, and the schematic diagram of the chip configuration shown in Figure 11 is referenced. The chip shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 1101 and an interface 1102. The number of processors 1101 may be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1102 may be multiple.

[0124] Selectively, the chip also includes memory 1103, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0125] As those skilled in the art will see, the various illustrative logical blocks and steps enumerated in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design requirements of the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the aforementioned functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementations should not be understood as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0126] This disclosure further provides a readable storage medium in which instructions are stored, and which, when executed by a computer, implements the functionality of any one of the above-described method embodiments.

[0127] This disclosure further provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functionality of any one of the above-described method embodiments.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, all or part of them can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of them can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer programs are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flows or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer programs can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer programs can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available media accessible to a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The usable media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0129] As those skilled in the art will understand, the various numerical designations such as "1st," "2nd," etc., in this disclosure are classifications made for the sake of clarity and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, but rather represent priority.

[0130] In this disclosure, “at least one” may also be described as “one or more,” where “more” may be two, three, four or more, and is not limited to this disclosure. In embodiments of this disclosure, for a single technical feature, technical features in that type of technical feature are distinguished by “first,” “second,” “third,” “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D,” and there is no priority or size order among the technical features described by “first,” “second,” “third,” “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D.”

[0131] As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, equipment, and / or device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, and include machine-readable mediums that receive machine instructions, which are machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0132] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in a computing system including backend components (e.g., a data server), a computing system including middleware components (e.g., an application server), a computing system including frontend components (e.g., a user computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser, the user interacting with embodiments of the systems and technologies described herein through the graphical user interface or web browser), or in a computing system including any combination of such backend components, middleware components, and frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected by digital data communication in any form or medium (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the internet.

[0133] A computer system can include a client and a server. The client and server are generally geographically separated and typically interact via a communication network. The client-server relationship is generated by computer programs running on the corresponding computers that have a client-server relationship with each other.

[0134] It should be understood that steps can be rearranged, added, or deleted using the various forms of flows shown above. For example, each step described in this application may be performed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the proposed technology disclosed herein can be achieved.

[0135] Furthermore, it should be understood that the various embodiments of this application may be implemented individually or in combination with other embodiments as the scheme permits.

[0136] As those skilled in the art will understand, the units and algorithmic steps described in each example disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or in a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or in software depends on the specific application of the proposed technology and the design constraints. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions in different ways for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0137] For the convenience and simplification of the explanation, and so that those skilled in the art can clearly understand, the specific working processes of the systems, apparatus, and units described above are omitted here, and should be referred to by the corresponding processes in the embodiments of the methods described above.

[0138] The above describes only specific embodiments of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art could easily conceive of, as long as they do not deviate from the technical scope disclosed in this application, should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application must be in accordance with the claims described above.

Claims

1. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication method performed by user equipment (UE), The process includes receiving an NTN system message transmitted by a network device and determining that uplink synchronization was restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message. A non-terrestrial network communication method characterized by the following:

2. The NTN system message includes at least one of satellite support information, timing advance (TA) information, and validity period information. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to feature 1.

3. The NTN system message includes at least one of SIB19, SIB31, and SIB31-NB. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to feature 1.

4. The step of determining that the uplink synchronization has been restored is: Indicates that the uplink synchronization has been restored between different layers of the UE, and / or indicates the time at which the uplink synchronization has been restored between different layers of the UE. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to feature 1.

5. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication method performed by a network device, The process includes the step of sending an NTN system message to the user equipment (UE), The NTN system message is used to help the UE determine that uplink synchronization was restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message. A non-terrestrial network communication method characterized by the following:

6. The NTN system message includes at least one of satellite support information, timing advance (TA) information, and validity period information. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to feature 5.

7. The NTN system message includes at least one of SIB19, SIB31, and SIB31-NB. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to feature 5.

8. User equipment (UE) The device includes a transceiver, a memory, and processors connected to the transceiver and the memory, respectively, wherein the processors are configured to control the transmission and reception of radio signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions in the memory, thereby realizing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. User equipment (UE) characterized by the following.

9. Network device The device includes a transceiver, a memory, and processors connected to the transceiver and the memory, respectively, wherein the processors are configured to control the transmission and reception of radio signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions in the memory, thereby realizing the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A network device characterized by the following features.

10. A computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions, When the computer-executable instruction is executed by a user equipment (UE) processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is realized. A computer storage medium characterized by the following features.

11. A computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions, When the computer-executable instruction is executed by the processor of a network device, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is realized. A computer storage medium characterized by the following features.

12. It is a communication system, Including user equipment (UE) and network devices, The aforementioned UE carries out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The network device performs the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A communication system characterized by the following features.

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