Method and apparatus for multiple connections in communication system

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for multiple connections in a communication system. The method of a terminal includes the steps of: performing a connection procedure with each of a first network and a second network on the basis of a multi-connectivity function; performing uplink communication with the first network and the second network; calculating a power reduction in the uplink communication with respect to at least one of the first network or the second network; and determining whether to perform the uplink communication on the basis of the power reduction.

Description

Method and device for multiple connections in a communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-connection technology, and more particularly, to a multi-connection technology based on aggregation between a terrestrial network (TN) and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or aggregation between a first NTN and a second NTN.

[0002] Communication systems can be designed considering various scenarios, service requirements, and potential system compatibility. In 5G communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) communication systems) and / or beyond 5G communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), both terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication are being discussed. It is expected that TN and / or NTN communication will be performed. NTN communication may be performed using satellites and / or aircraft. NTN communication may be performed based on a different method than TN communication. A terminal may perform either TN or NTN communication. Alternatively, depending on the communication situation, a terminal may need to use both TN and NTN communication. In such situations, methods for a terminal to use both TN and NTN communication may be required.

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure to solve the above problems is to provide a method and device for multiple connections based on aggregation between a terrestrial network (TN) and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or aggregation between a first NTN and a second NTN.

[0004] A method of a terminal according to embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a step of performing a connection procedure with each of a first network and a second network based on a multi-connection function, a step of performing uplink communication with the first network and the second network, a step of calculating a power reduction of the uplink communication for at least one of the first network or the second network, and a step of determining whether to perform the uplink communication based on the power reduction.

[0005] If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the uplink communication may be determined to continue, and if the power reduction is greater than the threshold, the uplink communication may be determined to be stopped.

[0006] The above-mentioned stopped uplink communication may be at least one of the above-mentioned uplink communication in the SCell of the first network or the above-mentioned uplink communication in the SCell of the second network.

[0007] The method of the terminal may further include a step of receiving setting information of the threshold from at least one of the first network or the second network, wherein the setting information may include at least one of a first threshold for the first network, a second threshold for the second network, or a common threshold for both the first network and the second network.

[0008] The method of the terminal may further include a step of determining whether an external power source is available when the power reduction is greater than or equal to a threshold, and if the external power source is available, the uplink communication may be performed using the external power source, and if the external power source is not available, the uplink communication may be stopped.

[0009] Each of the first network and the second network may be a TN or an NTN.

[0010] The network structures of each of the first network and the second network can be independently determined, and the network structures can be determined based on at least one of CC settings, CG settings, cell settings, satellite type, presence or absence of relay, or link direction.

[0011] In the first type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a transparent type can be established, in the second type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a regenerative type can be established, in the third type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a transparent type can be formed, and in the fourth type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and the relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a regenerative type can be formed.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a method of a terminal includes a step of performing a connection procedure with each of a first network and a second network based on a multi-connection function, a step of performing downlink communication with the first network and the second network, a step of transmitting information necessary for aligning reception power for the downlink communication to at least one of the first network or the second network, a step of receiving information of a reception power section from at least one of the first network or the second network, and a step of receiving signals having reception power belonging to the reception power section from the first network and the second network.

[0013] The above required information may include at least one of CSI or information on a reception power section desired by the terminal.

[0014] If the first network is a TN and the second network is an NTN, the necessary information can be transmitted to the second network.

[0015] The network structures of each of the first network and the second network can be independently determined, and the network structures can be determined based on at least one of CC settings, CG settings, cell settings, satellite type, presence or absence of relay, or link direction.

[0016] In the first type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a transparent type can be established, in the second type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a regenerative type can be established, in the third type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and a relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a transparent type can be formed, and in the fourth type of the above network structure, a link between the terminal and the relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a regenerative type can be formed.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a terminal includes at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor causes the terminal to perform a connection procedure with each of a first network and a second network based on a multi-connection function, perform uplink communication with the first network and the second network, calculate a power reduction of the uplink communication for at least one of the first network or the second network, and determine whether to perform the uplink communication based on the power reduction.

[0018] If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the uplink communication may be determined to continue, and if the power reduction is greater than the threshold, the uplink communication may be determined to be stopped.

[0019] The above-mentioned stopped uplink communication may be at least one of the above-mentioned uplink communication in the SCell of the first network or the above-mentioned uplink communication in the SCell of the second network.

[0020] The at least one processor may further cause the terminal to determine whether an external power source is available when the power reduction is greater than or equal to a threshold, and if the external power source is available, the uplink communication may be performed using the external power source, and if the external power source is not available, the uplink communication may be stopped.

[0021] The at least one processor may further cause the terminal to perform downlink communication with the first network and the second network, transmit information necessary for aligning reception power for the downlink communication to at least one of the first network or the second network, receive information on a reception power interval from at least one of the first network or the second network, and receive signals having reception power belonging to the reception power interval from the first network and the second network.

[0022] The above required information may include at least one of CSI or information on a reception power section desired by the terminal.

[0023] If the first network is a TN and the second network is an NTN, the necessary information can be transmitted to the second network.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a downlink network structure and an uplink network structure can be independently configured in consideration of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) environment. For example, the downlink network structure and the uplink network structure can be configured differently. In consideration of the NTN environment, the network structure can be independently configured for each component carrier (CC), carrier group (CG), and / or cell. For example, the network structure can be configured differently for each CC, CG, and / or cell. In order to compensate for uplink propagation loss in consideration of the NTN environment, a method for controlling the transmission gain of a relay (or repeater) can be provided. When a terminal performs DC (dual connectivity) operation for a terrestrial network (TN)-NTN or NTN-NTN, a method for controlling uplink transmission based on power reduction and / or an external power source can be provided. When a terminal performs DC operation for TN-NTN or NTN-NTN, a method for requesting downlink reception power alignment to reduce the dynamic range may be provided. The effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure may not be limited to the effects described above. Other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art and / or by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0025] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a communication system.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of communication nodes constituting a communication system.

[0027] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a wireless interface protocol structure in a communication system.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating examples of time resources through which wireless signals are transmitted in a communication system.

[0029] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the time difference between the reception timing of the #i-th downlink frame and the transmission timing of the #i-th uplink frame in a communication system.

[0030] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a time / frequency resource grid of a communication system.

[0031] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of SS / PBCH blocks in a communication system.

[0032] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating common delays in an NTN environment.

[0033] Figures 9a to 9d are conceptual diagrams illustrating various forms of a three-dimensional space communication system.

[0034] Figures 10a and 10b are conceptual diagrams illustrating embodiments of multiple connections in an NTN environment.

[0035] Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment in which TN and NTN coexist.

[0036] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a downlink network structure and an uplink network structure in an NTN environment.

[0037] Figures 13a and 13b are conceptual diagrams illustrating network structures by CC, carrier group, and / or cell.

[0038] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the compensation operation for uplink propagation loss.

[0039] Figure 15a is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0040] Figure 15b is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0041] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0042] Figures 17 and 18 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for aligning downlink reception power based on multiple connections.

[0043] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for uplink transmission based on multiple connections.

[0044] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling downlink reception power based on multiple connections.

[0045] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component." The term "and / or" encompasses any combination of multiple related items described herein or any one of multiple related items described herein.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, “at least one of A and B” may mean “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of combinations of one or more of A and B.” Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, “at least one of A and B” may mean “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of combinations of one or more of A and B.”

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, (re)transmission may mean “transmission,” “retransmission,” or “transmission and retransmission,” (re)setting may mean “setting,” “resetting,” or “setting and resetting,” (re)connection may mean “connection,” “reconnection,” or “connection and reconnection,” and (re)connection may mean “connection,” “reconnection,” or “connection and reconnection.”

[0049] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0050] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. In order to facilitate an overall understanding in describing the present invention, identical reference numerals will be used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0053] A communication network to which embodiments of the present invention are applied will be described. The communication network may be a non-terrestrial network (NTN), a 4G communication network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) communication network), a 5G communication network (e.g., a new radio (NR) communication network), or a 6G communication network. The 4G communication network and the 5G communication network can be classified as terrestrial networks.

[0054] The non-terrestrial network may operate based on LTE technology and / or NR technology and / or 6G technology. The non-terrestrial network may support communication in frequency bands above 6 GHz as well as below 6 GHz. 4G communication networks may support communication in frequency bands below 6 GHz. 5G and / or 6G communication networks may support communication in frequency bands above 6 GHz as well as below 6 GHz. The communication networks to which embodiments of the present invention are applied are not limited to those described below, and the embodiments of the present invention may be applied to various communication networks. Here, the term "communication network" may be used interchangeably with the term "communication system."

[0055] In the present disclosure, “an operation (e.g., a transmission operation) is set” may mean that “setting information for the operation (e.g., information, information elements, parameters)” and / or “information instructing performance of the operation” are signaled. “Information (e.g., information elements, parameters) is set” may mean that the information is signaled. In the present disclosure, the signaling may be at least one of system information (SI) signaling (e.g., transmission of a system information block (SIB) and / or a master information block (MIB)), RRC signaling (e.g., transmission of RRC parameters and / or upper layer parameters), MAC control element (CE) signaling, or PHY signaling (e.g., transmission of downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), and / or sidelink control information (SCI)).

[0056] Throughout the specification, the network may include, for example, wireless internet such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), mobile internet such as WiBro (wireless broadband internet) or WiMax (world interoperability for microwave access), 2G mobile communication networks such as GSM (global system for mobile communication) or CDMA (code division multiple access), 3G mobile communication networks such as WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) or CDMA2000, 3.5G mobile communication networks such as HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access) or HSUPA (high speed uplink packet access), 4G mobile communication networks such as LTE (long term evolution) or LTE-Advanced, 5G mobile communication networks, and 6G mobile communication networks.

[0057] Throughout the specification, a terminal may be referred to as a terminal, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a station, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a portable subscriber station, a node, a device, etc.

[0058] Here, a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet PC, wireless phone, mobile phone, smart phone, smart watch, smart glass, e-book reader, portable multimedia player (PMP), portable game console, navigation device, digital camera, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) player, digital audio recorder, digital audio player, digital picture recorder, digital picture player, digital video recorder, digital video player, etc. capable of communicating with the terminal can be used.

[0059] Throughout the specification, a base station may be referred to as a NodeB, an evolved NodeB, a 5G NodeB (gNB), a 6G node, a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, an access point, an access node, a road side unit (RSU), a digital unit (DU), a cloud digital unit (CDU), a radio remote head (RRH), a radio unit (RU), a transmission point (TP), a transmission and reception point (TRP), a relay node (repeater node), etc.

[0060] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a communication system.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system (100) may include a plurality of communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6). The plurality of communication nodes may support 4G communication (e.g., long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE-A (LTE-A), 5G communication (e.g., new radio (NR)), 6G communication, etc.) specified in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard. 4G communication may be performed in a frequency band of 6 GHz or less, and 5G and 6G communication may be performed in a frequency band of 6 GHz or more as well as a frequency band of 6 GHz or less.

[0062] For example, for 4G communication, 5G communication, and 6G communication, multiple communication nodes may use a communication protocol based on CDMA (code division multiple access), a communication protocol based on WCDMA (wideband CDMA), a communication protocol based on TDMA (time division multiple access), a communication protocol based on FDMA (frequency division multiple access), a communication protocol based on OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), a communication protocol based on Filtered OFDM, a communication protocol based on CP (cyclic prefix)-OFDM, a communication protocol based on DFT-s-OFDM (discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM), a communication protocol based on OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), a communication protocol based on SC (single carrier)-FDMA, a communication protocol based on NOMA (Non-orthogonal Multiple Access), a communication protocol based on GFDM (generalized frequency division multiplexing), a communication protocol based on FBMC (filter bank multi-carrier), a communication protocol based on UFMC (universal filtered multi-carrier), a communication protocol based on SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access), It can support communication protocols based on OTFS (orthogonal time-frequency space).

[0063] In addition, the communication system (100) may further include a core network. If the communication system (100) supports 4G communication, the core network may include a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), a mobility management entity (MME), etc. If the communication system (100) supports 5G communication and 6G communication, the core network may include a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), etc.

[0064] Meanwhile, each of the plurality of communication nodes (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) constituting the communication system (100) may have the following structure.

[0065] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of communication nodes constituting a communication system.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, a communication node (200) may include at least one processor (210), a memory (220), and a communication device (230) that is connected to a network and performs communication. In addition, the communication node (200) may further include an input interface device (240), an output interface device (250), a storage device (260), etc. Each component included in the communication node (200) may be connected by a bus (270) and communicate with each other.

[0067] However, each component included in the communication node (200) may be connected through an individual interface or individual bus centered around the processor (210), rather than a common bus (270). For example, the processor (210) may be connected to at least one of the memory (220), the communication device (230), the input interface device (240), the output interface device (250), and the storage device (260) through a dedicated interface.

[0068] The processor (210) can execute program commands stored in at least one of the memory (220) and the storage device (260). The processor (210) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor in which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed. Each of the memory (220) and the storage device (260) may be configured with at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory (220) may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 1, the communication system (100) may include a plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) and a plurality of terminals (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6). The communication system (100) including the base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) and the terminals (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) may be referred to as an “access network.” The first base station (110-1), the second base station (110-2), and the third base station (110-3) can each form a macro cell. The fourth base station (120-1) and the fifth base station (120-2) can each form a small cell. The fourth base station (120-1), the third terminal (130-3), and the fourth terminal (130-4) can be within the cell coverage of the first base station (110-1). The second terminal (130-2), the fourth terminal (130-4), and the fifth terminal (130-5) can be within the cell coverage of the second base station (110-2). The fifth base station (120-2), the fourth terminal (130-4), the fifth terminal (130-5), and the sixth terminal (130-6) may be within the cell coverage of the third base station (110-3). The first terminal (130-1) may be within the cell coverage of the fourth base station (120-1). The sixth terminal (130-6) may be within the cell coverage of the fifth base station (120-2).

[0070] Here, each of the plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) may be referred to as a NodeB, an evolved NodeB, a gNB, a BTS (base transceiver station), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, an access point, an access node, etc. Each of the plurality of terminals (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) may be referred to as a UE (user equipment), a terminal, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a station, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a portable subscriber station, a node, a device, etc.

[0071] Meanwhile, each of the plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) may operate in a different frequency band or may operate in the same frequency band. Each of the plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) may be connected to each other via an ideal backhaul link or a non-ideal backhaul link, and may exchange information with each other via the ideal backhaul link or the non-ideal backhaul link. Each of the plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) may be connected to the core network via the ideal backhaul link or the non-ideal backhaul link. Each of the plurality of base stations (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 120-1, 120-2) can transmit a signal received from the core network to the corresponding terminal (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6), and can transmit a signal received from the corresponding terminal (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, 130-4, 130-5, 130-6) to the core network.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a radio interface protocol architecture in a communication system.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a wireless interface protocol structure (300) of a communication system may include a radio resource control (RRC) layer (310), a medium access control (MAC) layer (320), a physical (PHY) layer (330), etc. One embodiment of the wireless interface protocol structure (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 may correspond to various interface embodiments, such as an interface between a terminal and a base station, an interface between an IAB-node DU (distributed unit) of an IAB (integrated access backhaul) network and an IAB-node MT (mobile terminal), an interface between an IAB-node DU and a lower node (e.g., a terminal), an interface between an IAB-node MT and an upper node, and an interface between a plurality of terminals.

[0074] Near the PHY layer (330), an RRC layer (310) and a MAC layer (320) may be placed above the PHY layer (330). For example, the MAC layer (320) may be placed above the PHY layer (330). The RRC layer (310) may be placed above the MAC layer (320).

[0075] The MAC layer (320) may be connected to a higher layer (e.g., the RRC layer (310)) through logical channels (315). The PHY layer (330) may be connected to the higher MAC layer (320) through transport channels (325). The PHY layer (330) may exchange control information and / or measurement information (350) with the RRC layer (310).

[0076] The PHY layer (330) may be referred to as 'layer 1' or 'L1'. The MAC layer (320) may be referred to as 'layer 2' or 'L2'. The RRC layer (310) may be referred to as 'layer 3' or 'L3'. The RRC layer (310) and the MAC layer (320) may be collectively referred to as 'upper layers'.

[0077] In the present disclosure, 'L1 signaling' may refer to signaling such as downlink control information (DCI) transmitted through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), which is a PHY layer (330) channel, uplink control information (UCI) transmitted through a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and sidelink control information (SCI) transmitted through a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). Similarly, 'upper layer signaling' in the present disclosure may include L2 signaling transmitted through a MAC control element (CE), L3 signaling transmitted through RRC signaling, etc.

[0078] In communication systems such as 5G, one or more of the numerologies in Table 1 may be used for various purposes, such as reducing inter-carrier interference (ICI) according to frequency band characteristics and reducing latency according to service characteristics.

[0079]

[0080] Table 1 is only an example for convenience of explanation, and examples of numerologies used in communication systems may not be limited to this. Numerology μ is the subcarrier spacing (SCS). And it can correspond to information of cyclic prefix (CP). The terminal can check the numerology μ and CP applied to the downlink bandwidth part and / or the uplink bandwidth part based on the subcarrierSpacing and / or cyclicPrefix, which are parameters of the upper layer.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating examples of time resources through which wireless signals are transmitted in a communication system.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, the time resource for transmitting a wireless signal in a communication system (400) is one or more ( ) a frame (430) consisting of a subframe (420), one or more ( ) a subframe (420) consisting of a slot (410), and It can be expressed as a slot (410) consisting of OFDM symbols. , , The values ​​may follow the values ​​in Table 2 if they are regular cyclic prefixes according to the set numeral. , , The values ​​may follow the values ​​in Table 3 in case of an extended cyclic prefix according to the set numerology. OFDM symbols included in one slot may be distinguished as downlink (DL) symbols, flexible (FL) symbols, or uplink (UL) symbols by upper layer signaling or a combination of upper layer signaling and L1 signaling.

[0083]

[0084]

[0085] In an NR communication system (e.g., a 5G communication system), a frame (430) may have a length of 10 ms, and a subframe (420) may have a length of 1 ms. The frame (230) may be divided into two half-frames having the same length, and a first half-frame (half-frame #0) may be composed of sub-frames #0 to #4, and a second half-frame (half-frame #1) may be composed of sub-frames #5 to #9. One carrier may include a set of uplink frames and a set of downlink frames. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a time difference between the reception timing of the #i-th downlink frame and the transmission timing of the #i-th uplink in a communication system.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the time difference between the reception timing of downlink frame #i (500) and the transmission timing of uplink frame #i (510) is T TA (520) may be. The terminal may compare T with the start time of reception of downlink frame #i (500). TA Transmission for uplink frame #i (510) can be started at an earlier point in time. T TAcan be named as timing advance (TA) or timing adjustment (TA). The base station informs the terminal of T through upper layer signaling or L1 signaling. TA You can instruct it to change the value. For example, The application can be set at the base station and / or terminal. In the NR communication system, T c Is can be defined as, Is = can be defined as 480kHz, and N f is N f = can be defined as 4096, and N TA,offset can be a value set by L3 signaling, and N TA T is indicated by L2 signaling A And it can be a value determined based on the mathematical formula 1 below.

[0087]

[0088] N TA,offset and N TA The description may be an example for a specific situation. Various options may exist other than the above description, but not all possible cases may be listed in this disclosure so as not to obscure the gist of the description.

[0089] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a time / frequency resource grid of a communication system.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the time / frequency resource grid (600) of the communication system subcarriers of the dog and It can be composed of OFDM symbols. The resource grid can be defined per numeral and / or per carrier. may be the location of a common resource block (CRB) indicated by upper layer signaling. may be the number of resource blocks (RBs) (610) starting from the CRB. In other words, may mean carrier bandwidth. and / or can have different values ​​for each link direction (e.g., uplink, downlink, sidelink) or for each numerology (μ). The numerology (μ) can be referred to by other terms, such as subcarrier spacing (SCS) settings, as needed.

[0091] Each element within the resource grid for setting the antenna port (p) and SCS (μ) may be referred to as a resource element (RE) (620). The RE (620) is Each position can be uniquely defined. k can be an index (e.g., a subcarrier index) in the frequency domain, and l can mean a symbol position (e.g., a symbol index) in the time domain. is a physical channel or signal complex value may correspond to physical resources used to transmit. One resource block (610) is continuous in the frequency domain. =Can be defined with 12 subcarriers.

[0092] Compared to 3G / 4G communication systems, 5G communication systems can use a wider carrier bandwidth. To reduce the high implementation complexity and / or high power consumption of terminals due to the wide carrier bandwidth, the concept of a bandwidth part (BWP) can be introduced. A bandwidth part can be composed of consecutive common resource blocks, and the starting resource block position of the bandwidth part ( ) and the number of resource blocks that constitute the corresponding bandwidth portion ( ) can satisfy mathematical expressions 2 and 3.

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] Within a single component carrier (CC), up to four downlink bandwidth segments can be configured for a terminal. Only one downlink bandwidth segment can be activated at a time. The terminal may not receive physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs), or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) outside of the activated bandwidth segments.

[0096] Within a single component carrier, up to four uplink bandwidth segments can be configured for a terminal. Of the configured uplink bandwidth segments, only one uplink bandwidth segment can be activated at a time. The terminal may not transmit PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel), PUCCH (physical uplink control channel), SRS (sounding reference signal), or other bandwidth segments outside of the activated bandwidth segment.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating embodiments of a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) in a communication system.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, the SS / PBCH block (700) of the communication system may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS) transmitted in the middle 127 subcarriers of the first OFDM symbol, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) transmitted in the middle 127 subcarriers of the third OFDM symbol, and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) transmitted in the second, third, and fourth OFDM symbols. The PBCH, which occupies the widest bandwidth, may be transmitted over 20 RBs. 20 RBs may be 3.6 MHz based on a 15 kHz SCS. The base station may transmit one SSB using the same beam. When the number of antennas of the base station increases, it may be necessary to operate multiple beams, such as when more than one analog beam is applied to support high frequencies. In this case, the base station can support multi-beam operation by transmitting multiple SSBs. A beam may be expressed in various terms such as transmit precoding and spatial transmission filter. However, in order not to obscure the main point of the explanation, transmission precoding, spatial transmission filter, etc. may be referred to as beam.

[0099] The base station can transmit multiple SSBs (730, 740, 750, 760) to represent multiple beams (e.g., beam #1, beam #2, beam #3, beam #4). One or more SSBs can be transmitted in one slot according to a pre-arranged pattern for each numerology. SSBs (730, 740, 750, 760) to which different beams are applied can be included in an SS burst (720). In other words, SSBs (730, 740, 750, 760) to which different beams are applied can be configured as one set. The terminal can assume a half-frame window having a length of 5 ms at the time of monitoring the SSB. An SS burst set (715) configured by upper layer signaling within the half-frame window can include one or more SS bursts (720). The terminal may not know or be unable to use the RRC configuration value(s) during the initial access (IA) procedure. In this case, the terminal may assume that the period of the SS burst set (710) is 20 ms and perform reception and / or measurement operations for SSB based on this assumption.

[0100] In the present disclosure, the downlink network structure and the uplink network structure can be independently configured considering a non-terrestrial network (NTN) environment. For example, the downlink network structure and the uplink network structure can be configured differently. Considering the NTN environment, the network structure can be independently configured for each component carrier (CC), carrier group (CG), and / or cell. For example, the network structure can be configured differently for each CC, CG, and / or cell. In order to compensate for uplink propagation loss considering the NTN environment, the transmission gain of a relay (or repeater) can be controlled. When a terminal performs DC (dual connectivity) operation for a terrestrial network (TN)-NTN or NTN-NTN, uplink communication (e.g., uplink transmission) can be controlled based on power reduction and / or an external power source.

[0101] When a terminal performs a DC operation for TN-NTN or NTN-NTN, power alignment for downlink communication (e.g., downlink reception) to reduce a dynamic range may be requested. In the present disclosure, uplink transmission may mean uplink communication, and downlink reception may mean downlink communication. The dynamic range may be a power dynamic range. The power dynamic range may mean the difference between the minimum power and the maximum power for a specific resource, or the difference between the power (e.g., actual power) and the average power for a specific resource. The specific resource may be an RE, a symbol, an RB, a subband, a carrier, etc. Alternatively, the power dynamic range may mean the difference between the power for a first network (e.g., received power, transmitted power, average power, minimum power, maximum power) and the power for a second network (e.g., received power, transmitted power, average power, minimum power, maximum power).

[0102] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating common delays in an NTN environment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 8, at least three types of wireless links may exist in an NTN environment (e.g., an NTN scenario). The at least three types of wireless links may include a service link (831), an inter-satellite link (ISL) (841), and a feeder link (851, 852). The service link (831) may be a link between a terminal (810) and a satellite (821). The ISL (841) may be a link between satellites (821, 822). The feeder link (851, 852) may be a link between a terrestrial network (860) connected to a data network (870) and satellites (821, 822). The terrestrial network (860) may be a terrestrial gateway.

[0104] The terminal can calculate (e.g., determine) the timing advance (TA) of the terminal based on position information acquired from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and / or ephemeris information of a serving satellite. The TA can be determined based on the following mathematical expression 4. The ephemeris information can be acquired from a serving satellite (e.g., a serving base station).

[0105]

[0106] N TA can be defined as 0 for PRACH. N TA may be updated based on the TA command field of the msg2, msgB, and / or MAC CE TA command. N TA,UE-specific can be used to pre-compensate for delays in service links. N TA,UE-specific may be a TA estimated by the terminal itself. N TA,common can be a network control public TA. N TA,common may include timing offsets that are deemed necessary in a network (e.g., a telecommunications network). N TA,common can support values ​​of 0. N TA,offset may be a fixed offset used to calculate TA. The terminal may not assume that the round trip time (RTT) between the terminal and the base station is the same as the TA calculated for msg1 / msgA.

[0107] The validity period of ephemeris information (e.g., satellite ephemeris data) may indicate the maximum time that a terminal can apply satellite ephemeris (e.g., existing satellite ephemeris) without acquiring new ephemeris information. The validity period of ephemeris information may be set by the network. N TA The update procedure can be performed based on the TA command of msg2 / msgB and / or the TA command of MAC CE. NTA The update procedure can be used for alignment (e.g., adjustment, modification, control) of uplink timing. When msg2 / msgB containing a TA command (e.g., TA) is received, the terminal can perform the first adjustment (e.g., alignment, modification, control) procedure. N TA can be updated as shown in mathematical formula 5 below.

[0108]

[0109] T in Equation 5 A may be indicated by the TA command field contained in msg2 / msgB. If a MAC CE containing a TA command is received, N TA can be updated as shown in mathematical formula 6 below.

[0110]

[0111] T in Equation 6 A may be indicated by the TA command field included in the MAC CE. The common TA (e.g., common TA) may include a parameter indicating timing drift. The terminal may apply the common TA based on the parameter(s) provided by the network. If the requirement(s) for uplink timing error are defined, the offset between the common TA according to the parameters provided by the network and the RTT of the actual feeder link may not be considered.

[0112] Scheduling offset (K) to improve timing relationship offset ) can be introduced. Scheduling offset (K offset ) can be set by system information, and the scheduling offset (K offset ) can be used in the initial access procedure. In this case, the cell-specific K used in all beams of at least one cell offset The setting of K can be supported offset In addition, the scheduling offset for MAC CE is Kmac can be defined as

[0113] Downlink frame timing and uplink frame timing can be aligned to the base station. In this case, K is used for terminal operation and / or assumption regarding downlink and uplink settings indicated by the MAC CE command transmitted on the PDSCH. mac may not be required. On the other hand, the downlink frame timing and the uplink frame timing may not be aligned to the base station. In this case, K may be used for terminal operation and / or assumption regarding the downlink configuration indicated by the MAC CE command transmitted on the PDSCH. mac may be required, and K for terminal operation and / or assumptions regarding uplink configuration as indicated by the MAC CE command transmitted on the PDSCH. mac may not be necessary. K mac The information may be included in the system information. In other words, the base station is K mac System information including information can be transmitted to the terminal. The terminal can receive the system information from the base station and K included in the system information. mac You can check the information.

[0114] After the initial connection procedure, K offset Updates may be supported for receiving TA commands. offset By introducing K, the adjustment (e.g., alignment, correction, control) of uplink transmission timing can be supplemented. After the initial access procedure, offset For updates, the network (e.g., base station) uses MAC CE to update UE-specific K offset can provide and / or update cell-specific K set by system information. offsetFor , one of the following two options (e.g., options 1 and 2) may be selected. Option 1 may be signaling one offset value. For example, the value signaled according to option 1 may include the RTT of the service link and the RTT between the service satellite (e.g., the serving satellite) and the reference point (e.g., the reference point). In the present disclosure, the signaling may be at least one of SI (system information) signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or PHY signaling.

[0115] Option 2 may signal two offset values. The two offset values ​​may include a first offset value and a second offset value. K offset can be the sum of two offset values. The first offset value can be the RTT between the serving satellite and the reference point (or a value determined based on the common TA). The second offset value can be the RTT of the service link. The value indicated by the system information (e.g., K offset ) other than K offset If not provided to this terminal, the terminal shall use a value indicated by system information (e.g., K offset ) can be applied to improve all timing relationships. The network (e.g., base station) can use K for MAC CE. offset K is a scheduling offset other than mac can be provided to the terminal. The network is K mac If the terminal does not provide K mac =0 can be assumed.

[0116] The estimate of the terminal-base station RTT is the TA and K of the terminal. maccan be equal to the sum of the terminal-base station RTT. The terminal-base station RTT can mean the RTT in the link between the terminal and the base station. The terminal-base station RTT can mean the RTT between the terminal and the base station. The terminal's TA is T TA can be determined based on the base station-satellite RTT estimate N TA,common ×T C Wow K mac can be equal to the sum of . Base station-satellite RTT can mean the RTT in the link between the base station and the satellite. If the network is K mac If the terminal does not provide K mac =0 can be assumed.

[0117] NTN ephemeris (e.g., ephemeris information) can be divided into the serving cell's ephemeris and the neighboring cell's ephemeris. Information about when a cell will cease local service and / or timing information (e.g., timers and / or absolute time) for a new cell can be supported, at least in an Earth-fixed NTN scenario. Whether both types of ephemeris information (e.g., serving cell's ephemeris information and neighboring cell's ephemeris information) are required can be determined based on system information and / or ephemeris information.

[0118] At least for uplink scheduling adaptation, a UE can report information about UE-specific TA pre-compensation. During an RA procedure, the UE can report the UE-specific TA pre-compensation to the base station using MAC CE. If the reporting operation is enabled by the network, the UE can report the UE-specific TA pre-compensation information to the base station (e.g., the network) in an RA procedure using MAC CE (e.g., the transmission procedure of msgA, the transmission procedure of msg3, and / or the transmission procedure of msg5). The content of the UE-specific TA pre-compensation reported in the RA procedure using MAC CE may be UE-specific TA. UE-specific TA reporting (e.g., reporting of UE-specific TA pre-compensation) in the RA procedure may be enabled / disabled by SI (system information). UE-specific TA reporting (e.g., reporting information about UE-specific TA) may be supported in a connected mode (e.g., RRC connected mode). Event triggers may be supported to report information about UE-specific TAs in connected mode. If an event trigger is configured, the UE may report information about UE-specific TA pre-compensation to the target cell during the RA procedure.

[0119] If the UE cannot report UE location information in connected mode, the content of the UE-specific TA reported to the base station in connected mode may be UE-specific TA pre-compensation. If the content of the information about the UE-specific TA reported to the base station is UE location information in connected mode, RRC signaling may be used to report the UE location information (e.g., information about the UE-specific TA). If the UE location information can be reported to the base station in connected mode, for the purpose of TA reporting (e.g., reporting information about the UE-specific TA, reporting UE location information) in connected mode, the network (e.g., the base station) may configure the UE to report the UE-specific TA pre-compensation and / or the UE location information. If the content of the information about the UE-specific TA to be reported to the network is the value of the TA pre-compensation (e.g., UE-specific TA pre-compensation) in connected mode, the UE may report the information about the UE-specific TA using MAC CE.

[0120] UE location reporting can be performed based on an event trigger. Event-triggered UE location reporting can be configured by the base station to obtain information on UE location updates of a mobile terminal in a connected mode (e.g., RRC connected mode). In other words, the base station can transmit configuration information for event-based UE location reporting to the terminal. Periodic UE location reporting can be configured by the base station to obtain information on UE location updates of a mobile terminal in a connected mode (e.g., RRC connected mode).

[0121] To enable the UE to report information about UE-specific TAs during a handover procedure, a new indication of RRC reconfiguration using synchronization may not be required. SI (e.g., SIB) may indicate whether information indicating the activation or deactivation of TA reporting (e.g., reporting information about UE-specific TAs) in the target cell is transmitted via the handover command.

[0122] Information about UE-specific TA pre-compensation may not be reported in RA procedures triggered by requests from other SIs. The event trigger for reporting information about UE-specific TA (e.g., UE-specific TA pre-compensation) may be based on a TA value. A TA offset threshold may be used in the event-triggered reporting procedure. At least the TA offset threshold may be a value between the current UE-specific TA value and the last successfully reported UE-specific TA value.

[0123] In a quasi-earth fixed scenario or an earth fixed scenario, timing information regarding when a cell ceases service to a given area may be required to support cell reselection operations (e.g., NTN cell reselection operations). A base station (e.g., a cell, a network) may transmit system information including timing information regarding when a cell ceases service to a given area to a terminal. The system information may be broadcast. The point in time when a cell ceases service to a given area may refer to a cell downtime. The broadcasting operation of information regarding the cell downtime using a SIB may be applicable to a quasi-earth fixed cell. In other words, the broadcasting operation of information regarding the cell downtime using a SIB may not be applicable to a mobile cell. In a quasi-earth fixed scenario, timing information regarding when a cell ceases service (e.g., a cell downtime) may be used to determine when measurements for neighboring cells are performed. In a quasi-earth fixed scenario (e.g., a quasi-earth fixed cell), system information including information about the reference location of a cell (e.g., a serving cell and / or a neighboring cell) may be broadcast. The reference location may be a cell center.

[0124] In a quasi-earth fixed scenario, a terminal can start measuring neighboring cells before the serving cell stops serving the current area. In a quasi-earth fixed scenario, information about the cell downtime (e.g., timing information) broadcasted can indicate the time when the cell does not cover the current area. "The cell does not cover the current area" can mean "the cell does not provide service for the current area." In a quasi-earth fixed scenario, it can be configured that the terminal performs a measurement operation on a neighboring cell (e.g., an adjacent cell) before the time when the serving cell stops broadcasting (e.g., the cell downtime, the time when the cell stops covering the current area). The exact time when the terminal performs the measurement operation on the neighboring cell can be determined depending on the implementation of the terminal.

[0125] Figures 9a to 9d are conceptual diagrams illustrating various forms of a three-dimensional space communication system.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9D , a three-dimensional space communication system (e.g., a space communication network) may be designed such that a terminal can perform wireless communication using a device (e.g., a communication node) located in the sky. In the present disclosure, a satellite (e.g., a three-dimensional space device) may refer to a High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HPAS) or High Altitude Platform Station, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an Urban Air Mobility (UAM), etc. A satellite (e.g., a three-dimensional space device) may not be limited to an HPAS, a UAV, and / or a UAM. A satellite may refer to a three-dimensional space device.

[0127] In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, a satellite (920) can relay communication between a terminal (910) and a base station (930). The terminal (910) can be an NTN node (e.g., an NTN terminal). The satellite (920) can be a remote radio head (RRH). The satellite (920) can perform a function of relaying a Uu radio interface signal between the terminal (910) and the base station (930). The NTN gateway can be the base station (930). In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the satellite (920) can relay a signal between the terminal (910) and the base station (930), and the satellite (920) can operate transparently. In other words, the satellite (920) can be a transparent satellite.

[0128] In the embodiment of FIG. 9B, the satellite (920) can support some or all of the functions of the base station (930). The satellite (920) can perform the functions of a base station or a relay node. The satellite (920) can be a satellite base station, the satellite (920) can directly form (e.g., establish) a Uu link (e.g., a Uu radio interface) with the terminal (910), and the satellite (920) can be a regenerative satellite. In other words, the satellite (920) can support a regeneration operation for a signal.

[0129] In the embodiment of FIG. 9C, a terminal (910) can form (e.g., establish) a Uu link with a relay node (940). The relay node (940) can be located around the terminal, outdoors, indoors, or on the ground. Alternatively, the relay node (940) can be located within a satellite (920). The relay node (940) can be connected to a base station (930) via the satellite (920). The NTN node can be the satellite (920). The base station (930) can be a terrestrial base station. A terrestrial base station can refer to a base station located on the ground. The satellite (920) can relay communication between the relay node (940) and the base station (930). The satellite (920) can be an RRH. The satellite (920) can perform a function of relaying Un radio interface signals between the relay node (940) and the base station (930). The NTN gateway can be the base station (930).

[0130] In the embodiment of FIG. 9D, a terminal (910) can form (e.g., establish) a Uu link with a relay node (940). The relay node (940) can be located around the terminal, outdoors, indoors, or on the ground. The NTN node can be a base station (930). A satellite (920) can support some or all of the functions of the base station (930). An Un link can be established between the relay node (940) and a satellite (920) that supports the functions(s) of the base station.

[0131] When a terminal communicates in an NTN environment, downlink and / or uplink performance must be guaranteed. Because terminals communicate via high-altitude satellites in an NTN environment, delays in NTN communications can be greater than those in TN communications. The power required to transmit and receive data in NTN communications can also be greater than that required in TN communications. Therefore, ensuring performance that satisfies service requirements in an NTN environment can be challenging. Terminals may have lower power than satellites. Consequently, there may be limitations in performing uplink transmissions in terminals with relatively low power. Downlink and uplink performance can be assessed based on different criteria.

[0132] The terminal can communicate with the satellite in a relay-based manner based on an external antenna and / or external power. In other words, the terminal can use external power (e.g., an external power source) to perform uplink transmission to the satellite. The terminal can support multi-connectivity. For example, the terminal can support NTN-NTN DC (dual connectivity) and / or TN-NTN DC (e.g., NTN-TN DC). When NTN-NTN DC and / or TN-NTN DC are supported, communication performance can be guaranteed in an NTN environment. In other words, the terminal can communicate with the satellite based on multi-connectivity, and in this case, communication performance can be guaranteed.

[0133] Figures 10a and 10b are conceptual diagrams illustrating embodiments of multiple connections in an NTN environment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10A, a terminal (1010) can support a multi-connection function. The terminal (1010) can perform NTN-NTN DC based on NTN-NTN aggregation. In other words, the terminal (1010) can be connected to two NTNs (1021, 1022) and can communicate (e.g., data communication) with the two NTNs (1021, 1022). The two NTNs (1021, 1022) can refer to satellites (e.g., a network including satellites). When NTN-NTN DC is performed, communication performance can be improved.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 10b, the terminal (1010) can support a multi-connection function. The terminal (1010) can perform TN-NTN DC based on TN-NTN aggregation. In other words, the terminal (1010) can be connected to NTN (1023) and TN (1024), and can perform data communication with NTN (1023) and TN (1024). NTN (1023) can refer to a satellite (e.g., a network including a satellite). TN (1024) can refer to a base station (e.g., a network including a terrestrial base station). When TN-NTN DC is performed, communication performance can be improved.

[0136] In the embodiment of FIG. 10a, the delay and / or network topology between the first NTN (1021) to which the terminal (1010) is connected and the second NTN (1022) to which the terminal (1010) is connected may be different. In the embodiment of FIG. 10b, the delay and / or network topology between the NTN (1023) to which the terminal (1010) is connected and the TN (1024) to which the terminal (1010) is connected may be different. A design that takes into account different delays and / or different network topologies may be necessary.

[0137] When NTNs have different altitudes and / or orbits, the NTNs may have different delays. The delay and / or network topology may be different between the TN and the NTN. When a terminal performs communication based on a TN-NTN DC, an operation considering the above situation may be necessary. When a terminal performs communication through multiple NTNs or TN-NTN based on multiple connections, a method of using power for the communication (e.g., communication based on multiple connections) may be necessary. The power used to transmit a signal (e.g., data) to an NTN located at a high altitude may be lower than the power used to transmit a signal to an NTN located at a low altitude. The power used to transmit data to an NTN may be higher than the power used to transmit data to a TN. An operation considering the above situation may be necessary.

[0138] Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment in which TN and NTN coexist.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 11, a terminal can perform communication in an environment where a TN (1122) and an NTN (1121) coexist. An area (e.g., a desert or an ocean) covered by an NTN (1121) may exist. In an overlapping area between the coverage of a TN base station and the coverage of an NTN base station, TN (1122) and NTN (1121) can coexist. Methods may be needed for a terminal located in the overlapping area to support communication with NTN (1121) and / or TN (1122). A terminal located in an overlapping area between the coverage (e.g., a service area) of NTN (1121) and the coverage (e.g., a service area) of TN (1122) can perform communication with at least one of NTN (1121) or TN (1122).

[0140] When a terminal supports a multi-connection function, a network (e.g., a base station) can configure the terminal to perform connection operations and communications with multiple base stations. In other words, the multi-connection operation can be configured in the terminal. The terminal can perform connection operations with each of the TN base station and the NTN base station by performing TN-NTN DC to support TN-NTN aggregation, and can communicate with the TN base station and / or the NTN base station. The terminal can perform connection operations with each of the NTN base station #1 and the NTN base station #2 by performing NTN-NTN DC to support NTN-NTN aggregation (e.g., aggregation of NTN #1 and NTN #2), and can communicate with the NTN base station #1 and / or the NTN base station #2.

[0141] A terminal may support a carrier aggregation (CA) function. The terminal may perform communication using multiple component carriers (CCs) or carrier groups within a single base station. A carrier group may include multiple carriers. The terminal may perform communication using multiple CCs or carrier groups within different base stations. The terminal may perform communication based on a combination of a dual connectivity (DC) operation and a carrier aggregation (CA) operation. The combination of the DC operation and the CA operation may take various forms. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a TN-NTN DC environment, an NTN-NTN DC environment, a TN-NTN CA environment, an NTN-NTN CA environment, a TN-NTN DC&CA environment, and / or an NTN-NTN DC&CA environment.

[0142] When a terminal performs multiple connections, compensation for propagation loss may be required for uplink transmission of each connection. The terminal can control (e.g., determine) uplink transmission power by considering TN and NTN. The terminal can control (e.g., determine) uplink transmission power by considering NTN #1 and NTN #2. The terminal can align downlink reception power for signals simultaneously received from TN and NTN with respect to downlink reception. The terminal can align downlink reception power for signals simultaneously received from NTN #1 and NTN #2 with respect to downlink reception.

[0143] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to alignment operations, control operations, adjustment operations, reduction operations, etc. of downlink reception power. The alignment operation of the downlink reception power may be an operation encompassing a control operation, adjustment operation, reduction operation, etc. of the downlink reception power. The power alignment operation may be performed so that the reception power and / or transmission power of various channels and / or signals all have the same value. Alternatively, the power alignment operation may be performed so that the reception power and / or transmission power of various channels and / or signals fall within a preset range (e.g., a power dynamic range).

[0144] The required downlink and uplink performances in an NTN environment may differ. In an NTN environment, satellites may have higher transmission power than terminals. Therefore, in an NTN environment, the performance of the downlink, in which the satellite transmits a channel and / or signal to the terminal, can be guaranteed. However, since the transmission power of the terminal is limited, the performance of the uplink, in which the terminal transmits a channel and / or signal to the satellite, may not be guaranteed. In the present disclosure, the term "signal" may be used to refer to a channel and / or a signal. The term "signal" may be interpreted as a channel, a signal, or "channel and signal" depending on the context. In an NTN environment, the downlink and uplink conditions may differ. Considering the downlink and / or uplink conditions, the downlink network structure and the uplink network structure may be independently configured (e.g., determined). For example, the downlink network structure may differ from the uplink network structure.

[0145] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a downlink network structure and an uplink network structure in an NTN environment.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12, a terminal (1210) may be connected to a base station (1230) via a satellite (1220) and may perform communication based on the connection. The satellite (1220) may be an RRH. The satellite (1220) may perform a function of relaying a Uu radio interface signal. The terminal (1210) may receive a channel and / or signal (e.g., data) from the base station (1230) via the satellite (1220) (e.g., a Uu radio interface). The network structure may be identical to the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9A.

[0147] Satellite (1220) may support some or all of the functions of base station (1230). Satellite (1220) may establish (e.g., establish) a direct Uu link with terminal (1210). The network structure may be identical to the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9B. Terminal (1210) may receive channels and / or signals (e.g., data) from satellite (1220) supporting the function(s) of base station (1230). Downlink communication may be performed in either the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9A or the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0148] The transmission power of the terminal (1210) may have limitations. In the uplink where the terminal (1210) transmits a channel and / or signal (e.g., data) to the network via the satellite (1220), if the uplink communication is performed based on the above-described method (e.g., the downlink communication method), the uplink performance may not be guaranteed. Considering the above-described situation, the terminal (1210) may be connected to the relay node (1240) via the Uu link. The terminal (1210) may transmit a channel and / or signal to the relay node (1240) via the Uu link. The satellite (1220) may be an RRH and may form (e.g., establish) an Un link with the relay node (1240). The satellite (1220) may perform a function of relaying the Un radio interface signal. Based on the above connection, the channel and / or signal transmitted from the terminal (1210) to the relay node (1240) may be transmitted to the base station (1230) via the satellite (1220). The network structure may be the same as the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9c.

[0149] The terminal (1210) may be connected to a relay node (1240) via a Uu link. The terminal (1210) may transmit channels and / or signals to the relay node (1240) via the Uu link. The satellite (1220) may support some or all of the functions of the base station (1230). The satellite (1220) may form (e.g., establish) a direct Un link with the relay node (1240). Based on the connection, the channels and / or signals transmitted from the terminal (1210) to the relay node (1240) may be transmitted to the NGC via the satellite (1220). The network structure may be identical to the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9d.

[0150] Uplink communication can be performed in any of the network structures illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9D . Uplink communication can be performed using an external power source (e.g., a relay) capable of supplementing uplink transmission power. Uplink communication can be performed in various network structures that include an external power source.

[0151] Figures 13a and 13b are conceptual diagrams illustrating network structures by CC, carrier group, and / or cell.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B , the network structure can be independently configured for each CC, carrier group, and / or cell. For example, the network structure can be configured differently for each CC, carrier group, and / or cell. The terminal can perform TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC based on multiple connections. The terminal can perform data communication based on multiple connections.

[0153] In the embodiment of FIG. 13A, the terminal (1310) can perform TN-NTN DC based on the aggregation of TN and NTN. The network structure for CG (carrier group) #1 for TN and the network structure for CG #2 for NTN can be independently configured. For example, the network structure for CG #1 for TN and the network structure for CG #2 for NTN can be configured differently. In the network structure for CG #1 for TN, a Uu link can be formed between the terminal (1310) and a ground base station (1330), and channels and / or signals can be transmitted and received through the Uu link. In the network structure for CG #2 for NTN, the terminal (1310) can be connected to the base station (1330) via a satellite (1320), and channels and / or signals can be transmitted and received through the connection.

[0154] In the embodiment of FIG. 13b, the terminal (1310) can perform NTN-NTN DC based on the aggregation of NTNs. For example, LEO (low Earth orbit) satellites can be used in one NTN environment, and GEO (geostationary Earth orbit) satellites can be used in another NTN environment. The satellites used in the NTN environment may not be limited to LEO satellites and / or GEO satellites. The network structure for CG #1 for LEO NTN and the network structure for CG #2 for GEO NTN can be configured independently. For example, the network structure for CG #1 for LEO NTN and the network structure for CG #2 for GEO NTN can be configured differently.

[0155] In the network architecture for CG #1 for LEO NTN, a terminal (1310) may be connected to a base station (1330) via a satellite (1320), and channels and / or signals may be transmitted and received based on the connection. In the network architecture for CG #2 for GEO NTN, a satellite (1320) may support some or all of the functions of a base station (1330), and the satellite (1320) may form a direct Uu link with the terminal (1310). In the network architecture for CG #2 for GEO NTN, communication may be performed based on a satellite base station.

[0156] When a terminal performs multiple connections, independent network structures (e.g., different network structures) may be used between the TN and the NTN, or independent network structures (e.g., different network structures) may be used between the NTNs. The available network structures may not be limited to the network structures described above. The embodiments of FIG. 13a and / or FIG. 13b may be applied identically or similarly to a CC or cell instead of a CG.

[0157] Based on a combination of FIG. 12, FIG. 13a, and / or FIG. 13b, independent networks (e.g., different networks) can be established. Based on multiple connections of terminals, independent network structures (e.g., different network structures) can be established for each CC, CG, and / or cell at each base station, and independent network structures (e.g., different network structures) for downlink and / or uplink for each CC, CG, and / or cell can be established. In addition to the network structures illustrated in FIG. 13a and / or FIG. 13b, various network structures can be used.

[0158] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the compensation operation for uplink propagation loss.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 14, terminal #1 (1411) and terminal #2 (1412) can transmit signals (e.g., uplink data) to a relay (1420). The relay (1420) can transmit signals for multiple terminals (1411, 1412) to an NTN node (1430). The relay (1420) may mean a repeater. The NTN node (1430) may be a satellite. Alternatively, the terminal(s) (1411, 1412) may directly transmit signals to the NTN node (1430). In other words, uplink transmission between the terminal(s) (1411, 1412) and the NTN node (1430) can be performed without the relay (1420). As the difference in reception power between signals received at an NTN node (1430) increases, the dynamic range required for signal reception at the NTN node (1430) may increase. Expensive equipment, etc. may be required to support the increased dynamic range.

[0160] Considering the above problem, the NTN node (1430) can align the reception power so that the reception power difference between the reception signals is minimized. The NTN node (1430) can set the output power (e.g., transmission power) for reception power control and can transmit information about the output power to the relay (1420). The relay (1420) can receive information about the output power from the NTN node (1430) and transmit signal(s) of the terminal(s) (1411, 1412) to the NTN node (1430) using the output power. For example, the base station (or NTN node, satellite) can set the output power (e.g., transmission power) of the relay (1420) in consideration of the reception power desired (e.g., required, preferred) by the NTN node and / or satellite and can instruct the relay (1420) of the set output power. The relay (1420) can transparently transmit signal(s) received from terminal(s) (1411, 1412) to the NTN node (1430). At this time, the relay (1420) can transmit signal(s) received from terminal(s) (1411, 1412) to the NTN node (1430) based on the output power indicated by the base station (or NTN node, satellite).

[0161] The transmission power (e.g., Tx power A) of terminal #1 (1411) transmitting an uplink signal (e.g., uplink data) to the relay (1420) may be different from the transmission power (e.g., Tx power B) of terminal #2 (1412) transmitting an uplink signal (e.g., uplink data) to the relay (1420). The transmission power may be set differently based on the UE power class, uplink pathloss compensation (ULPC) per terminal, bandwidth, and / or other reason(s). The relay (1420) can appropriately control the "amplification and / or retransmission gain for the signal of terminal #1" and / or the "amplification and / or retransmission gain for the signal of terminal #2" to achieve the indicated output power (e.g., the set output power). The amplification and / or retransmission gain for each terminal in the same time resource(s) or a specific time interval can be set (e.g., determined) according to an explicit or implicit setting value of the base station. The amplification and / or retransmission gain for each terminal in the same time resource(s) or a specific time interval can be set differently.

[0162] In order to provide the desired reception power of the NTN node (1430), the output power of the relay (1420) can be determined based on at least one of time resources, frequency resources, and space resources. The relay (1420) can perform uplink transmission for a configured terminal group, and the output power of the relay (1420) can be set in consideration of the configured terminal group. The reception power of each terminal within the terminal group can be different. The NTN node (1430) can set the output power so that the reception power of signals of terminals within the terminal group is similar, and can instruct the relay (1420) of the set output power. The relay (1420) can adjust the gain based on the output power instructed by the NTN node (1430). In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the NTN node (1430) can transmit information about the transmission power C for terminal #1 (1411) and terminal #2 (1412) to the relay (1420), and the relay (1420) can adjust the gain based on the transmission power C indicated by the NTN node (1430).

[0163] When a terminal is connected to a TN and NTN based on multiple connections, or when a terminal is connected to NTNs based on multiple connections, methods for controlling uplink transmission power may be required.

[0164] Figure 15a is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 15a, a terminal can be connected to two base stations (e.g., two NR base stations) and communicate with the two base stations by performing NR DC operation. One of the two base stations can be a primary base station (e.g., a main base station), and the other of the two base stations can be an auxiliary base station (e.g., a secondary base station). A PCell (primary cell) and an SCell (secondary cell) can be configured based on NR DC.

[0166] The terminal can calculate a power reduction in the SCell for NR DC (S1511). For example, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and one base station and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. Alternatively, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the reference transmit power in uplink communication and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. The reference transmit power may be set to the terminal by signaling from the base station (e.g., the network).

[0167] The terminal may compare the power reduction with a threshold (e.g., xScale) (S1512). If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the terminal may perform uplink transmission on the SCell for NR DC (S1513). In other words, if the power reduction is less than the threshold, uplink communication may be performed on the PCell and SCell. If the power reduction is greater than the threshold, the terminal may not perform uplink transmission on the SCell for NR DC (S1514). In other words, if the uplink transmission power reduction for DC (or CA) is greater than a certain threshold, the terminal may not perform uplink transmission through the SCell for NR DC. Even if the power reduction is greater than the threshold, uplink communication on the PCell may not be stopped.

[0168] A base station (e.g., a TN base station, an NTN base station, a network) can set a threshold for power reduction and transmit threshold setting information to a terminal through signaling. The terminal can receive threshold setting information through signaling from the base station. The signaling can be at least one of SI (system information) signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or PHY signaling. The threshold for power reduction in the TN and the threshold for power reduction in the NTN can be independently set. The threshold setting information can include a threshold for power reduction in the TN and / or a threshold for power reduction in the NTN. In addition, the threshold setting information can include a threshold that is commonly applied to the TN and the NTN (e.g., a common threshold). The threshold can be independently set for each network structure. The threshold setting information can include a threshold for each network structure.

[0169] Figure 15b is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 15b, a terminal can be connected to two base stations and communicate with the two base stations by performing an EN DC operation or an NE DC operation. One of the two base stations can be an NR base station, and the other of the two base stations can be an LTE base station. In the EN DC scenario, the LTE base station can be a primary base station (e.g., a main base station), and the NR base station can be an auxiliary base station (e.g., a secondary base station). In the NE DC scenario, the NR base station can be a primary base station (e.g., a main base station), and the LTE base station can be an auxiliary base station (e.g., a secondary base station).

[0171] The terminal can calculate the power reduction of uplink transmission for DC (or CA) (S1521). In other words, the terminal can calculate the power reduction in the NR cell for EN DC or NE DC. For example, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and one base station and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. Alternatively, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the reference transmit power in uplink communication and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. The reference transmit power may be set to the terminal by signaling from the base station (e.g., the network).

[0172] The terminal may compare the power reduction with a threshold (e.g., xScale) (S1522). If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the terminal may perform uplink transmission in the NR cell (S1523). In other words, if the power reduction is less than the threshold, uplink communication may be performed in both the LTE cell and the NR cell. If the power reduction is greater than or equal to the threshold, the terminal may not perform uplink transmission in the NR cell (S1524). In other words, if the uplink transmission power reduction is greater than or equal to a specific threshold, the terminal may maintain uplink transmission in the LTE cell, but may not perform uplink transmission in the NR cell.

[0173] A base station (e.g., a TN base station, an NTN base station, a network) can set a threshold for power reduction and transmit threshold setting information to a terminal through signaling. The terminal can receive threshold setting information through signaling from the base station. The signaling can be at least one of SI signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or PHY signaling. The threshold for power reduction in LTE and the threshold for power reduction in NR can be set independently. The threshold setting information can include the threshold for power reduction in LTE and / or the threshold for power reduction in NR. In addition, the threshold setting information can include a threshold that is commonly applied to LTE and NR (e.g., a common threshold). The threshold can be set independently for each network structure. The threshold setting information can include a threshold for each network structure.

[0174] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling transmission power of a terminal in a DC scenario.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 16, the terminal can perform a connection procedure for each of the TN and the NTN based on the multi-connection function. Based on the connection procedure, a TN-NTN DC can be formed (e.g., established). The terminal can perform communication (e.g., data communication) with the TN and the NTN. Alternatively, the terminal can perform a connection procedure for each of the NTNs based on the multi-connection function. Based on the connection procedure, an NTN-NTN DC can be formed (e.g., established). The terminal can perform communication (e.g., data communication) with the NTNs. One of the two base stations can be a primary base station (e.g., a main base station), and the other of the two base stations can be an auxiliary base station (e.g., a secondary base station). Based on the NR DC, a PCell and an SCell can be established.

[0176] The terminal can calculate a power reduction (e.g., uplink power reduction) for TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC (S1610). For example, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and one base station and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. Alternatively, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the reference transmit power in uplink communication and the transmit power in uplink communication between the terminal and two base stations. The reference transmit power may be set to the terminal by signaling from the base station (e.g., the network).

[0177] The terminal can compare the power reduction with a threshold (e.g., xScale) (S1620). In FIG. 16, the threshold may be the same as the threshold in FIG. 15a and / or FIG. 15b. Alternatively, the threshold in FIG. 16 may be a value set independently from the threshold in FIG. 15a and / or FIG. 15b. The threshold in FIG. 16 may be different from the threshold in FIG. 15a and / or FIG. 15b. If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the terminal can perform uplink transmission for TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC (S1630). In other words, if the power reduction is not large, the terminal can maintain uplink transmission. If the power reduction is greater than or equal to the threshold, the terminal can check whether an external power source is available (S1640). The external power source may be an additional source available for the terminal to perform uplink transmission. The external power source may be a device capable of supplying power (e.g., a relay).

[0178] If an external power source is available, the terminal may determine that sufficient power is available for uplink transmission. Therefore, the terminal may perform uplink transmission for TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC using the external power source (S1630). If no external power source exists, the terminal may omit uplink transmission for TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC (S1650). In other words, the terminal may determine that the transmission power is limited and may not perform uplink transmission through an SCell configured based on DC (e.g., TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC). In other words, "when the power reduction is above the threshold and there is no external power source available," uplink communication through the PCell configured based on DC (e.g., TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC) may be performed, but uplink communication through the SCell configured based on DC (e.g., TN-NTN DC or NTN-NTN DC) may not be performed. Omission of uplink transmission may mean cessation of uplink transmission.

[0179] Figures 17 and 18 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for aligning downlink reception power based on multiple connections.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the operation of aligning the reception power may refer to an operation of a communication node (e.g., a base station, a satellite, a relay, a repeater, an IAB node, and / or a terminal) to distribute the reception power of different signals within a preset power range (e.g., a dynamic range) at the same time or within a specific time interval. The operation of aligning the transmission power may refer to an operation of a communication node (e.g., a base station, a satellite, a relay, a repeater, an IAB node, and / or a terminal) to distribute the transmission power of different signals within a preset power range at the same time or within a specific time interval.

[0181] Embodiments of the present disclosure may not be limited to receive power alignment and / or transmit power alignment. In other words, for embodiments of the present disclosure, a power control operation for controlling receive power and / or transmit power, a power management operation for managing receive power and / or transmit power, a power adjustment operation for regulating receive power and / or transmit power, and / or a power reduction operation for reducing receive power and / or transmit power may be performed. Power alignment may have a meaning encompassing power control, power management, power adjustment, and / or power reduction. Power alignment may be interpreted as power control, power management, power adjustment, or power reduction depending on the context.

[0182] The terminal can perform a connection procedure for each of the TN and NTN based on the multi-connection function. Based on the connection procedure, a TN-NTN DC can be formed (e.g., established). The terminal can perform communication (e.g., data communication) with the TN and NTN. Alternatively, the terminal can perform a connection procedure for each of the NTNs based on the multi-connection function. Based on the connection procedure, an NTN-NTN DC can be formed (e.g., established). The terminal can perform communication (e.g., data communication) with the NTNs. One of the two base stations can be a primary base station (e.g., a main base station), and the other of the two base stations can be an auxiliary base station (e.g., a secondary base station). Based on the NR DC, a PCell and an SCell can be established.

[0183] A terminal can simultaneously receive downlink signals from different base stations based on DC. The terminal can align downlink reception power to simultaneously receive downlink signals. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, a terminal (1710) can be connected to a TN base station (1720) and an NTN node (e.g., an NTN base station) (1730) by performing a TN-NTN DC operation. The terminal (1710) can simultaneously receive downlink signals from the TN base station (1710) and the NTN node (1730). The terminal (1710) can perform an operation of aligning downlink reception power to minimize a difference in reception power in order to reduce a dynamic range of received signals. To perform the operation of aligning downlink reception power, the terminal (1710) can report channel state information (CSI) for an NTN link (e.g., a link between the terminal (1710) and the NTN node (1730).

[0184] In other words, the terminal (1710) can transmit information element(s) (e.g., CSI and / or information on a dynamic range desired by the terminal (1710)) necessary for the alignment operation of the downlink reception power to the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730). The operation of the terminal (1710) transmitting the information element(s) necessary for the alignment operation of the downlink reception power may mean a request for alignment of the downlink reception power. The CSI report can be transmitted to the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730). The CSI can include at least one of reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) (e.g., L1-SINR), channel quality indicator (CQI), or other information.

[0185] The terminal (1710) can report information on a desired (e.g., required, preferred) dynamic range for downlink reception of the TN-NTN DC (or NTN-NTN DC). The dynamic range can mean a reception power section (e.g., reception power range). The information on the desired dynamic range can be transmitted to the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730). In other words, the terminal (1710) can report information on the dynamic range considering the reception performance of the terminal (1710). The base station (e.g., a network, a TN base station, a NTN node) can set a dynamic range for downlink reception for the TN-NTN DC (or NTN-NTN DC) and can transmit information on the set dynamic range to the terminal (1710). The dynamic range can be set based on information on the desired dynamic range received from the terminal (1710). The terminal (1710) can obtain information on the dynamic range set by the base station (e.g., network).

[0186] The TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730) can transmit downlink signals based on the configured information. In other words, the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730) can determine the reception power of the downlink signals so that the reception power of the downlink signals at the terminal (1710) falls within a desired dynamic range, and can transmit the downlink signals to the terminal (1710) using the determined reception power. Specifically, the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730) can estimate the power loss of the downlink signals based on the CSI of the terminal (1710), and can determine the reception power of the downlink signals so that the reception power of the downlink signals at the terminal (1710) falls within a desired dynamic range, taking into account the estimated power loss. The terminal (1710) can align the reception power for downlink signals received from the TN base station (1720) and the NTN node (1730) based on the set information. The terminal (1710) can expect that the reception power for downlink signals received from the TN base station (1720) and the NTN node (1730) falls within a desired dynamic range. In other words, the terminal (1710) can receive signals having reception power that falls within a reception power range set by the TN base station (1720) and / or the NTN node (1730) from the TN base station (1720) and the NTN node (1730). Although FIG. 17 illustrates a TN-NTN DC scenario, the above-described reception power alignment method can be applied equally or similarly to the NTN-NTN DC scenario as well as the TN-NTN DC scenario.

[0187] In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the terminal (1810) can be connected to the NTN node (1840) via the relay (1820). The relay (1820) can receive a downlink signal (e.g., downlink data) of the terminal (1810) from the NTN node (1840) and transmit the downlink signal to the terminal (1810). The relay (1820) can transmit the downlink signal of the NTN node (1840) to the terminal (1810) by performing gain control. The terminal (1810) can receive the downlink signal of the NTN node (1840) via the relay (1820). The relay (1820) can receive an uplink signal (e.g., uplink data) of the NTN node (1840) from the terminal (1810) and transmit the uplink signal to the NTN node (1840). The relay (1820) can transmit the uplink signal of the terminal (1810) to the NTN node (1840) by performing gain control. The NTN node (1840) can receive the uplink signal of the terminal (1810) through the relay (1820).

[0188] In a DC environment (e.g., a DC scenario), a terminal can align its downlink reception power to simultaneously receive downlink signals. The terminal (1810) can be connected to each of a TN base station (1830) and an NTN node (e.g., an NTN base station) (1840) by performing a TN-NTN DC operation. The terminal (1810) can simultaneously receive downlink signals (e.g., downlink data) from the TN base station (1830) and the NTN node (1840). The downlink signal transmitted by the NTN node (1840) can be delivered to the terminal (1810) via a relay (1820).

[0189] The terminal (1810) may perform an alignment operation of downlink reception power to minimize a difference in reception power of received signals. The alignment operation of downlink reception power may be performed to reduce a dynamic range. To perform the alignment operation of downlink reception power, the terminal (1810) may report CSI for an NTN link (e.g., a terminal (1810)-NTN node (1840) link and / or a terminal (1810)-relay (1820)-NTN node (1840) link). In addition, CSI for a TN link as well as CSI for an NTN link may be reported. The CSI report may be transmitted to a TN base station (1720) and / or an NTN node (1730). The CSI may include at least one of RSRP, RSSI, SINR (e.g., L1-SINR), CQI, or other information.

[0190] The terminal (1810) can report information on a desired dynamic range (e.g., reception power range) for downlink reception of the TN-NTN DC (or NTN-NTN DC). The information on the desired dynamic range can be transmitted to the TN base station (1830) and / or the NTN node (1840). In other words, the terminal (1810) can report information on the dynamic range considering the reception performance of the terminal (1810). The base station (e.g., network, TN base station, NTN node) can set a dynamic range for downlink reception of the TN-NTN DC (or NTN-NTN DC) and can transmit information on the set dynamic range to the terminal (1810). The dynamic range can be set based on information on the desired dynamic range received from the terminal (1810). The terminal (1810) can obtain information on the dynamic range set by the base station (e.g., network).

[0191] The TN base station (1830), the NTN node (1840), and / or the relay (1820) can transmit downlink signals based on the configured information. In other words, the TN base station (1830), the NTN node (1840), and / or the relay (1820) can adjust the transmission power (e.g., gain) to transmit the downlink signals so that the reception power of the downlink signals at the terminal falls within the configured dynamic range. The terminal (1810) can align the reception power for the downlink signals received from the TN base station (1830), the NTN node (1840), and / or the relay (1820) based on the configured information. In other words, the terminal (1810) can receive downlink signals having the reception power falling within the configured dynamic range from the TN base station (1830), the NTN node (1840), and / or the relay (1820).

[0192] The terminal (1810) can instruct the relay (1820) to control the gain by directly transmitting information about the CSI and / or the desired dynamic range for the NTN link to the relay (1820). In other words, the relay (1820) can receive information about the CSI and / or the desired dynamic range for the NTN link from the terminal (1810) and control the gain (e.g., the transmit power) based on the information about the CSI and / or the desired dynamic range for the NTN link.

[0193] Alternatively, the terminal (1810) may transmit CSI and / or desired dynamic range information for the NTN link to the NTN node (1840). The NTN node (1840) may control the gain (e.g., transmit power) of the relay (1820) based on the CSI and / or desired dynamic range information for the NTN link received from the terminal (1810). In other words, the NTN node (1840) may transmit gain control information to the relay (1820), and the relay (1820) may control the gain based on the gain control information. Although FIG. 18 illustrates a TN-NTN DC scenario, the received power alignment method described above may be equally or similarly applied to the NTN-NTN DC scenario as well as the TN-NTN DC scenario.

[0194] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for uplink transmission based on multiple connections.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 19, a terminal may perform a connection procedure with each of a first network (e.g., a first base station) and a second network (e.g., a second base station) based on a multi-connection function (S1910). Each of the first network and the second network may be a TN or an NTN. The terminal may perform a TN-NTN DC operation or an NTN-NTN DC operation. The terminal may form (e.g., set up) a link with each of the first network and the second network, and perform uplink communication (e.g., an uplink transmission operation) and / or downlink communication (e.g., a downlink reception operation) on the formed link (S1920).

[0196] The terminal may compare a power reduction (e.g., a reduction in uplink transmission power) for the first network and / or the second network with a threshold (S1930). For example, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the transmission power in uplink communication between the terminal and one network and the transmission power in uplink communication between the terminal and two networks. Alternatively, the power reduction may refer to the difference between the reference transmission power in uplink communication and the transmission power in uplink communication between the terminal and two networks. The reference transmission power may be set to the terminal by signaling from a base station (e.g., a network).

[0197] If the power reduction (e.g., transmission power reduction) is less than a threshold, the terminal may maintain uplink transmission for the first network and / or the second network (S1940). In other words, the terminal may continue to perform uplink transmission for the first network and / or the second network. If the power reduction (e.g., transmission power reduction) is greater than or equal to a threshold, the terminal may omit uplink transmission for the first network and / or the second network (S1950). In other words, the terminal may omit uplink transmission for the SCells of the first network and / or the second network. Omission of uplink transmission may mean not performing uplink transmission. In other words, omission of uplink transmission may mean cessation of uplink transmission. If the power reduction (e.g., transmission power reduction) is greater than or equal to a threshold, the terminal may omit uplink transmission for either the SCells of the first network or the SCells of the second network. Uplink communication can be maintained in the PCell of the first network and / or the second network even when the power reduction (e.g., transmission power reduction) exceeds a threshold. The embodiment of FIG. 19 may be the same as or similar to the embodiment of FIG. 16.

[0198] A base station (e.g., a TN base station, an NTN base station, a network) can set a threshold for power reduction and transmit threshold setting information to a terminal through signaling. The terminal can receive threshold setting information through signaling from the base station. The signaling can be at least one of SI signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or PHY signaling. The threshold for power reduction in the TN and the threshold for power reduction in the NTN can be independently set. The threshold setting information can include the threshold for power reduction in the TN and / or the threshold for power reduction in the NTN. In addition, the threshold setting information can include a threshold that is commonly applied to the TN and the NTN (e.g., a common threshold). The threshold can be independently set for each network structure. The threshold setting information can include a threshold for each network structure.

[0199] The first network may be a TN, and the second network may be an NTN. Alternatively, both the first network and the second network may be NTNs. The first network and the second network may have different structures. The first network structure and the second network structure may be independently configured. The network structure may refer to a component carrier (CC) configuration, a carrier group (CG) configuration, and / or a cell configuration. The CC configuration, the CG configuration, and / or the cell configuration in the first network and the second network may be independently determined. At least one of the CC configuration, the CG configuration, or the cell configuration in the first network and the second network may be different. The network structure for uplink transmission and the network structure for downlink transmission may be independently determined. The network structure for uplink transmission and the network structure for downlink transmission may be configured differently. In other words, the network structure may be independently configured depending on the link direction (e.g., uplink, downlink).

[0200] The network structure may vary depending on the satellite type (e.g., transparent type, regenerative type) and / or the presence or absence of a relay. A first network structure (e.g., a first type of network structure) may include a transparent type satellite. In the first network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a transparent type satellite. In other words, a link between a terminal and a base station may be formed by a transparent type satellite. The first network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9A. A second network structure (e.g., a second type of network structure) may include a regenerative type satellite. In the second network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a regenerative type satellite. The second network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0201] A third network structure (e.g., a third type of network structure) may include a transparent type satellite and a relay. In the third network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a relay, the relay may establish a link with a transparent type satellite, and the link between the relay and the base station may be established by a transparent type satellite. The third network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9C. A fourth network structure (e.g., a fourth type of network structure) may include a regenerative type satellite and a relay. In the fourth network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a relay, and the relay may establish a link with a regenerative type satellite. The fourth network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9D.

[0202] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling downlink reception power based on multiple connections.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 20, a terminal may perform a connection procedure with each of a first network (e.g., a first base station) and a second network (e.g., a second base station) based on a multi-connection function (S2010). Each of the first network and the second network may be a TN or an NTN. The terminal may perform a TN-NTN DC operation or an NTN-NTN DC operation. The terminal may form (e.g., set up) a link with each of the first network and the second network, and perform uplink communication (e.g., an uplink transmission operation) and / or uplink communication (e.g., a downlink reception operation) on the formed link (S2020).

[0204] "If the first network is a TN and the second network is an NTN", the terminal may transmit information on the dynamic range of CSI and / or downlink reception power to the second network (S2030). In other words, in S2030, the terminal may transmit information necessary for aligning reception power for downlink signals (e.g., information on CSI and / or dynamic range desired by the terminal) to the first network and / or the second network. The information necessary for aligning reception power for downlink signals may be transmitted to a network (e.g., the first network and / or the second network) that transmitted a downlink signal that falls outside the dynamic range desired by the terminal.

[0205] CSI can be measured on a link between a terminal and a second network. Alternatively, it can include measurement information on the link between the terminal and the first network as well as measurement information on the link between the terminal and the second network. The dynamic range can be a dynamic range for downlink reception power for multiple connections. In other words, the dynamic range can be a reception power range (e.g., a reception power range). The second network can receive information on the dynamic range for CSI and / or downlink reception power from the terminal. The second network can confirm (e.g., set) the actual dynamic range based on the information received from the terminal, and transmit information on the actual dynamic range (e.g., the reception power range) to the terminal.

[0206] The terminal can obtain information on the actual dynamic range from the second network (S2040). Alternatively, if information necessary for aligning the reception power for the downlink signal is transmitted to the first network and / or the second network, the terminal can obtain information on the actual dynamic range from the first network and / or the second network. The terminal can align the downlink reception power (S2050). At this time, the terminal can align the downlink reception power based on the actual dynamic range. The first network and / or the second network can adjust a gain (e.g., transmission power) based on the information on the dynamic range for the CSI and / or the downlink reception power received from the terminal, and transmit the downlink signal based on the adjusted gain. In other words, the second network can transmit the downlink signal so that the downlink reception power at the terminal falls within the actual dynamic range. The terminal can receive downlink signals having reception power falling within the actual dynamic range from the first network and / or the second network. The terminal can expect the received power of the downlink signal to fall within the actual dynamic range. In other words, the terminal can expect to receive downlink signals with aligned power. The embodiment of FIG. 20 may be identical or similar to the embodiments of FIG. 17 and / or FIG. 18.

[0207] The first network may be a TN, and the second network may be an NTN. Alternatively, both the first network and the second network may be NTNs. The first network and the second network may have different structures. The first network structure and the second network structure may be independently configured. The network structure may refer to a CC configuration, a CG configuration, and / or a cell configuration. The CC configuration, the CG configuration, and / or the cell configuration in the first network and the second network may be independently determined. At least one of the CC configuration, the CG configuration, or the cell configuration in the first network and the second network may be different. The network structure for uplink transmission and the network structure for downlink transmission may be independently determined. The network structure for uplink transmission and the network structure for downlink transmission may be configured differently. In other words, the network structure may be independently configured depending on the link direction (e.g., uplink, downlink).

[0208] The network structure may vary depending on the satellite type (e.g., transparent type, regenerative type) and / or the presence or absence of a relay. A first network structure (e.g., a first type of network structure) may include a transparent type satellite. In the first network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a transparent type satellite. In other words, a link between a terminal and a base station may be formed by a transparent type satellite. The first network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9A. A second network structure (e.g., a second type of network structure) may include a regenerative type satellite. In the second network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a regenerative type satellite. The second network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0209] A third network structure (e.g., a third type of network structure) may include a transparent type satellite and a relay. In the third network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a relay, the relay may establish a link with a transparent type satellite, and the link between the relay and the base station may be established by a transparent type satellite. The third network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9C. A fourth network structure (e.g., a fourth type of network structure) may include a regenerative type satellite and a relay. In the fourth network structure, a terminal may establish a link with a relay, and the relay may establish a link with a regenerative type satellite. The fourth network structure may be the network structure illustrated in FIG. 9D.

[0210] In the embodiments, the order of execution of steps may not be limited to the order of execution described in the present disclosure. Multiple steps may be performed simultaneously, some step(s) may be omitted, other step(s) may be performed additionally, and the steps may be performed in a different order.

[0211] The operations of the method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording device that stores information readable by a computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0212] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The program instructions may include not only machine language codes produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0213] While some aspects of the present disclosure have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, at least one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0214] In embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In embodiments, the field-programmable gate array may operate in conjunction with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by some hardware device.

[0215] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. As a terminal method, A step of performing a connection procedure with each of the first network and the second network based on a multi-connection function; A step of performing uplink communication with the first network and the second network; A step of calculating a power reduction of the uplink communication for at least one of the first network or the second network; and A step of determining whether to perform the uplink communication based on the power reduction, Terminal method.

2. In claim 1, If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the uplink communication is determined to be continuously performed, and if the power reduction is greater than the threshold, the uplink communication is determined to be stopped. Terminal method.

3. In claim 2, The above-mentioned stopped uplink communication is at least one of the uplink communication in the SCell (secondary cell) of the first network or the uplink communication in the SCell of the second network. Terminal method.

4. In claim 2, Further comprising a step of receiving setting information of the threshold from at least one of the first network or the second network, The above configuration information includes at least one of a first threshold for the first network, a second threshold for the second network, or a common threshold for both the first network and the second network. Terminal method.

5. In claim 1, If the above power reduction is greater than a threshold, further comprising a step of determining whether an external power source is available, If the external power source is available, the uplink communication is performed using the external power source, and if the external power source is not available, the uplink communication is stopped. Terminal method.

6. In claim 1, Each of the first network and the second network is a TN (terrestrial network) or NTN (non-terrestrial network). Terminal method.

7. In claim 1, The network structures of each of the first network and the second network are independently determined, and the network structures are determined based on at least one of a CC (component carrier) setting, a CG (carrier group) setting, a cell setting, a satellite type, the presence or absence of a relay, or a link direction. Terminal method.

8. In claim 6, In the first type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a transparent type is established, in the second type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a regenerative type is established, in the third type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a transparent type are formed, and in the fourth type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and the relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a regenerative type are formed. Terminal method.

9. As a terminal method, A step of performing a connection procedure with each of the first network and the second network based on a multi-connection function; A step of performing downlink communication with the first network and the second network; A step of transmitting information necessary for aligning reception power for the downlink communication to at least one of the first network or the second network; A step of receiving information on a reception power section from at least one of the first network or the second network; and A step of receiving signals having reception power belonging to the reception power section from the first network and the second network, Terminal method.

10. In claim 9, The above required information includes at least one of CSI (channel state information) or information on the reception power section desired by the terminal. Terminal method.

11. In claim 9, If the first network is a TN (terrestrial network) and the second network is an NTN (non-terrestrial network), the necessary information is transmitted to the second network. Terminal method.

12. In claim 9, The network structures of each of the first network and the second network are independently determined, and the network structures are determined based on at least one of a CC (component carrier) setting, a CG (carrier group) setting, a cell setting, a satellite type, the presence or absence of a relay, or a link direction. Terminal method.

13. In claim 12, In the first type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a transparent type is established, in the second type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a satellite of a regenerative type is established, in the third type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and a relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a transparent type are formed, and in the fourth type of the network structure, a link between the terminal and the relay and a link between the relay and a satellite of a regenerative type are formed. Terminal method.

14. As a terminal, Contains at least one processor, At least one processor of the terminal, Performing a connection procedure with each of the first network and the second network based on a multi-connection function; Performing uplink communication with the first network and the second network; Calculating a power reduction of the uplink communication for at least one of the first network or the second network; and Causing a decision to be made on whether to perform the uplink communication based on the power reduction. Terminal.

15. In claim 14, If the power reduction is less than the threshold, the uplink communication is determined to be continuously performed, and if the power reduction is greater than the threshold, the uplink communication is determined to be stopped. Terminal.

16. In claim 15, The above-mentioned stopped uplink communication is at least one of the uplink communication in the SCell (secondary cell) of the first network or the uplink communication in the SCell of the second network. Terminal.

17. In claim 14, At least one processor of the terminal, If the above power reduction is greater than the threshold, it further causes a determination to be made as to whether an external power source is available. If the external power source is available, the uplink communication is performed using the external power source, and if the external power source is not available, the uplink communication is stopped. Terminal.

18. In claim 14, At least one processor of the terminal, Performing downlink communication with the first network and the second network; Transmitting information necessary for aligning reception power for the above downlink communication to at least one of the first network or the second network; Receive information on a reception power section from at least one of the first network or the second network; and Further causing signals having reception power belonging to the reception power range to be received from the first network and the second network, Terminal.

19. In claim 18, The above required information includes at least one of CSI (channel state information) or information on the reception power section desired by the terminal. Terminal.

20. In claim 18, If the first network is a TN (terrestrial network) and the second network is an NTN (non-terrestrial network), the necessary information is transmitted to the second network. Terminal.

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