Network of meshed communication devices including a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage

Abstract

A backhaul communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices having no continuous radio access network coverage, wherein the backhaul communication device may: transmit to the plurality of communication devices of the network a notification indicating a time at which a connection of the backhaul communication device to a base station of a radio access network (RAN) to be available; receive data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and at the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, transfer to the RAN-BS at least a portion of the data.

Description

NETWORK OF MESHED COMMUNICATION DEVICES INCLUDING A BACKHAUL COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING NO CONTINUOUS RADIO ACCESS NETWORK COVERAGEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of networks of meshed communication devices, and more particularly, to networks of meshed communication devices including a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In some cases, a network of meshed communication devices may be located in a geographic area having no continuous radio access network coverage. However, it may be desired to transfer data from and to the network of meshed communication devices.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a backhaul communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices having no continuous radio access network coverage, the backhaul communication device may be configured to: transmit to the plurality of communication devices of the network a notification indicating a time at which a connection of the backhaul communication device to a base station of a radio access network (RAN-BS) to be available; receive data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and at the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, transfer to the RAN-BS at least a portion of the data.

[0004] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device includes a short-range connectivity module for a short-range communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices, the short-range connectivity module supporting at least one wireless communication standard of a group including: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DECT, Wi-SUN, ZigBee, IR, RFID, UWB, 6LowPan, ISM band and ISR. In some embodiments, the backhaul communication devices includes a long-range connectivity module for a long-range communication with the RAN-BS, the long-range connectivity module supporting at least one wireless communication standard of a group including: 4G, 5G, 5G DECT and LoRa.

[0005] In some embodiments, the notification includes an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available, by which at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS, determine whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection.

[0007] In some embodiments, if it is determined that not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on a set of priority rules, prioritize the data; based on the prioritization, select a portion of the data to be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS; and at the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available, transfer to the RAN-BS the selected portion of the data.

[0008] In some embodiments, if it is determined that all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to transfer all the data to the RAN-BS at the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available.

[0009] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS, determine an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection; and include in the notification an indication of the amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection.

[0010] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS, determine whether or not more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection than the data that has been received from the at least some of the communication devices; and if it is determined that more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection than the data that has been received from the at least some communication devices, transmit to the plurality of communication devices a notification indicating that additional data may be transferred to theRAN-BS during the connection; receive additional data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the RAN-BS during the connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device is configured to determine whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS.

[0012] In some embodiments, if it is determined that not all the data has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: store a nontransferred portion of the data; and transfer the non-transferred portion of the data to the RAN-BS at a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available.

[0013] In some embodiments, if it is determined that all the data has been transferred to the RAN- BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on the duration of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, determine whether or not a remaining time of the connection exists; if it is determined that the remaining time exists: transmit to the plurality of communication devices a notification indicating that additional data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection; receive additional data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the RAN-BS during the connection.

[0014] In some embodiments, the backhaul communication device is configured to: go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which a connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the at least some communication devices transfer the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and go into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

[0015] In some embodiments, the RAN-BS is a terrestrially located base station and wherein the connection to the RAN-BS is via a satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0016] In some embodiments, the RAN-BS is disposed on a satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0017] In some embodiments, the RAN-BS is disposed on a high-altitude platform.

[0018] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a network of meshed communication devices, which may include: the plurality of communication devices; and the backhaul communication device disclosed herein.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices and a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage, the communication device may be configured to: receive from the backhaul communication device of the network a notification indicating a time at which a connection of the backhaul communication device to a base station of a radio access network (RAN) to be available; determine whether or not data to be transferred externally to the network exists; if it is determined that the data exists, transfer at least a portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification.

[0020] In some embodiments, the communication device includes a short-range connectivity module for a short-range communication with at least one of one or more other communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the backhaul communication device of the network, wherein the short-range connectivity module supports at least one wireless communication standard of a group including: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DECT, Wi-SUN, ZigBee, IR, RFID, UWB, 6LowPan, ISM band and ISR.

[0021] In some embodiments, the communication device is connected to at least one other device of the plurality of communication devices in the network, and wherein the communication device is configured to forward the notification to the at least one other communication device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the notification includes an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available, by which the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device, and the communication device is configured to transmit at least a portion of the data to the backhaul device by the time indicated in the notification.

[0023] In some embodiments, the notification includes an indication of an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection, and the communication device is configured to: based on the amount of dataindicated in the notification, select a portion of the data; and transmit the selected portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification.

[0024] In some embodiments, if only a portion of the data has been transferred to the backhaul communication device, the communication device is configured to: store a non-transf erred portion of the data; and transfer the non-transferred portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available.

[0025] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to: receive a notification from the backhaul communication device indicating that additional data can be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS; determine whether or not additional data to be transferred exists; and if it is determined that the additional data exists, transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the backhaul communication device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to: go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which a connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the communication device transfers the at least a portion of the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to the communication device; and go into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a network of meshed communication devices, the network may include: the backhaul communication device; and the plurality of communication devices, wherein each communication device of the plurality of communication devices is as disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. In the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of a network of meshed communication devices, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 3 shows an example of visibility durations of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite orbiting at 600 km above the Earth’ s surface, wherein the visibility durations are shown for a fixed reference point on the Earth’s surface;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating a backhaul communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices having no continuous radio access network coverage, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating a communication device a network including a plurality of communication devices and a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0033] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device which may be used with embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary communication device which may be used with embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary base station which may be used with embodiments of the present invention; and

[0036] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary satellite which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention may improve transmission of data from and / or to a network of meshed communication devices, which is located in a geographic area having no continuous radio access network coverage.

[0040] Reference is made to Figs. 1 and 2, which are schematic illustrations of a network 100 of meshed communication devices, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0041] Reference is also made to Fig. 3, which shows an example of visibility durations of a Eow Earth Orbit (FEO) satellite orbiting at 600 km above the Earth’s surface.

[0042] Network 100 may include a plurality of communication devices 110 and a backhaul communication device 120. Each of communication devices 110 and backhaul communication device 120 may include components of a computing device such as computing device 600 described below with respect to Fig. 6 and / or components of a communication device such as a communication device 700 described below with respect to Fig. 7. While one backhaul communication device 120 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, network 100 may include two or more backhaul communication devices 120.

[0043] Each communication device 110 may include a short-range connectivity module 112 for a short-range communication (e.g., wireless communication or connection in a range of local interaction). Short-range communication is schematically indicated in Figs. 1 and 2 by arrows 113. For example, short-range connectivity module 112 of communication device 110 may support WiFi, Bluetooth, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Wi-SUN, ZigBee, Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Ultra-wideband (UWB), IPv6 over Eow- power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6EowPan), ISM band, ISR or any other wireless communication standard suitable for short-range communication. Each communication device 110 may be connected (e.g., wirelessly connected via short-range connectivity module 112) to other communication devices 110 in network 110.

[0044] Backhaul communication device 120 may include a short-range connectivity module 122 (e.g., such as short-range connectivity modules 112 of short-range communication devices 110). Backhaul device 120 may include a long-range connectivity module 124 for a long-range communication (e.g., wireless communication in which a sender and a final receiver of information are separated by far distance, wherein intermediate nodes between the sender and the final received may be used to deliver the information using certain routing protocol(s)). Eong-range connectivity module 124 may support 4G, 5G, 5G DECT, EoRa and / or any other wireless communicationstandard suitable for long range communication. Long-range communication is schematically indicated in Figs. 1 and 2 by an arrow 125. Backhaul communication device 120 may be connected (e.g., wirelessly via short-range communication module 122) to one or more communication devices 110 in network 100.

[0045] Network 100 may be located in a geographic area having no continuous radio access network (RAN) coverage. In particular, backhaul communication device 120 may have no continuous connection to a base station of a radio access network (RAN-BS) 90 (e.g., such as base station 800 described below with respect to Fig. 8). The connection of backhaul communication device 120 (e.g., wireless connection via its long-range connectivity module 124) to RAN-BS 90 may be available only for certain periods of time. For example, communication devices 110 and backhaul communication device 120 may be metering devices deployed in non-densely populated areas such as agricultural fields, solar farms or any other non-densely populated area having no continuous RAN coverage.

[0046] In the example of Fig. 1, RAN-BS 90 is a terrestrially based station and the connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is performed via a satellite 80 (e.g., such as satellite 900 described below with respect to Fig. 9) and a feeder link 82 of a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In the example of Fig. 2, RAN-BS 90 is located on satellite 80. In both examples of Figs. 1 and 2, the connection of backhaul communication device 120 may be available during periods of time in which satellite 80 is visible to backhaul communication device 120. For example, if satellite 80 is a LEO satellite orbiting at 600 km above the Earth’s surface, satellite 80 may be visible to backhaul communication device 120 for a period of time ranging from about 30 seconds to about 4 minutes, approximately twice a day (e.g., as shown in Fig. 3). Such times or durations may be referred to as visibility times or visibility windows. It is noted that LEO satellite is provided as an example only and that satellite 80 may be any Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite, Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) or any other type of satellite suitable for providing communication. Satellite 80 may be visible to backhaul communication device 120 during visibility times other than shown in Fig. 3.

[0047] In another example, RAN-BS 90 may be disposed on a high-altitude platform (HAP). The HAP may be an airborne platform that may operate at altitudes higher than conventional (e.g., commercial) aircraft but lower than satellites (e.g., at a height ranging from 10 to 50 km).

[0048] Backhaul communication device 120 may store (e.g., in its memory or storage), information related to at least one connection (e.g., upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 (e.g., via its long-range connectivity module 124) to RAN-BS 90. For example, backhaul communication device 120 may store visibility times of satellite 80 and / or of the HAP and throughputs expected during those visibility times. In another example, each time backhaul communication device 120 is connected (e.g., via its long-range connectivity module 124) to RAN- BS 90, backhaul communication device 120 may be updated on the next time the connection to RAN-BS 90 to be available and / or on the throughput expected during that connection.

[0049] Backhaul communication device 120 may transmit (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 122) to communication devices 110 in network 100 a notification indicating a time at which a connection (e.g., an upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 will be available. The indication of the time may include, for example, an indication of a coordinated universal time (UTC) or a deviation therefrom, e.g. UTC+00:00, UTC+01:00, UTC- 03:00 etc. Relativistic effects due to the orbit of the satellite may be taken into account. Backhaul communication device 120 may transmit the notification to at least one communication device 110 to which backhaul communication device 120 is connected (e.g., wirelessly connected via its short- range connectivity module 112) and the notification can be further forwarded by that at least one communication device 110 to other communication devices 110 through network 100.

[0050] Upon receipt of the notification, each of communication devices 110 may determine (e.g., by its processor) whether or not respective communication device 110 has data (e.g., stored in its memory or storage) to be transferred externally to network 100, for example to RAN-BS 90 and / or to a core network 70 via RAN-BS 90 as in the examples of Figs. 1 and 2. If it is determined that the data to be transferred exists, respective communication device 110 may transfer (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 112) the data to backhaul communication device 120, for example by the time indicated in the notification. Respective communication device 110 may transfer the data directly to backhaul communication device 120 (e.g., if respective communication device 110 is directly wirelessly connected to backhaul communication device 120) or via other communication devices 110 in network 100 (e.g., if respective communication device 110 has no direct wireless connection to backhaul communication device 120). In some embodiments, respective communication device 110 may transfer a portion of the data to backhaul communication device 120. If only a portion of the data has been transferred to backhaulcommunication device 120, respective communication device 110 may store a non-transf erred portion of the data (e.g., in the memory or the storage of respective communication device 110). Respective communication device 110 may transfer the non-transferred portion of the data to backhaul communication device 120 by a time at which next connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 to be available. If it is determined that there is no data to transfer, respective communication device 110 may drop the notification, take no action with respect to the notification or transfer (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 112) to backhaul communication device 120 a notification indicating that respective communication device has no data to transfer.

[0051] Backhaul communication device 120 may receive (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 122) the data from at least some of communication devices 110. Backhaul communication device 120 may store (e.g., in its memory or storage) the data received from communication devices 110. At the time at which the connection to RAN-BS 90 is available (e.g., that time may be known as described hereinabove), backhaul communication device 120 may transfer (e.g., via its long- range connectivity module 124) to RAN-BS 90 at least a portion of the data received from communication devices 110.

[0052] The connection to RAN-BS 90 may be available for relatively short durations of time (e.g., as described hereinabove). In some cases, the duration and / or the throughput of the connection may be insufficient for backhaul communication device 120 to transfer all the data received from communication devices 110.

[0053] Based on the duration and the throughput of the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90, backhaul communication device 120 may determine whether or not all the data received from communication devices 110 can be transmitted to RAN-BS 90 during the connection.

[0054] If it is determined that not all the data received from communication devices 110 can be transmitted to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection or upcoming visibility window), backhaul communication device 120 may prioritize (e.g., by its processor) the data, for example based on a set of priory rules (e.g., stored in the memory or the storage of backhaul communication device 120). Based on the prioritization, backhaul communication device 120 may select (e.g., by its processor) a portion of the data that may be transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection). At the time at which the connection (e.g.,the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is available, backhaul communication device 120 may transfer (e.g., via its long-range connectivity module 124) the selected portion of the data to RAN-BS 90.

[0055] If prioritization of the data received from communication devices 110 is required, it may be desired for backhaul communication device 120 to receive the data from communication devices 110 in advance of the time at which the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is available. The notification transmitted by backhaul communication device 120 to communication devices 110 may include an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 to be available, by which communication devices 110 may transmit the data to backhaul communication device 120. In this case, each of communication devices 110 may transmit the data to backhaul communication device 120 by the time indicated in the notification.

[0056] The prioritization of the data to be transferred to RAN-BS 90 may be performed by communication devices 110 (e.g., in addition to or instead of backhaul communication device 120). Based on the duration and the throughput of the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90, backhaul communication device 120 may determine (e.g., by its processor) an amount of data that may be transferred from each communication device 110 to RAN-BS 90 by backhaul communication device 120 during the connection. Backhaul communication device 120 may include, in the notification transmitted by backhaul communication device 120 to communication devices 110, an indication of the amount of data that may be transferred from each communication device 110 to RAN-BS 90 by backhaul communication device 120 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection). Based on the amount of data indicated in the notification, each communication device 110 may select (e.g., by its processor) the data to be transferred to backhaul communication device 120, for example based on a set of priority rules (e.g., stored in the memory or the storage of respective communication device 110). Respective communication device 110 may transfer (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 112) the selected data to backhaul communication device 120 by the time indicated in the notification. Respective communication device 110 may transfer the non-selected portion of the data to backhaul communication device 120 by a time at which next connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 to be available.

[0057] If it is determined that all the data received from communication devices 110 can be transmitted to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90, backhaul communication device 120 may transfer all the data to RAN-BS 90 at the time at which the connection is available.

[0058] Based on the duration and the throughput of the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90, backhaul communication device 120 may determine whether or not more data can be transmitted to RAN-BS 910 during the connection than the data that has been received from communication devices 110. If it is determined that more data may be transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) than the data that has been received from communication devices 110, backhaul communication device 120 may transmit (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 122 as described here above) to communication devices 110 in network 110 a second notification indicating that additional data may be transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90. Upon receipt of the second notification, each of communication devices 110 may determine (e.g., by its processor) whether or not respective communication device 110 has additional data (e.g., stored in its memory or storage) to be transferred. If it is determined that the additional data to be transferred exists, respective communication device 110 may transfer (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 112) the additional data (or at least a portion of the additional data) to backhaul communication device 120. Backhaul communication device 120 may receive the additional data from at least some communication devices 110. Backhaul communication device 120 may transfer at least a portion of the additional data to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90.

[0059] Backhaul communication device 120 may determine (e.g., by its long-range connectivity module 124) whether or not all the data received from communication devices 110 has been transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., a current connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90. If it is determined that not all the data has been transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the current connection), backhaul communication device 120 may store (e.g., in its memory or storage) a non- transferred portion of the data (e.g., such as a non-selected portion of the data). Backhaul communication device 120 maytransfer the non-transferred portion of the data to RAN-BS 90 at a time at which next connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is available.

[0060] If it is determined that all the data has been transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the current connection), backhaul communication device 120 may determine (e.g., by its processor), based on the duration of the connection, whether or not a remaining time of the connection exists. If it is determined that the remaining time exists, backhaul communication device 120 may transmit (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 122 as described hereinabove) to communication devices 110 in network 110 a third notification indicating that additional data may be transferred to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the current connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90. Upon receipt of the third notification, each of communication devices 110 may determine (e.g., by its processor) whether or not respective communication device 110 has additional data (e.g., stored in its memory or storage) to be transferred. If it is determined that the additional data to be transferred exists, respective communication device 110 may transfer (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 112) the additional data (or at least a portion of the additional data) to backhaul communication device 120. Backhaul communication device 120 may receive the additional data from at least some communication devices 110. Backhaul communication device 120 may transfer at least a portion of the additional data to RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the current connection).

[0061] In various embodiments, at least a portion of operations (e.g., such as prioritization, selection, transfer and determination) described above with respect to the data received by backhaul communication device 120 from communication devices 110 in response to transmission of the first notification may be applied to the additional data received by backhaul communication device 120 from communication devices 110 in response to transmission of the second notification and / or the third notification.

[0062] Backhaul communication device 120 may transmit (e.g., via its short-range connectivity module 122 as described hereinabove) to communication devices 110 in network 100 a fourth notification indicating a time at which feedback on the data and / or the additional data transferred by communication devices 110 may be received. The time indicated in the fourth notification may be the time at which next connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is available.

[0063] Backhaul communication device 120 may receive data from RAN-BS 90 during the connection (e.g., the current connection) of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BNS 90. Backhaul communication device 120 may transfer at least a portion of the data and / or the additional data received from RAN-BS 90 to at least some communication devices 120 of network 110.

[0064] Backhaul communication device 120 and / or each of communication devices 110 may go into awake mode during a period of time during which the connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 910 is available. Backhaul communication device 120 and / or each of communication devices 110 may go into awake mode during a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of backhaul communication device 120 to RAN-BS 90 is available, during which communication devices 110 transfers the data to backhaul communication device 120. Backhaul communication device 120 and / or each of communication devices 110 may go into awake mode during a period of time during which backhaul communication device 120 transfers data received from RAN-BS 90 to communication devices 110. Backhaul communication device 120 and / or each of communication devices 110 may go into a sleep mode during other periods of time. This may allow backhaul communication device 120 and / or communication devices 110 to consume less battery power energy and / or optimize the consumption of the battery power energy.

[0065] Reference is made to Fig. 4, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a backhaul communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices having no continuous radio access network coverage, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0066] The operations described below with respect to Fig. 4 may be performed using equipment of network 100 as described hereinabove or using any other suitable equipment.

[0067] In operation 402, a notification indicating a time at which a connection (e.g., an upcoming connection) of a backhaul communication device (e.g., such as backhaul communication device 120 described hereinabove) to a RAN-BS (e.g., such as RAN-BS 90 described hereinabove) to be available may be transmitted by the backhaul communication device to the plurality of communication devices (e.g., such as communication devices 110) in the network (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0068] In operation 404, data may be received by the backhaul device from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0069] In operation 406, at the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, at least a portion of the data may be transferred to the RAN-BS by the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0070] The backhaul communication device may include a short-range connectivity module (e.g., such as short-range connectivity module 122 described hereinabove) for a short-range communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices. The short-range connectivity module may support at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) wireless communication standard (e.g., as described hereinabove). The backhaul communication device may include a long-range connectivity module (e.g., such as long-range connectivity module 124 described hereinabove) for a long-range communication with the RAN-BS. The long-range connectivity module may support at least one of 4G, 5G and 5G DECT wireless communication standard (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0071] The notification may include an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS will be / is available, by which at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0072] Based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, it may be determined by the backhaul communication device whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection), the data may be prioritized by the backhaul communication device based on a set of priority rules (e.g., as described hereinabove). Based on the prioritization, a portion of the data to be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS may be selected by the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). At the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available, the selected portion of the data may be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0073] If it is determined that all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection), all thedata may be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS at the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0074] Based on the duration and the throughput of the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection may be determined by the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). An indication of the amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) may be included by the backhaul communication device in the notification (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0075] Based on the duration and the throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, it may be determined by the backhaul communication device whether or not more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) than the data that has been received from the at least some of the communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) than the data that has been received from the at least some communication devices, a notification indicating that additional data may be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection may be transmitted by the backhaul communication device to the plurality of communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove). Additional data may be received by the backhaul communication device from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove). At least a portion of the additional data may be transmitted by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the upcoming connection) (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0076] It may be determined by the backhaul communication device whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., a current connection) of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that not all the data has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the current connection), a non-transferred portion of the data may be stored by the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). The nontransferred portion of the data may be transferred by the backhaul communication device to theRAN-BS at a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS is available (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0077] If it is determined that all the data has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the current connection), it may be determined by the backhaul communication device based on the duration of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS whether or not a remaining time of the connection exists. If it is determined that the remaining time exists, a notification indicating that additional data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the current connection) may be transmitted by the backhaul communication device to the plurality of communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove). Additional data may be received by the backhaul communication device from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices (e.g., as described hereinabove). At least a portion of the additional data may be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS during the connection (e.g., the current connection) (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0078] The backhaul communication device may be caused to go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the at least some communication devices transfer the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices. The backhaul communication device may be caused to go into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

[0079] The RAN-BS may be a terrestrially located base station and the backhaul communication device may be connected to the RAN-BS may be via a satellite (e.g., such as satellite 80 as described hereinabove) of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0080] The RAN-BS may be disposed on the satellite of the NTN or a high-altitude platform (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0081] Reference is made to Fig. 5, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a communication device in a network including a plurality of communication devices and a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0082] The operations described below with respect to Fig. 5 may be performed using equipment of network 100 as described hereinabove or using any other suitable equipment.

[0083] In operation 502, a notification indicating a time at which a connection of a backhaul communication device (e.g., such as backhaul communication device 120 described hereinabove) to a base station of a radio access network (RAN-BS) (e.g., such as RAN-BS 90 described hereinabove) to be available may be received by a communication device (e.g., such as communication device 110 described hereinabove) from the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0084] In operation 504, it may be determined by the communication device whether or not data to be transferred externally to the network exists (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0085] In operation 506, if it is determined that the data exists, at least a portion of the data may be transferred by the communication device to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification.

[0086] The communication device may include a short-range connectivity module (e.g., such as short-range connectivity module 112 described hereinabove) for a short-range communication with at least one of one or more other communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the backhaul communication device of the network (e.g., as described hereinabove). The short- range connectivity module may support at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) wireless communication standard (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0087] The notification may be forwarded by the communication device to at least one other communication device of the plurality of communication devices in the network (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0088] The notification may include an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available, by which the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). At least a portion of the data may be transferred by the communication device to the backhaul device by the time indicated in the notification (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0089] The notification may include an indication of an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection.Based on the amount of data indicated in the notification, a portion of the data may be selected by the communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). The selected portion of the data may be transmitted by the communication device to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0090] If only a portion of the data has been transferred to the backhaul communication device, a non-transferred portion of the data may be stored by the communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). The non-transferred portion of the data may be transferred by the communication device to the backhaul communication device by a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0091] A notification from the backhaul communication device indicating that additional data can be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS may be received by the communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove). It may be determined by the communication device whether or not additional data to be transferred exists (e.g., as described hereinabove). If it is determined that the additional data exists, at least a portion of the additional data may be transferred by the communication device to the backhaul communication device (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0092] The communication device may be caused to go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the at least some communication devices transfer the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices. The communication device may be caused to go into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention may improve transmission of data from and / or to the network of meshed communication devices which has no continuous RAN coverage (e.g., such as network 100 described hereinabove) by providing the meshed communication devices in the network with times at which the RAN coverage is available. In particular, the meshed short-range communication devices (e.g., such as communication devices 110 described hereinabove) within the network are provided with an indication when data can be transferred, which may allow the meshed short-range communication devices to prepare in beforehand and / or prepare higher prioritydata for transfer. This may allow the meshed short-range communication devices to avoid unnecessary communication attempts for data provisioning and allow sleep times in between, which may lead to power saving of the short-range communication devices (wherein power saving is one of most important aspects in short range communication).

[0094] For example, the backhaul communication device (e.g., such as backhaul communication device 120 described hereinabove) in the network may transmit to the plurality of communication devices (e.g., such as communication devices 110 described hereinabove) of the network notifications indicating times at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS (e.g., RAN-BS 90 described hereinabove) is available. Notifying the communication devices in the network about times at which the RAN coverage is available may allow the communication devices to prepare and act according to the RAN coverage availability (e.g., as described hereinabove). Acting according to the RAN coverage availability may allow the communication devices (e.g., backhaul communication device 120 and communication devices 11) to go into awake mode during the times at which the RAN coverage is available and / or during times in close proximity to the times at which the RAN coverage is available and go into sleep mode during other times. This may allow the communication devices in the network to consume less battery power energy and / or optimize the consumption of the battery power energy (e.g., as described hereinabove). Accordingly, the operational lifetime of the communication devices may be extended.

[0095] Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device 600 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] Computing device 600 may include a controller or processor 605 that may be, for example, a central processing unit processor (CPU), a chip or any suitable computing or computational device, an operating system 615, a memory 620, a storage 630, input devices 635 and output devices 640.

[0097] Operating system 615 may be or may include any code segment designed and / or configured to perform tasks involving coordination, scheduling, arbitration, supervising, controlling or otherwise managing operation of computing device 500, for example, scheduling execution of programs. Memory 620 may be or may include, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a double data rate (DDR) memory chip, a Flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory,a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units or storage units. Memory 620 may be or may include a plurality of, possibly different, memory units. Memory 620 may store for example, instructions to carry out a method (e.g., code 625), and / or data such as user responses, interruptions, etc.

[0098] Executable code 625 may be any executable code, e.g., an application, a program, a process, task or script. Executable code 625 may be executed by controller 605 possibly under control of operating system 615. In some embodiments, more than one computing device 500 or components of device 500 may be used for multiple functions described herein. For the various modules and functions described herein, one or more computing devices 500 or components of computing device 500 may be used. Devices that include components similar or different to those included in computing device 500 may be used, and may be connected to a network and used as a system. One or more processor(s) 605 may be configured to carry out embodiments of the present invention by for example executing software or code. Storage 630 may be or may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive, a universal serial bus (USB) device or other suitable removable and / or fixed storage unit. In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 6 may be omitted.

[0099] Input devices 635 may be or may include a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen or pad or any suitable input device. It will be recognized that any suitable number of input devices may be operatively connected to computing device 500 as shown by block 635. Output devices 640 may include one or more displays, speakers and / or any other suitable output devices. It will be recognized that any suitable number of output devices may be operatively connected to computing device 500 as shown by block 640. Any applicable input / output (I / O) devices may be connected to computing device 500, for example, a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC), a modem, printer or facsimile machine, a universal serial bus (USB) device or external hard drive may be included in input devices 635 and / or output devices 640.

[0100] Embodiments of the invention may include one or more article(s) (e.g., memory 620 or storage 630) such as a computer or processor non- transitory readable medium, or a computer or processor non-transitory storage medium, such as for example a memory, a disk drive, or a USB flash memory, encoding, including or storing instructions, e.g., computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor or controller, carry out methods disclosed herein.

[0101] Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a block diagram of an exemplary communication device (such as a user equipment (UE)) 700 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] Communication device 700 may include a radio interface 705. Radio interface 705 may include an antenna, a transceiver and / or any other suitable component to allow communication between Communication device 700 and a telecommunications network.

[0103] Communication device 700 may include a user identity module 710. User identity module 710 may store user-specific information such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and may be used for authentication and authorization on the telecommunications network.

[0104] Communication device 700 may include a mobile equipment 715. Mobile equipment 715 may include a processor, a memory, a display and a user interface.

[0105] Communication device 700 may include a battery 720. Battery 720 may provide power to UE 700, allowing it to operate without being connected to an external power source.

[0106] Communication device 700 may include an operating system 725. Operating system 725 may manage UE’s 700 resources and / or provide a platform for running applications.

[0107] Communication device 700 may include application software 730. Application software 730 may be user-installed and system applications that run on UE 700, providing UE 700 various functionalities.

[0108] Communication device 700 may include a user interface 735. UE 735 may include a touchscreen, buttons, display and / or any other suitable components through which users may interact with UE 700.

[0109] Communication device 700 may include sensors 740. Sensors 740 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS, and ambient light sensors, cameras and / or any other suitable sensors known in the art. Sensors 740 may allow features such as orientation detection, locationbased services, and any other suitable features known in the art.

[0110] Communication device 700 may include connectivity module 745. Connectivity module 745 may support various connectivity options, including cellular networks (e.g., 4G / LTE, 5G), WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC (Near Field Communication), allowing communication device 700 to connect to other devices and telecommunications networks.

[0111] Communication device 700 may include security components 750. Security components 750 may be responsible for ensuring the security and privacy of user data and communications.Security components 750 may include encryption / decryption hardware and software, as well as security features to protect against malware and unauthorized access.

[0112] Communication device 700 may include a memory 755 (e.g., RAM) for running applications. Communication device 700 may include a storage 760 (e.g., internal storage or removable SD cards) and storage (e.g., internal storage or removable SD cards) for storing data and applications.

[0113] Communication device 700 may include a charging port 765 for recharging battery 720.

[0114] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 7 may be omitted. In some embodiments, Communication device 700 may include additional components in accordance with standards specifications (e.g., 3GPP specifications) that are not shown in Fig. 7.

[0115] Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) 800 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] BS 800 may include a radio transceiver 805. Radio transceiver 805 may transmit and receive radio signals.

[0117] BS 800 may include an antenna system 810. Antenna system 810 may include one or more antennas that may transmit and receive signals via the air in specific directions and patterns. For example, antenna system 810 may include advanced antenna technologies such as Multiple- Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) and beamforming that may improve network performance and coverage.

[0118] BS 800 may include baseband processing unit 815. Baseband processing unit 815 may handle the baseband processing of communication signals. Baseband processing unit 815 may perform tasks such as modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, error correction, and channel allocation.

[0119] BS 800 may include a digital signal processing unit 820. Digital signal processing unit 820 may process and manipulate digital signals within baseband processing unit 815. Digital signal processing unit 820 may perform tasks such as signal processing, beamforming, interference cancellation, and MIMO processing.

[0120] BS 800 may include a backhaul connection 825. Backhaul connection 825 may provide a high-capacity backhaul connection to connect BS 800 to the core network. Backhaul connection 825 may include wired connections such as optical fiber or microwave links.

[0121] BS 800 may include a power supply unit 830. Power supply unit 830 may provide electrical power to BS’s 800 components to ensure continuous operation.

[0122] BS 800 may include a control and management unit 835. Control and management unit 835 may be responsible for controlling and managing the operation of BS 800. Control and management unit 835 may handle tasks such as network configuration, software updates, and fault management.

[0123] BS 800 may include a cooling system 840. Cooling system 840 may fans, heat sinks, and / or liquid cooling systems that may maintain the equipment of BS 800 within its operating temperature range.

[0124] BS 800 may include a timing and synchronization unit 845. Timing and synchronization unit 845 may perform timing and synchronization for maintaining the integrity of the communication network, e.g., to ensure that all base stations in the network are synchronized with a common timing reference.

[0125] BS 800 may include a security and encryption unit 850. Security and encryption unit 850 may perform tasks such as encryption of user data and authentication of communication devices or UEs for protecting the network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

[0126] BS 800 may include a fault detection and alarming unit 855. Fault detection and alarming unit 855 may monitoring equipment health and raising alarms in case of hardware or software issues are critical for maintaining network reliability and availability.

[0127] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted. In some embodiments, BS 800 may include additional components in accordance with standards specifications (e.g., 3GPP specifications) that are not shown in Fig. 8.

[0128] Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a block diagram of an exemplary satellite 900 which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] Satellite 900 may include transponders 905. Transponders 905 may receive signals from base stations and / or communication devices and / or user equipment. Transponders 905 may transmit signals to base stations and / or communication devices and / or user equipment. Transponders 905 may be configured for different frequency bands and services. Transponders 905 may include modulation and demodulation equipment to encode and decode the transmitted data. Satellite 900 may include antennas 910 for receiving and transmitting signals.

[0130] Satellite 900 may include a command and control system 915. Command and control system 915 may maintain satellite's 900 orbital position, attitude, and health. Command and control system 915 may handle adjustments to the satellite's 900 transponders 905, power levels, and other settings.

[0131] Satellite 900 may include a processing unit 920. Processing unit 920 may manage communication protocols, routing of signals, process and relay data efficiently between the uplink and downlink and other data-related functions.

[0132] Satellite 900 may include a power system 925. Power system 925 may, for example, include solar panels to generate electrical power from sunlight. This power may be stored in onboard batteries and used to operate the satellite's systems, including the communication payload (e.g., transponders 905). Power system 925 may include regulators and converters to ensure a stable power supply.

[0133] In some embodiments, satellite 900 may include a base station 930 (e.g., such as base station 800 described above with respect to Fig. 8). In other embodiments, satellite 900 may act as relay of radio signals wherein base station 930 may be placed on Earth (e.g., wherein base station 930 may include functionalities, units, modules and systems of base station 800 described above with respect to Fig.8).

[0134] In some embodiments, some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted. In some embodiments, satellite 900 may include additional components that are not shown in Fig. 9 and that may be required for supporting the communication of the satellite with base stations and / or communication devices and / or user equipment.

[0135] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0136] In the foregoing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment can be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments.

[0137] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, can refer to operation(s) and / or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and / or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that can store instructions to perform operations and / or processes.

[0138] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein can include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” can be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term set when used herein can include one or more items. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A backhaul communication device in a network comprising a plurality of communication devices having no continuous radio access network coverage, the backhaul communication device is configured to: transmit to the plurality of communication devices of the network a notification indicating a time at which a connection of the backhaul communication device to a base station of a radio access network (RAN-BS) to be available; receive data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and at the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN- BS is available, transfer to the RAN-BS at least a portion of the data.

2. The backhaul communication device of claim 1 , wherein the backhaul communication device comprises: a short-range connectivity module for a short-range communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices, the short-range connectivity module supporting at least one wireless communication standard of a group comprising: WiFi, Bluetooth, DECT, Wi-SUN, ZigBee, IR, RFID, UWB, 6LowPan, ISM band and ISR; and a long-range connectivity module for a long-range communication with the RAN-BS, the long-range connectivity module supporting at least one wireless communication standard of a group comprising: 4G, 5G, 5G DECT and LoRa.

3. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the notification includes an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available, by which at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device.

4. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-3, configured to:based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, determine whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection.

5. The backhaul communication device of claim 4, wherein if it is determined that not all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on a set of priority rules, prioritize the data; based on the prioritization, select a portion of the data to be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS; and at the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available, transfer to the RAN-BS the selected portion of the data.

6. The backhaul communication device of claim 4, wherein if it is determined that all the data received from the at least some communication devices can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to transfer all the data to the RAN-BS at the time at which the connection to the RAN-BS is available.

7. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-3, configured to: based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, determine an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection; and include in the notification an indication of the amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection.

8. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-7, configured to: based on a duration and a throughput of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, determine whether or not more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection than the data that has been received from the at least some of the communication devices; andif it is determined that more data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection than the data that has been received from the at least some communication devices, transmit to the plurality of communication devices a notification indicating that additional data may be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection; receive additional data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the RAN-BS during the connection.

9. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-8, configured to determine whether or not all the data received from the at least some communication devices has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS.

10. The backhaul communication device of claim 9, wherein if it is determined that not all the data has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: store a non-transferred portion of the data; and transfer the non-transferred portion of the data to the RAN-BS at a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available.

11. The backhaul communication device of claim 9, wherein if it is determined that all the data has been transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection, the backhaul communication device is configured to: based on the duration of the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS, determine whether or not a remaining time of the connection exists; if it is determined that the remaining time exists: transmit to the plurality of communication devices a notification indicating that additional data can be transferred to the RAN-BS during the connection; receive additional data from at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the RAN-BS during the connection.

12. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-11, configured to: go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which a connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the at least some communication devices transfer the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to at least some communication devices of the plurality of communication devices; and go into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

13. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the RAN-BS is a terrestrially located base station and wherein the connection to the RAN-BS is via a satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

14. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the RAN-BS is disposed on a satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

15. The backhaul communication device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the RAN-BS is disposed on a high-altitude platform.

16. A network of meshed communication devices, the network comprising: the plurality of communication devices; and the backhaul communication device according to any one of claims 1-15.

17. A communication device in a network comprising a plurality of communication devices and a backhaul communication device having no continuous radio access network coverage, the communication device is configured to:receive from the backhaul communication device of the network a notification indicating a time at which a connection of the backhaul communication device to a base station of a radio access network (RAN) to be available; determine whether or not data to be transferred externally to the network exists; if it is determined that the data exists, transfer at least a portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification.

18. The communication device of claim 17, comprising: a short-range connectivity module for a short-range communication with at least one of one or more other communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the backhaul communication device of the network, wherein the short-range connectivity module supports at least one wireless communication standard of a group comprising: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DECT, Wi-SUN, ZigBee, IR, RFID, UWB, 6LowPan, ISM band and ISR.

19. The communication device of any one of claims 17-18, wherein the communication device is connected to at least one other device of the plurality of communication devices in the network, and wherein the communication device is configured to forward the notification to the at least one other communication device.

20. The communication device of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the notification comprises an indication of a time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available, by which the plurality of communication devices to transfer the data to the backhaul communication device, and wherein the communication device is configured to transmit at least a portion of the data to the backhaul device by the time indicated in the notification.

21. The communication device of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the notification comprises an indication of an amount of data that can be transferred from each communication device of the plurality of communication devices during the connection, andwherein the communication device is configured to: based on the amount of data indicated in the notification, select a portion of the data; and transmit the selected portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by the time indicated in the notification.

22. The communication device of any one of claims 17-21, wherein if only a portion of the data has been transferred to the backhaul communication device, the communication device is configured to: store a non-transferred portion of the data; and transfer the non-transferred portion of the data to the backhaul communication device by a time at which next connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS to be available.

23. The communication device of any one of claims 17-22, configured to: receive a notification from the backhaul communication device indicating that additional data can be transferred by the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS during the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS; determine whether or not additional data to be transferred exists; and if it is determined that the additional data exists, transfer at least a portion of the additional data to the backhaul communication device.

24. The communication device of any one of claims 17-23, configured to: go into an awake mode during at least one of: a period of time during which a connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available; a period of time, preceding the time at which the connection of the backhaul communication device to the RAN-BS is available, during which the communication device transfers the at least a portion of the data to the backhaul communication device; and a period of time during which the backhaul communication device transfers data received from the RAN-BS to the communication device; andgo into a sleep mode during other periods of time.

25. A network of meshed communication devices, the network comprising: the backhaul communication device; and the plurality of communication devices, wherein each communication device of the plurality of communication devices is according to any one of claims 17-24.

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