Congestion control for non-terrestrial networks

Abstract

A computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes detecting, by a user device, access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network (NTN), for example a Low Earth Orbit satellite network. The access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the NTN, and the one other service class is not supported by the NTN for use by the user device. In response to determining, by the user device, that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the NTN, the method includes performing, by the user device, a network attachment operation to attach to the NTN in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination. The method also includes sending, by the user device, the text message to the particular destination via the NTN after attaching to the NTN.

Description

CONGESTION CONTROL FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,353, filed 22 December 2023 the entire contents which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] A user device can utilize satellite or other non-terrestrial network (NTN) messaging to communicate with other devices when the user device does not have cellular coverage (or has limited cellular coverage). For example, the user device can attach to a NTN to facilitate peer-to-peer messaging.

[0003] However, due to a limited amount of bandwidth, the NTN can easily become congested if multiple user devices connect to the NTN. To illustrate, if the NTN is in an area with a relatively high population, a large amount of user devices can attach to the NTN for peer-to-peer messaging. As a non-limiting example, if there are small cellular coverage holes in the area, user devices can attach to the NTN for peer-to-peer messaging. If the NTN is congested due to an abundance of peer-to-peer messaging, it may be increasingly difficult for user devices to utilize the NTN for emergency messaging.SUMMARY

[0004] To reduce non-terrestrial network (NTN) congestion caused by peer-to-peer messaging, the NTN broadcasts access barring information to user devices. The access barring information can indicate that multiple different services are prohibited (e.g., barred) from the NTN. As described herein, the access barring information may indicate that a particular service, such as voice calls (which may be represented by a flag MMTEL_VOICE) is not prohibited by the NTN. The particular service may be a service that is not supported by the NTN for some or all user devices in the network. Responsive to receiving the access barring information that indicates that the particular service is permitted (e.g., not prohibited), a framework of a user device can perform a network attachment operation to attach to the NTN when a text message addressed to an emergency service provider (or addressed to an emergency contact) is being generated. For example, the framework of the user device may attach to the NTN to send emergency text messages. When other text messages (e.g., peer- to-peer messages) are generated, the framework may disconnect from the NTN to reduce network congestion.

[0005] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes detecting, by a user device, access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network. The access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device. In response to determining, by the user device, that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network, the method includes performing, by the user device, a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination. The method also includes sending, by the user device, the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0006] In another aspect, a user device is provided. The user device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to detect access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network. The access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device. In response to a determination that the access barring information indicates that the one other sendee class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network, the processor is configured to perform a network attachment operation to attach to the nonterrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination. The processor is also configured to send the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0007] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that are executable by a processor within a user device to perform operations. The operations include detecting access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network. The access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the nonterrestrial network, and the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device. In response to determining that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network, the operations include performing a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination. The operations also include sending the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0008] The foregoing summary' is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, examples, and features described above, further aspects, examples, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system that reduces congestion in a non-terrestrial network, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a user device, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a user device, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a user device, in accordance with techniques of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The techniques described herein reduce congestion of a satellite or other nonterrestrial network by configuring user device frameworks to forgo attaching to the satellite or non-terrestrial network to send peer-to-peer text messages based on access barring information. However, according to the techniques described herein, the user device frameworks can attach to the satellite or non-terrestrial network to perform emergency texting.

[0014] Due to a limited bandwidth of a non- terrestrial network (NTN), user devices can be prevented from attaching to, for example, satellites for peer-to-peer messaging in areas with high populations, which can congest satellites. Satellite congestion may occur if there are small coverage holes in the areas where user devices can attach to satellites, unless restricted. The NTN can send cellular access barring information to restrict connectivity' from these areas. However, if the NTN bars short message service (SMS) messaging and allows emergency calls, user devices cannot perform emergency texting because emergency texts go over Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Public Data Netw ork (PDN), not emergency PDN.

[0015] The techniques described herein use access barring to allow emergency texting over IMS PDN while restricting peer-to-peer texting over IMS PDN. For example, the NTN can broadcast, to NTN-enabled subscribers, access barring information for all service classesexcept for emergency calls and a non-supported service class, such as voice calls (MMTEL_Voice) or video calls (MMTEL_Video). If a user device goes out of service and finds the NTN, a modulator-demodulator (modem) of the user device will camp to the NTN without attaching to the NTN. If a messaging application is opened on the user device and a text message thread, directed to an emergency number (e.g., “911”), is initiated, the user device will attach to the NTN to send an associated text to the emergency number. However, if the messaging application is opened on the user device and a text message thread, directed to a non-emergency number, is initiated, the user device will not attach to the NTN. Thus, NTN mode will not be activated at the user device to send a peer-to-peer text message.

[0016] By the NTN allowing voice calls (MMTEL_Voice), the modem of the user device is able to attach to the satellite. In particular, the user device will set up an IMS PDN and send the emergency text message over IMS while continuing to block all message requests to non-emergency destinations.

[0017] With respect to the examples associated with sending and receiving messages via satellite messaging, a user may be provided with controls allowing the user to make an election as to both if and when systems, programs, or features described herein may enable collection of user information (e g., information about a user’s social network, social actions, or activities, profession, a user’s preferences, or a user’s current location), and if the user is sent content or communications from a server. In addition, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, a user’s identity may be treated so that no personally identifiable information can be determined for the user, or a user’s geographic location may be generalized where location information is obtained (such as to a city. ZIP code, or state level), so that a particular location of a user cannot be determined. Thus, the user may have control over what information is collected about the user, how that information is used, and what information is provided to the user.

[0018] Particular examples are described herein with reference to the drawings. In the description, common features are designated by common reference numbers throughout the drawings. In some drawings, multiple instances of a particular type of feature are used. Although these features are physically and / or logically distinct, the same reference number is used for each, and the different instances are distinguished by addition of a letter to the reference number. When the features as a group or a type are referred to herein (e.g., when no particular one of the features is being referenced), the reference number is used without a distinguishing letter. However, when one particular feature of multiple features of the sametype is referred to herein, the reference number is used with the distinguishing letter. For example, referring to Figure 1, multiple user devices are illustrated and associated with reference numbers 104A, 104B, etc. When referring to a particular one of the user devices, such as the user device 104 A, the distinguishing letter “A” is used. However, when referring to any arbitrary' one of these user devices or to these user devices as a group, the reference number 104 is used without a distinguishing letter.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 that reduces congestion in a NTN, specifically a satellite network. The system 100 includes a satellite 102, a plurality of user devices 104, a satellite gateway 106, a network device 108, and a destination device 110. According to one implementation, the satellite 102, the satellite gateway 106, and the network device 108 are part of a satellite network 190. The satellites 102 can correspond to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite or other satellite that orbits around Earth or other celestial body, such as a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite or a Geostationary' Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite. As described below, different user devices 104 can attach to (e.g., join) the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other high priority text messages. However, to reduce congestion in the satellite network 190, frameworks of the user devices 104 can prohibit the user devices 104 from attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages based on access barring information 140 broadcast to the user devices 104.

[0020] The user devices 104 can correspond to mobile phones, laptop computers, tablet computers, or wearable computing devices, among other possibilities. In Figure 1, five user devices are depicted. For example, the plurality of user devices 104 includes a user device 104 A, a user device 104B, a user device 104C, a user device 104D, and a user device 104E. In other examples, the plurality' of user devices 104 can include additional (or fewer) user devices. As a non-limiting example, in some scenarios, the plurality of user devices 104 can include over one-hundred thousand (100,000) user devices 104 within a particular geographic area. In these scenarios, if a relatively' large number of the user devices 104 are attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages, the satellite network 190 can quickly become congested. Because of the congestion, it may be relatively hard for a particular user device 104 to send an emergency text message 150 (or other high priority text message) via the satellite network 190.

[0021] As described below, to reduce the congestion caused by peer-to-peer text messages, the satellite network 190 can broadcast specific access barring information 140 to the user devices 104 within range of the satellite 102. In particular, to indicate the satellite network 190 is congested, the satellite network 190 can broadcast access barring information140 that indicates a service class (e.g., an access class) not supported by the satellite network 190 is permitted. In response to broadcasting this specific access barring information 140, frameworks of the user device 104 can be configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 for the purposes of sending a peer-to-peer text message. Instead, frameworks of the user device 104 are configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other high priority text messages.

[0022] For example, NTNs, such as the satellite network 190, do not support particular service classes. In particular, the satellite network 190 may not support voice calls (MMTEL_Voice) or video calls (MMTEL_Video). To indicate that the satellite network 190 is congested, the satellite 102 can broadcast access barring information 140 that indicates a non-supported service class (e.g., voice calls or video calls) is permitted (e.g., not barred) by the satellite network 190. The access barring information 140 is broadcast via a communication link 112A so that each user device 104A-104E can receive the access barring information 140. In some scenarios, to indicate that the satellite network 190 is congested, the access barring information 140 can indicate that voice calls are not barred by the satellite network 190. In other scenarios, to indicate that the satellite network 190 is congested, the access barring information 140 can indicate that video calls are not barred by the satellite network 190.

[0023] Frameworks of the user devices 104 may be configured to identify the service classes that are typically not supported by NTNs, such as the satellite network 190. For example, a framework of the user device 104A can be configured to identify that voice calls and video calls are not supported by the satellite network 190. To reduce congestion at the satellite network 190, the user device 104A can be configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer messages. However, the user device 104A can be configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other important text messages if a non-supported service class is not barred by the access barring information 140.

[0024] To illustrate, when the satellite 102 broadcasts the access barring information 140 to the user devices 104A-104E, the access barring information 140 can indicate that emergency calls and one other service class (e.g., voice calls or video calls) are not barred by the satellite network 190. In response to determining that the access barring information 140 indicates that the one other service class is permitted by satellite network 190 (when the one other service class is not supported by the satellite network 190), the framework of the user devices 104 can be configured to block transmission of certain peer-to-peer text messages viathe satellite network 190. For example, if the framework of the user device 104A detects that a peer-to-peer text message is being generated, the framework of the user device 104A will not attach to the satellite network 190 for transmission of the peer-to-peer text message. By preventing the user device 104A from attaching to the satellite network 190 to send the peer- to-peer text message, the framew ork of the user device 104A can reduce congestion of the satellite network 190 caused by peer-to-peer text messages.

[0025] However, in response to determining that the access barring information 140 indicates that the one other service class is permitted by satellite network 190 (when the one other sendee class is not supported by the satellite netw ork 190), the framew ork of the user device 104A can be configured to enable the transmission of emergency text messages 150 (e.g., text messages to an emergency service provider). To illustrate, if the framework of the user device 104 A detects generation of an emergency text message 150 (or another approved text message), the framework of the user device 104 A performs a netw ork attachment operation to attach to the satellite netw ork 190. Non-limiting examples of emergency text messages 150 (or approved text messages) include text messages addressed to an emergency service provider, text messages addressed to emergency contacts on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device 104A, etc. In Figure 1, the destination device 110 can correspond to an emergency sen ice provider. Thus, if the framework of the user device 104A determines that the text message 150 is addressed to the destination device 110, the framework can perform the network attachment operation to the satellite network 190.

[0026] In response to attaching to the satellite network 190, the user device 104A can send the text message 150 to the destination device 110 via the satellite network 190. To illustrate, the user device 104A can send the text message 150 to the satellite 102 using a communication link 112 A. The communication link 112A can be a particular frequency or frequency band that enables the user device 104 to send emergency text messages 150 to the satellite 102 and receive messages from the satellite 102. The satellite 102 can relay the text message 150 to the satellite gateway 106 using a communication link 112B. The satellite gateway 106 can forward the text message 150 from the satellite 102 to the network device 108 using a communication link 112C, and the network device 108 can forward the text message 150 to devices, such as the destination device 110, within a core network of the network device 108 via a communication link 112D.

[0027] The system 100 of Figure 1 reduces congestion of the satellite network 190 by configuring frameworks of the user devices 104 to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages. In particular, the frameworks of the user devices 104are configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 for sending peer-to-peer text messages if the access barring information 140 indicates that a non-supported service class, such as voice calls or video calls, is not barred by the satellite network 190. However, the frameworks of the user devices 104 are configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other important text messages. By reducing the amount of peer-to-peer text messages sent via the satellite network 190, congestion of the satellite network 190 is reduced.

[0028] If the satellite network 190 is not congested, peer-to-peer messaging (in addition to emergency messaging) can be enabled. For example, the satellite network 190 can broadcast second access barring information when the satellite network 190 is not congested. The second access barring information indicates mobile data (MO-DATA) and SMS messaging are permitted for satellite-enabled subscribers. The user device 104 can detect the second access barring information and perform a network attachment operation to attach to the satellite network 190. Additionally, the user device 104 can send (via the satellite network 190) a second text message to a second particular destination after attaching to the satellite network 190. The second text message can be a peer-to-peer text message or an emergency text message.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the user device 104A. The user device 104 includes a processor 202, a memory 204 coupled to the processor 202, a telephony framework 206 coupled to the processor 202, and a display device 208 coupled to the processor 202. It should be understood that the components of the user device 104A depicted in Figure 2 are not intended to be limiting. In other scenarios, the user device 104A can include additional components. As non-limiting examples, the user device 104A can include one or more input devices, a battery, an encoder, a decoder, etc.

[0030] The memory 204 can correspond to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions 205 that are executable by the processor 202. For example, the instructions 205 can be executable to cause the processor 202 to perform the operations described herein.

[0031] The processor 202 includes a satellite detection unit 210, a service class evaluation unit 212, a message generator 214, and anetwork attachment facilitation unit 216. In one implementation, one or more of the components of the processor 202 can be implemented using dedicated hardware. As non-limiting examples, one or more of the components of the processor 202 can be implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device. In one implementation,one or more of the components of the processor 202 can be implemented using software. As a non-limiting example, the functions and / or operations performed by one or more of the components of the processor 202 can be implemented by executing the instructions 205 stored in the memory 204.

[0032] The satellite detection unit 210 can be configured to scan different frequencies to detect a satellite 102 or a corresponding satellite network 190. For example, the satellite detection unit 210 can determine that the user device 104A is within range of the satellite 102, as depicted in Figure 1 .

[0033] In response to detecting the access barring information 140, the service class evaluation unit 212 can be configured to determine (e g., identify) permitted service classes 220 for the satellite network 190. For example, the access barring information 140 can indicate that emergency calls 224 and one other sendee class 226 are permitted by the satellite network 190. In some scenarios, the one other sen-ice class 226 permitted by the satellite network 190 corresponds to voice calls. In other scenarios, the one other service class 226 permitted by the satellite network 190 corresponds to video calls. The service class evaluation unit 212 can also be configured to identify supported service classes 222 for the satellite network 190. In particular, the sendee class evaluation unit 212 can identify' that emergency calls 224 are supported by the satellite network 190. Thus, in turn, the processor 202 can determine that the access barring information 140 indicates that the service class 226 is permitted by the satellite network 190 even though the service class 226 is not supported by the satellite network 190.

[0034] The telephony framework 206 can be configured to block transmission of certain peer-to-peer text messages 250 via the satellite network 190 in response to the determination that an unsupported service class 226 is permitted by the satellite network 190. Blocking transmission of certain peer-to-peer text messages 250 can reduce congestion at the satellite network 190. However, the telephony framework 206 can be configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 (or other approved text messages) in response to the determination that an unsupported service class 226 is permitted by the satellite network 190.

[0035] To illustrate, the telephony framework 206 can include a satellite transceiver 230. The satellite transceiver 230 includes a modulator-demodulator (modem) 232 and control logic 234. Although illustrated as being integrated into the satellite transceiver 230, in some examples, the control logic 234 can be integrated into the processor 202 or integrated into other parts of the telephony framework 206. The control logic 234 can be used, inconjunction with the network attachment facilitation unit 216, to selectively connect the modem 232 to the satellite network 190 (e.g., selectively attach to the satellite network 190). The modem 232 is permitted to connect to the satellite network 190 based on the access barring information indicating the service class 226 (not supported by the satellite network 190) is permitted by the satellite network 190.

[0036] Once the processor 202 determines that an unsupported service class 226 is permitted by the satellite network 190, the processor 202 and / or the control logic 234 can determine that transmission of emergency text messages 150 is allowed via the satellite network 190 and transmission of peer-to-peer text messages 250 should be blocked. To detect whether a specific text message is an emergency text message (e g., the emergency text message 150) or a peer-to-peer text message (e.g., the peer-to-peer text message 250), the processor 202 and / or the control logic 234 can determine whether a destination of the text message corresponds to an emergency service or an emergency contact.

[0037] To illustrate, the emergency text message 150 includes a destination address 240A (e.g., a destination phone number) and content 242A. The destination address 240A of the text message 150 can be used to classify the emergency text message 150 as an "‘emergency / ’ For example, if the destination address 240A is associated with an emergency service provider, the text message 150 can be classified as an “emergency.” As a non-limiting example, if the destination address 240A is the phone number “911”, the text message 150 can be classified as an emergency. Alternatively, if the destination address 240A is associated with an emergency contact 282, the text message 150 can be classified as an “emergency” or as “important.” For example, a list of emergency contacts 280 can be stored in the memory 204. As illustrated in Figure 2, there are two emergency contacts 282A, 282B in the list of emergency’ contacts 280. However, in other scenarios, there can be additional or fewer emergency contacts 282 in the list of emergency contacts 280. If the destination address 240A is a phone number associated with one of the emergency contacts 282A, 282B, the text message 150 can be classified as an emergency.

[0038] When the network attachment facilitation unit 216 and / or the control logic 234 detects that the destination address 240A corresponds to an emergency contact 282 or an emergency services provider, the network attachment facilitation unit 216 can perform a network attachment operation 290 to attach to the satellite network 190. Performing the network attachment operation 290 includes connecting the modem 232 to satellite network 190. For example, the network attachment facilitation unit 216 can generate a network attachment request 292. The satellite transceiver 230 can send the network attachmentrequest 292 to the satellite 102. The network attachment request 292 can be forwarded to the network device 108, via the satellite 102, to indicate to the network device 108 that the user device 104 is intending to connect the modem 232 to the satellite network 190. After attaching to the satellite network 190, the satellite transceiver 230 can send the emergency text message 150 to the destination address 240A via the satellite network 190. In some scenarios, the user device 104A establishes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Public Data Network (PDN) to send the text message 150 to the destination address 240 A.

[0039] The peer-to-peer text message 250 also includes a destination address 240B and content 242B. In the example of Figure 2, the destination address 240B is not associated with an emergency service provider or an emergency contact 282. As a result, the destination address 240B is not associated with an approved destination for satellite messaging. Thus, the modem 232 is not permitted to connect to the satellite network 190 to facilitate transmission of the text message 250 addressed to an unapproved destination.

[0040] The user device 104A reduces congestion of the satellite network 190 by configuring the telephony framework 206 to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages 250. In particular, the telephony framework 206 is configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 for sending peer-to-peer text messages 250 if the access barring information 140 indicates that a non-supported service class 226, such as voice calls or video calls, is not barred by the satellite network 190. However, the telephony framework 206 is configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other important text messages (e.g., text messages to emergency contacts 282). By reducing the amount of peer-to-peer text messages 250 sent via the satellite network 190, congestion of the satellite network 190 is reduced.

[0041] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method 300, in accordance with example examples. The method 300 can be performed by a user device, such as the user device 104 A.

[0042] According to the method 300, at block 302, a user device receives access barring information from a NTN. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user device 104A receives the access barring information 140 broadcast by the satellite 102 of the satellite network 190.

[0043] At decision block 304, the user device determines whether a service class, not supported by the NTN, is permitted by the NTN. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, the user device 104A determines whether the service class 226 (e.g., voice calls or video calls), not supported by the satellite network 190, is permitted by the satellite network 190.

[0044] If the service class is not supported by the NTN, at block 306, the user device can attach to the NTN and send peer-to-peer text messages and emergency text messages. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, if the service class 226 is barred by the satellite network 190, the satellite network 190 is not indicating congestion and the user device 104A can attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency and peer-to-peer text messages 150, 250.

[0045] If the service class is supported by the NTN, at block 308, the user device can camp to the NTN without attaching. For example, referring to Figures 1 -2, the user device 104 A camps to the satellite network 190 with attaching. At block 310, the user device detects generation of a text message. For example, referring to Figure 2, the user device 104A detects generation of a text message while camped to the satellite network 190.

[0046] At decision block 312, the user device determines whether the text message is an emergency text message. For example, referring to Figure 2, the user device 104A determines whether the text message is an emergency text message (e.g., addressed to an emergency sen ice provider or an emergency contact). If the text message is an emergency text message, at block 314, the user device attaches to the NTN and sends the emergency text message. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, the user device 104A attaches to the satellite network 190 and sends the emergency text message 150 to the destination device 110 via the satellite network 190. If the text message is not an emergency text message, at block 316, the user device remains camped at the NTN.

[0047] The method 300 reduces congestion of the satellite network 190 by configuring frameworks of the user devices 104 to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages. In particular, the frameworks of the user devices 104 are configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 for sending peer-to-peer text messages if the access barring information 140 indicates that a non-supported service class, such as voice calls or video calls, is not barred by the satellite network 190. However, the frameworks of the user devices 104 are configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other important text messages. By reducing the amount of peer-to-peer text messages sent via the satellite network 190, congestion of the satellite network 190 is reduced.

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another method 400, in accordance with example examples. The method 400 can be performed by the user device 104A.

[0049] The method 400 includes detecting, by a user device, access barring information broadcast from a NTN, at block 402. The access barring information indicates emergencycalls and one other serv ice class are permitted by the NTN. The one other service class is not supported by the NTN for use by the user device. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, the user device 104A detects the access barring information 140 broadcast from the satellite network 190. The access barring information 140 indicates emergency calls 224 and one other service class 226 are permitted by the satellite network 190. The one other service class 226 is not supported by the satellite network 190.

[0050] The method 400 also includes performing, by the user device, a network attachment operation to attach to the NTN in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination, at block 404. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, the user device 104A performs the network attachment operation 290 to attach to the satellite network 190 in response to detecting the text message 150, addressed to the destination device 110 (e.g., an emergency service provider), being generated.

[0051] The method 400 also includes sending, by the user device, the text message to the particular destination via the NTN after attaching to the NTN, at block 406. For example, referring to Figures 1-2, the user device 104A sends the text message 150 to the destination device 110 via the satellite network 190 after attaching to the satellite network 190.

[0052] According to one implementation of the method 400, the particular destination corresponds to an emergency service provider. According to one implementation of the method 400, the particular destination corresponds to an emergency contact on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device.

[0053] According to one implementation of the method 400, the one other service class corresponds to voice calls. According to one implementation of the method 400, the one other serv ice class corresponds to video calls.

[0054] According to one implementation of the method 400, performing the network attachment operation includes connecting a modem of the user device to the NTN. The modem is permitted to connect to the NTN based on the access barring information indicating the one sendee class is permitted by the NTN. The modem is not permitted to connect to the NTN to facilitate transmission of text messages addressed to unapproved destinations.

[0055] According to one implementation of the method 400, the user device establishes an IMS PDN to send the text message to the particular destination. According to one implementation of the method 400, the access barring information is broadcast in response to a determination that the NTN is congested.

[0056] According to one implementation, the method 400 includes detecting, by the user device, second access barring information from the NTN when the NTN is not congested.The second access barring information indicates mobile data and short message service (SMS) are permitted by the NTN. The method 400 also include performing the network attachment operation to attach to the NTN and sending a second text message to a second particular destination after attaching to the NTN. The second text message can be a peer-to- peer text message or an emergency text message.

[0057] The method 400 reduces congestion of the satellite network 190 by configuring frameworks of the user devices 104 to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 to send peer-to-peer text messages. In particular, the frameworks of the user devices 1 4 are configured to forgo attaching to the satellite network 190 for sending peer-to-peer text messages if the access barring information 140 indicates that a non-supported service class, such as voice calls or video calls, is not barred by the satellite network 190. However, the frameworks of the user devices 104 are configured to attach to the satellite network 190 to send emergency text messages 150 or other important text messages. By reducing the amount of peer-to-peer text messages sent via the satellite netw ork 190, congestion of the satellite network 190 is reduced.

[0058] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular examples described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a w ide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0060] With respect to any or all of the ladder diagrams, scenarios, and flow charts in the figures and as discussed herein, each block and / or communication may represent a processing of information and / or a transmission of information. Alternative examples are includedwithin the scope of these examples. In these alternative examples, functions described as blocks, transmissions, communications, requests, responses, and / or messages may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Further, more or fewer blocks and / or functions may be used with any of the ladder diagrams, scenarios, and flowcharts discussed herein, and these ladder diagrams, scenarios, and flow charts may be combined with one another, in part or in whole.

[0061] A block that represents a processing of information may correspond to circuitry that can be configured to perform the specific logical functions of a herein-described method or technique. Alternatively or additionally, a block that represents a processing of information may correspond to a module, a segment, or a portion of program code (including related data). The program code may include one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions or actions in the method or technique. The program code and / or related data may be stored on any type of computer readable medium such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive or other storage medium.

[0062] The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory computer readable media such as non-transitory computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory', processor cache, and random access memory' (RAM). The computer readable media may also include non-transitory' computer readable media that stores program code and / or data for longer periods of time, such as secondary’ or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. A computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage device.

[0063] Moreover, a block that represents one or more information transmissions may correspond to information transmissions between software and / or hardware modules in the same physical device. How ever, other information transmissions may be betw een softw are modules and / or hardware modules in different physical devices.

[0064] With respect to examples that include determining a non-common term based on user interaction with a computing device, and / or determining alternative terms using a machine learning model, or interactions by the computing device with cloud-based servers, a user may be provided with controls allowing the user to make an election as to both if and when systems, programs, or features described herein may enable collection of user information (e.g., information about a user’s social network, social actions, or activities,profession, a user’s preferences, a user’s demographic information, a user’s current location, or other personal information), and if the user is sent content or communications from a server. In addition, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, a user’s identity may be treated so that no personally identifiable information can be determined for the user, or a user's geographic location may be generalized where location information is obtained (such as to a city, ZIP code, or state level), so that a particular location of a user cannot be determined. Thus, the user may have control over what information is collected about the user, how that information is used, and what information is provided to the user.

[0065] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), as used herein, can include wireless communication systems that operate above the Earth’s surface. NTNs can include satellites at LEO, MEO, GEO, high-altitude platforms (HAPS) and drones. As non-limiting examples, NTN-based wireless communication systems can include networks offered by Inmarsat and SpaceX.

[0066] Examples.

[0067] Example 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: detecting, by a user device, access barring information broadcast from anon-terrestrial network, wherein the access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other sendee class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and wherein the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device; and in response to determining, by the user device, that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non -terrestrial network: performing, by the user device, a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination; and sending, by the user device, the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0068] Example 2. The computer-implemented method of example 1, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency service provider.

[0069] Example 3. The computer-implemented method of example 1 or 2, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency contact on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device.

[0070] Example 4. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-3, wherein the one other service class corresponds to voice calls.

[0071] Example 5. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-4, wherein the one other service class corresponds to video calls.

[0072] Example 6. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-5, wherein performing the network attachment operation comprises connecting a modulator-demodulator (modem) of the user device to the non-terrestrial network.

[0073] Example 7. The computer-implemented method of example 6, wherein the modem is permitted to connect to the non- terrestrial network based on the access barring information indicating the one service class is permitted by the non -terrestrial network.

[0074] Example 8. The computer-implemented method of example 6, wherein the modem is not permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network to facilitate transmission of text messages addressed to unapproved destinations.

[0075] Example 9. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-8, wherein the user device establishes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Public Data Network to send the text message to the particular destination.

[0076] Example 10. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-9, wherein the access barring information is broadcast in response to a determination that the non-terrestrial network is congested.

[0077] Example 11. The computer-implemented method of any of examples 1-10, further comprising: detecting, by the user device, second access barring information from the non-terrestrial network when the non-terrestrial network is not congested, wherein the second access barring information indicates mobile data and short message service are permitted by the non-terrestrial network; performing the network attachment operation to attach to the nonterrestrial network; and sending a second text message to a second particular destination after attaching to the non-terrestrial network, wherein the second text message is a peer-to-peer text message or an emergency text message.

[0078] Example 12. A user device comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: detect access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network, wherein the access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and wherein the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device; and in response to a determination that the access barring information indicates that the one other serv ice class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network: perform a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send atext message to a particular destination; and send the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0079] Example 13. The user device of example 12, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency service provider.

[0080] Example 14. The user device of example 12 or 13, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency contact on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device.

[0081] Example 15. The user device of any of examples 12-14, wherein the one other sendee class corresponds to voice calls or video calls.

[0082] Example 16. The user device of any of examples 12-15, wherein, to perform the network attachment operation, a modulator-demodulator (modem) of the user device connects to the non-terrestrial network.

[0083] Example 17. The user device of example 16, wherein the modem is permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network based on the access barring information indicating the one service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network.

[0084] Example 18. The user device of example 16, wherein the modem is not permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network to facilitate transmission of text messages addressed to unapproved destinations.

[0085] Example 19. The user device of any of examples 12-18, wherein user device establishes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Public Data Network to send the text message to the particular destination.

[0086] Example 20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor within a user device, causes the processor to: detect access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network, wherein the access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and wherein the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device; and in response to determining that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network: perform a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination; and send the text message to the particular destination via the nonterrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

[0087] Example 21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 12, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency service provider.

[0088] Example 22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 20 or 21, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency contact on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device.

[0089] Example 23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of examples 20-22, wherein the one other sendee class corresponds to voice calls or video calls.

[0090] Example 24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of examples 20-23, wherein, to perform the network attachment operation, a modulator-demodulator (modem) of the user device connects to the non-terrestrial network.

[0091] Example 25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 24, wherein the modem is permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network based on the access barring information indicating the one service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network.

[0092] Example 26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 24, wherein the modem is not permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network to facilitate transmission of text messages addressed to unapproved destinations.

[0093] Example 27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of examples 20-26, wherein user device establishes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Public Data Network to send the text message to the particular destination.

[0094] Example 28. A computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that cause a computing device to perform the method of any of examples 1-11.

[0095] Example 29. A system comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 1-11.

[0096] Example 30. A computer-program product encoded with instructions for causing a computing system to perform the method of any of examples 1-11.

[0097] While various aspects and examples have been disclosed herein, other aspects and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and examples disclosed herein are provided for explanatory purposes and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A computer-implemented method comprising: detecting, by a user device, access barring information broadcast from a nonterrestrial network, wherein the access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the nonterrestrial network, and wherein the one other service class is not supported by the non-terrestrial network for use by the user device; and in response to determining, by the user device, that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network: performing, by the user device, a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination; and sending, by the user device, the text message to the particular destination via the non-terrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the user device, second access barring information from the nonterrestrial network when the non-terrestrial network is not congested, wherein the second access barring information indicates mobile data and short message service are permitted by the non-terrestrial network; performing the network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network; and sending a second text message to a second particular destination after attaching to the non-terrestrial network, wherein the second text message is a peer-to-peer text message or an emergency text message.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency service provider.

4. The computer-implemented method of claims 1-3, wherein the particular destination corresponds to an emergency contact on a list of emergency contacts associated with the user device.

5. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one other service class corresponds to voice calls.

6. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-5, wherein the one other service class corresponds to video calls.

7. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-6, wherein performing the network attachment operation comprises connecting a modulator-demodulator (modem) of the user device to the non-terrestrial network.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the modem is permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network based on the access barring information indicating the one service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the modem is not permitted to connect to the non-terrestrial network to facilitate transmission of text messages addressed to unapproved destinations.

10. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-9, wherein the user device establishes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Public Data Network to send the text message to the particular destination.

11. The computer-implemented method of any of claims 1-10, wherein the access barring information is broadcast in response to a determination that the non-terrestrial network is congested.

12. A user device comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: detect access barring information broadcast from a non-terrestrial network, wherein the access barring information indicates emergency calls and one other service class are permitted by the non-terrestrial network, and wherein the one other service class is not supported by the nonterrestrial network for use by the user device; and in response to a determination that the access barring information indicates that the one other service class is permitted by the non-terrestrial network: perform a network attachment operation to attach to the non-terrestrial network in response to detecting an attempt to send a text message to a particular destination; and send the text message to the particular destination via the nonterrestrial network after attaching to the non-terrestrial network.

13. The user device of claim 12, further comprising means for performing any combination of the methods of claims 1-11.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor within a user device, causes the processor to perform any combination of the methods of claims 1-11.

15. A computer-program product encoded with instructions that cause a processor of a computing device to perform any combination of the methods of claims 1-11.

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