Paging load monitoring for non-terrestrial networks deployments

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for paging load monitoring for non- terrestrial networks (NTN) deployments In the method, the first apparatus may determine a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of an NTN. The target area comprises at least one of a tracking area or a radio access network based notification area. Moreover, the first apparatus may determine a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses. Thereby, the proposed solutions can improve the efficiency of paging load monitoring for NTN deployments.

Description

PAGING LOAD MONITORING FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS DEPLOYMENTSFIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for paging load monitoring for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) deployments.BACKGROUND

[0002] As communication networks and services increase in size, complexity, and number of users, operations in the communication networks may become increasingly more complicated. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) typically need to cover large areas to provide their service. Measurements for paging load monitoring for NTN deployments need to be studied.SUMMARY

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: determine a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and determine a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: determining a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and determining a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for determining a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network basedNotification Area, RNA; and means for determining a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the second aspect.

[0007] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates effects of large and small registration areas;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling chart for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of instantaneous paging load measurement distribution according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of average paging load measurement;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling chart of instantaneous paging load monitoring for CN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a signaling chart of instantaneous paging load monitoring for radio access network (RAN) pages according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a signaling chart of average paging load monitoring for CN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a signaling chart of average paging load monitoring for RAN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0023] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0024] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0025] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0026] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0027] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed foroperation.

[0030] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0031] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0032] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecturecomprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0033] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0034] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In the communication environment 100, there are a plurality of communication devices, for example, a first apparatus 110, a second apparatus 120 and a core network 130. The first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 can communicate with each other. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 and the core network 130 can communicate with each other.

[0036] It is to be understood that the number of devices and their connections shown in FIG.1 are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of example rather than limitation, in some example embodiments, the communication environment 100 may further comprises one or more apparatuses (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0037] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s- OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0038] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) typically need to cover large areas to provide their service. One of the challenges due to this large area of coverage is the dimensioning of NTN Cells. Each NTN gNB covers a large geographical area. For example, each cell may cover area with radius of hundreds of kilometer (km).

[0039] The cell area dimensioning poses a problem due to this requirement. Very large area cells would mean large Registration Area (the Core defined area where a Core Network (CN) initiated page should be transmitted). Each page will be in the Registration Area of the UE, since that area is huge, the number of UEs covered will be very high and this leads to largepaging load.

[0040] On the other hand, small area cells would mean small Registration Areas. This would lead to a larger number of Registration Area updates for UEs that are moving in the overlapping areas. These problems are represented in FIG. 2, which illustrates effects of large and small registration areas.

[0041] This consideration leads to the need for NTN operators to monitor both paging load and Registration Area Update rates. The cell sizes should be dimensioned based on the monitoring such that both the paging load and Registration Updates are kept at manageable levels.

[0042] Currently, random access (RA) updates are measured, but there exists no measurement for paging load monitoring. Without this measurement, NTN deployments may not be able to know how many UEs are being paged in a given RA and hence, may end up over or under dimensioning cell area sizes.

[0043] Several solutions are proposed herein to at least address the above-mentioned problems.

[0044] There is provided a solution for measurement of the paging load which is proposed to be done as in the form of an instantaneous and average number of UEs in a radio resource control (RRC) idle state per tracking area identity (TAI) and instantaneous and average number of UEs in RRC inactive state per Radio Access Network based Notification Area (RNA). The instantaneous and average number may be reported by the gNB to a third party tool and may be used by operator to take the needed actions based on this monitoring. The proposed solution makes it possible to provide the monitoring of the UEs in RRC idle and RRC Inactive state without a unique UE identification.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling chart 300 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposes of discussion, the signaling chart 300 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 1, for example, by using the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may comprise a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node or a centralized unit of a NG-RAN node, and the second apparatus 120 may comprise a terminal device.

[0046] In the signaling chart 300, the first apparatus 110 determines (310) a number of second apparatuses 120 in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of an NTN.The target area comprises a Tracking Area (TA) and / or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area (RNA). Furthermore, the first apparatus 110 determines (320) a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses 120.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may identify at least one TA as the target area. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine the number of second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in the at least one TA in which a paging is transmitted from a core network. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine, as the metric for the paging load, a first instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the number of second apparatuses 120.

[0048] The first apparatus 110 may count second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in each of the at least one TA. For example, a counting result of second apparatuses 120 in a first TA of the at least one TA may be increased, if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state.

[0049] Optionally, in some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive (305) information or message(s) from the second apparatus 120. By way of example, in response to receiving 305, from a second apparatus 120, a radio resource control (RRC) release message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters the idle state, the first apparatus 110 may increase the counting result of second apparatuses 120. Additionally or alternatively, the counting result of second apparatuses 120 in the first TA may be decreased, if the second apparatus 120 is no longer in the first TA or if the second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state. In some cases, the first apparatus 110 may receive (305) some information about the change of the TA of the second apparatus 120. By way of example, in response to receiving (305) information indicating a change of TA of the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may decrease the counting result of second apparatuses 120.

[0050] Furthermore, the first apparatus 110 may determine the first instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in the at least one TA. For example, in response to an expiry of a first timer with a length equal to a first predetermined time duration, the first apparatus 110 may determine the first instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result across all TAs of the at least one TA for a single paging.

[0051] In some alternative example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may identify atleast one RNA as the target area. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine the number of second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in the at least one RNA in which a paging is transmitted from an NG-RAN node. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine, as the metric for the paging load, a second instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the NG-RAN node based on the number of second apparatuses 120.

[0052] The first apparatus 110 may count second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA. For example, a counting result of second apparatuses 120 in a first RNA of the at least one RNA may be increased, if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state. For example, in response to receiving, from a second apparatus 120, an RRC release message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters the inactive state, the first apparatus 110 may increase the counting result of second apparatuses 120. Additionally or alternatively, the counting result of second apparatuses 120 in the first RNA may be decreased, if a second apparatus 120 is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state. For example, in response to receiving information indicating a change of RNA of the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may decrease the counting result of second apparatuses 120.

[0053] Furthermore, the first apparatus 110 may determine the second instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in the at least one RNA. For example, in response to an expiry of a second timer with a length equal to a second predetermined time duration, the first apparatus 110 may determine the second instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result.

[0054] In some further example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may identify at least one TA as the target area. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine a set of numbers of second apparatuses 120 in the idle state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one TA, in which a paging is transmitted from a core network. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine, as the metric for the paging load, a first average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the set of number of second apparatuses 120 and the set of measurement periods.

[0055] For each measurement period in the set of measurement periods, the first apparatus 110 may determine the number of second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in the at least one TA. Taking a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods as an example,the first apparatus 110 may determine, for the first measurement period, a first number of second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in the at least one TA by counting second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in each of the at least one TA and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses 120 in the idle state in the at least one TA.

[0056] For example, a counting result of second apparatuses 120 in a first TA of the at least one TA may be increased, if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state. By way of example, in response to receiving, from a second apparatus 120, an RRC release message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters the idle state, the first apparatus 110 may increase the counting result of second apparatuses 120. Additionally or alternatively, the counting result of second apparatuses 120 in the first TA may be decreased, if a second apparatus 120 is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state. By way of example, in response to receiving, from a second apparatus 120, a message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters a connected mode, the first apparatus 110 may decrease the counting result of second apparatuses 120.

[0057] Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses 120 with corresponding measurement periods. Based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods, the first apparatus 110 may determine the first average paging load. By way of example rather than limitation, the first average paging load may be set equal to a result of dividing the sum of the multiplying results by the total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0058] In some still further example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may identify at least one RNA as the target area. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine a set of numbers of second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one RNA, in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node. Furthermore, the first apparatus 110 may determine, as the metric for the paging load, a second average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on an average of the set of numbers of second apparatuses 120.

[0059] For each measurement period in the set of measurement periods, the first apparatus 110 may determine the number of second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in the at leastone RNA. Taking a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods as an example, the first apparatus 110 may determine, for the first measurement period, a first number of second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in the at least one RNA by: counting second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA, and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses 120 in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

[0060] For example, a counting result of second apparatuses 120 in a first RNA of the at least one RNA may be increased, if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state. By way of example, in response to receiving, from a second apparatus 120, an RRC release message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters the inactive state, the first apparatus 110 may increase the counting result of second apparatuses 120. Additionally or alternatively, the counting result of second apparatuses 120 in the first RNA may be decreased, if a second apparatus 120 is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus 120 in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state. By way of example, in response to receiving, from a second apparatus 120, a message indicating the second apparatus 120 enters a connected mode, the first apparatus 110 may decrease the counting result of second apparatuses 120.

[0061] In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses 120 with corresponding measurement periods. Based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods, the first apparatus 110 may determine the second average paging load. By way of example rather than limitation, the second average paging load may be set equal to a result of dividing the sum of the multiplying results by the total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0062] In view of the above, the proposed solutions can advantageously improve the efficiency and the accuracy of paging load monitoring for NTN deployments.

[0063] The solutions presented in FIG. 3 will be described in more details below with reference to FIGS. 4-9.

[0064] In a nutshell, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide at least four new measurements for paging load monitoring in NTN deployments:

[0065] (1) Instantaneous Paging Load for Core Initiated Page,

[0066] (2) Instantaneous Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page,

[0067] (3) Average Paging Load for Core Initiated Page, and

[0068] (4) Average Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page.

[0069] In general, two types of measurements for measuring paging load are proposed. The first type is the instantaneous paging load at different instants during a measurement monitoring period. The second type is the average paging load in a measurement monitoring period. These two types of measurements are complementary to each other. While the average gives an overall picture of the paging load, the instantaneous load shows how the paging load had behaved to a finer detail. It also captures the highs / lows during the measurement period.

[0070] The first measurement type is depicted in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of instantaneous paging load measurement distribution according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement period T is divided into smaller sub-periods each of duration t. Then the paging load during this time t is computed for every interval during T. Both the timer values t and T could be configured as per the deployment needs.

[0071] The second measurement type is depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of average paging load measurement. As shown in FIG. 5, the second measurement type is where the paging load is measured and averaged over a configurable sampling period. This measurement may be used by the operator to characterize the paging load over longer periods and derive long term distribution data.

[0072] Both these two types of measurement could be defined for Core defined and RAN defined paging procedures. Accordingly, Table 1 provides the following 4 paging load measurements proposed in example embodiments of the present disclosure.Table 1 - Paging Load Measurement SummaryPaging Load-1 : Instantaneous Paging Load for CN Initiated Page

[0073] The case of core-initiated paging will be described in details at first. This instantaneous paging load for CN initiated page may correspond to the above-described first instantaneous paging load. The definition of the Paging Load-1 may be as follows: Number of UEs in Idle state in the list of TAIs (comprising the RA) in which a page is sent out by the CN. As can be observed, there is no direct way of measuring this since the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node is not aware of the number of UEs present in idle mode in a given cell.

[0074] To overcome this challenge, the following method used to measure / count the paging load is proposed. It has a 2-phase procedure that is given FIG.6. FIG. 6 illustrates a signalling chart 600 of instantaneous paging load monitoring for CN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In example embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 6, the first apparatus 110, which may be an NG-RAN node or a centralized unit of an NG-RAN node, is denoted by gNB-CU 603, and the second apparatus 120, which may be a terminal device, is denoted by UE 601. It is to be understood that although only one UE 601 is shown, there may be more than one, for example, UE-1 and UE-2 as discussed below. In addition, a distributed unit of an NG-RAN node is denoted by gNB-DU 602, and the core network 120 is represented by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 604.

[0075] At 610, UE-1 may be in RRC-Connected state. At 612, the gNB-CU may send RRC Release message to the UE-1. At the time of sending RRC Release message to the UE-1, the gNB-CU-CP may identify the serving cell and serving TAI. Moreover, the gNB- CU-CP may increment the number of UEs in a given cell and consolidate it to the number of UEs per TAI and maintain this as a counter per TAI, e.g., at 614.

[0076] At 616, a UE-2 may be in RRC-Connected state. In some example embodiments, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be a single same UE. Alternatively, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be two different UEs. At 618, the gNB-CU may send UE Information Request (such as, UE Mobility History or the like) to the UE-2. At 620, the UE-2 may transmit UE Information Response (such as information element MobilityHistory->VisitedCellInfo) to the gNB-CU. If it is determined at 622 that the Visited Cell Info indicates a change of TAI in idle, the gNB-CU may make correction to the count of UEs in the TAI at 624. In other words, the gNB-CU may correct or update the count of number of UEs being maintained. Thereby, the accuracy of the count can be improved.

[0077] When the timer t expires within a measurement period T at 626, the gNB-CU may compute the number of UEs for all the TAIs in the gNB by summarizing the stored counts per TAI. This gives the paging load in terms of number of UEs. It should be noted that the above-mentioned events are described merely for purpose of illustration rather than limitation.

[0078] The above-described steps 610 to 624 constitute a first phase, and steps 626 to 628 constitute a second phase. It should be understood that UEs may move across cells in idle, so the number of UEs counted at the end of the first phase may not be the same in the second phase. However, this count is not likely to change for the following reasons:

[0079] (1) It is proposed to maintain the counts at the TAI level and not at the cell level, and TA sizes are likely to be large in NTN. Therefore, even if there is idle cell reselection of UEs, it is unlikely that a UE may change TAIs.

[0080] (2) There is proposed a timer associated with the count value - the count value is valid when the timer is running and it would be reset beyond the configured time value. This further ensures that the count value remains accurate at the time of paging in the second phase.

[0081] It should be noted that there may be another load metric in terms of the number of SSBs being paged - factor in the recommended SSBs list while counting. This may be an alternative measurement that may be considered. In addition, these instantaneous loads are reported at the end measurement period. Hence, there will be a sequence of values for each measurement period.Paging Load-2: Instantaneous Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page

[0082] The case of RAN initiated paging in RRC-INACTIVE will be described in detail. This instantaneous paging load for RAN initiated page may correspond to the abovedescribed the second instantaneous paging load. The definition of the Paging Load-2 may be as follows: Number of UEs in RRC-INACTIVE state in the list of RNAs in which a page is sent out by the NG-RAN node. As can be observed, there is no direct way of measuring this since the NG-RAN node is not aware of the number of UEs present in RRC-INACTIVE state in a given RNA.

[0083] To overcome this challenge, the following method used to measure / count the paging load is proposed. It has a 2-phase procedure that is given FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a signalling chart 700 of instantaneous paging load monitoring for RAN pages according tosome example embodiments of the present disclosure. In example embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 7, the first apparatus 110, which may be an NG-RAN node or a centralized unit of an NG-RAN node, is denoted by gNB-CU 703, and the second apparatus 120, which may be a terminal device, is denoted by UE 701. It is to be understood that although only one UE 701 is shown, there may be more than one UE, for example, UE-1 and UE-2 as discussed below. In addition, a distributed unit of an NG-RAN node is denoted by gNB-DU 702.

[0084] At 710, the UE-1 may be in RRC-Connected state. At 612, the gNB-CU may send RRC release message (with SUSPEND) to the UE-1. At the time of sending RRC Release (with SUSPEND) message to the UE-1, the gNB-CU-CP may identify the serving cell and serving RNA. Moreover, the gNB-CU-CP may increment the number of UEs in a given cell and consolidate it to the number of UEs per RNA and maintain this as a counter per RNA, e.g., at 714. At 716, the UE-1 may be in RRC-INACTIVE state.

[0085] At 718, a UE-2 may be in RRC-Connected state. In some example embodiments, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be a single same UE. Alternatively, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be two different UEs. At 720, the gNB-CU may send UE Information Request (such as, UE Mobility History or the like) to the UE-2. At 722, the UE-2 may transmit UE Information Response (such as information element MobilityHistory->VisitedCellInfo) to the gNB-CU. If it is determined at 724 that the Visited Cell Info indicates a change of RNA in idle, the gNB-CU may make correction to the count of UEs in a given RNA at 726. In other words, the gNB-CU may correct or update the count of number of UEs being maintained. Thereby, the accuracy of the count can be improved. The above-described steps 710 to 726 constitute a first phase, and steps 728-730 to be described below constitute a second phase.

[0086] When the timer t expires within the measurement period T at 728, the gNB-CU may, for each RNA, count the number of UEs in that RNA (e.g., from stored count in the first phase). This gives the paging load in terms of number of UEs. It should be noted that the above-mentioned events are described merely for purpose of illustration rather than limitation.

[0087] It should be understood that UEs may move across cells in idle, so the number of UEs counted at the end of First phase may not be the same in Second phase. However, this count is not likely to change for the following reasons:

[0088] (1) It is proposed to maintain the counts at the RNA level and not at the cell level,and RNA sizes are likely to be large in NTN. Therefore, even if there is idle cell reselection of UEs, RNA change doesn’t happen all the time. Moreover, if RNA changes, the RAN node comes to know of it and thus may update the count if a UE changes RNA.

[0089] (2) There is proposed a timer associated with the count value - the count value is valid when the timer is running and it would be reset beyond the configured time value. This further ensures that the count value remains accurate at the time of paging in Second phase.

[0090] It should be noted that the above-described instantaneous loads are reported at the end measurement period. Hence, there will be a sequence of values for each measurement period.Paging Load-3: Average Paging Load for Core Initiated Page

[0091] The case of core-initiated paging will be described in detail. This average paging load for core initiated page may correspond to the first average paging load. The definition of the Paging Load-3 may be as follows: Average number of UEs in Idle state in the list of TAIs (comprising the RA) in which a page is sent out by the CN.

[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates a signalling chart 800 of average paging load monitoring for CN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In example embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 8, the first apparatus 110, which may be an NG-RAN node or a centralized unit of an NG-RAN node, is denoted by gNB-CU 803, and the second apparatus 120, which may be a terminal device, is denoted by UE 801. It is to be understood that although only one UE 801 is shown, there may be more than one, for example, UE-1 and UE-2 as discussed below. In addition, a distributed unit of an NG-RAN node is denoted by gNB-DU 802, and the core network 120 is represented by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 804.

[0093] A measurement period starts at 810. Then, at 812, UE-1 may be in RRC-Connected state. At 814, the gNB-CU may send RRC Release message to the UE-1. Moreover, the gNB-CU may increment the number of UEs in the TAI in which RRC Release is sent, at 816.

[0094] At 818, UE-2 may be in RRC-Idle state. In some example embodiments, the UE- 1 and UE-2 may be a single same UE. Alternatively, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be two different UEs. At 820, the UE-2 may send RCC setup complete message to the gNB-CU. At 822, the gNB-CU may decrement the number of UEs in the TAI in which UE is moving to RRC Connected. The measurement period ends at 824. It should be noted that the above-mentioned events are described merely for purpose of illustration rather thanlimitation.

[0095] As indicated in FIG. 8, the average is calculated over the measurement period T lasting from step 810 till the step 824. During this measurement period, each change in the number of UEs in RRC Idle state per TAI (triggered either by step 816 or step 822) is considered. On i-th change the current number of UEs in the idle state ni is taken and the time interval (sub-period) ti from the previous change.

[0096] At 826, the average paging load is determined as follows:where APL1 represents the average paging load, T represents the total measurement period, ti represents the measurement sub-period, ni represents the number of UEs in Idle state at time ti, and N represents the number of measurement sub-periods. By way of example, the principle of this calculation is also shown in the above FIG. 5.Paging Load-4: Average Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page

[0097] The case of RAN Initiated Page will be descried in detail. This average paging load for RAN initiated page may correspond to the second average paging load. The definition of the Paging Load-4 may be as follows: Average number of UEs in inactive state in the list of RNAs in which a page is sent out by the RAN.

[0098] FIG. 9 illustrates a signalling chart 900 of average paging load monitoring for RAN initiated page according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In example embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 9, the first apparatus 110, which may be an NG-RAN node or a centralized unit of an NG-RAN node, is denoted by gNB-CU 903, and the second apparatus 120, which may be a terminal device, is denoted by UE 901. It is to be understood that although only one UE 901 is shown, there may be more than one, for example, UE-1 and UE-2 as discussed below. In addition, a distributed unit of an NG-RAN node is denoted by gNB-DU 902, and the core network 120 is represented by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 904.

[0099] A measurement period starts at 910. Then, at 912, UE-1 may be in RRC-Connected state. At 914, the gNB-CU may send RRC Release message to the UE-1. Moreover, the gNB-CU may increment the number of UEs in the RNA in which RRC Release (Suspend) is sent, at 916.

[0100] At 918, UE-2 may be in RRC- INACTIVE state. In some example embodiments, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be a single same UE. Alternatively, the UE-1 and UE-2 may be two different UEs. At 920, the UE-2 may send RCC resume complete message to the gNB- CU. At 922, the gNB-CU may decrement the number of UEs in the RNA in which UE is moving to RRC Connected. The measurement period ends at 924. It should be noted that the above-mentioned events are described merely for purpose of illustration rather than limitation.

[0101] As indicated in FIG. 9, the average is calculated over the measurement period T lasting from step 910 till the step 924. During this measurement period, each change in the number of UEs in RRC Inactive state per RNA (triggered either by step 916 or 924) is considered. On i-th change the current number of UEs in the inactive state mi is taken and the time interval (sub-period) ti from the previous change.

[0102] At 926, the average paging load is determined as follows:where APL2 represents the average paging load, T represents the total measurement period, ti represents the measurement sub-period, mi represents the number of UEs in RRC- INACTIVE state at time ti, and M represents the number of measurement sub-periods.

[0103] In view of the above, the proposed solutions can advantageously improve the efficiency and the accuracy of paging load monitoring for NTN deployments.

[0104] Following is an example embodiment of the present disclosure.1. Distribution of Instantaneous Paging Load for Core Initiated Page in NTN Deployments a) This measurement provides distribution of the of instantaneous paging load applicable for core initiated paging in NTN deployments. The measurement is provided per TAI and only for NTN. b) CC c)Each sample is obtained with an internal sampling period (e.g. one second) as the number of UEs in Idle state in the list of TAIs (comprising the Registration Area) in which a page is sent out by the Core Network as specified in 3GPP TS 38.300, TS 38.401 and TS 23.501. Possible exclusions are made based on the IE MobilityHistory->VisitedCellInfo that the UE may have sent earlier d) Each measurement is an integer.e) The measurement name has the form TAI-PagingLoadlnstantCore.Bin, where Bin indicates a data volume range which is vendor specific. f) TAI; g) Valid for packet switched traffic. h) 5GS2. Distribution of Instantaneous Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page in NTN Deployments a) This measurement provides distribution of the of instantaneous paging load applicable to RAN initiated paging in NTN deployments. The measurement is provided per RNA and only for NTN. b) CC c)Each sample is obtained with an internal sampling period (e.g. one second) as the number of UEs in RRC-INACTIVE state in the list of RNA each RNA in the RAN as specified in 3GPP TS 38.300, TS 38.401 and TS 23.501. Possible exclusions are made based on the IE Mobility Hi story -> Vi sitedCelllnfo that the UE may have sent earlier. d) Each measurement is an integer. e) The measurement name has the form TAI-PagingLoadlnstantRAN.Bin, where Bin indicates a data volume range which is vendor specific. f) RNA; g) Valid for packet switched traffic. h) 5GS3. Average Paging Load for Core Initiated Page in NTN Deployments a) This measurement provides the average of core initiated paging load in NTN deployments which is represented by the number of UEs in RRC-IDLE state The measurement is provided per TAI and only for NTN. b) CC c)This measurement is obtained as: sum of M*(point in time when the number of UEs in RRC Idle state has changed from the number M to number N, minus time when the number of UEs in RRC Idle state has changed from the number K to number M) over the measurement period. The value is divided by the measurement period duration.The movement of a UE from RRC Idle to RRC connected state is triggered on paging sent out by the Core Network as specified in 3GPP TS 38.300, TS 38.401 and TS 23.501. Possible exclusions are made based on the IE MobilityHistory->VisitedCellInfo that the UE may have sent earlier and the IE "Recommended Cells for Paging” that the Core sends in the NGAP : Paging message. The movement of a UE from RRC Connected to RRC idle state is triggered on RRC Release procedure initiated for the UE (3GPP TS 38.331).The measurement is provided per TAI and only for NTN. d) Each measurement is an integer. e) The measurement name has the form TAI-PagingLoadAvgCore.. f) TAI; g) Valid for packet switched traffic. h) 5GS4. Average Paging Load for RAN Initiated Page in NTN Deployments a) This measurement provides average of RAN initiated paging load in NTN deployments, which is represented by the number of UEs in RRC-INACTIVE state. The measurement is provided per RNA and only for NTN. b) CC c)This measurement is obtained as: sum of M*(point in time when the number of UEs in RRC Inactive state has changed from the number M to number N, minus time when the number of UEs in RRC Inactive state has changed from the number K to number M) over the measurement period. The value is divided by the measurement period duration.The movement of a UE from RRC Inactive to RRC connected state is triggered on paging sent out by the RAN as specified in 3GPP TS 38.300, TS 38.401 and TS 23.501. Possible exclusions are made based on the IE MobilityHistory->VisitedCellInfo that the UE may have sent earlier. The movement of a UE from RRC Connected to RRC Inactive state is triggered on RRC Release with suspend procedure initiated for the UE (3GPP TS 38.331).The measurement is provided per RNA and only for NTN. d) Each measurement is an integer. e) The measurement name has the form TAI-PagingLoadAvgRAN. f) RNA; g) Valid for packet switched traffic. h) 5GS

[0105] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1000 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0106] At block 1010, the first apparatus 110 determines a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA.

[0107] At block 1020, the first apparatus 110 determines a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: identifying at least one TA as the target area; determining the number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA in which a paging is transmitted from a core network; and determining, as the metric for the paging load, a first instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: counting second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA; and determining the first instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: in response to an expiry of a first timer with a length equal to a first predetermined time duration, determining the first instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result across all TAs of the at least one TA for a single paging.[OHl] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TA of the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of: in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of TA ofthe second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: identifying at least one RNA as the target area; determining the number of second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node; and determining, as the metric for the paging load, a second instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the NG-RAN node based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: counting second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA; and determining the second instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: in response to an expiry of a second timer with a length equal to a second predetermined time duration, determining the second instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result.

[0116] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of: in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of RNA of the second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: identifying at least one TA as the target area; determining a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the idle state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one TA, in which a paging is transmitted from a core network; and determining, as the metric for the paging load, a first average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the set of number of second apparatuses and the set of measurement periods.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: determining asum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and determining the first average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: determining, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA by: counting second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA, and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

[0121] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TA of the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of: in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: identifying at least one RNA as the target area; determining a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the inactive state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one RNA, in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node; and determining, as the metric for the paging load, a second average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on an average of the set of numbers of second apparatuses.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: determining a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and determining the second average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: determining, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of secondapparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA by: counting second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA, and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

[0126] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node or a centralized unit of a NG-RAN node, and the second apparatus comprises a terminal device.

[0129] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1000 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 1000. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and means for determining a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for identifying at least one TA as the target area; means for determining the number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA in which a paging is transmitted from acore network; and means for determining, as the metric for the paging load, a first instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for counting second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA; and means for determining the first instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for in response to an expiry of a first timer with a length equal to a first predetermined time duration, determining the first instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result across all TAs of the at least one TA for a single paging.

[0134] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TA of the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of: in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of TA of the second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for identifying at least one RNA as the target area; means for determining the number of second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node; and means for determining, as the metric for the paging load, a second instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the NG-RAN node based on the number of second apparatuses.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for counting second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA; and means for determining the second instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for inresponse to an expiry of a second timer with a length equal to a second predetermined time duration, determining the second instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result.

[0139] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of RNA of the second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for identifying at least one TA as the target area; means for determining a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the idle state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one TA, in which a paging is transmitted from a core network; and means for determining, as the metric for the paging load, a first average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the set of number of second apparatuses and the set of measurement periods.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and means for determining the first average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA by: means for counting second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA, and means for determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

[0144] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TAof the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for identifying at least one RNA as the target area; means for determining a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the inactive state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one RNA, in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node; and means for determining, as the metric for the paging load, a second average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on an average of the set of numbers of second apparatuses.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and means for determining the second average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA by: means for counting second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA, and means for determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

[0149] In some example embodiments, a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in acell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node or a centralized unit of a NG-RAN node, and the second apparatus comprises a terminal device.

[0152] FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1100 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1100 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110, one or more memories 1120 coupled to the processor 1110, and one or more communication modules 1140 coupled to the processor 1110.

[0153] The communication module 1140 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 1140 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1140 may include at least one antenna.

[0154] The processor 1110 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1100 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0155] The memory 1120 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1124, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an opticaldisk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 1122 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0156] A computer program 1130 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1110. The instructions of the program 1130 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1130 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 1124. The processor 1110 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 1130 into the RAM 1122.

[0157] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1130 so that the device 1100 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 10. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the program 1130 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 1100 (such as in the memory 1120) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 1100. The device 1100 may load the program 1130 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 1122 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0159] FIG. 12 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1200 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1200 has the program 1130 stored thereon.

[0160] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations,it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0161] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non- transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computerexecutable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0162] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0163] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0164] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0165] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0166] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: determine a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non-Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and determine a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: identify at least one TA as the target area; determine the number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA in which a paging is transmitted from a core network; and determine, as the metric for the paging load, a first instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the number of second apparatuses.

3. The first apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: count second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA; and determine the first instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

4. The first apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: in response to an expiry of a first timer with a length equal to a first predetermined time duration, determine the first instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result across all TAs of the at least one TA for a single paging.

5. The first apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TA of the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA33enters into a non-idle state.

6. The first apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of TA of the second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

7. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: identify at least one RNA as the target area; determine the number of second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG- RAN, node; and determine, as the metric for the paging load, a second instantaneous paging load for the paging transmitted from the NG-RAN node based on the number of second apparatuses.

8. The first apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: count second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA; and determine the second instantaneous paging load based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: in response to an expiry of a second timer with a length equal to a second predetermined time duration, determine the second instantaneous paging load based on the sum of the at least one counting result.

10. The first apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.3411. The first apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving information indicating a change of RNA of the second apparatus, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

12. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: identify at least one TA as the target area; determine a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the idle state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one TA, in which a paging is transmitted from a core network; and determine, as the metric for the paging load, a first average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on the set of number of second apparatuses and the set of measurement periods.

13. The first apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and determine the first average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

14. The first apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA by: counting second apparatuses in the idle state in each of the at least one TA, and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the idle state in the at least one TA.

15. The first apparatus of claim 14, wherein a counting result of second apparatuses in a first TA of the at least one TA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into the idle state, andthe counting result of second apparatuses in the first TA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first TA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first TA enters into a non-idle state.

16. The first apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the idle state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

17. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: identify at least one RNA as the target area; determine a set of numbers of second apparatuses in the inactive state during a set of measurement periods in the at least one RNA, in which a paging is transmitted from a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node; and determine, as the metric for the paging load, a second average paging load for the paging transmitted from the core network based on an average of the set of numbers of second apparatuses.

18. The first apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine a sum of multiplying results of respective numbers of second apparatuses with corresponding measurement periods; and determine the second average paging load based on the sum of the multiplying results and a total time length of the set of measurement periods.

19. The first apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine, for a first measurement period in the set of measurement periods, a first number of second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA by: counting second apparatuses in the inactive state in each of the at least one RNA, and determining the first number based on a sum of at least one counting result of the second apparatuses in the inactive state in the at least one RNA.

20. The first apparatus of claim 19, wherein a counting result of second apparatuses in a first RNA of the at least one RNA is increased if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into the inactive state, and the counting result of second apparatuses in the first RNA is decreased if a second apparatus is no longer in the first RNA or if a second apparatus in a cell within the first RNA enters into a non-inactive state.

21. The first apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first apparatus is caused to perform at least one of in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a radio resource control, RRC, release message indicating the second apparatus enters the inactive state, increasing the counting result of second apparatuses; or in response to receiving, from a second apparatus, a message indicating the second apparatus enters a connected mode, decreasing the counting result of second apparatuses.

22. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first apparatus comprises a Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN, node or a centralized unit of a NG-RAN node, and the second apparatus comprises a terminal device.

23. A method comprising: determining a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non -Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and determining a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.

24. A first apparatus comprising: means for determining a number of second apparatuses in an idle state or in an inactive state in a target area of a Non -Terrestrial Network, NTN, the target area comprising at least one of a Tracking Area, TA, or a Radio Access Network based Notification Area, RNA; and means for determining a metric for a paging load of the target area based on the number of second apparatuses.3725. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 23.38

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