Wireless communication cell measurement

Abstract

According to an aspect, a user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, may receive, from a network node providing a serving cell, assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell. Furthermore, the user equipment may further determine to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information.

Description

[0001] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION CELL MEASUREMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly but not exclusively, to a solution for wireless communication cell measurement .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) can provide a large coverage area to user equipment otherwise unreachable by terrestrial cellular networks, or connect loT devices globally. In an NTN system, a satellite may comprise functionality of a standard network protocol (i.e., 5G, 6G or beyond) base station.

[0006] Different types of satellite orbits exist, for example, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting approximately 600 kilometres above the earth, and a typical beam footprint size for a LEO satellite can be assumed to be between a 100 to 1000 kilometre radius.

[0007] Low earth orbit (for example, with 600 km, 50 km beam footprint) satellite downlink coverage ratio can be improved drastically, for example, from 10% to 100%, if synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity is increased from 20 milliseconds to 80 milliseconds and beam hopping is applied. Further , a coverage ratio can be improved from 1.5% to 96.8% if the SSB periodicity is increased from 20 ms to 320 ms and beam hopping is applied .

[0008] The SSB periodicity can be configured for each cell (i.e., a serving cell and neighboring cells) and appropriate measurement periodicity can be configured according to channel conditions, and it helps user equipment to avoid unnecessary measurements and reduces power consumption.

[0009] A cell can notify a user equipment regarding measurement periodicity and timings of SSBs via SSB- based RRM measurement timing configuration ( SMTC, ) window, which may help the user equipment to initiate cell re-selection procedure , for example . When the user equipment has been noti fied of the SMTC window by a base station, it attempts to detect and measure the SSBs within the window and reports the results back to the base station . Any SSBs outside the window are not measured .

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims . The example embodiments and features , i f any, described in this speci fication that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the invention .

[0012] According to a first aspect , there is provided a user equipment , comprising : at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to : receive , from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and determine to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information .

[0013] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : determine a period of inactivity of at least one of the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the period of inactivity .

[0014] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : determine a time period when less than a pre-determined number of neighboring cells from the one or more neighboring cells are transmitting synchroni zation signal blocks , SSB, based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the determined time period .

[0015] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the pre-determined number is based on at least one of : a number of neighboring cells that are not in an inactive state ; cell speci fic of fsets ; or feeder link information of a relevant satellite compared to a serving network node .

[0016] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : determine to perform at least one cell measurement , when the latest measurement time exceeds a threshold value .

[0017] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : determine to perform the at least one cell measurement even i f a pre-determined number of neighboring cells are not transmitting synchroni zation signal blocks .

[0018] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is included in at least one of : neighboring cell satellite assistance information; serving cell satellite assistance information; a neighboring cell assistance information; a serving cell assistance information; as part of registration process ; a SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration; a measurement gap configuration; or a hando- ver / conditional handover command .

[0019] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity comprises at least : a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell ; and a cell-speci fic time of fset between a start of the activity period of the serving cell and a start of the activity period of each neighboring cell of the one or more neighboring cells .

[0020] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : determine an expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information; and transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node .

[0021] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : receive from the network node a request for an expected behaviour of the user equipment ; determine the expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information; and transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node .

[0022] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via broadcast signaling .

[0023] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via dedicated signaling .

[0024] In an example embodiment of the first aspect , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells .

[0025] According to a second aspect , there is provided a method comprising : receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and determining to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information . According to a third aspect , there is provided a computer program causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the second aspect .

[0026] According to a fourth aspect , there is provided a user equipment comprising : at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to : receive , from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; adapt a cell measurement configuration based on the assistance information; and perform at least one cell measurement based on the cell measurement configuration .

[0027] In an example embodiment of the fourth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity may comprise at least : a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell ; and a cell-speci fic time of fset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell .

[0028] In an example embodiment of the fourth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via broadcast signaling .

[0029] In an example embodiment of the fourth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via dedicated signaling .

[0030] In an example embodiment of the fourth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is included in at least one of : neighboring cell satellite assistance information; serving cell satellite assistance information; a neighboring cell assistance information; a serving cell assistance information; as part of registration process ; a SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration; a measurement gap configuration; or a hando- ver / conditional handover command .

[0031] In an example embodiment of the fourth aspect , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells .

[0032] According to a fi fth aspect , there is provided a method, comprising : receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; adapting a cell measurement configuration based on the ass istance information; and performing at least one cell measurement based on the adapted cell measurement configuration .

[0033] According to a sixth aspect , there is provided a computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the fi fth aspect .

[0034] According to a seventh aspect , there is provided a network node , comprising : at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to : receive first information associated with cell activity of at least one neighboring cell ; obtain second information associated with cell activity of the serving cell ; and provide to at least one user equipment , based on the first information and the second information, assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of the at least one neighboring cell .

[0035] In an example embodiment of the seventh aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity comprises at least : a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell ; and a cell-speci fic time of fset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell .

[0036] In an example embodiment of the seventh aspect , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells .

[0037] According to a eighth aspect , there is provided a method, comprising : receiving first information associated with cell activity of at least one neighboring cell ; obtaining second information associated with cell activity of a serving cell ; providing to at least one user equipment , based on the first information and the second information, assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of the at least one neighboring cell .

[0038] According to a ninth aspect , there is provided a computer program causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the fi fth aspect .

[0039] According to a tenth aspect , there is provided a user equipment , comprising : at least one processor ; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to : receive , from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and modi fy a cell re-selection procedure based on the assistance information .

[0040] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : identi fy that a target cell will transition to an inactivity period, when the cell re-selection is expected to be triggered; and modi fy the cell re-selection procedure further based on the inactivity period .

[0041] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : modi fy the cell re-selection procedure by removing the target cell as a candidate for the cell re-selection .

[0042] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to modi fy the cell-reselection procedure based on a time threshold occurring before the inactivity period .

[0043] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the removal of the target cell as a candidate for the cell re-selection is based on a user equipment discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration .

[0044] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : compare a DRX cycle duration of the UE DRX configuration and a duration of the inactivity period of the target cell ; and remove the target cell as a candidate for reselection based on the comparison .

[0045] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : modi fy the cell-reselection procedure by adding a negative of fset to one or more measurements of the target cell before evaluating the cells to be re-selected .

[0046] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to : modi fy the cell re-selection procedure by adj usting a priority of the target cell compared to other candidate cells .

[0047] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is included in at least one of : neighboring cell satellite assistance information; a serving cell satellite assistance information; neighboring cell as sistance information; a serving cell assistance information; as part of registration process ; a SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration; a measurement gap configuration; or a hando- ver / conditional handover command .

[0048] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity comprises at least : a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell ; and a cell-speci fic time of fset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell .

[0049] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via broadcast signaling .

[0050] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via dedicated signaling .

[0051] In an example embodiment of the tenth aspect , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells .

[0052] According to an eleventh aspect , there is provided a method comprising : receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and modi fying a cell re-selection procedure based on the assistance information .

[0053] According to a twel fth aspect , there is provided a computer program causing an apparatus to perform the method according to the eleventh aspect .

[0054] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The accompanying drawings , which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and constitute a part of this speci fication, illustrate embodiments and together with the description help to explain the principles of the embodiments . In the drawings : FIG . 1 illustrates a non-terrestrial network system, wherein example embodiments may be applied in .

[0056] FIG . 2 illustrates a state machine according to an example embodiment .

[0057] FIG . 3 illustrates a timing diagram according to an example embodiment .

[0058] FIG . 4 illustrates a timing diagram according to an example embodiment .

[0059] FIG . 5 illustrates a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment .

[0060] FIG . 6 illustrates a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment .

[0061] FIG . 7 illustrates a user equipment according to an example embodiment .

[0062] FIG . 8 illustrates a network node according to an example embodiment .

[0063] FIGS 9A-D illustrate one or more methods according to some example embodiments .

[0064] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings .

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utili zed . The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example . However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by di f ferent examples .

[0067] Fig . 1 illustrates an example of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system 100 , in which the various example embodiments discussed below may be applied in . A satellite 110 provides a coverage area 112 comprising a plurality of beam footprints 114. A service link 122 is established with a user equipment 150 (UE 150) residing in the coverage area 112 for communications. A feeder link 124 is established between the satellite 110 and a gateway 130, and the gateway 130 may have access to a general data network 140 (for example, the internet) .

[0068] A beam footprint 114 (i.e. a cell) may be, for example, inactive or active, or as in other example cases, the cell 114 may be in a low-activity state, inactive state or a high-activity state. The number of states may be higher or lower than three, and the three states is given only as one possible example to express level of cell activity.

[0069] A coverage ratio of the satellite 110 (or any other network node, for example) can be expressed as a number of beams in an active state against the total number of beam footprints within the coverage area 112.

[0070] In the NTN system 100, the satellite 110 may comprise functionality of a standard mobile communication network (for example, 5G, 6G or beyond) base station .

[0071] Different types of satellite orbits exist, for example, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting approximately 600 kilometres above the earth, and a typical beam footprint size for a LEO satellite may be between a 100 to 1000 kilometre radius.

[0072] Due to low altitude of satellites in LEO, a satellite may move with a speed of approximately 7.5 km / s relative to the earth, and earth-fixed cells (EEC) and earth-moving cells (EMC) can be considered. The EEC entails that the satellite continuously adjusts satellite beam pointing direction to fix the cell and beam to a specific point on the earth, while the EMC entails that the satellite beam pointing direction is fixed and thus the beam footprint (i.e., a radio cell) is moving on the earth. One objective in, for example, new radio (NR) applications is to ensure that all UEs can be served across the satellite beam footprints while maximizing the efficiency of satellite's available power. These enhancements may be needed to accommodate satellite payload constraints (i.e., limited power on board) while maximizing the number of beams that can be active simultaneously.

[0073] Synchronization signal block (SSB) periodicity can be extended to improve the coverage ratio. In some observations, as an example, the coverage ratio can be improved from 10% to 100% if the SSB periodicity is increased from 20 ms to 80 ms and beam hopping is applied. In another example, the coverage ratio can be improved from 1.5% to 96.8% if the SSB periodicity is increased from 20 ms to 320 ms and beam hopping is applied .

[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates an example state machine 200, which can be used to denote a level of activity or inactivity in a cell provided by a network node (or satellite etc.) . The state machine 200 may comprise N1 state 210, in which the cell is considered "off" (i.e., inactive) and no channel is active and initial access is not possible. The state machine 200 may comprise N2 state 220, in which common control can be active (for example, reference signals, SSB, random access channel (RACH) , system information block (SIB) , paging) and the common control can comprise extended periodicity for the control signals. N2 state 220 can be considered as "par- tially-active" or the like. The state machine 200 may further comprise N3 state 230, denoting the "active" state (or " fully-active" state) . In the N3 state 230, control signalling and user traffic are both active. The arrows illustrated in FIG. 2 illustrate how the cell can move between the states in the state machine 200. In a user equipment (UE) side, UEs should meet certain requirements for an initial transmission provided that at least one SSB is available at the UE during a certain time period, such as 160 ms.

[0075] A SSB periodicity can be configured for each cell, for example, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 160 ms. The UE may not need to measure the cell signal with periodicity of the SSB and appropriate measurement periodicity can be configured according to channel conditions. This helps the UE to avoid unnecessary requirements and reduce the power consumption of the UE . An SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window can be used to notify the UE regarding measurement periodicity and timings of SSBs that the UE can use for measurements.

[0076] SMTC window periodicity can be set in the same range as the SSB periodicity (i.e., 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 ms) and a window duration can be 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 ms, according to the number of SSBs transmitted on the cell being measured. Different cells can be measured with a different window periodicity and a different window duration. When a UE has been notified of an SMTC window by a base station, it attempts to detect and measure the SSBs within that window and reports the measurements back to the base station. The UE does not measure any SSB index outside of the STMC window.

[0077] Cell measurement activity (for example, SMTC window) can be configured to use a first periodicity (for example, 20 ms) in certain periods and a second periodicity in other periods (e.g., 80 - 320 ms) , and in some other periods the cell can be completely off. As described above, two adjacent cells may be configured with different measurement activity "patterns" or "sequences" (for example, a sequence of the states in the state machine 200) , which may lead to some undesired issues for neighboring cell measurements. One issue for neighboring cell measurements can be that a serving cell that has provided SMTC windows from the assumption that one or more neighboring cells is transmitting SSBs with a certain frequency for guiding the UE to perform measurements .

[0078] It will be noted that the word "pattern" and / or " sequence" in reference to (measurement ) activity may refer to a sequence of activity in a cell , for example . In other words , the word "pattern" in reference activity may refer to changes in level of activity in a cell . Activity may generally refer to measurement activity, but it may not be limited to such examples . Such example may include , for example , changes in the state machine 200 illustrated in FIG . 2 .

[0079] The issues in the neighboring cell measurements may comprise one or more of the following examples :

[0080] At first , the serving cell has provided SMTC windows from the assumption that a neighboring cell is transmitting SSBs with a certain frequency for guiding a UE to perform measurements . I f the neighboring cell , where the UE wants to perform measurements on, is sending SSBs in a dif ferent frequency, there may not be a SSB to measure , thus wasting the UE ' s energy in the measurement attempt .

[0081] Secondly, in neighboring cell measurements , averaging may be applied, which may be typically based on time , i . e . , newer samples are given more weight . This assumes that regular SSB measurements can be done . This will not be the case when neighboring cells change from one SSB periodicity to another .

[0082] And thirdly, a UE , whose cell re-selection has been triggered, may perform measurements and decide for cell re-selection towards a cell that will soon transition into a state where it is off ( the N1 state 210 ) . This may cause the UE to go ' camping' in a cell which will not be available for some time . In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed . At least some of these example embodiments described herein may disclose a solution in which a user equipment (UE ) receives , from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell . The assistance information can then be used by the UE to adapt a cell measurement configuration .

[0083] "Adapting the cell measurement configuration" may comprise , for example , modi fying or changing an existing cell measurement configuration . In another example , "adapting the cell measurement configuration" may further comprise that the UE determines a new cell measurement configuration, and for example , overwrites a previous one .

[0084] The term "cell measurement configuration" may refer, for example , to any cell measurement sequence or pattern that can be determined based on the assistance information . Cell measurement sequence or pattern may comprise , for example , times when each cell is to be measured . Alternatively or additionally, the term "cell measurement configuration" may refer, for example , to a command to only measure a pre-determined number of cells . The pre-determined number of cell may be measured on times , that can be deducted from the assistance information . Alternatively or additionally, the term "cell measurement configuration" may refer, for example , to any general instructions that cause a user equipment to perform measurements or instructions that cause a user equipment not to perform measurements .

[0085] In other words , the UE may adapt the cell measurement configuration to the cell activity in a way, for example , that the UE will not measure in periods where a target cell is inactive . For example, in one or more example embodiments, the serving cell may inform a UE about a cell inactivity-activity pattern or sequence (for example, SSB periodicity) changes of the neighboring cells. The Us can then adjust its SMTC and / or measurement gaps based on the neighboring cell states (or level of activity of the neighboring cells) .

[0086] The three states in the state machine 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 are given only as an example, and various example embodiments may be applied where more than three states are used, or other parameters describing cell activity, such as a percentage level / value of activity may be used. Nonetheless, the N1 state 210 may, for example, provide a 'guarantee' from a cell that the cell will be inactive at indicated times, while the N2 state 220 may provide a 'guarantee' from the cell that at least SSBs are provided (and potentially other traffic, such as control messaging) .

[0087] In some example embodiments, network cells (i.e., network nodes) may coordinate, with or without network operation & management (O&M) system, cell inactivity-activity states in terms of a pattern or sequence. For example, the pattern or sequence may define that the N1 state 210 occurs for a certain time duration Y-X, where Y may be a periodicity of an activity period X. For the remainder of the period, the network may be in the N2 state 220 or the N3 state 230 and transmits SSBs with a specific SSB periodicity. Each cell may start the duration X with a cell-specific offset Z of the period Y. Examples of this sequence is given in reference to FIG. 3.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates an example timing diagram 300 illustrating an on / off SSB sequence of neighboring cells using the same SMTC window periodicity Y. Cell-0 in the example may comprise the serving cell, and Cell- 1 and Cell-2 are neighboring cells. Each cell is transmitting an SSB window 302 comprising one or more SSBs 304 within periodicity Y. Cell-1 SSB windows are given an offset Zi in relation to Cell-0 SSB windows and Cell- 2 SSB windows are given an offset Z2 in relation to Cell- 0 SSB windows. Each window in the example lasts for a duration of X. It will be noted that the window duration X for each cell may be different and may change over time. Furthermore, the periodicity Y may differ between cells and the cell offset may be determined by, for example, each cell by themselves. Each cell may then be off (for example, in the N1 state 210) during, for example, the Y-X period and a UE may deduce this information from the assistance information, and not perform any measurements on cells that are off.

[0089] The states may also be referred to as "On" / "Off " / "Common signals only", or any other applicable terminology denoting level of cell activity, and as already discussed above, the number of states can be more than three. In reference to the "guaranteed activity" described above, the amount of activity that a cell guarantees may be different for different implementations and / or may be configurable by the network.

[0090] Each neighboring cell of a serving cell may, for example, broadcast or unicast the duration X and period Y to the serving cell. In addition, each cell Cell-1 to Cell-N may provide, for example, a cell-specific offset to Cell-0, N denoting the number of neighboring cells. Furthermore, periodicity Y and duration X of each window may be provided from the neighboring cells to Cell-0. In some embodiments, these parameters (cell-specific offset, periodicity and duration) may "trickle down" from Cell-N, to Cell- (N-l ) ... to Cell-1 and Cell-0 and so forth.

[0091] The assistance information transmitted by Cell-0 may be provided to the UE, for example, as part of neighboring cell satellite assistance information, serving cell satellite assistance information, serving cell assistance information, neighboring cell assistance information (for example, SIB1 or SIB19) , as part of registration process (after power-on) , an SMTC configuration, a measurement gap configuration, or handover (HO) / conditional handover (CHO) command.

[0092] The assistance information associated with cell activity of a serving cell and cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a duration of an activity period of the serving cell; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell; and a cell-specific time offset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell.

[0093] The assistance information may further comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a cell-specific time offset between a start of the activity period of the serving cell and a start of the activity period of each neighboring cell of the one or more neighboring cells; a periodicity of the activity period of the at least one neighboring cell; and a duration of the activity period of the at least one neighboring cell.

[0094] Cell-0 (i.e., the serving cell) may provide these parameters to a UE, and the UE may adopt its measurement behaviour based on these parameters, for example. In one example embodiment, a UE may not apply SMTC / measurement gap, when one or more neighboring cells are in N1 state 210. This may imply that the UE is schedulable by the serving cell. In an example embodiment, the UE can notify the network node proactively about its expected behaviour based on receiving the assistance information. In another example embodiment, the network node can request the expected behaviour and the UE can respond with the expected behaviour to the request .

[0095] In another example embodiment, a UE may not apply SMTC / measurement gap when less than a number K of neighboring cells are transmitting SSBs. The UE can deduct this from the number of cells being in the N2 state 220 or the N3 state 230 together with the cell specific offsets. In an example, feeder link 124 information of a relevant satellite compared to the satellite 110 (serving satellite) may also be used. This may imply the UE is schedulable by the serving satellite and the UE will not measure unless at least two cells are transmitting SSBs in a target window / measurement gap. The number K may comprise an integer, for example.

[0096] FIG. 4 illustrates an example timing diagram 400 illustrating how a UE can skip an SMTC window (or measurement gap) based on SSB windows of target cells. Each SSB window 402 in FIG. 4 may correspond to, for example, the N2 state 220 or the N3 state 230 for a duration of X. In FIG. 4, Cell-1 and Cell-2 each have a cell offset in relation to Cell-0, similarly to FIG. 3. Each cell, from Cell-0 to Cell-2, is transmitting SSBs, and UE behaviour is illustrated in the bottom, where the UE can omit (i.e., skip) a measurement gap based on SSB windows of the target cells.

[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates a signalling diagram 500 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates how a serving cell (Cell-0) can provide assistance information to a UE, and how the UE can, for example, skip a measurement based on the assistance information.

[0098] At 502, Cell-1 may provide to Cell-0, information associated with cell activity of Cell-1. This information may comprise, for example, Cell-1 offset, Cell-1 measurement gap / SMTC window periodicity and measurement gap / SMTC window duration (as illustrated in FIGS 3 and 4 ) .

[0099] At 504, Cell-2 may provide to Cell-0, information associated with cell activity of Cell-2. This information may comprise, for example, Cell-2 offset, Cell-2 measurement gap / SMTC window periodicity and measurement gap / SMTC window duration (as illustrated in FIGS 3 and 4 ) .

[0100] At 506, Cell-0 may provide, to the UE, assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell (Cell-0) and cell activity of at least one neighboring cell (Cell-1 and Cell-2) . This assistance information may be determined based on the information received from Celli and Cell-2. In an example embodiment, the assistance information may comprise all the information obtained in step 502 and step 504, or a portion of the information obtained in step 502 and step 504. (i.e., the cell offset of each cell, the periodicity and the duration of each window of each cell) .

[0101] At 508, the UE may initiate measurements with Cell-0 and at 509, Cell-0 may be in "ON" state and transmitting SSBs.

[0102] At 510, the UE may initiate measurements with Cell-1 and at 511, Cell-1 may be in "ON" state and transmitting SSBs.

[0103] At 512, the UE may initiate measurements with Cell-2 and at 513, Cell-2 is considered to be in "ON" state and transmitting SSBs.

[0104] At 514, the UE may omit a measurements and the cells may be in "OFF" state including no SSB transmissions .

[0105] In other words, based on the assistance information provided at step 506, the UE may, at 514, independently determine to skip measurements as all cells are in off state.

[0106] In an example embodiment, at 516 the UE may be configured to determine an expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information and transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node. This may provide an indication to the serving cell when the UE is schedulable by the serving cell. Alternatively to step 516, at 518 the UE may be configured to receive from the network node a request for an expected behaviour of the UE and determine the expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information. At 520, the UE may be configured to transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node. This may provide an indication to the serving cell when the UE is schedulable by the serving cell.

[0107] FIG. 6 illustrates a signalling diagram 600 according to an example embodiment. FIG 6 illustrates how a UE can modify a cell re-selection procedure based on assistance information.

[0108] At 602, Cell-1 (i.e., a neighboring cell) may provide information associated with cell activity of Cell-1 to Cell-0 (i.e., a serving cell) . This information, similarly to FIG. 5, may comprise the cell offset, periodicity and duration of SMTC window / measurement gap .

[0109] At 604, Cell-0 may provide a UE, assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell. Similarly to FIG. 5, the assistance information may comprise at least a portion of the information provided at step 602, and it may comprise information associated with Cell-0 and Cell-1 (for example, cell-0 / cell-l offset, periodicity and duration of the SMTC window / measurement gap) .

[0110] At 606, the UE may initiate cell re-selection measurements and at 607, Cell-0 may be in ON state and transmitting SSBs.

[0111] At 608, the UE may initiate cell re-selection measurement, as Cell-0 may be determined to be not suitable for the re-selection. In other words, not suitable for re-selection may comprise that one or more metrics, such as a received power level or a received quality level, is below a configured threshold (the coverage of the cell is insufficient for the UE) . At 610, the UE may initiate cell re-selection measurement with Cell-1 and at 611, Cell-1 may be in ON- state and transmitting SSBs.

[0112] At 612, the UE may determine to postpone the cell-reselection procedure and wait to measure Cell-0 in ON state.

[0113] At 614, the UE may initiate cell re-selection measurement with Cell-0 and at 615, Cell-0 may be in ON state .

[0114] At 616, the UE may evaluate Cell-0 measurements and it may, for example, keep camping in Cell-0.

[0115] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of user equipment 700 configured to practice example embodiments discussed above. The UE 700 may comprise at least one processor 702 and at least one memory 704 comprising program code (in other words, program instructions) .

[0116] The UE 700 may also include other elements, such as at least one transceiver 706. The transceiver 706 may be configured to enable the UE 700 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices, as well as other elements not shown in FIG. 7. In one example, the UE 700 may use the transceiver to transmit or receive signalling information and data in accordance with at least one cellular communication protocol. The transceiver 706 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as for example a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (for example, 5G or 6G) . The transceiver 706 may comprise or be configured to be coupled to at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals.

[0117] Furthermore, the UE 700 may include a communication interface other than transceiver 706 (not shown in FIG. 7) for exchanging information with, for example, other devices or modules comprised in the UE 700 not shown in FIG. 7.

[0118] Although the UE 700 is depicted to include only one processor 702, the UE 700 may include more than one processor . In an embodiment , the at least one memory 704 is capable of storing instructions , such as an operating system and / or various applications . Furthermore , the at least one memory 704 may include a storage that may be used to store , for example , at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments .

[0119] Furthermore , the at least one processor 702 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 702 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors . For example , the at least one processor 702 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices , such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor ( DSP ) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as , for example , an application speci fic integrated circuit (AS IC ) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an arti ficial intelligence (Al ) accelerator, a tensor processing unit ( TPU) , a neural processing unit (NPU) , or the like . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 702 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 702 may be embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may speci fically configure the at least one processor 702 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0120] The at least one memory 704 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices , one or more nonvolatile memory devices , and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example , the at least one memory 704 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM (erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM (random access memory) , etc.) .

[0121] In an example embodiment of the UE 700, when executed by at least one processor 702, instructions stored in at least one memory 704 may cause the UE 700 at least to receive, from a network node providing a serving cell, assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell. Furthermore, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor 702, further cause the UE 700 to adapt a cell measurement configuration based on the assistance information. Even furthermore, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 702, may further cause the UE 700 to perform at least one measurement based on the cell measurement configuration.

[0122] In another example embodiment of the UE 700, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor 702, may further cause UE 700 at least to determine to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information.

[0123] In the above example, the UE 700 may not need to completely stop measurements on a specific cell, but rather that the UE 700 may omit (skip) one or more measurements of the cell's reference signals based on, for example, period of inactivity of the cell.

[0124] In another example embodiment of the UE 700, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 702, may further cause the UE 700 at least to modify a cell re-selection procedure based on the assistance information.

[0125] In an example embodiment of the UE 700, the assistance information associated with the cell activity may comprise at least: a duration of an activity period of the serving cell; a periodicity of the activity pe- riod of the serving cell ; and a cell-speci fic time of fset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell .

[0126] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : determine a period of inactivity of at least one of the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the period of inactivity . In other words , the omitted measurements may occur during the period of inactivity, for example .

[0127] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : identi fy that a target cell will transition to an inactivity period, when the cell re-selection is expected to be triggered; and modi fy the cell re-selection procedure further based on the inactivity period .

[0128] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : identi fy that a target cell will transition to an inactivity period, when the cell re-selection has been triggered; and modi fy the cell re-selection procedure based on a time threshold occurring before the inactivity period .

[0129] For example , i f the UE 700 has evaluated that a target cell at a time Tl , and further evaluated that the inactivity period starts at a time T2 , the UE 700 may drop the target cell i f a di f ference between Tl and T2 is below the time threshold . Furthermore , i f a distance between the UE 700 and the target cell is above for example , a di stance threshold, the UE 700 can still move to the target cell to camp, as the UE 700 may determine there is enough time to camp on the target cell . In an example embodiment of the UE 700 , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via broadcast signaling .

[0130] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : determine a time period when less than a pre-determined number of neighboring cells from the one or more neighboring cells are transmitting synchroni zation signal blocks , SSB, based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the determined time period .

[0131] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to modi fy the cell re-selection procedure by removing the target cell as a candidate for the cell re-selection .

[0132] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to modi fy the cell-reselection procedure based on a time threshold occurring before the inactivity period .

[0133] In an example embodiment of the UE 700 , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via dedicated signaling .

[0134] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the pre-determined number is based on at least one of : a number ( i . e . , K described above ) of neighboring cells that are not in an inactive state ; cell speci fic of fsets ; or feeder link information of a relevant satellite compared to a serving network node .

[0135] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the removal of the target cell as a candidate for the cell re-selection is based on a user equipment discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration . In an example embodiment of the UE the 700 , the assistance information associated with the cell activity is included in at least one of : neighboring cell satellite assistance information; serving cell satellite assistance information; a neighboring cell assistance information; a serving cell assistance information; as part of registration process ( e . g . , after power on) ; a SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration; a measurement gap configuration; or a handover / conditional handover command .

[0136] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : determine to perform at least one cell measurement , when the latest measurement time of a cell from the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells exceeds a pre-determined time period .

[0137] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to : compare a DRX cycle duration of the UE DRX configuration and a duration of the inactivity period of the target cell ; and remove the target cell as a candidate for reselection based on the comparison .

[0138] In an example embodiment of the UE 700 , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells .

[0139] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to determine to perform the at least one cell measurement even i f a pre-determined number of neighboring cells are transmitting synchroni zation signal blocks .

[0140] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to modi fy the cell-reselection procedure by adding a negative of fset to one or more measurements of the target cell before evaluating the cells to be re-selected . Evaluating the cells may comprise ranking the cells based on, for example , measured metrics such as the reference signal received power (RSRP ) or the like .

[0141] In another example embodiment of the UE 700 , the instructions , when executed by the at least one processor 702 , may further cause the UE 700 at least to modi fy the cell re-selection procedure by adj usting a priority of the target cell compared to other candidate cells .

[0142] FIG . 8 illustrates a block diagram of network node 800 configured to practice example embodiments .

[0143] The network node 800 may comprise at least one processor 802 and at least one memory 804 that comprise computer program code ( i . e . , instructions ) . The network node 800 may also include other elements , such as a transceiver 806 configured to enable the network node 800 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices , as well as other elements not shown in Fig . 8 In one example , the network node 800 may use the transceiver 806 to transmit or receive signalling information and data in accordance with at least one cellular communication protocol . The transceiver 806 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as for example a 3GPP mobile broadband connection ( for example , 5G or beyond) . The transceiver 806 may comprise , or be configured to be coupled to , at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals .

[0144] Although the network node 800 is depicted to include only one processor 802 , the network node 800 may include more than one processor . In an embodiment , the memory 804 is capable of storing instructions , such as an operating system and / or various applications . Furthermore , the memory 804 may include a storage that may be used to store , for example , at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments .

[0145] Furthermore , the at least one processor 802 is capable of executing the stored instructions . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 802 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors . For example , the at least one processor 802 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices , such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor ( DSP ) , a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as , for example , an application speci fic integrated circuit (AS IC ) , a field programmable gate array ( FPGA) , a microcontroller unit (MCU) , a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an arti ficial intelligence (Al ) accelerator, a tensor processing unit ( TPU) , a neural processing unit (NPU) , or the like . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 802 may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality . In an embodiment , the at least one processor 802 is embodied as an executor of software instructions , wherein the instructions may speci fically configure the at least one processor 802 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed .

[0146] The at least one memory 804 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices , one or more nonvolatile memory devices , and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices . For example , the at least one memory 804 may be embodied as semiconductor memories ( such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM) , EPROM ( erasable PROM) , flash ROM, RAM ( random access memory) , etc . ) . The network node 800 may comprise a base station, a transmission reception point (TRP) , a relay node and / or a satellite. In an example embodiment, the network node 800 may be comprised in a satellite, such as a LEO satellite. The base station may include, for example, a 5G or 6G base station (gNB) or any such device providing an air interface for the UE 700 to connect to a wireless network via wireless transmissions.

[0147] It is to be noted that when referring to, for example, "providing", "transmitting", "receiving" or "obtaining" etc., it may comprise the network node 800 and the UE 700 communicating information via, for example, the at least one transceiver 706 and the at least one transceiver 806.

[0148] In an example embodiment of the network node 800, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 802, may cause the network node 800 at least to: receive first information associated with cell activity of at least one neighboring cell; obtain second information associated with cell activity of the serving cell; and provide to at least one user equipment, based on the first information and the second information, assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of the at least one neighboring cell.

[0149] The first information may comprise, for example, information comprised in step 502 illustrated in FIG. 5 or step 602 illustrated in FIG. 6. The second information may comprise, for example, cell offset, periodicity and duration of SMTC window ( s ) / measurement gap(s) of the network node 800. The assistance information provided by the network node 800 may comprise, for example, the information described in reference to step 506 illustrated in FIG. 5 or step 604 illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0150] In other words, in an example embodiment of the network node 800, the assistance information associated with the cell activity may comprise at least : a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell ; and a cellspeci fic time of fset of an activity period of at least one neighboring cell .

[0151] In an example embodiment of the network node 800 , the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells . In other words , the network node 800 may comprise , or may be comprised in a satellite , and a neighboring cell may be provided by a satellite such as a LEO satellite .

[0152] FIG . 9A illustrates a method 900 according to an example embodiment . The method 900 may be performed by, for example , an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory such as the UE 700 . A computer program may comprise instructions , which causes an apparatus to perform the method 900 .

[0153] At 902 , the method 900 may comprise receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell .

[0154] At 904 , the method 900 may further comprise adapting a cell measurement configuration based on the assistance information .

[0155] And at 906 , the method 900 may further comprise performing at least one cell measurement based on the cell measurement configuration .

[0156] FIG . 9B illustrates a method 910 according to an example embodiment . The method 910 may be performed by, for example , an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory such the UE 700 . A computer program may comprise instructions , which causes an apparatus to perform the method 910 .

[0157] At 912 , the method 910 may comprise receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell .

[0158] At 914 , the method 910 may further comprise determining to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information .

[0159] FIG . 9C illustrates method 920 according to an example embodiment . The method 920 may be performed by, for example an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory such the UE 700 . A computer program may comprise instructions , which causes an apparatus to perform the method 920 .

[0160] At 922 , the method 920 may comprise receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell .

[0161] At 924 , the method 920 may further comprise modi fying a cell re-selection procedure based on the assistance information .

[0162] Fig . 9D illustrates a method 930 according to an example embodiment . The method 930 may be performed by, for example , an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory such the network node 800 . A computer program may comprise instructions , which causes an apparatus to perform the method 930 .

[0163] At 932 , the method 930 may comprise receiving first information associated with cell activity of at least one neighboring cell .

[0164] At 934 , the method 930 may comprise obtaining second information associated with cell activity of a serving cell .

[0165] At 936 , the method 930 may comprise providing, to at least one UE , assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of the at least one neighboring cell based on the first information and the second information . It will be noted that , the cel l measurement configuration may comprise , for example , instructions to determine to omit the at least one cell measurement .

[0166] And furthermore , the cell measurement configuration may comprise , for example , instructions to modi fy the cell re-selection procedure .

[0167] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the UE 700 disclosed herein, and with regards to FIGS 1 - 7 and FIG . 9 A may comprise at least : means for receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; means for adapting a cell measurement configuration based on the assistance information; and means for performing at least one cell measurement based on the adapted cell measurement configuration .

[0168] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the UE 700 disclosed herein, and with regards to FIGS 1 - 7 and FIG . 9B may comprise at least : means for receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and means for determining to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information .

[0169] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the UE 700 disclosed herein, and with regards to FIGS 1 - 7 and FIG . 9C may comprise at least : means for receiving, from a network node providing a serving cell , assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell ; and means for modi fying a cell re-selection procedure based on the assistance information .

[0170] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the network node 800 disclosed herein, and with regards to FIGS 1 - 6 , FIG . 8 and FIG . 9D may comprise at least : means for receiving first information associated with cell activity of at least one neighboring cell ; means for obtaining second information associated with cell activity of a serving cell ; and means for providing, to at least one UE , assistance information associated with cell activity of the serving cell and cell activity of the at least one neighboring cell based on the first information and the second information .

[0171] One or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution which enables a user equipment to save energy . Further, one or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution which enables a network node to save energy as all cells are not always active . This also enables a solution in which a satellite can provide more beams ( for example , for larger coverage or better service within each beam) . Further, one or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution that allows to inform the UEs about cell activity changes and dynamic SSB periodicity adj ustments . Further, one or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may enable a solution in which UEs are able to skip measurement gaps where no SSB transmissions are scheduled . This may allow them to either utili ze those resources for scheduled transmissions or simply avoid performing unnecessary measurements , resulting in power savings .

[0172] At least a portion of the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part , by one or more computer program product components such as software components . According to an embodiment , the UE 700 may comprise a processor or processor circuitry, such as for example a microcontroller, configured by the program code when executed to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) , Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs) , System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs) , Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) , Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) , and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) .

[0173] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought. Also, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless explicitly disallowed.

[0174] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter 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 examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0175] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0176] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate . Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subj ect matter described herein . Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the ef fect sought .

[0177] The term ' comprising ' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identi fied, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements .

[0178] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modi fications may be made by those skilled in the art . The above speci fication, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments . Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments , those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this speci fication .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A user equipment (700) , comprising: at least one processor (702) ; and at least one memory (704) storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (700) at least to: receive (910) , from a network node providing a serving cell, assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell; and determine (912) to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information.

2. The user equipment (700) according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (702) , further cause the user equipment (700) at least to: determine a period of inactivity of at least one of the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the period of inactivity.

3. The user equipment (700) according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (702) , further cause the user equipment (700p) at least to: determine a time period when less than a predetermined number of neighboring cells from the one or more neighboring cells are transmitting synchronization signal blocks, SSB, based on the assistance information; and omit the at least one cell measurement based on the determined time period.

4. The user equipment (700) according to claim 3, wherein the pre-determined number is based on at least one of: a number of neighboring cells that are not in an inactive state; cell specific offsets; or feeder link information of a relevant satellite compared to a serving network node.

5. The user equipment (700p) according to any one of claims 3 - 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (702) , further cause the user equipment (700) at least to: determine to perform at least one cell measurement, when the latest measurement time exceeds a threshold value.

6. The user equipment (700) according to claim 5, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to: determine to perform the at least one cell measurement even if a pre-determined number of neighboring cells are not transmitting synchronization signal blocks .

7. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the assistance information associated with the cell activity is included in at least one of: neighboring cell satellite assistance information; serving cell satellite assistance information; neighboring cell assistance information; serving cell assistance information; as part of a registration process; a SSB-based radio resource management measurement timing configuration;a measurement gap configuration; or a handover / conditional handover command.

8. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the assistance information associated with the cell activity comprises at least: a duration of an activity period of the serving cell ; a periodicity of the activity period of the serving cell; and a cell-specific time offset between a start of the activity period of the serving cell and a start of the activity period of each neighboring cell of the one or more neighboring cells.

9. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (702) , further cause the user equipment (700) at least to: determine an expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information; and transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node.

10. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (702) , further cause the user equipment (700) at least to: receive from the network node a request for an expected behaviour of the user equipment; determine the expected behaviour of the user equipment based on the assistance information; and transmit information associated with the expected behaviour to the network node.

11. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the assistance informationassociated with the cell activity is received via broadcast signaling.

12. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein the assistance information associated with the cell activity is received via dedicated signaling.

13. The user equipment (700) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the serving cell and the one or more neighboring cells are non-terrestrial network cells.

14. A method (910) comprising: receiving (912) , from a network node providing a serving cell, assistance information associated with a cell activity of the serving cell and a cell activity of one or more neighboring cells of the serving cell; and determining (914) to omit at least one cell measurement based on the assistance information.

15. A computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of claim 14.

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